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Nesconset artist Catherine Rezin to be featured at Apple Bank of Smithtown

by Press Release - December 19, 2021

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Smithtown Township Arts Council has announced that the works of Nesconset artist Catherine Rezin will be on view at Apple Bank of Smithtown, 91 Route 111, Smithtown from December 20 to February 17, 2022. The exhibition, part of STAC’s Outreach Gallery Program, can be viewed during regular banking hours, Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nesconset artist Catherine Rezin is a retired textile artist who has renewed her love of painting and drawing during the past four years. “In the early months of the Covid restrictions, I found myself doing pastel portraits of our grandchildren and then other family members. The next progression was to painting watercolor landscapes,” she said.

Inspired by the beauty of nature, Rezin never seems to run out of sources of inspiration living on Long Island. “I am in awe of the spectacular surroundings that are around me at all times and am passionate in my desire to convey these images to art.” The artist can be commissioned to do portraits of loved ones or capture and convert a favorite vacation photo to a custom artwork.

“STAC is grateful to Apple Bank for its continued support of culture in our communities. We are so happy to feature the talents of Long Island artists in this space!,” said the Council.

Long Island golf pros swing to support American Cancer Society

by Press Release - December 17, 2021

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Kacie (left) and Brittany (right) — Photo (left to right): Kacie Mulligan and Brittany Ferrante. The American Cancer Society offered two awards at the start of the season for Most Holes Played and Most Funds Raised. Brittany Ferrante of the Village Club of Sands Point played 280 holes on September 7th, 2021, securing the title of Most Holes Played. Kacie Mulligan of Southward Ho Country Club raised over $70,000 in her highly successful endeavor, securing title of Most Funds Raised.

$347,000 raised through golf marathons held in 2021

The American Cancer Society celebrates 16 golf professionals from 11 country clubs who participated in golf marathons this year, while raising $347,000 to support the mission of the American Cancer Society.

Meaning Behind Each Swing

The objective of golf marathon participants is to play as many holes as possible from sunup to sundown while raising funds for the American Cancer Society. The pros chose dates from June through November. The long stretch of hours and commitment are symbolic reminders of the challenges and difficulties faced by cancer patients and their families. Several of this year’s golfers hosted marathons to honor loved ones affected by cancer, according to Megan Stewart of the American Cancer Society.

Cody Homer from Fresh Meadows Country Club dedicated the day to the memory of his mother, whom he lost to breast cancer. Homer’s dedication and the generosity of the club membership led to a $30,000 donation to the American Cancer Society. With sentiment for her dad who is bravely fighting cancer, Kacie Mulligan hit the Southward Ho course just weeks before her wedding in mid-November. With her fiancé as caddy and parents in the gallery, she braved incredible fall winds and an early sunset to triumphantly finish her marathon.

Players and Awards

The American Cancer Society offered two awards at the start of the season for Most Holes Played and Most Funds Raised. Brittany Ferrante of the Village Club of Sands Point played 280 holes on September 7th, 2021, securing the title of Most Holes Played. Kacie Mulligan of Southward Ho Country Club raised over $70,000 in her highly successful endeavor, securing title of Most Funds Raised.

Participants this year include Wayne Leal and Sean Sanders of Muttontown Country Club; Pat Gunning and John Stoklosa of Noyac Golf Club; Cody Homer of Fresh Meadows Country Club; Jimmy Farrell of Hamlet Golf and Country Club; Alex Willey of Meadowbrook Club; Melissa Rath and Rich Burns of Brookville Country Club; Matt Livolsi and Zack Yashnyk of Cherry Valley Club; Brittany Ferrante of Village Club at Sands Point; Kacie Mulligan of Southward Ho Country Club; Tim Shifflett & Scott Ford of Glen Oaks Club. Additionally, Jarett Leonard joined the Babes Against Cancer marathon up north in New England at Norton Country Club in MA.

Golf Marathons

The first golf marathon to support the Society’s cancer fighting mission on Long Island originated in 2019. Matt Demeo, an assistant golf professional from the Indian Hills Country Club honored his mother’s battle with breast cancer and tested his ability to play as many holes and raise as many funds as he could. His efforts resulted in a $14,000 donation to the American Cancer Society. In 2020, three individuals held golf marathons which helped to raise funds at a time when traditional fundraisers were on pause due to the restrictions in public gatherings due to COVID 19. These golf marathons provided a safe, socially distant, and fun way to support the American Cancer Society. In 2021, the program greatly expanded, and 16 golf professionals joined the ranks.

