Events

Huntington councilmembers Joan Cergol and Sal Ferro, shown above on the right, hosted free Earth Day festivities at Manor Farm Park April 23 along with co-sponsors the Town of Huntington, Covanta and not-for-profit Starflower Experiences.

It was the first time the event was held at the park and included hands-on activities, raffles and giveaways. Activities included a marine touch tank operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County; an exhibit of formerly wild animals hosted by Volunteers for Wildlife; water chemistry and conservation demonstrations by the Town of Huntington Maritime Department; garden planting, composting, and beekeeping demonstrations by Starflower Experiences, and face painting and arts and crafts booths

All participants received a raffle ticket with the chance to win electric-powered landscaping equipment courtesy of a $2,500 donation from Covanta, including a string trimmer/leaf blower combo kit, a compost tumbler with a cart, a lawn mower, and a pressure washer. Several event attendees also took home a birdhouse courtesy of Love of Learning Montessori School in Centerport.

The town’s Planning Department distributed bare root tree saplings, provided by the Long Island Native Plant Initiative, to everyone in attendance, and volunteers from the Robert M. Kubecka Memorial Town Garden gave away vegetable and flower seedlings.

The event also provided free paper shredding, e-waste and medical pill disposal services.

Photo from Suffolk County

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has announced that the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency will host its third annual Drive-thru Resource and Stand Down Event on Saturday, April 30 in the north parking lot of the H. Lee Dennison Building located at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

This year, 22 organizations and county agencies will participate, offering a variety of resources free-of-charge.

“Suffolk County is home to the largest veterans’ population in New York State and we must do all that we can to support our nations heroes,” said County Executive Bellone. As part of the event, our local veterans will have access to critical information about services currently available to them, along with a host of supplies, including COVID-19 test kits.”

Attending veterans and their families will have an opportunity to receive clothing, fresh produce, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, gift cards, blankets, and much more. Information on various nonprofit veteran services, including for physical and mental health, will also be available. Registration is encouraged, but not required. To register, click here.

Over the last two years, more than 200 veteran attendees have received resources from the various organizations and county agencies at the Drive-thru Resource and Stand Down Event. The County anticipates 200 to 300 veterans will attend this year.

Organizations participating in this year’s event include:

o   Suffolk County Veteran’s Services Agency

o   Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency

o   Suffolk County Department of Labor

o   Suffolk County Community College

o   American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244

o   Catholic Health Services

o   Covanta

o   Dominican Village

o   Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc.

o   General Needs

o   Here to Help Veterans and Families

o   Home Depot

o   Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project

o   Long Island Cares, Inc.

o   New Ground

o   Phoenix House LI/NY

o   Project9line

o   St. Joseph’s College NY

o   Treehouse Group

o   United Veterans Beacon House

o   United Way of Long Island

o   US Dept. of Veterans Affairs

For more information, call 631-853-4000.

On April 17, Easter Sunday, the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted its 27th annual Easter parade.

Led by the Easter Bunny, dozens of children, parents and community members marched through the village streets. Starting from Theatre Three on Main Street, the parade route cut through East Main, and finally ended at the Port Jefferson Village Center. 

The event was concluded by a massive egg hunt in Harborfront Park, where participants scaled fences and sprinted long distances in pursuit of the precious hidden eggs.

Businesses across Suffolk County are donating proceeds from the sale of food items to raise money for Autism Awareness. Businesses include Bean Bagels in St. James with its rainbow bagels. Photo from Joe Conlon

By Chris Melllides

Spring is upon us and in times like these the importance of community is paramount. April is National Autism Awareness Month and with it Long Island’s small businesses are partnering to benefit Catholic Health and St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson in helping to brighten the lives of children and adults living with autism. 

