Comsewogue’s Keira Andresen (l) battles Quinlin Heilbron for possession. Photo by Bill Landon
Sophomore Quinlin Heilbron battles down low for the Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s Jenna Greek drives the baseline for the Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
Jenna Greek drains a triple for the Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue forward Vienna Guzman shoots. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue forward Jaylynn Kirschenheuter shoots. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue point guard Jayla Callender drives the lane. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue point guard Jayla Callender drives the lane. Photo by Bill Landon
Vienna Guzman banks two for the Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville head coach Kate Gordon confers with Julia Dank. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior Julia Dank hits for three for the Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior Julia Dank drives the lane for the Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
Julia Dank fights to get a shot off with Comsewogue’s Vienna Guzman defending. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville freshman Addison Scott scores for the Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue point guard Jayla Callender nails a three-pointer. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
The Patriots of Ward Melville came calling on Comsewogue on Dec. 7, and the Warriors were able to stay toe-to-toe with their League I visitors, briefly taking the lead at one point in the non-league contest. The Patriots stretched their legs in the final eight minutes of play to edge the Warriors 51-41.
Julia Dank, the senior, led the way for the Patriots with three triples, a field goal and four from the free throw line for 15 points.
Jenna Greek inked a pair of three-pointers and three field goals for 12 points, and Addison Dellaporta banked 11.
Junior point guard Jayla Callender notched 14 points for the Warriors, and teammate Jalynn Kirschenheuter added 12.
The interim president of Stony Brook University, whose tenure started in August and is set to end in June, wants more students, more buildings, more funding for science, more interdisciplinary collaborations and, to help make much of that possible, more money from the state.
An aerial view of Stony Brook University
In a recent celebrity spotlight podcast interview, McCormick shared a vision that addressed everything from identifying scientific priorities for the next decade, to adding sufficient wastewater treatment for proposed new buildings, to ensuring sufficient funding for student education and research.
McCormick, who has had more than four decades of experience in higher education, and said he is “enjoying this position more than any other I’ve had in my whole life,” is thinking well beyond June.
This winter, McCormick is asking New York State for $1.2 billion, split evenly over the course of the next four years, to add new buildings. He will also request additional funds to upgrade buildings with deferred maintenance.
“We’re seeking significant resources from the state of New York for deferred maintenance,” McCormick said. Stony Brook has an estimated $2 billion in deferred maintenance, including buildings that house the College of Business in Harriman Hall, the School of Social Welfare and the School of Dental Medicine.
“We also need new facilities, particularly interdisciplinary research facilities,” he added.
McCormick has shared a proposal, which SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr. supports, that seeks resources for these new interdisciplinary buildings on the West and East Campuses.
“It’s going to be my main focus of effort during the winter, to obtain support for that capital facilities plan,”said McCormick.
In addition to a request for buildings, the interim president will seek funds for an operating budget and staff that can support a larger student body.
This year’s freshman class of 4,040 students is the largest to date. That makes Stony Brook stand out amid the average decline of five percent in first year enrollment at universities and colleges across the country.
“We’re a hot school right now,” McCormick said, particularly after Stony Brook climbed the 2024 ranks of colleges in US News and World Report to 58th among national universities and 26th among public universities.
The operating budget for Stony Brook, which declined in the decade that ended in 2020, has been rising. “Another pitch I’ll be making in Albany during the legislative session will be to maintain that increase,” McCormick added. The higher budget will support limiting factors such as housing, wastewater, dining and faculty.
More faculty
Stony Brook has been adding faculty recently, and would like to ensure that any increase in student enrollment doesn’t affect class sizes. “The aim will be to keep the pace of faculty appointments in line with the growth of students,” McCormick said.
The interim president plans to continue to invest in research, as well. He is making more investments in shared facilities and equipment, is providing faculty with more support in applying for federal grants, and administering those grants, and is bolstering the high powered computing capacity such research demands. Those efforts are underway under the direction of Vice President for research Kevin Gardner, who also joined Stony Brook at the beginning of August.
New initiatives
At the same time, the interim president has added several new efforts.
He has appointed a task force that is charged with exploring opportunities for greater collaboration across Nichols Road. In addition, McCormick has convened a science futures committee that will come up with the developments the university should contribute to over the next decade.
