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Photo from SBU

Stony Brook University was recently named a 2022 Tree Campus Higher Education Institution for the tenth consecutive year. Tree Campus Higher Education, the national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, honors colleges and universities, and their leaders, for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

Alaina Claeson, Horticulturist/Landscape Coordinator at Stony Brook University said, “This tremendous distinction would not be possible without the support of our Campus Operations & Maintenance team that is committed to creating and maintaining green spaces across our campuses. Over the last ten years, our outdoor spaces have dramatically transformed and evolved as the University continues to take strides towards sustainability and renewability.”

To obtain this distinction, Stony Brook University met the five core standards for effective campus forest management, including:

  • establishing a tree advisory committee

  • creating a campus tree care plan

  • dedicating annual expenditures for that campus tree program

  • observing Arbor Day

  • sponsoring student service-learning projects

Over the last ten years, the University has planted just over 1,200 trees and engaged with hundreds of students who have helped plant and maintain our landscapes across campus during numerous University events.

Please find more of Stony Brook University’s efforts to preserve green spaces on campus on the Sustainability website.

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For people who suffer from seasonal allergies, life is about to get really uncomfortable. METRO photo
Over the counter medications help some sufferers

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

This past weekend, we adjusted our clocks for Daylight Saving Time, the unofficial end of winter. Because it’s been warmer than usual this winter, I’ve noticed crocuses and daffodils are already sprouting and we’re just a few weeks out from full scale tree buds.

For people who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, hay fever, seasonal allergies or whatever you would like to call it, life is about to get really uncomfortable. Just over 25 percent of U.S. adults were diagnosed with seasonal allergies in 2021, and 18.9 percent of children were diagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1). The triggers for seasonal allergies are diverse. They include pollen from leafy trees and shrubs, grass and flowering plants, as well as weeds, with the majority from ragweed (mostly in the fall) and fungus (summer and fall) (2).

What triggers allergic reactions? 

A chain reaction occurs in seasonal allergy sufferers. When foreign substances such as allergens (pollen, in this case) interact with immunoglobulin E (IgE), antibodies that are part of our immune system, they cause mast cells in the body’s tissues to degrade and release inflammatory mediators. These include histamines, leukotrienes and eosinophils in those who are susceptible. In other words, it is an allergic inflammatory response.

The revved up immune system then responds with sneezing; red, itchy and watery eyes; scratchy throat; congestion; sinus headaches; postnasal drip; runny nose; diminished taste and smell; and even coughing (3). Basically, it emulates a cold, but without the virus. If symptoms last more than 10 days and are recurrent, then it is likely you have allergies, not a virus.

If allergic rhinitis is not treated properly, you can experience complications like ear infections, sinusitis, irritated throat, insomnia, chronic fatigue, headaches and even asthma (4).

What medications help? 

The best way to treat allergy attacks is to prevent them, but this is can mean closing yourself out from the enjoyment of spring by literally closing the windows, using the air-conditioning, and using recycling vents in your car.

On the medication side, we have intranasal glucocorticoids (steroids), oral antihistamines, allergy shots, decongestants, antihistamine and decongestant eye drops, and leukotriene modifiers (second-line treatment only).

The guidelines for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis with medications suggest that intranasal corticosteroids (steroids) should be used when quality of life is affected. If there is itchiness and sneezing, then second-generation oral antihistamines may be appropriate (5). Two well-known inhaled steroids are Nasacort (triamcinolone) and Flonase (fluticasone propionate). While inhaled steroids are probably most effective in treating and preventing symptoms, they need to be used every day and can have side effects, like headaches.

Oral antihistamines, on the other hand, can be taken on an as-needed basis. Second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra), have less sleepiness as a side effect than first-generation antihistamines, but don’t work for everyone.

Alternative treatments

 Butterbur (Petasites hybridus), an herb, has several small studies that indicate its efficacy in treating hay fever. In one randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 131 patients, results showed that butterbur was as effective as cetirizine (Zyrtec) (6).

In another RCT, results showed that high doses of butterbur — 1 tablet given three times a day for two weeks — was significantly more effective than placebo (7). Researchers used butterbur Ze339 (carbon dioxide extract from the leaves of Petasites hybridus L., 8 mg petasines per tablet) in the trial.

A post-marketing follow-up study of 580 patients showed that, with butterbur Ze339, symptoms improved in 90 percent of patients with allergic rhinitis over a two-week period (8). Gastrointestinal upset occurred as the most common side effect in 3.8 percent of the population.

The caveats to the use of butterbur are several. First, the studies were short in duration. Second, the leaf extract used in these studies was free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). This is very important, since PAs may not be safe. Third, the dose was well-measured, which may not be the case with over-the-counter extracts. Fourth, there are interactions with some prescription medications.

Treating allergies with diet?