Spearheaded by Joe Conlon businesses across Suffolk County are donating proceeds from the sale of food items to raise money for Autism Awareness. Photo from Joe Conlon

 An estimated 5,437,988 or 2.21% of adults and 1 in 44 children in the United States have autism and are somewhere on the spectrum, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The condition can be debilitating, though this is rare and otherwise manageable. Autism occurs in children when they are between 12-to-18 months of age and in adolescents. Despite its commonality, experts say that individuals with autism and their families can sometimes deal with stigma. It’s important to recognize this and move forward with a sense of solidarity within our local communities. 

United under one cause, seven Long Island businesses are helping to combat the stigma associated with autism. The observance of Autism Awareness this month shows strength in community, with proceeds from the sale of food items going directly toward benefiting Catholic Health and St. Charles Hospital. 

“The movement right now is shifting from autism awareness month to autism acceptance month,” Virtual Therapy for Kids founder Joe Conlon said. “I wanted to be part of that change, I wanted to help shift the movement to acceptance. So, I thought the best way to do it was to get the community involved — and people love these businesses.” 

Conlon has been credited with spearheading the month-long fundraiser and those businesses involved are thrilled to help in making this money-raising and morale-boosting movement a reality. 

Located in Northport, Robke’s Italian eatery is among the seven participating eateries. 

Owner Louis Selvaggio Jr.’s sister, Mia, was approached by Conlon with the idea for the fundraising effort. She said that because she works with “a lot of local brands and businesses,” she was able to help Conlon realize his goal of spreading autism awareness and building a campaign to ultimately raise funds for the pediatric rehabilitation program at St. Charles Hospital. 

“So basically, him and I had a couple of conversations, like how we can bring awareness and acceptance to this topic,” Selvaggio said. To do their part, Robke’s has created a unique rainbow mojito to sell to its patrons — 10% from each drink sold will be going toward benefiting the fundraiser.   

“A lot of people think of it as autism awareness month but it’s actually autism awareness and acceptance,”  she said. “Instead of the color just being blue, it’s blue and rainbow, which a lot of people aren’t aware of until Joe explained this to me.”

Selvaggio has a jewelry business that she said will also be helping the pediatric rehabilitation program. 

Bean’s Bagels owner, Michael Budani, who started working in the bagel business since he was an enterprising 15-year-old shop employee, was glad to help Conlon in realizing the fundraising mission — and it all came to fruition with just one Instagram direct message. 

“We’re very involved on social media with our crazy bagels and rainbow bagels,” Budani said. “I told [Conlon] I think it would be a great idea because what we’re all about is helping the kids.”

Businesses across Suffolk County are donating proceeds from the sale of food items to raise money for Autism Awareness. Businesses include Robkes in Northport with specially-made mojitos. Photo from Joe Conlon

Bean’s Bagels has only been in operation for four months in St. James, according to the owner, but has already made a significant impact in the community by supporting children’s baseball and softball games. 

“When we caught wind of [the fundraiser] we thought it was awesome, it’s a great opportunity to get our name out there and, most importantly, do a good deed for people,” Budani said.

Dr. Ben Birney, a resident physician at St Charles Rehabilitation Center in Port Jefferson, said that he and Conlon were inseparable after becoming best friends in high school. Birney works in the rehabilitation unit doing clinical rotations with patients, among them children with neurological diseases.

Birney’s nephew has autism and so this fundraiser means a lot to him and his family. He acknowledges that there is indeed a stigma associated with autism and that Conlon’s idea to benefit the community and St. Charles Hospital was a good decision. 

Speaking of the fundraiser, Birney said, “I think that is huge. It gives people even a couple of seconds out of their day to think about autism awareness.”

The local businesses involved in the community fundraiser, with Robke’s Northport and Bean’s Bagels, are My Olive Oil Cake, ExoticsnacksLI, ENP Nutrition, Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake Co. and Cosenza NYC. 

Pixabay photo

Event to feature raffles, giveaways, plantings, disposal services, and more.

Councilmembers Joan Cergol and Salvatore Ferro, the Town of Huntington, Covanta, and Starflower Experiences are co-sponsoring Huntington’s Earth Day celebration for the first time at Manor Farm Park.

