Fundraiser

Whales, Ales, and Salty Tales becomes Whales, Ales, and BRINY Tales!

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor announces the broadening of its classic event, Whales, Ales, and Salty Tales, now presented as Whales, Ales, and BRINY Tales! This year, the event introduces an exciting new feature: Pickles! Adults aged 21 and over are invited to this immersive indoor/outdoor experience on Sunday, June 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Whaling Museum.

“We are thrilled to unveil the next chapter of our well-received, annual event,” said Nomi Dayan, Executive Director, The Whaling Museum & Education Center. “After offering new pickle-themed programs a few months ago which sold out, we realized Long Island has a crowd interested in flavorful experiences. We are excited to hybridize tastings of pickles with craft beer offerings – a tasty combination that provides a lively backdrop for historical discussions about life at sea.”

The museum’s plaza will be transformed into a hub of activity, showcasing craft brews from local breweries such as Jones Beach Brewing Company, Secatogue Brewery, Take Two Brewery, Threes Brewery, and more to come. Horman’s Best Pickles will offer pickle samples, along with the option to purchase pickles on sticks. For the adventurous, one brewer will even offer samples of pickle- flavored beer. The event will be further enriched by live sea chanteys performed by Scuttlebutt Stu, providing a lively maritime soundtrack guests can sing along to.

Inside the museum, attendees can expand their knowledge through informative talks on pickles and preservation on whaling ships. Creative minds can participate in designing scrimshaw-style keychains or select the box option for a unique keepsake. The “Tales of the Tavern” adult scavenger hunt will offer a fun and educational experience for interacting with the museum’s exhibits through QR codes and a booklet of clues.

To commemorate this special occasion, the first 150 attendees will receive a commemorative tasting cup sponsored by Mercedes of Huntington, adding a collectible element to their experience. Tickets are available for purchase online at $40, $30 for members or at the door for $45, $35 for members. Designated driver tickets are also available for $15. Event t-shirts will also be available for purchase and are sponsored by local marina, H&M Powles.

“This event has evolved over the course of 10 years, beginning as a quaint tasting event inside the museum to a tented affair featuring new vendors and activities,” said Gina Van Bell, Assistant Director at The Whaling Museum & Education Center. “We are thrilled to see the ongoing excitement from guests, sponsors, and brewers who have supported the event year after year. We are eager to continue expanding the event, connecting the community with our maritime heritage through creative and delicious experiences.”

Tickets are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit cshwhalingmuseum.org/ales.

 

Photo from Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro

More than 400 runners and walkers took part in the St. James Certified 5 Mile Challenge and 5K Fun Run, hosted by Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro, on Saturday, April 13, 2024, raising $40,000 for the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Hospital.

“We are so grateful to all the Long Islanders – runners, walkers and families – that came out to support our work to build the first Ronald McDonald House in Suffolk County,” said Cynthia Lippe, Chair of the Committee for the Stony Brook house. “This has been a labor of love for many years – and we are near the finish line, just like in a race.”

Among the runners was Wendy Lau, of Northport, whose family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while her son Tolby received treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

“Running eased the reality of my son’s AML diagnosis in April of 2014. It’s been exactly 10 years. He is well and experiencing the life of a healthy 13 year old,” said Wendy. “I run in celebration, in thanks, in remembrance and for joy.”

The new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s is set to break ground on April 30, 2024. This will be the first Ronald McDonald House located in Suffolk County, and only the second on Long Island. The other Ronald McDonald House is in New Hyde Park in Nassau County, located adjacent to Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro 

Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro (RMHC NYM) provides free lodging, meals, and emotional support to keep families seeking medical treatment for their sick children near the care they need and the families they love.

NHS student and cancer survivor Christian Sloan addresses the crowd after having his head shaved. Photo courtesy Northport-East Northport school district

The annual Brave the Shave event at Northport High School continues to provide support for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation through both fundraising and spreading awareness of pediatric cancer. 

Prior to the most recent event on March 22, the Northport-East Northport school district had already raised over a quarter of a million dollars for the foundation. The most recent fundraising effort added more than $52,000 to that total, helping fund important research and support for children battling the disease.

Pulaski Road School student Declan smiles as he has his head shaved as a sign of solidarity with children battling cancer. Photo courtesy Northport-East Northport school district

During the day, Northport High School students filled the Commons with positive energy as they partook in the dunk tank fundraiser, allowing students to dunk members of the staff as they raise money. 

In the evening, students, staff and community members from across the district filled the school to “brave the shave” as students had their heads shaved as a sign of solidarity with children battling cancer. 

Members of the National Honor Society helped organize and staff the event by collecting donations, celebrating with the shavees and managing the table providing hats and merchandise.

Local author and cancer survivor Charles Armstrong returned this year to speak about his book, “The Dog Named Beef and Her Superpower,” which details the true story of how Armstrong’s dog helped him find comfort and ultimately defeat brain cancer. 

Northport High School student Christian Sloan, also a cancer survivor, spoke to the crowd as well. “I would just like to thank everyone for supporting the St. Baldrick’s thing and I am hoping in the future for all our hopes that cancer will be no more,” he said. 

