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Three Village holiday parade returns to Main Street

by Rita J. Egan - December 16, 2021

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The Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returned to Main Street in East Setauket Sunday, Dec. 12. Last year a drive-thru version of the annual tradition was held at Ward Melville High School to comply with COVID-19 health protocols.

This year, David Prestia, owner of Bagel Express in Setauket, led the 25th annual parade presented by the Rotary Club of Stony Brook. Hundreds lined the street to catch a glimpse of lighted cars and floats, while Ward Melville and Stony Brook University students marched down the street along with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and members of local organizations and businesses.

Musical and dance performances at the Setauket Firehouse kicked off the early evening festivities, and the parade ended with a visit from Santa escorted by the fire department’s vehicles.

Residents take a holiday walk down the avenue in St. James

by Rita J. Egan - December 15, 2021

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On the evening of Saturday, Dec. 11, a couple of hundred shoppers checked out the stores along Lake Avenue in St. James.

The inaugural Lake Avenue Winter Walk was organized by Erica Rinear. The longtime St. James resident said she wanted to show support for local businesses that have suffered during the pandemic and through roadwork on the roadway. She added she was able to pull off the event thanks to the help of volunteers and the cooperation of the local businesses, many that stayed open later than usual for the walk that ran from 6 to 9 p.m.

Besides shopping, attendees enjoyed raffles, musical performances, free hot cocoa and snacks, a giant Jenga game and more.

Cayla’s Column: A holiday party for wildlife

by Cayla Rosenhagen - December 10, 2021

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By Cayla Rosenhagen

What do you get when you combine a fun, learning experience full of incredible creatures with a festive, homemade craft fair? Magic and fun for the whole family!

The festival took place at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown on December 4. I arrived with my family a little after dusk, eager to see the rescue animals and browse the tents full of artwork and handicrafts. Vendors’ booths were spread out across the lawn, sparkling with colorful fairy lights and candles, and decked with festive garlands.

Smiling festival-goers walked around sipping hot chocolate, visiting the shops, and meeting the ambassador animals, accompanied by friendly and knowledgeable Sweetbriar volunteers. The upbeat music of local ska and pop-punk cover band Crisis Crayons contributed to the cheerful atmosphere.

Many of the vendors I met with sold nature-related goods and artwork. For instance, Audra Donroe is an art teacher and creator from Northport. Her vibrant and stunning display of work ranged from original artwork and prints to postcards and ornaments utilizing natural imagery such as owls and plant life. She grew up coming to Sweetbriar and has been vending for 4 years. “Any chance I have to bring awareness and support to Sweetbriar, I gladly do it,” she says.

I also visited a booth selling organic, homemade elderberry syrup. It was run by the business’s founders, Connor and Tommy, aged 7 and 9, and their parents. I spoke with their mother, Michelle Biddle, who explained that elderberry is a natural remedy for cold and allergy symptoms.

Other vendors included Once Upon A Favor, who were selling irresistibly aromatic bath bombs, soaps, and candles, and Beast Makers, who sold one-of-a-kind jewelry and occult items made out of ethically sourced animal bones and antlers.

Throughout the event, volunteers from the Center gave presentations about some of the animals who are permanent residents there. Guests met Opal the Virginia Opossum, Seven of Nine the Barred Owl, Stitch the Red-tailed Hawk, Nebula the Barn Owl, and more. Sweetbriar provides care for over 100 animals. For many of them, Sweetbriar is their forever home as they cannot be released back into the wild due to their injuries.

According to Sweetbriar’s program coordinator, Veronica Sayers, the Holiday Party is an annual event that has taken place for around 40 years. Veronica explained that vendors pay a fee to take part in the event, and the proceeds go towards food and other vital resources for the animals Sweetbriar rehabilitates and cares for.

The event itself was free for visitors, although donations were appreciated. If you are interested in donating to help support the Center’s work and the animals in their care, please see their website for more details on how to do so. Other ways to show your support include spreading the word about Sweetbriar and attending their upcoming events. These include the Owl Prowl on December 9, weekly yoga classes, and the Superheroes of the Sky raptor event on January 1st.

Come visit Sweetbriar and be mesmerized by the incredible animals yourself! The Nature Center and Preserve at 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call 631-979-6344 or visit sweetbriarnc.org.

