Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker presents Matteo Gravinese
with a proclamation. Photo from Leg. Anker's office
On June 15, Suffolk County Legislator Anker visited the Heritage Center at the North Shore Heritage Park in Mount Sinai to congratulate Matteo Gravinese for being the 2022 Legislative District 6 recipient of the Suffolk County Youth Week Award during the Suffolk County Legislature’s “Youth Week.” Each year, the Suffolk County Legislature coordinates “Youth Week” during the third week in May. As a part of this celebration, each Legislator selects a young resident who has gone above and beyond in helping their community with extraordinary acts of community service.
Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker presents Matteo Gravinese with a proclamation. Photo from Leg. Anker’s office
“It is my honor to recognize Matteo Gravinese as the recipient of this year’s Suffolk County Youth Week Award in District 6,” said Legislator Anker. “I would like to thank Matteo for the impact he has had on the children and teens in our community through his work volunteering with North Shore Youth Council. Continue to shine your light on others, Matteo.”
“North Shore Youth Council (NSYC) was happy to nominate Matteo Gravinese to receive the Suffolk County Youth Week Award,” said North Shore Youth Council Executive Director Robert Woods. “Matteo has been volunteering with NSYC for the last two years and currently serves as the Vice President of our Youth Advisory Committee. Matteo emanates charisma and demonstrates passion and enthusiasm in all the projects he’s involved in. We thank him for his dedication to NSYC, his community and to all those he loves.”
As an active community member and volunteer, Matteo currently serves at the Vice President of North Shore Youth Council’s Youth Advisory Committee. Through his role, he has been instrumental in planning and facilitating community events such as Safe Halloween, the Heritage Park Carnival, youth recreation nights, North Shore Youth Council’s garden restoration projects and Habitat for Humanity. Matteo is described as always willing to take on more responsibility at North Shore Youth Council and is well known as a positive role model for the youth that utilize the services at the organization. He has successfully managed school work, sports, extracurricular activities and his vast volunteer efforts within the community.
To learn more about North Shore Youth Council, visit https://www.nsyc.com. For more information, please contact Legislator Anker’s office at (631) 854-1600.
A dromedary camel at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen
One-month-old goats napping at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen
Bobo the Giraffe at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen
An American bison at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen
An alpaca at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen
An African spurred tortoise at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen
A Grant’s zebra at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen
A young Fallow Deer in the Bambiland enclosure at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen
By Cayla Rosenhagen
Since 1970, the Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo in Manorville has been a premier location for families and people of all ages to visit and learn about all the feathered, furred, and scaled creatures with whom we share the Earth. It’s an ideal spot to foster environmental awareness, appreciation, and respect.
I hadn’t visited the Game Farm since I was very young, so returning here was extremely nostalgic for me. The moment I entered the gates and stepped onto the boardwalk surrounded by rich green forest, memories all started coming back to me. I was greeted by a friendly parrot and soon made my way to the first interactive exhibit — Bambiland. I was in utter awe spending time with the friendly, young Fallow Deer. They pranced around happily in their paddock and eagerly approached visitors, seeking food and attention.
In a similar fashion to the deer enclosure, the goat nursery also allows guests to step into the world of these curious creatures. It’s the perfect place for human kids to encounter goat kids. I felt nothing but sheer delight playing with and bottle-feeding the affectionate babies. I certainly had a difficult time leaving the goat pen, but I was prompted by my excitement to visit with all the other animals on the farm.
Throughout the day, I learned about and met all kinds of animals, from African Spurred Tortoises and Grant’s Zebras to peafowl and wallabies. There were also alpacas, llamas, bison, sheep, donkeys, rabbits, and more.
The kind and welcoming staff members’ immense wealth of knowledge about the animals, as well as the abundance of informational signage all around the park greatly contributed to my experience and generated quite a few “wow!” moments.
Additionally, I was fortunate to see Bobo, the almost-two-year-old reticulated giraffe majestically grazing and interacting with zookeepers. The gentle giant recently returned to the Game Farm from an extended vacation in the South, where the warmer winter weather is more tolerable to him. You can visit him all summer long, until he heads back down south again in October.
Although I only saw Bobo from just outside his enclosure, guests do have the opportunity to get closer and even feed him with the V.I.P. Animal Tour. This all-inclusive package also encompasses wallaby, emu, zebra, and ring-tailed lemur encounters, and bottle-feeding opportunities at the nursery. There are also several individual encounters experiences, such as those with the zebras and camels, and children’s pony rides, some for additional fees.
