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‘The Little Mermaid Jr.’ returns to the Engeman

by TBR Staff - June 30, 2021

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DSC_0175x — A scene from 'The Little Mermaid Jr.' at the Engeman in 2018. Photo by Jessie Eppelheimer

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. from July 24 to Aug. 29. Follow the adventures of mermaid princess Ariel and her friends Flounder the Guppy, Scuttle the Seagull, and Sebastian the Crab in this musical under-the-sea classic.

THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. tells the “tail” of a mermaid who longs to be human and the prince who helps her achieve her dream. With popular sing-along songs such as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” “Part of Your World,” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” this abbreviated version of the well-known Disney fable runs under 90 minutes and is appropriate for families and children of all ages. Performed by a cast of semi-professional adult actors, expect lots of dancing in the aisles and audience interaction for this Children’s Theater performance.

All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Dix Hills Park renamed after Huntington’s first female supervisor and husband

by Kimberly Brown - June 30, 2021

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Toni-Tepe-Park_062721_kimberly-brown — Elected officials and family members were on hand for the unveiling of the park’s new name. Photo by Kimberly Brown

Coming together to celebrate Huntington’s first and only woman town supervisor, Antonia “Toni” Rettaliata-Tepe (R) — popularly known as Toni Tepe — the Town of Huntington officially renamed Dix Hills Park after the supervisor together with her beloved veteran husband, Philip Tepe, who served as a Dix Hills Fire Department commissioner and ex-chief.

Town Clerk Andrew Raia remembers working with Toni Tepe at the June 27 dedication. Photo by Kimberly Brown

In April of 2020, Rettaliata-Tepe lost her battle to cancer, just 19 days after her husband unexpectedly passed away in March 2020. However, the couple’s legacy lives on through the town’s park renaming ceremony.

Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci (R) recalled his time with Rettaliata-Tepe and credited her for his involvement in public service.

“Toni was someone who was very near and dear to my heart, and she was an integral part of my life for more than two decades,” Lupinacci said. “She generously shared with me her knowledge and insight on the inner workings of the government. However, it was her love for the Huntington community that inspired me to continue to do good works through public service.”

After serving two years from 1988-89 as the elected Town of Huntington supervisor, Rettaliata-Tepe accomplished a substantial amount of work for the community, such as forming the Town of Huntington Veterans Advisory Board.

Before becoming supervisor, Rettaliata-Tepe served as Huntington’s state assemblywoman. She became the third and last woman to date from the town to hold this office, from 1979-87.

As assemblywoman, Rettaliata-Tepe was able to secure $31,000 in funding that enabled former Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia (R) to establish the award-winning and historical town clerk archives and records center.

“My whole life I’ve known Toni, and when I was young stuffing envelopes, she showed me how to seal them and everything else as a little kid,” said Andrew Raia (R), current town clerk and Jo-Ann’s son. “When I ran for the Assembly 19 years ago, she took me under her wing and really taught me everything I needed to know to survive. You could always count on Toni.”

The Tepes’ niece Jessica Van Bladel thanks the Town of Huntington and attendees. Photo by Kimberly Brown

When Rettaliata-Tepe remarried in 2000 to Philip Tepe, they became an unstoppable team that would help the Huntington community prosper. In 2006, she became chairwoman of the Huntington Republican Committee and served as its leader until her death.

Her husband was a Vietnam veteran, a member of the town’s Veterans Advisory Board and commander of Nathan Hale VFW Post 1469. Besides an active role in the Dix Hills Fire District, he served also as a Suffolk County deputy fire coordinator and a Town of Huntington fire marshal.

Both Rettaliata-Tepe and her husband were respected members of the community who were each eager to lend a helping hand to whoever needed it.

“My Aunt Toni and Uncle Phil have left an everlasting impression on me to be the best version of myself, and I know that many of you can say the same about them,” said Rettaliata-Tepe’s niece Jessica Van Bladel. “So, from the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank the Town of Huntington for this honor, and everyone here today for the love and support to our family. We are very grateful for everyone.”

Heckscher Museum invites children to ‘Drop In & Create’ this summer

by Press Release - June 27, 2021

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Drop-In-and-Create-Summer-2021-c-1077x700 — Photo from Heckscher Museum

The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington invites children ages 5 to 10 to stop by the museum on Thursdays from July 8 to Aug. 12 to take part in their Drop In & Create program from 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Create fun works of art in a variety of materials inspired by artwork in the Museum’s Collection! Each week’s project will be exciting and different! Held outside on the Museum Terrace, this program is weather-permitting. In the case of inclement weather, the program will be held the following day. Families are invited to come into the Museum following the program at 11:30 am to explore the galleries!

