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By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Dear Santa,

I’m sure you have a lot on your mind these days, with an abundance of Christmas requests and only a few remaining days to fill them.

My message is intended as a gift for you, not a request for myself. Your kindness and generosity toward others deserve to be returned. I am concerned about your growing belly, which has been compared to a bowl full of jelly when you laugh. Honestly, your upcoming journey around the world will likely make it worse. The cookies and milk, along with other sweets left for you on Christmas Eve, are only likely to make it worse.  

I’m concerned about your health and about the message it sends to kids. We’re currently dealing with an epidemic of overweight kids, which has contributed to the growing number of children with type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, these numbers only get worse as children age.

You, Santa, can help reverse this trend and stem the increased risks of pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer and heart disease that central belly fat promotes. Help children improve health outcomes that will follow them throughout their lives.

This is your opportunity to model the way — and, maybe fit back into that clingy tracksuit you’ve had in the back of your closet since the early 18th century, when you were still trim.

Think of the advantages of losing that extra weight. Your joints won’t ache as much in the cold; your back doesn’t hurt as much; and you will have more energy. Studies show that eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reverse clogged arteries and help you avoid strokes, heart attacks and peripheral vascular disease. Even a simple change, like eating a small handful of raw nuts each day, can reduce your heart disease risk significantly.

Losing weight will also make it easier for you to keep your balance on steep, icy rooftops. No one wants you to take a tumble and break a bone — or worse.

Exercise will help, as well. Maybe this Christmas Eve, you could walk or jog alongside the sleigh for the first continent or two. During the “offseason” you and the elves could train for the North Pole After Christmas 5k. Having a team to train with is much more fun.

If you add some weight training into your routine, you’ll strengthen your core. In addition, your new muscles will help melt away fat from your midsection.

It doesn’t have to be a chore. After all, who doesn’t love a game of tag with the reindeer? 

If you really want to make a strong start, take a cue from the reindeer, who love their raw carrots and celery. Broadcast that the modern Santa enjoys fruits, especially berries and veggies, with an emphasis on cruciferous veggies like broccoli florets dipped in humus, which have antioxidant qualities and can help reverse disease.

And, of course, don’t put candy in our stockings. We don’t need more sugar, and I’d guess that, over the long night, it’s hard to resist sneaking a few pieces, yourself. Why not reduce the temptation? This will also eliminate the sugar highs and lows you feel during your all-night expedition.

As for your loyal fans, you could place active games under the tree. You and your elves could create a phone app with free workout videos for those of us who need them; we could join in as you showed us “12 Days of Dance-Offs with Santa.”

Think about giving athletic equipment, such as baseball gloves, soccer balls, and basketballs, instead of video games. Or wearable devices that track step counts and bike routes. Or stuff gift certificates for dance lessons into people’s stockings.

As you become more active, you’ll find that you have more energy all year round, not just on Christmas Eve. If you start soon, Santa, maybe by next year, you’ll be able to park the sleigh farther away and skip to each of the neighborhood chimneys.

The benefits of a healthier Santa will be felt across the world. Your reindeer won’t have to work as hard. You could fit extra presents in your sleigh. And Santa, you will be sending kids and adults the world over the right message about taking control of their health with nutrition and exercise. That’s the best gift you could give!

Wishing you good health in the coming year,

David

P.S. If it’s not too late to ask, I could use a bucket of baseballs and a new glove. I hear the Yankees have an opening for an outfielder, so I need to start practicing.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

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By Heidi Sutton

Hanukkah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25 and ends on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 2 this year. Here are some menorah lighting ceremonies, parades and celebrations in our communities.

Commack

Multiple synagogues in the area and the Suffolk Y JCC will sponsor a community menorah lighting event at the Commack Corner Shopping Center parking lot, southeast corner of Jericho Turnpike and Commack Road, in Commack on Monday, Dec. 30 at 6:30 p.m. There will be entertainment, live music, dreidels, chocolate gelt,  latkes and giveaways. 631-462-9800

Coram

Join Lubavitch of the East End for a menorah lighting at the Davis House, 263 Middle Country Road, Coram on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. 

Dix Hills

The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills invites the community to their Grand Menorah Lighting on Thursday, Dec 26 at 5:30 p.m. with latkes and donuts. on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. 631-351-8672

East Setauket

Participants enjoy donuts and latkes at a previous Village Chabad menorah lighting in East Setauket. Photo by Gail DeClue

Village Chabad, 360 Nicolls Road, East Setauket will host a Chanukah Car Parade and Grand Menorah Lighting with a Chocolate Gelt Drop on Thursday, Dec. 26 starting at 4 p.m. with latkes, donuts, magic show and hot cocoa. $10 per person in advance, $15 day before. RSVP required at at MyVillageChabad.com/RSVP. 631-585-0521

Farmingville

Join the Town of Brookhaven and Lubavitch of the East End for a Chanukah celebration at Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. with a menorah lighting, magic show, latkes, donuts and more. 631-698-4000

Greenlawn

The Greenlawn Civic Association will host a Menorah Lighting Ceremony and Hanukkah celebration at Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn in the Communiy Meeting Room on Monday, Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. www.greenlawncivic.org

Huntington 

Chabad of Huntington Village will host a Grand Menorah Lighting at the Huntington Village Winter Wonderland along Wall Street on Monday, Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. featuring music by Toby Tobias, fire juggling, festive balloons, chocolate gelt and donuts. 631-276-4453

Huntington Station

Chabad of Huntington & Melville invites the commuity to a Chanukah Wonderland at the Walt Whitman Shops,160 Walt Whitman Rd, Huntington Station (near center court) on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. Enjoy dreidel painting, doughnut decorating, face painting, giant Menorah lighting, build your own menorah, balloon designing, Chanukah gelt, arts & crafts, music, family entertainment, and much more. Free. RSVP suggested. www.Melvillechabad.com/chanukah, 631-385-2424.

Mount Sinai

Join Lubavitch of the East End for a menorah lighting at Heritage Park, 633 Mt. Sinai-Coram Road, Mt. Sinai on Monday, Dec. 30 a 5:30 p.m. 

Northport

Join the Village of Northport in lighting the menorah outside Northport Village Park on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. 631-261-7502

Port Jefferson Station

The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Menorah Lighting at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on Wednesday, Dec. 25 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.  Join them for a special ceremony led by Rabbi Aaron Benson of the North Shore Jewish Center.  631-821-1313.

St. James

The community is invited to the St. James Menorah Lighting Ceremony at The Triangle, Route 25A and Lake Ave., St. James on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 at 5 p.m., Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 28 to Jan. 2 at 5 p.m. 631-584-8510

Stony Brook

Temple Isaiah, 1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook invites the community to a Community Candlelighting on Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 5 p.m.  Join Rabbi Josh, Rebbetzin Meg and the Shabbat Singers for the first night of Chanukah. Please RSVP by calling 631-751-8518.

Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown and Chabad of MidSuffolk will hold its annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Town Hall, 99 West Main St., Smithtown onThursday, Dec. 26 at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, latkes, donuts and a special gelt drop for children. 631-360-7512

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Above, what Blydenburgh County Park could look like if the dam isn't put back ... this is West Brook in Bayard Cutting Arboretum several years after the dam failed and a beautiful stream valley with great biodiversity has emerged. Photo from John Turner

By John L. Turner

Due to the extensive development of Long Island, starting with European colonization nearly 400 years ago, virtually no species, natural area, or landscape has been untouched. Some of these “touches” have been minor, others moderate, while still others have been drastic or complete, like the virtual destruction of the Hempstead Plains, a once 40,000 square mile tallgrass prairie located in the middle of Nassau County. True too, for the timber wolf which was eradicated early in the Island’s settlement driven by a bounty paid during the 17th century for each dead wolf. 

There are few places where these impacts have been more extensive than with the more than 100 streams and rivers flowing outward from the center of Long Island to the salty waters that surround it. For centuries these streams were viewed as only having commercial value; modified by dams the streams became artificial ponds to supply water for cranberry bogs and for the harvest of ice. 

Mills were constructed in many places, taking advantage of the water funneled over constructed dams, to grind corn, saw wood or for fulling clothing fiber. Today, there are very few unobstructed streams on Long Island. (One of the few is Alewife Creek in Southampton which drains Big Fresh Pond, emptying into North Sea Harbor).  

The ‘brook’ in Stony Brook. Photo from John Turner

Obstruction is the reality at “Cutsgunsuck,” the Setalcott Indigenous Nation’s name for a “brook laden with stones,” a brook that we know today as Stony Brook. This “stone laden” brook, fed by freshwater oozing out of the Upper Glacial aquifer on its northward flow to the harbor, was drastically altered about 275 years ago, with the construction of the dam to funnel water for the Stony Brook Grist Mill so only a limited section of the original brook remains. Predictably, as with all dams, the water backed up behind the newly constructed dam, creating a pond in the process and drowning much of the stream and streamside environment — and its interwoven array of plants and animals  — that had evolved in place over many thousands of years. Same was the case with the dam in Blydenburgh County Park creating Stump Pond. 

Victims of these dams were the migratory fish, American Eel and Alewife, a species of river herring, that undoubtedly used Stony Brook and the upper reaches of the Nissequogue River centuries ago to spawn and develop. These fish, known as diadromous species,  live in two worlds — in the case of American eels spawning in the ocean (the Sargasso Sea), migrating inland to freshwater streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds to spend more than a decade growing and maturing before returning to the ocean. Alewife behave in the opposite fashion — coming inland to spawn with the adults and young leaving to develop in the ocean. 

Eels and river herring are important components of the coastal food chain, nourishing cormorants, wading birds, eagles, and ospreys while back in the sea, a host of predatory fish such as striped bass, bluefish, and tuna. Mammals that prey on these species include river otters, making a slow comeback on Long Island, and seals. The dams created insurmountable obstacles to the completion of their life cycle so for these fish and the other species that feed upon them two ecological threads were severed. 

The Northern Dusky Salamander found in the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Photo from John Turner

Other animals that prosper in cold and clear streams lost out too, seeing their habitat lost or substantially diminished.  Remarkably, one of them is a species hanging on in the truncated stream segment south of the now drained portion of the Stony Brook Mill Pond — the Northern Dusky Salamander, an amphibian discovered by someone helping wildlife in the pond after the dam failure; a species which has not been seen on Long Island in nearly a century and was presumed extirpated here!

The northern dusky is one of nine native salamander species that call Long Island home and some naturalists wonder if this population constitutes a new species since it’s been reproductively isolated from other populations of the species, the nearest being in Westchester county, for some 12,000 to 15,000 years.  DNA work is proposed to sort the genetics out.  

The same adverse ecological impacts occurred when the dam was constructed to operate a grist mill at Stump Pond within Blydenburgh County Park in Hauppauge (which had its dam blow out due to the same storm event in August) but on an even larger scale. The two streams feeding Stump Pond, that is two headwater sections of the Nissequogue River, one beginning in the Hauppauge Springs area near the Suffolk County Center on State Route 454, the other emanating further afield in the Village of the Branch, disappeared with the construction of the dam that created Stump Pond, flooding many dozens of acres of riparian habitat including the killing of dozens of Atlantic White Cedar, a rare wetland tree species.  

What if the dams at Stony Brook Mill Pond and Stump Pond are not reconstructed? What would this mean for the environmental setting there? Almost immediately wetland dependent plant species and wildlife would repopulate the stream and the adjacent low-lying floodplain and the wetland at West Brook in the Bayard Cutting Arboretum can provide insight. Here, the dam failed in 2019 draining an area about the size of the Stony Brook Mill Pond and naturalists have been studying the result ever since.

Migratory fish now have unimpeded access to the full length of the West Brook watershed. Plants have flourished, emerging from the seed bank that has laid dormant for many decades, awaiting just the right conditions to germinate. Within two years 108 native species of wetland-loving wildflowers began to fill in the mud banks on both sides of West Brook, including an extensive stand of cattails. These plants now support numerous insects including a number of pollinators. 

Underappreciated concerns from dams and dam failures are property damage and loss of human life. These concerns are very likely to grow as the frequency and severity of storm events increases due to climate disruption. 

For example, the National Centers for Environmental Information, part of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), keeps tallies of storms and for New York noted seven weather related disasters in the 1980’s causing $1 billion worth of property damage. By the 1990’s the total doubled to 14, the same number for the period of 2000 to 2009. 

For the 2010’s? Twenty-nine such events. And in 2023 alone there were seven, the same number you’ll remember for all of the 1980’s. With slightly different circumstances it is not difficult to envision several houses and the occupants within them, living downstream from the failed dams at both the Stony Brook Mill Pond and Blydenburgh County Park, being destroyed and killed, respectively.  

Then there’s the cost of maintaining dams and impoundments. The impoundments behind dams collect sediment which eventually have to be dredged, at considerable expense, or the pond becomes increasingly shallow and eventually disappears from the sediment load. And the warm, still waters in the impoundments are conducive to plant growth, especially by invasive species which often proliferate, eventually covering the entire water surface, compromising other recreational uses like boating and fishing.

For example, the Town of Brookhaven spent more than $4 million of taxpayer funds to combat Cabomba, a species of fanwort that’s a noxious weed, growing in the Upper Lake of the Carmans River (it wasn’t successful in eliminating the weed). 

Suffolk County spent several million dollars more to dredge the sediments from Canaan Lake in Patchogue and Nassau County officials have committed significant staff and equipment in an effort to eradicate Water Chestnut from Mary’s Lake in Massapequa. 

