Stony Brook Village’s Spring Appreciation Day on April 23 was a huge success, drawing thousands to the Stony Brook Village Center for live music by Burke and Brent, a car show, vintage vehicles by the Antique Automobile Club of America, a petting zoo courtesy of Racing Horse Farms, and scavenger hunt by the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s Youth Corps and tours of the Stony Brook Grist Mill.
On April 10, Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) met with Cub Scouts from Pack 354 and their leader, Rob DeStefano, to present them with a certificate of congratulations for cleaning up the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway. The supervisor also presented Town of Brookhaven pins to commemorate their efforts.
Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) helped kick off the service project by joining the Scouts along the cleanup — filling a full five-gallon bucket with trash along the way.
The Setauket Port Jefferson Station Greenway is a three-mile-long trail that wanders its way from the east trailhead on Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station to Limroy Lane in Setauket. Parking is available at both locations. Construction was completed in two phases with the first trail section opening in 2009 and the subsequent phase opening in 2014.
A true linear park, the Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway is the longest paved multi-use trail in Suffolk County. The Greenway utilizes land acquired by the NYS Department of Transportation in the 1960s for a planned bypass of Route 25A. This bypass has been re-purposed, and today you can walk or bike through an amazing variety of terrains and landscapes: an old growth forest, rolling hills, rhododendron woodlands, neighborhoods, county parkland, old farmland, etc. With the recent opening of Phase II of the trail, you are now able to pedal from the Setauket Post Office to upper Port Jefferson Station. The path runs approximately four miles and is handicapped accessible.
The Friends of the Greenway, a committee of the Three Village Community Trust, maintains the Greenway. Visit www.threevillagecommunitytrust.org for more information.
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library board members and staff, the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, local elected officials, representatives from the Three Village Central School District, and guests from the community gathered on April 12 to honor the winners of the eighth annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Award:
First Prize (Grades 7 – 9 category): “Pete the Penguin Goes to the Library” by Matthew Blumenthal (9th grader at Murphy Junior High School)
First Prize (Grades 10 – 12 category): “The Raccoon Jug-Band” written by Amelia Grant and illustrated by Anna Grant (homeschooled 10th and 11th graders)
Second Prize (Grades 7 – 9 category): “The Big Carrot” by Julia Hou (8th grader at Gelinas Junior High School)
Second Prize (Grades 10 – 12 category): “Mareld” by Ammella Een (homeschooled 12th grader)
Library Director Ted Gutmann, along with the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, presented all of the winners’ books — bound and added to the library’s Local Focus Collection — along with $400 checks to first prize winners Matthew Blumenthal and Amelia Grant and Anna Grant and $100 checks for second prize winners Julia Hou and Ammella Een.
State Sen. Mario Mattera, state Assemblyman Steve Englebright, county Legislator Kara Hahn, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich were all in attendance to present certificates to the winners from New York State, Suffolk County and Brookhaven Town, respectively.
Many of the speakers discussed the wonderful talent and bright futures of these winners. Englebright said, “We get a preview here, actually, of the future. And because young people who dare to dream, and in this case, put those dreams to paper and make it into art and literature, that is the future and it is reassuring.”
Romaine said, “We have some authors here this evening who are young in age, but wise in experience.”
Library Board President Deborah Blair, Vice President Christopher Fletcher, Treasurer Carol Leister, Secretary Dave Douglas, and trustees Orlando Maione and Suzanne Shane were there to congratulate the winners. Three Village Central School District Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Kevin Scanlon, Murphy Junior High Principal Brian Biscari, Murphy Junior High English Chair Jessica Metrio, and Murphy Junior High School Librarian Betsy Knox, and Ward Melville High School Librarian April Hatcher were all in attendance.
Treats were donated by The Bite Size Bake Shop, a local Three Village-owned business. Ward Melville High School teen volunteer Raymond Lang photographed the event.
The Helen Stein Shack Book Contest called for teens in grades 7 through 12 who live in the Three Village Central School District to create a children’s picture book. Each entry could be the work of a single author/illustrator or a collaborative effort between an author and an illustrator.
“You accomplished something so incredible, and I just want to say congratulations to all the winners,” Mattera said.
The children of the late Shack established a substantial endowment with the library to cover the cost of the awards as a tribute to their mother and her commitment to passing along the importance and joy of reading for generations to come. Kornreich said that Shack not only created a legacy of her family members, but also the legacy of the books that come out of this contest.
Shack’s son, Ed Taylor, spoke about a milestone in their family this past year — the birth of the first great grandchild of the late Helen Stein Shack.
“She’s going to be sitting on our laps, and we’ll be reading her the books that were inspired by this competition that’s in the name of this little girl’s great grandmother, who she didn’t get a chance to meet, but who she’ll have that connection through these books … we thought we were giving a gift to the library, but the library really gave us a gift.”