While there are no significant studies on diet, there is one review of literature that suggests that a plant-based diet may reduce symptoms of allergies, specifically rhinoconjunctivitis, affecting the nose and eyes, as well as eczema and asthma. This is according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood study in 13- to 14-year-old teens (9). In my clinical practice, I have seen patients who suffer from seasonal allergies improve and even reverse the course of allergies over time with a vegetable-rich, plant-based diet, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory effect. Analogously, some physicians suggest that their patients have benefited from removing dairy from their diets.

While allergies can be miserable, there are a significant number of over-the-counter and prescription options to help reduce symptoms. Diet may play a role in the disease process by reducing inflammation, although there are no formal studies. There does seem to be promise with some herbs, like butterbur. However, alternative supplements and herbs lack large, randomized clinical trials with long durations. Always consult your doctor before starting any supplements, herbs or over-the-counter medications.

References:

(1) CDC.gov. (2) acaai.org/allergies/types/pollen-allergy. (3) J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003 Dec;112(6):1021-31.. (4) J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 Jan;125(1):16-29.. (5) Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Feb;2:197-206. (6) BMJ 2002;324:144. (7) Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004 Dec;130(12):1381-6. (8) Adv Ther. Mar-Apr 2006;23(2):373-84. (9) Eur Respir J. 2001;17(3):436-443.

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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Wheelchairs and walkers are covered under New York's No-Fault Law. METRO photo

By A. Craig Purcell

A. Craig Purcell

We recently wrote about the primary benefit New York automobile owners and drivers enjoy under the New York No-Fault Insurance Law. This benefit requires your own insurance company to pay, at a minimum, the first $50,000.00 of your reasonable medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, there are several additional benefits New York insureds have under their auto insurance policy.

First among these benefits is the No-Fault law’s very important lost earnings provision. You are entitled to recover 80% of your lost earnings from your own insurance company, up to a maximum of $2,000.00 a month for three years. How do you go about obtaining your lost earnings? You must file a No-Fault Insurance Application with your own insurance company within 30 days of your accident. It is your responsibility to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible — hopefully within a day or two — so your carrier can provide you with the application promptly. This is generally done by email these days. In order to qualify for lost earnings, you must make sure that your employer provides proof of your loss of income within 90 days. It is your responsibility to ensure that your employer does this in a timely fashion.

A second significant benefit you may be entitled to is payment of out-of-pocket expenses. These might include Uber or taxi rides to medical appointments, ambulance expenses, damage to significant personal property that was in your automobile, medications and many other associated expenses. Moreover, there may be other applicable expenses that an injured party may incur that should be covered. Just as is the case for obtaining lost earnings, it is equally important that a No-Fault Application be timely filed and that payment or reimbursement be sought as soon as the out-of-pocket expenses are incurred.

Finally, expenses incurred for medical devices is a significant benefit. Items such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, braces and various types of bandages are covered. These can be very expensive, often as much as visits to a health care providers, so it is important to attempt to have your insurance company pay for such expenses directly in the first instance. Obviously, you may not always know whether you will need one of these medical devices within 30 days of your accident, but it is important to file your initial No-Fault Application within 30 days. 

This benefit, as well as out-of-pocket expenses, is good for one year.

WHO IS NOT COVERED BY NO FAULT?

Motorcyclists, motor-scooter drivers (depending on size of engine), and someone arrested for Driving While Intoxicated would not be covered by No-Fault Insurance. You may have to pay for expenses out of your own pocket as health insurance policies often have excluded these motorists as well.

A. Craig Purcell, Esq. is a partner at the law firm of Glynn Mercep Purcell and Morrison LLP in Setauket and is a former President of the Suffolk County Bar Association and Vice President of the New York State Bar Association.

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Vegan Brownies

(Family Features) The next time a healthy conscience keeps you from enjoying that sweet treat you’re craving, remember that making healthy swaps is all it takes to make those favorite desserts a little better for you.

These Vegan Brownies, for example, are perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a sweet they can enjoy without ditching healthy eating habits. By using versatile California Prunes as a natural sweetener, you can replace processed sugar, fats and eggs in all kinds of recipes. Plus, prunes also add nutrients important for bone and gut health to your everyday diet.

With copper that aids in bone structure along with boron and polyphenols that help with the regulation of bone building and bone breakdown, you can feel good enjoying your family’s favorites while staying on track with health goals. Prunes are also known as a “good gut food,” meaning a single serving (4-5 prunes) can help support a healthy microbiome. High in vitamin K, they can also help improve calcium balance and promote bone mineralization.

Visit californiaprunes.org to find more delicious, better-for-you desserts.

Vegan Brownies

YIELD: Makes 9 brownies

INGREDIENTS:

Prune Puree:
16 ounces pitted California prunes
1/2 cup hot water

Brownies:
nonstick cooking spray
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup California extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups light brown sugar
10 ounces California prune puree
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
flaky sea salt, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

To make prune puree: In blender, combine prunes and water. Pulse to combine then blend until smooth, pourable consistency forms, scraping sides, if necessary.

