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Mt. Sinai High School students spread holiday cheer at local senior center

by Press Release - December 21, 2024

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0-6 — Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On December 19, student musicians from the Mount Sinai School District was invited to the Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mt. Sinai to perform seasonal songs and bring joy to the residents in attendance.

Pictured at far right is Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner, who welcomed the students and helped to spread holiday cheer during the concert. Also pictured (second row) is Santa Claus, who delivered the joy of the holidays to all in attendance.

“Celebrating at Rose Caracappa Senior Center is a most enjoyable way to welcome the holiday season. I wish a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and a Happy Year to all who attended the concert. It’s a wonderful time to spend with family and friends and I wish all town residents a safe and happy holiday season,” said Councilwoman Bonner.

See a video of the event here, courtesy of Town of Brookhaven.

Photo Gallery: Comsewogue High School hosts 6th annual Craft and Vendor Fair

by Bill Landon - December 20, 2024

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By Bill Landon

It was the 6^th annual Craft and Vendor Fair at Comsewogue High School, Saturday, Dec. 14. The event featured over 50 vendors, student club fundraisers and an opportunity to take a picture with Santa Claus.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Lynch Ballet Company captivates audiences with dynamic performance of ‘The Nutcracker’

by Jennifer Donatelli - December 20, 2024

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By Jennifer Donatelli

For many, “The Nutcracker” has become a cherished holiday tradition, and the renowned Lynch Ballet Company’s Dec. 14 performance at Huntington High School was no exception. This annual production has become a highlight of the local holiday calendar, bringing families and ballet enthusiasts together to celebrate the season with artistry and joy.

Directed by Artistic Director Karen Lynch, the production featured dancers ranging in age from 4 to 18, whose skill and dedication were evident throughout the performance. Combining detailed choreography, impressive set designs and elaborate costumes, the Lynch Ballet Company delivered a memorable experience that perfectly captured the holiday spirit.

The story of The Nutcracker follows Clara, a young girl whose nutcracker toy comes to life, leading her on a fantastical journey through magical lands filled with living toys and sugarplum fairies. While the narrative has charmed audiences for more than a century, the Lynch Ballet Company brought fresh energy to this timeless tale, grounding it in Huntington’s festive celebrations.

Seventh grader Annabelle Donovan, a student at Finley Middle School, stood out in her first major role as Clara. Her performance highlighted both the innocence and wonder of the character, showcasing Clara’s transformation into the heroine of her own story. “No matter what kind of day I had at school, I know I can come to the studio and just focus on dance. Dancing is my therapy. It makes me forget about everything else going on around me and just makes me so happy,” Donovan said.

Donovan, who has been dancing since age 3, trains three hours a day and says she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her parents, Kelly and David, also joined the production as Party Mom and Party Dad, sharing the stage with their daughter. Kelly Donovan expressed her pride, saying, “She’s worked really hard for many years, and it’s the only thing she does that allows her to express her emotions and identity through dance.”

Artistic Director Karen Lynch highlighted the unique challenges of casting such a pivotal role: “You have to look like a little girl but be old enough to carry the show since the first scene is 20 minutes, and Annie does just that.”

The role of the Nutcracker Prince was played by Jaden Scott, whose performance brought both poise and warmth to the stage, complementing Donovan’s Clara. The lively party scene characters, young mice, Russian dancers and Snowflakes contributed to the production’s energy and appeal.

Senior Julianne Tudisco, who danced the lead role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, was another standout performer. A seasoned dancer since the age of 4, Tudisco has grown up with the Lynch Ballet Company, dancing roles ranging from a mouse to the Snow Queen. “Dancing is a great escape, and I love the music and gracefulness of ballet when I come to the studio,” she said. As she prepares for college, Tudisco says ballet will always be a part of her life.

The production’s artistry extended beyond the dancers to its visually rich sets and costumes. Costume Mistress Madeleine Hindus, a former designer for American Ballet Theatre, brought period-inspired detail to the stage with her meticulously crafted costumes. From Clara’s flowing white dress to the bold, colorful attire of the Russian, Arabian and Chinese dancers, every costume added depth to the storytelling and enhanced the festive atmosphere.

The sets, too, were thoughtfully designed, transporting the audience from Clara’s cozy home to the magical Land of Sweets and the snow-covered kingdom. The growing Christmas tree during the opening party scene drew audible gasps, while the life-sized Nutcracker doll created an eye-catching visual.