He does not want to dictate this focus from the president’s office and is relying on this panel to “paint a bold picture of where science is going and what are the cutting edge fields Stony Brook should be investing in,” McCormick said. The group will share its vision in a public document.
McCormick is also bringing an effort he created when he was president at Rutgers University from 2002 to 2012. Called a Future Scholars Program, Stony Brook will identify about 100 students in five Southampton School Districts, who will be entering eighth grade next fall.
“We are going to put our arms around them, promise to support them with peer tutoring and mentoring, and with academic visits during the summer or the year,” he said.
In addition to ensuring that these students take college prep courses, Stony Brook will promise these students that “if you get a C in your math course, you’re going to get a call from us and you’re not going to get another C in math.” For students in this program who gain admission to Stony Brook on their merits, the university promises free tuition.
The Southampton schools are working on the process to identify these students. In the following year, the future scholars will come from five schools in the Stony Brook area. The primary criteria to find these students is promise and not grades.
A college town
McCormick would also like to develop a college town with businesses like pizza restaurants and bars.
This could be on the campus side of the railroad station and would be conceived of and created in collaboration with the private sector. The idea, he suggested, is to create a commercial district that’s within easy walking distance and which is particularly receptive to college students. McCormick would want those places to be “student friendly in every sense of the word, including their hours of operation,” he added. This, like some of his other ideas, is a longer term project that wouldn’t be completed within a year.
Concerns
McCormick shared several concerns in connection with Stony Brook and higher education.
He mentioned his worry about any future cuts in financial aid either for students in need or for scientific research. “It would be very, very hurtful not just to Stony Brook but to every university of our kind if there were significant reductions in student support or support for ongoing research, so we’re keeping an eye on that,” he said. When he speaks to members of Congress, he plans to discuss the importance of basic research, which can lead to advancements in health care and economic growth.
The interim president also believes in creating opportunities for talented students who come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. He recognizes that diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have become a political hot button. Still, he is not going to give up on opportunities for men and women to get college educations.
He also recognizes that some students are undocumented immigrants. “We want to do everything we can to protect our students,” he said. While he believes none of these threats are imminent, he plans to remain vigilant.
As a history professor who, at one point, taught a class jointly with his father at Rutgers, McCormick hopes and prays the country can become reunited amid heated rancor. He sees the lead up to the Civil War as the closest historical parallel to the current climate.However, McCormick does not anticipate that history will repeat itself.
Despite the tension, he remains optimistic about the future of the United States based on his faith in the country.
Next president
When Stony Brook tapped McCormick as its interim president, he indicated that he would not be a candidate for the permanent role. Indeed, the announcement of his role indicated he would have this position only through June 2025.
“I agreed to that,” McCormick said. “I signed that letter,” indicating that he wouldn’t be a candidate.
Still, he would be willing to stay on as president, if that opportunity arose.
Based on his experience at Stony Brook, where he has found the culture warm, receptive and supportive, he would like to see the next president, no matter who it is, “be a nice person.”
A scene from Seiskaya Ballet's 'Nucracker.' Photo courtesy of Dimitri Papadakos
By Rita J. Egan
On the chilly Sunday after Thanksgiving, dozens of children and teenagers weren’t at the mall shopping for presents; they were preparing for the holiday season in a different way.
Dressed in leotards and tights, they were rehearsing for Seiskaya Ballet’s upcoming performance of Nutcracker at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts. The dancers have rehearsed the holiday classic for months at Seiskaya’s St. James studio.
As they leaped and turned to the familiar score by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, many received feedback from the school’s Artistic Director Valia Seiskaya and Administrative Director Dimitri Papadakos. The husband-and-wife team knows the ballet well. The school has presented the beloved tale at the Staller Center since 1995, only missing one year in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alan Inkles, Staller Center director, said Seiskaya’s production of the classic is a staple at the venue during the holiday season. He called the academy part of the Staller family.
“It has really been a pleasant honor to be their venue for so many years,” Inkles said, adding “there are a lot of smiles in the lobby.”
Nutcracker tells the tale of a young girl named Clara who goes on a magical adventure on Christmas Eve as her newly-gifted nutcracker comes to life. Along the way, the two travel to magical realms and encounter a Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
This year, David Wright of Dance Theatre of Harlem will return to dance the roles of Cavalier and Nutcracker. Joining Wright on stage will be Seiskaya Principal dancers Madeleine Martufi, Kaede Urso and Michaela Lettiere as well as returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Eva Pyrros, Lara Caraiani and Diana Atoian.