To learn more or to participate in an upcoming American Cancer Society golf marathon, contact [email protected] or visit acsmove.org/GolfMarathon.

About The American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer. For more than 100 years, we have helped lead an evolution in the way the world prevents, detects, treats, and thinks about cancer. As the nation’s preeminent cancer-fighting organization, we fund and conduct research, share expert information, support people with cancer, spread the word about prevention, and through our advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), advocate for public policy change. We are committed to ensuring that ALL people have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer – regardless of income, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or where they live. Thanks in large part to our decades of work, a cancer diagnosis does not come without hope, and the cancer journey is not one that is traveled alone.

Smithtown quilting club delivers blankets to seniors

by Press Release - December 16, 2021

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Smithtown residents belonging to the Senior Center’s Thursday Quilters club embraced the giving season with a heart-warming plan to spread tidings of joy to the Town’s wisest of residents.

The group of talented quilters handmade lap blankets, which were then delivered by the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department to eight center members who turned 100 or older this year. The quilts were stitched with love, and packaged with a holiday greeting card, wishing each recipient a happy birthday and holiday season.

Smithtown Senior Citizens Department employee Mae Inzone came up with the idea to present to the Thursday Quilters Club, which they happily embraced. The eight community members were deeply honored by the special delivery.

“The Senior Center is a very special place, where we all care for one another like family… which means celebrating all of life’s victories, big and small. I’d like to commend Mae Inzone for this very thoughtful idea as well as our talented members in the quilting group who devoted countless hours to making these timeless gifts, which will be treasured and enjoyed for years to come,” said Doreen Perrino, Smithtown Senior Citizens Department Program Director.

Members of the Senior Center celebrating 100 years or more in 2021 include Mattie DiSpaltro (102), Fran Miller (101), Rita Maffe (100), Orlando Marotta (100), Janet DeVries (100), Lillian Guerriero (100), Mae Letsch (100) and Theresa Sanders (100).

“I’m deeply moved by this gesture given by the talented quilters and an incredible team at the Senior Center. I would like to formally wish our wisest and longest living residents a very happy birthday & hope for a memorable, healthy holiday season with good friends and family,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Editorial: The mask returns

by TBR Staff - December 16, 2021

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editorial-masks_stock-photo — METRO photo

It’s no surprise that face mask use is mandated once again when visiting or working in a store or venue in the state of New York. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said earlier this year if the COVID-19 infection rate kept climbing, the mandatory health protocol would be needed again.

Until Jan. 15, 2022, when the state will reassess, unless an establishment has a vaccine requirement, a mask must be worn by everyone 2 years old and up. The governor announced the statewide mandate that began Monday, Dec. 13, during a press conference last Friday. In addition, businesses that do not comply can face fines up
to $1,000.

According to a recent article in The New York Times, the state’s infection rate last Saturday reflected a 51% jump over 14 days. With more than a 7% seven-day infection rate in Suffolk County, Hochul’s new mandate seems more than appropriate for our communities.

While some people still have been wearing masks either because they aren’t vaccinated or as an extra precaution, many have not since former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) lifted the initial mask mandate in the state.

The news can be frustrating for those who are vaccinated and even received the booster shot. However, Americans have known since the virus first reached our shores that it would take a while to figure out how to lessen transmission, especially since a virus can mutate. With no practice 100% effective — and some people resisting not only wearing masks but getting the vaccine — the virus has continued infecting people and new variants have developed, such as Delta and Omicron. While medical researchers are still trying to understand the virus, why not take extra precautions? Even if they are not guaranteed to stop transmission, they can lessen the chances of spreading the virus.

While face masks can be uncomfortable at times, the protective gear acts as a barrier to protect the wearer from droplets released in the air when someone coughs or sneezes. It also traps the wearer’s respiratory droplets. If someone is sick and they are wearing a mask, they are less likely to give someone else the virus.

When Cuomo issued mandatory business shutdowns in the early days of the pandemic, New Yorkers debated if this was the right approach. A good percentage of people thought it would be the demise of many businesses. Fortunately, many business owners were able to swim with the tide and come up with innovative solutions such as curbside service and selling merchandise on social media if they didn’t have a website.

Now more than ever, local businesses need our support as many of them cannot make it through another round of shutdowns. So, let’s mask up before stepping inside a favorite store, restaurant or theater so that we can keep these places not only open but give them a chance to thrive.

After all, this is the season of goodwill.