Fee is $10 per child, adults free payable at the door. No registration necessary.
Fee includes all art supplies and general admission to the museum from 11:30 to noon.

Rain dates are Fridays, July 9 to Aug. 13.

For more information, call 631-380-3230 or visit www.heckscher.org.

Allied Foundation Diaper Bank gives back to the community

by Press Release - June 26, 2021

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Just before Father’s Day, the Allied Foundation Diaper Bank, headquartered in Melville, held a special event at Flexible Systems in Hauppauge, marking the collection, purchase and distribution of 1 million diapers to impact the lives of 40,000 low-income families across Long Island and regionally since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Reaching this extraordinary milestone and impacting the lives of so many families in need could not have been achieved without the help of our partners,” said Allied Foundation Executive Director Heather Edwards. “The diapers and supplies collected over the past year provide much-needed relief to young families across the New York regions and Long Island who are struggling with the need for diapers. More parents are facing this strain and are simply unable to afford them due to loss of employment or other hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Allied Foundation collects packages of diapers and distributes them throughout Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties via 50 Agency Partners including Momma’s House, The Safe Center of Long Island, SCO Family of Services, St. Vincent de Paul of Long Island, WIC Programs in Brentwood, Riverhead, Stony Brook Wyandanch, The Association for Mental Health and Wellness, Family Service League, North Fork Spanish Apostolate, The Butterfly Effect Project and The INN among others.

During the past 12 months, donations have come in from the Long Island Community Foundation, The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation, SAR Family Fund, Yurman Family Fund, Robin Hood, All For The East End, Help Me Grow – Long Island, The JPB Foundation, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Docs for Tots, and Girl Scouts of Jericho-Syosset, Lower School at Friends Academy among others. The diapers will be distributed locally through the Allied Foundation Diaper Bank.

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, approximately one in three U.S. families experienced diaper need, a public health issue exacerbated by the growing economic and unemployment crisis caused by the pandemic.

“Diapers are a basic need no baby should ever have to go without. Babies and children in low-income families across Long Island are at greatest risk of suffering the effects of diaper need because many families simply cannot afford diapers. There are no state or federal child safety-net programs allocating dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers; however, thanks to the Allied Foundation Diaper Bank and the donations from our partners, friends and allies, diapers are able to get into the hands of financially strained families who need them most,” explained Scott Svitek, MD, Chair, Allied Foundation Board and Partner, Allied Physicians Group.

“Diapers are needed by many families who struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean, dry and healthy. This results with diapers being re-used or left on for longer periods of time that leave babies susceptible to painful rashes and infection that can ultimately lead to poor health outcomes. Clean, dry diapers are critical for ensuring good health and well-being for babies and their families,” said added Edwards.

Infants require up to 12 diapers a day and toddlers need about eight, making the cost as much as $80 per month, per child. The Allied Foundation Diaper Bank fills an important void in getting diapers to people facing financial struggles who cannot buy them when there are currently no programs that provide for this. Prices for diapers are forecasted to increase 10 percent or more in the coming months, making it more challenging for families.

Pictured from left to right at the celebration marking this milestone event are: Marty Schmitt, Partner with Flexible Systems (Donor to Allied Foundation), which donates Warehouse Space for Allied Foundation Diaper Bank; New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (District 11); Kerry Fierstein, MD, CEO of Allied Physicians Group and Adjuvant.Health; Allied Foundation Board of Directors Executive Director Heather Edwards; Grecia Morea, Local Mother and recipient of 1 millionth diaper; Scott Svitek, MD, Chair of Allied Foundation Board of Directors; Jeannie DeMaio, representing the Long Island Community Foundation (Donor to Allied Foundation); Noel Raab, President, Five Star Advertising, Long Island Imagine Awards Committee Member (Donor to Allied Foundation); and Tommy DiMisa, Vanguard Insurance Agency, Long Island Imagine Awards Committee Member, Philanthropy in Phocus (Donor to Allied Foundation) who is holding child Ian Morea (second to last from right).

The Allied Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded by Allied Physicians Group, based in Melville, which distributes diapers to families in need across Long Island and beyond.

To learn more about the Allied Foundation and the Allied Diaper Bank of Long Island, please visit https://alliedfoundation.org/give/donate-diapers/ or call (631) 386-4185. For more information about Long Island Community Foundation, visit www.licf.org.

