Valentine’s Day is not solely about romantic love; it can also be about spreading love for the community, and in particular, for those in need. In honor of Valentine’s Day and the season of love, Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will hold a Little Valentines: Baby Supplies Drive now through Feb. 26. The Library will be collecting new store-bought and hand-made baby clothes, as well as diapers, wipes, pacifiers, toys and other baby-related items for local organizations that help babies and their families. Diapers are one of the most requested items from homeless shelters and organizations, and they are a basic need for caregivers.
A table for the donated items will be located in the Library lobby to the left of the Circulation Desk, and all are welcome to donate (residents or nonresidents) during Library hours.
Teen volunteers will be picking up the items and distributing them to various local organizations in need. These junior high and high school students earn community service credit for doing so. If you live in Three Village, are in grades 7 to 12, and would like to apply to become a Volunteer Teen Transporter, please visit teen.emmaclark.org/teen-transporters or call 631-941-4080.
If the way to your loved one’s heart is through the stomach, there’s no better way to start off this Valentine’s Day than with a homemade breakfast prepared with love.
Whether you’re whipping up a breakfast for a spouse with a sophisticated palate or trying to tempt the taste buds of your littlest loves, explore these ideas to get inspired.
* Red is the color of love, so build your menu around fresh strawberries or raspberries, which pair perfectly with French toast or crepes, and can even dress up a simple cereal.
* For a more sensible menu, opt for a fruity berry smoothie or a parfait layered with fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt and granola. Add a hint of loving indulgence by sprinkling dark chocolate shavings on top.
* Show your affection with a plate of these colorful Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes featuring rich 100 percent cocoa, buttermilk and fresh berries. Heart-shaped cookie cutters lend a special touch to these fluffy, flavorful pancakes. Add sweet garnishes like powdered sugar and berries for a sensational way to say “I love you.”
Cocoa-Kissed Red Velvet Pancakes
Recipe courtesy of Nestlè
YIELD: Servings: 10 pancakes
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 cup reduced-fat buttermilk or low-fat milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon red food coloring
heart-shaped pancake cutters or cookie cutters (optional)
butter, for garnish (optional)
powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
maple syrup, for garnish (optional)
fresh berries, for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir well.
In separate large bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract and food coloring. Add to flour mixture; stir to combine. Allow mixture to sit 5 minutes.
Heat nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with oil or butter. Add about 1/4 cup batter to skillet. Cook about 2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on top. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until bottom is lightly browned. Serve immediately with butter, powdered sugar, syrup and berries, if desired.
Tip: If using pancake or cookie cutters, be sure to coat with oil so pancakes don’t stick. Place cutters in skillet and pour batter into cutters. Remove cutters before flipping.
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a screening of 'Casablanca' at the Cinema Arts Centre.
Thursday Feb. 9
Huntington History lecture
Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch & Learn series with a virtual program at noon. Enjoy your own lunch from the comfort of your home while learning about the historic Sammis houses of West Neck in a presentation given by Robert Hughes, Town Historian and Toby Kissam, HHS Trustee. Presentation will last 45 minutes with time for commentary and Q&A from participants. Free. To register via Zoom, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Lunch and Learn
Kehillath Shalom Synagogue of Cold Spring Harbor presents an online Lunch and Learn program titled Jewish Humor: Then and Now at 12:30 p.m.34% of American Jewish consider “having a good sense of humor” to be an essential aspect of their Jewish identity. In this new Lunch & Learn class, just in time for Adar!, the group will explore the history and evolution of Jewish humor and explore its components. Bring a joke or story. All are welcome. Contact [email protected] for Zoom information.
Love Notes in Scrimshaw
Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor at 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. for Love Notes in Scrimshaw. Take a peek into the world of historic love tokens as you explore romantic examples of carved whalebone from the 19th century. Uncover the secrets of coded images shared between romantic partners and design and carve your own scrimshaw art for someone special (or for yourself!) Adults only. $15 participant (includes admission), $10 members. Call 367-3418.
An Evening of Jazz
Mala Waldron, Mike Hall and Tom Manuel kick off the Loft’s Acoustic in the Living Room series at the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook from 7 to 9:30 p.m. This jazz music series showcases small duos/trios in the Loft’s main performance room which will be set up to resemble an intimate living room, with spaced out seating. The concerts are conversational, engaging and intimate and a very special window into the heart and mind of the artists. Tickets are $40 per person at www.thejazzloft.org.
