CLOSE
Search

the bar method - search results

If you're not happy with the results, please do another search

by -
0 504
Jacob L Houghton, PhD, in his Stony Brook Cancer Center laboratory. Photo by John Griffin

Stony Brook University signs licensing agreement with Perspective Therapeutics

Image-guided radionuclide therapy uses radioactive molecules designed to specifically target and kill cancer cells while sparing non-cancerous tissues. This form of targeted therapy can be effective against cancer, but traditional methods for applying this therapy can also result in significant adverse effects related to off-target radiation toxicity. A team of Stony Brook University researchers developed a new method for image-guided radionuclide therapy that uses a two-step process with specially-modified antibodies to target the cancerous tumors, followed by a radioligand designed to bind specifically to the modified antibody.

Preliminary studies have shown that the approach can drastically reduce adverse effects while remaining extremely effective at targeting and killing the cancer cells. The promise of this technology has led to an exclusive licensing agreement with Perspective Therapeutics, Inc., headquartered in Seattle, WA.

The licensing agreement with Perspective Therapeutics is through the Research Foundation for State University of New York’s (SUNY), a private, non-profit,  education corporation that manages research administration and intellectual property for and on behalf of SUNY.

Nuclear imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy with biological molecules are a rapidly growing approach for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of cancer and other pathologies such as inflammation and infection. Traditionally, the therapy has primarily been used in specific diseases such as thyroid cancer, bone cancer metastases, and neuroendocrine cancer. However, a major potential drawback of existing technologies is a resulting high radiation dose to healthy tissues from the combination of long-lived radionuclides and long biological half-life of the targeting molecules.

Stony Brook University radiology researchers Jacob L. Houghton, PhD, and Vilma I.J. Jallinoja, PhD, developed a new technology that overcomes these hurdles to more widespread use of radionuclide therapy. The platform involves using a small molecule that is labeled with a therapeutic radionuclide known as a radioligand, along with a modified monoclonal antibody – such as those used in immunotherapies to target cancer cells – in a two-step process. The platform enabled them to use the specificity of monoclonal antibodies to target cancer  and take advantage of a small molecule radioligand in a manner that retains the efficacy of the therapy while substantially improving the safety through a reduction in radiation toxicity.

Houghton, an Assistant Professor in the Department Radiology in the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM), and researcher in the Stony Brook Cancer Center, conducts research on targeted radionuclide therapy for diagnosing and treating cancer. He will continue to collaborate with scientists at Perspective Therapeutics as they further develop the technology. Jallinoja is no longer at Stony Brook.

“Our technology allows the use of such molecules for imaging and therapy while abrogating the concerns of radiation toxicity by using a pre-targeting technique which enables us to ‘label’ the biological molecule after it has been delivered to the target tissue and cleared from peripheral tissues,” explains Houghton.

Specifically, the pre-targeting radionuclide approach involves these steps: an antibody that has been modified to include an artificial binding group is administered to target to the tumor; then the radioligand carries the radionuclide to the tumor which binds specifically to the artificial binding group on the antibody. The radioligand rapidly accumulates in the tumor via this highly-specific interaction, and the unbound radioligand clears the body quickly. This process allows for optimal delivery of the radioactivity to the tumor, with little interaction with healthy tissue and organs.

This method differs from traditional approaches to targeted radionuclide therapy that directly attaches the radioactive payload to the targeting antibody, which can take days to accumulate in the tumor, leading to increased exposure to healthy tissues.

“By embracing a strategy that leverages the precision of monoclonal antibodies and the versatility of small molecules, Perspective is poised to redefine the landscape of radiation therapy,” says Thijs Spoor, Chief Executive Officer at Perspective Therapeutics. “One of our core missions as a company is to deliver safe and effective radiotherapies to patients.”

The team at Stony Brook University’s Intellectual Property Partners (IPP) worked to create the license with Perspective and develop a partnership to bridge new radiopharmaceutical technologies into eventual diagnostics and treatments.

“We are excited to partner with Perspective Therapeutics to advance this novel CB7-Adma pre-targeting platform toward clinical use. The combination of Perspective’s propriety radionuclide chelators and our pre-targeting platform has the potential to significantly improve clinical outcomes in a variety of cancer indications,” says Sean Boykevisch, PhD, Director of the IPP. “This partnership is a great example of how IPP works with Stony Brook inventors, helping them bridge their innovations with societal benefit in collaboration with industry partners.”

Perspective Therapeutics is a radiopharmaceutical development company that is pioneering the delivery of powerful radiation specifically to cancer cells via specialized targeting peptides. The Company is also developing complementary imaging diagnostics that incorporate the same targeting peptides. This “theranostic” approach  is designed to see the specific tumor and then treat it to potentially improve efficacy and minimize toxicity associated with cancer treatments.

 

Caption: Jacob L Houghton, PhD, in his Stony Brook Cancer Center laboratory.

Credit: John Griffin

by -
0 407
TAKE YOUR PICK Five St. Patrick’s Day Parades will take place on the North Shore this weekend. File photo by Rita J. Egan
Thursday March 7

From Carson to Colbert

Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntington presents a lecture titled From Carson to Colbert: A History of the TV Talk Show with Brian Rose at 7 p.m. Join them in person in the Great Room to nosh, mingle and watch or from home on Zoom! Brian Rose will be joining the program virtually. Email Ellen Gray at [email protected]  for more information and to get the Zoom link. 631-421-5835 x 200

Vanderbilt Lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its lecture series with Mapping Historical New York: A Digital Atlas at 7 p.m. Historians Gergely Baics and Rebecca Kobrin will discuss Manhattan’s and Brooklyn’s transformations during the late nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. Drawing on 1850, 1880, and 1910 census data, the Digital Atlas shows how migration, residential, and occupational patterns shaped the city. $10 per person. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Friday March 8

Get Inspired Bargain Book Sale

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead will hold a Get Inspired Bargain Book Sale in the Hudson-Sydlowski House today and March 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get out of the house and shop for crafting, sewing and cooking books, patterns, fabric, yarn and more! All proceeds go to the museum. 631-298-5292

WinterTide Concert

The Village of Port Jefferson Dept. of Recreation and the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council continue their Winter Tide concert series at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson with a performance by hometown favorites Andie Juliette and Cole Fortier in the Sail Loft Room (3rd floor) from 7 to 8 p.m. New tunes and special guests are on the menu — don’t miss this very special evening. Tickets are $5 at the door. 631-802-2160

An Evening of Opera

Come celebrate the 20th anniversary of Opera Night Long Island with a special concert at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport at 7:30 p.m. followed by a reception. $10 donation, students free. www.operanight.org.

Grounds and Sounds Concert

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket hosts a Grounds and Sounds concert featuring Martha Trachtenberg and Hank Stone with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Open mic starts at 8 p.m., followed by the concert. Tickets are $15 per person at www.groundsandsounds.org or at the door. 631-751-0297.

Saturday March 9

Get Inspired Bargain Book Sale

See March 8 listing.

Community Yard Sale

Masury Estate Ballroom, 67 Old Neck Road South, Center Moriches will host an indoor Community Yard Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The former Estate Ballroom, Bowling Alley, and Sunroom will be filled with treasures not to be missed. Proceeds to benefit the Masury Ballroom Restoration Fund. Email [email protected] for more information.