For Huntington, this production of “The Nutcracker” is more than just a ballet—it’s a community tradition. Each year, the performance draws local families, friends and longtime ballet enthusiasts together to celebrate the holiday season. The Lynch Ballet Company’s focus on showcasing young talent from the area makes it a point of pride for the town.

As the final curtain fell and the dancers took their bows, the audience’s enthusiastic applause reflected the joy and wonder the production brought to the community. The performance served as a reminder of the power of art to unite people and celebrate the magic of the holiday season.

For more information on the Lynch Ballet Company visit www.lynchballet.com.

Your Turn: Trail to Eagle winds through our community

by TBR Staff - December 20, 2024

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By Robert DeStefano

You don’t have to walk too far along the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail before you notice an Eagle Scout project. Maybe it’s a bench, or perhaps some bat houses. Look closely and you might see the modest plaque that names the Eagle who led each project.

In fact, all around us, local Scouts deliver valuable service projects benefiting various local organizations and our residents at-large. In recent months, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing several of these wonderful implementations of community service in Port Jefferson Station.

Outside Boyle Road Elementary School, João Ferreira’s Eagle Scout project created an outdoor workspace for students and local organizations that use the facility. The concrete work table is roughly 14’ x 6’, offering space large enough for an elementary class to spend time learning in an outdoor classroom. His project complements existing benches in the same space, an earlier Eagle Scout project led by Jordan Roche.

Over at Comsewogue High School, Ethan Matz organized a renovation to room 123, the Courtroom classroom. His Eagle Scout project returned the space to a style reminiscent of its décor a generation ago. Comsewogue alumni may recall the courtroom that served as the classroom for now-retired educator Mr. William Bodkin. The return to that style looks fantastic, and echoes the uniquely American history taught over the years.

At the Comsewogue Community Garden, many volunteers, including several local scouting organizations, have invested time to resurrect the garden. Their efforts have been bearing fruit for a couple of seasons now. With community volunteers regularly working the vegetation, the need for more storage space was addressed through another local Eagle Scout project. Danny Cappiello project-managed the development of a new storage shed at the back of the site. At roughly 100 sq. ft., the additional storage space invites plenty of helping hands who are growing vegetables that help feed others in our community. Volunteers helping volunteers; how wonderful is that?!

Not all Eagle projects are visible in the public, but the value they provide matters to the organizations they support. Within the courtyard at John F. Kennedy Middle School, Massimo Olson has led the charge to build composting bins. The compost from these bins will help feed Jackie’s Garden (in memory of Mrs. Jacqueline Rella, wife of late Superintendent Dr. Joseph Rella), and will provide nutrients for the work of the middle school’s Greenagers club, which recently planted several young trees near the bleachers to share the athletic fields.

Most recently, Spencer Aron unveiled his Eagle Scout Project, a big Adirondack chair painted in red, white and blue for all to enjoy, at the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce’s tree lighting event at the Train Car Park.

Failure to mention how these projects are funded would be an oversight. Scouts working on their Eagle rank are required to project-manage a community service project. That includes not only planning and building, but also fundraising. This is where our wonderful community comes in. When you make a donation or attend an Eagle Scout fundraising event such as hosted by generous local restaurants, this is where your contribution goes. It enables our local youth to execute projects that give back in our local community. It lets them know that our neighbors care and support the service they do as they grow.

So, in thanking them for their work, we also thank you for supporting them on their Trail to Eagle: a rank only about 6% of Scouts earn, nationwide. An investment in them is an investment in a future that will undoubtedly inspire future leaders in our community!

If you’re interested in signing your child up for Scouting, please feel welcome to contact me at [email protected] and I’ll help you get connected with information and the Pack or Troop in your area.

Author Robert DeStefano is an Assistant Scoutmaster with Scouting America (BSA) Troop 354 and serves as trustee for the Comsewgoue School District Board of Education.

Celebrate the Festival of Lights on the North Shore

by Heidi Sutton - December 20, 2024

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By Heidi Sutton

Hanukkah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25 and ends on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 2 this year. Here are some menorah lighting ceremonies, parades and celebrations in our communities.

Commack

Multiple synagogues in the area and the Suffolk Y JCC will sponsor a community menorah lighting event at the Commack Corner Shopping Center parking lot, southeast corner of Jericho Turnpike and Commack Road, in Commack on Monday, Dec. 30 at 6:30 p.m. There will be entertainment, live music, dreidels, chocolate gelt, latkes and giveaways. 631-462-9800

Coram

Join Lubavitch of the East End for a menorah lighting at the Davis House, 263 Middle Country Road, Coram on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 4 p.m.

