Check out some of the Town of Brookhaven’s upcoming fall programs at your local recreation centers.
Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center
39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY 11715
(631) 451-6163
Yoga
This class includes standing postures, strengthening exercises on a mat, seated stretches and guided relaxation. Our practice supports strength, agility, flexibility, and balance, while reducing stress and having fun. Please bring a yoga mat, yoga blocks or a rolled towel.
Date: Mondays, October 23, November 20,27, December 4, 11,18
(Pre-register by Friday, October 20, 2023)
Time: 1pm – 2pm
Fee: $35.00 per 6-week session
New Village Recreation Center
20 Wireless Road, Centereach, NY 11720
(631) 451-5307
Zumba
This high-energy cardio aerobics class combines Latin and international beats with salsa, merengue, cha-cha, samba, hip-hop and belly dancing.
Date: Mondays, October 30, November 6, 13, 20, 27, December 4
Fridays, October 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, December 1
(Pre-register by Wednesday, October 18, 2023)
Time: Mondays 10:30am – 11:30am
Fridays 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Fee: $40.00 per 6-week session
Robert E. Reid, Sr. Recreation Center
Defense Hill Road & Route 25A, Shoreham, NY 11786
(631) 451-5306
Jump Bunch Jr. (ages 3-5)
Learn a new sport each week. Sports include soccer, football, lacrosse and volleyball. No equipment necessary. Just bring water.
Date: Fridays, October 20, 27, November 10, 17, December 1, 8
(Pre-register by Wednesday, October 18, 2023)
Time: 4pm – 5pm
Fee: $60.00 per 6-week session
Jump Bunch (ages 6-9)
Learn a new sport each week. Sports include soccer, football, lacrosse and volleyball. No equipment necessary. Just bring water.
Date: Fridays, October 20, 27, November 10, 17, December 1, 8
On Sunday, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 99th birthday. While he is currently in hospice care, most of his last decade, he has been healthy and active.
Living into your 90s is becoming more common. According to the National Institutes of Health, those in the U.S. who were more than 90 years old increased by 2.5 times over a 30-year period from 1980 to 2010 (1). This group is among what researchers refer to as the “oldest-old,” which includes those aged 85 and older.
What do they all have in common, other than age? According to one study, they tend to have fewer chronic medical conditions or diseases. Because of this, they tend to have greater physical functioning and mental acuity, along with a better quality of life (2).
In a study of centenarians, genetics played a significant role. Characteristics of this group were that they tended to be healthy and then die rapidly, without prolonged suffering (3). In other words, they grew old “gracefully,” staying mobile and mentally alert.
Factors that predict one’s ability to reach this exclusive club may involve both genetics and lifestyle choices. Let’s look at the research.
How important is exercise?
We’re repeatedly nudged to exercise. Why? Results of one study with over 55,000 participants from ages 18 to 100 showed that five-to-ten minutes of daily running, regardless of the pace, can significantly impact our life span by decreasing cardiovascular and all-cause mortality (4).
Amazingly, even if participants ran fewer than six miles a week at a pace slower than 10-minute miles, and even if they ran only one to two days a week, there was still a decrease in mortality compared to nonrunners. Those who ran for this very limited amount of time and modest pace potentially added three years to their life span.
An accompanying editorial to this study noted that more than 50 percent of people in the United States do not meet the current recommendation of at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day (5).
A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in 2022 found that those 85 and older reduced the risk of all-cause mortality 40 percent by walking just 60 minutes a week at a pace that qualified as physical activity, not even exercise (6).
Does reducing animal protein consumption help?
A long-standing dietary paradigm has been that we need to eat sufficient animal protein. However, many are questioning the value of this, especially as it relates to longevity.
In an observational study of 7,000 participants from ages 50 to 65, results show that those who ate a high-protein diet with greater than 20 percent of their calories from protein had a had a 75 percent increase in overall mortality, a four-times increased risk of cancer mortality, and a four-times increased risk of dying from diabetes during the following 18 years (7).
However, this did not hold true if the protein source was plants. In fact, a high-protein plant diet may reduce the risks, not increase them. The reason, according to the authors, is that animal protein may increase insulin growth factor-1 and growth hormones that have detrimental effects on the body.
The Adventists Health Study 2 trial reinforced these findings. It looked at Seventh-day Adventists, a group that emphasizes a plant-based diet, and found that those who ate animal protein once a week or less had a significantly reduced risk of dying over the next six years compared to those who were more frequent meat eaters (8). This was an observational trial with over 73,000 participants and a median age of 57 years old.
What effect does systemic inflammation have?
In the Whitehall II study, a specific marker for inflammation was measured, interleukin-6. The study showed that higher levels did not bode well for participants’ healthy longevity (9). If participants had elevated IL-6 (>2.0 ng/L) at both baseline and at the end of the 10-year follow-up period, their probability of healthy aging decreased by almost half.
The good news is that inflammation can be improved significantly with lifestyle changes.
The takeaway from this study is that IL-6 is a relatively common biomarker for inflammation. It can be measured with a simple blood test offered by most major laboratories. This study involved 3,044 participants over the age of 35 who did not have a stroke, heart attack or cancer at the beginning of the study.
The bottom line is that, although genetics are important for longevity, so too are lifestyle choices. A small amount of exercise and consuming more plant protein than animal protein can contribute to a substantial increase in healthy life span. IL-6 may be a useful marker for inflammation, which could help predict healthy or unhealthy outcomes. Your doctor can test to see if you have an elevated IL-6. If you do, lifestyle modifications may be able to reduce these levels.
References:
(1) nia.nih.gov. (2) J Am Geriatr Soc. 2009;57:432-440. (3) Future of Genomic Medicine (FoGM) VII. Presented March 7, 2014. (4) J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64:472-481. (5) J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64:482-484. (6) European Society of Cardiology Congress, Aug. 28, 2022. (7) Cell Metab. 2014;19:407-417. (8) JAMA Intern Med. 2013;173:1230-1238. (9) CMAJ. 2013;185:E763-E770.
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.
Up next for GalleryNorth, 90 North Country Road, Setauket is a unique exhibit titled Animal Spirits and Ancient Rituals: New Work by Kelynn Z. Alder, on view from October 5 to November 12.
Animal Spirits and Ancient Rituals is Kelynn Z. Alder’s first solo exhibition at GalleryNorth. It features paintings, monoprints, and drawings that all reference Alder’s Mexican cultural heritage. Many of the paintings are from the artist’s personal experiences in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico during the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities in Chamula, a town run entirely by the Tzotzil speaking Maya. In Chamula, as in most of Mexico, festivities and religious practices are a merging of ancient Indigenous rites, rituals and beliefs, meshed with Catholicism.
By Kelynn Z. Alder
“Día de los Muertos is a celebration of both the living and the dead,” Alder states, “And the underlying theme of this work has much to do with the cycle of life and death — My reaching back to my ancestors… My rising consciousness of my own mortality… The continuation once I’m gone and become myself an ancestor.”