Aside from the remarkable array of creatures to meet, the Game Farm offers amenities such as their snack bar with kid-friendly menu items, gift shop, picnic grounds, and playground areas.
The Long Island Game Farm is located at 489 Chapman Blvd. in Manorville. Weather permitting, you can visit the Game Farm any day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September. General admission tickets cost $24.95 for adults (ages 13-61), $21.95 for seniors (age 62 and older), $18.95 for kids (ages 3-12) and toddlers and babies two and under are free! For more information, please call631-878-6644 or visit www.longislandgamefarm.com.
Cayla Rosenhagen
Author Cayla Rosenhagen is a local high school student who enjoys capturing the unique charm of the community through photography and journalism. She serves on the board of directors for the Four Harbors Audubon Society and Brookhaven’s Youth Board, is the founder and coordinator of Beach Bucket Brigade, a community outreach program dedicated to environmental awareness, engagement, and education, and pens a column for TBR News Media titled Cayla’s Column.
*This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s 2022 Summer Times Supplement.
Proud family members and invited guests gathered at Cold Spring Harbor High School on June 12 to join in celebrating the 59th Commencement of the 145 graduating seniors of the Class of 2022. As the graduates processed into the field house for the final time, High School Principal Daniel Danbusky congratulated the class on their dedication and commitment to achieving their goal of academic success.
“We are all gathered here to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments,” he said.
—Photos from Cold Spring Harbor Central School District
A scene from 'Lightyear'. Image courtesy of Disney/Pixar
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
“To infinity and beyond” takes on a different context in Pixar’s excellent Lightyear. Instead of a pithy catchphrase, the words become a heartfelt exchange between Buzz Lightyear and his friend and commanding officer, Alisha Hawthorne. This adjustment encompasses the tonal shift from Buzz’s cinematic origin in the world of Toy Story.
Here, Lightyear is the favorite film of Toy Story’s young Andy Davis, who received a Buzz Lightyear toy in 1995 when the movie was released. Lightyear is a meta-spinoff of the Toy Story series but its own entity. Buzz Lightyear is not the action figure but the source character himself. He is less the stiff, oblivious punchline and more a mildly but easily exasperated military careerist. The Star Command Galactic Ranger and Alisha explore the planet Tikana Prime, which is overrun with attacking vines and insectoid creatures. In trying to evacuate, Buzz damages the vessel, leaving the crew marooned as they conduct repairs.
What follows is a classic science-fiction story dealing with the variegations and complications of time travel. Each time Buzz attempts to go into hyperspace, a time dilation of the four-minute journey passes as four years on Tikana Prime. Buzz fixates on liberating the stranded team. Meanwhile, the crew continues to live and flourish, developing a community that does not include the alienated (and often alienating) Buzz.
A scene from ‘Lightyear’. Image courtesy of Disney/Pixar
The societal growth is shown most vividly in Alisha, who marries and raises a son with her wife and eventually passes on her love of being a ranger to her granddaughter, Izzy. While Buzz obsesses on the world left behind, Alisha thrives in the world that is present. (This beautifully integrated LGBT element caused it to become the first children’s animated film to be given an NC16 rating in Singapore, equivalent to an R rating in the US.)
The film is not without laughs, but they are often of a subtler variety. Alisha chides Buzz for his constant self-narration, reminding him that no one ever listens to his logs. Buzz receives a robotic service animal, a feline named Sox, whose running commentary and support function as an emotional connection for the lonesome Buzz. Underneath the “I’m Buzz Lightyear—I’m always sure” is a lost and slightly damaged ranger.
After sixty-two years of failures, Alisha’s replacement, the insensitively bureaucratic Commander Burnside, shuts down Buzz’s attempts. By now, robots have invaded the planet under the control of the mysterious Emperor Zurg (the only other character from the Toy Story canon). A laser shield has been the sole protection from the machines overrunning the vulnerable community. Bruised but undaunted, Buzz goes rogue to complete the mission. He encounters ragtag members of the colony’s defense force who eventually become his team.
There is nothing strikingly new in Lightyear. In its beautiful, rough cinematic animation, it conjures the Lucas universe. Sly references permeate the canny, straightforward screenplay by Jason Headley and Angus MacLane. The stock characters are written with wit, but more importantly, humanity. The revelation of the antagonist provides a powerful “ah-hah” moment, giving Buzz a personal epiphany.