Cayla Rosenhagen is a local high school student who enjoys capturing the unique charm of the community through photography and journalism. She serves on the board of directors for the Four Harbors Audubon Society and Brookhaven’s Youth Board, and is the founder and coordinator of Beach Bucket Brigade, a community outreach program dedicated to environmental awareness, engagement, and education. She is also an avid birder, hiker, and artist who is concurrently enrolled in college, pursuing a degree in teaching.

Times … and dates: December 9 to December 16, 2021

by Heidi Sutton - December 9, 2021

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Stony Brook Christian Assembly will host a drive-thru live nativity event on Dec. 10 and 11. File photo by Julianne Mosher/2020

Ongoing

Festival of Trees

Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson today through Jan. 2 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. For more information, call 802-2160.

Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt

Bright Lights, a holiday light spectacular, returns to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 19 and Dec. 22 and 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy themed displays, festive food, music, Santa and Friends and holiday lights during this holiday walk. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children under 12, free for children under age 2. Order tickets online at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Garden of Lights

The spirit of the season has returned to Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook with the Garden of Lights, a community-built walk-through light show for all ages on Dec, 9-11, 13-17, 20 and 21 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Call 588-5024.

Thursday Dec. 9

Whaling Museum lecture

The Whaling Museum. 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents a virtual lecture titled Christmas on a Whaleship – Or Not! At 7 p.m. How did whalers historically celebrate Christmas at sea – if at all? Find out what an 19th century American whaler could expect while away from home in this online presentation with a variety of quotes, images, and diary entries. Free; donations of $10 appreciated. Register at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Friday Dec. 10

Stony Brook Walking Tour

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization presents a new seasonal walking tour titled “Winter Walks Through Time” at 10:50 a.m. and 2:50 p.m. Participants in the walking tour will enjoy new stories about Stony Brook Village and its former residents. This includes the history of winter whaling on Long Island, how Dorothy Melville saved Christmas, the design of Stony Brook Village by Ward Melville and Richard Haviland Smyth, and the history and magic of holiday window displays. Tickets for this event are $15 per person, and includes hot chocolate from Stony Brook Chocolate. Reservations are required by calling 751-2244.

Brookhaven tree lighting

Kick off the holiday season at the Town of Brookhaven’s annual tree lighting at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville at 6 p.m. The event will feature costumed characters, complimentary candy canes, musical entertainment and a special appearance by Santa Claus who will arrive by helicopter and then assist with the countdown to light the tree. Event sponsors include Texas Roadhouse, Eastern Helicopters, WALK 97.5, WBLI, WBAB and My Country 96.1. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need. Call 451-6100, 451-5330 or visit www.brookhavenny.gov.

Drive-Thru Live Nativity

Stony Brook Christian Assembly, 400 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket hosts a Drive-Thru Live Nativity today and Dec. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. See the Christmas story come to life with costumed characters and live animals. Free. Call 689-1127.

Community Band Holiday Concert

St. John the Baptist Church, 1488 North Country Road, Wading River hosts a concert by the North Shore Community Band featuring classical and contemporary holiday music at 7:30 p.m. Bring your friends, bring your holiday spirit and bring your mask (required). Admission is free and enjoyment is guaranteed. For more information, visit www.nscbli.org.

Saturday Dec. 11

Drive-Thru Live Nativity

See Dec. 10 listing.

Northport Polar Plunge

The Town of Huntington and Special Olympics New York will hold a Polar Plunge at Crab Meadow Beach, Waterside Ave., Northport with registration at 10 a.m. and plunge at 11:30 a.m. Visit www.polarplungeny.org.

Holiday Gift Fair

Farmingville Residents Association will hold a Holiday Gift Fair at Gambino Catering Hall, 2005 Route 112, Medford from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with three rooms of vendors selling lots of holiday decor, chocolate goodies, jams and bakery items, clothing and accessories, vintage jewelry and collectibels, bath and beauty products and much more with live music, food, Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle. Call 260-7411.

Northport Holiday Craft Fair

Northport High School, 154 Aurel Hill Road, Northport will hold its annual Holiday Craft Fair today and Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come shop a variety of exquisite jewelry, decorative wreaths, homemade candies, organic soaps, wearable art, vintage items and much more. Free admission. Call 846-1459.