One last example is the state’s more-than-a-decade fight to control Ludwigia, also known as floating primrose-willow, an invasive species that’s proliferated an impoundment in the Peconic River. Multiply these fiscal impacts out to the more than 90 dams and impoundments on Long Island and pretty soon we’re talking real money. Fiscal conservatives like free-flowing conditions. 

For these aforementioned ecological, public safety, and fiscal reasons, the dam at Blydenburgh County Park should not be repaired. A channel, forking from the stream currently,  can be deepened to supply water to the mill wheel if the county ever makes the grist mill functioning again; it has laid dormant for nearly half-a-century. 

The good news is that an alternative vision to repairing the dam at Blydenburgh County Park has emerged that would, some believe, enhance a visitor’s experience: construct a bridge over the stream where the dam gave way so hikers can once again walk around the park and the former pond and add two pedestrian footbridges over the two streams that flow through the park, providing scenic and panoramic views of the stream valleys and diverse wetland meadows that will form. 

A slightly different vision can be advanced for the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Here, the Town of Brookhaven, other levels of government, and the Ward Melville Heritage Organization are moving to restore the dam, an understandable response to what the Mill Pond has meant to the local Three Village community — a landscape that’s loved and cherished. 

The challenge, then, is to determine if there is a way to rebuild the dam and restore the pond but create a richer ecological setting. Can this be done? A good first step would be to incorporate a fish ladder and eel passage that effectively allows for migratory fish to access the pond; the natural-looking rock ramp fish ladder in Grangebel Park in Riverhead and the eel passage further upstream on the Peconic River serve as useful models. Also, establishing a lower pond level through a lower elevation dam would increase stream and streamside habitat for the betterment of the rare salamander and other stream dwelling species. 

Two other actions that could improve conditions at the Mill Pond: 1) Soften the boundary along the eastern edge of the pond by removing the bulkheading encompassing much of the shoreline here, planting this transition area with native wetland plants and wildflowers, and 2) Better control road runoff  into the pond from Main Street. 

A recent conversation I had with someone who assisted in the effort to free stranded wildlife said she noticed an oil sheen on the surface of the remaining pooled water in the southeastern section of the pond where a drainage pipe empties into the pond from Main Street; a number of ducks were swimming around in this water.  On a recent visit, I noticed a few ducks preening and wondered if they weren’t ingesting toxic oil into their bodies in the process.   

If we embrace the alternative described above, a better experience can be had at Blydenburgh County Park and if we make these modifications, a better, more environmentally sound Stony Brook Mill Pond can emerge from the ruins, to once again be enjoyed and valued by the local community. Here, these elements would create enhanced wetland habitat for the betterment of many of our wildlife neighbors — fish, birds, and salamanders alike. And in no small measure, it would  allow for the landscape feature that gave the community its name —Stony Brook — to be enhanced and better protected. Indeed, we’d be putting a bit of the “brook” back in Stony Brook.

A resident of Setauket, author John L. Turner is a naturalist, conservation co-chair of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, and Conservation Policy Advocate for the Seatuck Environmental Association.

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Catch a performance of 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three this weekend! Photo by Steve Ayle/ Showbiz Shots
*Menorah Lightings are listed in a separate post.
Ongoing

Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton is back for its 7th season on various days from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! For schedule and tickets, visit www.holidaylightshow.com.

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 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 631-802-2160

Free admission to the LIM

From now through Dec. 22, the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook invites the community to enjoy free admission to the History Museum’s LIMarts Members’ exhibition, Milestones,  featuring art from over 100 local artists. Many of the featured pieces will be available for purchase — perfect for unique gifts for any art lover! The Gift Shop will also be open for all those last-minute gift needs with select items up to 50% off. The Carriage and Art Museums will be closed for the LIM’s annual winter break and will reopen on February 20, 2025, with a new exhibition in the Art Museum.  For more information, call 631-751-0066 or visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Vote for favorite holiday tree!

Cast your vote for your favorite decorated tree at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook for the holidays. This year over 45 beautifully decorated trees are showcased for you to choose from! Voting is free and ballots are available at all Stony Brook Village shops, so stop by, explore, and make your choice by Dec. 20. For more information, call 631-751-2244.

Thursday Dec. 19

Reduce Your Energy Bill

Drop by Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to speak with a PSEG representative to learn about REAP (Residential Energy Affordability Partnership), a free program for income-eligible customers, and how it can help you save energy and reduce your electric bills. No registration required. Open to all.631-928-1212

Live Nativity

Caroline Episcopal Church, 1 Dyke Road Setauket will present a live Nativity from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Witness the miracle of Christmas in the church’s historic carriage shed, with real barn animals (courtesy of Steppin’ Out Ponies), Christmas music, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate for all! Free. 631-941-4245

Nutcracker Holiday Show

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook 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, tonight and Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children. www.thejazzloft.org

Native American Drumming

All Souls Church Rectory, 5 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being.  Call 631-655-7798 for more information.

Stand-Up/Sit-Down at the CAC

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Stand-Up/Sit-Down live comedy series tonight with Chris Roach at 8 p.m. Following the comedy show, Roach will “Sit-Down” with host Steven Taub to share stories about his career. Tickets are $35, $25 members. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Friday Dec. 20

Nutcracker Holiday Show

See Dec. 19 listing.

Community Blood Drive

Give the gift of life this holiday season. St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, 48 Route 25A, Smithtown will hold a Community Blood Drive in the St. Vincent’s Conference Room on the lower level of the Medical Office Building from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. To register, call 631-469-0989.

Vanderbilt Candlelight Tour

Enjoy some holiday magic on an evening Candlelight Tour of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s decorated Spanish Revival waterfront mansion, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Renowned designer and author Tricia Foley has decorated eight mansion rooms. The Asharoken, Centerport, Dix Hills, Nathan Hale, and Three Village garden clubs have decorated an additional eight rooms. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors, $8 children, free for members. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

Holiday Trail of Lights

Step into the holiday spirit as the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown presents a dazzling Holiday Trail of Lights tonight, Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Stroll through a beautifully illuminated pathway featuring festive Holiday Trees from the Society’s Tree Contest, sparkling lights, and whimsical decorations. Warm up with delicious food and drinks from local food trucks, enjoy live music and photos with Santa, and roast marshmallows over a cozy fire as you make memories with family and friends. Tickets are $10 per person, kids under the age of 3 are free. Tickets available on Eventbrite or at the Info Booth during the event. Rain dates are Dec. 23 and 24. For more information, call 631-265-6768.

Reboli Center Holiday Party

The Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St. Stony Brook invites the community to their Holiday Party from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy live music by Nicole Demarco, kids crafts, cocoa and cookies, an art exhibition and exquisite gifts. Free. 631-751-7707

Holiday Country Barn Dance

Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue, 2746 Sound Ave., Riverhead will hold a Holiday Country Barn Dance from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Join them in the beautifully decorated barn for a night of line dancing with guest instructor Ray Schwartz.. Wear your favorite holiday attire and BYO drinks & snacks. We will have door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. $15 per person, register online or pay cash at the door. All proceeds help to support the animals and programs at Spirit’s Promise. 631-875-0433, www.spiritspromise.com.

