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Girl Scouts of Suffolk County plant flags at veterans’ graves at Calverton National Cemetery in advance of Memorial Day

by Press Release - May 25, 2024

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Approximately 50 girls from The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County (GSSC) honored Long Island military veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation by planting American Flags at their graves at Calverton National Cemetery on May 25 in advance of Memorial Day.

The annual event is part of the GSSC county-wide Service Unit 48 activities and included girls ages 5 to 16 from Mastic Beach, Shirley and Moriches.

Many of the girls have been participating in the activity for years.

“As an older Girl Scout it’s important to be a role model for the younger girls and to keep the tradition alive,” said Olivia Philips, of Mastic, who has been planting flags for nearly 10 years.

“Im proud of the girls that they take the time out,” said Laura Sorgie of Shirley, who is a troop leader and member of Service Unit 48, which organized the event. “So many people think this is just a long holiday weekend for barbecues. I’m so proud of them for coming out here and doing what’s really important.”

The girls also earned a special “Calverton National Cemetery” patch to wear on their sashes and vests.

About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us.

Letters to the Editor: May 23, 2024

by TBR Staff - May 25, 2024

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letters_page-scaled-1-700x467-1-1-2-2 — File photo by Raymond Janis

LIRR train car procurement debacle

The MTA announcement that the LIRR $734 million procurement of 202 new M9 train cars awarded to Kawasaki Rail Car in 2013 is finally complete is disappointing to the Port Jefferson Branch and other commuters. It is not the end of this story.

All of this new equipment was supposed to be delivered prior to initiation of new LIRR East Side Access service to Grand Central Madison. Delivery and acceptance of the last car almost five years late leaves a number of unanswered questions.

What was the cost for the LIRR to return 100 M3 cars previously mothballed several years ago back into service? What about daily maintenance and operating costs in keeping this retired equipment returned to passenger service? How many 10-car trains had to be run with eight cars due to a shortage of equipment resulting in periodic overcrowding?

The LIRR has had to keep its own engineering, procurement and other employees on the payroll assigned to this project for five years beyond the originally forecasted project completion date. What has this cost the LIRR? Has the LIRR submitted delay claims to Kawasaki Rail Car, for reimbursement of these costs? Why should commuters and taxpayers be stuck with the tab? What is the current status for purchase of additional new LIRR cars? Will the LIRR do a “lessons learned” from this car procurement? Perhaps this will benefit the upcoming M9A car procurement. The LIRR 1960s motto “Line of the Dashing Dan” in 2023 continues to be “Line of the Slow Moving Sloth” when it comes to purchasing new rail cars.

Larry Penner

Great Neck

Editorial: Local heroes, local support — veteran programs on Long Island

by TBR Staff - May 24, 2024

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Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We pay our respects at cemeteries, hold parades and fly the flag at half-staff. But as we honor the fallen, let’s not forget the living veterans who carry the weight of their service.

Memorial Day can be a springboard for a broader conversation about supporting our veterans. New York State, Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven all offer a range of programs that address veterans needs, from health care and education to mental health services and job training. Here’s a breakdown of some of the resources available:

New York State:

● NYS Department of Veterans’ Services: The DVS is a one-stop shop for veterans, offering benefits that include counseling, education assistance, employment programs and more. Call 888-838-7697 or visit NYS Department of Veterans’ Services website at veterans.ny.gov to learn more.

● Benefits for Veterans and Families: The NYS Veterans Bill of Rights ensures priority in employment and training programs. Explore details on the New York State Assembly website at nyassembly.gov.

Suffolk County:

● Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency: The VS agency provides veterans with a variety of services, including benefits assistance, health care navigation, and referrals to mental health resources. Reach out at 631-853-8387.

Town of Brookhaven:

● Brookhaven Division of Veterans Services: The department offers support with benefit claims, honors veterans through ceremonies and maintains a food pantry specifically for veterans and their families. Call the veterans service officer at 631-451-6574.

Beyond government agencies:

● Veterans Service Organizations: These national organizations, like the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans, provide camaraderie, advocacy and social events for veterans. Local chapters often offer additional resources. Find a VSO near you through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov.

This is not an exhaustive list. Many local charities and organizations offer programs specifically tailored to veterans needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local veteran service agency or VSO chapter for further guidance.