Chris Evans provides the voice for Buzz Lightyear in the new Toy Story spinoff. Image courtesy of Disyey/Pixar
Chris Evans embodies Buzz with the right balance of bombast and guilt, never sacrificing the pain for a laugh. Uzo Aduba’s Alisha is the perfect foil: smart, clever, and fully aware. The trio of under-trained recruits form Buzz’s eventual entourage. Keke Palmer captures Izzy’s mix of eagerness and fear. Taika Waititi’s Mo Morrison possesses the right touch of wide-eyed naïveté. Dale Soules, channeling her Orange Is the New Black persona, ideally assays the elderly paroled convict with a penchant for blowing things up. As Sox, Peter Sohn is simultaneously warm and deadpan—with several references to R2-D2. (There is an amusing bit with Sox providing sleep sounds.)
MacLane has directed Lightyear with a sure hand and a clear vision. He has led his voice actors and animation teams to create a story that echoes the importance of belief in others with striking and often thrilling visuals. Told through a man out of time (landing in a world where the sandwich is rethought), Lightyear finds its head and heart in ideas of life and home. More Star Wars than Toy Story, the film plays on an adult level but offers much for young audiences to enjoy. It is most on the nose (i.e., children’s movie) in the lessons of teamwork. But the ideas are smoothly introduced in action (no catchy theme songs like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”). Like with Encanto, the layers only enhance the watching experience.
With Lightyear, Pixar has found a fresh, enjoyable, and original concept. The creators adeptly transformed a character from one universe to another. Handling the shift with style, Lightyear celebrates wonder, adventure, and, ultimately, integrity. Rated PG, the film is now playing in local theaters.
A scene from Kings Park Day on June 18. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A scene from Kings Park Day on June 18. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A scene from Kings Park Day on June 18. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A scene from Kings Park Day on June 18. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A scene from Kings Park Day on June 18. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A scene from Kings Park Day on June 18. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A scene from Kings Park Day on June 18. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A scene from Kings Park Day on June 18. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A scene from Kings Park Day on June 18. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A scene from Kings Park Day on June 18. Photo by Steven Zaitz
A scene from Kings Park Day on June 18. Photo by Steven Zaitz
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY
The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce hosted the 44th annual Kings Park Day on June 18. The community descended on Main Street for a street fair with live music, food and crafts. The event was also the perfect place to shop for Father’s Day.
Frank Boulton, third from right in front row, cuts the ribbon with County Executive Robert Gaffney, second from left in front row, state Senator Owen Johnson, third from left, and other officials in April 2000. Photo from the Long Island Ducks
Buddy Harrelson’s oft-stated line was true when he and Frank Boulton founded the Long Island Ducks and “fans come first” remains a baseball and business mantra for a thriving organization that still draws legions of fans to the ballpark — over eight million since the team played its inaugural season in 2000.
Patrick Czark, 10, of Setauket, shows off the bat he received for being the first child in line for tickets in 2012. Photo by James Teese
With deep community ties — Boulton from Brightwaters, Harrelson in Hauppauge — the high school baseball player turned successful bond trader and New York Mets World Series champion — created and grew what has become one of Long Island’s great attractions. And the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), also founded by Boulton, became a reality as an independent league as the owner negotiated to bring a ballpark and a team to Suffolk.
“So, I started working on the Atlantic league in the early to mid 90s,” Boulton said. “It took me about five years to get everything put together in the ballparks and the ballparks being built for the Atlantic League.”
Already an owner of minor league teams, Boulton always wanted to bring a ball club to his Long Island home, seeing the potential as he had elsewhere.
“We saw that [in other locales] we had the same kind of families in Wilmington, Delaware as in Long Island … very similar,” he said.
He saw similar “socioeconomic groupings” and “thought that with our density of population [on Long Island] and the fact that we really didn’t have anything like [a minor league team].”
“At the time, you know, there was no aquarium,” he said “People would go to the beaches … we were an island … with beaches, sailing, even water skiing. But being a baseball guy, I just saw the demographics were just too ripe here.”
“And I wanted to take what I learned on the road,” he added. “Just like a Broadway show when they first take a show on the road.”
In fact, part of the move to create the ALPB and the Ducks was spurred by the New York Mets organization vetoing an unaffiliated minor league team within 75 miles of their own ball club. Boulton had originally hoped to move his New York Yankees farm team to Suffolk; the Yankees were OK, the Mets were not.
Public private partnership
Now known as Fairfield Properties Ballpark, in 2000 the Ducks played under the banner of EAB Ballpark. It was, and remains owned by Suffolk County, which also collects the monies from the naming rights.