D. None of the Above: Walks to remember on cold nights in December

by Daniel Dunaief - December 16, 2021

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By Daniel Dunaief

Dogs need to go outside, regardless of the temperature. My dog, who has a thick coat of hair, loves the winter and is perfectly happy to linger outside, especially when it’s close to freezing. When the grass is covered with frost, he slowly lowers his right cheek and does a lawn dive, bringing the rest of his body piece by piece down onto the cold, wet surface.

Once he’s completely on the ground, he rolls onto his back, using the blades of grass and the water and ice to scratch his back, while snorting with delight. With the eye that isn’t pressed into the ground, he stares at me, waiting for me to give up the ghost on getting some exercise or coming back inside quickly. When I reach down to pet him, I can almost see him smirk as he wags his tail triumphantly.

This month, he and I have seen some unusual sights. When I see something unusual, I try to take out my phone, but my reaction time, and all the extra material in my pocket, makes that a largely ineffective effort.

Even when I do manage to take out the camera and point it in the general direction of something interesting, the pictures typically disappoint, because my dog who hates to move suddenly gets the urge to pull just as I’m snapping the photo, leaving me with a blurry image of the road.

A few days ago, we were at the top of our street at dusk, near one of my dog’s favorite places to poop. In fact, I can take him on a four-mile walk and, within a tenth of a mile of our home, he finds his favorite blades of grass, takes his usual tentative steps, turns away from me — he needs privacy — and does his business.

This time, though, just as he was approaching his familiar spot, a hawk passed by only a few feet from my head, giving me a chance to look him, and the object he was carrying, squarely in the eyes.

The hawk was holding a squirrel, which seemed especially odd to me given the relative size of the two animals. The squirrel wasn’t moving but was clearly alive. When I told my family about it, they were sympathetic to the squirrel.

A few days later, walking toward the other end of the block, my dog and I observed a blow-up Frosty on one end of a lawn and a blow-up Santa on the other rise slowly from the ground as air flowed slowly into them.

My dog, whose fear of unusual inanimate objects builds around Halloween and the December holidays, stood at attention and considered announcing his presence with authority to objects that can’t, and don’t, react to his deep bark.

Fortunately, he only pulled his lips back slightly and lifted his tail, allowing the neighbors to enjoy their dark, quiet evening without the sound of a panicked pooch on a poop walk.

A few minutes later, I studied the stars at a distance when a light appeared in the sky, flashed toward the horizon and disappeared. Never having seen a shooting star before, I was mesmerized.

When I returned and shared the story, my son, who doesn’t seem too keen on superstition but is clearly aware of pop culture, asked if I made a wish. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity for help from anywhere, I did. Maybe by next December, I’ll let you know if it came true!

Between You and Me: ‘Why does coffee make me poop?’ asks The New York Times. Here is my gut reaction

by Leah Dunaief - December 16, 2021

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By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief

All of you devoted coffee drinkers, and that includes me, might like to know the information in an article in The New York Times headlined, “Why does coffee make me poop?” Written by Alice Callahan and published on Dec. 7, the story explains cause-and-effect, providing some understanding of what is happening in our bodies when we drink java. (That’s where it originally came from, hence the name.)

Not much is known about the precise mechanism of how coffee affects the gastrointestinal tract, but we do know that it can be a laxative.

“Coffee is a complex beverage containing more than 1000 chemical compounds, many of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,” according to The Times. This is also why drinking coffee is generally encouraged since it is considered to be a healthy beverage in moderation.

A gut reaction to the intake of coffee can surprisingly happen in a matter of minutes. How does drinking coffee on one end stimulate the other end of the GI tract so quickly? The answer is that a signal probably goes through the gut-brain axis, meaning that the arrival of coffee in the stomach, which happens in 4 minutes, stimulates the brain to send a signal to the colon to empty itself. The coffee actually takes an hour to travel through the small intestine and reach the far end of the colon.

“This communication between the stomach, brain and colon [is] called the gastrocolic reflex [and] is a normal response to eating,” according to The Times.

But coffee has an outsized effect, stimulating colonic contractions as if a full meal had been consumed. The messaging is thought to be caused by one or more of the chemicals in coffee, and may be aided by some of our own hormones. Examples of such hormones are gastrin and cholecystokinin, which can spike after coffee drinking.

It is not the caffeine that is the stimulant, however, because those who drink decaffeinated coffee can experience the same stimulatory effect on the colon. This makes coffee a useful tool in dealing with chronic constipation, along with eating more fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber, drinking more fluids and getting more exercise. Incidentally, a brewed cup of coffee contains a small amount of fiber, one gram for an 8-ounce cup. Fiber is necessary for good gastrointestinal activity.

