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MUSICAL FORCE OF NATURE MJT performs live at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook Village on Feb. 26.
Thursday 23

Port Talks with Andrew Fortier

The Space at Port Jefferson, 234 Traders Cove Port Jefferson, hosts a Port Talks live podcast with songwriter/storyteller Andrew Fortier at 6:30 p.m. Come hear Fortier’s unique perspective to life, love and music, get creatively inspired and take part in a live Q&A. Tickets are $10. Pre-register at www.portjefftalks.com.

Art reception

Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket invites the community to an opening reception for its latest exhibit, Inhabitations: Recent Work by Lautaro Cuttica, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit runs through April 9. For more information, call 751-2676.

Native American Drumming

All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts 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. Call 655-7798 for more information.

Friday 24

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 performance by the classical guitar duo Harris Becker and Laura Lessard in the Sail Loft Room on the third floor. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 473-4778.

Poets in Port

First Presbyterian Church, 330 Main St., Northport will host Poets in Port at 7:30 p.m. Featured poets will be John and Elizabeth Todras. An open reading will follow. Free tickets available at 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 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door – cash only. Call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Saturday 25

Indoor Yard Sale

First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn hosts an Indoor Yard Sale in CE Hall on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Snow date March 4) Come shop for treasures! Something for everyone. For more information, call 261-2150.

Author Talk

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead continues its Historic North Fork Tales series with a visit from Southold historian, Amy Kasuga Folk who will discuss her latest book, Rumrunners in Suffolk County: Tales from Liquor Island, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  $30 per person, $20 members. Register at www.hallockville.org.

An Evening of Comedy

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host an evening of comedy at 8 p.m. Hosted by Paul Anthony of the LI Comedy Festival, featured comedians will include Maria Walsh and Rob Falcone. Tickets are $35, $25 members and includes free admission to the museum. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.

Sunday 26

Hoyt Farm Maple Sugaring

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, 200 New Highway, Commack hosts a Maple Sugaring program today from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Learn about the ancient process of making maple syrup/sugar, which was passed down by the Native Americans to the Colonists. Tickets are $5 per person (cash only.) The class is open to both residents and non-residents. It is recommended that guests arrive by 1 p.m. to register. For more information, call 543-7804.

MJT in concert

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

Avalon Astronomy Eventjust added!

The Observatories at Avalon Nature Preserve in Stony Brook will be hosting a live observing session (weather permitting) focusing on the moon, Mars, and various deep sky objects. from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Parking will be permitted in the barn parking lot on Shep Jones Lane. Dress for the cold as this is an outdoor event. Pre-registration is not required. Free. For more information, call 689-0619.

Monday 27

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday 28

Holbrook Job Fair

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook hosts a Job Fair sponsored by the Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center from 10 a.m. to noon. Representatives from Amazon, American Regent, Biocogent, LLC, NYS Solar, East/West Industries, Well Life Network, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Winters Bros Waste Systems and more will be on hand to discuss job opportunities. Bring your resume and dress for success. Call 585-5844 for more information.

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes a representative from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office who will discuss community services and relationships at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 928-3737 for more information.

Earring Workshop

Join the Huntington Historical Society at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington for an Earring Workshop from 6 to 8:30 p.m. During this class students will get to design and create their own pair of earrings. They will choose from a variety of natural gemstone beads and will learn valuable wire wrapping techniques. This is a great intro to jewelry making or just a fun day out as you learn a new skill. All materials and tools included. Fee is $55, $50 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

SBU Family Orchestra Concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents the annual Family Orchestra Concert by the University Orchestra on the Main Stage at 7:30 p.m. This year’s theme – “Musical Surprises!”– features music that intrigues the listener and displays a variety of orchestral sounds of the strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion with surprises in dynamics, tempos, moods, and orchestration with featured soloist violinist Elvina Liu. Free. No tickets required.

Music of the Knights

The John W. Engeman, 250 Main St., Northport presents Music of the Knights, a celebration of three of Britain’s most legendary songwriters — Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney — at 8 p.m. Enjoy songs like “Memory,””I Don’t Know How to Love Him,””Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina,””The Phantom of the Opera,””Circle of Life,””Can You Feel the Love Tonight,””Your Song,””Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,””Yesterday,””Hey Jude” and many more! Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Wednesday 1

No events listed for this day.