Boulton has nothing but praise for the state and county officials who helped make the stadium a reality.
“As a young man, I had been involved with the YMCA,” Boulton said. “I’ve been involved in many different community endeavors …So I got to meet a lot of elected officials. I had worked with [State Senator] Owen Johnson and … without Owen Johnson, this ballpark probably wouldn’t have been built.”
Johnson went to the New York State Empire Development Corp.
“We gained $14.3 million dollars, economic state, a grant for which Suffolk County [gained the benefit],” he added. Bob Gaffney was the County Executive at the time, and he and his guy [Deputy CE] Eric Kopp … were very instrumental. They were both big baseball fans, Bob and Eric. The county level [of government] was great!”
Then-Commissioner of Public Works for the County, Charles Bartha, remembered a fast-paced project.
“[The ballpark] was designed and built in just 14 months from when the grant was signed,” the engineer said.
The lead architectural firm was BD Harvey, he said, a national firm that was one of only a handful that did work on big ballparks.
The county’s officials had “a strong feeling and confidence in Frank [Boulton’s] ability to promote and run [the team and ballpark.]”
The county, said Boulton, “has seen a return on its money from day one.”
Lined up for tickets
The Czark Family. Photo by James Teese
After a decade, the fans still lined up. In 2012, this reporter recalls, some light snow and low temperatures did not deter faithful fans on a Saturday morning for the opening of the then-named Bethpage Ballpark ticket office.
The Czark Family from Setauket comprised the first fans in line for a second consecutive year, having arrived Thursday morning.
“I was not ready [for the snow] but we got through it.We were online about 48 hours,” Christopher Czark said. “The kids just enjoy coming out to the ballpark. The Ducks always have something new every year. The girls like Sundays when they get to run the bases and meet the players. It’s a great experience for them.”
Getting fans and community involved
During games, fans are a part of the show. In-between every inning, the Ducks hold what they call “fan-interactive promotions” on the field. The activities, which fans sign-up for, are sometimes sweepstakes, other times funny contests such as ’dizzy bats” or ”musical chairs,” and sometimes a celebration of a young fan’s birthday — joined by QuackerJack and serenaded by the on-field host.
Even for family members less enthusiastic about baseball, there is constant action and entertainment. Sunday is Family Funday, including the post-game opportunity for kids to line-up by first base and run the bases to home plate.
And special games are followed by numerous Postgame Fireworks Spectaculars, a favorite for thousands of fans who regularly fill the ballpark for the pyrotechnic display.
More seriously, at every home game the team recognizes local veterans as well as active-duty service men and women, this year with the Suffolk County Office of Veteran Affairs and New York Community Bank, in a program called “Heroes of the Game.”
“The feedback we received from fans, veterans, sponsors and the community has been tremendously positive,” said Ducks President and General Manager Michael Pfaff.
In fact, when the public address system marks the moment, the fans — in a county which is home to nearly 100,000 veterans — consistently rise to deliver a standing ovation.
Outside the ballpark, QuackerJack and team members are often seen in the community, participating in local parades and charity drives, visiting hospitals, schools and more.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ducks hosted numerous donation events at the ballpark, and acted as a vaccination site.Programs to aid the community are ongoing and effective fundraisers, whether its “Home Runs for Hunger” or “Breast Cancer Awareness Night,” the Ducks are a vibrant and contributing force in the surrounding communities.
Ducks fans all
After being refused the chance to relocate his Yankees farm team, Boulton had a realization: “If I had had a Yankee team, I would have been splitting the baby. So, now we have Yankee fans that are Ducks fans, and we have Mets fans that are Ducks fans.”
And just plain Ducks fans, of course.
Whether it’s through promotions, the reasonably priced tickets and concessions, or the free parking, the Ducks endeavor to provide a cost-effective choice for a family’s scarce disposable dollars.
Twenty-one seasons and counting, and fans still come first.
James Teese has written for numerous Long Island news outlets and has covered the Long Island Ducks since their first Opening Day.
County Legislator Rob Trotta presented Alison Kelleher with a proclamation at his office in recognition as the 2022 Teen Youth for his legislative district. Photo from Legislator Trotta’s office
In 2020, the Suffolk County Legislature established the Annual Youth Award to recognized incredible young person in each Legislative District.