Store puree in airtight container in fridge up to 4 weeks.

To make brownies: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper then lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray.

Using double boiler, melt chocolate and olive oil. Whisk in sugar and prune puree; mix until dissolved.

Into large bowl, sift flour, baking powder and cocoa powder. Gently fold in chocolate and prune mixture then add vanilla.

Spread batter in prepared pan, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake 20-25 minutes, or until top starts to look dry and brownies are just beginning to pull away from sides of pan.

Cool in pan. Remove then cut brownies into 3-inch squares.

See video here:

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Lucky Shamrock Cookies. Photo from Family Features

By Heidi Sutton

St. Patrick’s Day may call to mind hearty meals and pots o’ gold, but that doesn’t mean sweets can’t be part of the equation, too. If you’re in a crunch for St. Patrick’s Day and need something glowing with green, these two desserts are sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. 

Served with a tall glass of milk, these Lucky Shamrock Cookies are as green as four-leaf clovers and have delicious chocolate chips mixed throughout for some extra sweet flavor and this green Minty Shake is a cold, refreshing way to honor the colorful tradition. 

Lucky Shamrock Cookies

Lucky Shamrock Cookies. Photo from Family Features

YIELD: Makes 24 cookies

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 eggs

30 drops green food coloring

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 package (12 ounces) chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 375 F. In large bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt until blended. Set aside. In medium bowl, beat butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs, food coloring and peppermint extract; beat until combined. 

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; beat until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto baking sheet. Bake 11 to 14 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

Minty Shake

Minty Shake. Photo from Family Features

YIELD: Serves 1

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup whipping cream

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 teaspoons powdered sugar

1/2 cup milk

1 3/4 ounces Baileys Irish Cream liqueur

3 scoops mint chocolate chip ice cream

chocolate syrup

chopped sugar cookies, for garnish           

pistachios, for garnish

mint chocolate candy, for garnish

green sanding sugar for garnish (optional)

green sprinkles for garnish (optional)

maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Using mixer, whisk whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add peppermint extract and powdered sugar; mix until well blended. Set aside. In blender, blend milk, liqueur and ice cream until smooth. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside soda glass. Pour ice cream mixture into glass. Top with whipped cream and garnish with cookies, pistachios and mint chocolate candy, if desired. Garnishes can also include green sanding sugar, green sprinkles and a cherry on top.

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The award-winning documentayr A House Made of Splinters will be screened at John F. Kennedy Middle School on March 20.
Thursday March 16

Free Health Screenings

Visit Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for free blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, and glucose screenings provided by a registered nurse from Catholic Health from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to all ages 18 and older. No registration required. Questions? Call 631-928-1212.

Stony Brook Walking Tour

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization in Stony Brook will host a walking tour titled “Against the Grain” at 10:30 a.m. and again at  2:30 p.m. While participants stroll, their guide will share stories recognizing the women who helped shape Stony Brook Village into what it is today. Tours will leave from the Stony Brook Grist Mill, 100 Harbor Road, Stony Brook. Rain date is March 17. Fee is $12 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 751-2244.

Vanderbilt lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents a special lecture titled The Rescue Effect: The Key to Saving Life on Earth on global warming and nature’s inherent resilience with guest speaker Michael Mehta Webster reveals the science behind nature’s resilience at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, free for members. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

An evening of jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook welcomes Rich Iacona’s Bad Little Big Band, featuring vocalist Madeline Kole in concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students and $15 children at www.thejazzloft.org.

Friday March 17

Third Friday at the Reboli

The Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Third Friday series at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of the short documentary Betsy’s World which shines a new light on Andrew Wyeth’s greatest works. Shot in the rooms, fields, and private islands that have served as subject, muse, and home to the Wyeths, and featuring rare interviews with both Wyeth sons, Jamie and Nicky. A Q&A will follow. Free. Questions? Call 751-7707.

Wintertide concert

The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson continues  its  Wintertide concert series from 7 to 8 p.m with a Celtic Evening with Gerry Mckeveny and the Serpent & The Fiddle (Instrumentals steeped in Gaelic traditions) in the Sail Loft Room on the third floor. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 473-4778.

Saturday March 18

Birdwatch-Architecture Tours

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will offer an early morning Birdwatch and Architecture Tour with the Vanderbilt’s director of curatorial affairs at 8 a.m. Participants will enjoy the unique opportunity to view the Vanderbilt estate in the early dawn hours, when the grounds are still closed but the birds are active. Sturdy hiking footwear is strongly suggested. Participants are asked to bring their own binoculars. Tickets are $12 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Shoreham Garden Club Meeting

Wading River Congregational Church, 2057 North Country Road, Wading River will host a meeting by the Shoreham-Wading River Garden Club at 10 a.m. The meeting will feature a special program  titled The Native Wildflower Garden at Hallock State Park Preserve: A one hour power point presentation/talk by Mary Laura Lamont. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Quilting Day at Hallockville

Join the Hallockville Museum Farm’s Sound Avenue Stitchers, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead in celebrating National Quilting Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring along your current needlework, learn to make a hand-foundation pieced log cabin block, or browse the museum’s new quilting/crafting library. Participants will also be exploring one of the collection quilts for a Spring/Summer re-creation project. Bring your lunch, tea and sweets provided. No registration required.

