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Forest Brook Elementary students learn journalism from Hauppauge Middle School peers

by Press Release - December 17, 2024

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Young journalists at Forest Brook Elementary in the Hauppauge school district took their reporting skills to the next level on Nov. 22, when students from Hauppauge Middle School’s newspaper visited to teach students the art of interviewing.

Each month, Forest Brook students come together to produce “Forest Brook News,” a filmed news program. On this special day, the middle schoolers served as mentors, guiding their younger peers through the process of gathering information through interviews. The Forest Brook News students shadowed the Hauppauge Middle School journalists and learned how to ask insightful questions that would help them collect valuable information.

The collaboration between the two schools allowed Forest Brook students to build their confidence and skillsets while also giving the middle school students a chance to practice leadership, sharing their knowledge and excitement with the younger news crew.

Stony Brook University’s ERM Holiday Toy Drive brings joy to Children’s Hospital patients

by Press Release - December 16, 2024

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The season of giving is in full swing at Stony Brook! Pediatric patients at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital got a special visit from not only Santa Claus himself but everyones favorite Snowman Olaf and Stony Brook’s own mascot Wolfie on December 12th, as they stopped by to deliver some holiday cheer.

A caravan of 30 first responder vehicles traveled from the Wang Center to the Children’s Hospital to drop off dozens of presents collected during their annual Holiday Toy Drive.

Since 2019, Stony Brook University’s Division of Enterprise Risk Management has teamed up with campus Fire, Police, EMS & Emergency Management staff to collect new and unwrapped gifts for patients spending the holidays in a patient room instead of home with family and friends.

Selden native delivers a holiday surprise to patients at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

by Toni-Elena Gallo - December 15, 2024

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Front row, first from left: Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) surrounded by law enforcement officers. Top row, middle: Joan Alpers, the director of Child Life Services at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and Landan Hoenig, founder of Teddies for Happiness. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Selden resident Landan Hoenig has always been an altruistic young man.

When asked why Hoenig was interested in starting his two-year-old initiative Teddies for Happiness, his grandmother Christina Rundberg replied, “he has always been this way.”

“Landan is always getting involved with different things — very involved with our church when he was young. He’s just an all around good kid,” Rundberg continued.

A law enforcement agent unloading gifts from his vehicle, assisted by Stony Brook Children’s Hospital employees. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

This charity operation came to fruition in 2023, when Hoenig, a student at St. Joseph’s University who works as a traffic control officer for the Southampton Town Police Department, had interned with the Town Police in Spring of 2023 through the Suffolk County Community College Criminal Justice Program internship class, and was energized by his experience.

“Doing the internship with them and then getting a job as a traffic control officer with them, actually helped inspire me to create this event,” Hoenig said.

He originally planned to donate only teddy bears to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital but decided to expand the drive to include all types of toys when finalizing his idea. “I had only two months of prep time to put it all together. It was a very small turnout because, with two months, I really wasn’t sure what I was doing, but it was still very successful,” Hoenig explained.

Hoenig credits having a nine-month prepping period this time, helping make this year’s drive on a bigger scale.

“I knew what I was doing this time.”

In a similar format to 2023’s drive, Hoenig gathered the donated toys at a car show, this year held at the Levitt Ballfield Park in Centereach. Eighteen law enforcement agencies were involved in attracting attendees, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers, New York State Police and Stony Brook University Police Department, as opposed to last year’s two, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police and Centereach Fire Department. There with their service vehicles, they invited visitors to engage with them as well as listen to music with radio stations 106.1 WBLI and 102.3 WBAB, eat Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches and cookies, provided by the restaurant chain and, most importantly, donate toys.

“About 150 to 200 people came, and I have eighteen boxes of toys. Half of them I put here at the hospital, and the other half I’m bringing to St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church in Selden, where they will be split up between the Saint Cuthbert’s Food Pantry and a local women’s shelter,” Hoenig said. The name of the shelter was not disclosed.