But government programs can only go so far. We, as a community, need to step up as well. Let’s reach out to veterans in our neighborhoods, check in on their well-being and offer a helping hand. Simple acts of kindness can go a long way in showing our appreciation for their service. Memorial Day should extend throughout the whole year.

Sound Beach restaurant opens in honor of fallen firefighter

by TBR Staff - May 24, 2024

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By Sofia Febles

New York City firehouse. The space resembles the home of a firefighter — from the hook door handle when you first walk in, to the model fire trucks and family photos from first-time restaurant owner Joseph DiBernardo’s personal memorabilia.

The building now occupied by the Firehouse has been home to a restaurant for many years. It was first called Boyle’s, then Shorty’s and for years it’s been known as the Hartlin Inn. For nearly three years, the local community has been left wondering what will take Hartlin Inn’s place. Now the DiBernardos have brought it back to life, in their late son FDNY Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo’s honor.

The owners of the restaurant, Joe and Barbara DiBernardo opened this restaurant in memory of their son, Joey, who came from a long line of firefighters, including his dad.

When Joey was young, he would create and play with firefighter sets. Joey would help his dad in a Brooklyn firehouse, being part of his first real fire at the age of 10. When Joey turned 18 he became a fire alarm dispatcher on Long Island.

Joey went on to work at the World Trade Center for nearly six months in the rescue and recovery operation. He was one of the people who founded the Town of Brookhaven Technical Rescue Task Force and was one of the first team leaders.

In 2005, he was called to an apartment fire in the Bronx — a day known as Black Sunday, when three firefighters died including Joey.

Trapped on the top floor in a backdraft, he was forced to jump out of the window five stories above the ground. From his plunge, Joey landed in a courtyard, breaking many of his bones from the waist down, and would eventually experience respiratory arrest and then a coma.

On Nov. 22, 2011, Joey passed away as a result of injuries sustained from his heroic efforts on Black Sunday. He was awarded the IAFF Medal of Honor, the New York City Medal of Supreme Sacrifice and the FDNY Medal of Valor.

In 2013 the “Joey D” foundation was created by the father and Joey’s friends in honor of the fallen firefighter. The foundation provides personal safety ropes to fire departments throughout the United States. It is run strictly by volunteers, mostly Joey’s friends. The foundation’s goal is that no firefighter dies because of lack of safety ropes. Joey’s father hopes that the foundation will continue even when he is gone.

The opening of the Firehouse Restaurant & Bar for the DiBernardos was an important event in celebration of their son. “I want my customers to know and understand Joey’s story, and I want Joey to live on in perpetuity through this restaurant,” Joe said. “This restaurant is like a family, surrounded with the best people.”

On the menu is a variety of sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, burgers and “firehouse favorites.” “The ‘big pretzel’ and meatball appetizers are guest favorites,” Joe said.

“I went for lunch with my husband two weeks ago, we found everything great,” said Ruth McDowell of Port Jefferson Station. “He had the fish and chips, I had French onion soup and a BLT. Perfect balance of everything. Even the coffee was delicious. We will be back.”

The bar section has been refurbished beautifully and is often filled with locals who enjoy happy hour and beyond.

Northwell Health opens Molecular Diagnostics Lab to diagnose cancer

by Daniel Dunaief - May 24, 2024

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northwellmdl — Leaders from Northwell’s Cancer Institute and its Center for Genomic Medicine celebrate the opening of the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory. From left to right, Joseph Castagnaro, Jeff Boyd, Dwayne Breining, Richard Barakat, Naima Loayza, Anna Razumova, Angelo Carbone, Rita Mercieca and Kathryn Cashin. Photo courtesy of Northwell Health

By Daniel Dunaief

Northwell Health Cancer Institute and its Center for Genomic Medicine opened a Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, which will reduce the cost of testing and shorten the time to get test results for cancer tests.

At a cost of $3.2 million, the 2,800 square foot facility will use next generation sequencing to provide tumor and patient genomic profiling and to assist in testing for biomarkers and determining the choice of cancer therapy.

The MDL, which is using the space Northwell Health Labs owned, will offer an array of tests in a phased approach. It is starting with a set of single gene tests to inform precision therapies for lung, melanoma, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer, which can be conducted in 24 to 72 hours.