Saturday Dec. 21

Nutcracker Holiday Show

See Dec. 19 listing.

Holiday Trail of Lights

See Dec. 20 listing.

Santa on the Farm

SANTA ON THE FARM
Come visit Santa Claus and friends at the Long Island Game Farm this weekend. Photo courtesy of Long Island Game Farm

Santa returns to Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville by popular demand. Meet the jolly fellow in the heated Woodland Hall today and Dec. 22 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon,  and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring your camera to take treasured family photos, visit with the animals, and enjoy holiday crafts. $35 per person. www.longislandgamefarm.com

Caumsett Hike

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Harbor for a History Hike from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Relax and socialize on this hilly, moderately paced 6-mile walk, as we make stops to discuss some spots of historic interest. Dress for the possibility of long grass. $4 per person. Call 631-423-1770 for reservations.

Selden Craft & Gift Fair

One of the area’s longest continuously running indoor craft fairs, the 43rd annual Selden Craft & Gift Fair will return to Newfield High School, 145 Marshall Drive, Selden today and Dec. 22 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

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 a Bald Eagle, Turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. $10 adults, $5 children under the age of 12. www.sweetbriarnc.org

Ronkonkoma Holiday Market

Station Yards, 9 Hawkins Ave., Ronkonkoma hosts a Holiday Market around the Village Green from noon to 4 p.m. Shop from a curated selection of local vendors and artisans, offering unique gifts, handmade goods, and seasonal treats—perfect for holiday gifting and supporting our community’s small businesses. 

Art League of LI Reception

Join the Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills for the opening reception for its 68th annual juried Members’ Exhibition Part I from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The exhibition, hosted in the Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery and featuring an array of artwork from painting and ceramics to jewelry and fiber arts, will run through Jan. 25, 2025. 631-462-5400, www.artleaguli.com

Winter Wonderland

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, 829 Old Nichols Road, Islandia presents a Winter Wonderland fundraiser from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy a walk-through experience across 10 acres of lights, winter decorations and activities including winter-themed games, storybook readings, hot chocolate and treats, outdoor holiday movies, holiday music and caroling and much more. $20 per person, children under the age of 2 are free. 631-348-1389

Sunday Dec. 22

Santa on the Farm

See Dec. 21 listing.

Holiday Trail of Lights

See Dec. 20 listing.

Selden Craft & Gift Fair

See Dec. 21 listing.

Somehow Sorry in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a concert by Somehow Sorry (John McCarthy and Lorraine Lisa aka Rain)from 3 to 4 p.m.  The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org. 

Jazz Nativity

Join the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for a candlelight jazz nativity service featuring the Biblical Christmas story at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. with a 12 piece chamber Jazz orchestra featuring Metropolitan Opera soprano Susanna Phillips. 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. www.thejazzloft.org

Monday 23

Jazz Christmas Party

Grammy-winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis presents a Jazz Christmas Party at the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook at 7 p.m. backed by a big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children. www.thejazzloft.org

Tuesday Dec. 24

No events listed for this day.

Wednesday Dec. 25

No events listed for this day.

Thursday Dec. 26

Holiday Train Display

Town of Brookhaven’s Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road, Ridge will host a Holiday Train Display today through Dec 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

Dance

Nutcracker Ballet  

Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to Staller Center’s Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The cast will again be led by guest artist David Wright (Cavalier/Nutcracker) a leading dancer of the vaunted Dance Theater of Harlem, and Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning principal dancers Madeleine Martufi, Kaede Urso and Michaela Lettiere plus returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Eva Pyrros, Lara Caraiani and Diana Atoian. Tickets are $45 for adults and $38 for children under 12 and seniors aged 62+. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nutcrackerballet.com.

Film

‘The Godfather II’

CLASSIC CINEMA
Join the Cinema Arts Cenre for a rare big-screen viewing of Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Part II, the epic second entry into the story of the Corleone family, on Dec. 19.

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, The Godfather II will be screened at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. The Godfather trilogy continues the saga of the Corleone Family, serving as both a prologue and a sequel, extending over a period of 60 years and three generations. Chronicling both the rise of youthful Don Vito Corleone to Mafia chief in the early 1900s in the Little Italy section of New York City, as well as the career of Corleone’s son Michael from his patriarchal prime to his decline a year later. Tickets are $16, $10 members. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Step into a world of pure imagination this holiday season as the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from Nov. 14 to Dec. 29. Join young Charlie Bucket and four other lucky Golden Ticket winners as they embark on an unforgettable journey through Willy Wonka’s magical candy factory. With beloved songs from the 1971 film, this production promises to be a treat for the entire family. For tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Celebrate the season with the 40th annual production of A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 9 to Dec. 28. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the meaning of Christmas — past, present, and future. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents It’s A Wonderful Life from Dec. 7 to 29. Based on the story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, this beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, and $25 students. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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.

 

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Legumes can reduce your risk significantly

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

How would you like to be “heart attack proof?” This term was introduced by Dr. Sanjay Gupta and later gained traction when it was iterated by Dr. Dean Ornish. While it’s probably not possible to be completely heart attack proof, research shows us that it is possible to significantly reduce your risk by important lifestyle choices.

About five percent of U.S. adults over age 19 have coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart disease (1). This contributes to a heart attack rate of one every 40 seconds. We can do better.

Many of the biggest contributors to heart disease risk are well-known: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. In addition, if you have diabetes or are overweight or obese, your risk increases significantly. Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity and high alcohol consumption are among the significant risk contributors.

This is where we can dramatically reduce the occurrence of CAD. Evidence continues to highlight that lifestyle changes, including diet, are the most critical factors in preventing heart disease. Dietary changes that have a significant impact include consuming dietary fiber, legumes, nuts, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and chocolate.

Increase your dietary fiber

We can significantly reduce our heart disease risk if we increase our fiber consumption to recommended levels.

The more fiber you eat, the greater you reduce your risk. In a meta-analysis of 10 studies that included over 90,000 men and 200,000 women, results showed that for every 10-gram increase in fiber, participants experienced a corresponding 14 percent reduction in their risk of a cardiovascular event and a 27 percent reduction in their risk of heart disease mortality (2).

According to a 2021 analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2013 to 2018, only 5 percent of men and 9 percent of women get the recommended daily amount of fiber (3). The average American consumes about 16 grams per day of fiber (4).

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed, or roughly 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men (5).

Good sources of fiber are fruits and vegetables eaten with edible skin or peel, beans, lentils, and whole grains.

Various legumes.

Eat your legumes 

In a prospective (forward-looking) cohort study, legumes reduced the risk of coronary heart disease by 22 percent (6). Those who consumed four or more servings a week saw this effect when compared to those who consumed less than one serving a week. The legumes used in this study included beans, peas and peanuts. There were over 9,500 men and women involved, and the study spanned 19 years of follow-up.