According to Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D, Stony Brook), while the Town of Brookhaven did co-sponsor the event and provided the car show’s venue, “all the credit for the hard work goes to Landan for his enormous time commitment in following up with all of these agencies.”

After numerous law enforcement agencies pulled up to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital on Friday, Dec. 6, including the Suffolk County Police Department and a van from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office, numerous law enforcement agents unloaded their vehicles with the assistance of hospital volunteers.

Addressing the small crowd which gathered to assist and watch Hoenig carry out his mission to “provide joy to people no matter what type of situation they are in, even if it’s just a little bit of joy.” Hoenig thanked “not only the Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, but the great, amazing officers who want to help people. I cannot be more thankful, so thank you for being able to help me.’

“It was so fun organizing all of the boxes for two hours last night, because I am a last minute person,” he laughed.

Joan Alpers, director of Child Life Services at Stony Brook Medicine, was extremely grateful for Hoenig’s charitable spirit. “We are grateful for all of our main donors at this time of year, and he is one of our significant donors, and we’re happy to have him come back.”

“Thank you, I can’t wait to come back next year,” Hoenig smiled.

Seiskaya Ballet celebrates 30th anniversary of ‘Nutcracker’

by Rita J. Egan - December 13, 2024

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Nutcracker Sugar Plum and her Court — A scene from Seiskaya Ballet's 'Nucracker.' Photo courtesy of Dimitri Papadakos

By Rita J. Egan

On the chilly Sunday after Thanksgiving, dozens of children and teenagers weren’t at the mall shopping for presents; they were preparing for the holiday season in a different way.

Dressed in leotards and tights, they were rehearsing for Seiskaya Ballet’s upcoming performance of Nutcracker at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts. The dancers have rehearsed the holiday classic for months at Seiskaya’s St. James studio.

As they leaped and turned to the familiar score by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, many received feedback from the school’s Artistic Director Valia Seiskaya and Administrative Director Dimitri Papadakos. The husband-and-wife team knows the ballet well. The school has presented the beloved tale at the Staller Center since 1995, only missing one year in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alan Inkles, Staller Center director, said Seiskaya’s production of the classic is a staple at the venue during the holiday season. He called the academy part of the Staller family.

“It has really been a pleasant honor to be their venue for so many years,” Inkles said, adding “there are a lot of smiles in the lobby.”

Nutcracker tells the tale of a young girl named Clara who goes on a magical adventure on Christmas Eve as her newly-gifted nutcracker comes to life. Along the way, the two travel to magical realms and encounter a Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

This year, David Wright of Dance Theatre of Harlem will return to dance the roles of Cavalier and Nutcracker. Joining Wright on stage will be Seiskaya Principal dancers Madeleine Martufi, Kaede Urso and Michaela Lettiere as well as returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Eva Pyrros, Lara Caraiani and Diana Atoian.

Leading up to opening night

A scene from Seiskaya Ballet’s ‘Nucracker.’ Photo courtesy of Dimitri Papadakos

When Valia Seiskaya opened the school more than 50 years ago, she had no interest in choreographing a version after performing it several times during her dancing career, according to Papadakos. However, the opportunity to present the two-part classical ballet fell together when another local school’s production could have been more successful at the Staller Center, a venue Seiskaya dancers have performed at since 1980 in the Ballet Education and Scholarship Fund, Inc. annual benefit performances.

One of their students’ aunts was Margaret Piotrowska, an acclaimed artist and designer for Warsaw television, films and theater, who agreed to design a set for the school. Piotrowska developed the storyboards, and Broadway’s Scenic Art Studios painted them. In addition to Piotrowska’s work are sculptures by Long Island sculptor Matt Targon.

Regarding Seiskaya’s choreography, Papadakos described it as unique, adding she enjoys ballets with a storyline.

“My wife is not a boring person at all, and it’s reflected in her ballets,” he said. “They’re full of life.”

Seiskaya’s production has had various tweaks throughout the years, according to Papadakos, but “the basic showmanship of the show has remained the same.”

With five performances from Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22, the cast varies in each performance, and some dancers perform multiple roles throughout the weekend, allowing various opportunities to be part of the production.