Northport High School teacher aide Karen Paquet, whose son Caleb lost his battle with cancer in 2017, spoke about the importance of continuing to conduct research and provide clinical trials for pediatric cancer. “Today I feel a beautiful camaraderie with all of you,” she said. “We are here, united, in taking childhood back from cancer.”

Dr. Rina Meyer, a pediatric hematology oncologist with Stony Brook Medicine, also spoke to the crowd about the hope that St. Baldrick’s brings to her patients and their families, and recognized the important role that participants play in providing that hope.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation works with pediatric oncologists to “determine the most promising research to fund and create funding priorities to make the greatest impact for children with cancer,” she said.

By Heidi Sutton

Easter is right around the corner! Celebrate early at one of the following pancake breakfasts with a visit from the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget your camera!

Farmingville

Farmingville Fire Department, 780 Horseblock Road, Farmingville hosts a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Chinese Auction on March 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. $15 per person, ages 5 and under free includes pancakes, bacon and sausage, coffee, orange juice, water and one photo with the Easter Bunny.

Mount Sinai

Mt. Sinai Fire Department Company 1, 746 Mt. Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai hosts its 14th annual Pancakes with the Easter Bunny on March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon. Come out and eat some pancakes, see the Easter Bunny and buy some raffles to win awesome prizes. Admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children, children under age 4 are free. No reservations needed. Pay at the door. For more information, call 631-530-3820.

Port Jefferson Station

The Polish American Independent Ladies Auxiliary presents a Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Polish American Independent Club, 35 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station on March 24 with seatings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and fruit served with orange juice, coffee and tea with free photo booth with the Easter Bunny! Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children, under age 5 and under are free at the door. Call 516-383-3456 for more information.

St. James

St. James Volunteer Fire Department Engine #3, 533 North Country Road, St. James presents Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on March 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $7 adults, $3 ages 12 and under at the door. Call 631-584-5760 for more information.

Selden

Selden Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting their annual breakfast with the Easter Bunny, at Engine #1, 44 Woodmere Place, Selden on March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon. Come on down and have some pancakes with the bunny, fun for all!  $10 per person at the door, children 3 and under free!
There will also be raffle tickets available for purchase at the breakfast to win some Easter Basket goodies! For more information please email Samanthacotty6@gmailcom

 

By Aramis Khosronejad

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in Port Jefferson hosted its sewcond annual St. Baldrick’s event on March 15. During the event, students and faculty volunteered to shave their hair in solidarity with all those who are struggling with or have already gone into remission from a childhood cancer. 

In addition to those who “brave the shave” during this event, Port Jefferson high school helped fundraise by selling merchandise or simply accepting donations. All the money raised was donated to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. 

According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, there are more than 300,000 children diagnosed globally with cancer each year. In the U.S. alone, more children die due to cancer than any other disease. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is an international organization dedicated to funding research for different kinds of childhood cancer to help accelerate and improve this type of research. 

The principal of the high school, John Ruggero, is passionate about hosting St. Baldrick’s events annually and exposing the high school to these kinds of events. 

“I want to get it so it occurs every year, so that lots of students and faculty and families, and people off the streets, come to donate,” he said.

Ruggero has been hosting St. Baldrick events for “over a decade,” he said. The principal is a firm believer that the most important education “takes place outside of the four walls” of a classroom. 

“When you have a philanthropic mindset, it really opens your mind out to what’s happening around us,” he said. Ruggero pointed out that these events can show students the most important lesson: If possible, doing things for others “should come first.”

“What happens is that kids who start to see that people rally behind these [events] become a little more confident in sharing their stories and want to get the word out,” Ruggero explained. He elaborated on how he wanted students to learn “the impact their actions have on others’ lives.”

The event was also supported and promoted by a 16-year-old student, Kyle Martin. When he was a child, Martin was fighting cancer and has been in remission for almost been eight years. 

Martin approached Ruggero and expressed his own desire for the school to host such an event, and the two worked together to bring the dream alive. Ruggero expressed his admiration for Martin’s mindset and ideas, explaining how because of his remission, Martin has been inspired to help other kids who are battling cancer. It’s safe to say that St. Baldrick’s will become a powerful tradition that Port Jefferson will adopt in future years. 

By Bill Landon

It was the inaugural battle for the Cat Cup at Shoreham-Wading River High School Feb. 29, a fundraiser to kick off the traditional LAX Out Cancer campaign, a charity that helps local families fighting this insidious disease. 

The event pitted the faculty of Albert G. Prodell Middle School, Wading River School and Miller Avenue School along with the high school in a fun-filled Olympic-style competition. Included were a tug-of-war, beach ball relay, rope skipping relay and hockey shot competition among other events in the high school gym in front of a capacity crowd. There were food sales, raffle tickets, silent auctions and apparel sales in the hallways just outside the “stadium.” 

After the dust settled, it was the Miller Avenue faculty that stood above all others capturing the coveted Cat Cup.