Superheroes of the Sky 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents Superheroes of the Sky from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about bald eagles, turkey vultures, owls, hawks and many more. $10 per adult / $5 per child under 12 years old. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

All Souls Poetry Reading

The Second Saturdays poetry series returns to All Souls Church in Stony Brook  from 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom. The featured poet will be Karen Schulte. An open-reading will follow; all are welcome to read one of their own poems. For more information, please call 631-655-7798.  Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/

Irish Luck on the Farm

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown presents its annual Irish Luck on the Farm event from noon to 4 p.m. Celebrate Irish heritage with an afternoon on the farm featuring a petting zoo, traditional Irish step dancing performances, peat fires, music, vendors and activities for children. Rain date is March 10. Admission is $7 per person. 631-265-6768

Barbie’s Birthday Celebration

The Northport HIstorical Society, 215 Main St., Northport invites the community to celebrate Barbie’s 65th birthday at 1:30 p.m. John Daniello will delve into the origins of Barbara Millicent Roberts and her friends during the Barbie Through The Years & The Forgotten Dolls Of BarbieLand presentation at 2 p.m. Kids will enjoy an afternoon of Barbie-themed crafts, take Instagram-worthy photos in a Barbie photo booth, and savor delicious Barbie-inspired cupcakes. Dressing as your favorite Barbie (or Ken) doll is highly encouraged! All ages welcome! $10 adults, $5 children. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org. 631-757-9859

St. James St. Patrick’s Day Parade

St. James Chamber of Commerce presents the 40th annual St. James St. Patrick’s Day Parade from 1 to 2 p.m. The parade will step off along Lake Avenue from Woodlawn Avenue to the viewing stand in front of the gazebo ending just before St James Elementary School, rain or shine. Featuring scouts, dance troupes, pipe bands, school bands, floats, fire trucks and more. The grand marshal will be Peter Scully. 631-584-8510.

St. James St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

Celebrate St. James invites the community to a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Celebration at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner buffet, raffles, musical performances and a special appearance by Mulvihill Lynch School of Dance. Tickets are $50 per person. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201

A Musical Evening

Join the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook for a musical evening featuring performances by Katherine Waffy Spencer, Guilherme Batalha and more from 7 to 9 p.m. Program will include works by Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and 1930’s jazz classics. Champagne and desserts will be served. Tickets are $40. To register, call 631-751-7707.

An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr.

Leslie Odom, Jr., Tony® and Grammy Award-winning, three-time Emmy and two-time Academy Award-nominated vocalist, songwriter, author, and actor best known for his role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, performs his favorite music from Broadway and beyond on the Main Stage at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center 2024 Gala, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $85 to $195. To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Sunday March 10

Psychic & Holistic Wellness Expo

Holiday Inn, 1730 North Ocean Ave., Holtsville hosts a Psychic & Holistic Wellness Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a day of entertainment with psychic mediums, tarot readings, wellness vendors and more. For more information, call 516-639-6903.

Model Railroad Open House

St. James Model Railroad Club will host a Winter Open House at the Mills Pond House, 176 Mills Pond Road, St. James from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This 38’ X 48’ Lionel train layout, the result of 40 years of continuing improvements, represents Railroading from the Age of Steam to Present Day with many freight and passenger trains running simultaneously in a scenic,  imaginative setting. Donation is $2 adults, $.50 children. 516-263-9607

MP/RP St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Friends of St. Patrick will host the  72nd annual Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 1 p.m. sharp. The 2.8-mile parade starts at Harrison Avenue and Route 25A in Miller Place and then finishes at Broadway in Rocky Point. This year’s Grand Marshal is Vincent Worthington. For further information, visit www.friendsofstpatrick.com or call 631-473-5100.

Center Moriches St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Moriches Chamber of Commerce’s 20th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place at 2 p.m. The parade begins on Lake Avenue and ends at Railroad Avenue. This year’s Grand Marshal is George Keller. For more information, visit www.moricheschamber.org. 

Huntington St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) invites the community to its 90th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Huntington from 2 to 3 p.m. Grand Marshal Monsignor Steven Camp will lead the procession down New York Avenue to Main Street. Long Island’s oldest and largest, the parade will feature dozens of pipe bands. For more information, visit www.huntingtonhibernian.com.

Farmingdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Farmingdale’s 10th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 2 p.m. sharp at Northside School. The parade then proceeds down Main Street to the Village Green. This year’s Grand Marshal is Patrick J. Ryder. Call 516-286-7800 for more information.

Chris Milo in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a concert by Chris Milo from 3 to 4 p.m. The singer’s  “Poisoned Love” has been making waves on major radio stations across the United States; trending #2 on New Music Weekly’s Hot 100 radio chart and #1 on the AC/Hot AC Indie Music Sales Chart. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. For more information, call 631-689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org. 

Monday March 11

Tea with a Spot of History

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook in collaboration with the Three Village Historical Society presents Tea With a Spot of History at 1 p.m. Linda from Chocology will make a presentation titled The Delicious History of Chocolate while participants enjoy a mid-afternoon tea party. Tickets are $20, $15 members at www.tvhs.org. 

Sound Beach Civic Meeting

Sound Beach Firehouse, 152 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach will host a Sound Beach Civic Association meeting at 7:30 p.m. A representative from Brookhaven National Lab will present several topics; e.g., the impact it has on the economy, educational programs for children, and upcoming plans for the electron ion collider. For more information call 631-744-6952.

Tuesday March 12

HHS Felting Workshop

Huntington Historical Society hosts a Nuno Felting Eyeglass Case workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Learn to make an eyeglass case with artist Oksana Danziger. Demonstration of technique and examples of the project will be presented at the beginning of the workshop. $50 per person, $45 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org. 631-427-7045

Wednesday March 13

Support for Veterans

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a program titled Support for Veterans from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet with a local veteran to learn about free resources for service members, families, and veterans of all eras. No registration necessary. Call 631-928-1212 with any questions.

Thursday March 14

Long Island School Fair

Cold Spring Harbor Public Library, 95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor will host a Long Island School Fair from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Get ready to explore the best schools in the area. Come and meet representatives from various schools and learn about their programs, extracurricular activities, and more. Prior registration is appreciated but not required. 516-364-5414

Theater 

‘Tick Tick Boom!’ 

Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson presents tick, tick…Boom! from Feb. 17 to March 16. This semi-autobiographical pop/rock musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer-Prize and Tony Award winning creator of RENT, inspired Lin Manuel Miranda’s 2021 Netflix movie adaptation and explores the sacrifices one man makes and the passion it takes to pursue a dream. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘The Thanksgiving Play’

The Theaters at Suffolk County Community College present The Thanksgiving Play at the Ammerman Campus, 533 College Road, Selden, Islip Arts Building, Theatre 119 from March 7 to 17. Four (very) well-intentioned theatre people walk into an elementary school. The work at hand: a Thanksgiving pageant that won’t ruffle any feathers. What could possibly go wrong? Admission is $15, veterans and students $10. For tickets, call 631-451-4163.

Festival of One-Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 25th annual Festival of One-Act Plays from  Feb. 24 to March 23 at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage. Selected from over 2,000 submissions world-wide, these eight cutting-edge premieres are guaranteed to entertain and engage. Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the plays will feature Sean Amato, Ginger Dalton, Jae Hughes, Brittany Lacey, Phyllis March, Andrew Markowitz, Linda May, Rob Schindlar, Evan Teich, Steven Uihlein, Julia Albino, Courtney Gilmore, Gina Lardi, and Cassidy Rose O’Brien. Please Note: Adult content and language. All seats are $25. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Jersey Boys’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Jersey Boys, the story of Franki Valli & The Four Seasons, from March 14 to May 12. They were just 4 guys from Jersey until they sang their very first note–a sound the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage was a different story–a story that has made them a sensation all over again. Winner of the 2006 Tony© Award for “Best Musical,” Jersey Boys features the top ten hits “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night).” To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Crucible’

Star Playhouse at the Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents Arthur Miller’s The Crucible on March 9 and 16 at 8 p.m. and March 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. This exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society. Tickets are $32 $25 member/senior/student. To order, visit www.starplayhouse.com.

Vendors Wanted

— Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket is now accepting vendors for its popular Easter Egg Hunts on March 29, March 30 and March 31. $50 for one day, $90 two days, $125 three days for a 10’ X 10’ spot. To apply, call 631-689-8172 or email [email protected].

— Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead seeks vendors for its annual Fleece & Fiber Festival on May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain date is May 19). $155 early bird rate for 10 X 10’ outdoor space, $175 after March 1. Artisans sharing handmade and authentic works for sale may apply at www.hallockville.org by April 1. Questions? Call 631-298-5292.

— Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket seeks vendors for its annual Community Wide Yard Sale on May 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Each 10 x 10 space is up for grabs at $50, $35 members. Reserve your spot now at https://www.tvhs.org/yardsale. 631-751-3730

— The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor seeks vendors for its annual Sea Glass Festival on July 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vendors and artists offering crafts and products that appeal to sea glass enthusiasts and patrons who admire handmade or one-of-a-kind items honoring historic glass are welcome to apply. Get all the details and access the vendor application at cshwhalingmuseum.org/seaglass.

Farmers Markets

Huntington Farmers Market

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March. 631-470-9620

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market returns to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 28. 631-802-2160

Lake Grove Farmers Market

Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove hosts a Winter Farmers Market in the southwestern quadrant of the parking lot (adjacent to Bahama Breeze) on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 516-444-1280

Class Reunions

•Centereach High School Class of 1974 will hold its 50th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on April 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, email Jean Ann Renzulli at [email protected].

•Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

CALENDAR DEADLINE  is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Email your information about community events to [email protected]. Calendar listings are for not-for-profit organizations (nonsectarian, nonpartisan events) only, on a space-available basis. Please include a phone number that can be printed.

 

by -
0 272
LOVE AND MARRIAGE Tickets are selling fast for the Valentine's Day performance of 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change' at the Engeman Theater in Northport. Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Thursday Feb. 8

Volunteer Fair heads to Selden

Middle Country Public Library, 575 Middle Country Road, Selden will host a Venues for Volunteering Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Come find out what volunteer opportunities are available in our area and how you can help. Representatives from over 20 organizations will be in attendance including Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, Friends of the Middle Country Public Library, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County,  Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook, Mercy Haven Inc., Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue, Selden Fire Department, and the Three Village Historical Society. No registration required. For more information, call 631-585-9393.

Reboli Art History Lecture

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook will host a free art history lecture with award-winning artist  and art history enthusiast Kevin McEvoy from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Light snacks will be served. No reservations are required to attend. 631-751-7707

Staller Center Music Recital

Jennifer Frautschi and Christina Dahl  of SBU Dept. of Music return for another popular evening of duos for violin and piano at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Recital Hall, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook at 7 p.m. This program considers four very different sonatas written within a twenty-year period that encompasses WWI, and the aftermath of the war. Program includes Szymanowski Sonata in D Minor, Op. 9 for Violin and Piano (1904); Bartok Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano, SZ 76 (1922); Marguerite Canal Sonata for Violin and Piano (1922)—selections; and Ravel Violin Sonata No. 2 (1923-27). Free. 631-632-2787

Victorian Valentine’s Day

Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Victorian Valentine’s Day at 7 p.m. Make your date night, Gal-entine’s, or early Valentine’s Day celebration unforgettable! Education Coordinator Carol Taylor takes you on a journey from the beginning of Valentine’s Day to modern times while learning (and sampling) wine paired with handcrafted chocolates. Your evening concludes with a gift provided by Nite Owl Promotions. Tickets are $60, $50 members and must be purchased in advance at www.northporthistorical.org. Ages 21+ only. Questions? Call 631-757-9859.

Friday Feb. 9

Game Night in St. James

Join Celebrate St. James for an adult Game Night at the Calderone Theatre, 176 2nd St., St. James from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy board games, card games, light refreshments, pizza and a hot chocolate bar. $10 donation. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201

An Evening of Opera

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport hosts a concert by Opera Night Long Island at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature an entertaining assortment of vocal excerpts from famous and beloved operas followed by a reception. $10 donation, students free. www.operanight.org

Bennett Harris in Concert

The Village of Port Jefferson Dept. of Recreation and the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council continue their Winter Tide concert series at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson with a performance by Blues Master Bennett Harris in the Sail Loft Room (3rd floor) from 7 to 8 p.m. playing tunes by Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, Blind Blake, as well as his own originals. Tickets are $5 at the door. 631-802-2160

Grounds and Sounds Concert – This event has been postponed to Feb. 16.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket hosts a Grounds and Sounds concert featuring the Claudia Jacobs Band (eclectic mix of folk, blues, pop and soul) with doors opening at 7:30 p.m.  Open mic starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and are available in advance online or at the door. www.groundsandsounds.org, 631-751-0297

Saturday Feb. 10

February Funny Fest

The Comedy Club@Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson announces the return of February Funny Fest at 8 p.m. with comedians Ellen Karis, Coach Tom Whitely, Richie Byrne and more. Tickets are $40. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Sunday Feb. 11

Valentine’s Day Serenade

Smithtown Historical Society will host a Valentine’s Day Serenade concert by Transitions Saxophone Quartet at the Caleb Smith House, 5 North Country Road, Smithtown  from noon to 2 p.m.. Celebrating a century of songs of love, Transitions will perform the music of artists who have been inspired by love and romance. Wine and chocolate strawberries will be served. Proceeds will go towards preservation and repair of the SHS’s historic buildings. Ticket are $20 per person, $30 per couple. To order, call 631-265-6768.

Chinese Brush Painting

Join the North Shore Public Library, 250 Route 25A, Shoreham for a Chinese Brushwork Painting class from 1 to 3 p.m. where you will learn the basic brush marks, how to use rice paper using Chinese brushes and ink. By listening to the history of this art form and watching painting demonstrations of bamboo, stems, leaves and blossoms, you will create your original piece of Chinese brushwork/painting to bring home. All materials are supplied. Open to all. To register, call 631-929-4488.

Nick Russell in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook welcomes Nick Russell with Sydney Swinson for songs and stories from 3 to 4 p.m. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. For more information, call 631-689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.

Ridotto Concert

Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Avenue in Huntington hosts a Ridotto Concert, concerts with a touch of theater, featuring pianist Sofya Gulyak at 4 p.m. Program will include works by Chopin, Debussy and Liszt’s Norma Fantasie. Tickets are $35 adults $30 seniors, $25 members and $12 students. For reservations, call 631-385-0373, or email [email protected].

Monday Feb. 12

Sound Beach Civic Meeting

Sound Beach Civic Association will hold a meeting at the Sound Beach Firehouse, 152 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach at 7:30 p.m. The guest speaker will Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon. Also on the agenda will be a representative from Congressman Nick LaLota’s office with an update on the post office closure. All are welcome. For more information call 631-744-6952.

The American Bombshells

The John W. Engeman, 250 Main St., Northport celebrates Valentine’s Day with a concert by The American Bombshells, a modern day twist on the Andrews Sisters, who serve as Ambassadors of America’s Gratitude, traveling the globe with an All-American show that dazzles in three part harmony! Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Tuesday Feb. 13

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a talk by Rabbi Aaron Benson who will discuss the current issues in Israel in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Shades of Bublé Concert

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Route 25A, Northport continues its Special Event Series with Shades of Bublé at 8 p.m. With three voices singing incredible songs like “Feeling Good,” “Moondance,” “Sway,” “Come Fly With Me,” “Home,” “Everything,” “Fever,” “Save the Last Dance for Me” and many more, the show brings the swinging standards and pop hits of Michael Bublé to the stage in an unforgettable high-energy concert event. Tickets are $45. To order call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Wednesday Feb. 14

Valentine’s Day Breakfast & Trivia

Town of Brookhaven’s Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai hosts a Valentine’s Day Breakfast & Trivia Game event from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. A continental breakfast will be served. Free. Please call 631-451-5312 to register.

Valentine’s Day at the LIM

Drop by the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook on Feb. 14 from noon to 5 p.m. for a special 2-for-1 admission! Treat your sweetheart to a romantic afternoon enjoying the museum’s new art exhibitions, including the Power of Two, featuring works by artist couples of Long Island; Finding Hidden Treasures: The  Art of Samuel Adoquei; Painting Partnership: Reynold and Joan Ruffins; and Colors of Long Island: Student Art Exhibition. 631-751-0066 See more on page B17.