Blending the styles of the Mexican muralists and the impressionists, each painting in Animal Spirits and Ancient Rituals evokes the artist’s ancestral searching, yearnings, experiences, emotions and opinions — while encouraging others to reflect upon their own ancestry and personal journeys. Alder’s prints feature the artist’s personal interpretation of La Lotería – a traditional Mexican board game as well as an inspirational templet commonly used by many artists.
The daughter of an immigrant, Alder skillfully weaves the rudimentary pictures of La Loteria into Indigenous, political and religious iconography to create a complex arrangement of memory, political commentary, and symbolism. Indeed, through vivid paintings of Chiapas and the bold imagery of La Loteria, Animal Spirits and Ancient Rituals transports us to Alder’s inner visual world, while also offering important messages confronting the migrant crisis between the Mexican and U.S. border.
An opening reception will be held Saturday, October 7, from 5 to 7 p.m.
By Kelynn Z. Alder
As a complement to the exhibition, GalleryNorth will present a multi-site, guided tour in collaboration with the Long Island Museum on Sunday, October 15, from noon to 3 p.m. The collaborative event will include guided tours of Alder’s exhibition, Animal Spirits and Ancient Rituals, and SOMOS/We Are: Latinx Artists of Long Island, an exhibition guest curated by Alder at the Long Island Museum.
GalleryNorth’s portion of the event will include a printmaking demonstration with Alder and Lorena Salcedo Watson, followed by a tour of Alder’s solo exhibition. GalleryNorth will also host an ArTalk with Alder and Lyn Pentecost, former Director and Co-Founder of the Lower Eastside Girls Club on Saturday, November 4 at 3 p.m.
The exhibition, reception, and ArTalk will all be free and open to the public. Information on registering for the guided tour and print demonstration can be found at gallerynorth.org.
This exhibition is generously sponsored by bld Architecture, Jefferson’s Ferry, and Suffolk County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning. The exhibition, reception, and ArTalk will all be free and open to the public. Information on registering for the guided tour and print demonstration can be found at gallerynorth.org. For more information, call 631-751-2676.
TRIBUTE TO THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Roman Zavada returns to the Vanderbilt Planetarium for his live concert Résonances Boréales on Oct. 7.
Thursday Oct. 5
Women’s EXPO
Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach presents its annual Women’s EXPO from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A showcase and a marketplace for Long Island women entrepreneurs, the indoor event will feature over 80 exhibitors who create or distribute a variety of products, including jewelry, pottery, soaps, food and more. The indoor event is a great opportunity to support local women entrepreneurs while shopping for holiday gift giving. Free admission. 631-585-9393, www.womensexpoli.org
NHS Lecture
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a lecture titled Coming Out Day with Northport author and artist Greg Fox at 6 p.m. Fox will speak about his experiences in Northport which led to the creation of his widely successful comic series, Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast. Centered around the town of Northport, Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast is the world’s only comic strip about a gay bed and breakfast. Copies of Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments will be served. This is a free event. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org.
Cirque Italia in Lake Grove
Cirque Italia opens under the white and blue big top tent at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove tonight at 7:30 and runs through Oct. 15. The show takes place weekdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. This high-octane show features master jugglers, low wire fanatics, dazzling contortion, wild trampoline antics, and even a wheel of death! Suitable for all ages. For tickets and more information, visit the box office on site or go to www.cirqueitalia.com.
Friday Oct. 6
Cirque Italia in Lake Grove
See Oct. 5 listing.
Long Island Fall Festival
Time to celebrate the season! The Long Island Fall Festival returns to Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington for Columbus Day weekend tonight from 5 to 10 p.m., Oct. 7 and 8 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hosted by the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Huntington. Free admission. 631-423-6100
Birdwatch and Architecture Tour
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its evening Birdwatch and Architecture Tours, led by the Museum’s director of curatorial affairs, tonight, Oct. 20 and Nov. 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Participants will enjoy the unique opportunity to view the Vanderbilt estate at dusk, when the grounds are closed but the birds are active. Each Birdwatch will feature aspects of the estate’s architectural history while participants view the Vanderbilt’s resident avian species and hear their calls and songs. Sturdy hiking footwear and binoculars are recommended. Tickets are $12 per person, free for members, at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Game Night in St. James
Celebrate St. James hosts a Coffee House: Game Night Special for adults at the former St. James Calderone Theatre, 176 Second St., St. James on Friday, Oct. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy board games, card games and light refreshments. Tickets are $15 per person. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org or call 631-984-0201.
Saturday Oct. 7
Cirque Italia in Lake Grove
See Oct. 5 listing.
Long Island Fall Festival
See Oct. 6 listing.
October Festival
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point invites the community to its annual October Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featuring a craft fair, delicious food and desserts, bake sale & special activities for children. 631-744-9355, www.thefishchurch.com
Columbus Weekend Fair
Hosted by the Farmingdale Fire Department, this annual fall festival along Main Street will be held today from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate fall with a carnival, rides, games, food, entertainment, and a parade. 516-249-3710
Fish Hatchery Fall Festival – This event has been cancelled
Rescheduled from Sept. 29. Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Fall Festival Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with environmental exhibitors, kid’s fishing, music, games, live animal encounters, food and more. Rain date is Oct. 7. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children. 516-692-6768
EVolution Auto Festival
Long Island’s first-ever outdoor electric vehicle auto festival will be held at the southeast corner of Airport Plaza, Route 110, Farmingdale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come learn about electric, hybrid and alternative fuel cars, trucks and SUVs.Go for a test drive and see the latest electric vehicle models.Plus, enjoy live music, food trucks and fun! Free admission.electriclongisland.com
Fall Harvest Festival
Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach will hold its annual Fall Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy vendors, bouncy houses, tractor ride, food trucks, farm stand and more! Fun for the whole family. Free admission. Rain date is Oct. 8. 631-774-1556, www.hobbsfarm.info
Prohibition Pub Crawl
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for its final Prohibition Pub Crawl of 2023 at 12:30 p.m. Education Coordinator Carol Taylor takes you on a tour of Prohibition-era Northport while stopping at several local establishments to enjoy refreshments along the way. Ages 21+ only! Cost is $40 per person, $30 members at www.northporthistorical.org. 631-757-9859
Sugar Skull workshop
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park offers a sugar skull workshop for adults from 1 to 3 p.m. Frida Kahlo painted sugar skulls as reflections between life and death. Create sugar skulls and spark your own creativity during this adult program. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Roman Zavadain concert
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents ‘Résonances Boréales’ by Roman Zavada at 5:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Zavada will perform piano compositions inspired by the spectacular aurora borealis. This immersive experience takes the audience on a journey above the 60th parallel as Zavada translates the spirit of the North in a dialogue between the piano and the pulsing energies of the astonishing northern lights. Tickets are $30, $25 members in advance at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org, $35 at the door.