The Comsewogue Warriors had their hands full when Bayport Blue-Point came to visit.
Trailing by two goals in the early going, senior Mackenzie Beck brought them back with a hat trick. Teammate Shannon Harrington had an assist and two goals, and Madison Schubert’s goal put the Warriors over the top, 6-5, in a division II matchup on April 25. Kamryn McCrary also had an assist in the victory, and senior Gabby Tommaso had seven saves in net.
The win lifts the Warriors to 7-3 in league play while the loss drops the Phantoms to 9-2. Comsewogue is back in action on April 28 with a road game against Elwood John Glenn. Gametime is scheduled for 4:00p.m.
Photos by Bill Landon
By Heidi Sutton
When High School Musical was released as a Disney Channel Original Movie in 2006 it was an instant success and its soundtrack became the best selling album of the year. Spinoffs quickly followed with two more films, a series on Disney Plus, several stage adaptations and a novel.
Now the smash hit musical comes to life on the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts stage as High School Musical Jr., a condensed production that manages to include all of the wonderful scenes, dances and songs we have come to love.
Often described as a modern version of “Romeo and Juliet,” the show follows high school junior Gabriella Montez as she transfers to East High School the day after winter break. She tells her new friends about a boy she met at karaoke night on New Year’s Eve. Turns out he’s Troy Bolton, captain of the basketball team. The two rekindle their friendship and find that they share a common interest — the theater. They decide to audition for the school play together.
The decision causes an uproar with their friends from different cliques who try to stop them. As if that weren’t enough, Troy’s father, who is also the basketball coach, is mad at him for not having his ‘head in the game’ and Drama Club President Sharpay Evans and her twin brother Ryan set out to sabotage them as well in their quest to win the lead roles. Will Gabriella and Troy succumb to peer pressure or will they remain steadfast and follow their dreams?
Directed by Courtney Braun Murano, Michael Gualtieri as Troy and Adrienne Porti as Gabriella lead a 23-member talented cast in retelling the story. From the first musical number, “Wildcat Cheer,” with its cartwheels and pom poms, to its grand finale, “We’re All in This Together,” the audience is transported to East High and all of the daily drama that comes with it.
The entire cast is superb with special mention of Ryan Van Nostrand who brings flair to the role of East High’s homeroom and drama teacher Ms. Darbus and steals the show. Van Nostrand also has the pleasure of delivering the best line — “Anything is possible in the theatre, Troy. There’s not a star in heaven you can’t reach, but you have to allow yourself to reach for it.”
Choreography is top notch, especially the big numbers like “Start of Something New” and “Getcha Head in the Game.” Costumes by Liz Honig are impressive, from the basketball team uniforms to Sharpay’s flashy outfits. Large panels with the school’s colors and mascot complete the picture.
The cast has poured their heart and soul into this family-friendly production and it shows in spades. Purchase a pair of pom poms in the lobby to cheer them on and to support this wonderful theater.
Cast (in alphabetical order): Gabby Blum, Logan Borre, Kieran Brown, Mairead Camas, Catherine Diakou, Julianne Donohue. Michael Gualtieri, Brody Hampson, Derek Hough, Max Lamberg, Emmerson Lebrecht, Kaylee Nguyen, Zach Podair, Adrienne Porti, Julie Ricotta, Alia Romanelli, Ryan Romanelli, Savannah Shaw, Amanda Sidman, Ari Spiegel, Ryan Van Nostrand, Emily Ann Weaver and Justin Walsh Weiner
The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents High School Musical Jr. through May 15. Running time is one hour and 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. All seats are $25. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
All photos courtesy of Clicks by Courtney, LLC
Owl Prowl Thursday
Visit Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown on April 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. for an Owl Prowl! Meet and learn about some of the Center’s resident owls and then embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night. Dress warmly, wear bug spray, and bring a flashlight just in case. Open to families with children ages 5 and up. $15 per person. For tickets, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Cuddle and Care Workshop
Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket hosts a children’s workshop for ages 3 to 12, Cuddle and Care, on April 30 and May 1 from 10 a.m. to noon and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Children will be introduced to the farm’s newest baby barnyard animals! Learn what they eat, how they grow, and how to take care of them. There will also be a farm tour, crafts, and a tractor ride! $40 per child. To register, call 689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.
Mighty Moms
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Mighty Moms, for ages 3 to 5 on April 30 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children and their parents will explore the natural world through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. Advance registration required by visiting Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.
SachemCon
Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook invites the community to an in-person SachemCon on April 30 from noon to 4 p.m. Get your cosplay on and share your love of all things anime, manga, and comics. Play TCGs, make crafts, complete trivia challenges, watch animation demonstrations, meet special guests and shop for unique art and collectibles. Call 588-5024 for further information.