Dix Hills

The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills invites the community to their Grand Menorah Lighting on Thursday, Dec 26 at 5:30 p.m. with latkes and donuts. on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. 631-351-8672

East Setauket

Village Chabad, 360 Nicolls Road, East Setauket will host a Chanukah Car Parade and Grand Menorah Lighting with a Chocolate Gelt Drop on Thursday, Dec. 26 starting at 4 p.m. with latkes, donuts, magic show and hot cocoa. $10 per person in advance, $15 day before. RSVP required at at MyVillageChabad.com/RSVP. 631-585-0521

Farmingville

Join the Town of Brookhaven and Lubavitch of the East End for a Chanukah celebration at Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. with a menorah lighting, magic show, latkes, donuts and more. 631-698-4000

Greenlawn

The Greenlawn Civic Association will host a Menorah Lighting Ceremony and Hanukkah celebration at Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn in the Communiy Meeting Room on Monday, Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. www.greenlawncivic.org

Huntington

Chabad of Huntington Village will host a Grand Menorah Lighting at the Huntington Village Winter Wonderland along Wall Street on Monday, Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. featuring music by Toby Tobias, fire juggling, festive balloons, chocolate gelt and donuts. 631-276-4453

Huntington Station

Chabad of Huntington & Melville invites the commuity to a Chanukah Wonderland at the Walt Whitman Shops,160 Walt Whitman Rd, Huntington Station (near center court) on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. Enjoy dreidel painting, doughnut decorating, face painting, giant Menorah lighting, build your own menorah, balloon designing, Chanukah gelt, arts & crafts, music, family entertainment, and much more. Free. RSVP suggested. www.Melvillechabad.com/chanukah, 631-385-2424.

Mount Sinai

Join Lubavitch of the East End for a menorah lighting at Heritage Park, 633 Mt. Sinai-Coram Road, Mt. Sinai on Monday, Dec. 30 a 5:30 p.m.

Northport

Join the Village of Northport in lighting the menorah outside Northport Village Park on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. 631-261-7502

Port Jefferson Station

The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Menorah Lighting at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on Wednesday, Dec. 25 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Join them for a special ceremony led by Rabbi Aaron Benson of the North Shore Jewish Center. 631-821-1313.

St. James

The community is invited to the St. James Menorah Lighting Ceremony at The Triangle, Route 25A and Lake Ave., St. James on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 at 5 p.m., Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 28 to Jan. 2 at 5 p.m. 631-584-8510

Stony Brook

Temple Isaiah, 1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook invites the community to a Community Candlelighting on Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 5 p.m. Join Rabbi Josh, Rebbetzin Meg and the Shabbat Singers for the first night of Chanukah. Please RSVP by calling 631-751-8518.

Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown and Chabad of MidSuffolk will hold its annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Town Hall, 99 West Main St., Smithtown onThursday, Dec. 26 at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, latkes, donuts and a special gelt drop for children. 631-360-7512

Three Village Rotary hosts annual Holiday Electric Light Parade

by Steven Zaitz - December 20, 2024

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By Steven Zaitz

A cold and gray afternoon turned into a bright and cheery night in Setauket on Sunday, Dec. 15.

The annual Three Village Rotary Holiday Electric Light Parade hit the streets with an easterly march on Route 25A. Starting with a caroling choir near the water at Setauket Pond Park, the crowds began to gather at dusk along the parade route, which ran from Setauket Elementary School to Veterans Memorial Park.

A platoon of 18th century-style musket men fired off the keynote salvo, shooting their weapons into the air with fiery, ballistic bangs.

Kids from the Roseland School of Dance, Ward Melville junior cheerleaders, youth soccer players and all sorts of decorative holiday floats warmed the spirit of the crowd, which was estimated to be about 700. Over 40 groups and organizations participated, as toy and hot chocolate vendors wheeled around their wares.

Of course the star of the show, Santa Claus, eventually rolled down 25A, as well as a huge Disney-themed float featuring Mickey, Donald, and Pluto. Brookhaven town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich rode atop a float as did Deb and Michael Rosengard, both of whom served as Grand Marshals.

New York Dance Theatre celebrates the holidays with ‘The Nutcracker’

by Press Release - December 19, 2024

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Erica Pereira and Daniel Ulbricht in NYDT 2023 Nutcracker credit McaPhotos LLC — Erica Pereira and Daniel Ulbricht in NYDT 2024 Nutcracker. McaPhotos LLC

Local young dancers will share the stage with New York City Ballet stars Erica Pereira, a Northport native, and Daniel Ulbricht in New York Dance Theatre’s 42nd season of The Nutcracker at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse at Hofstra University in Hempstead on Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22 with performances each day at noon and 5 p.m.