The free event will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 210 Manor Road, Huntington from 10 man, to 2 p.m. This year’s Earth Day will feature raffles, giveaways, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Free paper shredding, e-waste, and medical pill disposal services will be available to residents through Shreduction, the Town’s Environmental Waste Management Department, and the Suffolk County Police Department’s Operation Medicine Cabinet, respectively.

Other activities include a marine touch tank operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County; an exhibit of formerly wild animals hosted by Volunteers for Wildlife; water chemistry and conservation demonstrations by the Town of Huntington Maritime Department; garden planting, composting, and beekeeping demonstrations by Starflower Experiences; and face painting and arts and crafts booths for kids to enjoy.

All participants will receive a raffle ticket with the chance to win electric-powered landscaping equipment courtesy of a $2,500 donation from Covanta, including a string trimmer/leaf blower combo kit, a compost tumbler with a cart, a lawn mower, and a pressure washer. Also, several event attendees will take home a birdhouse courtesy of the Love of Learning Montessori School in Centerport.

The Town’s Planning Department will be distributing bare root tree saplings, provided by the Long Island Native Plant Initiative, to everyone in attendance, and volunteers from the Robert M. Kubecka Memorial Town Garden will be giving away vegetable and flower seedlings.

“We set the bar high for this year’s Earth Day celebration and I’m proud to say we delivered something really special,” said Councilwoman Joan Cergol. “I’m grateful to Covanta for their generous donation, plus Starflower Experiences and everyone involved that helped make this event so extraordinary.”

“Huntington’s Earth Day celebration proves that education and environmental responsibility can be fun,” said Councilman Salvatore Ferro. “We want everyone to have a great time at Manor Farm and to go home thinking about how we can protect and preserve Long Island’s incredible ecosystem.”

Interested parties can sign up online at www.huntingtonny.gov/earth-day, but registration is not required to attend.

On March 30, 500 students and family members attended the Multi-Industry Career Exploration Fair at Ward Melville High School.

The event was organized by the Three Village Industry Advisory Board with tremendous ongoing support of Alan Baum, Three Village school district executive director for Human Resources and Secondary Curriculum, who along with 3V-IAB oversees the development and implementation of our programs.

As chair of 3V-IAB, I was thrilled to see a terrific turnout.

After the event, Ilene Littman, 3V-IAB co-chair and Ward Melville High School business teacher, and I were pleased to receive positive feedback from many who participated.

The advisory board has hosted the event for students in grades 7 through 12 for four consecutive years. After being held virtually last year, it was satisfying to see the career fair continue and take place in person, providing plenty of opportunities for students to interact with more than 80 businesses and organizations from various industries.

Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich called it a “valuable partnership” for students and community members.

“It was evident that this was a tremendous undertaking involving hours of time and effort,” she said. “However, what was most clear was the enthusiasm and passion that the two of you and your student leaders exemplified in executing the program.” 

The number of students who helped organize the event this year was impressive. The committee members and I appreciate the volunteers from Student Government, DECA and the Robotics Department, as well as members of the Business, Family and Consumer Science, and Guidance departments. They played a big part in the career fair’s success.

Kevin Scanlon, assistant superintendent for educational services, said it best after the fair: “The students’ organizational abilities rivaled any Fortune 500 company.”

One of the young people involved was 3V-IAB student liaison Savanna Pineros who said she felt this year’s career fair was a success.

“Many students were able to meet with a diverse array of businesses, representing a wide variety of fields,” she said. “Students were able to ask many questions and explore several career opportunities in a unique way.”

Grace Smrek, 3V-IAB student president for 2021-22, said, “Walking around this event, I could see our community coming together to support the students in discovering potential career paths. As the student president of this board, I am honored to have been a part of the most successful career fair yet.” 

Incoming 3V-IAB student president Justin Moore noted that this year’s career exploration fair “doubled any other career fair in the past, making it the largest one yet.” 