Leading up to opening night
A scene from Seiskaya Ballet’s ‘Nucracker.’ Photo courtesy of Dimitri Papadakos
When Valia Seiskaya opened the school more than 50 years ago, she had no interest in choreographing a version after performing it several times during her dancing career, according to Papadakos. However, the opportunity to present the two-part classical ballet fell together when another local school’s production could have been more successful at the Staller Center, a venue Seiskaya dancers have performed at since 1980 in the Ballet Education and Scholarship Fund, Inc. annual benefit performances.
One of their students’ aunts was Margaret Piotrowska, an acclaimed artist and designer for Warsaw television, films and theater, who agreed to design a set for the school. Piotrowska developed the storyboards, and Broadway’s Scenic Art Studios painted them. In addition to Piotrowska’s work are sculptures by Long Island sculptor Matt Targon.
Regarding Seiskaya’s choreography, Papadakos described it as unique, adding she enjoys ballets with a storyline.
“My wife is not a boring person at all, and it’s reflected in her ballets,” he said. “They’re full of life.”
Seiskaya’s production has had various tweaks throughout the years, according to Papadakos, but “the basic showmanship of the show has remained the same.”
With five performances from Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22, the cast varies in each performance, and some dancers perform multiple roles throughout the weekend, allowing various opportunities to be part of the production.
Seiskaya and Papadakos watching each rehearsal, especially early on, is vital as it helps them determine which dancers will have the lead parts. The pair use a five-star system to help decide who will qualify for a role.
“Any academy dancer can try out for any role they are reasonably capable of performing,” Papadakos said. “Five performance-caliber rehearsals translates into five stars which makes you eligible for a role, but does not guarantee selection.”
He said such a system allows dancers to know their progress and where they stand, saving hearts from being broken.
“It’s a growing experience,” he added.
Principal dancers Madeleine Martufi, 16, of Smithtown, and Kaede Urso, 16, of Setauket, said the star system and feedback help with their performances. Martufi called it “rewarding.”
“It’s nice to get feedback and corrections,” she said.
Urso said she aims to get a star each rehearsal but said if a dancer doesn’t receive one, the feedback helps for next time.
During rehearsals, younger students who will not be performing in the ballet will serve as placeholders to ensure there is always an entire crew to rehearse. Some of the younger students also have walk-on roles during the ballet’s party scene.
“By next year or the following year, they’ll not only know the choreography dead cold, but they’ll be used to dancing among other dancers,” Papadakos said, adding that mastering the Sugar Plum Fairy role can be a two- to three-year process.
Martufi, who has performed in Seiskaya’s Nutcracker since she was 6, and Urso, who has been in it for nine years, both started with walk-on parts. The two will each play the Sugar Plum Fairy this year at different performances. During other shows, Martufi will dance the parts of Clara and Dew Drop, while Urso will be the Chocolate Soldier, plus each principal dancer will take on other roles.
Martufi said she is looking forward to dancing as the Sugar Plum Fairy, because while Clara has a lot of stage time, the role is a mix of dancing and acting.
“The Sugar Plum is very technical and intense,” she said.
Urso said it’s hard work to prepare to dance as the Sugar Plum Fairy and to build the stamina needed.
“It was definitely a challenge, but it all worked out,” Urso added.
A holiday tradition
A scene from Seiskaya Ballet’s ‘Nucracker.’ Photo courtesy of Dimitri Papadakos
Staging Nutcracker since 1995, Papadakos said he and Seiskaya evaluate their health and other factors regarding continuing to train dancers and produce performances, something they plan to do as long as possible.
“No one is putting more sand in our hourglasses,” he said.
If Urso and Martufi are any indication, the dancers are up for performing for years to come. Urso said it’s fun to be part of a holiday tradition such as Nutrcracker.
“I hope it brings everyone a little extra Christmas spirit,” Urso said.
Martufi said while it makes Christmastime a bit busier, “it’s so worth it.”
“It’s something so special to me that I can’t imagine my Christmas without it,” Martufi said. “It’s lovely getting to work with all my friends in rehearsal and getting to put something on stage that we’re so proud of.”
Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to Staller Center’s Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 and $38 for children under 12 and seniors aged 62+. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nutcrackerballet.com.
