Communities, both human and otherwise, thrive through connection. Four Harbors Audubon Society celebrates these relationships with a Tree Fest, a community event hosted at Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road in Setauket, on Saturday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors will be able to partake in raffles, face painting, arts and crafts, educational exhibits by Avalon Nature Preserve and Living Lands Habitat Garden Design, a live bird presentation by Sweetbriar Nature Center of Smithtown, and other activities.
During the event, Four Harbors Audubon Society will be giving away native tree and shrub whips procured from the Department of Conservation’s Saratoga Farm. These will include Black Cherry, Pussy Willow, Bare Oak, Beach Plum, Bayberry, Button Bush, and Red Osier Dogwood. In addition, a native plant sale will feature local flora such as shrubs, grasses, and spring/early summer flowering herbaceous plants.
Board member Sue Avery said that the demand for native plants has increased in recent years as gardeners have become more cognizant of the benefits of growing them. Four Harbors promotes the national Audubon Society’s Plants for Birds initiative, which is an online resource that identifies the best plants for local birds. “We hope to raise awareness on the significance of trees and native plants for our ecosystem and how essential they are for birds,” Avery added.
Native plants are integral to the biosphere and local ecosystems. They provide fruits, berries, and nuts for birds as well as other animals and create a habitat for pollinators and other insects.
The Tree Fest aligns with the national Audubon Society’s objective of restoring the wildlife and plants that have diminished or disappeared because of climate change, habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and other environmental factors.
“Basically, National Audubon and Audubon New York call this type of work bird-friendly communities work,” President of the Audubon Society Joy Cirigliano said.
Creating and supporting a stable environment for birds is incorporated into the Audubon Society’s mission, which recently launched the Bird Oasis Program that encourages residents to construct habitats in their yards to support bird life.
“Part of the Audubon Society’s work is to restore as much habitat as possible because when birds thrive, people prosper. Everything in the natural world is connected and the health of one goes hand and with the health of the other,” Cirigliano said.
Throughout the year, the Audubon Society organizes bird walks, installs native plant gardens in public places, and advocates for open spaces. Such a commitment to the local environment and its inhabitants is a trait Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) Director Mari Irizarry recognizes well.
“Community is at the core of every program we run at TVHS and, we are absolutely thrilled to host Four Harbors Audubon Society on May 28th for their annual Tree Fest,” Irizarry said. “We support Four Harbors Audubon Society mission to protect and preserve birds, wildlife, and the places and resources needed, for today and tomorrow.”
Admission to the Tree Fest is free with a rain date of May 29. For more information, please visit https://4has.org or call 631-675-1803.
From left, Harry Hadden-Paton, Laura Carmichael, Tuppence Middleton and Allen Leech in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Focus Features
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
In 2015, the landmark television series Downton Abbey ended its six-season run. Four years later, Downton Abbey arrived on the big screen (reviewed in this paper in September 2019). Set in 1927, the story focused on a visit from King George V and Queen Mary. While the film lacked the weight and depth of the series, it was a satisfactory outing for Crawley fans, featuring almost the entire roster of principals.
After several delays in release, Downton Abbey 2, rechristened Downton Abbey: A New Era, arrives. Picking up one year later, the film opens with the wedding of former chauffeur Tom Branson (Allen Leech) to Lucy (Tuppence Middleton), the illegitimate child of Lady Bagshaw (Imelda Staunton). The scene serves as a reverse curtain call of the entire cast—both upstairs and down.
A New Era weaves two unrelated plots. In one, the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) has inherited a villa in the south of France, left to her by a possible former paramour, the late Marquis de Montmirail. While the Dowager is too ill to travel, members of the household journey to meet the man’s irate widow (Nathalie Baye) and welcoming son (Jonathan Zaccaï). Here, questions arise regarding the Earl of Grantham’s (Hugh Bonneville) birth.
Meanwhile, in need of a cash influx, the family leases Downton to a film company. Lady Mary takes charge of the endeavor, dealing with the director (Hugh Dancy), who, in traditional Downton fashion, falls in love with her. The undertaking is made more difficult by its beautiful but crass leading lady (Laura Haddock), coupled with the reality that silent films are dying.