Thursday 2

An Evening of Jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents the Jazz Loft Big Band in concert from 7 to 9:30 p.m. featuring a 17-piece bit band directed by Tom Manuel. Tickets are $30, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, under 6 years old free. For reservations, visit www.thejazzloft.org. For more info, call 751-1895.

Theater

‘Side By Side By Sondheim’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage season with Side By Side By Sondheim from Feb. 18 to 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, get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with this delightful musical revue. 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.

‘IT’S A SHAME IT COULDN’T LAST’
Only two more weeks left to catch a performance of ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport. The show closes on March 5. Photo courtesy of Engeman Theater

‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St.. Northport presents Dirty Rotten Scoundrels from Jan. 19 to March 5. Con artist Lawrence Jameson is a longtime resident of a luxurious coastal resort, where he enjoys the fruits of his deceptions–that is, until a competitor, Freddy Benson, shows up. When the new guy’s lowbrow tactics impinge on his own work, Jameson resolves to get rid of him. Based on the uproarious movie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels boasts a jazzy-pop score by David Yazbek, who also wrote the music for The Full Monty. Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

Festival of One-Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 24th annual Festival of One-Act Plays from February 25 through March 25 at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage. Selected from over 250 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. Please Note: Adult content and language. All tickets are $20. 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 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 and 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.

‘(Mostly) True Things’

The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St, Port Jefferson presents (Mostly) True Things, a game wrapped in a storytelling show, on the theme “Bad Match” on March 11 at 7 p.m. The show features 4 true stories but 3 of them include subtle little lies. In the second act, the audience questions the storytellers, then votes for the person they think told it straight. Winners get a tote bag, and the whole truth about each story is shared before the end of the evening. It is a combination of comedy, heart and community that is truly a unique experience. Hosted by Jude Treder-Wolff, featured storytellers include Jack Canfora, Carla Katz, Vernon Payne, and Sue Barnum. Tickets are $15 online at Eventbrite or $20 at the door (cash only).  For more info, visit www.mostlytruethings.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

‘Random Harvest’

Celebrate St. James kicks off its Classic Movie Series with a screening of “Random Harvest” (1942) starring Ronald Colman and Greer Garson at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James on Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person, $20 seniors and members at www.celebratestjames.org. For further information, call 984-0201

All numbers are in (631) area code unless noted.

Stock photo

Save the date! Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook hosts a Job Fair sponsored by the Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. Representatives from Amazon, American Regent, Biocogent, LLC, NYS Solar, East/West Industries, Well Life Network, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Winters Bros Waste Systems and more will be on hand to discuss job opportunities. Bring your resume and dress for success. Call 631-585-5844 for more information.

Josephine Eichner celebrates her 90th birthday at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center. Photo by Stephanie Giunta

By Stephanie Giunta

I was invited to join my grandmother,  Josephine Eichner, at her Seniors Club at Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mount Sinai on February 7, her 90th birthday. I am 32 and got laid off a few months ago, and although I lacked the eligibility due to my age, I attended as an honorary guest. After hearing about the Tuesday club for 20+ years, I was grateful to have the free time to attend, albeit plagued with the nagging reason as to why I was available.

Josephine Eichner wearing her birthday tiara. Photo by Stephanie Giunta

I held her hand as we walked up the ramp into the building, kneeing the automatic handicap button to open the door.  I walked into a sea full of people, whose wrinkles told the stories of their lives. They scattered about prepping the coffee stations, collecting dollars for the 50/50 raffle, and decorating the tables. Our table, #2, was adorned with a vase of flowers and balloons in honor of Grandma’s big day. My first impression: feeling so touched that her friends had thought of her. 

Amused is putting it lightly. I was more so in awe. These men and women had made it. They had long marriages, bore children, and had grand and even great grandchildren.  They survived successes, failures, peaks, and valleys. They frequented doctor’s offices, and had battled health problems. They kissed their friends and spouses goodbye as they were given eternal life. They had survived all of their worst days to date, and yet here they were — still living.

When the meeting started and they sang “God Bless America,” I could have fallen off of my chair if I was sitting down. It brought tears to my eyes, and I was riddled with such pure joy and admiration. “Cute” isn’t the right word to describe it, since many refer to anything an older person does as “cute.” I think it was more of a genuine appreciation of these people, and knowing they knew what was important: camaraderie, love of self, and love of country. Appreciation for the small, yet impactful things in life. I can’t quite put the feeling into words, but it was something that struck me, and I’ll never forget it.