*This article has been updated to reflect the correct dates for the service. We regret the error.
Prepared by Kara Hahn
Ronald L. Gerry of Ocoee, FL (formerly of Stony Brook) passed away peacefully on December 7. He was 81. Family, volunteer firefighting and love of home, community and country defined his life which was rich in purpose and deep in connection.
Volunteer firefighting was a core foundation of Ron’s identity. He was a Life-Member, Ex-Captain of Engine Company No. 1 and former Vice President of the Stony Brook Fire Department. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, his calling was to volunteer to protect his community as a firefighter. He joined the East Rockaway Fire Department as a teenager. When he and his wife Pam moved to Stony Brook Village in 1968, he immediately joined the Department. He quickly signed up for the Company’s Softball Team and rose in the ranks of the Department to Captain in 1978 – 1988. So committed to volunteering, that when his career brought him frequently to his company’s office in the Philadelphia suburbs, Ron rented an apartment so he could join a Fire Department there. As a result, he was a member of the West Whiteland/ Exton Fire Department in Exton, Pennsylvania from 1993-1995.
Firefighting dominated his life both as a volunteer and as an advocate. Through founding and leading the Long Island Association of Firemen’s Benevolent Associations, as Vice President of the Central North Shore Volunteer Firemen’s Association and memberships in the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Fire Departments’ Long Island Legislative Committee and the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Emerald Society. among others, Ron advocated for firefighters and their families.
In his professional career as an insurance broker, Ron had over 30 years of sales and management experience in the health, life and property insurance industries holding various positions from sales manager to Vice-President in the New York Life, Prudential Life, American International Group, Aetna and Mandeville Financial Services companies.Firefighting found its way into his work as well. He learned arson investigation to be a part of the Aetna Arson Task Force and after establishing his own insurance agency, the Florian Agency, Inc., Ron carved a niche in offering life insurance products to professional firefighters in the FDNY. After the devastating terrorist attacks on 9-11-01, Ron attended dozens of funerals of his clients who had perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center and their families were forever grateful for the salesman who had convinced them to invest in coverage.
Ron was a proud Patriot, his love of Country was another pillar of his identity. The Gerry family legacy of service dates back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence where the family boasts of ancestor Elbridge Gerry, American Founding Father as signer of this document that led to the founding of the Nation. Ron followed in his father’s footsteps in the U.S. Army serving overseas in the defense of Europe from 1965-1967 as a Combat Engineer where he built bridges and other structures, studied atomic demolitions and munitions to become an explosives and demolitions specialist.
Ron in his younger years was a decorated athlete across many sports.A star running back for the East Rockaway Rocks High School football team, Ron was Captain of the Track Team in his junior and senior years and still holds the ERHS record for the 50 yard hurdles. He won the state title in 1962 for the Long Jump, jumping 21 feet, 6.25 inches. ERHS Football teammate Mike Jacobs said, “It was often noted by spectators and other players that Ron ran and jumped like a gazelle, powerful yet graceful. He was an incredibly natural athlete who also worked diligently and dedicatedly to improve every time he hit the field.”
Ron was a well-known family-man. His love of his family was his most prominent attribute. He married his high school sweetheart, Pam Stevenson, a cheerleader who he met during his time playing football at ERHS.Ron was a devoted father to four remarkable children and an adoring grandfather to his ten grandchildren. He was a proud and guiding presence in the lives of his children. His daughter Kara, a Suffolk County Legislator, often credited her father for inspiring her commitment to public service and her belief in the power of community. Kevin, a high school and college soccer star turned successful financial advisor, spoke often of his father’s influence in shaping his discipline and drive, values that led to his professional success not to mention his commitment to volunteer firefighting and EMT service. Kristin, a skilled CPA, carried forward Ron’s attention to detail and steadfast work ethic, building a life of accomplishment and integrity. Kurt, an attorney and high school and college lacrosse standout, reflected on his father, saying, “He built a climber on Christmas Eve in our living room so I would have a surprise on Christmas morning and then disassembled it and rebuilt it in our backyard when springtime came. I now strive to create those kinds of fun and memorable experiences for my own boys. I just sometimes wish I didn’t follow in his footsteps as a perennial heartbroken Mets fan.”