The Holiday Market

The Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket and Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket and WUSB continue with The Holiday Market, a series of outdoor holiday shopping events, today and Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature over 40 vendors offering original paintings, prints, photography, ceramics, pottery, woodwork, glassware, artisan created jewelry, handmade crafts, decorations, and clothing along with music, children’s activities and food trucks. Call 751-3730 or 751-2676.

Poetry reading at All Souls

All Souls Church in Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays poetry series via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson, the featured poet will be Ed Luhrs. An open reading will follow. To participate, visit www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/

Caumsett hike

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington hosts a History of Caumsett hike from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join the staff in a 2-mile walk to study the park’s social, economic, architectural and political history. Some walking in long grass. $4 per person. Reservations required by calling 423-1770.

Festival of Trees and Lights

The Father’s Club of Sachem North High School, 212 Smith Road, Lake Ronkonkoma presents its annual Festival of Trees and Lights today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festive event will feature craft vendors, basket raffles, live entertainment and a visit from Santa. $2 admission, free for ages 6 and younger. Call 848-4855.

Art Show fundraiser

Studio 268, 268 Main St. Setauket invites the community to view its latest art show featuring a collection of fine art by local artists (available for purchase) on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from noon to 5 p.m. Proceeds from an art raffle and a percentage from art sales will be donated to The Three Village Central School District food pantries.

Shoreham Tree Lighting

Tesla Science Center, 5 Randall Road, Shoreham invites the community to celebrate the season in electrifying style at their annual Holiday Lighting at Wardenclyffe from 3 to 6 p.m. with a tree lighting, a snow machine, exhibits, gift shopping, holiday music, and a special visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus at 4:30 p.m. Free cocoa and cookies for all (while supplies last). Register for free tickets at www.teslasciencecenter.org. Call 886-2632.

Nesconset Tree Lighting

Gather at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park, 316 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset for the 11th annual Patriotic Holiday Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. with caroling, holiday treats and a visit with Santa. Call 724-3320.

Santa Parade

The Hauppauge Fire Department Engine Company 3, 122 Ledgewood Drive, Hauppauge will host its 37th annual Santa Parade at 4 p.m. Children may visit Santa at the firehouse from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Call 265-2499.

Holiday Night Market

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook presents a Holiday Night Market from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Shop for unique items sold by local vendors and bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Town of Brookhaven’s INTERFACE toy drive. Call 588-5024.

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating

The Northport Historical Society continues its ‘Stamp Your Passport’ series with a spotlight on Ireland at 6:30 p.m. One immigrant from Ireland featured in the Society’s museum exhibit, Isabelle Quinlan, settled in Northport in the late 1800s. Come learn the story of Isabelle and her family at our museum gallery while enjoying wine and snacks. Get creative and decorate beautifully homemade gingerbread cookies from Isabelle Quinlan’s own recipe. $45 per person. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org.

Stephanie Quayle in concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts’ Recital Hall welcomes Stephanie Quayle in concert at 8 p.m. In this special holiday show, Quayle will perform some of her favorite Christmas classics, along with new songs like By Heart and Wild Frontier, and country hits Selfish, Drinking with Dolly, and more. Only a few seats left! To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

LISCA holiday concert

The Long Island Symphonic Choral Association and the Island Chamber Players present a holiday concert featuring music from the baroque period at the Three Village Church, 322 Main St., Setauket at 8 p.m. The exciting program will include works by Bach, Charpentier and well-known selections from Handel’s Messiah. Eric Stewart, director and conductor of both groups will take the baton. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 seniors, available at the door or at www.lisca.org. Students are free. Call 751-2743.

Miller Place tree lighting

The Miller Place Fire Department and Aliano Real Estate will host the 13th annual Polar Express and Tree Lighting in the Aliano Shopping Center, 691 Route 25A, Miller Place at 7 p.m. with complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, soup and pizza; entertainment by Miller Place School and Dance Pointe Performing Arts Center students; and a special visit from Santa! Call 744-5000.

Sunday Dec. 12

Northport Holiday Craft Fair

See Dec. 11 listing.