Josephine Eichner with her granddaughter and guest columnist Stephanie Giunta at the event. Photo by Stephanie Giunta

I got to meet Liz, the woman whose chain emails I have been receiving for decades.  I always opened them up because I didn’t want bad luck for 10 years. Sharon, who was lovingly referred to as “Grumpy” because she’s always so happy. She makes cookies for my daughter, although we had never met. Marie and Bob, who I’ve heard stories about for quite some time. They used to accompany my grandparents on double dates to The Heritage Diner. And Jutta. She doesn’t know it, but her name has been used quite a bit in some of our family’s games.

They walked a little slower, but laughed a little louder. Some were nervous that there weren’t enough slices of cake to go around.  Others complained that tea service wasn’t put out. Me — I just sat in silence at points and soaked it all in. I found it fascinating that they were worried about tea and cake, something so simplistic, whereas I was worried about the fate of my career. We were just in completely different phases of life and it was refreshing to gain a contrasting perspective.

The most rewarding part of the day was seeing my grandmother in action. It is truly beautiful to see someone you deeply admire in a social setting, when you’ve never really witnessed it outside of family functions. She was a shining light who worked the room. Conversations were filled with “Happy birthdays” and “You’re not 90!s” and just simply checking in on each other. Her snowy hair and pink lips bounced from table to table, bearing hugs and cashing in on inside jokes. The woman is 57 years my senior and I think she has a better social life than I do!

And as we capped out the day with BINGO, among covert mumblings about health insurance, next week’s entertainment, and the weather, I was so grateful to be where I was — spending the day with one of the people I love most in this world. Relishing on the roast beef sandwich on rye that she packed for me as if it were a NY strip steak; cutting into the Tiramisu that her friends presented her with; enjoying something so bubblegum, and feeling a bit sad when it had come to an end. I was also disappointed that Harriet won three games and I won zero.

I wish I could look at my life through a senior’s eyes and know that there are plenty of happy and sad times to come, but that they will make me who I am. That each laugh line and wrinkle I collect will signify a pit stop on my journey. That life is a gift and living is a privilege, and at the end of the day, being a good person is all that matters. Age is but a number and friendship has no timetable. 

And as I held Grandma’s hand on the way out, I whispered, “I can’t wait to come back.”

MEET JOHNNY KNOXVILLE AND PRINCETON!

This week’s featured shelter pets are Johnny Knoxville (orange tabby) and Princeton who recently arrived at the Smithtown Animal Shelter a few weeks apart as strays.

Estimated to be approximately 1 year old, Johnny is very shy  while 2-year-old Princeton is very affectionate with people. They were in side by side cages and seemed to want to be together; once in the same cage they became inseparable and have a created a little bromance. They may be adopted separately but it is preferred that they be adopted together.

If you would like to meet Johnny Knoxville and Princeton, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with them in a domestic setting.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). 

For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

Aquatic exercise can improve balance, strength and mobility. METRO photo
Simple exercises can help

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

We have had far more ice this winter than snow. Of particular concern is black ice, when a thin ice coating looks innocuously like a simple damp surface. This phenomenon has increased our risk for falling and injuring ourselves. I’ve received quite a few calls this winter from friends and patients who have taken tumbles resulting in broken bones and torn ligaments.

Even without icy steps and walkways, falls can be serious for older patients, where the consequences can be devastating. They can include brain injuries, hip fractures, a decrease in functional ability and a decline in physical and social activities (1). Ultimately, a fall can lead to loss of independence (2).

What increases fall risk?

There are many factors. A personal history of falling in the recent past is the most prevalent. However, there are other significant factors, such as age and medication use. Some medications, like antihypertensive medications, which are used to treat high blood pressure, and psychotropic medications, which are used to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia, are of particular concern. Chronic diseases can also contribute. Circumstances that predispose us to falls also involve weakness in upper and lower body strength, decreased vision, hearing disorders and psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression (3).

Simple ways to reduce fall risk

It is most important to exercise. We mean exercises involving balance, strength, movement, flexibility and endurance, all of which play significant roles in fall prevention (4). The good news is that many of these can be done inside with no equipment or with items found around the home. We will look more closely at the research. 

Nonslip shoes are crucial indoors, and footwear that prevents sliding on winter ice, such as slip-on ice cleats that fit over your shoes, is a must. In the home, inexpensive changes, like securing area rugs, removing other tripping hazards, and adding motion-activated nightlights can also make a big difference.

Does your medication put you at risk?

There are several medications that heighten fall risk. Psychotropic drugs top the list, but what other drugs might have an impact?