Friday Feb. 10
An evening of opera
St.Paul’s United Methodist Church,270Main St., Northport hosts an evening with Opera Night Long Island at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. $10 donation, students free. For more information, call 261-2387 or email [email protected].
Wintertide concert
The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson continuesitsWintertide concert series from 7 to 8 p.m with a performance by Chic Voorhis (Americana with a country twist) in the Sail Loft Room on the third floor. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 473-4778.
Grounds and Sounds Concert
Grounds and Sounds Cafe at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket presents award-winning singer/songwriter Rorie Kelly in concert at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 per person, available in advance at www.groundsandsounds.org and at the door. Light refreshments for sale. For further information, call 751-0297.
Saturday Feb. 11
Garden Club Meeting
The Shoreham-Wading River Garden Club invites the community to its meeting at the Wading River Congregational Church at 2057 North Country Road, Wading River at 10 a.m. Club president Judy Faraone will make a presentation titled “Learn to Love Bugs and Keystone Plants,” followed by a video titled “What’s the Rush?” by Doug Tallamy and favorite garden tools by garden club members will be on view. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Audubon Society exhibit
The Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket hosts an exhibit by The Four Harbors Audubon Society titled Valentine to Whitman’s Paumanok Exhibition today and Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Twenty-four local photographers and artists are sharing their love for our beautiful Long Island’s wildlife and wilderness as captured by their individual talents. An Artists’s Reception will be held on Feb.12 from 1 to 4 p.m. All are welcome. Free. Questions? Call 689-7054.
All Souls Poetry Reading
The Second Saturdays poetry series will be returns to All Souls Church in Stony Brook via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson, the featured poet will be Claude Mayers. An open-reading will follow; all are welcome to read one of their own poems. Call 655-7798. Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/
Here’s to the Ladies! concert
The perfect Valentine’s celebration will be at the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook with a performance by the Jazz Loft All Stars titled“Here’s to the Ladies!” from 7 to 9 p.m. with complimentary champagne and chocolate. Tickets are $50 per person. Purchase your tickets at www.thejazzloft.org.
February Funny Fest
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 6th annual February Funny Fest on the MainStage at 8 p.m. Fancy a fun night out? This is the comedy show for you! Featuring a full line-up of top comedians direct from the Long Island Comedy Festival including Scott Schendlinger, Keith Anthony, Chris Roach, host David Weiss and more! Tickets are $45. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
FOR THE LOVE OF COMEDY Tim Krompier headlines the Lovers of Comedy Show at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center on Feb. 11.
Lovers of Comedy Show
Join the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown for a Lovers of Comedy Night, a night of laughs with Governor’s Comedy Club, at 8 p.m. Featuring Tim Krompier, Olga Namer, Debbie D Amore, and Rachel Williams. Tickets are $45 per person, $40 members includes open bar of beer and wine. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Sunday Feb. 12
Audubon Society exhibit
See Feb. 11 listing.
Port Jefferson Food Drive
See sidebar on right.
Super Bowl Sunday Pancake Breakfast – just added!
Halesite Firehouse, 1 New York Ave., Halesite will host its 15th annual Super Bowl Pancake Breakfast fundraiser from 9 a.m. to noon. with raffles, Super Bowl Snack Cooler and more. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 3-10 yrs, under age 3 free. Call 427-1910 for more information.
Living History with Abe Lincoln
Celebrate St. James continues its Living History series at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second Street, St James with a visit with President Abraham Lincoln presenter Garry Rissman at 1 p.m. followed by a Q&A. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 members, $10 children ages 10 and up, children under age 10 are free. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org or call 984-0201.
An Afternoon of Celtic Music – just added!
St. Anthony’s High School, 275 Wolf Hill Road, South Huntington will host An Afternoon of Celtic Music, a benefit for the St. Anthony’s Bagpipe Band, at 2 p.m. Featuring three bagpipe bands – Saint Anthony’s Celtic Friars Pipe Band, AOH Division 7 Roisin Dubh Irish Pipe Band, and the West Milford Highlanders- along with Irish Step Dancing. Basket raffles, 50/50 raffles, bake sale and complimentary Irish Soda Bread and tea served during intermission. Tickets are $20 at the door. Questions? Email [email protected].
Monday Feb. 13
Civic Association meeting
The Sound Beach Civic Association will hold its first in-person meeting of the year at the Sound Beach Fire Station, 252 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Call 744-6952.
