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Holiday tree competition returns to Stony Brook Village

by Press Release - November 11, 2022

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On Dec. 4, participants of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Holiday Tree Competition will bring holiday cheer to Stony Brook Village and decorate 45 premium balsam trees that will line the open-air center’s walkways at the 43rd annual Holiday Festival.

One tree will be selected by votes from the public between Dec. 4 and Dec. 2t to win a $150 gift certificate to Stony Brook Village and its establishments. Registration for this event is required as there are only 45 trees available.

Registration forms may be picked up at any of the shops in Stony Brook Village, or you can download it digitally from the events section of the Stony Brook Village Center website. To enter this competition, please return the completed registration form, with entry fee to the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, P.O. Box 572, Stony Brook, NY 11790. The registration form along with an entry fee of $47 is due by Nov. 23.

The decorated trees will remain in the village for viewing until Jan. 3. Questions? Call 631-751-2244.

by TBR Staff - November 11, 2022

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Thank you Veterans for serving our country and protecting our freedoms.

— The staff at TBR News Media

St. George Living History Productions presents the Holly Jolly Holiday Party Nov. 19

by Tara Mae - November 11, 2022

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By Tara Mae

Seasons greetings from St. George Living History Productions in conjunction with the Leo P. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum! On Saturday, Nov. 19, at 11 a.m., St. George Living History Productions will present the Holly Jolly Holiday Party, at RJO Intermediate School, 99 Old Dock Road Kings Park which houses the museum.

The two hour extravaganza, featuring a lecture, Q&A session, and luncheon, is St. George Living History Productions’ first in-person event in more than two years. It is a multifaceted celebration of holiday television specials of the past and the festive spirit of the present.

“This is not just a lecture, it is a holiday party. There will be some games, dancing, and fun. The playlist will consist of classic holiday favorites,” said Sal St. George, co-founder of St. George Living History Productions. “People are going to have a wonderful time and it will bring back so many nostalgic memories.”

Unforgettable musical interludes include clips featuring timeless stars such as Julie Andrews, Lucille Ball, Ella Fitzgerald, Danny Kaye, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Bing Crosby, and David Bowie. Classic holiday films will also be represented with scenes from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas.”

Even the lunch menu embraces the theme of holiday nostalgia, featuring recipes from The Frank Sinatra Celebrity Cookbook. “All of the food we serve are celebrities’ favorites,” said Darren St. George, creative director of St. George Living History Productions.

Bringing history to life and honoring the past as it informs the present and inspires the future are tenets of Sal and Darren personally and St. George Productions professionally.

The production company is a family affair. Founded over 30 years ago by Sal and his wife Mary, Darren joined his parents in the business at a young age. Now Darren’s wife Cassandra also works for the company. This mini-community formed from strong interpersonal connections is a key force behind-the-scenes, and Sal wants others to be able to create such bonds through the links of shared interests and communal warmth.

During the start of COVID lockdown, Darren developed a plan to offer Sal’s entertainment lectures via Zoom. This then expanded into virtually touring celebrity and cinema history museums, with proceeds going to benefit those organizations. Sal still does a weekly Zoom lecture on Mondays.

Envisioned by Sal years ago as a community building event that celebrated the merriment of televised holiday concerts and variety shows, the Holly Jolly Holiday Party strives to invoke the comfort of these viewing experiences while encouraging attendees to celebrate the company of each other. And, as with any St. George production, the underlying theme is entertainment that is both educational and ebullient.

“This is something I have wanted to do for a long time,” Sal said. “People are going to have a wonderful time and it will bring back so many nostalgic memories. We want people to walk out of there with smiles on their faces.”

That goal is shared by Dr. Timothy Egan, superintendent of the Kings Park School District, which includes RJO Intermediate School. Sal and his wife Mary, the other co-founder of St. George Productions, originally reached out to him about a potential collaboration prior the pandemic.

“I am looking forward to history being brought to life. I am also looking forward to hosting history-related events at RJO Intermediate School once again. The building (1928) was the original K-12 site of the Kings Park Central School District,” Egan said.

“There are quite a few people that are by themselves and we welcome them to come and be party of the family — they should not feel funny coming by themselves…People have had such a hard time the past few years, and we want to help them put that behind them,” Sal said.