I have always been a coffee drinker, although my parents wouldn’t let me have some, saying it wasn’t good for children. But I found the smell of it irresistible and began drinking it in college, especially to facilitate those late-night assignments. But right around the time my second child was born, I started getting migraines that were triggered by the caffeine in coffee. This would suggest that a heightened state of hormones plus coffee with caffeine were upsetting my colon and causing trouble along my gut-brain axis. I have satisfied my coffee desires with decaf, but I will tell you what many of you decaf drinkers know: the taste and the effect are not the same. I do miss that lovely surge of energy to start off the morning.

It’s surprising how little we know about how coffee affects us. The most valuable study of digestion, in general, was done between 1822 and 1833 by William Beaumont, an American Army surgeon, on the French Canadian, Alexis St. Martin, a boatman employed by a fur company. St. Martin was shot in the abdomen on Mackinac Island in a near-fatal accident, and the wound did not heal properly, leaving a hole in his stomach. This provided a window of sorts for Beaumont to watch the digestive process. He learned much about the stomach, gastric juices and how digestion works, and he published those observations. But he doesn’t seem to have advanced our understanding about coffee’s effects. Perhaps neither man drank coffee.

To this day, I still say that the best part of coffee, regular or decaffeinated, is its smell.

Theatre Talk with Leah Kelly and Lorelai Mucciolo of SPAC’s ‘Frozen Jr.’

by Melissa Arnold - December 16, 2021

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From left, Lorelai Mucciolo and Leah Kelly in a scene from 'Frozen Jr.' Photo by Courtney Braun

By Melissa Arnold

It might seem hard to believe, but it’s only been eight years since Disney’s Frozen was released, captivating all ages and making Elsa and Anna household names. Children of previous generations might have idolized Belle or Cinderella, but now it’s all about the icy queen and her bighearted sister. The majority of girls under 20 would likely admit to belting out the now iconic “Let It Go” a time or two.

Among those Frozen superfans are Leah Kelly and Lorelai Mucciolo, who star as Elsa and Anna in the Smithtown Performing Art Center’s production of the stage adaptation for kids, Frozen Jr.

The pair have an effortless chemistry onstage, and when you get to know them it’s easy to see why. Behind the scenes, they’ve been friends for years, and both call Smithtown Performing Arts Center (SPAC) their second home.

Leah Kelly as Elsa in a scene from ‘Frozen Jr.’ Photo by Courtney Braun

Some of Lorelai’s (Anna) earliest memories are of toddling around the theater — her parents were involved there before she was even born. She admits she was “stubborn” when her family suggested she give performing a try, despite growing up at the foot of the stage.

“I actually had terrible stage fright. I was really nervous to try acting, but once I got up there I realized it was the best thing ever. It just felt right,” said Lorelai, a 15-year-old sophomore at East Islip High School.

Leah Kelly, who plays Elsa, also needed a little coaxing to make her acting debut.

“I started off with dance when I was 3 years old, but I was always singing,” said Leah, a 17-year-old senior at Smithtown West High School. “One day, my mom found me singing along to the movie Tangled while I played with my Barbies, and she asked if I wanted to take a singing class. I was and am a little on the shy side, so I was reluctant, but she suggested I go with a friend.”

It was through those singing classes at SPAC that Leah met her current voice teacher, future directors and a host of new friends, including Lorelai. The two girls have known each other for almost 10 years now, often sharing the stage. But this is the first time they’ve played sisters.

Frozen Jr. director Courtney Braun has watched Leah and Lorelai blossom into young women with confidence and grace. Braun, who is pursuing a graduate degree in social work from Stony Brook University, found her own voice on the SPAC stage as a girl.

“I first became a part of the theater’s ‘Youth Experiencing Arts’ program when I was six years old. We were doing Grease, and I showed up in a pink poodle skirt and a high ponytail, ready to go,” she recalled. “I’ve met so many wonderful people here, including my best friend.”

Braun was in elementary school when she met Lorelai for the first time — she was an infant then. Years later, Braun met Leah during a production of The Wizard of Oz.

“I’ve always been amazed by them. They are so kind — truly each other’s biggest supporters, and they’re wonderful role models for others,” Braun said of the girls.

This production of Frozen Jr. was originally planned for two years ago, long before COVID-19 shuttered theaters. Leah and Lorelai eagerly awaited their chance to audition, and when the time finally came, Braun felt that the girls were natural fits for Elsa and Anna.