Handmade Candle-Making
As part of its Antiques and More event on May 1, the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor will host a handmade candle-making craft workshop from 11 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 2 p.m. Create a hand-dripped candle to take home. $5 per participant. Call 367-3418.
Welcome Back Osprey
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park will host a family program titled Welcome Back Osprey on May 1 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. This beautiful raptor feeds almost exclusively on fish, so the marsh at Sunken Meadow is a perfect place for them to raise their chicks! Join the staff for a walk to observe them at their nest platform and discover more about their amazing adaptations. $4 per person. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure,
Scrimshaw Detectives
Calling private investigators! For the month of May, the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents Scrimshaw Detectives! Spy around the museum and look for clues to uncover secret meanings hidden in scrimshaw art. When you complete your tasks, design and etch your own scrimshaw box to take home. For ages 5 and up. Admission plus $10 per participant. Call 367-3418 for further details.
‘Madagascar’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Dreamworks’ Madagascar: A Musical Adventure from April 2 to May 8. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!” All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Disney’s ‘High School Musical Jr.’
We’re all in this together! Disney Channel’s smash hit musical comes to life at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown in Disney’s High School Musical Jr. from April 15 to May 15. Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extra curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs will have you dancing in your seats! All seats are $25. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org. See review on page B25.
‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’
The Adventures of Peter Rabbit hops over to Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from April 16 to May 7. Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Benjamin Bunny, the McGregors and all their friends come to life in this delightful musical adaption suggested by the characters created by Beatrix Potter. Fun for the entire family and a Theatre Three tradition for spring break! $10 per person. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
All numbers are in (631) area code unless noted.
Port Jefferson will likely be greener at this time next year, thanks to the efforts of 59 first graders at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School, their families and village trustees.
As a part of what Trustee Rebecca Kassay hopes will be an annual tradition, first graders will hear a talk in their class this Friday, April 29, on National Arbor Day, by Heather Lynch, IACS endowed chair of Ecology & Evolution at Stony Brook University. At that point, the students will also get coupons for free saplings of white oak, red spruce or winterberry shrubs.
The students and their families can plant the trees or shrubs in their backyards if they have space and clearance or at the Port Jefferson Country Club. The trees planted at the country club will not interfere with any golf games or other activities.
“We want to help foster that relationship between our young, upcoming stewards of Port Jefferson and the natural environment,” said Kassay, who spearheaded the project.
Planting trees will help offset losses incurred during storms and as some of the older trees die.
While sharing games like bird bingo, Lynch also hopes to speak with first graders about the role that native plants can play on Long Island.
“Planting trees is like a gift to their future selves,” said Lynch, who also described the effort as “paying it forward.” She hopes first graders see the role they play in Port Jefferson history by planting trees that will grow as they do and that will become a part of their enduring legacy.
While first grade students will receive saplings for free as a part of the project, Port Jefferson residents can also buy them for $1 at the farmers market on Sunday, May 8, while supplies last.
Kassay is describing the purchase for residents as a “dollar and a dream.”
Planting these trees will strengthen the ecology of the area, providing homes and food sources for local birds and insects and reducing runoff, Lynch added.
The trustees will invite the first graders, as well as community members, to help plant the tree nursery at the country club on Thursday, May 5, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a rain date of May 6. Residents can park at the country club and follow signage from The Turn restaurant to the tree nursery beyond the driving range.
Family response
For several families in Port Jefferson, this kind of effort validates their commitment and interest in the village.
Nadine and Richard Wilches moved to Port Jefferson last year with their 9-year old son Lucas and their 7-year old daughter Cecilia.
“One of the reasons we moved to Port Jefferson is to experience a closer-knit community that includes taking care of the environment,” Nadine Wilches said. “Planting this tree will be a learning experience.”
Cecilia, who is in first grade at Edna Louise Spear school, shared some of her awareness of trees.
Without trees, “there would be no air,” Cecilia said. “The tree eats carbon dioxide. We eat the opposite, which is air, so the tree does the opposite.”
Cecilia has learned some of what she knows about trees from the work her brother Lucas is doing on photosynthesis in his class.
Lucas was born on Earth Day and also appreciates the connection to preserving the planet, the mother said.
Wilches added that the family tries to be cautious about their carbon footprint and has a hybrid car and an electric car.
She appreciates that the school and the village are “reinforcing our home values around the environment.”
If Cecilia could ask a tree a question, she would want to know if it hurts a tree when it loses its leaves.
First grader Andrew Turner appreciates how trees provide a home for animals. He will join the group planting saplings at the country club, and wants to know how long it takes a tree to grow.