Saturdays at Six Concert
All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook will present Sputter Box in concert at 6 p.m. Performing interdisciplinary pieces involving sound, theater, movement, visual art, and improvisation, the group includes Kathryn Vetter (clarinets), Alina Tamborini (voice), and Peter White (percussion).Free. Please bring a can of food to donate to a food pantry.631-655-7798
Baroque concert
Long Island Baroque Ensemble heads to the St. James Episcopal Church 490 North Country Road, St. James for a concert titled Viva Italia!, early Italian Baroque music, at 7 p.m. Enjoy works by Claudio Monteverdi, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Francesca Caccini and more. Tickets are $35 adults, $30 seniors, $15 students, children free at www.libaroque.org or at the door.
Sunday Oct. 8
Cirque Italia in Lake Grove
See Oct. 5 listing.
Long Island Fall Festival
See Oct. 6 listing.
Columbus Weekend Fair
See Oct. 5 listing.
Riverhead Country Fair
Celebrate the agricultural heritage of Riverhead at the 46th annual Riverhead Country Fair in historic Downtown Riverhead from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take time to enjoy the works of original artists, agricultural and homemaking displays and competitions, entertainers, local merchants, food, amusement rides, petting zoo, business expositions and displays, vendors and more. 631-727-1215, www.riverheadcountryfair.com
Heritage Country Fair
Rescheduled from Sept. 24. The Smithtown Historical Society, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown will hold its annual Heritage Country Fair from noon to 4 p.m. with Island Long Riders Cowboy Mounted Shooting displays, petting zoo and pony rides, live music, historical reenactions, blacksmithing, spinning and other demonstrations, a vendor market, touch a truck and so much more. Tickets are $5 per person. Held rain or shine. 631-265-6768
Book Signing at LIMEHOF
Twisted Sister’s Jay Jay French will be on hand to sign his book, “Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life in Rock ‘n Roll” in addition to participating in a related Q&A event at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main Street, Stony Brook at 7 p.m. T Also expected to attend will be Ken Neil and Mark “The Animal” Mendoza of Twisted Sister, John Gatto and Joe Franco of The Good Rats, Randy Jackson and Felix Hanneman of Zebra, and Mark Fowler of the Stanton Anderson Band. Tickets are $35 at www.limusichalloffame.org.
Monday Oct. 9
Cirque Italia in Lake Grove
See Oct. 5 listing.
Long Island Fall Festival
See Oct. 6 listing.
Owl Prowl
Sweetbriar Nature Center , 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown hosts an Owl Prowl from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Meet and learn about some of the Center’s resident owls and thenembark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and call some owls. Meet behind the main house and check in. Open to families with children ages 5 years and up. $15 per person. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Tuesday Oct. 10
Cirque Italia in Lake Grove
See Oct. 5 listing.
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a screening of “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” where Sammy Davis Jr. explores his journey to create his own identity as a black man who embraced Judaism and became an entertainment industry legend, in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737
Forever Simon & Garfunkel
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with The Everly Set in concert at 8 p.m. Sean Altman & Jack Skuller celebrate The Everly Brothers, featuring Bye Bye Love, Wake Up Little Susie, Cathy’s Clown, All I Have To Do Is Dream, When Will I Be Loved, Crying In The Rain, Love Hurts, Bird Dog, Claudette, Walk Right Back, and more. Tickets are $45. 631-261-2900, www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday Oct. 11
Cirque Italia in Lake Grove
See Oct. 5 listing.
Cruise Night at The Shoppes
Cruise Nights are back at The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River from 5 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 25. Check out the fine array of classic and coveted automobiles from car enthusiasts from across Long Island in The Shoppes parking lot. 631-929-3500
Thursday Oct. 12
Cirque Italia in Lake Grove
See Oct. 5 listing.
HHS Lunch & Learn
Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch & Learn series with Thea Morales of Rosie’s Vintage at Matteo’s, 300 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station at noon.Learn how Long Island antique stores operate and how residents can work with them to save Long Island History by giving items a new life. $60 per person, $50 members includes gourmet three-course meal, wine, and dessert. Call 631-427-7045 or visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Film
‘Time Bomb Y2K’
The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues with a screening of Time Bomb Y2K at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. This fully archival feature documents the countdown to Y2K against the backdrop of the mass hysteria that infiltrated everything from politics to pop culture.Guest speakers will be co-directors Brian Becker and/or Marley McDonald. Tickets are $10 at the door (cash only) or at www.portjeffersondocumentaryseries.com.
‘Beetlejuice’
Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook hosts an outdoor screening of Beetlejuice on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. Find your spot in the parking lot beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs and snacks. Event will be cancelled in the event of rain. 631-588-5024
Theater
‘The Prom’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 53rd season with The Prom from Sept. 16 to Oct. 21. As the lights dim on four fading Broadway stars, they wildly seek the spotlight. Courting the controversy surrounding a small-town Indiana prom, the quartet invades a community that wants to keep the party straight. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors, $20 students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Rent’
Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Jonathan Larson’s Rent from Sept. 16 to Oct. 22. Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, the groundbreaking musicalfollows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians — Roger, Mimi, Tom, Angel, Maureen, Joanne, Benny and Mark — struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, $28 students. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
‘Every Brilliant Thing’
Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, in association with Response Crisis Center, presents Every Brilliant Thing, a one-man show starring Jeffrey Sanzel, on the Second Stage from Sept. 17 to Oct. 8. With audience members recruited to take on supporting roles, Every Brilliant Thing is a heart-wrenching, hilarious story of depression and the lengths we will go for those we love. All seats are $20. Fifty percent of the gross proceeds of this production will benefit Response Crisis Center. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Beautiful’
Main stage theater continues at the John W. Engeman Theater with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical now extended to Nov. 5. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing success with Tapestry, the showtakes you back to where it all began–and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” and many more. This Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning show is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget. Tickets start at $80. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Antigone Now: A Short Drama’
The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present Antigone Now: A Short Drama by Melissa Cooper in Theatre 119, Islip Arts Building Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Road, Selden on Oct. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. In the midst of a bombed-out city still feeling the aftershocks of war, the rebellious and intense Antigone defies her uncle to bury her disgraced brother. This contemporary response to the myth of Antigone brings powerful, modern prose to an ancient and universal story. *Mature ContentGeneral admission: $15, veterans and students 16 years of age or younger $10. For tickets call 631-451-4163.
Northport One-Act Play Festival
Northport Plays presents the 14th Annual Northport One-Act Play Festival at The Playhouse at St Paul’s, 270 Main St, Northport, from October 6 to 8. Ten new plays will be performed in two different programs. Go to www.NorthportPlays.com for details and tickets. 631-223-8053
‘An Inspector Calls’
Minstrel Players, Houghton Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport presents J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls from Oct. 14 to 22. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order, call 516-361-7232 or email [email protected].
Class Reunions
•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].
The United States Postal Service released a new Forever stamp honoring the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Oct. 2. The stamp’s unveiling took place at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery during a first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony that was open to the public.