I recommend that patients consume a minimum of one to two servings a day, significantly more than the relatively modest four servings a week used to achieve statistical significance in this study.

Include healthy nuts

Why should you include nuts? In a study with over 45,000 men, consuming omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) led to significant reductions in CAD. Both plant-based and seafood-based omega-3s showed these effects (7). 

Good sources of omega-3s from plant-based sources include nuts, such as walnuts, and ground flaxseed. Of course, be cautious about consuming too many nuts, since they’re also calorically dense.

Consume a modest amount of chocolate

In an analysis of six studies with over 336,000 participants, researchers found that eating chocolate at least once a week was associated with an 8 percent decreased risk of coronary artery disease when compared with consuming chocolate less than once a week (8).

The author notes that chocolate contains heart healthy nutrients such as flavonoids, methylxanthines, polyphenols and stearic acid which may reduce inflammation and increase good cholesterol. The study did not examine whether any particular type of chocolate is more beneficial or whether there is an ideal portion size.

An earlier study did show that two pieces of chocolate a week may decrease the risk of a heart attack by 37 percent, compared to those who consume less (9). 

Both study’s authors warn against the idea that more is better. High fat and sugar content and chocolate’s caloric density may have detrimental effects when consumed at much higher levels. 

I typically recommend that patients have one to two squares — about one-fifth to two-fifths of an ounce — of high-cocoa-content dark chocolate daily. Aim for chocolate labeled with 80 percent cocoa content.

You can also get chocolate’s benefits without the fat and sugar by adding unsweetened, cocoa powder to a fruit and vegetable smoothie. Do not use Dutch-process cocoa, also known as alkalized cocoa; the processing can remove up to 90 percent of the flavanols (10).

References:

(1) cdc.gov. (2) Arch Intern Med. 2004 Feb 23;164(4):370-376. (3) nutrition.org (4) NHANES 2009-2010 Data Brief No. 12. Sep 2014. (5) eatright.org. (6) Arch Intern Med. 2001 Nov 26;161(21):2573-2578. (7) Circulation. 2005 Jan 18;111(2):157-164. (8) Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2021 Oct 13;28(12):e33-e35. (9) BMJ 2011; 343:d4488. (10) J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Sep 24;56(18):8527-33.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

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The cast of 'It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.' Photo by Jackie St. Louis

By Julianne Mosher

Just in time for the Christmas season, the Smithtown Performing Arts Center is now playing It’s a Wonderful Life on its main stage. But this version is slightly different compared to Frank Capra’s award winning 1946 film. In true 40s fashion, the show is cleverly set at a New York radio station where five voice actors tell the whole story as if you’d hear it on the air back in time: a live radio broadcast.

Originally written by Joe Landry, the stage turns into WBFR Radio located in the heart of Manhattan. Old microphones litter the stage while a pianist (Vincent Donnadio) plays the music live. Directed by Jordan Hue, we soon meet the broadcast’s cast — dressed in their best 40s attire — who will then be playing a whole other cast, portraying several different characters each (with different voices) straight from the movie.

And just like during a broadcasted show, there are commercials, too.

While It’s a Wonderful Life is based on the 1943 short story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, the tale is loosely based on the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. What’s common between the two? Christmas ghosts. 

The show starts off with George Bailey (Zach Johnson) who is a generous and well-meaning man. When he was young, he had big plans of traveling the world and going to college. He wanted to get out of Bedford Falls. But things fell through, and fate had some other plans for him. 

He marries a neighborhood girl named Mary (Elle Lucksted) and the two move into an old, abandoned house in town. Their family grows quickly while George takes over the family business, but Mr. Potter (Chris Dippel) — who is a member of the board, owns the bank and basically the rest of town — looks to dissolve the company. 

Through a string of bad luck and some unfortunate circumstances, George starts to spiral. While he falls further and further into a depression, he’s being closely watched by Clarence (Eugene Dailey), his guardian angel. Clarence is told that if he helps George out, he will soon get his wings. 

On Christmas Eve, George gets drunk at a bar and then contemplates jumping off a bridge. Before he can fall to his death, Clarence, straight from heaven, dives into the river forcing George to rescue him. Clarence explains he’s an angel here to help George, but George doesn’t believe him and states out loud that he wishes he was never born.

Similar to the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future haunting Scrooge, Clarence shows George a timeline of events that happened in a world where George was never born. He soon learns that even the smallest interaction with someone made a big difference and his life does matter.

While the cast is small and fast-paced, the actors do a phenomenal job of keeping the audience engaged. While Johnson and Lucksted play just two of the main characters, the supporting actors shine with their impressive voice changes and ability to switch personalities quickly on their feet. 

Some other characters include Dippel (Freddie Filmore: Joseph, Tommy, Old Man Collins, Bert the Cop, the Bridgekeeper, Binky and Nick); Dailey (Harry Heywood:  Peter, Charlie, Harry, Schultz, Mr. Welch, Pete, Horace, Ed); Christine Boehm (Lana Sherwood: Violet, Rose, Zuzu, Ruth, Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Thompson, Matilda, Sadie and Janie); and Andrew Lenahan (Sam Seymour: Stage Manager, Old Man Gower, Ernie, Sam Wainwright, Uncle Billy, Dr. Campbell and the Sheriff).

So, be prepared to step into the Smithtown Performing Arts Center and be transported to 1946 for this great rendition of a Christmas classic.

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The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play on weekends through Dec. 29. Tickets are $36.50 for adults, $33.50 seniors and $26.50 students. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

In the wake of Black Friday and sliding headlong into the Buying Season, Netflix is streaming Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy. Written and directed by Nic Stacey, the 84-minute documentary reminds us that corporations are for profit, not for humanity. 

The voice of Sasha, a computerized personal assistant, guides the viewer through five rules of profit maximization: Sell More, Waste More, Lie More, Hide More, and Control More. Presented as a video tutorial, Sasha promises success to those who follow the guidelines. (The Sasha gimmick is effective but might grate on some. Her voice is reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey’s HAL smoothly saying, “I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.”) 

A scene from ‘Buy Now’. Photo courtesy of Netflix

Under attack are the usual suspects. Amazon, Apple, Adidas, and the clothing industry at large (Gap, H&M, Shein, etc.) represent the major culprits. Marketing products that are single-use or have built-in obsolescence drive profits. Worse, companies rarely consider the end-of-life of objects. The film puts a great deal of focus on the environmental carnage of landfills and burnings. It is not litter. It is hazardous waste. 

Statistics are a large part of Buy Now’s attack: 68,733 phones produced per hour, 190,000 garments produced each minute, and 12 tons of plastic produced each second. According to the Or Foundation, a not-for-profit trying to reduce textile waste, more than 15 million unwanted clothes are sent to Ghana—one of the world’s largest importers of used clothes each week. Globally, approximately 13 million phones are tossed out daily. An anecdote about the lightbulb cartel of 1925 introduces the established cornerstone of industry: planned obsolescence. In the present day, products are sealed and seamless. Laptops, printers, and phones are replaced, not repaired. And the sooner, the better. 