Since its inception, the 3V-IAB mission is to prepare teenagers for the careers of the future. Career exploration fairs have featured businesses from fields such as technology, finance, engineering, health care, hospitality, government and more. The advisory board feels it’s essential to educate students on all the opportunities available to them to prepare for their futures.

“By bringing together a wide spectrum of industries, we showed the innovators of tomorrow all of the varied opportunities that are possible for them,” said Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn.

Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich said, “I appreciate so many local professionals taking the time to help demonstrate the wide variety of options available to our students.”

One of those professionals, Vinny Menten, manager of Gabrielli Truck Sales and 3V-IAB board member, said the career exploration fair is “a huge value to students who are trying to make their way through life and gain the information necessary to make a good personal decision.”

Stan Abrahamsen, Chick-fil-A franchisee, said, “My two GMs really enjoyed all the interaction with the students as well as parents.”

I’m looking forward to the next 3V-IAB event, Money Talks, to be held May 25 during the school day. Colette Frey-Bitzas, director of financial planning for PPS Advisors, and Nicole Sarno, Webster Bank business managing director, will be heading up the presentation and interactive conversation with the students.

Frey-Bitzas describes Money Talks as the “secrets of success.” It’s not so much what you make but what you save.

“‘Save’ means so much more than what is put in the bank,” she said. “It’s understanding taxes and best places to put your money, so it works for you.”

There will be more to come next school year, and the board is looking forward to these events and planning them with the students. 

Michael Ardolino is the founder/owner-broker of Realty Connect USA.

QUEEN OF THE FLUTE Carol Wincenc heads to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center on April 21. Photo courtesy of Staller Center
Thursday, April 21

Stony Brook Walking Tour

Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization for a Secrets of Stony Brook Village walking tour at 11:50 a.m. and again at 3:50 p.m. Hear some newly uncovered stories while strolling through the historic village. $10 per person. Reservations required by call 751-2244.

Vanderbilt lecture

Rescheduled from April 7 — Best-selling author and historian Betsy Prioleau will speak about her latest book, Diamonds and Deadlines: A Tale of Greed, Deceit, and a Female Tycoon in the Gilded Age, the first major biography of the glamorous and scandalous Miriam Leslie – a titan of publishing and an unsung hero of women’s suffrage, at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport at 6 p.m. The event will be followed by a book signing. Tickets are $20, members free. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Atelier lecture/demo

Join the Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James for a free online webinar via Zoom titled Bouguereau Baby from 7 to 9 p.m. Artist William Graf will give a demonstration painting about the master artist William Bouguereau, a French academic artist. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.

Carol Wincenc in concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will welcome Carol Wincenc in concert in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. Hailed “Queen of the Flute” at the outset of her 50-year career, flutist Carol Wincenc delights audiences with her signature charismatic, high virtuosity and deeply heartfelt musicality and has performed with Jessye Norman, Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma. Tickets range from $44 to 48. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

An evening of jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook welcomes the Big Little Bad Band in concert from 7 to 9:30 p.m. featuring vocalist Madeline Kole and original compositions and arrangements by bandleader and pianist Rich Iacona. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, under age 5 free. Visit www.thejazzloft.org to order.

Friday, April 22

Birdwatching at the Vanderbilt

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for an early morning birdwatch and architecture tour with the Vanderbilt’s director of curatorial affairs from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Participants will enjoy the unique opportunity to view the Vanderbilt estate in the early dawn hours, when the grounds are still closed but the birds are active. Due to the popularity of the event, a second opportunity to join us will be offered again at 6 p.m., as many bird species are also active at dusk. Tickets are free for members, $12 for non-members. Sturdy hiking footwear is strongly suggested. Participants are asked to bring their own binoculars. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Earthstock Festival

In honor of Earth Day, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook hosts an Earthstock Festival at the Academic Mall from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with environmental and educational displays and exhibitors, farmers market, live music and dance performances on two stages at 11:30 p.m., opening remarks/Green Pledge ceremony at 12:15 p.m., rubber duck races at 2:30 p.m. and much more. Free. For more information, visit www.stonybrook.edu/earthstock.