Designed by Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, with a Michael J. Deas oil painting based on a photograph by Philip Bermingham, the stamp captures the 107th U.S. Supreme Court justice in her black judicial robe and favorite white-lace collar.
“Justice Ginsburg was an iconic figure who dedicated her life to public service and the pursuit of justice,” said USPS Board of Governors Chairman Roman Martinez IV. “She was a true pioneer, and it is our honor to celebrate her incredible legacy in this way. This stamp serves not just as a tribute but as an inspiration for future generations to uphold the values she fought for.”
Joining Martinez for the ceremony were Nina Totenberg, legal affairs correspondent at National Public Radio; Lori Dym, USPS procurement and property law managing counsel; Elizabeth Glazer, founder of the public safety nonprofit Vital City; and Ginsburg’s granddaughter Clara Spera, a lecturer at Harvard Law School and senior associate at WilmerHale.
The Ruth Bader Ginsburg stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp and is available in panes of 20 at select Post Office locations nationwide and at usps.com/shopstamps. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
The stamp will serve as a lasting tribute to the Brooklyn native who has left an indelible impact on American jurisprudence and society at large.
Ginsburg’s multifaceted legacy includes the legal and social changes she helped to bring about; the example she set of tenacity and perseverance in the service of meaningful work; the inspiring passion that she brought to her dissents in defense of principles she held dear; and the countless people — young and old, men and women — who view her as a role model.
About Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ginsburg was a lifelong trailblazer as a woman in a male-dominated field, a law professor, an expert on anti-discrimination and equal protection law, and a judge who was unafraid to dissent from her colleagues in steadfast defense of her principles.
In a distinguished career that began as an activist lawyer fighting gender discrimination, Ginsburg was a respected jurist whose strong dissents on socially controversial rulings made her an icon of American culture.
President Bill Clinton nominated her to serve as a Supreme Court justice in 1993, and she subsequently earned praise for her pragmatism and willingness to build consensus. After a 2007 decision upholding a federal abortion procedure ban, she took the unusual step of reading her dissent aloud from the bench, a practice she continued with greater frequency during her second decade on the court.
In 2011, she received an honorary law degree from Harvard, which she attended for two of the three years of her legal education. In 2012, she was the subject of a panel discussion at Yale Law School prior to being named the first Gruber Distinguished Lecturer in Women’s Rights. In 2013, an issue of the Harvard Law Review included several warm tributes to her jurisprudence, and she received the Radcliffe Medal from the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University in 2015 for her role as a socially transformative figure.
In 2013, a popular blog created by a New York University law student elevated Ginsburg to the status of “Notorious R.B.G.” — a humorous play on the name of late rapper the Notorious B.I.G. — and further enshrined her as an icon of American popular culture. In 2016, Ginsburg and two biographers published “My Own Words,” which became an immediate New York Times bestseller. The 2018 documentary “RBG” brought additional attention to her life and work, and another film released that year, “On the Basis of Sex,” dramatized Ginsburg and her husband arguing her first discrimination case in the 1970s.
Ginsburg was a lifelong fan of opera, and during her time on the bench she came to be seen as one of the country’s foremost promoters of the art form. In 2015 she attended the debut of a one-act operatic comedy that dramatized her friendship with fellow Supreme Court justice and opera lover Antonin Scalia, a conservative with whom she frequently disagreed on legal matters.
During her Supreme Court years, Ginsburg battled cancer several times but always insisted on returning to the bench as quickly as possible after treatments. Even as she became more visibly frail, her determination to stick to her rigorous, much-publicized daily workout routine and her regular, relentless schedule of work earned her ever greater admiration as she demonstrated her endurance and the strength of her commitment to causes she had championed for a lifetime.
Ginsburg died at the age of 87 on Sept. 18, 2020, at her home in Washington, DC, of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer.
After Ginsburg’s death, she lay in repose for two days at the Supreme Court — outdoors due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time — after which, during a private ceremony, she was the first woman to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol.
Obesity is an ongoing struggle for many in the United States. If you, like many, are struggling to shed those extra “COVID-era pounds,” I’m sure you can relate.
Obesity is defined as a BMI (body mass index) of >30 kg/m2. More importantly, obesity can also be defined by excess body fat, which is more important than BMI.
While the medical community has known for some time that excess body fat contributes to poor health outcomes, it became especially visible during the first few rounds of COVID-19.
In the U.S., poor COVID-19 outcomes have been associated with obesity. In a study involving 5700 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the New York City area, 41.7 percent were obese. The most common comorbidities contributing to hospitalization were obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes (1). In other words, obesity contributed to more severe symptoms.
In a study in China, results showed that those who were overweight were 86 percent more likely to have severe COVID-19 pneumonia, and that percentage increases to 142 percent when patients qualify as obese (2).
And though age is a risk factor for COVID-19, among those younger than 60 and obese, there is a two-times increased risk of being admitted to the hospital, according to a 3,615-patient study at NYU Langone Health (3).
While these studies were on early variants of COVID, the attention and wide-ranging research provide us with an interesting series of studies in how excess weight might impact progression of other acute respiratory diseases.
Why is the risk for severe COVID-19 higher with obesity?
According to the prevailing theory, obesity may interfere with mechanical aspects of breathing, thus increasing airway resistance and making gas in exchange more difficult in the lung. It may also impede lung volume by exerting pressure on the lungs and may involve weaker muscles necessary for respiration (4).
Why does excess fat affecthealth outcomes?
First, some who have elevated BMI may not have a significant amount of fat; they may have more innate muscle, instead. These people are not necessarily athletes. It’s just how they were genetically put together.
More than 25 percent of my patient population is “solidly built,” which means they have greater muscle mass, but also too much excess fat. Visceral fat, which is wrapped around the organs, including the lungs, is the most important.
Fat cells have adipokines, specific cell communicators that “talk” with other fat cells but also other systems such as the brain, immune system, muscles, and liver. Adipokines can be mediators of both inflammation and insulin resistance (5). It’s the inflammation among obese patients that could be the exacerbating factor for hospitalizations and severe illness, according to the author of a 4000-patient COVID-19 study (6).
How can you reduce inflammationand lose excess fat?
In a randomized controlled trial with 75 participants comparing a plant-based diet to a control diet, there was a greater than 14 lbs. weight reduction and roughly 10 lbs. fat reduction over a 14-week period (7). Of the weight lost, about 70 percent was excess fat. Remember, excess body fat, through adipokines, may be inflammatory and increase the risk of severe disease.
Weight reduction with a plant-based approach may be results of dietary fiber increases and dietary fat reductions with plant-based diets, according to Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) (8). You also want a diet that has been shown to reduce inflammation.
We published a study involving 16 patients from my clinical practice in 2020. It shows that those who ate a whole food plant-based LIFE (low inflammatory foods everyday) diet over a seven-day period had a significant decrease in inflammation measured by hsCRP (high sensitivity c-reactive protein). This occurred in those who completely changed their diets to the LIFE diet, but also occurred in those who simply added a daily greens-and-fruit-based smoothie to their existing diet (9).