At the last tally, the event raised $8,500 according to Lax Out Cancer committee member Melissa Brandt, adding that this year there are three recipients in the community that will benefit from this year’s effort.

The event bookends the LAX Out Cancer lacrosse event featuring local teams in a carnival-like atmosphere at Thomas Cutinella Memorial Field Saturday, May 4.

By Julianne Mosher

The second annual Vogue in the Village Fashion Show is heading to Theatre Three in Port Jefferson this month so locals can strut their stuff in the latest styles from the village’s boutiques all for a good cause.

Scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m., (on Leap Day), this year’s theme is appropriately titled “Leap Into Fashion.”

Hosted by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Theatre Three, the event follows a successful show last year. Barbara Ransome, director of operations at the chamber, said that last year’s ticket sales went back to supporting the chamber and their events. And while this is partly true this year, Ransome added that donations from the 2024 show will also go to the Town of Brookhaven’s Dress for Success program.

According to the Town of Brookhaven website, “Dress for Success Brookhaven is part of an international nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the developmental tools to help them thrive in work and life.”

Since 1999, Dress for Success has helped over 6,000 women work towards self-sufficiency in the Town of Brookhaven.

Ransome said this a great way to get the word out about local stores like Fame & Rebel, Kate & Hale, The Smokin’ Gentleman, Ivory & Main, Sue La La Couture, Timber & Ties and Dr. G Sustainability Lifestyle. 

In addition, before the show and during intermission, a vendor’s marketplace with tables set up for different organizations, businesses and services will be held throughout the theater’s lower level. 

Douglas Quattrock, third vice president of the chamber and artistic associate and director of development at Theatre Three, said this year they have about 50 models coming out to get done up and sashay across the stage. “It has built up a lot since last year,” he said. “What I love is the community coming together.”

Along with local shops donating their services, local beauty salons like Fedora Lounge Boutique Hair Salon, The Hair Bar and Karasmatic Day Spa are planning to help out with hair and makeup before the show. 

The models are getting the full glam experience — men, women and even dogs.

Ransome noted that, like last year, dogs for adoption with Yorkie 911 Rescue will prance on stage wearing accessories from Fetch Doggy Boutique and Bakery on East Main Street. The 2023/2024 Ms. New York Senior America, Mae Caime, is also going to be a highlighted model.

“It’s one-stop-shopping the see the best of the village in one night,” Quattrock said. 

The 2nd Annual Vogue in the Village Fashion Show will be held at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson on Thursday, Feb. 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The vendor marketplace opens at 5 p.m. 

The first 100 ticket holders to arrive will receive a fabulous gift: a swag bag, filled with goods from the local merchants. Tickets are $20 cash and check, $25 for credit card and online. Donations for Dress for Success will be accepted at the event or online when purchasing tickets.

For more information, call 631-473-1414 or visit portjeffchamber.com/events-calendar/vogue-in-the-village-2024/

METRO photo

Tickets are on sale now for the Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Church’s annual Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Church’s Social Hall, 38 Mayflower Ave., Smithtown on Sunday, Feb. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m.  Enjoy a delicious meal of spaghetti and meatballs, salad, dessert and coffee. Sit down or take out. $25 per adult, $15 children. For reservations, please call 631-332-1449 by January 21. 

Great Horned Owl, “Tiger Lily,” displays her prowess. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center for a Rock N’ Raptors fundraiser at the Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. Enjoy live music, raptor presentations, raffles, games, food, and more. Bring your whole family or rock out with your friends. All the funds from this event and raffles help Sweetbriar take care of all the wildlife that comes through their doors and educate all the children that will be stewards of our planet. Held rain or shine. Tickets are $25 per adult, kids under age 12 are free. To order, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 

By Michael Scro

The Town of Huntington hosted its 3rd annual Polar Plunge event at Frank P. Petrone Crab Meadow Beach on Sunday, Dec. 10, when well over 100 participants bravely made their way into the frigid water for a worthy cause, helping to raise more than $22,000 for Special Olympic athletes.

With temperatures unseasonably warm — at high 40s, low 50s — on the cloudy December morning, the water was somewhat more tolerable but still sent most plungers into shivers and cold shock as soon as they hit the water.

Town of Huntington Councilman Dave Bennardo (R) thanked everyone for attending, including students from neighboring schools such as Elwood, South Huntington and Northport, highlighting “the real stars of the show being our friends from the Special Olympics.”

John Cronin and his father, Mark, from John’s Crazy Socks, a Farmingdale-based business that sells various themed socks and donates 5% of its earnings to the Special Olympics, co-hosted the event with the town. Bennardo also pointed out that John Cronin has done 10 Polar Plunges, prompting a round of applause.

“John is an inspiration,” Bennardo said. “If he can do all the great things he’s done, we can certainly plunge in the water once for our Special Olympic friends,” adding, “Today, we put aside differences and different sides of the aisle and focus on something that has no downside — taking care of people we love.”

With John Cronin by his father’s side, Mark asked if he was ready to take another plunge, to which he happily replied, “I was born ready.” John and his father also handed participants polar bear-themed socks to help keep them warm after the plunge.