Photo courtesy of Allied Foundation

Anna & Raven’s Adopt + Rescue event heads to Little Shelter June 27

by Press Release - June 25, 2021

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Join Little Shelter, 33 Warner Road, Huntington for an Adopt and Rescue event on Sunday, June 27 from noon to 5 p.m. Co-hosted by Anna & Raven from the Anna and Raven show on WALK 97.5, the event will feature lot of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens looking for new homes plus boatloads of wonderful raffle baskets to take a chance on. Plus Anna and Raven will be pulling the winning ticket and announcing the winner of Little Shelter’s SOLD OUT Semi-Annual Mercedes Benz/$25,000 raffle at 3 p.m. ! Come join the fun! For more information, call 631-368-8770 or visit www.littleshelter.org.

Editorial: Staying safe

by TBR Staff - June 25, 2021

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Port Jefferson Greenway Trail — The Greenway Trail in Port Jefferson Station. Photo by Heidi Sutton

After sitting home for over a year, people are finally emerging from their living rooms. The world has opened back up, restaurants and venues allow 100% capacity again. Things are starting to look like they’re coming back to normal.

Remember before COVID-19 how many murders, shootings and disputes there were — not only on Long Island but across the country?

For almost a year, there was little news of a gunman entering places of business. Schools weren’t open, so there were no high school shootings — something that happened relatively often in 2019.

It was nice, wasn’t it?

But now, we’re seeing a lot of instances again where we need to remember to be safe.

Last week, there was a stabbing in the early morning on the Greenway Trail in Port Jefferson Station. Barely two days later, a shooting occurred outside a bar in Port Jeff village.

Now that life is seemingly regular, the people who have pent-up energy, anger or who are emotionally disturbed are back out in the public.

It’s time to be aware of our surroundings again.

People might have forgotten to look over their shoulders while walking in a parking lot in the dark. They might not realize it’s not safe to be alone during a walk at night. If a customer looks unstable at a business, it might be good to alert someone and stay away.

Things are back to normal and, unfortunately, that means the bad stuff is back, too.

Keep your phone handy, bring a friend to places infrequently visited so you’re not alone and maybe invest in a whistle for your keyring to deter someone coming at you. If someone is walking toward you, look them in the eyes, so they know you can identify them if needed. Also, it never hurts to let someone know where you are going, especially when it’s late at night or you are traveling in an unfamiliar area.

Nowadays there are also apps for your phone that can help you stay safe, from ones that you can check before you venture out to see if any crimes have been reported in the area, to others that will send a message to your contacts you predetermine if you scream or don’t respond to a text message from the service by a certain time.

It’s important to stay safe. Look out for yourself and look out for others.

We’re all in this together.

Battle of the Badges in Yaphank

by Bill Landon - June 25, 2021

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It was the Lawmen of Suffolk County who took on the Nassau County Lawmen in the Battle of the Badges charity softball game at Baseball Heaven in Yaphank on Wednesday, June 23.

The Nassau lineup consisted of police officers from the Nassau County Police Department, while the Suffolk roster included correction officers, deputy sheriffs and members of the SCPD.

After the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Honor Guard presented our nations colors, the Suffolk County Police Department Pipe and Drums took to the diamond before the ceremonial first pitch was thrown by SCPD Officer Christopher Racioppo.

Racioppo was severely injured when he was stabbed during a traffic stop in Patchogue earlier this year.

Both teams fielded long ball hitters in a high scoring game in a benefit for the USA Patriots/Wounded Warrior Amputee softball team. Its mission is to bring athletic and like-minded veteran amputees together to promote the benefits of inclusive sport and therapeutic recreational activities, to inspire and motivate communities of people, to support children with physical challenges, and to operate as a vehicle that offers national opportunities for continued service to our country.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Suffolk County Police Acting Commissioner Stuart Cameron, and Nassau County Police Commissioner Pat Ryder conducted the coin toss to decide who batted first.

The USA Patriots are made up of veterans from across the country. They will return to Long Island next month for two free games and a children’s clinic, where players will meet with kids and stand for photo ops.

On July 17, the USA Patriots will go against the Bayport Blue Point All Stars at the newly turfed Bayport Commons, 2p.m.

Sunday, July 18, the team will go against the Long Island All Stars at noon at the Medford Athletic Complex in Brookhaven. There will be a s special opening ceremony with guest of honor Daniel Murphy, father of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy.