In my practice, I have seen many patients lose substantial amounts of weight over a short period. More importantly, they also lost body fat. For instance, a 70-year-old male lost 19 lbs. of weight and 12 lbs. of body fat over a six-week period. His inflammation, which was very high to start, dropped substantially to the border of optimal levels. This patient and many others have seen tandem reductions in both weight and inflammation. To boot, this was a cardiac patient whose cardiologist had considered a stent, but later said he did not need it after reducing his inflammation.
The most recent health crisis shone a spotlight on the importance of losing excess fat. It’s not just about COVID-19 or other respiratory disease severity, although those are concerning. It’s also about excess fat’s significant known contributions to many other chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
References:
(1) JAMA. online April 22, 2020. (2) Clin Med (Lond). 2020 Jul; 20(4): e109–e113. (3) Clin Infect Dis. 2020 Jul 28;71(15):896-897. (4) Chron. Respir. Dis. 5, 233–242 (2008). (5) Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2013; 4:71. (6) MedRxiv.com. (7) Nutr Diabetes. 2018; 8: 58. (8) Inter Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention 2019;1:1. (9) Amer J Lifestyle Med. 2022;16(6):753-764.
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.
Megan Suri in a scene from 'It Lives Inside.'
Photo courtesy of NEON
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
Director Bishal Dutta has directed nineteen shorts. He has received worldwide acclaim, garnering half a dozen Best Director laurels at various international film festivals. Most recently, Life in Color was an official selection at The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmakers Showcase (2018 Cannes Film Festival). His work has included music videos and broadcast commercials.
NEON (distributor of the Academy Award-winning Parasite), along with QC Entertainment and Brightlight Pictures, produced Dutta’s first feature, the horror film It Lives Inside. Indian-born Sam (Megan Suri) is a high school student whose goal is assimilation. Her mother, Poorna (Neeru Bajwa), clings to their cultural roots, while her father, Inesh (Vik Sahay), attempts to navigate the two worlds and make peace between mother and daughter.
Megan Suri and Gage Marsh in a scene from ‘It Lives Inside.’ Photo courtesy of NEON
At school, Sam’s childhood friend, Tamira (Mohana Krishnan), is something of an outcast. She comes late to class, wanders the halls, and lurks underneath the bleachers, muttering fiercely and tapping a glass container that never leaves her hands. (Until this point, the film’s subtitle could have been Monster in a Mason Jar.)
Concerned but hesitant to associate with Tamira, Sam confronts her former friend. Tamira attempts to explain the evil within. In the ensuing disagreement, Sam calls her “a psycho” and smashes the jar, releasing the trapped entity. Tamira disappears, and the spirit latches onto Sam.
The rest of the film follows Sam’s arc from the fear of losing her sanity to accepting the reality of the pishacha, a flesh-eating demon. The pishachi, part of Hindu and Buddhist mythologies, feed on dark feelings like anger and hatred. They attack by first isolating the target, then slowly eating the soul.
In many ways, It Lives Inside is standard monster fare, no different than dozens (hundreds?) of high-school-girl-in-terror movies. (The high school mascot—a bit on-the-nose—is a werewolf.) However, Dutta, who penned the screenplay, presents a unique reflection of the immigrant experience through this unusual horror prism.
The cultural elements are integral in the storytelling and ultimate resolution. The family celebrates Durga Puja, a holiday paying homage to the Hindu goddess Durga’s victory over the shape-shifting demon Mahishasura. The party offers a glimpse into the community, showing Poorna’s desire to honor her heritage and Sam’s desire to remain outside it. When Dutta shows these pieces, the film comes to life.
The most lingering moment involves the aftermath of a grisly death that Sam witnesses. The neighbors’ faces suggest suspicion, not compassion. Dutta comments boldly and effectively on “immigrant as other,” revealed in the brief visual commentary. This moment speaks more powerfully than a dozen speeches could convey.
Suri is first-rate as Sam, balancing the character’s struggles, seeming descent into madness, and inner strength. She is the modern Scream Queen: resourceful, smart, and brave; willing to sacrifice everything but her humanity. She manages to make even the weakest dialogue believable.
Bajwa and Sahay avoid caricatures and find a nice contrast as the parents, both trying to understand and support their child. Gage Marsh is very “boy band” as a quasi-date who meets an inevitable end. Betty Gabriel plays Sam’s teacher, Joyce Dixon, one of those fantasy mentors who never seem to leave school and are always available. We know she is cool because she wears a Berkley sweatshirt (coincidentally, where Dutta teaches film). Gabriel makes the stock character completely real.
Strangely, the film seems underpopulated. Students barely register; party guests are mere ciphers.
Sadly, as a horror film, it falls short. The absence of tension is not replaced by any genuine atmosphere or style. The tired tropes—whispering voices, red lights, a journal with dire warnings and disturbing sketches, dreams within dreams—play strictly as clichés, making the short running time seem to plod towards its inevitable and strangely tacit conclusion. Often, it feels like a lesser episode of the 1970s television series Kolchak: the Night Stalker.
Of the monster itself, it remains invisible for most of the film. Occasionally, Dutta allows a glimpse—mostly a shape in the dark with eyes charged by a pair of old AAA batteries, accompanied by a growl that claims the eeriness of an annoyed Dachshund. The final encounter reveals a refugee from the creature-feature rubber suit brigade. The matinee monster looks slightly less than a Party City Alien or perhaps something ordered out of the back of a comic book. Spikey and mildly reptilian, it elicits no response outside of a mirthless and disappointed chuckle from the anesthetized audience.
If only Dutta had leaned further into the social core, he would have created something memorable. Instead, It Lives Inside remains a rather flabby thriller with a fascinating—but unrealized—potential.
Rated PG-13, the film is now playing in local theaters.
FALL INTO FUN
Heritage Park’s annual Fall carnival returns to Mount Sinai on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. File photo by Giselle Barkley/TBR News Media
Ongoing
Stone Bridge Nighthawk Watch
Every evening from Aug. 27 through Oct. 6, from 5:30 p.m. until dusk, the Four Harbors Audubon Society will be tallying migrating Common Nighthawks to better understand nighthawk population trends. Join them at the Stone Bridge at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket to witness nighthawks as they pass over during their migratory journey to their wintering grounds in Brazil and Argentina. Visit www.4has.org for further details.
Thursday Sept. 28
Vanderbilt lecture
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will host Andrew Lipman, Associate Professor of History at Barnard College, for a lecture based on his award-winning book The Saltwater Frontier: Indians and the Contest for the American Coast in the Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium theater at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, members free at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Native American Drumming
All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host an evening of Native American Drumming from 7 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. 631-655-7798
Friday Sept. 29
Poets in Port
Northport Arts Coalition continues its Poets in Port series at the First Presbyterian Church, 330 Main St., Northport at 7:30 p.m. Featured poet will be Janet Wade who will speak with the audience about their process. The audience is then encouraged to bring their own poems. Free tickets via www.eventbrite.com.