The plots serve to put the characters in action but do little more. However, they offer a reminder that the Downton universe revolves around property—acquisition, ownership, and maintenance. Beginning with Episode One, Downton Abbey was driven by the issue of entailment and succession. With this shadow no longer present, the tension is gone. Even the roof repairs seem less dire and more a whacky (and almost desperate) way to introduce a screwball element. There is something tamped down in the emergency.
The simplistic arcs are predictable and provide opportunities for glorious scenery and occasionally sitcom exchanges. There are many jokes at the expense of the film industry and the French, but the barbs are benign. The film is liberally sprinkled with minor subplots involving a peppering of romance and domestic frustrations, but these function to give the less active characters a bit of screen time.
Ultimately, the problem at the core of both films is that the characters have matured. They no longer have the life-and-death conflicts that shook their worlds and forced them to look outward and inward. The entire clan has become not just better people but their best selves. The often dangerous and destructive relationship that fueled the conflict between Lady Mary and her sister, Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), no longer exists. If they are not best friends, they are as close as possible.
Even the usually destructive Barrow (Robert James-Collier) has become a more benevolent soul. Happiness is not bad, but it is not the furnace that heats a story. The roadblocks and hurdles are minor; the experience is almost tacit. The culmination of emotional growth is not necessarily the best dramatic force.
Because of this, the first two-thirds of the film are composed of brief scenes (sometimes as short as two or three lines), jumping from place to place and from one set of characters to another, allowing for barely a breath. The frantic, frenetic, and often whimsical quality has a Muppets Take Downton Abbey feel.
Strangely though, these are minor cavils. Watching A New Era—which is an improvement on the first—reminds us of the journey taken. The actors are uniformly true to the characters who have aged and seem appropriately worse for wear. The delicacy and honesty of the performances echo a world created over many years. The final act allows the characters to breathe. Even in the most contrived situations, the company is incapable of a wrong or false note.
In one of the most beautiful scenes, Isobel (Penelope Wilton) and the Dowager (Smith) reflect on their history, reminding us how these longtime adversaries developed a deep bond. This is the film—and Downton—at its best.
Many loose threads are tied up, providing closure. But the ending also honors the circle of life, composed of births and weddings, illnesses and deaths.
It would be a safe bet that there will be a Downton Abbey 3, probably dealing with the problematic situation in Lady Mary’s marriage to racing fanatic Henry Talbot (absent from the film as actor Matthew Goode had production conflicts). In addition, societal changes, financial challenges, and global conflict will likely offer myriad opportunities. And while nothing will take us back to the height of Downton Abbey, we will gladly join the Crawleys as they move forward.
Rated PG, the film is now playing in local theaters.
(Family Features) Whether you spend your summer afternoons sitting by the pool, splashing in the shallow end or just soaking up the sun’s rays, part of the fun is beating the heat with a cool, refreshing snack. Heading to the freezer for a fruity ice pop can transport you from your own backyard to a tropical island, and the experience can be even more rewarding when the tasty treat is homemade.
Cool down after fun in the sun with these kid-friendly Pina Colada Sweetpotato Ice Pops, a tropical-inspired dessert made with coconut cream, sweetpotatoes, fresh pineapple, lime juice and honey.
Sure to please kids and adults alike, they’re a better-for-you option when a cold snack calls your name. As a “diabetes superfood,” according to the American Diabetes Association, sweetpotatoes provide a main ingredient that’s rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber along with a “sweet” flavor without the added sugar.
The ease of this summer snack means kids can help in the kitchen, and while you wait for the sweet concoction to freeze, you can share this fun fact with them: The one-word spelling of “sweetpotato” was adopted by the National Sweetpotato Collaborators in 1989 in an effort to avoid confusion with the potato and yam among shippers, distributors, warehouse workers and consumers. To add to the fun facts, a sweetpotato is not even botanically related to a white potato; they are two entirely different species from one another.
The circus is coming to town! As part of its national tour, FLIP Circus will make a stop at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove from May 20 to 30. The circus will debut an entirely new family entertainment experience created by the Vazquez family which celebrates the great American circus tradition and highlights the enduring human spirit.