Friday Night Coffee House

St James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd Street, St James continues its Friday Night Coffee House series with comedian Joe Moffa from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors. To RSVP, visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Wintertide concert

The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Part Jefferson concludes its Wintertide concert series with a concert by Miles to Dayton founder Jonathan Preddice from 7:30 to 9 p.m. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 802-2160.

David Sedaris at Staller Center

In his only Long Island appearance this year, humor writer David Sedaris brings his wit and unique observations of human nature to audiences at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Sedaris will offer all-new readings from his latest volume, Carnival of Snackery: Diaries. The reading will be followed by a book signing in the lobby. Tickets range from $56 to $72. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Friday Night Face-Off

Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door only. Call 928-9100 for more information.

Saturday, April 23

Port Jeff Health & Wellness Fest

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosts the 13th annual Port Jeff Health & Wellness Fest at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get important information you require to plan and meet your health and wellness needs. Over 60 health and wellness professionals will be participating including our three major local hospitals and sponsors, St. Charles, Mather Hospital – Northwell Health, and Stony Brook Medicine with lots of free giveaways. Free admission. Call 473-1414 or visit www.portjeffhealth.com.

Greenway Trail Clean Up

The Three Village Community Trust will host a cleanup of the Setauket and Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail at 9 a.m. Meet up with Friends of the Greenway volunteers at trailhead at Hallock Ave. and Main St. in Port Jefferson Station. For more information, please email [email protected].

Earth and Arbor Day Celebration

The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to an Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join in the fun with an in-person Fun Run/Bike Daffodil Dash along with a shredding event hosted by Coach Realtors, free tree saplings for Arbor Day compliments of Sunburst Tree Experts, and free bike inspections from Trek. Call 821-1313 for more info.

Earth Day at the Explorium

Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson will celebrate Earth Day from 9 to 11 a.m. with a special presentation on Long Island’s waters and learn about the latest in clean water technology by representatives from Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and Center for Clean Water Technology. Guests will enjoy hands-on exhibits and learn about their exciting research and new clean water technologies that are underway. Free. Advance registration required by calling 331-3277.

Antiques in April

The Huntington Historical Society presents ​a multi-vendor antiques & collectibles sale today and April 24 on the grounds of the Daniel Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ​Visit the historic Kissam property and browse beautiful antiques from dealers all across Long Island along with a barn sale. The Antiques and Collectibles Shop on the property will also be open and is full of fabulous finds. Free admission. For more info, call 427-7045.

Farmingville Hills Park renaming

Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa will host a special unveiling ceremony for the renaming of Farmingville Hills County Park, 501 Horseblock Road, Farmingville, to the Thomas Muratore park at Farmingville Hills at 10 a.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 854-9292.

Tri-Spy Walking Tour

The Three Village Historical Society & Tri-Spy Tours host a walking tour today from 10 a.m. to noon. The remarkable true story of General George Washington’s Setauket Spy Ring has come to life in books, exhibits, and even a television series. Led by Margo Arceri, participants will follow in the actual footsteps of the Culper Spy Ring in Setauket with historical places of interest pointed out and discussed. The three mile tour, for ages 14 and older, starts at the entrance of Frank Melville Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket. $25 tickets must be purchased in advance at www.tvhs.org. For more info, call 751-3730.

Grist Mill tours

The Stony Brook Grist Mill, Harbor Road, Stony Brook will be open today and April 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn about the inner workings of the mill as it crushes grain into flour and hear about its 323 year history on a guided tour will a miller during guided tours and a visit the Country Store. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children. Cash only. For more information on the Stony Brook Grist Mill and for programs and large group tours, call The Ward Melville Heritage Organization at 751-2244.

Spring Appreciation Day

Spring Appreciation Day returns to the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with live music with Burke and Brenda, a petting zoo, scavenger hunts with prizes, and a vintage car show hosted by the local chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. This event is free to the public. Rain date is April 24. For more information, call 751-2244 or visit www.wmho.org.