Beyond his role as a father, Ron embraced his role as a grandfather with boundless enthusiasm and pride. Whether attending sports games, school plays, or simply sharing quiet moments, his love and wisdom became the foundation of lasting memories for his grandchildren. Known for his kind smile and steady presence, Ron’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Ronald was admired not only for his devotion to his family but also for his deep-rooted values. He believed in hard work and the transformative power of kindness. Friends and neighbors alike remember Ron for his quiet generosity, always offering a helping hand or thoughtful advice when needed.
“Working in the fire department with his son Kevin, who’s the same age as me, I looked up to him. Ron was legendary. He stole the other team’s playbook in terms of being an extraordinary firefighter, but he also did that in life,” said Sean Lynch, a volunteer firefighter who worked alongside Ron, as well.
Ron’s life was a testament to the enduring strength of family. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the personal and professional achievements of his children, but also in the love, guidance, and values he imparted to his grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Though he will be deeply missed, Ronald L. Gerry’s impact will remain indelibly etched in the hearts of those who loved him. His spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives he helped shape and the family he held so dear. Ron is pre-deceased by his father Clarance, his mother Maud and his brothers Harold and Jack and is survived by his wife Pam, daughters Kara Hahn (Christopher) and Kristin Ruffini (Mike) both of Setauket, sons Kevin (Jennifer) of Winter Garden, FL and Kurt (Casey) of New Hope, NJ as well as grandchildren Karina Gerry, Tyler and Samantha Ruffini, Hope Hahn, Kevin, Andrew, Kate, Nicholas, Carter and Eli Gerry.
Services will be held at Bryant Funeral Home, 411 Old Town Road in East Setauket on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again on Friday, Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery at 53 Hollow Road in Stony Brook.
The Long Island Museum, WUSB 90.1 FM and The Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council present the last Sunday Street concert of 2024, “Byrds Fly South,” at the Long Island Museum’s Gillespie Room, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m.
The concert will celebrating the songs of The Byrds featuring ‘Full Circle’ (Pete Mancini, Rich Lanahan, Gerry McKeveny, Mark Mancini, and Bill Herman) and special guests.
Join them for the songs of this great American band featuring those written by Gene Clark, Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, and Gram Parsons. With their seminal 1968 ‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’ album, The Byrds incorporated country sounds into their repertory, adding songs like ‘Drug Store Truck Drivin’ Man’ to the early Byrds classics of ‘Eight Miles High’ and ‘I’ll Feel A Whole Better’ and their versions of Dylan songs.
Advance tickets are $21 at www.sundaystreet.org with tickets at the door for $25 (cash only) or click here.
A scene from the WMHO's 45th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the WMHO's 45th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the WMHO's 45th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
2025 Miss Suffolk County International Devin Walsh standing with Firefighter Charlie. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the WMHO's 45th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the WMHO's 45th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the WMHO's 45th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the WMHO's 45th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the WMHO's 45th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the WMHO's 45th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the WMHO's 45th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A scene from the WMHO's 45th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
By Rita J. Egan
Thousands felt the holiday joy throughout Stony Brook Village Center on Dec. 8 as the Ward Melville Heritage Organization presented its 45th Annual Holiday Festival.
The free event featured a visit from Santa Claus, who arrived on an antique fire truck, followed by the jolly elf sitting for a few hours listening to children’s gift wishes and taking photos. The Legends & Spies Puppet Procession kicked off at 2:15 p.m., as handlers held puppets of local heroes, such as Culper Spy Ring members Major Benjamin Tallmadge and Caleb Brewster, prominent shipbuilder Jonas Smith and philanthropists Ward and Dorothy Melville. The Ward Melville High School Marching Band led the procession.
The day also included performances from The School of Rock ‘n Roll Choir, the St. James Junior Choir, Roseland Dance Studio and the Celestial Singers Holiday Carolers. WALK 97.5 FM provided music and Steppin’ Out Ponies hosted a petting zoo in the inner courtyard.
The festivities ended with a performance by the Bethel AME Choir and a tree-lighting ceremony on the Village Green.
Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas party will be backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts on December 21. Zuraitis was recently nominated for a Grammy award!
This 2024 holiday season at the Jazz Loft will have you thinking “Do I really need to go into New York City to feel holiday magic?” The answer is “NO!”
This year The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook Village will be presenting six performances of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed Jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel; narrator and vocals by Danny Bacher.