This year, Legislator Rob Trotta selected Alison Kelleher, a senior at Smithtown High School West, for this recognition as she spearheaded the fundraising campaign for her school district’s Relay for Life Campaign for the American Cancer Society by raising more than $10,000 within 72 hours, the most of any school district in the nation. For her efforts, she won the “Fund the Mission” Challenge.
“Alison is most is most deserving of being my district’s 2022 Youth Award recipient as she has demonstrated personal achievement, met challenges successfully, and developed leadership, self-reliance and other qualities of humanity so desirable in young people,” Trotta said.
He added, “I wish her much success as she starts her freshman year at Clemson University.”
Celebrate Mud Day at the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center on June 25.
PROGRAMS
Owl Prowl Thursday
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents an Owl Prowl on June 23 from 8 to 10 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. Wear bug spray and bring a flashlight just in case. Open to families with children ages 5and up. $15 per person. Visit www.sweetbriarnc.org to register. Call 979-6344 for more info.
Mud Day
Start the summer off with a day of messy fun! Suffolk County Farm & Education Center, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank hosts Mud Day on June 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include messy play, puddle jumping, muddy car wash, sprinkler play, kids crafts, mud paintings, mud kitchen and more! $15 per person, ages 3 to 17, includes unlimited wagon rides, a visit to the butterfly house and all the mud you can wear! Tickets, through Eventbrite, are required for participants. For further information, call 727-7850 or visit www.ccesuffolk.org.
Colorful Rainbows
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tot program, Colorful Rainbows, for ages 3 to 5 on June 25 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This program will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure
Terrarium Habitat
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport hosts a children’s workshop for grades 2 to 4 titled Terrarium Habitat on June 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. Explore the collection and create a polymer clay animal and a terrarium from a repurposed plastic bottle. $30 per child, $27 members. To registser, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Pirate Quest
Ahoy mateys! For the month of June, the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents Pirate Quest during gallery hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Use a compass and a treasure map to solve puzzles and hunt for hidden treasure around the museum in this pirate-themed drop-in program. Complete your quest and decorate your very own treasure chest to take home. This is a self-directed activity; explore at your own pace. Admission fee + $10 participant. Call 367-3418 for more information.
THEATER
‘Pinkalicious The Musical’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children’s theater season with Pinkalicious The Musical from May 28 to July 3. Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe — a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament. Tickets are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’
The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid from July 2 to July 24. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. All seats are $25. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Puss-In-Boots’
Illustration by Heather Kuhn
Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for a hilarious musical re-telling of Puss-In-Boots, the tale of a boy and his ingenious feline, from July 8 to July 30 with a special sensory sensitive performance on July 10. When Christopher inherits his father’s clever cat, he sets out on an adventure that takes him to the palace of King Vexmus and beyond and learns that faith comes from within. $10 per person. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Alsarah & The Nubatones head to the Chapin Rainbow Stage on July 7.
Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could will perform on Aug. 2 at 7 p.m.
Cyrille Aimee kicks off the 57th annual Summer Arts Festival on June 24 at 8 p.m.
Plaza Theatrical presents Lerner & Loewe musical Camelot on June 25
The Huntington Arts Council has announced the return of the Huntington Summer Arts Festival at the Chapin Rainbow Stage in Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington from June 24 to Aug. 7. Now in its 57th year, the Festival will once again feature an abundance of exceptional music, dance and theatre performed by regional artists as well as those from around the U.S. and the world.
“The Huntington Summer Arts Festival is a cultural mainstay of Long Island and reflects our strong sense of community as we come together to celebrate the arts in an inclusive, family friendly environment. The Huntington Arts Council is proud to be the steward, in partnership with the Town of Huntington, of this FREE summer series,” said Kieran Johnson, Executive Director of the Huntington Arts Council.
“Our lineup is composed of a wide variety of artistic genres featuring something for everyone. Whether it be Women in Jazz week, Plaza Theatricals’ presentation of “Tick, Tick … Boom!,” or “How I Became a Pirate” for family night, Huntington Community Band, or Orchestra L.I. with David Stewart Wiley, I encourage everyone to come to a show; you won’t be disappointed. I hope to see you there!” he added.
Most performances start at 8 p.m. with family shows starting at 7 p.m. Shows are rain or shine unless weather is severe.
Opening weekend features the truly innovative and incandescent Cyrille Aimee on June 24; followed by Plaza Theatrical’s production of the iconic Lerner & Loewe musical Camelot on June 25; and wrapping up the weekend on June 26 will be the Symphonic Pops of L.I. with conductor Stephen Michael Smith.