This Place is For the Birds!

Four Harbors Audubon Society hosts a free presentation of This Place is For the Birds! at the Smithtown Library – Kings Park Building, 1 Church St, Kings Park from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Learn how to become a good environmental steward by planting sustainable, eco-friendly and attractive environmentally functional landscapes. To register, call 766-3075.

Sivan Arbel Quartet in concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook welcomes critically acclaimed Israeli jazz vocalist, composer, arranger and world wide performer Sivan Arbel and her quartet in concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Sunday, April 24

Antiques in April

See April 23 listing.

Port Jeff Winter Farmers Market

Last day! The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be open today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson. This year’s vendors include Brownies N’ Stuff, Joann’s Desserts, Farm Fresh Potions, Mello Munch Awesome Granola, O Honey Bee Farm, Sweet Melissa Dip, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Spilt Milk Macarons and many more. For more information, call 802-2160.

Spring Awakening fundraiser

The Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket hosts a Spring Awakening Fundraiser benefitting the Community Growth Center from noon to 4 p.m. and honoring Hope House Ministries. Enjoy lunch, live music, wellness sessions and raffles. Tickets are $65 per person. To purchase, call 292-0162.

Sunset Stroll: Spring Edition

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Sunset Stroll: Spring Edition adult program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Without a doubt, the beach is one of the best places to observe a beautiful sunset! Be sure to bring your camera and join the park staff for an early evening stroll across the creek, through the marsh, and along the beach of the Long Island Sound, as you try to capture the best sunset photos Sunken Meadow has to offer! $4 per person. To register, visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.

Monday, April 25

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday, April 26

Long Island Dirt lecture

The Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown presents a program titled Long Island Dirt — Recovering Our Buried Past from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Archaeologist Dr. Allison McGovern will discuss how archaeological sites on Long Island can reveal what life was like for past generations and how they help to better understand Long Island’s complex development through time. Registration required by calling 360-2480, ext. 131.

Wednesday, April 27

Jazz Loft Trio in concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a concert by the Jazz Loft Trio from 7 to 9:30 p.m. $10 at the door at 7 p.m., $5 after 8 p.m. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org. Thursday 28 Native American Drumming All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host a Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer Ric Statler, the free workshop seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Call 655-7798.

Theater

‘Steel Magnolias’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Steel Magnolias from April 9 to May 7. Come on down to Truvy’s Louisiana beauty shop where six strong women share their hopes and dreams. Beginning on the day of debutante Shelby’s wedding, the play traces this eccentric and lovable cast of characters as they support each other through life’s many challenges. Stop by for some great laughs and unforgettable friendship. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com.

‘A Bronx Tale’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents A Bronx Tale from March 24 to May 8. Based on Chazz Palminteri’s classic movie, this streetwise musical will take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Featuring a doo-wop score, A Bronx Tale is a story about respect, loyalty, love, and above all else: family. Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’

Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents Henry V by Shakespeare at the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building on April 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and April 24 at 2 p.m. Mature content. General admission is $14, students 16 years of age or younger $9.75, veterans and Suffolk students with current ID receive one free ticket. To order, call 451-4163.

‘Kinky Boots’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Kinky Boots from May 19 to July 3. With songs by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, this dazzling, sassy and uplifting musical celebrates a joyous story, inspired by true life events, taking you from the factory floor of a men’s shoe factory to the glamorous catwalks of Milan! Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Mamma Mia!’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson closes its 2021-2022 with Mamma Mia! from May 21 to June 25. ABBA’s timeless hits tell the enchanting story! On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island paradise they last visited twenty years ago. Featuring such chart toppers as “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” and “Dancing Queen,” this is a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Contains adult themes and situations. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com.