Emerson String Quartet concert
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road Stony Brook presents the award-winning Emerson String Quartet in concert in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. Program will include Walker “Lyric”; Schubert Quartet in A Minor, D. 804 (“Rosamunde”); Webern 6 Bagatelles, op. 9; Shostakovich 12th Quartet, op. 133; Setzer, 1st violin in Walker and Schubert; and Drucker, 1st violin in Webern and Shostakovich. Tickets range from $52 to $60. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
Tuesday Feb. 14
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station will screen the documentary Food, Incorporated in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. The film reveals the surprising and shocking truths about what we eat, how it’s produced, and who we have become as a nation. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 928-3737 for more information.
America’s Sweethearts in concert
The John W. Engeman, 250 Main St., Northport celebrates Valentine’s Day with a concert by America’s Sweethearts at 8 p.m. These New York City-based ladies have performed across the USA at iconic spaces honoring our veterans (the Intrepid Air and Space Museum, the WASP Museum) as well as large theatres and intimate cabaret venues, getting crowds tapping their feet to hits like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” as they celebrate history through their crystal-clear harmony and colorful costumes. Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday Feb. 15
Quilting Workshop
Huntington Historical Society hosts a Quilting Workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 1 to 3 p.m. Join quilting instructor Lucie Blohm for a demonstration on the basic techniques, equipment, and materials required. Experienced and novice quilters are invited to bring their sewing machines and projects for encouragement and advice. Fabric will be provided to practice technique. Fee is $25, $20 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org or call 427-7045, ext. 401.
Whaling Museum reception
Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for an opening reception for their latest exhibit, From Sea to Shining Sea: Whalers of the African Diaspora, at 6 p.m. Enjoy a special edition whaleboat chat, meet the guest curator, and partake in light refreshments while you explore the artwork, artifacts and text exploring and expounding on the role of African American mariners in whaling history. Call 367-3418.
Hard Luck Cafe concert
Connecticut-based folk singer-songwriters Tracy Walton and Sierra West will share the bill and swap songs during the Hard Luck Café concert at the Cinema Arts Centre’s Sky Room, 423 Park Ave., Huntington from 7 to 10 p.m. An open mic precedes the concert.Tickets are $20 at www.fmsh.org.
Thursday Feb. 16
Atelier webinar
Join the Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James for a free zoom lecture and demonstration titled “Is It Watercolor or Acrylic?” It’s Gouache! at 7 p.m. Learn the basics of how to use this versatile medium with instructor Beth Drucker. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.
Vanderbilt Lecture
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its lecture series with a presentation titled “A Lost Story of the Revolutionary War” at 7 p.m. Noted historian Benjamin Carp will explore the Great New York Fire of 1776. Carp’s book on the devastating fireis forthcoming from Yale University Press. Tickets are $10 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Film
‘The Good House’
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a viewing of The Good House, starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline on Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. Open to all. Call 928-1212 to reserve your seat.
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman star in ‘Casablanca.’
‘Casablanca’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington invites all lovebirds and lonelyhearts to spend Valentine’s Day revisiting a classic, Casablanca, on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. with an introduction by film historian Philip Harwood and complimentary sweets and flowers from Amy’s of Huntington. Tickets are $20, $15 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Theater
‘Hello Dolly!’
The Stony Brook School’s Theatrical Arts Society,1 Chapman Parkway, Stony Brook presents Hello Dolly! on Feb. 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. A musical adaptation of The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder, Hello, Dolly!centers around the exuberant Dolly Levi, a matchmaker and self-professed expert in many things — particularly the art of meddling. First performed on Broadway in 1964, Hello, Dolly! is a fast paced, comedic romance that is bound to appeal to musical and theater lovers of all ages.Tickets are $10. To order, visit sbstickets.ticketleap.com.
‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St.. Northport presents Dirty Rotten Scoundrels from Jan. 19 to March 5. Con artist Lawrence Jameson is a longtime resident of a luxurious coastal resort, where he enjoys the fruits of his deceptions–that is, until a competitor, Freddy Benson, shows up. When the new guy’s lowbrow tactics impinge on his own work, Jameson resolves to get rid of him. Based on the uproarious movie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels boasts a jazzy-pop score by David Yazbek, who also wrote the music for The Full Monty. Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Bad Valentines …’
The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St., Port Jefferson presents (Mostly) True Things: “Bad Valentines and Worst Dates Ever” on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Jude Treder-Wolff, the evening will feature four storytellers: Ivy Eisenberg, Kelly Massaro, Jack Canfora, and Joey Novick. Tickets are $15 online at www.mostlytruethings.com or $20 at the door (cash only). The show is recommended for teens and adults. Call 928-6529.