Fly-Casting Clinic

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown offers a Trout Unlimited Fly-Casting clinic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn the art of fly-casting as well as fly-tying, safety techniques and conservation. The clinic also offers participants, who must be 16 years and older, tips on equipment and tackle needs. Reservations are required to participate. Call 265-1054 for more info.

Art League Open House

Join the Art League of Long Island, 107 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills for an Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about their year-round classes and summer programs with live art demos, hands-on activities, and free art kits to the first 100 visitors. Free. Visit www.artleagueli.org.

Irish Luck on the Farm

Rescheduled from March 11. The Smithtown Historical Society will hold its annual Irish Luck on the Farm event at the Roseneath Cottage, 239 Middle Country Road, Smithtown from noon to 4 p.m. Experience fun for all ages with a walk-through petting zoo, traditional Irish step dancing performances, and other celebrations of Irish heritage. Entry fee is $5 per person. Questions? Call 265-6768.

Port Jefferson Chili Crawl

Join the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce for a Chili Crawl with over 10 participating restaurants from 1 to 4 p.m. with horse & carriage rides, custom classic cars throughout the Village, live music and more. Rain date is March 25. Tickets are $25. To order, visit www.portjeffchamber.com.

St. Patrick’s Dinner Celebration

Celebrate St. James hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Celebration at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner buffet, musical performance by Paul Henry, a special appearance by Niall O’Leary Music & Dance and raffle baskets. Ticket are $45 per person. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org or call 984-0201.

Pub Nite in Northport

Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for their annual Pub Nite from 6 to 10 p.m. featuring live Irish music by O’McSkis Regulars, dinner provided by The Shipwreck Diner, and trivia hosted by Curator & Trivia Master Terry Reid. Ages 21+ only. Tickets are $70, $60 members at www.northporthistorical.org.

Storm Large in concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents Storm Large in concert at 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall. A force to be reckoned with, the singer returns for her third outing at the Staller Center, poised to blow the audience away with her “ intoxicating and unmissable cocktail of power and vulnerability.” Tickets range from $42 to $58. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Irish Comedy Night

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown hosts an evening of Irish Comedy in partnership with Governors Comedy Clubs at 8 p.m. with Richie Byrne, Tim Gage, Debbie D’Amore and Pat O’Rourke. Tickets are $45 per person and includes open bar of wine and beer. Visit www.smithtownpac.org to reserve your seat.

Sunday March 19

Needle Felting Workshop

Join the Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook this Sunday, March 19 for a spring-themed Needle Felting Workshop from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For a registration fee of $50, you will have the opportunity to needle felt your very own springtime critter under the guidance of Shamma Murphy, the Center’s January 2023 featured Artisan of the Month. Students will work with a selection of pre-prepared, fine and sustainably sourced wool. All needed materials will be provided in the cost of registration. All experience levels are welcome. Suitable for ages 12 and up. Registration is limited to 15 participants, so be sure to register soon to reserve your space by calling 631-751-7707 or visit www.rebolicenter.org.

History of Caumsett Hike

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington will host a History of Caumsett Hike from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On this hilly, moderately long walk (approx. 2 miles) you will study the park’s social, economic, architectural, and political history. Adults only. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770.

Lucky 10 Vendor Market

Huntington Moose Lodge, 631 Pulaski Road in Greenlawn will host a Lucky 10 Vendor Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop from over 25 unique local vendors with lots of handmade items — Candles, jewelry, pet items, clothing, picture frames, crystals, beauty/bath products and so much more. Great gifts for Easter, Passover, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, teachers, etc. Free admission. 

Art reception in St. James

Celebrate St. James Gallery at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James invites the community to an opening reception of a new juried art exhibit, Celebrating Women & Women’s History, from 1 to 3 p.m. with live music by Lou Mazzaferro and light refreshments. The exhibit runs through April 9. For more info, call 984-0201.

Hungrytown in concert

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to enjoy the vocal harmonies of folk duo Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson as they perform their original songs evoking old school Appalachia at 1:30 p.m. Open to all. Call 928-1212 to reserve your seat. 

Field Journaling program

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Field Journaling program from 1:30 to 3 p.m.  Explore the park with pencil in hand as you sketch and describe the fascinating natural world that you observe. Practice writing and drawing skills while enjoying science and nature. All levels of experience are welcome, and all materials are provided – but feel free to bring your own. For ages 12 and up. To register, please visit www.EventBrite.com.

Sound Symphony concert

Comsewogue High School, 5656 Bicycle Path, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Sound Symphony Orchestra concert at 2 p.m. Program will include works by Mozart featuring soloist Alexander Liu on piano, Copland and Farrenc. Admission is $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students, children under 12 free, at the door. Visit www.soundsymphony.org.