On Friday, July 16, at the Bayport Commons and the Medford Athletic Complex in Brookhaven, kids ages 5-12 can meet and greet the players at the children’s clinic, starting at 2 p.m. The clinic is free, but they ask to register with Scott June at [email protected].

All events are free. Donations will be accepted.

Additional reporting by Julianne Mosher

D. None of the Above: Ready to cheer for the magical return of Broadway

by Daniel Dunaief - June 24, 2021

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InReview_DearEvanHansen_A_(ByMatthewMurphy) — A scene from Broadway's 'Dear Evan Hanson'

By Daniel Dunaief

With my fingers crossed, I am excited about the return of shows on Broadway, which is scheduled to reopen in September.

Something magical happens when a curtain rises, taking an excited audience on a musical journey to other places and other times.

Decades ago, I attended a production of “The King and I.” While the famous Yule Brenner played the title role, I found the experience utterly meaningless.

I remember asking my mother what those small people were doing so far away from me, as we watched that production in the third balcony.

“Next time,” my mother said through gritted teeth to my father, “I’m getting the tickets.”

Sure enough, my parents took my brothers and me to “A Chorus Line.” The experience was as different as standing across the street, looking through the fog at a candy store and sitting at the counter, reading through a menu and enjoying the smell of warm waffles and ice cream and the sight of tantalizing delicacies akin to what I imagined Turkish delights from the Narnia series would taste like.

The live performance so completely captivated me that I left the auditorium humming some of the songs and hoping everything would work out for characters who came from broken homes and broken dreams. Each of the actors was taking his or her shot, hoping for approval, and a job, doing what he or she loved.

I have found numerous shows that have been as moving and as thrilling, including more modern performances, like “Dear Evan Hansen.”

The combination of sights and sounds, the emotional range from humor to tragedy and the riveting live voices that cause seats to vibrate and artwork to come alive provide a completely immersive artistic experience.

I don’t always love every moment in a show, and I don’t always understand what a director or actor is conveying, but that doesn’t stop me from trying or from appreciating the effort.

When I was in high school, I joined the pit orchestra of the musicals “The Wizard of Oz” and “West Side Story.” I far preferred the latter, with its more complicated and intricate music, although participating in each performance provided artistic highlights for my high school career.

On one of my first dates with my wife, we attended “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” starring Nathan Lane. The show, which I had seen once or twice before, was a familiar pleasure, while Lane’s periodic breaking of character and hamming up the role tickled the audience, sharing the equivalent of a modern-day wink with an appreciative crowd.

After the show, I was thrilled to find that my wife shared my love and appreciation for the Great White Way. We repeated lines that amused us, commented on the sets, and appreciated the spectacular stage presence of an acting legend who, somehow, show after show, seemed to be completely in the moment.

As we continue to emerge from a pandemic in which we discussed books we’d read and Netflix shows we’d seen, I am eagerly looking forward to returning to the cushioned seats, the brightly-colored programs, the friendly ushers, and the hard-working cast members who inspire and elevate my life with their dedication, talent and hard work.

Who knows? This year, I might even go back to dressing up for the occasion, tying a tie, finding matching dark socks, and wearing dress shoes as the lights return to live performances, the orchestra holds up its instruments, and the actors take deep breaths, preparing to serenade those lucky enough to score tickets to a transformative ride.

Between You and Me: A ‘Thank You’ note to my rescuers

by Leah Dunaief - June 24, 2021

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pexels-gustavo-reverdito-8290444 — Pixabay photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief

A three-year-old golden retriever, missing for two weeks, was pulled out of Barnegat Bay Wednesday by two blessed souls. I know how that golden feels. I was pulled out of Port Jefferson Harbor Sunday and was I ever grateful.

I’ll tell you the whole story.

My family is visiting, finally, as the pandemic fades. That includes three sons, three daughters-in-law, one granddaughter, two grandsons, (the third was working), one dog and two cats. Sunday late afternoon we noted the arrival of what sailors call “the cocktail breeze,” and to enjoy it, three of us went out in the harbor on a 16-foot Hobie Cat. The catamaran is little more than two pontoons connected by a sturdy webbing on which passengers sit. There is a mainsail and a jib, and the light craft really flies across the water. But there is no motor, only an oar in case the wind dies down, and we have to row ourselves back to shore-hardly a desirable state of affairs, as you can imagine.