Andrew, who likes woodpeckers and who currently wants to be a paleontologist like his father, Alan Turner at Stony Brook University, enjoys jumping in leaf piles in the fall.
“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and the second best time is today.”
— Rebecca Kassay
Andrew’s mother Melissa Cohen, who is a graduate program coordinator in Ecology & Evolution at Stony Brook University, said she appreciates how this effort will help children in the school develop an understanding of trees and the benefits they bring to the community.Longer term, Lynch, Kassay and others hope the first graders who participate in this effort develop a connection to the trees they plant.
“We envision these kids growing up with their trees,” Lynch said. “It would be amazing if the kids could all take pictures with their trees now and we can [see] them taking pictures when they graduate high school as a rite of passage.”
Kassay said these trees offer numerous benefits, including lowering heating costs from the shade they produce, increasing property values and stabilizing the soil by soaking up runoff from storms.
“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and the second best time is today,” Kassay said.
After trailing Harborfields by two goals in the opening quarter, the Miller Place Panthers clawed their way back to victory.
After trading the lead for a 7-7 tie at the end of the third quarter, Miller place senior Anthony Bartolotto scored his fourth goal of the game in the final 12 minutes of play, holding off Harborfields, for the 9-8 victory in a Div. II matchup at home, April 26.
Harborfields senior Luke DeRosa led his team with 3 goals, Hunter Droskoski stretched the net twice, and teammates Ethan Radecki, Dylan Wolf and Brendan Hohner each scored.
Anthony Bartolotto topped the scoring chart for the Panthers with four goals. Seniors Devon Duchnokski and Jack Davis also scored, and teammates Robby Cunningham, Nick Oliva and Scotty Seymour had one goal a piece.
The win lifts the Panthers to 6-3 in their division while the loss drops Harborfields to 3-6. The Tornadoes retake the field with a match up against West Islip on April 30 at noon and the Panthers will host Comsewogue on May 3 at 4:30 p.m.
Photos by Bill Landon
On April 17, Easter Sunday, the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted its 27th annual Easter parade.
Led by the Easter Bunny, dozens of children, parents and community members marched through the village streets. Starting from Theatre Three on Main Street, the parade route cut through East Main, and finally ended at the Port Jefferson Village Center.
The event was concluded by a massive egg hunt in Harborfront Park, where participants scaled fences and sprinted long distances in pursuit of the precious hidden eggs.
By Heidi Sutton
Looking for something fun to do with the kids during Spring Break? May I recommend the most adorablest show around, Theatre Three’s The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, a tale based on the characters and stories created by Beatrix Potter. As a child, Beatrix and her brother were homeschooled and kept sheltered from other children. She turned to her pets, especially her two rabbits — Benjamin Bouncer and Peter Piper — who served as inspiration for her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
Now the stories of Flopsy, Mopsy, CottonTail, Peter and Mrs. Rabbit come to life on Theatre Three’s stage in the form of a musical written by Jeffrey Sanzel and the late Brent Erlanson, with musical arrangements by Kevin F. Story.
The story follows the antics of the mischievous Peter Rabbit and his cousin Benjamin Bunny who have an insatiable appetite for carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, parsley, cucumbers and string beans. Where can they find such a cornucopia? In their neighbor Mr. McGregor’s garden, of course!
But taking without asking is not very nice and one too many trips to the garden patch gets Peter caught by the farmer. Will he end up as rabbit stew or will the McGregors and the Rabbits come to a compromise?
Directed by Sanzel, the incredible cast of eight adult actors present a high-energy, fast-paced show that keep children at the edge of their seats with audience participation as the cast walk or run up and down the aisles.
This year’s production has stepped it up several notches with so many special little details including adorable new costumes and wigs by Jason Allyn, colorful lighting along the walls of the theater and fresh choreography. The bunnies even sport new ears and a tail!
The show uses the set from the theater’s Mainstage production, Steel Magnolias, for the rabbit house and quickly transform it into the McGregor’s garden with a fence, bushes and trees.
The most special part of the production is the musical numbers. From the catchy duet “One More Time Around” with Peter and Benjamin to the hip hop number “Peter’s Socks,” the songs are heart of the show. The final number incorporates all of the songs in a super mega-mix extravaganza.
This wonderful spring production is guaranteed to keep both kids and parents entertained. Don’t miss it.
Souvenir bunnies in spring colors will be sold before the show and during intermission for $5 (proceeds will help maintain the historic building) and the entire cast will be in the lobby for photos after the show.
Sponsored by Furnari Exit Realty, Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Adventures of Peter Rabbit on April 21, 22, 23, 30 and May 7 at 11 a.m. with a special sensory sensitive performance on April 24 at 11 a.m. Children’s theater continues with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from May 28 to June 18, and Puss-In-Boots from July 8 to 30. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Prev