Thursday Feb. 15

Emerson Legacy Concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents an Emerson Legacy Concert in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. featuring Emerson Members Eugene Drucker, violin, and Lawrence Dutton, viola. Program will include works by Bartok, Dvorak, Mozart and Mendelssohn. Tickets range from $41 to $48. To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Film

‘The Miracle Club’

Join us at Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station  for a viewing of The Miracle Club starring Maggie Smith, Laura Linney, and Kathy Bates on Fe. 14 at 2 p.m. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 to reserve your seat. 

‘Casablanca’ at the CAC

“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington invites all lovebirds and lonelyhearts to spend Valentine’s Day with them revisiting a classic, “Casablanca” on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. $20 per person, $15 members. Order tickets in advance at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater 

‘I Love You, You’re Perfect …’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a witty musical revue that tackles modern love in all its forms: from the perils and pitfalls of the first date to marriage, children, and the twilight years of life, from Jan. 18 to March 3. Set in the modern world and told in a series of vignettes and songs, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change traces the overall arc of relationships throughout the course of a life. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘Tick Tick Boom!’ *

Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson presents Tick, Tick…Boom! from Feb. 17 to March 16. This semi-autobiographical pop/rock musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer-Prize and Tony Award winning creator of RENT, inspired Lin Manuel Miranda’s 2021 Netflix movie adaptation and explores the sacrifices one man makes and the passion it takes to pursue a dream. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘(Mostly) True Things’

The Performing Arts Studio, 224 East Main Street, Port Jefferson presents a production of (Mostly) True Things on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. with stories on the theme Sucker For Love about those times we go to extremes, abandon reason and take big leaps because of love. Four storytellers will compete to win the audience’s choice for the biggest “sucker for love.” Also 3 of the stories will include subtle little lies, but all the stories are otherwise true. The audience gets to question the storytellers, then vote for the person they think told it straight. Tickets are $20 online at eventbrite.com, $25 at the door (cash only).  631-928-6529

Festival of One-Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 25th annual Festival of One-Act Plays from  Feb. 24 to March 23 at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage. Selected from over 2,000 submissions world-wide, these eight cutting-edge premieres are guaranteed to entertain and engage. Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the plays will feature Sean Amato, Ginger Dalton, Jae Hughes, Brittany Lacey, Phyllis March, Andrew Markowitz, Linda May, Rob Schindlar, Evan Teich, Steven Uihlein, Julia Albino, Courtney Gilmore, Gina Lardi, and Cassidy Rose O’Brien. . Please Note: Adult content and language. All tickets are $25. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

Farmers Markets

Huntington Farmers Market

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March. 631-470-9620

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market returns to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 28. 631-802-2160

Lake Grove Farmers Market

Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove hosts a Winter Farmers Market in the southwestern quadrant of the parking lot (adjacent to Bahama Breeze) on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 516-444-1280

by -
0 628
Stony Brook, NY; Stony Brook University: Miguel Garcia-Diaz, Interim Vice President for Research talks with the recipient of an OVPR Seed Grant Department of Geosciences Assistant Professor Marine Frouin in her Luminescence Dating Research Laboratory. Photo by John Griffin/SBU

Proposals for preliminary work may lead to wider national funding for unique research from many academic disciplines

The Office of the Vice President of Research (OVPR) at Stony Brook University has awarded seed grants for 21 projects encompassing research from a wide range of disciplines such as biomedical engineering, pharmacology, computer science, microbiology, astronomy, and linguistics. This funding cycle from fall 2023 totals $1 million to faculty leading these projects. This is only the second time the OVPR has awarded $1 million in a single funding cycle. The first time occurred in summer 2022.

All cycles of the OVPR Seed Grant Program, including special initiative cycles, are managed by staff in the Office of Proposal Development (OPD) in OVPR. Since 2018, the OVPR has invested approximately $6.4 million in promising research by Stony Brook faculty.

The OVPR Seed Grant Program gives Stony Brook University faculty a competitive edge in securing external research funds by offering support for preliminary work that will lead to larger and more impactful research projects. A team of faculty reviewers assess project proposals from faculty to determine a proposals’ likelihood of success in acquiring extramural funding. Typical proposals include projects as proof of concept, feasibility studies, or the development of interdisciplinary collaborative research.

“Research is at the core of Stony Brook University’s identity, and the seed grant program represents an investment in our University’s future,” says Miguel Garcia-Diaz, PhD, Interim VP for Research. “It is a key engine to fuel the progress of our research enterprise and has historically resulted in a return of upwards of seven dollars in external awards for each dollar invested by the University.”

These seed grants provide faculty with the resources they need to transform their ideas into groundbreaking research. Selected by their peers, the awardees must demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication and excellence in their fields. For this cycle, 21 of 66 proposals were selected for funding, resulting in the second highest acceptance rate for proposals for a single cycle (32 percent).

The diverse set of recipients for this seed funding cycle include a chemist developing a new molecular catalyst platform to lessen the environmental impact of both commodity and specialty chemicals, a psychologist exploring how government policies are impacting the health of individuals in the sexual and gender minority, and a paleontology team assessing early dinosaurs and their kin at a Late Triassic Site in Northern New Mexico.

“The OVPR seed grant will represent a crucial milestone in my career, making a substantial contribution to the advancement of luminescence dating methods for application across various disciplines such as geoscience, archeology, paleoanthropology, and evolutionary biology, where chronological accuracy is paramount,” says Marine Frouin, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geosciences, and one of the new recipients.

She reflects other recipients’ thoughts by adding that the “internal seed program not only provides a competitive advantage but also cultivates an environment conducive to innovative scientific research.”

For a list of all 21 funded proposals, the projects, and faculty involved, see this link.

by -
0 645
Evan Musterman at the SRX beamline. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/Brookhaven National Laboratory

By Daniel Dunaief

It’s everywhere, from holding the water we drink to providing a cover over the Norman Rockwell painting of “The Three Umpires” to offering a translucent barrier between our frigid winter backyards and the warm living room.

While we can hold it in our hands and readily see through it, glass and its manufacture, which has been ongoing for about 4,000 years, has numerous mysteries.

Indeed, given enough temperature and time, glass crystallizes. Controlling the process has been used to increase strength and chemical durability, tailor thermal properties and more over the last several decades.

Evan Musterman, who studied the way lasers served as a localized heat source to induce single crystal formation in glass when he was a graduate student at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based Lehigh University, joined Brookhaven National Laboratory in September as a postdoctoral researcher.

Musterman, who received funding for nine months at the end of his PhD program through the Department of Energy’s Office of Science Graduate Student Research program when he was at Lehigh that enabled him to work at BNL, is adding scanning x-ray diffraction mapping as a more user-ready technique at the Submicron Resolution X-ray Spectroscopy beamline (or SRX) that he used as a graduate student. 

The beamline looks at x-ray fluorescence measurements, which provide information about the elemental distribution and chemical information, such as oxidation state and bond distances, in an experimental sample. The next component scientists are looking for is using diffraction to inform the crystal structure of the material and to gather information about strain, explained Andrew Kiss, the lead beamline scientist for the SRX.

Musterman hopes to build on the electron diffraction mapping he did during his PhD work when he studied the crystals he laser-fabricated in glass. X-rays, he explained, are more sensitive to atomic arrangements than electrons and are better at mapping strain.

Musterman’s “background in materials science and crystal structures made him an excellent candidate for a post-doc position,” Kiss said.

The SRX has applications in material science, geological science and biological imaging, among other disciplines. 

Glass questions

For his PhD research, Musterman worked to understand how glass is crystallizing, particularly as he applied a laser during the process. He explored how crystal growth in glass is unique compared with other methods, leading to new structures where the crystal lattice can rotate as it grows.