$1 of each ticket sale goes directly to the Leo P. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum, which was created in 1994 and officially established by the Kings Park Central School District’s Board of Education to preserve the history of the hamlet of Kings Park.

For individuals who prefer to virtually attend the party, it will be broadcast via Zoom. Tickets may be purchased online at www.stgeorgelivinghistory.com.

Kids Korner: Nov. 10 to Nov. 17, 2022

by Heidi Sutton - November 9, 2022

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Peter_Rabbit_still_1 — CINEMA FOR KIDS Catch a screening of the adorable flick 'Peter Rabbit' at the Cinema Arts Centre on Nov. 13.

PROGRAMS

Children’s Storytime

Barnes and Noble, 600 Smith Haven Mall Lake Grove will host a Children’s Storytime on Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. Author Sarah S. Anker will read from her new book, Below the Ocean: Keeping Our Sea Friends Safe, followed by a Q&A session and book signing. For more informaiton, call 724-0341.

Shell Necklace Workshop

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor will hold a Shell Necklance workshop on Nov. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. Get to know the land and the people of the Shinnecock Nation in this special art and culture workshop presented by special guest Denise Silva-Dennis member of the Shinnecock and Hassanamisco Nations. Make a beautiful shell necklace to take home with you. For ages 5 and older. $15 (includes $5 admission fee). Register at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Marshmallows, Cocoa and Crafts

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, E. Setauket hosts a children’s workship titled Marshmallows, Cocoa and Crafts on Nov. 12 and 13 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Come down to the farm for an early evening fun event! Create your very own cocoa cups, make a snowy time marshmallow craft, take a tour of the farm, and enjoy seasonal stories by the warm fire. For ages 4 to 9. $40 per child. To register, call 689-8172.

Fall Scavenger Hunt

Go on a Fall Scavenger Hunt with the staff of Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park on Nov. 13 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Take in some of the beautiful fall foliage as you and your family have a spooktacular time finding all of the silly, spooky, and strange items on your scavenger hunt list. $4 per personTo register, visit EventBrite.com and search #NatureEdventure. Call 269-5351.

Owl Prowl Sunday

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for an Owl Prowl Sunday on Nov. 13 fro 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. Meet and learn about some of the Center’s resident owls and then embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night. Bring a flashligh. For families with children ages 6 and up. $15 per person. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. Call 979-6344 for further information.

Turkey Time!

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Tiny Tots program, Turkey Time!, on Nov. 17 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 and their parents will connect with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. To register, call 269-5351.

THEATER

‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown kicks off the holiday season with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. from Nov. 19 to Jan. 22 with a special sensory performance on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. All seats are $25. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents the holiday musical Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 19 to Dec. 30 with a sensory sensitive performance on Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As our littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukah, and the holiday season. Tickets are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Frosty’

A perennial favorite, Frosty returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. from Nov. 26 to Dec. 24 and daily from Dec. 26 to 31. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘Peter Rabbit’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Peter Rabbit (2018)) on Nov. 13 at noon. Based on the books by Beatrix Potter, follow the adventures of Peter Rabbit, Flopsy Mopsy, Cotton Tail and their cousin Benjamin. Rated PG. Tickets are $12 adults, $5 children ages 12 and under. Call 423-7610.

You’re invited to tour historic Old Field by candlelight this December

by Cayla Rosenhagen - November 9, 2022

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Three Village Historical Society presents Candlelight House Tour Dec. 2 & 3

By Cayla Rosenhagen

With its waterside, windy roads lined with old-growth forests and historic homes bedecked in twinkling lights, ribbons, and garland, a visit to Old Field is nothing short of stepping into a holiday Hallmark movie crossed with a Norman Rockwell illustration making it the perfect place to be featured during this year’s Three Village Historical Society Candlelight House Tour in December. Explore the village by candlelight and learn about its historic properties, all the while soaking up the enchanting beauty of the holiday season.