LITMA Contradance 

Long Island Traditional Music Association will hold a Contradance at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown at 2 p.m. with basic instruction at 1:45 p.m. Callers will be Sue Gola & Dylan Simpson with music by Dance All Night featuring Maria Fairchild (banjo), Mary Nagin (fiddle), and Max Rowland (Banjo & Concertina) $15 general admission, $10 LITMA Members, students half price, children under 16 FREE with paid adult. For information, call 369-7854.

Le Petit Salon de Musique concert  – PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket hosts a Le Petit Salon de Musique concert featuring soprano Rachel Schutz and pianist Andrea Christie at 2 p.m. Program will include works by Rachmaninoff, Welsh composer Morfydd Owen and American composers Margaret Bonds and Thomas Osborne. Tickets are $20 in advance for adults, $15 for students, $10 children 12 and under at https://lepetitsalon.org/tickets/. For further information, call 751-0297.

Mark Newman in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by Mark Newman from 3 to 4 p.m. Free with admission to the museum. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.

Monday March 20

ReWilding at the Library

Visit Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station to explore sustainable practices such as composting, recycling, use of water and native plants, and changes to your landscape with ReWild Long Island from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Open to all. Call 928-1212 to reserve your seat. 

TVHS lecture

The Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St. Setauket tonight at 7 p.m. Guest speaker Rob von Bernewitz will present Graveyards and Cemeteries of Long Island: The Setauket Edition. Zoom option also available. Free for members, suggested donation for all others. Visit www.tvhs.org or call 751-3730 for more information.

SHS Spring lecture

The Smithtown Historical Society continues its Spring Lecture Series at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown at 7 p.m. with a lecture titled Classic Hollywood – Lucille Ball with historian Lawrence Wolff. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free. For more information, call 265-6768.

Avalon Astronomy Event – Just added!

Avalon Nature Preserve in Stony Brook hosts an astronomy event from 8 to 10 p.m. The Observatories at Avalon will be hosting a live observing session (weather permitting) focusing on the planet Mars and various deep sky objects. Parking will be permitted in the barn parking lot on Shep Jones Lane. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, call 689-0619.

Tuesday March 21

Swing Into Spring Jazz Festival

The Jazz Loft & Legislator Karah Hahn presents the annual Swing into Spring! A mini Jazz Festival at the Jazz Loft and throughout Stony Brook Village and East Setaukket from March 21 to 25. There will be exciting music events such as the Collegiate Big Band Brawl, live music at local restaurants & shops, Jazz improv workshop and jam, Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet, Community Jazz Night, Aubrey Johnson Quartet, & more!
Visit www.thejazzloft.org

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes Charles Henry, DJ, singer and accomplished pianist in all genres of music in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Enjoy a wonderful of hour of entertainment! Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 928-3737 for more information.

Travel Presentation Club

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket hosts a meeting by the Travel Presentation Club at 7 p.m. Guest speakers Carl Safina and Patricia Paladines will speak about their recent trip to “The Enchanted Islands: Galapagos.” All are welcome. 

SBU Faculty Concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will host a faculty recital in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. Drawing inspiration from his own grandfather’s survival of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Arnaud Sussmann and Michael Stephen Brown will perform works by Jewish composers whose lives were directly impacted by the war. Free and open to all. Call 632-2787 for more info.

Wednesday March 22

Swing Into Spring Jazz Festival

See March 21 listing.

Thursday March 23

Swing Into Spring Jazz Festival

See March 21 listing.

Native American Drumming 

Alls Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host a Native American Drumming Meditation workshop 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. Call 655-7798 for more information

Theater

‘Side By Side By Sondheim’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage season with Side By Side By Sondheim through March 18 showcasing the early works of Broadway’s greatest composer, Stephen Sondheim. Featuring songs from Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, West Side Story, Gypsy, and many others. Unforgettable songs from this dazzling creator and his collaborators include “Send in the Clowns,” “I’m Still Here,” “Another Hundred People,” “Maria,” “Tonight,” “Anyone Can Whistle,” and “Broadway Baby.” Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Tape’

The Theatre at Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman campus, 533 College Road, Selden presents a production of Tape by Stephen Belber in Theatre 119 in the Islip Arts Building on March 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and March 19 at 2 p.m. After 10 years apart, three disparate people come together to play out the unresolved drama of their final days in high school. Suspense builds as each character is provoked into revealing his or her true nature and motivation as they choose which cards to play and which cards to hold. Mature content. General admission is $14. For tickets, call 451-4163. See review on page B33.