A well-designed study showed an increase in fall risk in those who were taking high blood pressure medication (5). Those on moderate doses of blood pressure medication had the greatest risk of serious injuries from falls, a 40 percent increase.

These medications can reduce significantly the risks of cardiovascular disease and events, so physicians need to consider the risk-benefit ratio in older patients before stopping a medication. We also should consider whether lifestyle modifications, which play a significant role in treating this disease, can be substituted for medication (6).

The value of exercise

A meta-analysis showed that exercise significantly reduced the risk of a fall (7). It led to a 37 percent reduction in falls that resulted in injury and a 30 percent reduction in falls requiring medical attention. Even more impressive was a 61 percent reduction in fracture risk.

Remember, the lower the fracture risk, the more likely you are to remain physically independent. The author summarized that exercise not only helps to prevent falls but also fall injuries.

Unfortunately, those who have fallen before, even without injury, often develop a fear that causes them to limit their activities. This leads to a dangerous cycle of reduced balance and increased gait disorders, ultimately resulting in an increased fall risk (8).

What types of exercise are best?

Any consistent exercise program that improves balance, flexibility, and muscle tone and includes core strengthening can help improve your balance. Among those that have been studied, tai chi, yoga and aquatic exercise have all been shown to have benefits in preventing falls and injuries from falls.

A randomized controlled trial showed that those who did an aquatic exercise program had a significant improvement in the risk of falls (9). The aim of the aquatic exercise was to improve balance, strength and mobility. Results showed a reduction in the overall number of falls and a 44 percent decline in the number of exercising patients who fell during the six-month trial, with no change in the control group.

If you don’t have a pool available, tai chi, which requires no equipment, was also shown to reduce both fall risk and fear of falling in older adults (10).

Another pilot study used modified chair yoga classes with a small assisted living population (11). Participants were those over 65 who had experienced a recent fall and had a resulting fear of falling. While the intention was to assess exercise safety, researchers found that participants had less reliance on assistive devices and three of the 16 participants were able to eliminate their use of mobility assistance devices.

Our best line of defense against fall risk is prevention with exercise and reducing slipping opportunities. Should you stop medications? Not necessarily. If you are 65 and older, or if you have arthritis and are at least 45 years old, it may mean reviewing your medication list with your doctor. Before you consider changing your blood pressure medications, review your risk-to-benefit ratio with your physician.

References:

(1) MMWR. 2014; 63(17):379-383. (2) J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1998;53(2):M112. (3) JAMA. 1995;273(17):1348. (4) Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;9:CD007146. (5) JAMA Intern Med. 2014 Apr;174(4):588-595. (6) JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174(4):577-587. (7) BMJ. 2013;347:f6234. (8) Age Ageing. 1997 May;26(3):189-193. (9) Menopause. 2013;20(10):1012-1019. (10) Mater Sociomed. 2018 Mar; 30(1): 38–42. (11) Int J Yoga. 2012 Jul-Dec; 5(2): 146–150.

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.

METRO photo

By Shannon L. Malone, Esq.

Shannon L. Malone, Esq.

While it is mandatory in New York State for all motor vehicle owners to have liability insurance to cover damages from automobile accidents, a surprising number of owners do not have such coverage. This is in spite of the fact that it is a violation of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to drive any motor vehicle in our state without insurance.

So what can you do when you suffer serious injuries as a result of an automobile accident caused by an uninsured motorist? The first thing to do is protect yourself before the accident even happens by including adequate Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage in your own automobile insurance policy. How does this help? When it is determined that the motorist who caused your accident has no insurance, you may make a claim with your own insurance company under the UM coverage provision in your own insurance policy. This coverage is also mandatory in New York State.

To be clear, UM coverage protects you if the driver who caused the accident and resultant injuries is uninsured. Like SUM coverage (Supplemental Uninsured Motorist), you have the option of purchasing almost any amount of coverage you desire to be included in your insurance policy. 

While the minimum required UM coverage in New York State is $25,000.00 (the same minimum coverage required for both SUM and liability coverage), this amount may be totally insufficient to compensate you for any serious injuries you sustain. Thus, purchasing as much UM (and SUM) coverage as feasible is very important. Interestingly, the cost of such insurance protection is relatively modest. 

However, in this atmosphere when insurance companies are advertising lower rates than any rival can offer, it is important for you to make sure your agent or insurance company adequately protects you.

How does it work?