Lorelai Mucciol as Anna in a scene from ‘Frozen Jr.’ Photo by Courtney Braun

“Leah is a force to be reckoned with. For Elsa, I was looking for a strong personality that was also able to show the occasional insecurity when it’s called for, and Leah accomplishes that so well,” Braun explained. “And Lorelai has all of the sweet, bubbly, unique personality quirks that make us love the character Anna — she can be a little quiet when you meet her, but as soon as she takes the stage, it’s game on. She has such deep insights.”

For the girls, it’s a welcome relief to be back onstage, especially after enduring canceled shows and remote learning.

“Being part of a cast is very unifying, and you get to connect with an audience emotionally, which is a great feeling,” said Leah who is enjoying her time in Frozen Jr.

“I love the relationship that’s mended between Anna and Elsa, despite their differences. They learn to work through things together instead of on their own,” she said. “Coming out of the pandemic, I feel like we can all relate to feeling isolated and alone.”

Lorelai said that even with outdoor theater opportunities, there’s no replacement for being at SPAC.

“I love being able to look out into the audience and see the joy on people’s faces. A lot of people sing along and kids come dressed in costume,” she said. “There’s something about getting to go onstage and be somebody else for a while that I really enjoy — it’s like professional make believe, and for lack of a better word, it’s magical.”

Frozen Jr. is running now through Jan. 17, 2022 at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main Street, Smithtown. Tickets are $25. For showtimes, ticket purchases and information, visit www.smithtownpac.org or call 631-724-3700.

Huntington Blue Devils bag Smithtown East Bulls

by Bill Landon - December 16, 2021

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It was the Huntington Blue Devils defense that kept the Bulls at bay at Smithtown High School East where East trailed 33-7 at the half time break. Huntington coasted in the second half to notch a 48-20 victory in the League III matchup Dec. 14.

Huntington senior forward Emily Plachta led the way for the Blue Devils with seven field goals a triple and three from the line for 20 points, teammates Gianna Forte banked nine and Junie Nosile battled in the paint for six points. Smithtown East juniors Darcy DeBenedittis and Josie Lent scored four points apiece for the Bulls.

The win lifts Huntington to 3-0 in league play, 6-0 overall. The loss drops Smithtown East to 1-2 in league, 1-4 overall. Both teams are back in action Dec. 17 when Smithtown East has a road game against Copiague at 4 p.m. and Huntington hosts Hills East with a 5 p.m. start.

Seiskaya’s Nutcracker returns for the holidays

by Press Release - December 15, 2021

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The Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a perennial holiday favorite on Long Island, returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for a six-performance run from Dec. 16 to 19. This classical ballet rendition has earned praise from critics and audiences alike.

Hailed as Long Island’s most lavish “Nutcracker,” the Seiskaya Ballet production of the classic holiday ballet is a truly international collaboration beginning with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s most famous score. Sets and several costumes were designed by Poland’s Margaret Piotrowska whose highly respected work in Polish television and stage productions has garnered wide praise.

Directed by founder Joseph Forbes, scenery was executed by Scenic Art Studios which has been credited with painting over 300 Broadway shows. The imaginative and unusual sculptures utilized in the Seiskaya Ballet’s production were the brainchild of creative artist Matt Targon. Choreographed by celebrated Russian-born Valia Seiskaya, this acclaimed production is imbued with bravura dancing, energy and endearing charisma.

The cast will be led by BalletX standout, guest artist, Blake Krapels (Cavalier) plus Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning Principal Dancers Lara Caraiani, Kyra Allgaier, Rachel Bland and Maya Butkevich.

Performances will be held on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets are $40 for adults, $34 children and seniors and $30 for groups of 20 or more at the Staller Center Box Office at 631-632-ARTS and at www.nutcrackerballet.com. (Attended box office hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and two hours prior to all performances. Online seat selection is available for all shows.)

Residents take a holiday walk down the avenue in St. James

by Rita J. Egan - December 15, 2021

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On the evening of Saturday, Dec. 11, a couple of hundred shoppers checked out the stores along Lake Avenue in St. James.

The inaugural Lake Avenue Winter Walk was organized by Erica Rinear. The longtime St. James resident said she wanted to show support for local businesses that have suffered during the pandemic and through roadwork on the roadway. She added she was able to pull off the event thanks to the help of volunteers and the cooperation of the local businesses, many that stayed open later than usual for the walk that ran from 6 to 9 p.m.

Besides shopping, attendees enjoyed raffles, musical performances, free hot cocoa and snacks, a giant Jenga game and more.

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