Festival of One-Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 24th annual Festival of One-Act Plays through March 25 at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage. Selected from over 750 submissions world-wide, these seven cutting-edge premieres are guaranteed to entertain and engage. Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the plays will feature Steve Ayle, Tamralynn Dorsa, Antoine Jones, Brittany Lacey, Phyllis March, Evan Teich, Steven Uihlein, Sean Amato, Ava Andrejko, Angelo DiBiase, Samantha Fierro, Jason Furnari, Melissa Norman, Danielle Pafundi, and Tristan Prin. Adult content and language. Tickets are $20. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘California Suite’

Star Playhouse at SYJCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents Neil Simon’s California Suite on March 18 at 8 p.m. and March 19 at 2 p.m. It is the eve of the Oscars and four different couples are having some type of bad situation all at the same time. Tickets are $32, $25 members, seniors, students. To order, call 462-9800or visit [email protected].

‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’

The swashbuckling musical adventure The Scarlet Pimpernel heads to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport from March 16 to April 30. Percy Blakeney, a proper Englishman, takes on a sword fighting and dashing double identity as The Scarlet Pimpernel to save French citizens from the blood-hungry guillotine. His exploits soon become the talk of Paris, however, the fanatical Agent Chauvelin will stop at nothing to catch the Pimpernel and send him to the guillotine. With a rousing and passionate score by Frank Wildhorn,  The Scarlet Pimpernel is a thrilling musical! For ticket info, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Seussical’

Mount Sinai High School, 110 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai presents the musical Seussical on March 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. and March 25 at 2 p.m. This special Theater for Young Audiences version of the Broadway hit has been rewritten and streamlined to engage audience members from age 4 to 94. Tickets are $15, $12 seniors and students at www.Ludus.com/MountSinaiPerformingArts. Questions? call 870-2882.

Film

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a viewing of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, starring Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, and Danai Gurira on March 16 at 2 p.m. Call 928-1212 to reserve your seat. 

‘Sunset Boulevard’

Catch a screening of the film noir classic Sunset Boulevard at thee Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on March 16 at 8 p.m. with a post-film in-theatre Zoom discussion with co-star & author Nancy Olson Livingston, hosted by Professor Foster Hirsch. Tickets are $17, $12 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘A House Made of Splinters’

Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues its spring season with a viewing of A House Made of Splinters at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station on March 20 at 7 p.m. As the war in Eastern Ukraine takes a heavy toll on poor families living near the frontlines, a small group of strong-willed social workers works tirelessly in a special kind of orphanage to create an almost magical safe space for kids to live in while the state decides the fate of the child and family. Guest speaker is Director Simon Lereng Wilmont via pre-recorded Zoom. Tickets are $10 at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com or at the door.

* All numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted

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Corned Beef and Cabbage

By Heidi Sutton

The luck of the Irish and all things green are celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day, which is on March 17 every year. Initially a day to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, over time the holiday has evolved into a rejoicing of Irish heritage and culture. Of course, no celebration would be complete without delicious food.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Recipe courtesy of New York City Food cookbook by Arthur Schwartz

Corned Beef and Cabbage

YIELD: Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS:

1 4- to 5-pound corned beef brisket

1 teaspoon pickling spices

1 head cabbage

2 pounds boiling potatoes

6 to 8 small carrots (optional)

Parsnips (optional)

Turnips (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Place the corned beef in a pot that holds at least 5 quarts of water. Cover completely with cold water. Place over high heat and bring to a simmer. As soon as bubbles start to break on the surface of the water, adjust the heat so the water simmers very, very gently. With a slotted spoon, skim off the residue that accumulates on the surface. 

When the residue stops coming to the surface, add the pickling spices. Continue to cook, with bubbles just gently breaking on the surface, for 3 to 4 hours, until fork tender. The meat can be safely held in its water for about 2 hours; reheat gently. Cook the vegetables until fork tender in separate pots of boiling fresh water or, especially for the cabbage, use some of the water in which the corned beef was cooked.

Slice the corned beef and serve with  mustard and/or horseradish on a platter, surrounded with some of the vegetables or with vegetables in a separate bowl.

Grandma Freeley’s Irish Soda Bread

Recipe courtesy of Mark T. Freeley, Esq.

Irish Soda Bread

YIELD: Makes 1 bread

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups bread flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon caraway seeds

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup raisins

1 egg

1 cup buttermilk

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar and salt in a bowl. Stir in the caraway seeds, cut in the butter with a knife until the mix looks like coarse ground grain and stir in the raisins. Beat the egg into the buttermilk, pour into center of bowl, mix in the dry ingredients and turn dough onto a lightly floured board. Knead lightly into a ball and place into a round casserole. Slash the ball with an X. Brush bread with an egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water. Bake for one hour. Test with a toothpick for doneness. Let set for 10 minutes and remove from casserole onto a wire rack to cool.

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Rocket & Quinn are up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington

Welcome to the 15th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home! 

Abby

 

Meet Abby

Abby is a friendly seven and a half year-old female Domestic Short Hair who was brought to the Smithtown Animal Shelter after she had a difficult time adjusting to a new baby in the house. She is outgoing and affectionate, but she prefers to call the shots when it comes to being petted and loved. She likes to have her own space and boundaries, and any potential owners should be respectful of that need. Abby would do well living in a quiet home without children or other pets. If you would like to meet Abby, call 631-360-7575 to set up a meet and greet.