Festival of Trees and Lights

See Dec. 11 listing.

Hope for the Holidays concert

The Silver Chords will give a free concert, Hope for the Holidays, at the Bates House, 1 Bates Road, E. Setauket at 2 p.m. The afternoon will feature “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” “Beethoven’s Ode To Joy”, “Beautiful City” and more with gift basket raffles. Call 379-7066.

Farmingville tree lighting

The Farmingville Residents Association hosts its annual tree lighting at Triangle Park, corner of Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive, Farmingville at 4:45 p.m. with DJ music and choir performances. Call 260-7411.

Holiday Electric Parade

The Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returns to Setauket tonight at 5 p.m. Celebrating its 25th year, the parade will take place along Main Street/ Route 25A and feature festive holiday floats to kick off the season. Presented by the Stony Brook Rotary Club, this year’s Grand Marshal will be David Prestia. The Setauket Firehouse will host pre-parade festivities at 4 p.m. with music and performances by Ward Melville High School Students and Shine Dance Studio with complementary cookies, hot chocolate, candy canes and glow sticks. Visit 3Vholidayparade.com.

Home for the Holidays concert

St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect St. ,Huntington hosts a Home for the Holiday Special concert by the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus at 7 p.m. There’s nothing like a holiday TV special for unforgettable songs and memories and the LIGMC is celebrating the season by featuring musical favorites from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” And more. Tickets are $25 at the door or online at www.ligmc.org.

Monday Dec. 13

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday Dec. 14

Distinguished Speaker Series

The Middle Country Library Foundation continues its Distinguished Speaker Series at the Middle Country Public Library, 575 Middle Country Road, Selden with a presentation by Lauren Hale titled The Nights and Daze of Pediatric Sleep: Effects of Family Routines, Screens, School Start Times and Lockdowns from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Fee is $25. To preregister, visit www.middlecountrylibraryfoundation.com.

Anything But Silent event

The Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington hosts an Anything But Silent event, Charlie Chaplin Shorts, at 7 p.m. Accompanied on piano by Ben Model, the livestream screening will feature Chaplin’s silent comedy shorts including The Pawnshop, The Cure and The Adventurer. General admission is Pay-What-You-Want! Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org to register.

Wednesday Dec. 15

No events listed for this day.

Thursday Dec. 16

Artist’s Talk with Jeremy Dennis

Join fine art photographer Jeremy Dennis for a discussion of his body of work during a virtual Artist’s Talk at 7 p.m. Dennis’s photography explores indigenous identity, cultural assimilation, and the ancestral traditional practices of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, of which he is a tribal member. Free, $10 suggested donation appreciated. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418.

Vanderbilt lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Long Island Maritime Lecture Series with a presentation by Nancy Solomon, Executive Director of Long Island Traditions, at 7 p.m. Solomon will discuss her latest book, Boat Builders and Boat Yards of Long Island: A Tribute to Tradition and share the stories she collected from traditional boat builders and boatyard managers in the region during the late 1990s to present day. Tickets are $6 per person at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Theater

‘White Christmas’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its MainStage season with White Christmas from Nov. 11 to Jan. 2, 2022. Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming adaptation follows vaudeville stars and veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they head to Vermont to pursue romance with a duo of beautiful singing sisters. This family classic features beloved songs by Irving Berlin including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is The Ocean” and the perennial favorite, White Christmas. Tickets range from $75 to $80 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘A Christmas Carol’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for the 37th annual production of A Christmas Carol from Nov. 13 to Dec. 26. Celebrate the season with Long Island’s own holiday tradition and broadwayworld.com winner for Best Play. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Elf the Musical’

The Argyle Theater, 34 Main St., Babylon presents Elf the Musical through Jan. 2. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Tickets are priced from $40 to $79. Use Code: TIMES for $10 OFF* For more information, call 230-3500 or visit www.argyletheatre.com

Vendors wanted

» Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket seeks vendors for its Holiday Market Fairs on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. $75 for one market, $125 for two. To reserve a booth, visit www.gallerynorth.org or call 631-751-2676.

Staller Center’s spring lineup gives us dance, music, comedy and RENT!

by Melissa Arnold - December 9, 2021

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By Melissa Arnold

There’s nothing quite like the energy of a live performance, especially if it’s been almost two years since your last show.