The fundraiser event was first held in 1979, and since then, has been centered around a different Three Village locale every year. Currently, the Tour is led by co-chairs Patty Cain and Patty Yantz. According to Yantz, the first House Tour was led by Eva Glaser and Liz Tyler to raise money for the restoration of the Setauket Neighborhood House, which at the time housed the Three Village Historical Society.

“Today the Candlelight House Tour is the Society’s largest fundraiser and has become a greatly anticipated community event … The Three Village community, serving as our classroom, has given us the ability to teach about architecture, art, and various designs and period styles. However, more importantly, we have gained insight and learned about the people who came before us that have helped shape our shared community,” said Yantz.

This year, they chose to showcase the scenic, residential village of Old Field as it celebrates 95 years since its founding. Participants can look forward to tours of several historic properties in addition to an optional meal and reception at the stately Old Field Club.

The featured properties consist of four residential homes, the Widewater barn on the Pius Estate, and finally, the Keeper’s Cottage at the Old Field Point Lighthouse, all professionally decorated for the holidays. The Gothic-Revival lighthouse is quite possibly the most famous landmark of Old Field and was built in 1869 atop the cliffs overlooking the Long Island Sound.

Hosted for two days, Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3, the Candlelight House Tour offers guests multiple ticket options to choose from. On Friday, all tours begin at 6 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. The first ticket option, which includes only the tour, costs $75 for members of the TVHS and $90 for non-members. For participants 21 and over, Friday’s Tour and Reception package includes a buffet meal at the Old Field Club with wine, beer, entertainment, and a raffle of one-of-a-kind items. This all-inclusive ticket is $145 for members, and $175 for non-members.

On Saturday, the tours are hosted in the morning and are preceded by an optional breakfast reception at the Club. For guests interested in only the tour, tickets are $55 for members and $70 for non-members. Their tour will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. For guests who purchase the Breakfast and Tour ticket, breakfast at the Club is from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and the guests get exclusive early access to the House Tour, which begins at 10 a.m. and wraps up at 4 p.m. This ticket costs $90 for TVHS members and $120 for non-members.

Tickets may be purchased at the Three Village Historical Society headquarters, 93 North Country Road, Setauket or online at www.tvhs.org. Guests must be 12 years of age and over. All ticket holders can stop by the Reboli Center to pick up a complementary art print while supplies last.

“The tour would not be possible without our gracious homeowners, generous sponsors, our dedicated volunteers, talented decorators, and of course our wonderful, supportive community,” said Yantz. “Our motivation in co-chairing this event for a decade is appreciating how the Candlelight House Tour has become such a wonderful unifying force connecting so many people together in the spirit of cooperation in our wonderful community.”

Veterans Day events on the North Shore

by Heidi Sutton - November 9, 2022

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A scene from Veterans of Foreign War Post 3054's Memorial Day ceremony in East Setauket. Photo by Beverly C. Tyler

THANK YOU VETERANS!

Each November, individuals across the United States gather to remember and honor the brave men and women who devoted their lives to maintaining the freedoms U.S. residents continue to enjoy. Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 and pays tribute to all American veterans — including the living and deceased — but especially thanks the living veterans who served honorably during war or peacetime, according to History.com.

Veterans Day originally was known as Armistice Day, which was established to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day in an effort to recognize all veterans.

That name change is just one of many interesting facts about Veterans Day.

• November 11, 1918, was largely considered the end of the “war to end all wars,” even though the Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended World War I, was signed roughly seven months later on June 28, 1919.

• The last living American WWI veteran, Frank Buckles, died in 2011.

• While Veterans Day is an American holiday, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and France also honor the veterans of World War I and World War II on or near November 11th. Canada celebrates Remembrance Day, while Britain observes Remembrance Sunday each year on the second Sunday of November.

• The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates women make up approximately 10 percent of the veteran population. By 2025, that number is expected to climb to 12 percent.

• In 2016, President Barack Obama signed the Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act. At 3:11 p.m. (Atlantic Standard Time) on Veterans Day, a moment of silence is observed and continues for 120 seconds.

• Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs says there are around 19 million U.S. veterans as of 2021.

Here are some Veterans Day events on Nov. 11 :

East Setauket

VFW Post 3054 will host a veterans recognition service at the Memorial Park at the corner of Shore Road and Route 25A in East Setauket on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. Residents are invited to join local veterans for a short ceremony that will feature the laying of wreaths from local community groups. For further details, call 631-751-5541.