Festival of One-Act Plays
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 24th annual Festival of One-Act Plays from February 25 through March 25 at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage. Selected from over 250 submissions world-wide, these seven cutting-edge premieres are guaranteed to entertain and engage. Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the plays will feature Steve Ayle, Tamralynn Dorsa, Antoine Jones, Brittany Lacey, Phyllis March, Evan Teich, Steven Uihlein, Sean Amato, Ava Andrejko, Angelo DiBiase, Samantha Fierro, Jason Furnari, Melissa Norman, Danielle Pafundi, and Tristan Prin. Please Note: Adult content and language. All tickets are $20. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Tape’
The Theatre at Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents a production of Tape by Stephen Belber in Theatre 119 in the Islip Arts Building on March 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. After 10 years apart, three disparate people come together to play out the unresolved drama of their final days in high school. Suspense builds as each character is provoked into revealing his or her true nature and motivation as they choose which cards to play and which cards to hold. Mature content. General admission is $14. For tickets, call 451-4163.
* All numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.
The Quartet 'Antiquity' from the Harbormen Chorus sing to two 'sweethearts.'
“Let me call you sweetheart…” The Harbormen Men’s Chorus is out in public again, singing and entertaining at various venues. This year quartets will be offering in-person and virtual singing Valentines. If an in-person presentation is acceptable, four elegant gentlemen can visit your home, office, school, restaurant or any other locale on Monday, Feb. 13 or Tuesday, Feb. 14 to sing two love songs and present a rose, chocolates and a personalized card to your sweetheart for $75. If preferred, you can request a link that delivers a digital version of the songs with a personalized introduction for only $35. Call 631-644-0129 with your preferred format and times.
Playwright Jude Treder-Wolff will host (Mostly) True Things: 'Bad Valentines and Worst Dates Ever' on Saturday, Feb. 11.
By Melissa Arnold
When you’re on a mission to find your perfect match, it’s safe to say you’ll have some less-than-great experiences along the way. It happens to the best of us.
Whether you’re partnered up or flying solo, an evening of Valentines-themed storytelling is sure to be relatable and entertaining.
The Performing Arts Studio in Port Jefferson will host a production of (Mostly) True Things, a recurring show featuring people from all walks of life sharing real, personal experiences. Their Feb. 11 production is themed “Bad Valentines and Worst Dates Ever.”
There’s also a game wrapped into the evening — while all four stories are true, three storytellers will change subtle little details. In Act 2, the audience will have a chance to question each person and decide for themselves who’s being sneaky. Winners get a tote bag, and the whole truth about each story is shared before the end of the night. It’s a combination of comedy, heart and community that is truly a unique experience every time.
The host and creator of (Mostly) True Things is Selden resident Jude Treder-Wolff, a creative soul who has worn a number of hats.
“I grew up in a family where everyone learned to play piano, and I fell in love with it. I’ve always been a musician and a performer, and I got a degree in music therapy in my 20s,” Treder-Wolff explained. “Music has always been a healing art form for me … I love helping people tap into their creativity and use the arts as a way to express their feelings.”
After working as a music therapist in hospitals, rehab facilities and sessions with children, Treder-Wolff went to graduate school for social work and began a private practice.
She was also growing creatively, getting involved with the cabaret scene in New York City and writing her own material. A mentor encouraged her to share true stories from her own life as well.
(Mostly) True Things has appeared around New York City, Long Island and the Midwest since 2014, weaving the performers’ stories with original songs written and performed by Treder-Wolff.
This Valentine’s edition is special, she notes.
“I don’t usually do themed shows, but a while back I was in a show called ‘Worst Dates Ever,’ and it was hilarious, so I put out a request for story pitches on that theme,” she said.
To be cast in the show, potential storytellers meet with Jude, often via Zoom, to present their ideas. If it’s a good fit, they’ll work with her to develop a carefully-crafted and polished story for the show — possibly with those little white lies added in.
Among the Feb. 11 performers is Kelly Massaro, a Westhampton Beach middle school teacher and writer.
“I was a scarecrow in my elementary school play, and that’s all the theater experience I have. I’m feeling terrified and thrilled,” Massaro admitted, laughing. “But I made a New Year’s resolution to try new things. I saw (Mostly) True Things in the past and knew I wanted to share some of my writing with Jude … The show was so evocative, thoughtful and funny — the little twist of trying to find who’s telling their story straight is really engaging for the audience.”