Alyssa Tavares as Fritz and Amelia Novellino as Clara NYDT Nutcracker 2024. Mca Photos LLC

The children, 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.

Amari Bhalla, a seventh grader at Commack Middle School, and Amelia Novellino, a seventh grader at St. Patrick’s School in Smithtown, share the central role of “Clara” in two of the four shows. Anna Clemente and Alyssa Tavares, both sixth graders at Commack Middle School, share the pivotal role of Clara’s brother “Fritz,” who breaks Clara’s Nutcracker and sets the plot in motion, each performing in two of the four shows.

This year’s cast includes additional young dancers from the area as follows: Devyn Cleary, Claire DeVaney, Anna Gross, Isabel Gross, Sofia Gross, Marilyn Ihasz, Isabella Song, Nina Van Zandt, and Irene Vartholomeos of Commack; Priya Chan, Esther Cheong, Charlotte Cho, Vivian Cho, Isabella Fusaro, Mikaela Gluck, Aviva Hellman, Galina Hellman, Emily Kayen, Ariel Kerley, Hannah Litz, Elizabeth Pau, Adrianna Stucchio, and Oliva Telis of Dix Hills; Kaia Abdulkhalek and Valentina Linardic of East Northport; Angelina Zhang of East Setauket; Seraphina Moger of Greenlawn; Sarah Shao and Chuyu Li of Huntington; Leandra Guzman, Luke Sinisgalli, and Cassie Winter of Lake Grove; Mary Calefato of Nesconset; Penelope Moloney and Henley Nemeth of Northport; Laila DarConte, Giulia Katz, Samara Kolodny, Evelyn McCaughey, Juliette Struss, and Reagan Towler of Smithtown; and Emma Barry and Sonya Russo of St. James.

Anna Clemente as Fritz and Amari Bhalla as Clara. Mca Photos LLC

NYDT founder Frank Ohman (1939-2019), a former student and soloist under George Balanchine who lived in Centerport, set his staging after his mentor’s iconic Lincoln Center version, and the production includes the original Sugarplum Fairy Pas de Deux from George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker ® by permission of the George Balanchine Trust as well as costumes and props gifted by Mr. Balanchine.

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 snowstorm, 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 stage.

A semi-immersive pre-show experience returns to the theater this year that invites audience members into the Silberhaus home before the curtain rises, with the sights, smells and sounds of the Christmas Eve party that is the setting for the ballet.

Tickets range from $33 to $50, including discounts for seniors and children 12 and under. Add a photo with the cast for $5.50. To order, visit www.NYDanceTheatre.org or call 631-462-0964.

Book Review: ‘Mia’s Mouses’ story and puzzles helps kids make sense of plural nouns

by Melissa Arnold - December 18, 2024

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The cover of 'Mia's Mouses' by Joseph L. Licari

By Melissa Arnold

When it comes to language learning, English has a reputation for being tricky. The wide variety of complex rules, along with their many exceptions and inconsistencies, can cause significant frustration for both children and adult learners.

Long Island native Joseph L. Licari hopes to make the learning process a bit easier with his first children’s book, Mia’s Mouses. This picture book follows a young girl named Mia as she spends the day playing outside. Along the way, she encounters a group of friendly, talking mice — or as Mia incorrectly calls them, “mouses.”

The cover of ‘Mia’s Mouses’ by Joseph L. Licari

They gently work to give Mia advice about plural nouns, which opens up a whole world of questions for the young girl. She takes her confusion to school, and with a little help from her teacher, Miss Jess, Mia finally gets the hang of it. In the end, Mia eagerly shares her new skills with her mouse friends. The easy-to-read story is supported by bright, colorful illustrations by Victor Nieto. Each character’s personality shines through with unique outfits and expressive faces.

This book’s success comes from its simple rhyming style. It helps build on kids’ existing reading comprehension while helping to cement plural rules (dogs and frogs, houses and blouses). It also goes beyond the word “mice” to introduce other plural nouns with special rules, including “fish,” “people,” “men” and “children,” among others.

Mia’s Mouses is a fine resource on its own, but it’s even more useful when paired with the companion Mia’s Mouses Workbook and Coloring Book. The 40-page addition includes line-art versions of some of the book’s illustrations, along with key passages from the story. Word searches and crossword puzzles of various sizes are interspersed throughout the coloring book along with basic grammar exercises. Most of the coloring pages are single-sided, so you can easily tear out and display your little one’s hard work. One small detraction: there are no perforations, so be careful.