Musterman finds the crystallization of glass ‘fascinating.” Using diffraction, he was able to watch the dynamics of the earliest stages after a crystal has formed. In his PhD work, he used a spectroscopy method to understand the dynamics of glass structure before the crystal had formed.

Musterman started working at the SRX beamline in June of 2022. He was already familiar with the beamline operation, data collection and types of data he could acquire, which has given him a head start in terms of understanding the possibilities and limitations.

In his postdoctoral research, he is developing diffraction mapping and is also finishing up the experiments he conducted during his PhD.

Himanshu Jain, Musterman’s PhD advisor at Lehigh who is Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, was pleased with the work Musterman did during his five years in his lab. Jain sees potential future extensions and applications of those efforts.

Musterman’s research “forms a foundation for integrated photonics, which is expected to revolutionize communications, sensors, computation and other technologies the way integrated circuits and microelectronics did 50-60 years ago,” Jain explained in an email. The goal is to “construct optical circuits of single crystal waveguides in a glass platform.”

Musterman’s work “showed details of these optical elements made in glass by a laser,” he added.

Jain, who is an alumnus of BNL, indicated that his lab is continuing to pursue the research Musterman started, with his former graduate student as a collaborator and guide.

Musterman appreciates the opportunity to work with other scientists from different academic and geographic backgrounds. In addition to working with other scientists and helping to refine the functionality of the SRX beamline, he plans to continue glass and glass crystallization research and their interactions with lasers. As he refines techniques, he hopes to answer questions such as measuring strain.

As glass is heated, atoms form an ordered crystalline arrangement that begins to grow. The nucleation event and crystal growth occurs at the atomic scale, which makes it difficult to observe experimentally. Nucleation is also rare enough to make it difficult to simulate.

Most theories describe crystal nucleation and growth in aggregate, leaving several questions unanswered about these processes on single crystals, Musterman explained.

As they are for most material processing, temperature and time are the most important factors for glass formation and glass crystallization.

Historically, studies of glass structure started shortly after the discovery of x-ray diffraction in 1913. In the 1950’s, S. Donald Stookey at Corning discovered he could crystallize glass materials to improve properties such as fracture resistance, which led to a new field of studies. Laser induced single crystal formation is one of the more recent developments.

Musterman and his colleagues found that laser crystallization does not always produce the same phase as bulk crystallization, although this is an active area of research.

Musterman created videos of the earliest stages of crystal growth under laser irradiation by direct imaging and with electron and x-ray diffraction.

Kiss anticipates that Musterman, who is reporting to him, will build infrastructure and understanding of the detection system in the first year, which includes building scanning routines to ensure that they know how to collect and interpret the data.

Once Musterman demonstrates this proficiency, the beamline scientists believe this expanded technical ability will interest scientists in several fields, such as materials science, energy science, Earth and environmental science and art conservation.

Pitching in with former colleagues

While Musterman is not required to work with other beamline users, he has helped some of his former colleagues at Lehigh as they “try to get their best data,” he said. He has also spoken with a scientist at Stony Brook University who has been collecting diffraction data.

A native of Troy, Missouri, Musterman lives in an apartment in Coram. When he was younger, he said science appealed to him because he was “always curious about how things worked.” He said he frequently pestered his parents with questions.

His father John, who owns a metal fabrication and machining business, would take various ingredients from the kitchen and encourage his son to mix them to see what happened. 

As for the future, Musterman would like to work longer term in a lab like Brookhaven National Laboratory or in industrial research.

by -
0 893

Village board hires financial firm to untangle information gaps in capital fund record keeping

Capital project funds asphalt walkway, replacing crushed bluestone at the Harborfront Park for $249,000. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Lynn Hallarman

Concerns were raised by newly-appointed village treasurer Stephen Gaffga about the bookkeeping practices that track the village’s capital project fund, prompting a call for a full accounting of the fund’s financial records going back at least seven years.

Gaffga was recently the treasurer for the Village of Greenport. He was hired this past summer by Port Jefferson Village, replacing Denise Mordente who served as treasurer for the previous administration.

During the Nov. 20 meeting of the Port Jefferson Village Board of Trustees, Gaffga described the capital fund’s bookkeeping as having a “severe information gap” in the fund’s ledger. Standard financial procedures “were not followed as best practice,” according to Gaffga.

“I came into Port Jefferson in September, and I saw a negative balance with the capital fund,” the treasurer said. “I tried to figure out how that came to be.”

Gaffga explained at the meeting that capital projects were approved and money was spent, but all these expenses were recorded as a “running tally on the ledger.” This accounting method makes it seem like there is a negative balance for all these projects. 

“That’s not the case — we borrowed money, got grant funding, transferred money from the general fund, but the trail is very difficult to follow,” he said.

Gaffga recommended the board hire an outside specialized CPA firm, PKF O’Connor Davies of Hauppauge, to receive assistance in analyzing the record keeping of the capital fund going back in time. As stated at the trustees meeting, the cost of the lookback should not exceed $4,500 per year analyzed. The goal of the analysis is to uncover the financial history of each capital project and “establish a clean slate,” Gaffga said. 

“It is entirely possible that everything is OK dollarwise, and it is just a mess on the books,” he told TBR News Media. 

Former village Mayor Margot Garant, objected to Gaffga’s characterization of the records. “We did a lot in 14 years, and we used our money very carefully,” she said in an interview, adding, “The documents in place are pretty easy to follow. I don’t know what their issue is.” 

The New York State Office of the State Comptroller requires municipalities to undergo an annual audit of financial records. According to the 2022 audit done by the independent accounting firm Cullen & Danowski of Port Jefferson Station, the village had areas for improvement. 

Firstly, the village neglected to properly inventory its capital “hard” assets, according to Chris Reino, who represented the auditor at the August trustees business meeting.

The village has no running list of assets like trucks, buildings, computer equipment and furniture, for example, since “at least 2014,” Reino said. 

As a consequence, if something goes missing or “there is a catastrophe, it will be hard [for the village] to make a claim to an insurance company to replace it,” Mayor Lauren Sheprow noted.

Secondly, the report indicated that the “village did not maintain adequate accounting records” of the capital project fund.

Cullen & Danowski did not respond to email and phone requests for comment for this story.

Capital project fund

The capital project fund financed a range of projects over time for the village, such as restoring the East Beach bluff, repaving walkways at Harborfront Park, creating the Barnum Street parking lot, building bathrooms at Rocketship Park, digitizing records and more.

The trail of money for a project should be easy to follow by a citizen, according to the state Comptroller’s Office. Bookkeeping for the capital fund should tell the complete story of how taxpayer dollars are appropriated and spent for each project to prevent overspending or leaving financial holes in the funding for essential village improvements. 

“I want this board to be educated about this process, so we are all aware of where the money’s coming from and how it’s being spent,” the mayor said at the November board meeting. 

Financial transparency

At the August board meeting, Sheprow complained that members of the previous board “never saw the 2022 audit.” 

“I don’t recall specifically, but I know I had a discussion with [the trustees] and the treasurer that [the audit report] was in, and I believe that was January,” Garant told TBR News Media.

While financial audits should be posted, along with other yearly financial records on the village website after the Board of Trustees reviews them according to OSC best practice, the 2022 audit submitted to the village administration in January this year was not posted to the village website until this past week, shortly after TBR News Media requested to review the audit report (see portjeff.com/fiscalyear2022auditdocuments).

Mordente did not respond to requests for comment for this story about the village’s 2022 auditing process.

Moving forward, Sheprow said she wants to remedy this perceived gap in transparency.

Gaffga said at the November board meeting the village wants to establish a clean slate so there are no “skeletons bookkeeping-wise that could hold the village back.”

by -
0 405
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum will give a special evening tour of the decorated Eagle’s Nest Mansion on Dec. 16. Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Museum
Ongoing

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton runs through Dec. 30. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! Tickets can be purchased online at www.holidaylightshow.com.

Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County presents its 20th annual Girl Scout Holiday Light Show at Southaven County Park in Yaphank through December 30. This year, the light show will be a fully immersive, walk-through Enchanted Forest, which features 80 illuminated holiday-themed displays along with photos with Santa, picnics with s’mores, music, and games for visitors to enjoy. For tickets, visit www.gssclightshow.com.

Holiday Illuminations

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 Main St., Smithtown presents Holiday Illuminations every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 31. from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Explore the Society’s grounds illuminated for the holiday season! Every half hour, the historical buildings will be brought to life with stunning visuals and animations, telling enchanting holiday tales. Food trucks, vendors, live music and a visit from Santa will add to the festive atmosphere. Tickets online are $22 adults, $17 seniors, $12 children at www.holidayilluminations2023.com. 631-265-6768

Festival of Trees

Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2024 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 473-4778

Thursday Dec. 14

Winter Secrets Walking Tour

Bundle up and enjoy the historical spirit of Stony Brook this winter with a Winter Secrets Walking Tour today at 9:50 a.m. or Dec. 15 at 1:50 p.m. Participants stroll Stony Brook Village to discover multiple wintry stories of Stony Brook Village. Learn about Arctic fever and the icy dramas surrounding Stony Brook Village artifact, the Polaris whaleboat; hear of turn-of-the-century holiday parties hosted by “upstairs” elite socialite Alida Chandler Emmet; discover the extraordinary history of Stony Brook Village’s fire department, and more! $25 per person. Participants receive a bottle of wine from Lakeside Wine Emotion with their purchase of ticket. Registration is required by calling 631-751-2244.

Garden of Lights

The spirit of the season has returned. Sachem Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook presents it’s 5th annual Garden of Lights: A Sky Full of Stars, a community-built walk-through light show for all ages, tonight and Dec. 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Experience a community-built walk-through light show for all ages. Free. 631-588-5024

Nutcracker Holiday Show

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will present its Nutcracker Holiday Show tonight, Dec. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. Enjoy a 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 at www.thejazzloft.org.

Friday Dec. 15

Winter Secrets Walking Tour

See Dec. 14 listing.

Garden of Lights

See Dec. 14 listing.

Nutcracker Holiday Show

See Dec. 14 listing.

Basket Auction Fundraiser

Enjoy a good time for a good cause as the Middle Country Special Education PTA hosts a Basket Auction Fundraiser at Centereach High School, 14-43rd Street, Centereach in its cafeteria at 6 p.m. with over 150 raffles, holiday music, face painting, games and giveaways. 631-285-8010

Victorian Holiday Walking Tour

Cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa and join the staff at The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a walk through the quaint, waterside village to explore the surprising Victorian origins of many modern holiday traditions tonight at 5 p.m. or Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. View historic buildings along Main Street and discover how local families gathered for Thanksgiving, made merry at Christmas, and rang in the New Year — and how those celebrations would have been very different for whalers out at sea! Recommended for ages 12 and over. Tickets are $15 per person at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. 631-367-3418

Holiday Spectacular

Town of Brookhaven’s Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show, returns to Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville tonight, Dec. 16 and Dec. 17; hours on Fridays and Saturdays are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Photos available with Santa for an additional fee; credit cards only, no cash accepted. Tickets must be purchased in advance at BrookhavenNY.gov/Holiday. 631-451-5330.

Saturday Dec. 16

Nutcracker Holiday Show

See Dec. 14 listing.

Holiday Spectacular

See Dec. 15 listing.

Holiday Train Display

Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road, Ridge will host a Holiday Train Display today, Dec. 17, and Dec. 26 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in an “I Spy” game and try to find all the hidden items in the display. Free event. 631-924-1820

Santa on the Farm

Santa Claus is coming back by to Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville by popular demand. Meet the jolly fellow in the heated Woodland Hall today and Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as Long Island Game Farm transforms into a holiday wonderland. Feed deer in the park, meet Santa Claus, bring your camera to take treasured family photos, enjoy a craft table, and explore the holiday gift boutique — all included in the admission fee. 631-878-6644.

Selden Craft & Gift Fair

One of the country’s longest continuously running indoor craft fairs, the 41st annual Selden Craft & Gift Fair, will return to Newfield High School, 145 Marshall Drive, Selden today and Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 200 exhibitors offer hand picked gift items including photography, textiles, soy candles, crafted jewelry, floral, organic soaps, country crafts and more. Free admission. 631-846-1459

Superheroes of the Sky 

Stop by Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for Superheroes of the Sky from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about a Bald Eagle, Turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. $10 per adult, $5 per child (Under 12y), To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Long Island Yule Festival

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington, 109 Browns Road, Huntington hosts The Long Island Yule Festival, a celebration of the Winter Solstice, from noon to 6 p.m. with local vendors, cultural workshops, free activities such as holiday crafts and a storybook time for the kids, and visits from Krampus, The Yule Goat, Santa Claus and others. 631-609-5661

Sounds of the Season

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents its annual Sounds of the Season from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy special evening tours of the decorated Eagles Nest Mansion and be serenaded by timeless Bing Crosby melodies, relive President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Christmas Eve commemorations, and special holiday episodes of Suspense Radio. The Vanderbilt Mansion’s halls were decked by the Museum’s curators in collaboration with the Dix Hills, Centerport, Three Village, Asharoken, and Nathan Hale garden clubs. $15 tickets can be purchased at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Tricycle Holiday Concert

First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson hosts a special holiday concert featuring Tricycle, the Fortier family trio, with their band and special guests at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets only are $25 adults, $15 students at www.gpjac.org/special-concerts. 516-313-3838

Sunday Dec. 17

Victorian Holiday Walking Tour

See Dec. 15 listing.

Holiday Spectacular

See Dec. 15 listing.

Holiday Train Display

See Dec. 16 listing.

Santa on the Farm

See Dec. 16 listing.

Selden Craft & Gift Fair

See Dec. 16 listing.

Winter Farmers Market

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March. With over 35 vendors, some new and some returning, plus guest vendors through out the season. Come shop local for the month of December — there will be lots of gifts for the holidays!

Holiday Craft Fair

Backstage Studio of Dance, 200 Wilson Street, Port Jefferson hosts a Holiday Craft Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with over 30 vendors offering arts, crafts, jewelry, homemade gifts, soaps, clothing, personalized items, baked goods, hair bows, crocheted items and so much more. 631-502-3643

Northport Walking Tour

Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport hosts a walking tour at 1:30 p.m. Local historian Dan Sheehan weaves the tale of Northport’s Historic Business District during this lively walking tour of Main Street. Travel back in time as you hear the stories of the people and landmarks that helped shape Northport, including Jack Kerouac, the Northport Oyster Barons, Rum Runners and the Trolley. All ages welcome. Cost is $7 per person. To register, visit www,northporthistorical.org.

Monday Dec. 18

TVHS lecture

Three Village Historical Society presents their last lecture of the year at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket at 7 p.m. John G. Staudt will discuss Conserving Our Natural Resources: Theodore Roosevelt and his Use of Power. After becoming president in 1901, TR used his executive authority to establish 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, four national game preserves, five national parks and 18 national monuments on over 230 million acres of public land. This talk explores the history of TR’s conservation legacy and addresses the question: What exactly is the role of the federal government in regard to the conservation of our natural resources? Free and open to all. Donations appreciated. 631-751-3730

Tuesday Dec. 19

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a discussion by Eileen Swanberg about genealogy investigation at the “Terryville Search Center.” Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Travel Presentation Club Meeting

The Travel Presentation Club will meet at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main Street, Setauket at 7 p.m. Malcolm and Waveney Bowman will make a presentation entitled “Explosive New Zealand: volcanoes and earthquakes.” Please contact [email protected] for further information.

Wednesday Dec. 20

No events listed for this day.

Thursday Dec. 21

No events listed for this day.