On Sunday, December 22., The Jazz Loft will present two Jazz Nativity shows at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. This candlelight Jazz service will feature the Biblical Christmas story with Jazz sextet and Metropolitan Opera soprano Susanna Phillips. This performance will include an impressive lineup of jazz artists teamed up with guest narrators who will share the classic biblical Christmas story. Journey with the Three Wise Men as they travel to Bethlehem, join Mary and Joseph as they follow the Star and celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus.
On December 23, Grammy-winner singer and Jazz Loft favorite Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas Party comes back to the venue. Zuraitis appears backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts.
Full schedule below:
Nutcracker Holiday Show
Thursday, December 12 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed Jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Nutcracker Holiday Show
Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Interplay Jazz Orchestra Family Show
Saturday, December 14 at 1 p.m.
The 17-piece big band co-directed by Joe Devassy, trombone & Gary Henderson, trumpet is a Jazz Loft tradition. This is a wonderful concert to introduce live Jazz to children and grandchildren. It’s a holiday family affair! $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students. And $25 for children.
Nutcracker Holiday Show
Thursday, December 19 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Nutcracker Holiday Show
Friday, December 20 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Nutcracker Holiday Show
Saturday, December 21 shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft will be presenting the Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Jazz Nativity
Sunday, December 22 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Candlelight jazz nativity service featuring the Biblical Christmas story with Jazz sextet and featuring Grammy-nominated Nicole Zuraitis. This performance will include an impressive lineup of jazz artists teamed up with guest narrators who will share the classic biblical Christmas story. Journey with the Three Wise Men as they travel to Bethlehem, join Mary and Joseph as they follow the Star and celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas Party
Monday, December 23 at 7 p.m.
Grammy-winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis appears backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts. Powerhouse vocalist, New York-based bandleader and winner of the 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal, Nicole Zuraitis continues to establish herself as an undeniable force in the modern jazz landscape of both NYC and beyond. Nicole’s bold, versatile voice possesses a special combination of soothing warmth, familiar authenticity, and raw grit that is reinventing the world’s conception of what it means to be a jazz artist. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children.
Tom Manuel’s New Year Eve Extravaganza
Tuesday, December 31 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The Jazz Loft All-Stars and accompanying vocalist
Dance floor
Open bar, beer and wine and ticket includes champagne toast
$75 all.
The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook Village.
For tickets visit The Jazz Loft website at www.thejazzloft.org or click TICKETS.
Stefanie Werner’s letter, “Missing the Boat: A Rebuttal to the Three Village Start-Time Debate” [Village Times Herald,Nov. 28], raises questions about her understanding of the term “rebuttal.” A rebuttal requires more than simply using dismissive terms like “lackluster,” “inane,” “nonsense,” “so-called,” “half-cocked” and “fantasy.” If Ms. Werner has objective evidence contradicting the extensive, peer-reviewed research supporting the benefits of later school start times, she should present it — perhaps even publish it.
In any case, she seems to have misunderstood a key point: research does clearly demonstrate that even a 30-minute delay in start times yields measurable benefits. So the planned 35-minute shift from 7:05 to 7:40 qualifies. If we fully followed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of an 8:30 a.m. or later start, we would likely see even greater positive effects.
What remains open to good-faith debate is whether the proven benefits to students’ health and academic performance outweigh the financial costs — estimated at less than 0.5% of the district’s budget, according to the BOE — and other trade-offs. Perhaps they don’t. But Ms. Werner should address these trade-offs with honesty, presenting accurate data on potential impacts to class sizes, electives and other logistical concerns.
John Hover
East Setauket
New Yorkers need expanded access to creative arts therapy, a vital treatment in mental health care
Mental health issues are not one-size-fits-all and neither should be the design of their treatment.Due to a multitude of unique cultures and life experiences, the availability of a variety of approaches is required to meet the mental health needs of New Yorkers. Take the case of my patient, “Rose.”
Rose survived a horrific automobile accident. Afterward, she struggled with physical pain, anxiety and fear. As a licensed creative arts therapist (LCAT) and music therapist at a Long Island hospital, I worked with Rose to help her cope through her recovery. Rose was additionally impaired by a word retrieval problem caused by her traumatic injury, but she soon discovered she could convey her thoughts and feelings eloquently through the language of music. During individual music therapy sessions, she learned tools to reduce her anxiety and process her emotions. In collaborative sessions with her physical therapist, Rose experienced the priming effect of music and its ability to promote steadiness and motivation. Her explanation of how music therapy integrated the healing of her mind and body was clear: “the music held the pain for me.” And then her music therapy treatment had to stop.