Greenlawn

Hosted by American Legion Post 1244, a Veterans Day ceremony will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Pulaski Road, Greenlawn on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. with neighboring American Legion posts plus many community groups and Scouts. Call 516-523-9391.

Port Jefferson

American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432 invites the community to attend its Centennial Veterans Day/Armistice Day Memorial Observance Remembrance at Veterans Memorial Park on East Broadway in Port Jefferson (across from Village Hall) on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. For more information, call 631-626-2911.

Smithtown

Smithtown American Legion Post 833, and Smithtown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10870 will hold a Veterans Day Ceremony honoring our nations veterans at Veterans Plaze, Main St., Smithtown on Nov. 11 at 10:45 p.m. Local Boy and Girl scout troops, Smithtown HS students, State, County and Town dignitaries will participate in the event.Questions? Call 724-1804.

Sound Beach

The Sound Beach Civic Association will hold a Veterans Day service on Nov. 11 at the Sound Beach Veterans Memorial Park on New York Ave. at 11 a.m. All are welcome. For more information call 631-744-6952.

St. James

Sgt. John W. Cooke VFW Post 395 will host a Veterans Day Parade in St. James on Nov. 11. The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. and head down Lake Avenue to St. James Elementary School. For more info, call 516-987-6201.

Let’s Eat: Celebrate a cheesecake dessert for the holidays

by Heidi Sutton - November 7, 2022

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By Heidi Sutton

Delicious desserts certainly are the cornerstones of the holiday season. This is a time of year to indulge a little more, with cookies in break rooms at places of employment and cakes on the tables at family gatherings.

Decadent and mouth-watering, cheesecake is a dessert table staple. Everyone has a favorite cheesecake variety, and bakeries fill their display cases with plain or fruit-topped cheesecake offerings. Although making a cheesecake is a labor of love, the results often are well worth the effort.

The recipe for Amaretti Cheesecake from “Cooking Light: Dinner’s Ready” (Oxmoor House) utilizes a slow cooker to help make this cheesecake perfection while the recipe for Marled Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies from “Chocolate” (Love Food) mixes cheesecake with brownies to make a delicious creation the kids will love.

Amaretti Cheesecake

YIELD: Makes 10 servings

INGREDIENTS:

For the crust:

2⁄3 cup amaretti cookie crumbs (about 16 cookies)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 tablespoon sugar

Cooking spray

For the filling:

2 (8-ounce) blocks fat-free cream cheese, softened and divided

1 (8-ounce) block 1⁄3-less-fat cream cheese, softened

2⁄3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

3⁄4 teaspoon almond extract

Raspberries, optional

DIRECTIONS:

To prepare crust, combine the first three ingredients, tossing with a fork until moist and crumbly. Gently press mixture into the bottom of a 7-inch springform pan coating with cooking spray.

To prepare filling, beat 1 block fat-free cream cheese and 1⁄3-less-fat cream cheese with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add remaining 1 block fat-free cream cheese; beat until blended. Add 2⁄3 cup sugar and flour; beat well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in almond extract. Pour batter over crust in pan.

Pour 1 cup hot water into bottom of a 5-quart slow cooker. Place a rack in slow cooker (rack should be taller than water level). Place pan on rack. Place several layers of paper towels over slow cooker insert. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, or until center of cheesecake barely moves when pan is touched. Remove lid from slow cooker; turn off heat, and run a knife around outside edge. Let cheesecake stand in slow cooker 1 hour. remove cheesecake from slow cooker. Cool to room temperature in pan on a wire rack. Cover and chill at least 6 hours. Cut into wedges. Garnish with raspberries, if desired.

Marled Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies

YIELD: Makes 12 servings

INGREDIENTS:

3⁄4 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

1 cup superfine sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup all-purpose flour

Cheesecake mix

1cup ricotta cheese

3 tablespoons superfine sugar

1 egg beaten

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease an 11 x 7-inch cake pan and line with parchment paper. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, remove from the heat, and stir in the unsweetened cocoa and the sugar. Beat in the eggs, then add the flour, and stir to mix evenly. Pour into the prepared pan.