“We like to get cancer therapy started as soon as possible for patients with metastatic disease,” said Jeff Boyd, vice president and chief scientific officer and director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute’s Center for Genomic Medicine. When Northwell sent out similar tests to for-profit centers, the results, depending on the test, could take weeks.

The MDL is performing these tests on patients with advanced stage disease and/or recurrent diseases, which increases the need to generate results quickly.

“That makes a huge difference for the ordering oncologist and, most especially and importantly to the patient,” said Boyd. “The sooner they can get on precision therapeutics to treat the disease, the better. Outcomes will reflect wait time until you get therapy.”

Northwell treats more New York residents for cancer than any provider in the state, according to the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System, inpatient and ambulatory surgery data.

The center, which is located in Lake Success, started conducting tests several weeks ago.

The lab is using high-end DNA sequencing to extract and define the genomic details of each tumor. Each patient tumor is different, which affects decisions about the best possible treatment.

“When the diagnosis isn’t totally clear to the pathology team, the genetics of the cancer will often inform the diagnosis,” said Boyd. Some patients with the same type of tumor will respond differently to radiation.

The lab is offering four single-gene tests: EGF for non-small cell lung cancer, BRAF for melanoma, KRAS for colorectal, pancreatic and lung cancers, and BRAF/NRAS for melanoma.The MDL plans to offer a 161-gene NGS panel for solid malignancies, a 45-gene NGS panel for hematologic malignancies, and MSI-H, a genetic test that reveals whether tumors will respond to immunotherapy.

Long road

Northwell recruited Boyd to start a molecular diagnostic lab four years ago. He started working in February of 2020, a month before the pandemic caused local, state, national and worldwide disruption.

While he has other responsibilities, Boyd suggested that his “primary reason” for joining Northwell was to “create and direct a Center for Genomic Medicine.”

Northwell conducted extensive physical renovation of the core lab facility that houses the MDL. Northwell also hired six people for the MDL, which includes a lab director, a lab manager, two certified lab technicians, a director of bioinformatics and an LIMS administrator.

In addition, New York State Department of Health had to certify the tests. Northwell is working through certification for additional tests.

Patients don’t need to go to the Lake Success facility to benefit from the services offered by the lab.The cost to patients for these tests is less than it would be for a for profit lab, Boyd said.

“We are a non profit and all we’re looking for is the sustainability of the lab infrastructure,” he added.

At this point, the lab isn’t conducting any germ line testing to determine if there are genetic predispositions to various cancers.

“That might be one of those tests we role out in the future,” Boyd said.

For Boyd, who earned a PhD in toxicology and biochemistry from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, the work is particularly rewarding.

To see his job “impact care tomorrow” based on a particular genetic alteration, “it doesn’t get much better than that for an individual with my background and profession,” he said.

Sayville ends Shoreham-Wading River Wildcats baseball season

by Bill Landon - May 24, 2024

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By Bill Landon

Having survived a must-win game the day before, Shoreham-Wading River (No. 3) lived to face Sayville (No. 6) at home Sunday, May 19, in a Suffolk Class A playoff match.

Sayville banked two runs in the opening inning, but the Wildcats answered when Kyle Stella drove in Christian Cox to get on the scoreboard. Shoreham-Wading River sophomore Daniel Laieta homered in the bottom of the second driving in to put his team ahead 3-2, a lead that would be short-lived.

Sayville leveled the game in the top of the 3rd but the Wildcats fell behind in the top of the 5th when Sayville drove in two more runs to make it 5-3. Sayville extended the lead to five in the top of the 6th at 8-3.

Shoreham-Wading River with three outs left, with their season on the brink, rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning plating three runners but Sayville ended the Wildcats season winning the game 8-6.

The Wildcats concluded their 2024 campaign with an impressive 17-5 record.

2024 Memorial Day events on the North Shore

by Heidi Sutton - May 24, 2024

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5-30-22 - Northport Memorial Day 0042 — A scene from the 2022 Northport Memorial Day parade. Photo by Media Origin

By Heidi Sutton

Falling every year on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in all branches of the U.S. military. May they never be forgotten. The following communities will commemorate this federal holiday.