Photo from FLIP Circus
Taking place inside its distinctive red and white-striped big top tent, the show will feature world-class clowns, acrobats, jugglers and daredevils displaying their talents right in front of an audience no more than 50 feet from the ring.
Italy’s Bello Brothers weave side-splitting humor throughout the show which features a cast of circus superstars from across the U.S. and around the world.
Hold your breath as the Globe of Death Motorcycles whiz and whir at breakneck speeds inside a steel ball. Marvel at the grace and strength of the Alexa Swing Pole act and Shirley Larible’s dazzling aerial strap act. America’s own Chicago AllStars astound with incredible acrobatics. Two of the world’s finest jugglers, Dede Larible and Luva, each present their own sensational style of this timeless art form.
The multi-talented Bingo Troupe from Ukraine, who recently fled on foot to Poland to escape the war-torn country and make it to the United States to star in the show, fills the tent with their lively energy and inspired performances, as the live FLIP Circus Band keeps the party going from beginning to end.
Tickets are $40 adults, $25 children with discounts available when purchasing online at www.FlipCircus.com. Tickets will also be available in person at the box office during each engagement. For more information, call 877-829-7839.
AMERICAN LUXURY
The Vanderbilt Museum hosts a Cadillac-Lasalle Car Show on May 22.
Thursday May 19
International Museum Day
Celebrate International Museum Day at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach from 4 to 7 p.m. Representatives from many local museums, historical societies, science and nature centers will be on hand to share information regarding their collections, programs and exhibits! Call 585-9393 for further information.
An evening of jazz
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook welcomes the Big Little Bad Band in concert from 7 to 9:30 p.m. featuring vocalist Madeline Kole and original compositions and arrangements by bandleader and pianist Rich Iacona. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, under age 5 free. Visit www.thejazzloft.org to order.
Friday May 20
Salute to Veterans concert
In honor of our military veterans and active duty service members, the North Shore Community Band presents a Salute to Veterans concert at St. John the Baptist Church, 1488 North Country Road, Wading River at 7:30 p.m. Featuring favorite patriotic songs, Americana pieces, favorite marches and more. The concert is free and the fun is unlimited. For more information, go to www.nscbli.org.
Saturday May 21
Spring Yard Sale
The Yaphank Historical Society will hold a multi-vendor Spring Yard Sale on the grounds of the Robert & Isabella Hawkins House at 4 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring a large variety of crafts, collectibles, and household items. Rain date is May 22. Call 631-924-4803 or visit www.yaphankhistorical.org.
Library Craft & Flea Market
Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn will hold its annual outdoor Friends of the Library Craft & Flea Market from 10 a.m. to 4 pm. featuring craft vendors, local businesses, and flea market items from individual sellers. Held rain or shine. Call 757-4200.
Fleece & Fiber Festival
Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead presents its annual Fleece & Fiber Festival today and May 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature fiber artisans sharing their knitted, crocheted, woven, spun, and quilted works for sale along with sheep shearing demonstrations, four-legged guests, and special fiber-focused tours of the Hallock Homestead. Food truck vendors will be available for lunch. Held rain or shine. Admission is $10 per person, ages 12 and under free. Questions? Call 298-5292.
Outdoor Thrift Market
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown hosts an Outdoor Thrift Market today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop for antiques, knick knacks, furniture and other household treasures. Money raised will help the Center’s resident wildlife. Call 979-6344 or 901-5911 for more information.
Latin American Night
The Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport invites the comm,unity to a Latin American Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Presenter Walter Monteblanco will introduce and teach the dances of Rumba, Tango and Salsa. A buffet of delicious Latin American foods and refreshments catered by Laurel Road Cafe and Deli will be served. $70 per person. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org or call 757-9859.
Piano concert
Setauket Presbyterian Church, 5 Caroline Ave., Setauket invites the community to a piano concert by Quinn Nenninger at 7 p.m. The pianist has returned from performing in Spain and Russia and will show his new compositions at the gathering on a 9′ Steinway. The program will feature classical, new age and soothing piano music lovers will enjoy in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Free. Donations welcome. Call 941-4271.