The Staller Center for the Arts on the campus of Stony Brook University is as eager to welcome audiences back as showgoers are to be there. Following an abbreviated but otherwise successful fall season, their upcoming spring lineup will feature a wide mix of dancing, theatrical performances and comedy.

“I had a lot of theatrical events planned for the fall, but when we scheduled them earlier this year, we had no idea what the rules were going to be for health and safety,” said Alan Inkles, the Staller Center’s director. “So we decided to focus more on bands for the fall and concentrate on theatrical performances in the spring. It’s been smooth, and everyone is just glad to be out and enjoying the theater.”

It’s a special year for the center’s quartet-in-residence. The Emerson String Quartet recently announced they will retire in 2023 after more than 40 years of performing as one of the world’s premier chamber music ensembles. They’ll be presenting two concerts this spring on Jan. 26 and April 18.

For a quarter of a century, the Broadway rock opera Rent has broken down taboos as it chronicles a group of friends fighting poverty, discrimination and addiction in the midst of the AIDS epidemic. This fall the cast kicked off their 25th Anniversary “Farewell Season of Love” tour which will include a performance at the Staller Center on March 3.

“You never know when you’re going to be seeing a show for the last time, and with something as iconic and well-known as Rent, we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to see a wonderful, high-quality touring production,” Inkles said.

Grace, skill and beauty are all on display this season with two unique dance companies. Complexions Ballet Company pushes the boundaries of traditional and contemporary styles while tackling a variety of topics, from current events to diverse cultures and renowned musicians. Look out for “Love Rocks” during the Feb. 5 show, which celebrates the music of Lenny Kravitz.

Dance-illusionists MOMIX return to the Staller Center on April 2 for “Viva MOMIX,” a two-act collection of dance vignettes using light, shadow and props to create stunning effects. The vignettes will take the audience on a magical journey that showcases the greatest moments in the company’s 40-year history.

If you’re looking for something interesting for kids, consider The Queen’s Cartoonists on April 5. These jazz and classical musicians will take you on a crazy romp, playing live music to accompany cartoons projected onscreen above them. The cartoons are from a variety of time periods and countries, allowing audience members of any age to enjoy old classics and new discoveries.

“The Queen’s Cartoonists is a 7 p.m. show, which gives families a chance to enjoy it without staying out too late — it’s always great to introduce kids to live and orchestral music by letting them see it up close,” said Daria Carioscia, Staller’s director of development. “They’ll be performing in our recital hall, which provides a great perspective from wherever you’re sitting, and the cartoons playing behind them will be entertaining and fun for everyone.”

Carioscia also recommends the high-energy, New Orleans jazz sounds of The Hot Sardines on March 19, as well as the May 7 appearance by The Doo Wop Project. If you’ve ever wondered what the music of Jason Mraz and Maroon 5 would sound like if the Jersey Boys sang it, look no further. Both shows are heavy on audience participation, so get ready to sing and dance along. It’s a great time to introduce kids to different genres and eras of music they may have never heard before, she said.

A few more events round out the season:

■ March 12: 2022 Gala, including performances by Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, and Yo-Yo Ma. Regular tickets are sold out. Become a Gala Supporter to receive VIP tickets.

■ March 30: “Starry Nights,” an evening of music featuring cellist Colin Carr and Stony Brook University musicians

■ April 21: “Queen of the Flute” Carol Wincenc

■ April 22: Comedian, satirist and Grammy nominee David Sedaris

Of course, the Staller Center staff and performers all love to see their shows sold out. But when that’s not possible, they get creative and offer a seat to those who might have never seen a live performance before.

“We’ve been working really hard to fill the theater, and on the nights where we have unsold tickets, we give them away to local school districts, Stony Brook students, and other populations who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to attend,” Carioscia explained. “Ultimately, we want to make the arts accessible to as many people as we can. It’s good for the community, and a full house also changes the energy in an exciting way for our performers.”

The staff knows that there is still some understandable concern in the community about crowds and public events, and they are dedicated to helping audiences feel safe. Masks are required in the center, as well as either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. No time frame is required on testing. Additionally, concessions are not being sold at this time to limit the need to remove your mask.