Centerport

The Centerport Fire Department will host a Memorial Day Parade on May 27 at 9:30 a.m. from Centershore Road, Harrison Drive, east on Mill Dam Road Centerport, southeast on Prospect Road, south on Little Neck Road. Ends at Park Circle, Centerport followed by a ceremony at the memorial monuments in the park. 631-261-5916

Centereach

The Centerach Fire Department will hold its 2nd annual Memorial Day Parade on May 26 at 1 p.m. Parade kicks off at the corner of Horseblock Road and Middle Country Road and ends at the Centereach Fire Department on South Washington Avenue. 631-588-8652

Commack

VFW Elwood-Commack Post 9263 hosts a Memorial Day parade on May 27 at 10 a.m. Kick off is at the Home Depot parking lot at the intersection of Larkfield Road and Jericho Turnpike and head east on Jericho Turnpike to junction at Veterans Highway to Cannon Park for a ceremony. 631-368-9463

East Northport

Father Judge Council Knights of Columbus hosts the East Northport Memorial Day Parade with kick off on May 27 at noon at Clay Pitts and Larkfield roads and proceed to John Walsh Memorial Park. 631-262-1891

Farmingville

The Farmingville Fire Department’s annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on May 27 at 11 a.m. Parade starts at CVS on Horseblock Road to the memorial at Nicolls Road and Portion Road. 631-732-6611

Greenlawn

Organized by the Greenlawn Fire Department, a Memorial Day parade will kick off on May 27 at 9 a.m. on East Maple Road, south on Broadway to Greenlawn Memorial Park, at the corner of Pulaski Road and Broadway. 631-261-9106

Kings Park

The 97th annual Kings Park Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by American Legion Post 944, will be held on May 27 at 9 a.m. Kick off is at the RJO Intermediate School at Old Dock Road and Church Street to the Veterans Plaza at Route 25A for flag ceremonies. 631-269-4140

Holbrook

Holbrook Chamber of Commerce will host a Memorial Day Parade on May 27 at 10:30 a.m. Parade begins at 1069 Main St., heads south to Furrow’s Road, west to Grundy and culminates at the Vietnam Memorial. 631-471-2725

Huntington

The Town of Huntington will host a Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 26 at Veterans Plaza on the front lawn of Huntington Town Hall at 100 Main Street at 10 a.m. Patriotic music will be performed by the Huntington Men’s Choir. 631-351-3012

Mount Sinai

A Parade of American Flags will be on display at Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Rd, Mt Sinai on May 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 1776. 631-403-4846

Northport

Organized by the Northport American Legion Post 694, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. on May 27 at Laurel Avenue School and proceed down Main Street to the Northport Village Park. 631-261-4424

Port Jefferson

American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432 will perform a Memorial Day ceremony at Port Jefferson Memorial Park, West Broadway, Port Jefferson on May 27 at 10 a.m. 631-473-9774

Port Jefferson Station

Join the American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432 for a Memorial Day ceremony at Steven J. Crowley Memorial Park on Old Town Road in Port Jefferson Station on May 27 at 9 a.m. 631-473-9774

Rocky Point

The Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6249, 109 King Road, Rocky Point will host a Memorial Day service to honor the fallen on May 27 at 11 a.m. 631-744-9106

St. James

A Memorial Day Parade organized by Sgt. John W. Cooke VFW Post 395 will be held on May 27 at 10 a.m. The parade steps off at the corner of Lake Avenue and Woodlawn Avenue and proceeds to St. James Elementary School for a ceremony. 631-862-7965

Setauket

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3054 will hold its annual Three Village Memorial Day Parade in Setauket on May 27 at 11 a.m. Parade starts at the corner of Main Street and Route 25A with an opening ceremony at the Village Green across from the library and a closing ceremony at Memorial Park along Route 25A. 631-751-5541

Smithtown

The Smithtown Fire Department hosts its annual Memorial Day Parade on May 27 at noon. Kickoff is at the corner of Main Street and Singer Lane, continuing west on Main Street to Town Hall. 631-360-7620

Sound Beach

The Sound Beach Civic Association will hold Memorial Day service at the Veterans Memorial Park on New York Avenue in Sound Beach on Monday, May 27 at noon. Students from the Rocky Point High School Music Department will provide patriotic music. 631-744-6952

State Sen. Anthony Palumbo honors Carol Gomes, CEO of Stony Brook University Hospital

by Press Release - May 23, 2024

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State Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) proudly announced Carol Gomes as the 2024 New York State Woman of Distinction for the 1st Senate District at this year’s annual New York State Senate Women of Distinction event at the state capitol.