Film

Kubrick: A Cinematic Odyssey

From Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will present a retrospective featuring some of Stanley Kubrick’s most iconic groundbreaking films: The Shining (Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.); 2001: A Space Odyssey (Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.); Paths of Glory (Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.); Lolita on Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.); Barry Lyndon (Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.); and Eyes Wide Shut (Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.) Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘Scrooge’

Join Celebrate St. James for a screening of Scrooge (1951) starring Alastair Sim at the St. James Calderone Theatre, 176 Second St., St. James on Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. with informative commentary, light refreshments and fresh popcorn. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors. To RSVP, call 631-984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Theater

‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23. Three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season! Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are $32 adults, $30 seniors, $28 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org. 

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 11 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present, and future. Join them for the  38th annual production of the immortal classic in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. Please note: No children under 5 are permitted. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Beauty and the Beast’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Beauty and the Beast now through Jan. 7. This timeless story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self–but time is running out! If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

Dance

‘The Nutcracker’

Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. With guest artist Max Lippman (Cavalier) and Seiskaya Ballet Principal dancer Madeleine Martufi (Sugar Plum). Tickets are $45 adults, $38 children and seniors. 631-632-ARTS, www.nutcrackerballet.com

‘Friend or Foe?’

Fred Astaire Dance Studios Smithtown presents its annual Spotlight Showcase 2023 “Friend Or Foe?” at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown on Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. Enjoy very different show dance numbers in which you’ll have to decide for yourself who’s a “friend or foe,” “black or white,” “yin and yang.” Just use your imagination to decide which side you are! Tickets are $50 per person, free for kids. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org

Vendors Wanted 

■ Town of Brookhaven seeks vendors for a Health Fair at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 vendor registration fee. For an application, visit BrookhavenNY/gov/Health or call 631-451-6331.

Class Reunion

•Save the date! Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17, 2024. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

by -
0 806
Zhe Qian

By Daniel Dunaief

Addition and subtraction aren’t just important during elementary school math class or to help prepare tax returns.

As it turns out, they are also important in the molecular biological world of healthy or diseased cells.

Some diseases add or subtract methyl groups, with a chemical formula of CH3, or phosphate groups, which has a phosphorous molecule attached to four oxygen molecules.

Nicholas Tonks. Photo courtesy of CSHL

Adding or taking away these groups can contribute to the progression of a disease that can mean the difference between sitting comfortably and watching a child’s performance of The Wizard of Oz or sitting in a hospital oncology unit, waiting for treatment for cancer.

Given the importance of these units, which can affect the function of cells, researchers have spent considerable time studying enzymes such as kinases, which add phosphates to proteins.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases, which Professor Nicholas Tonks at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory purified when he was a postdoctoral researcher, removes these phosphate groups.

Recent PhD graduate Zhe Qian, who conducted research for six years in Tonks’s lab while a student at Stony Brook University, published a paper in the journal Genes & Development demonstrating how an antibody that interferes with a specific type of protein tyrosine phosphatase called PTPRD alters the way breast cancer spreads in cell cultures.

“The PTPs are important regulators of the process of signal transduction — the mechanisms by which cells respond to changes in their environment,” explained Tonks. “Disruption of these signal transduction mechanisms frequently underlies human disease.”

To be sure, Tonks cautioned that the study, which provides a proof of concept for the use of antibodies to manipulate signaling output in a cancer cell, is a long way from providing another tool to combat the development or spread of breast cancer.

The research, which formed the basis for Qian’s PhD project, offers an encouraging start on which to add more information.

Blocking the receptor

Qian, who goes by the name “Changer,” suggested that developing a compound or small molecule to inhibit or target the receptor for this enzyme was difficult, which is “why we chose to use an antibody-based method,” he said.

By tying up a receptor on the outside of the cell membrane, the antibody also doesn’t need to enter the cell to reach its target.

The Antibody Shared Resource, led by Research Associate Professor Johannes Yeh, created antibodies to this particular receptor. Yeh created an antibody is shaped like a Y, with two arms with specific attachments for the PTPD receptor.

Once the antibody attaches, it grabs two of these receptors at the same time, causing a dimerization of the protein. Binding to these proteins causes them to lose their functionality and, ultimately, destroys them.

Cell cultures of breast cancer treated with this antibody became less invasive.

Limited presence

One of the potential complications of finding a new target for any treatment is the side effects from such an approach.

If, for example, these receptors also had normal metabolic functions in a healthy cell, inhibiting or killing those receptors could create problematic side effect.

In this case, however,  the targeted receptor is expressed in the spine and the brain. Antibodies normally don’t cross the blood-brain barrier.

Qian and Tonks don’t know if the antibody would affect the normal function of the brain. Further research would help address this and other questions.

Additionally, as with any possible treatment, future research would also need to address whether cancer cells developed resistance to such an approach.

In the time frame Qian explored, the cells in culture didn’t become resistant.

If the potential therapeutic use of this antibody becomes viable, future researchers and clinicians might combine several treatments to develop ways to contain breast cancer.

Eureka moment

In his research, Qian studied the effect of these antibodies on fixed cell, which are dead but still have the biochemical features of a living cell He also studied living cells.

When the antibody attaches to the receptor, it becomes visible through a staining process. Most antibody candidates stain living cells. Only the successful one showed loss-of-signal in living staining.

The antibody Qian used not only limited the ability of the receptor to send a signal, but also killed the receptor. The important moment in his research occurred when he discovered the antibody suppressed cancer cell invasion in cell culture.

Outside of the lab, Qian enjoys swimming, which he does between four and five times per week. Indeed, he combined his athletic and professional pursuits when he recently raised funds for Swim Across America.

“I not only want to do research, but I also want to call more attention to cancer research in the public,” said Qian.

The Swim Across America slogan suggests that each stroke is for someone who “couldn’t be with us” because of cancer. In the lab, Qian thinks each time he pipettes liquids during one of his many experiments it is for someone who couldn’t make it as well.

Qian, who currently lives in Hicksville, grew up in Suchow City, which is a village west of Shanghai and where Cold Spring Harbor Asia is located. 

Qian has been living on Long Island since he arrived in the United States. Qian graduated from Stony Brook University in October and is currently looking for a job in industry.

Looking back, Qian is pleased with the work he’s done and the contribution he’s made to breast cancer research. He believes the antibody approach offers a viable alternative or complement to searching for small molecules that could target or inhibit proteins or enzymes important in the development of cancer.

by -
0 198
Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte in one of the expansive battle scenes of Ridley Scott’s 'Napoleon.' Photo courtesy of Apple Original Films/Columbia Pictures

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

Director Ridley Scott’s career spans over four decades. His earliest films include Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982), Legend (1985), and Thelma and Louise (1991). Gladiator (2000) garnered twelve Oscar nominations, winning five, including Best Picture. Scott received three nominations for Best Director: Thelma and Louise, Gladiator, and Black Hawk Down (2001). Additional nominations include three British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), four Golden Globe Awards for Best Director, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. So … shame on you, Mr. Scott.

His latest contribution to the world of overstuffed, overlong, and overdone cinema is the one-hundred-and-fifty-seven-minute Napoleon, a biopic of staggering boredom. Passionless and plodding, the film’s sole strengths are in its excellent visuals, with brutal (albeit seemingly repetitive) battles. 

A scene from Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon.’ Photo courtesy of Apple Original Films/Columbia Pictures

A great deal has already surfaced about the film’s historical inaccuracies: Napoleon was not present at the execution of Marie Antoinette; he did not order his troupes to fire on the Pyramids of Giza; he never charged into battle; he never came face-to-face with the Duke of Wellington; there was no giant frozen lake at Austerlitz. But a film does not have to be a history lesson. 

Apocrypha—and even invention—can be forgivable in the name of art, insight, or entertainment. The latter cavils are two of the better moments in Napoleon. The Austerlitz confrontation is powerful but has also been seen in the film’s trailers, spoiling the most dramatic sequence. Napoleon’s meeting with Wellington aboard the HMS Bellerophon contains one of the few moments of dramatic subtext. But a handful of moments do not rescue this Waterloo.