Seiskaya and Papadakos watching each rehearsal, especially early on, is vital as it helps them determine which dancers will have the lead parts. The pair use a five-star system to help decide who will qualify for a role.

“Any academy dancer can try out for any role they are reasonably capable of performing,” Papadakos said. “Five performance-caliber rehearsals translates into five stars which makes you eligible for a role, but does not guarantee selection.”

He said such a system allows dancers to know their progress and where they stand, saving hearts from being broken.

“It’s a growing experience,” he added.

Principal dancers Madeleine Martufi, 16, of Smithtown, and Kaede Urso, 16, of Setauket, said the star system and feedback help with their performances. Martufi called it “rewarding.”

“It’s nice to get feedback and corrections,” she said.

Urso said she aims to get a star each rehearsal but said if a dancer doesn’t receive one, the feedback helps for next time.

During rehearsals, younger students who will not be performing in the ballet will serve as placeholders to ensure there is always an entire crew to rehearse. Some of the younger students also have walk-on roles during the ballet’s party scene.

“By next year or the following year, they’ll not only know the choreography dead cold, but they’ll be used to dancing among other dancers,” Papadakos said, adding that mastering the Sugar Plum Fairy role can be a two- to three-year process.

Martufi, who has performed in Seiskaya’s Nutcracker since she was 6, and Urso, who has been in it for nine years, both started with walk-on parts. The two will each play the Sugar Plum Fairy this year at different performances. During other shows, Martufi will dance the parts of Clara and Dew Drop, while Urso will be the Chocolate Soldier, plus each principal dancer will take on other roles.

Martufi said she is looking forward to dancing as the Sugar Plum Fairy, because while Clara has a lot of stage time, the role is a mix of dancing and acting.

“The Sugar Plum is very technical and intense,” she said.

Urso said it’s hard work to prepare to dance as the Sugar Plum Fairy and to build the stamina needed.

“It was definitely a challenge, but it all worked out,” Urso added.

A holiday tradition

Staging Nutcracker since 1995, Papadakos said he and Seiskaya evaluate their health and other factors regarding continuing to train dancers and produce performances, something they plan to do as long as possible.

“No one is putting more sand in our hourglasses,” he said.

If Urso and Martufi are any indication, the dancers are up for performing for years to come. Urso said it’s fun to be part of a holiday tradition such as Nutrcracker.

“I hope it brings everyone a little extra Christmas spirit,” Urso said.

Martufi said while it makes Christmastime a bit busier, “it’s so worth it.”

“It’s something so special to me that I can’t imagine my Christmas without it,” Martufi said. “It’s lovely getting to work with all my friends in rehearsal and getting to put something on stage that we’re so proud of.”

Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to Staller Center’s Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 and $38 for children under 12 and seniors aged 62+. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nutcrackerballet.com.

Port Jefferson celebrates 28th Annual Charles Dickens Festival

by Jennifer Donatelli - December 12, 2024

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By Jennifer Donatelli

In the quaint hamlet of Port Jefferson village, a wondrous transformation occurred on Dec. 7 and 8, whisking it back to the days of yore, specifically to the era of Charles Dickens. The enchanting village is the home of one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions — the Charles Dickens Festival.

For over 28 years, the festival has celebrated the works of Charles Dickens and his timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” bringing the spirit of Dickens’ era to life in the heart of Port Jefferson.

The festival is sponsored by Northwell Health’s Mather Hospital and is a partnership between the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council and the Village of Port Jefferson and is run by volunteers. Allan Varela, producer and creator of the festival as well as chairman of the Greater Port Jefferson Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, said, “This is a great mix of entertainment, history, and holiday cheer that captivates both young and old.”

Mather Hospital Executive Director Kevin McGeachy said, “We are proud to have sponsored the Charles Dickens Festival for the second consecutive year. We see this as a wonderful opportunity to connect with and support our community at an event that brings us all together to celebrate this special time of year.”