“Today marks a celebration of extraordinary dedication and leadership in health care,” Palumbo said. “It is my great privilege to honor Carol Gomes as my 2024 New York State Woman of Distinction.”

On Tuesday, May 14, Gomes of Mount Sinai, joined Palumbo and guests at the New York State Senate in Albany for her recognition. As chief executive officer of Stony Brook University Hospital, Gomes has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to excellence in health care.

“It is an honor and privilege to stand beside the many accomplished women leaders in New York State for this prestigious recognition,” Gomes said.

With over 35 years of experience, Gomes has played a pivotal role in elevating Stony Brook University Hospital to its status as Long Island’s premier academic medical center. Her leadership as CEO and COO has propelled the hospital to new heights of innovation and patient care.

Under Gomes’ guidance, Stony Brook Medicine completed its largest expansion project in 2019, including the opening of the Medical and Research Translation, Stony Brook Children’s and Hospital Pavilion. Her strategic vision and operational excellence have positioned Stony Brook University Hospital as a beacon of cutting-edge health care delivery.

“Carol Gomes’ remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication make her a true inspiration to us all,” Palumbo said. “Her leadership in health care has touched countless lives, and her commitment to excellence sets a standard for others to follow.”

As a recipient of numerous leadership awards, including recognition from the American Society of Clinical Pathology and recipient of the American College of Healthcare Executives Award of Distinction, Gomes’ impact extends far beyond the walls of Stony Brook University Hospital. Her leadership in sustainability efforts and commitment to quality care have earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers alike.

“Her contributions to health care in our community and beyond are immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Palumbo said.

D. None of the Above:A time to put away schadenfreude and admire resilience and fortitude

by Daniel Dunaief - May 23, 2024

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By Daniel Dunaief

Tis the season for the opposite of schadenfreude.

Schadenfreude, as you may know, suggests happiness at someone else’s misery. Not being a German speaker, I understand that “schaden” means “damage” or “harm” and “freude” means “joy,” or, if you prefer, is the last name of the founder of psychoanalysis, which, I guess, is either supposed to make you happy or more self aware, coupled with an “e” at the end to make it harder to spell, so that you can feel schadenfreude when someone misspells the word.

So, why, in an era when so many others are so happy to enjoy the misery of those on the other end of an ideological spectrum, is it the era of the opposite of schadenfreude?

Well, look around! You might notice people in caps and gowns, completing their journeys through an educational curriculum strewn with considerably more obstacles than most four-year periods, starting with the dislocation caused by Covid.

Students couldn’t meet their classmates, except on zoom, skype or social media. They got to know each other through the facial expressions they could see online or through the images on their screens, as some of their professors’ children played with LEGOs, their cats climbed across keyboards, or their neighbors took their daily jogs in neon colors.

These graduates endured dislocation, loneliness, and, in some cases, prolonged exposure to family members whose watchful eye and judgment they thought they were finally escaping. They remained trapped in the family fishbowl.

Uncertainty, which is, admittedly, part of life, became even greater, as they didn’t know when they could go back to normal. When, they wondered, could they take a brief nap in a biochemistry class while a professor described reactions on an overhead projector in a slightly dimmed room?

For a while, they couldn’t chat with people on the way to the dining hall or at a party or mixer, they couldn’t compare the challenges of helicopter parenting and they couldn’t wonder what it would be like to leave their home country, travel thousands of miles away, and only speak to their parents once or twice a month.

And then, slowly, the fog of the pandemic lifted, giving them a chance to see each other in person, to listen to the questions others asked, and to have those moments when they could teach or learn outside of class while enjoying a late-night pizza.

Yes, these are remarkable high school, college, graduate school and night school students. We can and should be happy for them, celebrating their resilience and determination. They learned to multitask and adapt in ways most graduates don’t endure.

As we clap for them, we might need to fight the urge to wonder “what about me?” Or, perhaps, to think “What was hard about school when I went?” or, if perhaps “I could have been a doctor, except for the science part.” (Thanks to Woody Harrelson in the movie “Doc Hollywood” for that line).