Friday Night Face Off
Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 11 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages 16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door – cash only. 631-928-9100
Saturday Sept. 30
Morning Birdwatch and Architecture Tour
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its morning Birdwatch and Architecture Tours, led by the Museum’s director of curatorial affairs, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Participants will enjoy the unique opportunity to view the Vanderbilt estate in the early dawn hours when the grounds are closed but the birds are active. Each Birdwatch will feature aspects of the estate’s architectural history while participants view the Vanderbilt’s resident avian species and hear their calls and songs. Sturdy hiking footwear and binoculars are recommended. Tickets are $12 per person, free for members, at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Car Wash and Fall Plant Sale
St. James Lutheran Church, 230 2nd Ave., St.James will host a BSA Scout Troop 301 Fall fundraiser Car Wash and Fall Plant Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 631-584-5212.
Fall Yard Sale
Rescheduled from Sept. 23. Join the Yaphank Historical Society for its annual Fall Yard sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Hawkins House, 4 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank. Featuring a large variety of crafts, collectibles, and household items. Rain date is Oct. 1. 631-924-4803, www.yaphankhistorical.org.
!Estamos! Symposium at the LIM
Join the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook for a one-day symposium featuring a varied group of artists and scholars with discussion revolving around the exhibition SOMOS/WE ARE: Latinx Artists of Long Island from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration fee is $12 adults, $10 students, seniors, LIM members; optional lunch $12. Register online at www.longislandmuseum.org/events.
Caumsett Hike
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road Huntington hosts a Traditional Nature Walk for adults from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Explore the woods and tall grass meadows of the southern section of the park. $4 per person. Call 631-423- 1770 for reservations.
Port Jefferson Hill Climb
Rescheduled from Sept. 23.The Port Jefferson Conservancy will host a re-enactment of the 1910 Hill Climb from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come cheer on antique cars as theyretrace the original Hill Climb course from the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson to the top of East Broadway followed by a car parade through the village. Gates open at 8 a.m. 631-238-2290, portjeff.com
Farmingville Fall Festival
The Farmingville Residents Association hosts a Fall Festival at its Farmers, Artisans & Friends Marketplace at Triangle Park, Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive, Farmingville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 45 vendors selling local produce, handmade and homemade items and flea market treasures, live music and more. Held rain or shine. 631-260-7411
PJS/ Terryville Family Fun Day
Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a Family Fun Day at the Train Car Park, corner of Route 347 and Route 112 in Port Jefferson from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Come celebrate local community, local business and good old family fun with a scarecrow contest, apple pie baking contest and performances by Neu Era Gymnastics, School of Rock and Backstage Studio of Dance. Free admission. 631-821-1313
Fish Hatchery Fall Festival – This event has been postponed to Oct. 7.
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Fall Festival Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with environmental exhibitors, kid’s fishing, music, games, live animal encounters, food and more. Rain date is Oct. 7. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children. 516-692-6768
Community Wide Yard Sale
Rescheduled from Sept. 23.Sound Beach Civic Association hosts its 3rd annual Community Wide Yard Sale as well as the second yearly coat drive at the Adopt-A-Spot, 30 New York Ave., Sound Beach from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over a dozen households are participating. Stop by to find a hidden treasure and share the warmth with those less fortunate. The Sound Beach Fire Dept. will bring an engine/ambulance and set up a recruitment table as well as have raffle tickets and challenge coins you can buy. 631-744-6952.
Happy Harbor Day
Rescheduled from Sept. 23. The Village of Nissequogue and The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor will host Happy Harbor Day to raise awareness of Stony Brook Harbor from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 555 Long Beach in Nissequogue. The day will include presentations by environmental and marine science experts, an aquarium touch tank, carnival games, music, art contest and more. Free admission. 631-862-7400
Family Fun Day in SB Village
Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization and the StonyBrook Fire Department for Family Fun Day in Stony Brook Village along Main Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a Fire Prevention Day and Open House event, touch a truck, vote for your favorite scarecrow, giveaways, raffles and much more. Free. 631-751-2244
Oktoberfest and Vendor Fair
St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church, 4 Woodville Road, Shoreham will hold an Oktoberfest and Vendor Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Do some shopping with vendors and then enjoy traditional German food (sauerbraten dinner, bratwurst) plus pretzels and beer while enjoying traditional music. Dine in or take out. 631-744-7730
Superheroes of the Sky
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents a Superheroes of the Sky event 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, our Turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. Fee is $10 per adult/$5 per child ages 11 and under. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Fall into Fun Carnival
Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai celebrates the season with a Fall into Fun Carnival today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy rides, games and food in a beautiful park. Fireworks on Sept. 30. Free admission and parking. Pay per ride or purchase a bracelet. www.newtonshows.com, 631-403-4846
Bizarre Bazaar at the CAC
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will host the Bizarre Bazaar — a vintage, oddities, art, and alternative market featuring a curated selection from Long Islands best makers, pickers, and artists to kick off the Halloween season from noon to 5 p.m. Vegan food and beverages, treats, and snacks will also be available. The event is free and all ages are welcome. www.cinemaartscentre.org
Basket Raffle & Craft Fair
The Church of the Good Shepherd, 1370 Grundy Avenue, Holbrook will hold its annual Basket Raffle & Craft Fair today from noon to 6 p.m. and Oct. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature holiday décor and crafts, food and home baked goods for sale. Over 200 baskets will be raffled off on Sunday at the close of the Fair. Rain dates are Oct. 7 and 8. 631-588-7689
Northport FD Oktoberfest
Time to raise your steins! Northport Fire Department hosts its 4th annual Oktoberfest at the Fairgrounds at 2 Clipper Dr, Northport from 1 to 6 p.m. Enjoy a day filled with camaraderie, delicious German cuisine, music, and plenty of beer! Held rain or shine. Tickets are $65 at nfdoktoberfest.eventbrite.com
Author Talk at the LIMEHOF
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook welcomes author Steve Matteo for a book signing, discussion and Q&A event moderated by Tony Traguardo of his new book Act Naturally: The Beatles on Film from 3 to 4 p.m. The discussion event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org
Vickie Solomon in concert
Mt. Sinai Congregational Church, 233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai continues its UCC Steeple Showcase Concert Series with a concert by vocalist Vickie Solomon from 4 to 6 p.m. Bring a chair, a snack and sit back and relax! Concert is in the church parking lot, inside if it is raining. 631-473-1582.
Coram FD Oktoberfest
Coram Fire Department Truck Company’s headquarters, 303 Middle Country Road will host its 16th annual Oktoberfest at 5 p.m. Come and enjoy the best authentic German cuisine while you indulge in a fine selection of ice-cold German beer on tap or sip fine wine with good friends. Live music starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $50. Call 631-732-5733.
Sunday Oct. 1
Fall into Fun Carnival
See Sept. 30 listing.