This annual event, attended by over 25,000 people from all over the country and around the globe, transported festival goers back to Victorian England with costumed performers, bustling street markets, festive decorations and a variety of family-friendly activities. In the course of two days, there were 172 events and over 130 volunteer musicians, actors and townspeople who wandered through the crowd, all dressed in period attire.

From the moment attendees stepped onto Main Street for the opening parade and heard the bells ringing, they were enveloped in the charm of a Victorian Christmas. The cobblestone streets were brimming with life and bustling with street characters like Father Christmas, the Dickens Mayor, the miserly Scrooge, the ever-vigilant Town Crier and the soot-faced chimney sweeps roaming the hamlet.

“I’ve been coming to the Dickens Festival for years, and it’s the highlight of the season,” said attendee Jane O’Connor, who brought her grandchildren for the first time this year. “It’s magical how the whole town transforms. The costumes, carolers and the storytelling really make you feel like you stepped back in time.”

Held in the town’s picturesque First United Methodist Church, the main highlight of the festival was the array of performances and reenactments of Dickens’ most famous works, including a live reading of “A Christmas Carol,” where actors and volunteers joined forces to bring Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitors to life.

“There’s something about the intimate setting of Port Jefferson, with its history and beauty, that makes the story feel even more poignant,” said Varela. He explained how involved the audience gets, adding that it’s a great way to spread Dickens’ message of redemption and generosity.

Alongside the traditional readings, the festival also featured various musical performances, including Victorian-era carolers singing holiday classics as they strolled down Main Street.

“It’s so rewarding to see people enjoying our music,” said First Methodist choir member Susan Miller. “The weather can be chilly, but the warmth from the crowd makes it all worthwhile with people singing along with us.”

Visitors saw a few new additions this year. The second floor of the Village Center was turned into Elf Works. “You’ll go in there and see busy elves hard at work making Christmas gifts for the Festival of Trees,” said Varela of the elaborate Festival of Trees display featuring two rows of 30 over-the-top decorated trees.

Believers in ghosts of Christmas past took a stroll down to Dickens Central where they had photos taken with four oversized ghosts from “A Christmas Carol,” a six-foot photo of Dickens and a giant walk-in snow globe.

The festival also featured a charming Victorian marketplace that stretched down historic Main Street, with local vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to vintage books and holiday ornaments. The smell of roasted chestnuts filled the air as visitors sampled traditional Victorian fare such as milled cider and gingerbread cookies.

“The market really captures the essence of what Dickens would have experienced in his time,” said vendor Anna Whelan, who sells handcrafted jewelry inspired by Victorian designs. “The costumes, the music and the atmosphere all make this festival a true labor of love for the community.”

Varela explained that the festival is a true community event, with locals volunteering to create the festive atmosphere, from decorating storefronts to participating in the pageantry. “It’s a celebration that unites people of all ages who return year after year, making it such a cherished tradition.”

Of course, no Charles Dickens Festival would be complete without a live performance of his classic holiday story, “A Christmas Carol,” which was performed at Theater Three each night of the festival. “This is our 40th anniversary production,” said Jeffrey Sanzel, executive artistic director of Theater Three who has performed the lead role of Scrooge over 1,600 times.

“But at the heart of it, of course, is the idea of making the community a better place, of taking responsibility beyond ourselves,” Sanzel said. “And this whole idea of the Dickens Festival, which brings the community together, really reflects that as well.”

“This festival has become part of our holiday season,” said Port Jefferson resident Tom Harris, who attends every year with his wife and children. “It’s a great way to create family memories and a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.”

As the festival wrapped up this year, Varela and his team were already looking forward to the next celebration. “I’m already planning my costume for next year,” said Jessica Green, who portrayed a street vendor this year. “It’s such a fun event and I love seeing the joy it brings to everyone.”

Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, the Charles Dickens Festival is a festive, enchanting experience that captures the magic of the holiday season in a way only Dickens could imagine.