Massaro will share the ups and downs of learning to own her romantic history while giving herself permission to love. It may not be the funniest story of the night, but she hopes it will resonate.
“The most important stories come from being vulnerable,” Massaro said. “I want to reach the person in the audience who might be nursing a broken heart.”
The evening will also feature performances by humor writer Ivy Eisenberg; playwright Jack Canfora; and political comedian Joey Novick.
Ultimately, the goal is to leave the audience feeling hopeful, Treder-Wolff said.
“Everyone can enjoy this because it’s both comedic and real,” she added. “I think it can help people to feel a lot less alone in their life experiences.”
See (Mostly) True Things: “Bad Valentines and Worst Dates Ever” at The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St., Port Jefferson on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 online at www.mostlytruethings.com or $20 at the door (cash only). The show is recommended for teens and adults. For more information, call 631-928-6529.
In celebration of Galentine’s Day, Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will host a Galentine’s Hoots and Handmade Pottery event on Friday, Feb. 10 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Get your gals & pals together for a crafty evening of making pottery and meeting some amazing animals. No experience needed! Alison from Pottery on Wheels will teach you how to throw pottery on a wheel and make sculptures. The fun event includes everything you’ll need to make two hand thrown wheel pieces and a small sculpture. You’ll also be meeting some of the Center’s amazing ambassador owls and other animals. Light snacks and drinks will be served.
Pieces will be fired and glazed back at Alison’s pottery studio and returned to be picked up about 2 weeks later. A wonderful opportunity to learn pottery and have the most unique pottery experience!
This event for teens & adults (anyone under 17y must be with an adult). Tickets are $100 per person. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. Questions? Call 631-979-6344.
Handler Greg Drossel introduces Holtsville Hal to the crowd on Feb. 2, 2023. Photo by Heidi Sutton
Town Clerk Kevin LaValle holds the scroll as Superintendent Losquadro reveals Holtsville Hal’s official prognostication. Photo from Town of Brookhaven
Town of Brookhaven Highway Superintendent reads the prognostication with Town Clerk Kevin LaValle. Photo by Heidi Sutton
Handler Greg Drossel picks up Holtsville Hal at the event. Photo by Heidi Sutton
Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro, Greg Drossel and Holtsville Hal after the prediction. Photo courtesy of Town of Brookhaven
Kevin LaValle, Dan Losquadro and Hal’s handler, Greg Drossel, at the 2023 Groundhog Day celebration at the Holtsville Ecology Center. Photo from Town of Brookhaven
Hal greets the crowd. Photo from Town of Brookhaven
Holtsville Hal posed for photos at the annual Groundhog Day event. Photo by Heidi Sutton
A sign on stage shows photos from previous Groundhog Day events. Photo by Heidi Sutton
By Heidi Sutton
The Town of Brookhaven held its annual Groundhog Day celebration at the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve on Thursday, Feb. 2. Many families with young children braved the frigid weather to hear a very important prediction from Suffolk County’s most famous weatherman, Holtsville Hal.
Before he read this year’s prognostication, Town of Brookhaven Superintendent Dan Losquadro gave a bit of history of Groundhog Day and how it began in Pennsylvania in 1886 but joked, “We like to say we have the most accurate weatherman. I know they’ve been doing it for longer there in Pennsylvania but Holtsville Hal is the real deal here. Punxsutawney Phil, he had his time; it’s time for Holtsville Hal now.”
At 7:25 a.m. sharp, before a crowd of several hundred spectators, the groundhog awoke from his slumber and saw his shadow, which, according to folklore, means six more weeks of winter.
Superintendent Losquadro read Hal’s official 2023 prediction with help from the town’s newly appointed clerk, Kevin LaValle.
“As I stepped out of my burrow on this early winter morn’, I rubbed at my eyes and let out a great yawn. It soon became clear the crowd was not here for Honey Bear, my prognostication was what everyone was waiting to hear. Six more weeks of winter or an early spring? I know you can’t wait what my prediction will bring. And so, at 7:25 a.m. on this brisk winter day, I have recorded my prediction and am sorry to say, at sunrise this morning I was startled to see, a shadow in the shape of … none other than me. I scurried back inside to return to my nap, not before reminding you to hold onto your mittens and cap. Spring will have to wait, Mother Nature is not through; six more weeks of winter you can look forward to!”