Due to current New York State law, Medicaid insurance would not cover Rose’s therapy with an LCAT once discharged from the hospital. However, a new bill (A9018/S8715) has been presented to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) that seeks to amend the law, permitting LCATs, like other licensed mental health practitioners, to bill Medicaid directly for mental health services to Medicaid patients.
LCATs are master’s and doctoral-level licensed mental health professionals trained in clinical psychotherapy and a specific arts discipline (music, dance/movement, drama and art therapy).LCATs offer unique, evidence-based techniques to foster healing and recovery. Rooted in the world of images and sound, creative arts therapies tend to be less reliant on verbal interchanges, opening a dimension to self-expression and emotional exploration to those who may have difficulty with talk therapy. Far from one-size-fits-all, these interventions are individualized and tap into the patient’s potential to create, develop and change.Research studies highlight creative arts therapy as a low-risk, high-benefit category of intervention.
In my work, I have seen people, seemingly broken, rise through the ashes of their pain and trauma, empowered by a piece of music that speaks their truth like nothing else could.Whatever the medium, engaging in the creative process in a therapeutic context can be transformative. Rose, and others on Medicaid, should not be deprived of this treatment opportunity. I call upon Gov. Hochul to sign the Medicaid bill and expand access to these life changing therapies.
Ilene “Lee” Berger Morris lives and works on Long Island, and is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist.
Ilene “Lee” B. Morris, MM, LCAT, MT-BC
Neurologic Music Therapist
Member of the American Music Therapy Assoc.
Member of The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy
In response to “Clarifying Roles: Code Officers don’t need firearms
Mr. Drew Biondo has written a very well composed letter to the Editor advocating that Village Code Officers do not need firearms. He is technically correct. Their primary job is “code enforcement.”
The question I raise is: are Village Constables Parking Meter Readers or are they an aide to the local police? My experience indicates that they are the invaluable eyes and ears for the local police. They are usually the first on the scene when an unfortunate accident or crime occurs.
Yes, they are “Peace Officers”, and I value their role in Belle Terre and especially in Port Jefferson which has many transient visitors.
Now, if you want “Meter Readers” issuing parking tickets, etc., then take away their firearms. Take away their uniforms too. Do you think that an armed criminal differentiates between a Constable or a SCPD Officer? Who is going to apply for your Constabulary positions. Not a retired SCPD Officer when you tell them to leave their personal firearms at home.
We don’t live in Rural Vermont. We have an active and fun community. Let’s keep it that way. I believe we had a shooting on Main Street last year. I was shocked! But this happened in Port Jefferson! Two nights ago in Belle Terre, a car with 3 kids under the age of 23, smashed into a tree on Cliff Road. The car exploded into flames. The Belle Terre Constabulary were on the scene within 2 minutes to pull the kids out of the car to save their lives. The Constables are trained professionals, and they saved 3 lives. They are not Meter Readers and respond more as trained first responders.
The local residents and I have always respected the Port Jefferson Constabulary. In my professional opinion, if it is not broken, why fix it. These constables provide a valuable service to the residents and to the community.
Ted Lucki
Former Belle Terre Mayor
An open letter to Port Jefferson Station/Terryville residents and neighboring communities
The Port Jefferson Station /Terryville Civic Association would like to remind everyone of a very important meeting next week about a significant proposal impacting our community and others like ours nearby. We are hopeful of having as many of our residents and concerned neighbors attend our Civic Association meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m. at the Comsewogue Public Library.
We will hear a presentation from Recall Strategies who represent New Leaf Energy, Inc. New Leaf Energy is a renewable energy developer proposing to build an 8-10 MW Battery Energy Storage System at 1577 NYS Rt. 112 in Port Jefferson Station. This proposed site is nearly adjacent to the Sagamore Hills Condominium Complex on Rt. 112 in Port Jefferson Station and very proximate to Comsewogue High School.