Drex
Dino

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Drex and Dino

Drex and Dino are seriously cute French bulldogs, 3 1/2 years old, that are waiting for their furever home at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton. The staff would like them to be adopted together as they are very bonded. Come meet them today! Call 727-5731, ext. 1.

Meet Rocket and Quinn

It has been said that best friends bring out the best in each other. This is certainly true of Rocket & Quinn, a pair of six-year-old Shepherd mixes up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Looking for a home together, these two are shy, sweet-natured, happy, loyal and just about perfect in every way. Well-mannered, yet fun loving, they would be a great fit for most any family. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, your hearts desire arrives on four feet…multiplied by two! Stop by Little Shelter to meet the handsome Rocket and his beautiful sidekick Quinn and discover that friendship is another word for love. Call 631-368-8770, ext 21.

Pluto

Meet Pluto

Once in a blue moon, you discover a match made in Heaven…or, in this case, Pluto, currently up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. A nine-year- old Poodle mix, this Silver Paw Connection member is ready to whoosh into your orbit and align your priorities for 2023. 

The planet Pluto (which has a heart shape on its surface) symbolizes renewal and transformation. This little pup will revive your adventuresome spirit and change your life with his positive energy. Nimble and active, he still has lots of walks, talks, and escapades in his future. Preferring the company of humans, he is looking for a home where he can be the only canine. There’s not a word yet for old friends who’ve just met…unless perhaps it’s Pluto. Call 631-368-8770, ext 21.

Puppies, puppies, puppies!! 

Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton has a variety of puppies up for adoption.  Call or stop by anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Call 631-727-5731, ext. 1.

Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop!

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of April 13.

Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.

 

 

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METRO photo

By Michael E. Russell

Michael E. Russell

After a rocky start this past February, I am really looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day.

The world economy is showing resilience despite higher energy and food prices as well as rising borrowing costs. This is troubling in that the Federal Reserve may have to continue raising rates in order to bring inflation under control.

The World Bank has been blindsided by the growing vitality shown by the economies of the U.S., Europe and the surprising data coming out of China.

At the close of 2022, the World Bank was predicting that 2023 would be one of the weakest years for the economy in decades. Well, so much for having advanced degrees from the Wharton School and Harvard! I probably should not have said that, but couldn’t help it.

To explain, when the U.S. Central Bank raises rates, emerging markets borrowing costs rise causing currencies and exports to weaken. It is important to note that the 5 major emerging markets are Brazil, India, South Africa, Russia and China.

There is nothing in the near term that indicates that Fed policy has slowed growth and inflation. Many analysts are now saying that a recession will be delayed until 2024. Let us hope that they continue to be wrong! There was a cartoon in last week’s Wall Street Journal that says it all. At an economists meeting a speaker was looking at a report and stated, “This opinion is vague, it needs to be made extremely vague.” And so it goes, always certain but seldom right.

Even the brightest of the bright make mistakes. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has admitted that its plan to be the bank for everybody failed miserably. Goldman should have stayed with the business model that had worked for decades, managing the wealth of institutions and high net-worth individuals. This model has generated steady fees, no matter what the direction of the market. As an example, their Asset and Wealth unit generated almost $10 billion in profit last year. Why would they want to start servicing checking accounts? Wharton School, Harvard? Oops, sorry again.

Back to the market. February showed that inflation isn’t slowing as fast as expected. Bond and Stock markets underperformed as interest rates spiked. The 10 year treasury bond hit 4% while 1 and 2 year notes reached 5%. The S&P dropped 2 ½%, Dow Industrials down 4.2% and the Nasdaq down 1%.

U.S. equity funds declined by 2.2% cutting the yearly gain to less than 5%. Energy, Science and Technology were the best performers showing losses of less than 1%. At the close of February, Gold fell 5.5%, the worst loss in more than 18 months. Until inflation eases, Gold will probably continue to show losses.

This past week, Barron’s listed what it considers the 100 most sustainable U.S. companies. I have mentioned many of those companies in previous articles. One that I have strongly recommended is Nvidia [Nvda]. This stock was up 13% one day last week. I consider this U.S. company a long term holding in a portfolio. Nvidia is at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence [AI]. The U.S. government is partnering with Nvidia to help harness the power of A.I. to help solve some of society’s biggest challenges. [Purportedly]! They have now teamed with Microsoft to build a massive Cloud A.I. computer. The company has given robust forward guidance estimates for the next 5 years, thus my recommending holding for the long term. As a caveat, AMD is always a threat as well as Intel.  

Lastly, I really love these 2 year treasuries at 5%.

I hope each of you enjoy the coming spring which hopefully will bring lovely weather. On a closing note, happiest of birthdays to youngest son, Andrew Patrick, born on St. Patrick’s Day. Have one on me!!! 