Film

‘The Pawn Broker’

Join Celebrate St. James for a screening of The Pawn Broker at the St James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd Street, St James on April 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. with commentary by Jack Ader. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors. To RSVP, visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Italian Film Series

The Center for Italian Studies at Stony Brook University, Room E-4340, Melville Library, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will host a series of film screenings of Alice Rorwacher movies introduced and discussed by Graduate Fellow Antonio Fideleo including Lazzaro Felice (2018) on April 25 and Omelia Contadina (2020) on May 2. Films are in Italian with English subtitles. All screenings begin at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 632-7444.

* All numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.

Benner’s Farm in East Setauket continued its egg hunt tradition during the spring holidays, and for the second year in a row, created a socially-distanced event. 

On April 16 and 17, families arrived to the farm at their designated time slots to enjoy the egg hunt, take photos with the Easter Bunny, visit with the farm’s animals and check out merchandise from local vendors.

TAKE ON ME Relive the 1980's with a movie about the boy band a-ha at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson on April 18 at 7 p.m., part of the award-winning Port Jefferson Documentary Series spring line-up. Photo from PJDS

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its Spring season with a screening of ‘A-HA: THE MOVIE’ at Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson on April 18 at 7 p.m.

The music of Queen and the Velvet Underground instilled a sense of destiny in three teenagers living in a small town in 1970s Norway. That dream led to A-ha: the synth-pop trio featuring keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, vocalist Morten Harket, and guitarist Pål Waktaar-Savoy who burst onto the international scene with 1985’s “Take on Me,” buoyed by an iconic sketch-animation video by Irish-British director Steve Barron.

The band became global sensations and heartthrobs overnight, but it remained to be seen how they would adapt to their newfound fame. How would they follow their original dream: to make music? Featuring new interviews with the band and previously unreleased behind-the-scenes footage, A-HA, THE MOVIE delves into this very question. By following the band’s ups and downs—sojourns to post-punk-era England, their James Bond theme song for The Living Daylights thriller, and slow-simmering interpersonal rifts—Robsahm captures a band that constantly strove to challenge itself, never content to simply repeat earlier successes. The result is a moving story of creative intuition and invention.

Preceded by a special concert with singer-songwriter Bryan Gallo who will perform a curated set of Rock, Pop and New Wave Classics from the 1980’s at 6 p.m. and followed by a Q&A via Zoom with Director Thomas Robsahm. Tickets are $10 per person. Advance tiickets are available until April 18 at 6 p.m. at: portjeffdocumentaryseries.com/ticketsvenues or at the door cash only.

 

 

Pixabay photo

By Joan Nickeson

Inspired by the beautification of Dutch parks filled with daffodil blooms, Old Town Blooms and the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce are hosting the second annual Daffodil Dash. This hybrid event includes a virtual 5k and 10k, taking place now through the end of April.

The 1k Daffodil Dash fun run/walk/wheel has an in-person option with three trips around the Chamber Train Car Park on Saturday, April 23. Arrive at 9 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. start. Virtual participants can upload their race times and photos as of April 16. The first 100 registrants receive a t-shirt and a Bloomer Buff. All race participants receive a Daffodil Dash medal. Profits go to community beautification by Old Town Blooms, and the Chamber Flag Fund.

April 23rd was chosen for the 1k Fun Run to commemorate both Earth Day and Arbor Day. Sunburst Tree Experts will be giving away tree saplings to the first 100 attendees this day. There will be also be free bicycle inspections and a shred event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sponsors also include Bass Electric, Buttercup’s Dairy, Christmas Decor, Coach Realty, Emerald Magic Lawn Care, Flushing Bank, Got Poison Ivy, Old Town Blooms, Suffolk Legislator Kara Hahn, Port Jefferson Physical Therapy, Sunburst Tree Experts, Team Perrone Realty, and TREK. The Chamber Train Car Park is located at the intersection of NYS Rte 112/Rte 347/Canal Road. Entrance is on Rose Avenue in Port Jefferson Station. For more information or to register, visit events.elitefeats.com/22daffodil or www.pjstchamber.com. Joan

Joan Nickeson is an active member of the PJS/Terryville community and community liaison to the PJS/T Chamber of Commerce.