For the cheesecake mix, beat together the ricotta, sugar and egg, then drop teaspoonfuls of the mixture over the chocolate mixture. Use a metal spatula to swirl the two mixtures tightly together.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until just firm to the touch. Cool in the pan, then cut into bars or squares.

Mount Sinai High School hosts 12th edition of “Safe Trick or Treat”

by Bill Landon - November 5, 2022

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Mount Sinai’s student government members featured the 12th edition of their “Safe Trick or Treat” celebration on Saturday, Oct. 29, drawing over 1,100 trick-or-treaters, according to student government faculty advisor Roger Cardo.

Admission was free, although donations were welcomed to cover the cost of all the candy and refreshments.

Non-perishable food items were collected to benefit local food kitchens. The students set up the night before and were in at 7 a.m. to finish setting up more than a dozen rooms, which included the Haunted Hallway, Best Buddies, the Ocean Bowl and the Balloon Room, to name a few.

Mr. Cardo credited the large turnout to word of mouth, the fliers that were circulated at the middle school, along with the efforts of more than 30 student government members, and seniors Destina Erden, Amanda Audia, Kate Rubino and Amr Ali. Fun was had by all.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Razor blade found in Setauket trick-or-treater’s candy

by Press Release - November 4, 2022

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Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct officers are investigating an incident where a candy bar received from trick or treating was found with a razor blade inside the bar.

A 13-year-old girl was trick or treating on October 31 and then traded candy with her classmates at PJ Gelinas Junior High School over the past few days. The girl found a razor blade in a mini 3 Musketeers bar ton Nov. 3 and her mother reported it to police at approximately 7:35 p.m.

Police are asking residents to make sure adults are present when children open candy they received from trick or treating, especially in Stony Brook and Setauket.

Officers are asking anyone with information to call the Sixth Precinct Crime Section at 631-854-8626, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

‘Tis the Season: Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights return

by Press Release - November 2, 2022

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unnamed-1 — Photo courtesy of the Bronx Zoo

The opening of Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo marks the unofficial start to the New York City holiday season. The family-favorite tradition opens to the public on Friday, November 18 and will run on select dates through Jan. 8.

Holiday Lights is a fully outdoor experience. The six lantern trails have been reimagined and more than 70 new lanterns/30 new species have been added for 2022. In all, there are more than 360 wildlife-themed lanterns representing 90 species spread across an expansive area of the zoo. There are six lantern trails that depict scenes from geographic regions and ecosystems: North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia, oceans, and the Forest of Color which features larger-than-life representations of some of the lesser known but impressively colorful animals and plants vital to the Earth’s ecosystems.

“Holiday Lights returned to the Bronx Zoo in 2019 and each year we have grown the event significantly” said Jim Breheny, Bronx Zoo Director. “Each year we add more animal lanterns and new experiences. Holiday Lights is now bigger than ever and gives everyone an exciting new way to learn about wildlife while experiencing the spirit of the season.”

The event includes massive light shows, synchronized to seasonal music, on historic Astor Court. Additional trees and features have been added making this the zoo’s biggest light show experience ever. Glowing animal-themed stilt walkers, train rides, Wildlife Theater shows, ice carving demonstrations, and seasonal treats including s’mores and hot chocolate make for a complete Holiday outing for the whole family.

In addition to the dozens of new animal lanterns, expanded light shows, and activities, the zoo has added several special nights to the line-up. December 2-4 will be a Pajama Party Weekend; December 26-30 will feature professional holiday carolers; New Year’s Eve will include a family-friendly new year countdown; and Schiff Hall will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind Illuminated Playground January 6-8.

December 29 will be a special sensory-inclusive night designed for guests who thrive in a sensory-supportive environment. During this special evening, guests can expect the same great Holiday Lights experience with some modifications to make it more sensory friendly.

Holiday Lights will operate on select dates from November 18 to January 8. Tickets for Holiday Lights must be purchased in advance and are date specific. Tickets are now available online. Visit the Know before You Go page for all details.WCS members receive a 40-percent discount. Members at the Conservation Supporter level will receive free admission to Holiday Lights.

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