The film calls out the fallacy of recycling, noting that barely ten percent of claimed recycling is accomplished. The markings on plastics range from half-truths to outright lies. Companies contend that recycling fixes the problem. “Truth is very different.” As packaging rules are lax, “You can say whatever the hell you want.” The symbols are largely meaningless. Most will be buried or burned. The sole solution is manufacturing less plastic. 

The talking heads are mostly reformed staff members of the big companies, many of them openly paying penance for their part in the destruction. As one states, “I think I definitely have some sins to make up for.”

Buy Now’s tone blends horror with tongue-in-cheek commentary. The film only rests in the interviews and, even then, cuts to different angles. The peripatetic nature leans into a non-stop modern lifestyle as well as the problem’s urgency. The avalanche of shoes, laptops, and phones cascades, oozes, stampedes out of buildings and garbage cans, falls from the sky, and rolls down the streets. Clothing even vomits out of dryers. 

A scene from ‘Buy Now’. Photo courtesy of Netflix

The science-fiction essence harkens to films like The Blob, where cities are overrun, here played against the unknowing citizens in An Invasion of the Body Snatchers oblivion. The visuals have a mordant wit, and the techno music raises the future-of-the-damned tone. (A nice touch is the underscoring of the Adidas section with Saint-Saëns’s “Danse Macabre.”) Clips from Wall-E show the future of the planet. However, something is disconcerting about the presence of Disney/Pixar when it is probably responsible for more plastic toys and disposable souvenirs than any other company in the world.

Buy Now represents waste in myriad ways. These include shores clogged with plastic and shoveled into hell-like infernos. But the most startling image is the most common. Boxes upon boxes stacked in front halls and on kitchen floors; teetering piles spilling open. We buy everything we think we need—and more of it—often at one a.m. Amazon is the thing that occurs to you. “If the system is magic, what would it do? There is just a conveyor belt that goes straight from wherever the item is to your door as quickly and frictionless as possible.” With the internet, the next shoppable moment is always now. Buying new stuff feels great. But the flip side is where does it go?

The massive destruction of merchandise that prevents food and even healthcare products from being salvaged is equally horrifying. A United Kingdom Amazon warehouse destroys 130,000 pieces a week. There are five billion pounds of landfill waste in destroyed products. (More images, more statistics.)

Buy Now is an unequivocal indictment of the way we live. Enhanced by Brendan McGinty’s cinematography, Samuel R. Santana’s sharp editing, and engaging VFX and animation by Colin Thornton and Neil Wilson, the film is a bold statement about consumption and responsibility. You will look at your daily take-out cups of coffee, each plastic water bottle, and every item of clothing with a different eye. 

The final line goes to Kyle Wiens, the CEO and co-founder of iFixit: “That’s it. Just buy less. It will be fine. Life is about experiences and the people that we’re with, and the stuff that we have supports it. But it’s not the end. It’s not the objective. Whoever dies with the most stuff does not win.” 

The film is now streaming on Netflix.

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IT’S ELECTRIC! The Three Village Electric Holiday Parade returns on Dec. 15. Photo courtesy of Three Village Rotary Club
Ongoing

Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton is back for its 7th season on various days from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! For schedule and tickets, visit www.holidaylightshow.com.

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 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 631-802-2160

Thursday Dec. 12

Garden of Lights

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook will hold its 6th annual Garden of Lights: Once Upon a Snowfall  walk-through light show for all ages tonight and Dec. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free but donations including nonperishables, pet supplies and toys accepted at the gate for those on need. 631-588-5024

Nutcracker Holiday Show

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook 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, today, Dec. 13, Dec. 19, Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.. 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. www.thejazzloft.org

Friday Dec. 13

Garden of Lights

See Dec. 12 listing.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Festival

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station will hold a Winter Wonderland Holiday Festival today from noon to 3 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy musical performances, cookie and tree deocrating, hot chocolate, desserts, eggnog, custom train mural and layout and holiday craft fair (Saturday only). 

Drive Through Live Nativity

Stony Brook Christian Assembly, 400 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will hold its annual Drive Through Live Nativity tonight and Dec. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. Take a trip back in time to experience the magic and mystery of the first Christmas. This is a free event. No tickets or registration required. 631-689-1127

Grounds and Sounds Concert

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket hosts a Grounds and Sounds concert featuring award-winning singer/songwriter Rupert Wates at 8:15 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m, with an open mic at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person at the door, by calling 631-751-0297 or at www.groundsandsounds.org.

Nutcracker Holiday Show

See Dec. 12 listing.

Holiday Concert

North Shore Community Band will hold its annual Holiday Concert at St. John the Baptist Church, 1488 North Country Road, Wading River at 7:30 p.m. Come and enjoy a fun and festive night of holiday music. Tap your toes, sing along, and listen to your seasonal favorites. Bring the children for a visit and a story by a very special guest!  Free admission. 

Avalon Astronomy Night

The Observatories at Avalon Nature Preserve, Shep Jones Lane, Stony Brook will host a live observing session, The Planets and the Moon, (weather permitting) from 8:30 p.m. till 10:30 pm.  Using their telescopes, they will be providing both digital and visual views of the Moon and the outer planets of our solar system.  Free. Dress for the weather. 631-689-0619

Saturday Dec. 14

Winter Wonderland Holiday Festival

See Dec. 13 listing.

Drive Through Live Nativity

See Dec. 13 listing.

Santa on the Farm

Santa returns to Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville by popular demand. Meet the jolly fellow in the heated Woodland Hall today, Dec. 15, 21, and 22 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. to noon,  and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring your camera to take treasured family photos, visit with the animals, and enjoy holiday crafts. $35 per person. www.longislandgamefarm.com

Northport Winter Craft Fair 

Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport hosts the 31st annual Winter Craft Fair today and Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Long Island’s largest indoor craft fair showcases over 200 exhibitors featuring original art, photography, one of a kind crafted jewelry, woodcraft, textiles, apparel, personalized ornaments, organic specialties as olive oils, soaps, bath & body butters, jellies, chocolates and bakery delicacies, teas and local honey,  and much more. Free admission. 631-846-1459.

Holiday Gift Fair

Farmingville Residents Association will hold their annual Holiday Gift Fair at Gambino Catering Hall, 2005 Route 112, Medford from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Featuring over 50 vendors, live  music, Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, and a visit from Santa. Free admission. 631-260-7411

Snow Globe Selfies

Drop by Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station to take a photo in a life-size snow globe provided courtesy of Mather Hospital and Northwell Health today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Sunday, Dec. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your own device for taking and saving photos. Snow globe holds 5 people; no high heels, please. No registration required. 631-928-1212

Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair

Comsewogue High School, 565 North Bicycle Path, Port Jefferson Station presents its 6th annual Craft and Vendor Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring over 50 vendors, student club fundraisers, pictures  with Santa and so much more. 631-474-8179

SBU Holiday Market

Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will host a Holiday Market in the Student Activities Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come shop for holiday gifts from local small business vendors. 