Let’s look at an example of how and why this coverage works and can protect you. Assume you are badly injured in an automobile accident caused by an uninsured owner/driver. This injury may result in a severe condition or even partial or permanent disability. If you have only $25,000.00 in UM insurance, that is all you can recover from insurance for your injuries. It follows that if you have $50,000.00, $100,000.00 or whatever amount in coverage, that it is the total amount you can recover from insurance. 

While you do have the right to obtain a judgment after trial against the actual owner and/or driver of the uninsured vehicle, that could take years and the uninsured driver and/or owner is usually judgment proof (or they would have made sure they obtained liability insurance).

Thus, just as in SUM coverage which protects against underinsured vehicles, the higher the amount of uninsured motorist coverage you have under your own automobile insurance policy, the more protected you are if injured by an uninsured vehicle. We have seen too many clients who were seriously injured by an uninsured driver, but were unable to be fully compensated for those injuries due to insufficient UM coverage. It is therefore very important to discuss the amount of such insurance you have with your broker or insurance carrier.

Shannon L. Malone, Esq. is an Associate Attorney at Glynn Mercep Purcell and Morrison LLP in Setauket. She graduated from Touro Law, where she wrote and served as an editor of the Touro Law Review. Ms. Malone is a proud Stony Brook University alumna.

ROCK LEGENDS LIVE! Join the Cinema Arts Centre for a Jimi Hendrix 80th Birthday Celebration on Feb. 22.
Thursday Feb. 16

Atelier webinar

Join the Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James for a free zoom lecture and demonstration titled “Is It Watercolor or Acrylic? It’s Gouache!”  at 7 p.m. Learn the basics of how to use this versatile medium with instructor Beth Drucker. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.

Vanderbilt Lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its lecture series with a presentation with noted historian Benjamin Carp who will explore the Great New York Fire of 1776. Carp’s book on the devastating fire, The Great New York Fire of 1776: A Lost Story of the American Revolution, is forthcoming from Yale University Press. Tickets are $10 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

An evening of jazz

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents The Bad Little Big Band, a 12-piece big band featuring vocalist Madeline Kole, directed by composer, arranger, pianist Rich Iacona, from 7 to 9:30  p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children ages 6 and up. To order, visit  www.thejazzloft.org.

Friday Feb. 17

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 performance by Safra Levitan (sultry vocals with a jazz flavor) in the Sail Loft Room on the third floor. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 473-4778.

Saturday Feb. 18

Superheroes of the Sky 

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

Symphony Orchestra concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra in concert on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Led by conductor Michelle Merrill, the orchestra brings masterpieces from the 20th century to the present in this amazing concert, opening with Dai Wei’s brilliant and delightfully energetic new work, The Dancing Moonlight. The centerpiece of the evening will be Shostakovich’s powerful Cello Concerto No. 1, featuring cellist Zhihao Wu, and they will conclude with selections from Prokofiev’s beloved Romeo and Juliet. Tickets range from $10 to $20. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Sunday Feb. 19

Huntington Farmers Market

The John J. Flanagan Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts the Huntington Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March with over 40 vendors plus guest vendors. Visit www.longislandfarmersmarkets.com.

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be held at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 30. Featuring over 20 vendors. Call 631-473-4778.

Hoyt Farm Maple Sugaring

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, 200 New Highway, Commack hosts a Maple Sugaring program today from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Learn about the ancient process of making maple syrup/sugar, which was passed down by the Native Americans to the Colonists. Tickets are $5 per person (cash only.) The class is open to both residents and non-residents. It is recommended that guests arrive by 1 p.m. to register. For more information, call 543-7804.

Maple Sugaring at Caumsett

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington presents a Maple Sugaring program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This interactive program will teach you how to identify and tap a maple tree so you can make real maple syrup at home. You will also learn the culture, historical, economical, and scientific background of this uniquely American Craft. Very short walk. Adults only. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770.

Sunken Meadow Hike

Did you know that the Greenbelt Trail makes it’s northernmost stop in Sunken Meadow State Park? Along its way, the Greenbelt follows the edge of the bluffs, for some amazing views of the Long Island Sound. Join the staff at Sunken Meadow, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a venture up through the woods for a walk along some of these high ground trails from 1:30 to 3 p.m. This is a moderate level hike with some hills. Bring water and good walking shoes/boots. Ages 8 and up. $4 per person. To register, visit EventBrite.com. For more information, call 269-4333

LITMA Contradance

Join the Long Island Traditional Music Association  for a contradance at the Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 211 East Main St., Smithtown from 2 to 5 p.m.  with caller Jim Gregory and music by the LITMA Contraband. Basic instruction starts at  1:45 p.m. $15 per person, $10 LITMA members, students half price, children under 16 free with paid adult. Questions? Call 369-7854.