“We recognize that everyone is in their own place regarding what they feel comfortable doing right now. People will come back when they’re ready, and we’re going to be fair with what we’re asking from our audiences as far as safety,” Inkles said.

“It’s been smooth, and everyone is just glad to be out and enjoying the theater. We’ve spent the last 2 years stuck inside at home, watching movies on big screen TVs. We want to give people the energy of live performance, the opportunity to have a night out and spend time together and connect again. You can’t duplicate that experience with Netflix or HBO. There’s nothing else like it.”

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts is located at 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook. Tickets for the Staller Center’s Spring 2022 season are on sale now. A 10 percent discount is offered on all shows through Dec. 12. For more information, visit www.stallercenter.com or call 631-632-ARTS (2787) or email [email protected].

All photos from Staller Center for the Arts.

Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returns Dec. 12

by Heidi Sutton - December 9, 2021

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It’s back!!! The Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returns to Setauket on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. Celebrating its 25th year, the parade will take place along Main Street/ Route 25A and feature festive holiday floats to kick off the season. Presented by the Stony Brook Rotary Club, this year’s Grand Marshal will be David Prestia. The Setauket Firehouse will host pre-parade festivities at 4 p.m. with music and performances by Ward Melville High School Students and Shine Dance Studio with complementary cookies, hot chocolate, candy canes and glow sticks. Visit 3Vholidayparade.com for further information.

Your Turn: Port Jefferson Dickens Festival extended through Dec. 18

by TBR Staff - December 9, 2021

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By Allan Varela

Welcome to Dickens in December! The 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival has been gently extended with activities on Saturday, Dec. 11 and 18. The Village will present two concerts per day, one in the Masonic Lodge and one in the Village Center’s Skip Jack room. The not-to-be-missed Festival of Trees will delight all those who visit the Village Center’s second floor and the streets will once again play host to a host of Dickens street characters.

Saturday the 11th features Dave K at the Masonic Lodge at 1 p.m. and Sweet Melody Music Studio with the Blue Music Company and Sterling Sax at the Village Center at 3 p.m. Saturday the 18th features the Dorian Consort string trio at the Masonic Lodge at 1 p.m. with Songs of the Season returning at 3 p.m. in the Village Center. The concerts are free and masking up is highly recommended.

Come on down to say ‘happy holidays’ to our beloved Chimney Sweeps and hear caroling groups perform throughout the Village. The restaurants have all prepared a holiday repast, while the stores are ready to fulfill those special holiday gift requests. So, come one, come all — a splendid time is in store for everyone.

Allan Varela serves as chair for the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council which hosts the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival.

‘On Golden Pond’ returns to local theaters for 40th anniversary

by Heidi Sutton - December 8, 2021

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In honor of its 40th anniversary, On Golden Pond returns to select theaters nationwide for a special limited engagement on Sunday, Dec. 12 and Wednesday, Dec. 15, courtesy of Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Universal Pictures.

Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Fathom Events

Cantankerous retiree Norman Thayer (Henry Fonda in his final film) and his conciliatory wife, Ethel (Katharine Hepburn), spend summers at their New England vacation home on the shores of idyllic Golden Pond. This year, their adult daughter, Chelsea (Jane Fonda), visits with her new fiancée (Dabney Coleman) and his teenage son, Billy (Doug McKeon) on their way to Europe. After leaving Billy behind to bond with Norman, Chelsea returns, attempting to repair the long-strained relationship with her aging father before it’s too late.

Directed by Mark Rydell, On Golden Pond (1981) was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including best picture. Both Hepburn and Henry Fonda won Oscars for their performances, as did playwright/screenwriter Ernest Thompson. Dave Grusin’s beautiful score also received a well-deserved nomination.

The special screening includes exclusive insights from TCM host Ben Mankiewicz. Running time is 2 hours.

Locally, the film will be screened at AMC Stony Brook 17, 2196 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook on Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; at Island 16 Cinema de Lux, 185 Morris Ave., Holtsville on Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.; and Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas, 1001 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.