WMHO’s 45th Annual Holiday Festival in Stony Brook spreads joy

by Rita J. Egan - December 12, 2024

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By Rita J. Egan

Thousands felt the holiday joy throughout Stony Brook Village Center on Dec. 8 as the Ward Melville Heritage Organization presented its 45th Annual Holiday Festival.

The free event featured a visit from Santa Claus, who arrived on an antique fire truck, followed by the jolly elf sitting for a few hours listening to children’s gift wishes and taking photos. The Legends & Spies Puppet Procession kicked off at 2:15 p.m., as handlers held puppets of local heroes, such as Culper Spy Ring members Major Benjamin Tallmadge and Caleb Brewster, prominent shipbuilder Jonas Smith and philanthropists Ward and Dorothy Melville. The Ward Melville High School Marching Band led the procession.

The day also included performances from The School of Rock ‘n Roll Choir, the St. James Junior Choir, Roseland Dance Studio and the Celestial Singers Holiday Carolers. WALK 97.5 FM provided music and Steppin’ Out Ponies hosted a petting zoo in the inner courtyard.

The festivities ended with a performance by the Bethel AME Choir and a tree-lighting ceremony on the Village Green.

Kids Korner: Dec. 12 to 19, 2024

by Heidi Sutton - December 11, 2024

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'Frosty' — JUST CHILLIN' Celebrate the holidays with Jenny and Frosty at the Engeman Theater!

Book Talk and Signing Event

Next Chapter Bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington welcomes author Barbara Lynn Greif for a Book Talk and Signing event for her new children’s book “SwimBee” on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. 631-482-5008

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 13 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

Kids Night Out

Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson presents Kids’ Night Out on Dec. 13 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Parents can go out on a date while your kids have a fun-filled evening playing active games, crafts and more. Pizza will be served. Fee is $25 residents, $35 non-residents. To register, call 631-802-2160.

Holiday Shopping Hustle & STEM Rumble – just added!

While parents explore Port Jefferson’s locally owned shops—many staying open late—for those last-minute gifts on Dec. 13, the Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson will host Festive STEM Fun for kids in grades 1 to 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. They’ll enjoy holiday-themed science activities, creative experiments, and guided exploration led by experienced educators while enjoying hot chocolate and popcorn. $30 per child. To register, visit www.longislandexplorium.org. 631-331-3277

Gingerbread Barn Decorating

Join the Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Road, Yaphank for some holiday fun on Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. . Decorate a gingerbread barn, sip on some cider, take a wagon ride and enjoy all the farm has to offer in December. $30 per house, up to 2 people per house. Ages 4+. Adults required to stay. Register at www.eventcreate.com/e/gingerbreadbarn/ For more information, call 631-852-4600

Seashell Ornaments

From clams to sea snails to nautilus squid, explore the wonderful world of shelled animals at a Seashell Ornament workshop at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on Dec. 14 at noon or 2 p.m. Find out how to identify shells local to Long Island, and decorate a decoupaged shell ornament to hang up at home during this festive time of year. $10 per person plus museum admission. 631-367-3418

Second Saturdays in the Studio

Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays in the Studio and Gallery on Dec. 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Families are invited to join educators in the studio and participate in a hands-on activity or art project inspired by exhibitions on view. No registration is required. All supplies provided. Children under 16 must have an adult with them. The event is free with admission. 631-751-0066

Marshmallows, Cocoa and Crafts

Children ages 4 to 9 are invited to join Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket for a Marshmallows, Cocoa and Crafts workshop on Dec. 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Creating your very own cocoa cup, make a snowy time marshmallow craft, take a tour of the farm, and enjoy seasonal stories by the warm fire. $40 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Jewelry Making for Kids

Drop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to make beaded bracelets or necklaces with library teen volunteers. Perfect for ages 3 to 12 years. Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

Holiday Party for Wildlife

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for a Sunday Funday Holiday Party for Wildlife on Dec. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with live music, animal presentations, photo ops with special wildlife guests and fun holiday crafts. Bring a small gift for wildlife (wish list is on their website). $15 per child, $5 per adult. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Kids Make History Cove

Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport will hold the grand opening of its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15 from noon to 2 p.m. Families are invited to explore this engaging space filled with hands-on activities that bring history to life. Kids can dress up in Victorian-era clothing, try out vintage tech like a rotary phone and a typewriter, and play with old-fashioned toys. Santa will be stopping by to make a special appearance and take photos with visitors. And make sure to find all the elves that are hiding in the gallery to go home with a prize! Free. 631-757-985

Menorah Candleboxes

Drop by the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor to make a Menorah Candlebox on Dec. 15 at noon or 2 p.m. Travel back to a time when whales lit up the world. See whale oil lamps and spermaceti candles from the museum’s collection and explore the importance of oil through the ages. Get creative designing a special decoupage box to store your candles with style. $10 per person plus museum admission. 631-367-3418

Storytime Under the Stars

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Storytime Under the Stars series on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. A live narrator at the front of the theater will bring selected picture books to life, with pages projected onto the Planetarium dome so families can enjoy the illustrations and follow along. Between stories, an astronomy educator will explore seasonal constellations visible from here on Long Island. All children are invited to wear their comfiest pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Admission is $8 per person, $6 members. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

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. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Welcome Winter Greens

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Welcome Winter Greens, on Dec. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Register at www.eventbrite.com.

FILM

‘The Polar Express’

Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce presents All Aboard the Polar Express! at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22 at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. $20 per person includes a screening of The Polar Express, popcorn, water, a cookie and hot cocoa. To reserve your ticket, visit www.pjstchamber.com. 631-821-1313

‘Elf’

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Elf on Dec. 15 at noon. Raised as an elf, Buddy grows into an adult three times larger than the biggest elf and realizes that he will never truly fit in at the North Pole and goes looking for his true place in the world in New York City. 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. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, the show is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

Atelier at Flowerfield to hold kids holiday painting workshop

by Heidi Sutton - December 11, 2024

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Screenshot — Kids can paint this adorable moose on Dec. 14. Photo courtesy of Atelier at Flowerfield

The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James presents an in-studio, one day kids workshop on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. Get ready for the holidays with Miss Linda as she teaches you how to paint this adorable holiday “Merry Kiss-Moose” painting step by step.

$55 per child includes an 11″ by 14″ canvas and all art supplies.

To register, visit theatelieratflowerfield.org or click here. For more information, please call 631-250-9009.

Setauket students spread holiday cheer with a sweet treat

by Press Release - December 10, 2024

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The team builders club at Setauket Elementary School recently kicked off the season of giving. Third and fourth graders worked together to construct gingerbread villages, surrounded by trees, sleds and characters made entirely of tasty treats. The creations were donated to the Long Island State Veterans Home in the Three Village community for residents and their families to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

Huntington Holiday Spectacular is back and lighting up the village

by Toni-Elena Gallo - December 8, 2024

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By Toni-Elena Gallo

Huntington Village turned into a winter wonderland once again as Wall Street was transformed into a display of lights, ornaments, a massive Christmas tree and — of course — a visit from Santa Claus.

The annual event runs from Nov. 30 to Jan. 2 and features numerous events almost daily. From live music, to dancers, to ice carvers and holiday markets, this extravaganza has something for the whole family.

Huntington Hospital/Northwell Health has been the premier sponsor of the festival for four consecutive years. “We take immense pride in sponsoring the Huntington Holiday Spectacular, a celebration that brings our community together in the spirit of joy and togetherness,” said Dr. Nick Fitterman, executive director of Huntington Hospital, in an interview with Living Huntington. “Supporting events like these is at the heart of our commitment to our community.”

The celebration kicked off at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday with a tree-lighting ceremony hosted by Impractical Jokers star Joe Gatto. This was followed by the Huntington Holiday Parade.

Time with Santa is intertwined with the falling of fake snow, as the hourly light show adds ambiance to the already twinkling 82-foot-tall Holiday Tree of Hope Christmas tree.

For more information on daily events, including a Dec. 15 toy drive, visit www.huntingtonholidayspectacular.com, where you can also sign up to volunteer.

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