SUNDAY STREET CONCERT
The Long Island Museum hosts a concert with Joe Jencks (above) and Rod MacDonald in the Carriage Museum on Feb. 19.

Sunday Street Concert

WUSB’s Sunday Street Series continues  in the Carriage Museum’s Gillespie Room at The Long Island Museum 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook with a folk concert featuring Joe Jencks and Rod MacDonald at 3 p.m. Tickets are $ 25 advance sale until Feb. 17 at www.sundaystreet.org; $30 (cash only) at the door. 

Monday Feb. 20

Culper Spy Ring lecture

The Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket (or via Zoom) with a presentation titled New Culper Spy Ring Resources Revealed at 7 p.m. Author and historian Mark Sternberg will discuss primary sources related to the Culper Spy Ring he has uncovered in the last few years (including a new reveal). He will also talk about the importance of returning to known sources to find new details historians have missed to obtain the clearest picture yet of the Revolution in our area. Suggested donation, free for members. To register, visit www.tvhs.org or call 751-3730.

Tuesday Feb. 21

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes guest speaker Dr. Howard Schneider, Executive Director of the Center for News Literacy at Stony Brook University School of Journalism, who will provide insight into “How To Be a Smart News Consumer” at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 928-3737 for more information.

Blockbuster Broadway 

The John W. Engeman, 250 Main St., Northport presents Blockbuster Broadway at 8 p.m. Come experience all the show-stopping tunes you love from Broadway’s biggest hits! Spend an evening with songs from Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Annie, Jersey Boys, The Sound of Music, Chicago, CATS, The Lion King and A Chorus Line performed by some of New York’s top vocalists. It’s the ultimate show tune extravaganza! Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Wednesday Feb. 22

Rock Legends Live!

Join Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington as they celebrate Black History Month with a special tribute to the 1960s music legend Jimi Hendrix at 7:30 p.m. This special event celebrating Hendrix’s legendary achievements will include rare film clips of Hendrix in concert as well as a lecture by famous Hendrix expert historian and musician Jimy Bleu, who has spent a lifetime keeping the Hendrix legacy alive. Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Thursday Feb. 23

Port Talks with Andrew Fortier

The Space at Port Jefferson, 234 Traders Cove, Port Jefferson hosts a Port Talks live podcast with songwriter/storyteller Andrew Fortier at 6:30 p.m. Come hear Fortier’s unique perspective to life, love and music, get creatively inspired and take part in a live Q&A. Tickets are $10. Pre-register at www.portjefftalks.com.

Art reception

Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket invites the community to an opening reception for its latest exhibit, Inhabitations: Recent Work by Lautaro Cuttica, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit runs through April 9. For more information, call 751-2676.

Native American Drumming

All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts 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. 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 from Feb. 18 to 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, get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with this delightful musical revue. 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.

‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St.. Northport presents Dirty Rotten Scoundrels from Jan. 19 to March 5. Con artist Lawrence Jameson is a longtime resident of a luxurious coastal resort, where he enjoys the fruits of his deceptions–that is, until a competitor, Freddy Benson, shows up. When the new guy’s lowbrow tactics impinge on his own work, Jameson resolves to get rid of him. Based on the uproarious movie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels boasts a jazzy-pop score by David Yazbek, who also wrote the music for The Full Monty. Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

Festival of One-Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 24th annual Festival of One-Act Plays from February 25 through March 25 at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage. Selected from over 250 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. Please Note: Adult content and language. All tickets are $20. 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 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 and 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, click here or call 451-4163.

‘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.

Phone numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.

Vendors Wanted

■ First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn hosts an Indoor Yard Sale in CE Hall on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Snow date March 4) Do you have things kicking around your garage/basement/attic/closets, but not enough for a full-blown yard sale? Rent a table and two folding chairs for $35 and sell your treasures. For more information, call 631-261-2150.

■ Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket seeks vendors for its annual Community Wide Yard & Antiques Sale on May 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Rain date May 21) Each 10×10 space is available for patrons to rent to sell their own garage sale/flea market/thrift shop items. Fee is $40, $25 for TVHS members. For more information or to register, call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.

■ Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills is accepting applications for its 53rd annual Art in the Park at Heckscher Park in Huntington on June 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The juried show is open to all artists, crafts people, photographers and printmakers. Original art work only. Deadline to register is May 15. For more information, visit www.artleagueli.org.

■ Hallockville Musem Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead seeks vendors for its annual Fleece & Fiber Festival on May 20 (rain date May 21) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring fiber arts and crafts by independent artisans. Deadline to register is April 15. To apply, visit hallockville.org/fiberfest/ 

■ Vendor applications are now available for the Three Village Farmers and Artisan Market on the grounds of the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket each Friday from May 26 to Sept. 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. and Sept. 8 to Oct. 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. The market features produce, crafts, food trucks, live music and more. Market fee is $550 for 10×10 space for 22 weeks, $50 for one day pop-up. For further details, visit www.tvhs.org or email [email protected].

Send your Vendors Wanted listings to [email protected]

Photo from Pal-O-Mine

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, has announced that it will holding an art show and auction on Thursday, May 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at its facilities located at 829 Old Nichols Road in Islandia. The Stable Spirits Art Show and Auction Fundraiser will feature the artwork of local artists of all ages and art mediums and styles. In addition to the art show and auction, the event will include a selection of wines from local vineyards paired with small  bites by Sommelier Jun Xi Chen, assisted by restaurant professionals and fellow Culinary Institute of America graduate, Megan Henne. Event ticket prices are $60.

“We are very excited to give local artists an opportunity to show their work, while also helping Pal-O-Mine raise funds for our new 2,000 square foot educational center, which will expand our on-site therapy and vocational services,” said Pal-O-Mine founder and CEO Lisa Gatti. Under the guidance of Splashes of Hope artists, attendees will also participate in an interactive mural process creating art to hang in the new center.

For artists interested in participating, they can submit three to five pieces by completing a submission form and emailing images of their artwork. The deadline for all submissions is March 15. Artists will be notified of acceptance by email on March 17. Artists must agree to donate 20% of each sale made at the event to Pal-O-Mine and donate one piece of art to Pal-O-Mine for use in future fundraisers.

Accepted artists will drop off their work at Pal-O-Mine on Tuesday, May 2 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Each artist will have space in one of Pal-O-Mine’s barn stalls to display their art. Tables and professional lighting will be provided for artists’ use during the event.  Artists must bring any additional display materials they require (e.g., tablecloths, easels, display boards, etc.). Each pieces should be priced between $200-$500.The art pick-up date is Friday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. To access the submission form, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2teQWHilkRlAq1YgV8iDzlUpN-KK8jZAGh7Btrq-edxuqzQ/viewform

Nichie

Welcome to the 14th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home! 

Meow & Minion

Meet Meow & Minion

These two brothers were going door to door crying to get into people’s homes until a Good Samaritan brought them to the Smithtown Animal Shelter in December. Estimated to be approximately 7 months old, they are shy at first but incredibly sweet once they decide to trust you. Minion had a bad injury that led to the loss of his eye, but he is happy and healthy otherwise. These siblings are bonded and would like to be adopted together if possible. For more information or to set up a meet and greet, call 631-360-7575.

Nichie

Meet Nichie

This adorable and sweet girl is looking for love. She was brought to the Brookhaven Animal Shelter by an Animal Control Officer after being taken out of a bad situation. She arrived a bit shy and nervous, but she has so many friends now and has really come a long way with socialization. Currently she is available and actively looking for her soul-mate. Nichie is playful and energetic yet gentle and affectionate. She is a big girl, very strong, not a jumper, and loves attention and toys. 

Nichie is continuing to work on her social skills, loves her dog bed, sits on command and is very treat motivated. She will do best with kids over the age of 16 as she can be hand shy and shows mild bone guarding. No cats please and she will require a meet and greet with a dog. Nichie is 62.6 pounds, three years young, up to date on vaccinations, micro-chipped and heartworm negative. If you would like to meet her, please visit www.Brookhavenny.gov/AnimalShelter and submit a matchmaker application or call 631-451-6955. 

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

Meet Bonnie

Bonnie is a 2-year-old, female pittie mix currently up for adoption at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. This sweetheart is gentle, good with kids ages 10 and up, and prefers to be the only pet in the home. She will give you so much love that you won’t need another four-legged friend. She is a snuggle bug and loves every person she meets! If you are interested in meeting Bonnie, please visit www.Brookhavenny.gov/AnimalShelter and submit a matchmaker application or call 631-451-6955.