Basket Raffle & Craft Fair
See Sept. 30 listing.
Thunderbird & Ford Car Show
The Long Island Thunderbird Club and Thunderbird Owners of New York present the 17th annual Thunderbird & All Ford Car Show at the Key Food Shopping Center, 58 Indian Head Rd., Kings Park on Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 8. Portion of proceeds benefits Building Homes for Heroes. Free for spectators. 631-724-3756, longislandthunderbirds.godaddysites.com
Soles for All Souls Race
Ready, get set, go! All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook hosts its 15th annual Soles for All Souls 5K Run/2K Walk starting at 9 a.m. Come race or walk through the beautiful tree lined streets of Stony Brook Village. All proceeds from the race will be dedicated to making the church handicapped accessible. Award ceremony with medal presentations and prizes immediately following race. To register, visit active.com or register on the day of the race at the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook at 7:30 a.m. 631-655-7798
Lions Club Car Show
Rescheduled from Sept. 24. The Port Jefferson Lions Club invites the community to its 2nd annual judged Car Show at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presented by The Fabulous 50s & 60s Nostalgia Car Club, the event will feature food, music, raffles and vendors with over 14 trophy classes plusa special people’s choice trophy decided by YOUR vote. Proceeds will sponsor a guide dog for the blind. 631-680-7212
Bead and Jewelry Festival
Truly a jeweler’s dream come true, the Long Island Bead and Jewelry Festival heads to IBEW Local 25 Banquet Center, 370 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nearly every style of bead and stone imaginable will be available for retail and wholesale purchase. Admission is $5.
St. James Day
St. James Chamber of Commerce presents St. James Day, a street fair along Lake Avenue in St. James (between Woodlawn and Railroad Avenues) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy festival food, music, vendors, entertainment and much more. 631-584-8510.
Huntington Village Art Walk
The Huntington Village Art Walk, a self-guided tour of the new exhibits at the museums and galleries, in the Village of Huntington, returns from noon to 5 p.m. This year’s Art Walk will feature Huntington Art Center, Huntington Arts Council, Heckscher Museum of Art, Spotlight, Digho Arts, Industry, fotofoto gallery, bj spoke gallery, Huntington Public Library, and Huntington Historical Society. Free admission. No registration required. 631-380-3230, www.heckscher.org.
Evan & James in concert
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes Evan & James in concert at 1:30 p.m. Enjoy this local acoustic duo covering classic rock from the 60s and 70s. Open to all. Registration is required as seating is limited. Call 631-928-1212 to reserve your seat.
Monday Oct. 2
SHS Fall Lecture
Join the Smithtown Historical Society for a Fall Lecture at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker Larry Wolff, an expert on old Hollywood and classic television,will discuss the facts and fun behind the making of the funniest horror film of all time, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,and how it was almost never filmed! The presentation will include clips from the film, an autograph, memorabilia and a book display for the audience to peruse. Light refreshments will be served. Free. No registration required. 631-265-6768
Movie Trivia Night at the CAC
Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Try to answer 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to come alone and play solo as well! Hosted by Dan French. Tickets are $10 per person, $7 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7610.
Country Jukebox concert
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with a Country Jukebox concert at 8 p.m. Rosin up your bow and get ready for a toe-tapping evening filled with the glory of country music stretching from classics of the 1950s all the way up to the hottest contemporary hits with a salute to Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Tammy Wynette, Rascal Flatts, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Carrie Underwood and more. Tickets are $45. 631-261-2900, www.engemantheater.com.
Tuesday Oct. 3
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a concert by FiZ, a guitarist and singer of pop, soul and jazz with a warm mellowing sound, in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737
Forever Simon & Garfunkel
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with a tribute concert to Simon & Garfunkel at 8 p.m. Sean Altman & Jack Skuller of Forever Simon & Garfunkel lead the audience on a journey through Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s teenage roots, their early success as a groovy folk act, their global dominance as hit-makers, and the best of Paul Simon’s solo career. Iconic songs include “The Sound Of Silence,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Mrs. Robinson,”and many more. Tickets are $45. 631-261-2900, www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday Oct. 4
Cruise Night at The Shoppes
Cruise Nights are back at The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River from 5 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 25. Check out the fine array of classic and coveted automobiles from car enthusiasts from across Long Island in The Shoppes parking lot. 631-929-3500
History of PJS and Terryville lecture
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a program titled What’s In A Name? History of Port Jefferson Station and Terryville at 7 p.m. Join Jack Smith to explore 150 years of local history in the areas of Cumsewogue, Terryville, Echo, and Port Jefferson Station with photos, maps, and more. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 to reserve your seat.
Thursday Oct. 5
TIME TO SHOP! Celebrate fall at the annual Women’s EXPO at Middle County Public Library in Centereach on Oct. 5. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
Women’s EXPO
Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach presents its annual Women’s EXPO from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A showcase and a marketplace for Long Island women entrepreneurs, the indoor event will feature over 80 exhibitors who create or distribute a variety of products, including jewelry, pottery, soaps, food and more. The indoor event is a great opportunity to support local women entrepreneurs while shopping for holiday gift giving. Free admission. 631-585-9393, www.womensexpoli.orgSee more on page B5.
NHS Lecture
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a lecture titled Coming Out Day with Northport author and artist Greg Fox at 6 p.m. Fox will speak about his experiences in Northport which led to the creation of his widely successful comic series, Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast. Centered around the town of Northport, Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast is the world’s only comic strip about a gay bed and breakfast. Copies of Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments will be served. This is a free event. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org.
Circus heads to Lake Grove
Cirque Italia opens under the white and blue big top tent at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove tonight at 7:30 and runs through Oct. 15. This high-octane show features master jugglers, low wire fanatics, dazzling contortion, wild trampoline antics, and even a wheel of death! Suitable for all ages. For tickets and more information, visit the box office on site or go to www.cirqueitalia.com.
Film
‘We Dare to Dream’
The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues with a screening of We Dare to Dream, about the dramatic challenges faced by refugee athletes who competed for a place in the 2020 Olympic Games, at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Preceded by a special concert featuring pianist and composter Jacqueline Schwab at First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker via Zoom will be Director Waad Al-Kateab. Tickets to concert and film are $15; film only is $10 at the door. www.portjeffersondocumentaryseries.com.
Theater
‘The Prom’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 53rd season with The Prom from Sept. 16 to Oct. 21. As the lights dim on four fading Broadway stars, they wildly seek the spotlight. Courting the controversy surrounding a small-town Indiana prom, the quartet invades a community that wants to keep the party straight. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors, $20 students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Rent’
Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Jonathan Larson’s Rent from Sept. 16 to Oct. 22. Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, the groundbreaking musicalfollows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians — Roger, Mimi, Tom, Angel, Maureen, Joanne, Benny and Mark — struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, $28 students. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org. See review on page B17.