Yes, you had challenges, but this day and time isn’t about you. It’s about these students who not only graduated, but will also contribute to the world, realizing their dreams, the goals of their parents and/or grandparents, and their communities, who need professionals in a range of fields to contribute to society.

This is our time to shine as a part of a support system, to acknowledge, to admire, and to elevate those who will likely encounter future difficulties, knowing that they already triumphed under extreme circumstances.

Oh, and if you crave schadenfreude, people have seized on numerous other outlets for their free-floating frustrations, laughing at the disappointed voters whose candidates are no longer in the race or who seem poised for an agonizing defeat.

Graduations, however, are not a zero sum game, where you win and I lose or I win and you lose. We all win when these graduates design beautiful homes that raise the property value in our neighborhood, when they help us with legal challenges, and when they hold our hands and provide medical guidance during future health threats.

Let’s hold back on our urge to pinch them in their pictures, to put them in their place when they seem happy with themselves, or to talk about ourselves instead of them, and let’s admire them for their pothole-filled journey and wish them well in the days, months and years ahead.

Between You and Me: 24 hours of adventure in New York City

by Leah Dunaief - May 23, 2024

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280275143_541920097302764_8477144914147806978_n — The Metropollitan Opera. Photo from Facebook

By Leah S. Dunaief

As much as I enjoy living on our beautiful Island, getting away for a quick break from the predictable routine and usual scenery is a delight. This past Saturday morning, we rode into New York City ready for adventure.

Six months earlier, we had ordered tickets for the matinee performance of the new opera at the Met, “The Hours,” a story about three women in different eras and locations, that takes place in a single day.

Based on the Pulitzer prize-winning novel and the highly regarded subsequent film, the opera had won rave reviews at its premier the previous year and offered three fabulous singers, Renee Fleming, Joyce DiDonato and Kelli O’Hara in the leading roles. We figured it would be worth the trip just to hear all three on the same stage.

It was.

The plot uses Virginia Woolf’s novel, “Mrs. Dalloway,” as the thread that ties the three women together, although they don’t meet until the end. DiDonato as Woolf is writing the novel in a London suburb in 1923, O’Hara as Laura is reading it in 1949 in Los Angeles, and Fleming as Clarissa in Manhattan at the end of the century is reenacting the story.

The women have much in common. At various times, as the playbill notes, they are rapturous, fearful, desperate but always accepting. And the music carries and amplifies the story, as the times and places flow back and forth.

There was a light rain as we emerged from the opera house and found a place to eat supper. It was a leisurely meal as we marveled at what was coming next. At the time we had ordered tickets for “The Hours,” we noted that the evening performance was to be “Carmen,” which just happens to be my favorite opera.

Reasoning that we had much cultural enrichment to make up for due to the losses forced on us by COVID-19, we splurged on tickets for that opera as well. So after we ate, we returned to the opera house for the evening attraction.

Two operas in one day!

Yes, we survived, although we were a bit woozy when it was all over, especially since Bizet’s “Carmen” is one of the longer operas. Stimulating but disappointing to us was the transfer of this classic 19th century opera set alongside a cigarette factory and a military base in Spain to a modern American truck depot in the industrial Midwest.

The plot was unchanged. “Don Jose, a naive soldier who is seduced by the wiles of the fiery gypsy Carmen, abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties, yet loses Carmen’s love to the glamorous [bullfighter] Escamillo, after which Don Jose kills her in a jealous rage,” is a quick synopsis from Wikipedia.

But instead of the bullring, we have a rodeo, and conspicuously missing are the exotic settings in the mountains and especially the seductive dance on the table at the tavern serving as a hideout for the gypsy smugglers.

Nonetheless, the music, well-known even as background to Saturday morning TV cartoons for early rising youngsters, is so forceful and the story so dramatic that by the later acts, the longstanding appeal of this opera again captivated us, and we left happy.

Using our one free night from our loyalty credit card points, we had arranged to sleep at a nearby hotel in NYC. As you might imagine, after all that operatic action, we slept exceedingly well. We found a good spot for breakfast the next morning; actually it was more like brunch.

Stopping only to pick up some NYC bagels, we returned refreshed and thrilled to be back. Our neighborhood looked newly washed and appealing. As much as it is enjoyable to have a break from our normal routines, interestingly it is even more satisfying to come home. And the magic of live music continues to play in our heads.

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