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of March 9.

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

Vitamin D supplement
Obesity can reduce the benefits of supplementation

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Here in the Northeast, it’s the time of year when colder temperatures mean we’re spending lots of time indoors. When we are outside, we cover most of our skin to protect us from the cold. This means we’re not getting a lot of sun. While this will make your dermatologist happy, it also means you’re probably not converting that sun exposure to vitamin D3.

There is no question that, if you have low levels of vitamin D, replacing it is important. Previous studies have shown that it may be effective in a wide swath of chronic diseases, both in prevention and as part of a treatment regimen. However, many questions remain.

Many of us receive food-sourced vitamin D from fortified packaged foods, where vitamin D has been added. This is because sun exposure — even under the best of circumstances — will not address all of our vitamin D needs. For example, in a study of Hawaiians, a subset of the study population who had more than 20 hours of sun exposure without sunscreen per week, some participants still had low vitamin D3 values (1).

We know vitamin D’s importance for bone health, but we have mixed data for other diseases, such as cardiovascular, autoimmune and skin diseases and cancer.

There is no consensus on the ideal blood level for vitamin D. For adults, the Institute of Medicine recommends between 20 and 50 ng/ml, and The Endocrine Society recommends at least 30 ng/ml.

Are there cardiovascular benefits to vitamin D?

Several observational studies have shown benefits of vitamin D supplements with cardiovascular disease. The Framingham Offspring Study showed that those patients with deficient levels were at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (3).

However, a small randomized controlled trial (RCT) called the cardioprotective effects of vitamin D into question (4). This study of postmenopausal women, using biomarkers such as endothelial function, inflammation or vascular stiffness, showed no difference between vitamin D treatment and placebo. The authors concluded there is no reason to give vitamin D for prevention of cardiovascular disease.

The vitamin D dose given to the treatment group was 2,500 IUs. Some of the weaknesses of the study were a very short duration and small study size.

How does vitamin D affect mortality?

In a meta-analysis of a group of eight studies, vitamin D with calcium reduced the mortality rate in the elderly, whereas vitamin D alone did not (5). The difference between the groups was statistically important, but clinically small: nine percent reduction with vitamin D plus calcium and seven percent with vitamin D alone.

One of the weaknesses of this analysis was that vitamin D in two of the studies was given in large amounts of 300,000 to 500,000 IUs once a year, rather than taken daily. This has different effects.

Does obesity affect vitamin D absorption?

A recently published analysis of data from the VITAL trial, a large-scale vitamin D and Omega-3 trial, found that those with BMIs of less than 25 kg/m2 had significant health benefits from supplementation versus placebo (2). These included 24 percent lower cancer incidence, 42 percent lower cancer mortality, and 22 percent lower incidence of autoimmune disease. Those with higher BMIs showed none of these benefits.

Can vitamin D help you lose weight?

There is good news, but not great news, on the weight front. It appears that vitamin D plays a role in reducing the amount of weight gain in women 65 years and older whose blood levels are more than 30 ng/ml, compared to those below this level, in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (6).

This association held true at baseline and after 4.5 years of observation. If the women dropped below 30 ng/ml in this time period, they were more likely to gain more weight, and they gained less if they kept levels above the target. There were 4,659 participants in the study. Unfortunately, vitamin D did not show statistical significance with weight loss.

USPSTF recommendations and fracture risk

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against giving “healthy” postmenopausal women vitamin D, calcium or the combination of vitamin D 400 IUs plus calcium 1,000 mg to prevent fractures, and it found inadequate evidence of fracture prevention at higher levels (7). The supplement combination does not seem to reduce fractures, but does increase the risk of kidney stones. There is also not enough data to recommend for or against vitamin D with or without calcium for cancer prevention.

When should you supplement?

It is important to supplement to optimal levels, especially since most of us living in the Northeast have insufficient to deficient levels. While vitamin D may not be a cure-all, it might play an integral role with many disorders. But it is also important not to raise the levels too high. The range that I tell my patients is between 32 and 50 ng/ml, depending on their health circumstances.

References:

(1) J Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2007 Jun;92(6):2130-2135. (2) JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Published online Jan 2023. (3) Circulation. 2008 Jan 29;117(4):503-511. (4) PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e36617. (5) J Women’s Health (Larchmt). 2012 Jun 25. (6) J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. May 17, 2012 online. (7) JAMA. 2018;319(15):1592-1599.

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.