All Souls Poetry Reading

The Second Saturdays poetry series returns to All Souls Church via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Wendy Trontz will be the featured poet. 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/

Holiday Gift Bazaar

Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setaukets presents their annual Holiday Gift Bazaar in the gallery and the Studio from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring some of the area’s finest jewelry, textiles, pottery, and more! ‘Tis the season to shop local. 631-751-2676

Ronkonkoma Holiday Market

Station Yards, 9 Hawkins Ave., Ronkonkoma hosts a Holiday Market today and Dec. 21 around the Village Green from noon to 4 p.m. Shop from a curated selection of local vendors and artisans, offering unique gifts, handmade goods, and seasonal treats—perfect for holiday gifting and supporting our community’s small businesses.

Interplay Jazz Orchestra Family Show

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents an Interplay Jazz Orchestra Family Show 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. www.thejazzloft.org

Holiday Craft Fair

Looking for one of a kind, homemade holiday gifts? Backstage Studio of Dance, 200 Wilson St., Port Jefferson Station presents their 2nd annual Holiday Craft Fair from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Shop from over 40 vendors, take photos with Santa, and sign up for holiday workshops including cookie decorating and ornament making. 631-502-3643

Vanderbilt Candlelight Tour

Enjoy some holiday magic on an evening Candlelight Tour of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s decorated Spanish Revival waterfront mansion, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Renowned designer and author Tricia Foley has decorated eight mansion rooms. The Asharoken, Centerport, Dix Hills, Nathan Hale, and Three Village garden clubs have decorated an additional eight rooms. $15 per person. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org

Lantern Light Tour

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate the holiday season with the Port Jefferson Lantern Light Tour from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tour 3 holiday decorated homes in Port Jefferson Village, visit an outdoor hospitality home offering beverages & snacks and tour the holiday decorated Mather House Museum. $40 per person. Other packages also available.  Rain date is Dec. 15. To order, call 631-473-1414 or visit www.portjeffchamber.com.

Tricycle Trio in Concert

First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson hosts the Tricycle Family Trio Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. Join Andrew, Cole and Andie Fortier for a night of music, love, family and friends. Tickets are $30, $20 for students. Advance sale only by visiting www.gpjac.org.

LISCA Winter Concert

The Long Island Symphonic Choral Association presents their annual winter concert, Into the Light, at St. James R.C. Church, 429 Route 25A, East Setauket at 8 p.m. Under the direction of Richard Foley, the program will include works by Bernstein, Brahms, Sweelinck, Hagerman and Rutter accompanied by a 16-piece orchestra. Reception with refreshments to follow. Tickets, available at the door (cash or check) or at www.lisca.org are $25 adults, $20 seniors, free for students, $10 for livestream. 

LIGMC Holiday Concert

The Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus presents its “Make a Joyful Noise” holiday concerts, featuring songs about the joy of singing and the hopeful spirit of the season, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 available online at ligmc.org/concerts  and  at the door.

Caroline Campbell in Concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents violinist Caroline Campbell (pop rock) in concert in the Recital Hall at 8 p.m. With special guest pianist Chloe Flower. Tickets range from $58 to $71. To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Northport Charity Concert

The Viki Sorrentino Foundation (VSF) presents its second annual Holiday Concert,“The Night Before Christmas,” in the Joshua Hartt Room located at the First Presbyterian Church, 330 Main St.,  Northport at 7 p.m. Join them for an evening filled with holiday cheer and musical celebration, all while raising vital funds for the VSF scholarship program. www.thevsf.org. Snacks and desserts will be served. $15 per person at the door.

Sunday Dec. 15

Santa on the Farm

See Dec. 7 listing.

Northport Winter Craft Fair

See Dec. 14 listing.

Snow Globe Selfies

See Dec. 14 listing.

Holiday Party for Wildlife

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for a Sunday Funday Holiday Party for Wildlife on Dec. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with live music, animal presentations, photo ops with special wildlife guests and fun holiday crafts. Bring a small gift for wildlife (wish list is on website). $15 per child, $5 per adult. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Northport Walking Tour

Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Historic Main Street Walking Tour with guide Dan Sheehan at 1:30 p.m. 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. $15 per person. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org. 631-757-9859

Dickens in the Gallery

Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents Dickens in the Gallery from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by the Carriage Museum to meet roaming costumed street characters from the Dickensian era as they magically transform the galleries into London of a bygone century. Included with museum admission. In collaboration with the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council. www.longislandmuseum.org.

Island Sound Brass Quintet Concert

Le Petit Salon de Musique at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket continues its concert series with a holiday celebration by the Island Sound Brass Quintet at 2 p.m. Featuring Daniel Jones, Matthew Verso, Shaun Cagney, Noah Fotis-Larsen and Matthew Nienow, the program features Christmas carols and more. Tickets in advanace and at the door are $20 adults, $15 students, $10 ages 12 and under. lepetitsalon.org

Wishing Tree Lighting

Celebrate St. James hosts a Wishing Tree Lighting at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd Street, St. James at 4 p.m. Take part in a holiday sing-along with Lighthouse Theatre, enjoy hot chocolate and cider and  browse the CSJ gift shop. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201

Electric Holiday Parade

The Three Village Rotary presents the Annual Holiday Parade along Main Stree and Route 25A in Setauket at 5 p.m.  This year’s parade will showcase a variety of illuminated floats, music and entertainment, creating a magical evening for families and residents of all ages. Parade kicks off at Setauket Elementary School and ends at Setauket Veteran’s Memorial Park. Pre-Parade Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. at Setauket Pond Park. Rain date is Dec. 22. www.3vholidayparade.com

Sunday Street Concert at the LIM

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. Advance tickets are $21 at www.sundaystreet.org with tickets at the door for $25 (cash only) or click here.

Sing Noel! Concert

St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect St., Huntington presents Sing Noel!, a concert of songs, carols and stories, at 7 p.m. with soprano Lynn Norris; mezzo-soprano Leslie Valentine, tenor Douglas Purcell, bass Larry Long, and Christine Doré on piano. Meet the artists and enjoy some holiday cheer after the concert. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 seniors, students and veterans. To order, visit www.stjohnshuntington.org/concerts. 631-427-1752

Monday Dec. 16

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday Dec. 17

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a Holiday Sing Along at 11 a.m. Listening to good songs is nice but nothing raises your spirits than actually singing  — it’s good for your soul and your health. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Wednesday Dec. 18

No events listed for this day.

Thursday Dec. 19

Nutcracker Holiday Show

See Dec. 12 listing.