The season continues with:
June 28 Sonia De Los Santos
June 29 Huntington Community Band.
June 30 Huntington Men’s Chorus
July 1 L.I. Dance Consortium “A Celebration of Dance I”
July 2 Anthony Nunziata
July 6 Huntington Community Band
July 7 Alsarah & The Nubatones
July 8 Sol y Sombra
July 9 Dizzy Gillespie’s Afro-Latin Experience
July 10 Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra
July 12 Darlene Graham & The Shades of Green Band
July 13 Huntington Community Band
July 14 Oran Etkin Open Arms Project
July 15 The High Kings
July 16 Huntington Folk Festival, co-presented by Folk Music Society of Huntington: Paula Cole and Sophie B. Hawkins; (1:00 – 5:00 PM: Acoustic Music Scene Artist Showcases, Song Swaps)
July 17 Eastline Theatre Co. Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen Of Verona”
July 19-24 Women In Jazz Week: July 19 Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats July 20 Huntington Community Band. July 21 Lakecia Benjamin – Pursuance July 22 Bria Skonberg. July 23 Kandace Springs July 24 DIVA Five Play
July 26 Plaza Theatrical “How I Became A Pirate”
July 27 Huntington Community Band
July 28 Miko Marks & The Abrams
July 29 Oyster Bay Music Fest. Rieko Tsuchida & Maximilian Morel
July 30 Plaza Theatrical “Tick, Tick…Boom!”
July 31 Swingtime Big Band
Aug. 2 Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Aug. 3 Twin Shores Chorus/ Island Hills Chorus
Aug. 4 L.I. Dance Consortium “A Celebration of Dance II”
Aug. 5 American Patchwork Quartet
Aug. 6 Orchestra L.I., David Stewart Wiley
Aug. 7 Bumper Jacksons
Since 1959, The Northport Community Band has been delighting Northport residents and music lovers from all over Long Island. Thursdays from June 30 – July 28, the band performs at the Robert W. Krueger Bandstand in Northport Village Park. This year’s theme “Outdoor Overtures” will feature a blend of marches, overtures, classics and popular favorites. Concerts begin at 8:30 PM
All Huntington Summer Arts Festival Information and program updates can be found at www.huntingtonarts.org. The Chapin Rainbow Stage is in Heckscher Park, Huntington, NY 11743 at Prime Avenue/Route 25A. Performances start at 8:00 PM, Tuesday Family Shows at 7:00 PM. Shows are rain or shine unless weather is severe. Cancellations will be posted to HAC’s facebook page www.facebook.com/HuntingtonArts, or call TOH Public Safety (631) 351-3234.
Members of the 2022 prom committee are working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this local tradition back to life. (Left to right) Janet Stafford, Danielle Friedman, Randi DeWitt and Pauline Spiller. Photo by Raymond Janis
The Earl L. Vandermeulen High School prom, a decades-old local tradition for the Port Jefferson community, is returning on Tuesday, June 28.
Since 1958, the prom has brought community members together in a spectacular send-off of its graduating seniors. The tradition includes a secret theme decided upon by the parents, along with a complete transformation of the school around that theme.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this tradition. Due to the lockdowns and social gathering restrictions put in place at the time, the event was severely limited in its scope and scale. The world is opening up again and so is the prom.
“This year, we’re doing a hybrid version,” said Randi DeWitt, a trustee of the Port Jefferson board of education and member of the prom committee. “Last year, it was just at The Meadow Club. This year, we’re going to do a traditional drive up at the high school as has always been done, but instead of going into the school, they’re going to head to The Meadow Club.”
An open invitation to the public
Reigniting this tradition will require active engagement on the part of the public. Community members are invited to view this year’s theme at The Meadow Club as well as the drive-up ceremony and red carpet event held at the high school.
“The tradition is that the whole area is filled with community members,” DeWitt said. “Not just the parents of the kids who are graduating, the whole community comes to view it.” She added, “That’s what we wanted to bring back: The sense of community because that is what has been lost for a couple of years due to COVID.”
DeWitt hopes for a large turnout to reward the monumental efforts of parents and the prom committee who brought this tradition to life once again. “We want [the community] to see what we’ve done here — all of our hard work — and then be here for the kids when they walk up,” she said.
A viewing of the decor and theme will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station. Photos of the attendees will begin at 4:15 p.m. at the Village Center. The red carpet event will start at 6 p.m. at the high school, after which the students will head to The Meadow Club for prom night.
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