All told, this story and workbook are a fun way to subtly reinforce what early readers are learning at school without the feeling of doing homework. Even younger children who aren’t reading yet can get involved by coloring while an older sibling or friend does a puzzle.

Mia’s Mouses received the 2024 Pencraft Seasonal Book Award for Children in the K through 3rd Grade General category and is a Readers’ Choice Book Award Finalist. Joseph Licari deserves praise for the deep forethought that went into creating the book and workbook duo. As a former business owner and current music teacher, Licari mentors people of all ages and is focused on helping them to truly enjoy their learning experience. He is a member of the Smithtown Library Writers Group and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Find Mia’s Mouses at your favorite online bookseller in hardcover, softcover and e-book formats. Mia’s Mouses Workbook and Coloring Book is sold separately in softcover only.

Kids Korner: Dec. 19 to26, 2024

by Heidi Sutton - December 18, 2024

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The nightmare before christmas — Catch a screening of 'The Nighmare Before Christmas' at the Cinema Arts Centre this Sunday.

PROGRAMS

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Candledipping Workshop

Lighten up! Ignite your creativity, roll up your sleeves, and create your own custom, hand-dipped candle with tinted waxes to take home with you at a drop-in Candledipping Workshop at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Design a colorful seashell candleholder for your candle to light up your home this winter! See whale blubber and oil from our collection, which were historically used for illumination. Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. No registration required. 631-367-3418

Gingerbread House Workshop

Children ages 4 to 10 are invited to join Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket for a Gingerbread House workshop on Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. This event consists of several gingerbread activities that incorporate the spirit of the farm during the holidays. Each child will go home with a gingerbread home and many crafts made on the farm. $40 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Festive Lighthouses

Did you know lighthouses were lit with whale oil? The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Festive Lighthouses drop-in workshop on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Design and decorate a unique lighthouse of your own — complete with battery-powered tea light and mini wreath — to light up your home this winter. Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. No registration required 631-367-3418

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Dec. 23 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Vanderbilt Winter Recess Workshops

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport offers two workshops for winter recess — Bulb Botany & Winter Blooms on Dec. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon and Solstice Lantern & Planetarium Show on Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. $20 per child, $18 members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Holiday Train Display

Town of Brookhaven’s Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road, Ridge will host a Holiday Train Display from Dec. 26 to Dec 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in an “I Spy” game and try to find all the hidden items in the display. Free event. 631-924-1820

FILM

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas on Dec. 22 at noon. Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. To order in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

Celebrate the holidays with Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 23 to Dec. 28. 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, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Frosty’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport celebrates the return of Frosty from Nov. 23 to Dec. 29. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from 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 and get Frosty to the North Pole. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Frozen Jr’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Frozen Jr’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Featuring all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

Port Jefferson students shine at the 28th Annual Charles Dickens Festival

by Press Release - December 17, 2024

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Students from the Port Jefferson School District recently participated in the 28th Annual Charles Dickens Festival. This beloved community event celebrates the traditions and spirit of the Victorian era. This year’s festivities included Residents’ Night and Lantern Dedication ceremony.

The festival’s performances showcased the incredible talent of Port Jefferson’s young musicians. Students from the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, and Port Jefferson Middle School had the honor of participating in a series of live performances that enchanted festivalgoers with holiday music and classic tunes.

The Port Jefferson Tri-M Music Honor Society Mixed Ensemble, under the direction of Edward Pisano, helped kick off the event with a lively and spirited performance. The Port Jefferson Middle School String Orchestra, directed by Vanessa Salzman, followed with an elegant display of skill and harmony. The Edna Louise Spear Elementary School Select Choir, directed by Laurel Zimlinghaus, captivated the audience with their youthful voices, setting a warm tone for the season.

Additionally, the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Joseph Albano, provided beautiful choral renditions, while the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School String Orchestra, led by Michael Caravello, rounded out the musical performances with their exceptional string arrangements.

“I’m so proud of all of our students who performed at this year’s Charles Dickens Festival,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Fine Arts and Music. “Their hard work and dedication were evident in every note they played and sang. It’s an honor to have our students represent Port Jefferson in such a meaningful community event.”

The Charles Dickens Festival is a long-standing tradition in Port Jefferson, drawing visitors from all over to experience the charm of Dickensian-inspired activities. This year’s performances were a highlight, with the musical ensembles providing festive tunes that truly captured the holiday spirit. The Port Jefferson School District continues to emphasize the importance of arts and music education, encouraging students to pursue their passions and share their talents with the community.

For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org and follow its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools.

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