Sunday May 22
Fleece & Fiber Festival
See May 21 listing.
Port Jefferson Farmers Market
Get local! The Port Jefferson Farmer’s Market returns to Harborfront Park, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson today and every Sunday through Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Purchase local produce, honey, bread and baked goods, plants and flower bouquets. Call 473-4724.
Still Cruisin’ Car Club Show
AMVets Post 48, 660 Hawkins Ave., Lake Ronkonkoma hosts a vintage car show by the Still Cruisin’ Car Club from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is June 5. Call 732-1231.
Food and Personal Care Drive
Theatre Three will host a food and personal care items drive to benefit the Open Cupboard Pantry at Infant Jesus Church from 9 a.m. to noon. Items will be collected at the Infant Jesus convent building at 110 Hawkins St. (off Myrtle Ave.) in Port Jefferson Village. Donations needed include juice, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, flour, sugar, Maseca corn flour, cooking oil, coffee, pancake mix (complete), pancake syrup, canned fruit, healthy snacks as well as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, toilet paper, baby shampoo, baby wash, baby wipes, baby powder, Desitin and lotion. Grocery store gift cards and cash also accepted. For more information, call 938-6464.
Vanderbilt Car Show
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport hosts a car show by the Cadillac-Lasalle Club of Long Island from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come see beautifully restored automobiles in a beautiful setting. Visitors just pay general admissionto the museum: $10 adults, $9 seniors and students, $7 children 12 ad under. For more information, call 806-4879.
Huntington Village Art Walk
Come experience the arts in Huntington Village during its annual Art Walk from noon to 5 p.m. This self-guided tour features new exhibits at 11 museums and galleries within a mile walk including the Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington Arts Council, Huntington Art Center and many more. Artists will be on hand to talk about their inspiration while you enjoy tasty treats and enjoy live music. Free. Visit www.huntingtonartcenter.com for a walking map.
Chinese Auction
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Parish Hall, 800 Portion Road, Lake Ronkonkoma will host a Chinese Auction with doors opening at 12:30 p.m. Featuring over 125 amazingprizes, with delux and grand prizes with raffles called at 2 p.m. $10 admissionincludes 25 tickets, coffee and cake. Extra sheets are $5 each. Join them for a great afternoon of fun. Call 737-4388.
Grist Mill tours
The Stony Brook Grist Mill, 100 Harbor Road, Stony Brook will be open today and every Sunday through October from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn about the inner workings of the mill as it crushes grain into flour and hear about its 323 year history on a guided tour will a miller during guided tours and a visit the Country Store. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children. Cash only. For more information on the Stony Brook Grist Mill and for large group tours, call The Ward Melville Heritage Organization at 751-2244.
Silver Chords Chorus concert
Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main Street, Smithtown welcomes the Silver Chords Chorus in concert at 2 p.m. Celebrating 40 years of choral music, the program will include such old gems as “Shenandoah,” “Birth of the Blues,” “Let the River Run” and “How Can I Keep From Singing,” along with some special premieres. Admission is free. Call 235-3593.
Chai Center lecture – Thanks to an Anonymous Donor, entry for this event is now FREE of charge!! Please RSVP.
The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills presents Against All Odds: How One Jew Stood Up To The Soviets And KGB, a heroic story of faith, courage and survival, with guestspeaker Yosef Mendelevich at 7 p.m. Tickets are $16 in advance at www.thechaicenter.com/hero, $22 at the door. Questions? Call 351-8672.
Sunday Street Concert – This event has been postponed to June 5
Bob Dylan’s 81st birthday is on May 24th. WUSB-FM’s Sunday Street Series celebrates his sixty years of recording and performing by presenting “Dylan Through the Decades” — a webcast on the Facebook page of The Long Island Museum at 7 p.m. Artists from the United States, France, England, and Scotland will share their interpretations of Dylan songs from over the six decades since the release of his 1962 debut album. Participating singers include Olivier Durand, The Kennedys, Ray Lambiase, Jez Lowe, Rod MacDonald & Big Brass Bed, Paul McKenna, Elliott Murphy, Willie Nile, Tom Russell, Steve Tilston, Sloan Wainwright, Pat Wictor, and Brooks Williams. Visit facebook.com/LIMuseum.