“I’m always hopeful Hal will predict an early spring and assist with my snow removal budget, but if his prediction proves to be correct, the Brookhaven Highway Department remains ready to handle whatever Mother Nature sends our way,” said Superintendent Losquadro. “I want to thank everyone who took the time to come out and take part in this fun, annual tradition.”
After the event, festivalgoers were treated to bagels courtesy of Bagel Lovers and hot chocolate from 7-Eleven and were able to visit the 100 animals that call the Ecology Site home including deer, horses, goats, llamas, hawks and its newest addition, Leo the Lynx. The center, which is open all year-round, also includes greenhouses, gardens, and jogging and exercise trails. For more information, visit www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-451-5330.
In honor of its 30th anniversary, Groundhog Day returns to select theaters nationwide on Feb. 2 and Feb. 5, courtesy of Fathom Events and Columbia Pictures.
Bill Murray in a scene from the film.
Snowed in during a trip to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities, television weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) finds himself stuck in time, endlessly repeating February 2nd.His world is inhabited by the same people every day, but they don’t know Groundhog Day is repeating itself. That gives him a certain advantage: He can find out what a woman is looking for in a man, and then the “next” day behave in exactly the right way to impress her. Luckily there is a woman close by to practice on. She’s Rita (Andie MacDowell), Phil’s long-suffering producer, who has had to put up with his tantrums, demands and surliness. Gradually Phil is able to see the error of his ways and improve his behavior until, finally, a Groundhog Day dawns when she finally likes him.
Locally, the film will be screened at Island 16 Cinema de Lux in Holtsville, AMC Stony Brook 17 and Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. and on Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Holtsville Hal and his handler, Greg Drossel, during a previous Groundhog Day celebration.
Photo by Kristen D'Andrea/Town of Brookhaven
By Heidi Sutton
“Well, it’s Groundhog Day, again.”— quote from Groundhog Day (1993)
Pennsylvania may have the legendary groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, but here in Suffolk County we have our very own prognosticator of prognosticators, Holtsville Hal. The cute little rodent with his buck teeth and short bushy tail will be the star of the day as the Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve celebrates Groundhog Day with a special event on Feb. 2. Hundreds will gather to hear Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro announce Holtsville Hal’s famous forecast.
According to tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow after stirring from hibernation on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; if not, spring should arrive early. Superintendent Losquadro will reveal Hal’s prognostication at approximately 7:25 a.m.
“Our annual Groundhog Day celebration is an enjoyable tradition for many local families,” said Superintendent Losquadro in a press release. “I’m always hopeful Hal will predict an early spring to help my snow removal budget, but either way this is a much-anticipated event each year in Brookhaven Town.”
“Holtsville Hal’s prognostication is anxiously anticipated every year and it’s always a relief when he predicts an early spring. Let’s hope that he doesn’t see his shadow on Groundhog Day and we can look forward to a short winter season,” added Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine.
Although he’s sure to be the center of attention, Holtsville Hal will not be the only animal available for viewing on Feb. 2. Following the ceremony, residents are welcome to enjoy some free hot chocolate and visit the more than 100 non-releasable, wild or injured animals residing at the Animal Preserve, including its latest resident, Leonardo “Leo” DiCatprio, the Eurasian Lynx, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Preserve is also home to a buffalo, black bear, bobcat, coatamundi, hybrid wolves, an artic fox, goats, horses, pigs, cows, alpaca, deer and many more.
Gates will open at the Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, at 7 a.m.; parking is free.
Residents are asked to arrive as close to 7 a.m. as possible to get a good view of Hal. Call 631-451-5330 for more information.
(Left to right) Social worker Taylor Cohen; social worker Alexia Bellini; and student-writer Sophia Gregorio. Photo courtesy Andrew Harris
By Sophia Gregorio
For the second straight year, the Lake Grove-based Trek Bicycle Store has donated two bicycles to Comsewogue School District.
The bike store generously gave the bicycles to help those needing something for the holidays.
“Trek Lake Grove is happy to help families in the Port Jefferson Station community this year,” said store manager Catie Gregorio.
Comsewogue School District would like to thank Trek Lake Grove and anyone who donated to the needy during the holiday season.
Comsewogue High School principal, Michael Mosca, commented on the value such donations add to the greater community.
“This is what makes our community special,” he said. “Everyone is willing to go above and beyond to help one another. We are very grateful for our community partners and all they do for our students and our schools.”
Sophia Gregorio is a sophomore at Comsewogue High School.
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