Winter Coat Drive underway in Setauket

by Press Release - December 6, 2021

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unnamed-4 — Photo from Three Village Community Trust

Held with the support of the Three Village School District, the Three Village Community Trust’s first annual Winter Coat Drive is now underway through Dec. 16. This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to help those in need by dropping off a winter coat at the Trust’s headquarters at the Bruce House, 148 Main Street, Setauket. The Trust encourages community members to simply place their donation of clean winter coats on the front porch. Coats will then be delivered to local families. For more information, call 631-428-6851.

Ohman Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ returns for the holiday season

by Press Release - December 6, 2021

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0-1 — A scene from Ohman Ballet's The Nutcracker'

Young dancers from local towns will share the stage with New York City Ballet stars Indiana Woodward and Daniel Ulbricht in New York Dance Theatre’s 39th season of “The Nutcracker” at Hofstra University in Hempstead, on Saturday, December 18 and Sunday, December 19 with performances at noon and 5 p.m.

A scene from Ohman Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

The girls, students at the Ohman School of Ballet in Commack, perform multiple roles in the iconic holiday story ballet including children in the Party Scene, Toy Soldiers and Mice in the Battle Scene, Snowflakes, Angels, and various confections in the Land of Sweets. Galina Hellman, an eighth grader at West Hollow Middle School, and Nina Van Zandt, a seventh grader at Commack Middle School, share the central role of “Clara,” each in two of the four performances at Hofstra University. West Hollow Middle School eighth grader Adrianna Stucchio and sixth grader Aviva Hellman share the pivotal role of Clara’s brother “Fritz,” who breaks Clara’s Nutcracker and sets the plot in motion, each in two of the four performances.

This year’s cast includes young dancers from all over the area as follows: Chloe Cantillo, Anna Clemente, Elysena DeStefano, Claire DeVaney, Brynn Farino, Anna Gross, Isabel Gross, Sofia Gross, Karen Li, Ava Napolitano, Victoria Rodgers, Alyssa Tavares, and Nina Van Zandt of Commack; Elodie Hennessy of Centerport; Roxanne Benoit, Chloe Cheong, Esther Cheong, Mikaela Gluck, Emma Grabelsky, Aviva Hellman, Galina Hellman, Charlotte Neville, Elizabeth Pau, Carina San José, Gita Seto, Adrianna Stucchio, and Anna Tang of Dix Hills; Addison Candelaria of East Northport; Charlotte Stratton of Huntington; Isabella Lenarduzzi and Magdalen Schaefer of Kings Park; Olivia Deng and Emily Yong of Melville; Eileen Huntsman, Erin McKenna, and Delaney Mulholland of Northport; Sophia Ferro of Setauket; Katie Fox of Shoreham; Laila DarConte, Amelia Grace Novellino, Chloe Foster, Sophie Niemann, and Samara Kolodny of Smithtown; Sonya Russo of St. James; and Olivia Wu of Stony Brook.

NYDT’s production is the largest Nutcracker on Long Island and the only one performed in the tradition of New York City Ballet’s Lincoln Center version. Through the years, founder and longtime Centerport resident Frank Ohman created original dances and scenes for the ballet that set his production apart from others on Long Island. As a former student and soloist under George Balanchine Ohman was one of a select few authorized to use the original pas de deux choreography of his mentor, which continues to distinguish this production.

Special guest artists, New York City Ballet principal dancers Indiana Woodward and Daniel Ulbricht, will perform as the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier. Mr. Ulbricht serves as an artistic advisor for the Ohman School of Ballet, a division of New York Dance Theatre, and has been a recurring master class instructor at the school including on Zoom throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

With the elegant Christmas Party Scene, the drama of the magical growing Christmas Tree, the Battle of the Toy Soldiers and Giant Mice, the live Snow Storm, and the brilliant dancing in the Land of the Sweets, “The Nutcracker” appeals to all ages. In all, a cast of 80 children, pre-professional and professional dancers will bring this classic story ballet to life on the stage of the John Cranford Adams Playhouse. The children’s roles are performed by students of the Frank Ohman School of Ballet in Commack.

Tickets for this full production ballet are $42.00 and $32.00 (seniors and children 12 and under) plus $3 fee, available at www.ohmanballet.org or 631.462.0964. Details about Covid-19 protocols for audience members are outlined on the website and are subject to change according to local government guidelines.

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