This relatively new technology for an energy center for lithium-ion battery storage has stimulated a lot of discussion and some controversy in our area so it is important that all community members be informed. In turn, we need to ensure our collective voices and views are heard by our elected officials in Brookhaven Town who have the responsibility for overseeing any activity of this nature at that location. We strongly encourage all our Civic members, residents and neighboring friends to attend this meeting. Please pass this meeting’s topic to any of your neighbors, family and friends that live in or near Port Jefferson Station/Terryville.
As I wrote in last week’s issue (see “Community Call to Action,”.Port Times Record, Dec. 5), this is not the only Lithium Battery Storage Facility proposed nearby. Savion Energy is looking to build a 350 MW Lithium Battery Storage Facility in Setauket on the border of Port Jefferson Station, at the Chip-It All site on Sheep Pasture Road. This may be the largest facility proposed on Long Island, The health and safety of the shared resources with our neighbors in the Three Villages and Port Jeff Village should provide the impetus for mutual consideration of the benefits and/or risks associated with this use which seems poised to proliferate throughout the region of our Town. To paraphrase our namesake, Thomas Jefferson, “the best defense of democracy is an informed citizenry.” Let’s stand up for democracy and show up on December 17th to continue together to safeguard the quality of life in our area by participating and staying informed!
Ira Costell, President
Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
The Three Village Historical Society hosted their annual Candlelight House Tours on Dec. 6 and 7. It was the 45th edition of the time-honored tradition where six historical homes opened their doors for guided tours, offering a glimpse into yesteryear. These windows into the past took place in the East Setauket historic district this year.
To learn more about the TVHS, visit www.tvhs.org or call 631-751-3730.
I don’t have to tell you that. One way or another, in one context or another, you already know.
You see, I floss my teeth religiously. I mean, I don’t do it while praying or to some funky weird sounding music that you might hear in a massage parlor, where they speak in whispers and the room smells like scented candles.
No, my wife and I, and sometimes a good friend or two, will take out floss and work through our teeth. I’m not sure how it became a social activity, but we enjoy it and feel virtuous at the same time.
I’ve become so good at it and it’s become so routine that I know the space, or lack thereof, between my teeth better than I know the back of my hand, which, at the moment is cracking and dry because of the cold air and the dry weather.
I try to suppress a smirk when I go to the dentist and a hygienist tries to work floss between my teeth. I could tell them, like a tooth GPS system, where to go, how hard to push and at what angle.
Sooner or later, they get that piece of floss in between my teeth.
So, now to the you-can’t-win-part. You see, I was flossing my teeth in bed the other day, sitting next to my wife as we navigated back and forth between TV stations, one with a Knicks game and the other with a game show.
Like a concert pianist, I worked the top teeth, gliding along the keys and opening my mouth just enough to get my fingers into position. I use much more floss than my wife, as I wrap rows of floss around my fingers and try not to reuse the same piece between teeth.
After moving to a new section of floss, it was on to the bottom, weaving around the misaligned center of the bottom teeth, which, despite a general straightening thanks to Invisalign from a few years ago, is still unwilling to form a perfect line.
As I got to the bottom left, I gave a tug and, poof! Out came half of a tooth. I thought it might be some larger piece of food that was hiding back there, but, no, the density, size and sharpness on my tongue suggested I shouldn’t swallow it.
“Hey,” I said to my wife, “I just broke a tooth.”
On further review with the piece in my hand, it was clearly a broken tooth.
Flossing, which should be as healthy and helpful as sit ups, stretching or overall general maintenance, shouldn’t be hazardous.
Then again, the previous week, a friend told me he had to have surgery because he brushed his teeth too vigorously. He described how a dentist took a piece of the roof of his mouth and transferred it to his gums. Fortunately, I don’t have the same aggressive brushing technique.
So, the next day, I called my dentist and described the problem. She fit me into her busy schedule.
When she came in the room and asked me to open my mouth, she flinched.
“Yup, that’s going to need a crown,” she offered, trying to keep her voice from reflecting the surprise at the size of the missing piece.
While she was numbing my mouth, a TV next to me was showing a food network competition. That seemed ironic. With a numbed jaw, eating even hours afterwards wasn’t much of an option. Watching people prepare food and hearing critiques of the way the food exploded in their mouths was like driving by a field of magnificent flowers with a bad head cold.
So, now that I’m back from the dentist with a temporary crown and numbness that spreads from my cheek around my lower jaw, I am left to wonder whether flossing is all it’s cracked up to be. Then again, I have had root canal for gum problems. That’s no picnic, either.
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