So, there we were, happily zipping along, when the breeze turned into a sudden gust, caught us off guard, and lifted one pontoon out of the water. I was sitting above the other, and I saw the colorful mainsail rising up like a wall and coming toward me. The abrupt knot in the pit of my stomach confirmed that we were about to capsize. That had never before happened with this boat. I braced for a shock.

To my pleasant surprise, the water temperature, while not warm, was more comfortable than I expected for so early in the season. And while I was wearing a life vest, I had casually closed only the top couple of toggles, so the vest rode up to the level of my chin, pinning the edge of my broad-brimmed hat that had come askew in front of my eyes. While I knew I was in the water, I couldn’t see a thing.

It took us several minutes to sort ourselves out, my son, daughter-law and myself. We worked to untangle ourselves as we clung to the side of one of the overturned pontoons. Then the boat became caught in a mooring into which the wind had blown us. We hoped one of the two motor boats that came along would stop to help. They passed us by, but one slowed down to take a video of us struggling in the water.

It is hard to right a catamaran, and in the sudden heavy wind, it proved impossible.

“Maybe we should call for help,” my daughter-in-law suggested, and proceeded to do just that.

Fortunately Evelyn and Greg Haegele, in their sailboat aptly named “Necessity” heard us and slowly approached. My children were most concerned with getting me to safety and up the swim ladder that Greg had thrown over the side, my daughter-law helping me swim over to their boat. My son calling out my age with concern in his voice.

It was not easy to climb the six steps in my sopping wet clothes, but as they say at NASA, failure was not an option.

Then Greg passed his sunglasses to his wife and made a beautiful dive to swim over and help right the Hobie. Together they were successful despite the strong wind.

As my children clambered back aboard and sailed off, a police boat, followed by a fire boat dashed after them, checking to see if all was well. It seems some alert person in a waterfront home in Belle Terre, witnessed the mishap and called 911.

Meanwhile the Haegeles took me back to Port Jefferson via the launch service and then drove me home, a drenched dog.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Huntington Summer Arts Festival returns to Heckscher Park June 25

by TBR Staff - June 24, 2021

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It’s back! The Huntington Arts Council has announced the return of the Huntington Summer Arts Festival from June 25 to Aug. 8. While most events will be held on the Rainbow Chapin Stage in Heckscher Park in Huntington this year, all performances will be streamed via facebook.com/HuntingtonArts/live/ and at www.huntingtonarts.org except where noted.

“We are thrilled to bring a full schedule of both live in person, and streamed performances back to the Huntington Summer Arts Festival!” said Marc Courtade, Executive Director Huntington Arts Council.

“There is a diverse mix of music, theatre and dance, making up this year’s program. Included are new and exciting acts like the Urban Bush Women, as well as mainstays such as the Huntington Community Band.”

The Festival is always a celebratory event for the community, but even more so this year. The Huntington Arts Council is partnering with the Heckscher Museum and featuring a new visual arts component with an event called Art Happenings.

“Each Thursday in July a different artist will join us in the park to create,” explained Courtade. Artists will include Kevin McEvoy, on July 1; Diego Garcia on July 8; Patty Eljaiek on July 15; Marie Saint-Cyr on July 22; and Jan Guarino on July 29. “We are welcoming everyone to this event to create with the artist or simply enjoy viewing the process. There will also be a great display of some of our artist member’s work on banners surrounding the stage grounds.”

“The Huntington Arts Council is so fortunate to be able to provide these cultural experiences to the community. They are at the heart of our mission. We are grateful to the Town of Huntington, Suffolk County, New York Council on the Arts for their ongoing support as well as all of our sponsors including presenting sponsor Canon. We are looking forward to seeing old friends and new!” said Courtade.

The performance schedule from June 25 to July 4 is as follows:

Friday, June 25 — Chapin Family (Tom Chapin, Jen Chapin & Band, The Chapin Sisters) at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 26 — “Forever Plaid” musical by Plaza Theatrical Productions at 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 27 — North Shore Pops Concert Band at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, June 29 — Family Show: Mil’s Trills & Uncle Jumbo’s Extravaganza streamed only at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 30 — Huntington Community Band at 8 p.m.

Thursday, July 1

Art Happenings — featuring artist Kevin McEvoy from 4 to 7 p.m.

Huntington Choral Society at 8 p.m.

Friday, July 2 — LADAMA at 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 3 — Andrea McArdle &Donna McKechnie live only at 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 4 — Family Show: Gumbo, Grits & Gravy at 7 p.m.

The Huntington Summer Arts Festival will be held at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington. Bring seating. For performances through Aug. 8, visit www.huntingtonarts.org.

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