Live Nativity

Caroline Episcopal Church, 1 Dyke Road Setauket will present a live Nativity from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Witness the miracle of Christmas in the church’s historic carriage shed, with real barn animals (courtesy of Steppin’ Out Ponies), Christmas music, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate for all! Free. 631-941-4245

Native American Drumming

All Souls Church Rectory, 5 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being.  Call 631-655-7798 for more information.

Dance

Nutcracker Ballet  

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.

Theater

‘Winter Wishes’

Saints Philip and James R.C. Church, 1 Carow Place, St. James presents a holiday musical cabaret, Holiday Wishes, on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 adtuls, $20 seniors, $10 teens, $5 children ages 12 and under. To order, call 516-272-6597

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Step into a world of pure imagination this holiday season as the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from Nov. 14 to Dec. 29. Join young Charlie Bucket and four other lucky Golden Ticket winners as they embark on an unforgettable journey through Willy Wonka’s magical candy factory. With beloved songs from the 1971 film, this production promises to be a treat for the entire family. For tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Celebrate the season with the 40th annual production of A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 9 to Dec. 28. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the meaning of Christmas — past, present, and future. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents It’s A Wonderful Life from Dec. 7 to 29. Based on the story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, this beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, and $25 students. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org. See review on page B16.

‘A Christmas Carol’

The Minstrel Players present their annual production of A Christmas Carol at Houghton Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport on Dec. 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order, call 516-361-7232.

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.

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METRO photo
Diabetes complications can include permanent vision loss

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness among U.S. adults, ages 20 to 74 years old (1). As the name implies, it’s a follow-on to diabetes, and it occurs when the blood vessels that feed the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye become damaged. It can progress to blurred vision and blindness, typically affecting both eyes.

As of 2023, only about 66 percent of adults with diabetes had a recommended annual eye screening (2). Why is this important? Because the earlier you catch it, the more likely you will be able to prevent or limit permanent vision loss with treatments that target its early stages.

A consequence of DR can be diabetic macular edema (DME) (3). With DME, swelling of the macula, which is an oval spot in the central portion of the retina, can cause significant vision loss. Those with the longest duration of diabetes have the greatest risk for DME.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of vision loss often don’t occur until the later stages of the disorder, after it’s too late to reverse the damage.

How do you treat diabetic macular edema?

DME treatments often include eye injections of anti-VEGF medications, either alone or alongside laser treatments. They work by inhibiting overproduction of a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (4). These can slow the progression of DME or reverse it (4).

The results from a randomized controlled trial showed that eye injections with ranibizumab (Lucentis) in conjunction with laser treatments, whether laser treatments were given promptly or delayed for at least 24 weeks, were effective in treating DME (5).

Other treatments can include NSAID and/or steroid drops that attempt to reduce swelling of the macula.

Can you reduce DME risk by treating diabetes?

Unfortunately, medications that treat type 2 diabetes do not lower your risk of DME. The THIN trial, a retrospective study, found that a class of diabetes drugs, thiazolidinediones, which includes Avandia and Actos, actually increased the occurrence of DME compared to those who did not use these oral medications (6). Those receiving these drugs had a 1.3 percent incidence of DME at year one, whereas those who did not had a 0.2 percent incidence. This persisted through the 10 years of follow-up. In addition to DME occurrence, the FDA warns of other significant side effects from these drugs.

To make matters worse, of the 103,000 diabetes patients reviewed, those who received both thiazolidinediones and insulin had an even greater incidence of DME. It was unclear whether the findings were caused by the drugs or by the severity of the diabetes, itself.

This contradicts a previous ACCORD eye sub-study, a cross-sectional analysis, which did not show an association between thiazolidinediones and DME (7). This study involved review of 3,473 participants who had photographs taken of the fundus (the back of the eye).

What does this ultimately mean? Both studies had weaknesses. It was not clear how long the patients had been using the thiazolidinediones in either study or whether their sugars were controlled and to what degree. The researchers were also unable to control for all other possible confounding factors (8). There are additional studies underway to clarify these results.

Can glucose control and diet                   change the equation?

The risk of progression of DR was significantly lower with intensive blood sugar controls using medications, one of the few positive highlights of the ACCORD trial (9). Unfortunately, medication-induced intensive blood sugar control also resulted in increased mortality and no significant change in cardiovascular events. However, an inference can be made: a nutrient-dense, plant-based diet that intensively controls blood sugar is likely to decrease the risk of diabetic retinopathy and further vision complications (10, 11).

If you have diabetes, the best way to avoid DR and DME is to maintain effective control of your sugars. It is also crucial that you have a yearly eye exam by an ophthalmologist. This will help detect issues early, before permanent vision loss occurs. If you are taking the oral diabetes class thiazolidinediones, this is especially important.

References:

(1) cdc.gov. (2) odphp.health.gov. (3) mayoclinic.org. (4) Community Eye Health. 2014; 27(87): 44–46. (5) ASRS. Presented 2014 Aug. 11. (6) Arch Intern Med. 2012;172:1005-1011. (7) Arch Ophthalmol. 2010 March;128:312-318. (8) Arch Intern Med. 2012;172:1011-1013. (9) www.nei.nih.gov. (10) OJPM. 2012;2:364-371. (11) Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;89:1588S-1596S.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

 

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The Long Island Museum (LIM), 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook and LIMarts are delighted to announce the opening of the 11th Annual Members’ Exhibition, Milestones. This year’s exhibition holds special significance as the museum celebrates its 85th anniversary, reflecting on its legacy as a cultural cornerstone in the community.

On view hrough December 22 in the LIM History Museum, Milestones brings together the creative visions of over 100 LIMarts members. Each piece represents a unique interpretation of personal and collective milestones, highlighting moments of growth, change, and reflection through art.

‘Fam*ly of Humans – THEY ARE US!,’ mixed media installation by Linda Louis

Embracing the goal of enhancing and supporting Long Island’s rich artistic talent, LIM established LIMarts: a collaborative arts group for visual artists. LIMarts provides its members with opportunities to exhibit and sell artwork, participate in programming events and lectures, and engage with both fellow artists and the public. Designed to foster a creative forum within the cultural community, LIMarts has become an essential resource for the region’s artists.

In addition to showcasing exceptional artwork, Milestones offers art enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire pieces from some of Long Island’s finest artists. Most works on display are available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefiting LIM’s ongoing programs and initiatives. All purchased pieces will remain on view for the duration of the exhibition.

“The annual LIMarts exhibition is one of the most exciting highlights of the year,” said Alexandria D’Auria, Director of Development. “With its eclectic group of talented artists, Milestones showcases the creative spirit of our members while offering an opportunity for the community to support and connect with local artists. This year’s exhibition is a testament to the power of art to inspire, celebrate milestones, and bring people together.”

The exhibition is generously supported by: Robert W. Baird Incorporated, The Carol & Arnold Wolowitz Foundation, The Smithtown Community Trust.

For more information about Milestones or to become an LIMArts member please visit longislandmuseum.org 

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