Michael E. Russell retired after 40 years working for various Wall Street firms. All recommendations being made here are not guaranteed and may incur a loss of principal. The opinions and investment recommendations expressed in the column are the author’s own. TBR News Media does not endorse any specific investment advice and urges investors to consult with their financial advisor. 

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Image from METRO
Micronutrient deficiency and obesity are intertwined

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

If you’re trying to lose weight, you’re probably closely watching your calorie intake. We’ve been trained for a lifetime to scrutinize calories and to exercise more willpower in avoiding high-calorie options.

However, the road to weight loss, or even weight maintenance, is complex. Many things influence our eating behavior, including food addictions, boredom, lack of sleep and stress.

Awareness of a food’s caloric impact doesn’t always matter, either. Studies assessing the impact of nutrition labeling in restaurants gave us a clear view of this issue: knowing an item’s calories either doesn’t alter behavior or can encourage higher calorie purchases (1, 2).

The good news is that success is not solely about willpower. Instead, we need to change our diet composition.

In my clinical experience, increasing the quality of food has a tremendous impact. Foods that are the most micronutrient dense, such as plant-based foods, rather than those that are focused on macronutrient density, such as protein, carbohydrates and fats, tend to be the most satisfying. In a week to a few months of focusing on micronutrients, one of the first things patients notice is a significant reduction in cravings.

What is the impact of refined carbohydrates?

Generally, we know that refined carbohydrates don’t help. Looking deeper, a small, randomized control trial (RCT) showed refined carbohydrates actually may cause food addiction (3). Certain sections of the brain involved in cravings and reward are affected by high-glycemic foods, as shown by MRI scans of trial subjects.

Study participants consumed a 500-calorie shake with either a high-glycemic index or a low-glycemic index. They were blinded (unaware) as to which they were drinking. The ones who drank the high-glycemic shake had higher levels of glucose in their blood initially, followed by a significant decline in glucose levels and increased hunger four hours later. The region of the brain that is related to addiction, the nucleus accumbens, showed a spike in activity with the high-glycemic intake.

According to the authors, this effect may occur regardless of the number of calories consumed. Commonly found high-glycemic foods include items like white flour, sugar and white potatoes. The conclusion: Everyone, but especially those trying to lose weight, should avoid refined carbohydrates.

Do macronutrients matter?

We tend to focus on macronutrients — protein, carbohydrates and fats — when looking at diets. But are these the elements that have the greatest impact on weight loss? In an RCT, when comparing different macronutrient combinations, there was very little difference among study groups, nor was there much success in helping obese patients reduce their weight (4, 5). Only 15 percent of patients achieved a 10 percent reduction in weight after two years.

The four different macronutrient diet combinations involved overall calorie restriction. In addition, each combination had either high protein, high fat; average protein, high fat; high protein, low fat; or low protein, low fat. Carbohydrates ranged from low to moderate (35 percent) in the first group to high (65 percent) in the last group. This was another well-designed study, involving 811 participants with an average BMI of 33 kg/m², which is classified as obese.

Again, focusing primarily on macronutrient levels and calorie counts did very little to improve results.

What’s the relationship between micronutrients and weight?

In an epidemiological study looking at National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, results demonstrate that those who are overweight and obese tend to be micronutrient-deficient (6). Micronutrients include carotenoids, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, as well as vitamin B12, folate and vitamins C, E and D.

Unfortunately, taking supplements doesn’t solve the problem; generally, micronutrients from supplements are not the same as those from foods. With a few exceptions, such as vitamin D and potentially B12, most micronutrient levels can be raised without supplementation, by adding variety to your diet. Please ask your doctor.

How do cortisol levels affect health?

The good news is that once people lose weight, it may be easier to continue to keep the weight off. In a prospective (forward-looking) study, results show that once obese patients lost weight, the levels of cortisol metabolite excretion decreased significantly (7).

Cortisol raises blood-levels of glucose and is involved in promoting visceral or intra-abdominal fat. This type of fat can coat internal organs, such as the liver, and result in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Decreasing the level of cortisol metabolite may also result in a lower propensity toward insulin resistance and may decrease the risk of cardiovascular mortality. This is an encouraging preliminary, yet small, study involving women.

Controlling or losing weight is not solely about willpower or calorie-counting. While calorie intake has a role, the nutrient density of the food may be more important to your success and may play a significant role in reducing cravings, ultimately helping to manage weight in the long run.

References:

(1) Am J Pub Health 2013 Sep 1;103(9):1604-1609. (2) Am J Prev Med.2011 Oct;41(4):434–438. (3) Am J Clin Nutr Online 2013;Jun 26. (4) N Engl J Med 2009 Feb 26;360:859. (5) N Engl J Med 2009 Feb 26;360:923. (6) Medscape General Medicine. 2006;8(4):59. (7) Clin Endocrinol.2013;78(5):700-705.

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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