Napoleon opens in 1793, at the height of the Reign of Terror during France’s French Revolution, and ends in 1821, with Napoleon exiled on the island of Saint Helena. Absent of pacing, the story’s twenty-eight years feel like they are playing in real-time. Scott announced he has a four-and-a-half hour cut. (Enough said.)

A scene from Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon.’ Photo courtesy of Apple Original Films/Columbia Pictures

Joaquin Phoenix plays Napoleon like a ventriloquist, his lips barely moving, his eyes vacant (somehow reminiscent of Jennifer Jason Leigh in Single White Female.) Occasionally, he throws an ineffectual temper tantrum to show the emperor’s immaturity—more man-child Stanley Kowalski than a legendary conqueror. When he discovers Joséphine’s infidelity, he whines like a frustrated teenager.

If this choice is to show his humanity, it is odd: Phoenix is distinctly modern, surrounded by a company playing some semblance of period style. Ultimately, Phoenix never loses himself in the character, and the audience remains aware of the actor making methodical choices for the sake of effect rather than motivation. (He also seems to live in his bicorne hat.) Vanessa Kirby’s Joséphine de Beauharnais is not without interest. She conveys thought and depth but feels distinctly unfinished. Her mercurial shifts seemed manufactured rather than rooted in emotional struggle. The fault lies in the script and direction, not the actors’ work.

The rest of the cast barely registers. The many cabinet members and historical denizens are interchangeable figures in costumes and wigs—albeit exceptional. Even the great Rupert Everett’s Wellington struggles to find individuality. The French street rabble wave and pump their fists like an overly eager community theatre production of Les Misérables. Oddly, the horrific deaths of the horses in battle convey stronger horror than the murder of the thousands of soldiers. 

A scene from Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon.’ Photo courtesy of Apple Original Films/Columbia Pictures

The battles are impressive, epically staged with hundreds of extras. But they seem almost generic. The military conflicts alternate with scenes of pomp and pageantry—balls and meals and a remarkable coronation, all gloriously and beautifully designed and executed. These contrast with scenes of domestic stagnation with Napoleon and Josephine sitting next to each other, staring blankly as if locked into a period spoof of Scenes from a Marriage. Whether it is the actors or the characters, the relationship lacks spark. The sexual encounters are painfully, unintentionally comic. (Or one would hope unintentionally.) Scott’s refusal to find a tonal center results in stretches that seem like a violent episode of Blackadder. 

In the end, Napoleon is mostly style and little substance. Oppenheimer made science and math riveting. Napoleon makes extraordinary political intrigue banal. With a story of power struggles, revolution, betrayals, and world-shattering choices—including the death of millions, the result is strangely hollow. With clunky dialogue and lacking a true core, Napoleon tries—and fails—to clothe this emperor. 

Rated R, the film is now playing in local theaters.

by -
0 239
Create Farmhouse Holiday Ornaments at Benner's farm on Dec. 2.

PROGRAMS

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will host a First Steps into Nature program titled Scales & Tails: Turtles, Snakes, Lizards, Chameleons on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 9:30 a.m. Children ages 2 to 4 will learn about nature through hands on activities, music, crafts, stories and gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $75 for all 4 classes, $20 per class. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344 

Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Magic Circle Nursery School at Union United Methodist Church, 1018 Pulaski Road, East Northport will hold its 42nd annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 2 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Come bring the whole family for a real holiday treat filled with food and fun. Remember your camera for the perfect holiday photo with Santa. Donation is $8 adults, $4 children. 631-754-5565.

Tender Years Treasury

The Town of Smithtown Recreation & Senior Citizens Departments will host the annual Tender Years Treasury, holiday shopping experience for children at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center, 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The popular event allows kids in grades K through 5 to independently shop for family gifts, all handmade by local seniors, modestly priced at $5 and under with a cookie decorating station, holiday crafts, and free gift wrapping. 631-360-7644.

Santa on the Farm

Santa Claus is coming back by to Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville by popular demand. Meet the jolly fellow in the heated Woodland Hall on Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as Long Island Game Farm transforms into a holiday wonderland. Feed deer in the park, meet Santa Claus, bring your camera to take treasured family photos, enjoy a craft table, and explore the holiday gift boutique — all included in the admission fee. 631-878-6644

Farmhouse Holiday Ornaments

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, Setauket will hold a kids workshop, Farmhouse Style Holiday Ornaments, for ages 4 to 10 on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.. Come spend time on a real working farm making crafts for your holidays. Each child will create and take home several different of their own ornaments, make a snow globe, and take a farm tour at the workshop. $55 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Santa Comes to Longwood

Santa heads to the historic Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road, Ridge on Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., courtesy of the Town of Brookhaven. Explore the grounds of the estate on a old fashioned sleigh ride and enjoy roasted chestnuts and popcorn on an open fire. Children can visit with Santa and have family members take photos. Rain date is Dec. 3. $5 per child ages 12 and under. Advance registration required by calling 631-924-1820.

Family Hour Sunday

Enjoy a special Family Hour Sunday at the Heckscher Museum, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington in both Spanish and English! on Dec. 3 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 5 through 10 are invited for a family-friendly art experience with educators Tami Wood and Karina Giménez. Explore works of art in the Museum and create fun art projects! $10 per child, adults free. Register at www.heckscher.org. 631-380-3230

A Visit with Mailman Mark 

The Miller Place Mount Sinai Historical Society will host their annual Mailman Mark event Dec. 3 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Children are invited to bring their pre-written letters for Santa to the old Miller Place Post Office at 75 North Country Road, Miller Place where Mailman Mark will bundle the letters for the North Pole! Each child will receive a letter from Santa delivered to their home. Tickets are $12 each. 63-476-5742, mpmshistoricalsociety.org.

Menorah Workshop

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a Menorah Workshop on Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. Explore the importance of oil through the ages, from whale oil to olive oil! Compare historic oil lanterns in the museum’s collection, and get creative designing a tiled mosaic menorah to light up your home this holiday! $16 per child. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Pinecone Pals

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a family program, Pinecone Pals, on Dec. 3 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Winter is a great time to collect pine cones. Create fun pine cone animal crafts to take home! $4 per person. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

Seashell Ornaments Workshop

Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Seashell Ornaments Workshop on Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. From clams to sea snails to nautilus squid, explore the wonderful world of shelled animals in this educator-led workshop. Find out how to identify shells local to Long Island, and decorate a special shell ornament to hang up at home during this festive time of year. $16 per child. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Avenue Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4 (sometimes older siblings join as well). 631-482-5008

Penguins!

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Tiny Tots program on Dec. 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn all about penguins through story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

THEATER

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off the holiday season with Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 18 to Dec. 30. As Barnaby the elf and his reindeer friend Franklynne set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. All tickets are $12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Frozen Jr.’

Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main Street, Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Dec. 2 to Jan. 21, 2024. The magical land of Arendelle comes to life onstage. When faced with danger, princesses Elsa and Anna discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Tickets are $25 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Frosty’

Frosty returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on weekends from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ebenezer Pierpot and his evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘The Polar Express’

Put on your PJ’s and join the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce for a Polar Express Experience at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station for the holidays. Screenings of The Polar Express will be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 30, Dec, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22; and at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 23. $20 per person includes a bag of popcorn, bottle of water, hot chocolate, cookie, bell, and a visit with Santa! To register, visit www.PJSTChamber.com.

‘Princess Mononoke’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of the animated classic Princess Monoke on Dec. 3 at noon. Inflicted with a deadly curse, the young warrior Ashitaka heads west in search of a cure and  stumbles into a bitter conflict between Lady Eboshi, the proud people of Iron Town, and the enigmatic Princess Mononoke. Rated G. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Prev123...21Next Page 2 of 21
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©