‘Every Brilliant Thing’
Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, in association with Response Crisis Center, presents Every Brilliant Thing, a one-man show starring Jeffrey Sanzel, on the Second Stage from Sept. 17 to Oct. 8. With audience members recruited to take on supporting roles, Every Brilliant Thing is a heart-wrenching, hilarious story of depression and the lengths we will go for those we love. All seats are $20. Fifty percent of the gross proceeds of this production will benefit Response Crisis Center. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Beautiful’
Main stage theater continues at the John W. Engeman Theater with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical from Sept. 14 to Oct. 29. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing success with Tapestry, the showtakes you back to where it all began–and takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Featuring such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” and many more. This Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning show is filled with the songs you remember and a story you’ll never forget. Tickets range from $85 to $95. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Smoker’
The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St., Port Jefferson presents Totally True Things, a solo storytelling show series produced by Lifestage, Inc. that will feature award-winning artists sharing true stories that focus on mental health issues, beginning with Smoker, written and performed by Bob Brader, on Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. John Martin from the Suffolk County Office Of Health Education will join Brader and the show director Suzanne Bachner for a talkback Q&A facilitated by host/producer Jude Treder-Wolff following the performance. Tickets are $20 online at Eventbrite, $25 at the door.
‘Antigone Now: A Short Drama’
The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present Antigone Now: A Short Drama by Melissa Cooper in Theatre 119, Islip Arts Building Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Road, Selden on Oct. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. In the midst of a bombed-out city still feeling the aftershocks of war, the rebellious and intense Antigone defies her uncle to bury her disgraced brother. This contemporary response to the myth of Antigone brings powerful, modern prose to an ancient and universal story. *Mature ContentGeneral admission: $15, veterans and students 16 years of age or younger $10. For tickets call 631-451-4163.
Northport One-Act Play Festival
Northport Plays presents the 14th Annual Northport One-Act Play Festival at The Playhouse at St Paul’s, 270 Main St, Northport, from October 6 to 8. Ten new plays will be performed in two different programs. Go to www.NorthportPlays.com for details and tickets. 631-223-8053
‘An Inspector Calls’
Minstrel Players, Houghton Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport presents J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls from Oct. 14 to 22. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order, call 516-361-7232 or email [email protected]
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A scene from 'Rent' at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center. Photo by Jackie St. Louis/SPAC
A scene from 'Rent' at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center. Photo by Jackie St. Louis/SPAC
A scene from 'Rent' at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center. Photo by Jackie St. Louis/SPAC
By Julianne Mosher
There are 525,600 reasons to head to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center and see their rendition of Rent.
Directed by Kevin Burns, the show opens in the heart of Manhattan’s East Village in the late 1980s with this exquisite rock opera originally written by Jonathan Larson. A modern-day musical, loosely inspired by Giacomo Puccini’s “La Boheme,” Larson created the script based on where he was living in the early 90s — in a rundown apartment with several roommates all just trying to survive and, of course, pay rent.
Set in the middle of the AIDS epidemic, the musical follows the stories of several people, a group of friends and acquaintances, living with addiction, abuse, AIDs, homelessness and more. But despite the heavy topics, Larson’s opera-styled score brings humor and wit to situations that are not for the faint of heart.
We open with Roger (Zach Johnson) and Mark Cohen (David Reyes), an aspiring singer and filmmaker, sitting in their cold apartment during Christmas. Roger’s girlfriend passed away and while grieving, he meets his new neighbor, Mimi (Alisa Barsch) who asks him to “light her candle” during a power outage.
We learn of Benny (Trentin Chalmers), a friend-turned-businessman who is trying to evict the old comrades from their underwhelming living space, and we meet Tom Collins (Shiloh Bennett) who’s an anarchist professor living with HIV who falls for the positive and eccentric Angel (Ruben Fernandez), a drag queen street performer.
Eventually we’re introduced to Maureen (Jess Ader-Ferretti), Mark’s artist ex-girlfriend who left him for Joanne (Michelle Demetillo) a strong-willed lawyer.
This is a beautifully crafted story of love and loss.
With aminimalist set, each and every actor uses their talents of voice and expression to give the scenery life, plus the costumes are straight out of the Broadway musical (1996) turned film (2005). That being said, the cast is so impressive that if one were to listen to their live performance and then the recordings of the original cast, you’d think it’s the same group.
With the band right on stage in the middle of the action, you learn of the hopes and dreams of the characters, experience loss and eventually find hope. In the three hours of viewing time, this emotional roller-coaster is definitely worth it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll experience a whole new outlook on life.
Johnson, Reyes, Barsch, Chalmers, Bennett, Ader-Ferretti and Demetillo’s performances on opening night were stellar. The talent of the main cast deserves two thumbs up, and of course, Fernandez embodies the beautiful Angel, both in and out of drag, perfectly — plus, he can dance in heels.
But the ensemble cast need a round of applause, too. The several roles each and every one of them play isn’t at all confusing, especially since there are several story lines happening at one given time. In fact, those in the background help ground the rest of the group and make the storylines even better.
So, go buy your tickets now because there’s “no day but today” and you deserve to go “out tonight!”
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main Street, Smithtown presents “Rent” through Oct. 22. Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors (55 and older), $28 students (21 and under). To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Pop-up market at the Cinema Arts Centre. Hosted by the Perks Department. Photo credit: Nate Close
On Saturday, September 30 from noon to 5 p.m., Huntington’s Cinema Arts Centre will host the Bizarre Bazaar pop up market, a vintage, oddities, art, and alternative shopping experience in partnership with The Perks Department. The Bizarre Bazaar will feature a curated selection from Long Islands best makers, pickers, and artists to kick off the Halloween season. The event is free, and all ages are welcome.
Visitors can expect vintage Halloween decor, rare CDS, vinyl, and cassettes, witchy art and crafts, specialty coffee, pottery, graphic Ts and buttons, collectables and oddities for your curio or just your seasonal decor. Vegan food and beverages, treats, and snacks will also be available.
The Perks Department also organizes the late-night pop-up market, Great All-Nighter, as well as the annual LI Goth Prom.
Local vendors at the 2023 Bizarre Bazaar include Mystery Trails, Vinyl Paradise, Three Moons Company, Sweetbriar Nature Center,Nautilus Roasting Co, Danielle V Designs, The Ceramic Skull, Bowman & Butcher, Designs By Die, Normandie Syken, Windows Down Zine, Papyrusaurus & Pickle Island and more.
Event Information:
Date: Saturday, September 30th from 12 PM to 5 PM
Location: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington, NY 11743
Fees: Free Entry
You can find information about other upcoming events on the Cinema Arts Centre website, www.cinemaartscentre.org or call 631-423-7610.
“Justice Ginsburg was an iconic figure who dedicated her life to public service and the pursuit of justice,” said USPS Board of Governors Chairman Roman Martinez IV. “She was a true pioneer, and it is our honor to celebrate her incredible legacy in this way. This stamp serves not just as a tribute but as an inspiration for future generations to uphold the values she fought for.”
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