Monday May 23
Art Lecture
Join art historian Jay Schuck at Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a lecture titled Plundered: Art Lost During World War II from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn why these works were targeted and the efforts taken to recover them. Free and open to all. Visit www.cplib.org or call 928-1212 to register.
TVHS lecture
The Three Village Historical Society in Setauket continues its livestream lecture series with A School with a Vision: Celebrating 100 Years of The Stony Brook School at 7 p.m. A century ago, a vision was cast by an intrepid group of clergymen to open a school. It was not to be merely another school modeled on its older New England peers, but rather one that would shift the paradigm in educational thought in reclaiming a formative purpose. The Stony Brook School was founded in response to what had become the hollowed condition of contemporary education. In honor of its centennial celebrations, David Hickey, a history faculty member and the school historian, will deliver a presentation on the School’s history and its unique mission in education. Join the TVHS in gaining new insight into one of the storied institutions of the Stony Brook community. Suggested donation. To RSVP, visit www.tvhs.org.
Tuesday May 24
Goat Yoga at the SHS
Join the Smithtown Historical Society, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown for an evening of goat yoga from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. or from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. The yoga instructor will lead the class through a 45 minute practice of yoga with friendly, interactive goats provided by Steppin’ Out Ponies and Petting Zoo. Tickets are $28 per person and all levels of yoga are welcome. Please bring a mat & towel. Registration is required by visiting www.eventbrite.com.
Wednesday May 25
Historic Walking Tour & Pub Crawl
The Huntington Historical Society hosts a Historic Walking TourPub Crawl from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Led by Town of Huntington Historian Robert C. Hughes, this walking tour will guide you through the notable buildings and events in the history of Huntington Village. Along the way participants will stop at local establishments, (with a great history or in a historic building) to enjoy some refreshment before continuing the tour. Meet at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building, 228 Main Street, Huntington at 6 p.m. $25 per person. Reservations are required. Please email [email protected] or call 631-427-7045 to reserve your space.
Cruise Night Car Show
It’s back! The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River hosts a Cruise Night Car Show every Wednesday through Oct. 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. Visit the Shoppes, enjoy a bite to eat and then check out the fine array of classic cars in the parking lot. Call 929-3500.
Thursday May 26
Author Talk
In honor of ALS Awareness Month, Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson will welcome local author Christine Pendergast for a discussion of the book Blink Spoken Here from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing at the event. Open to all. Call 928-1212 to register in advance.
Atelier lecture
The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James continues its online lecture series with Introduction to Freehand Airbrush Painting with Ross Barbera from 7 to 9 p.m. With a Spring crocus as his subject, Barbera will present a video demonstration to introduce viewers to the tools, techniques, and materials used when painting freehand with an airbrush. To register for this free webinar, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org/lectures.
Vanderbilt lecture
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport hosts a lecture titled Long Island Estates of the Great Gatsby Era with best-selling author, architect, and historian Gary Lawrance at 7 p.m. Lawrance will introduce participants to the real Long Island mansions that inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary classic The Great Gatsby. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are $10 per person. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Film
‘Fire of Love’
A scene from ‘Fire of Love’
The Port Jefferson Documentary Series concludes its Spring season with a screening of Fire of Love at Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson on May 23 at 7 p.m. The documentary tells the story of two French lovers, Katia and Maurice Krafft, who died in a volcanic explosion doing the very thing that brought them together: unraveling the mysteries of our planet, while simultaneously capturing the most explosive volcano imagery ever recorded. Along the way, they changed our understanding of the natural world, and saved tens of thousands of lives. Guest speakers will be Director Sara Dosa and Producer Shane Boris via Zoom. $10 admission at the door (cash only) or in advance at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.
Theater
‘Mamma Mia!’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson closes its 2021-2022 with Mamma Mia! from May 21 to June 25. ABBA’s timeless hits tell the enchanting story! On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island paradise they last visited twenty years ago. Featuring such chart toppers as “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” and “Dancing Queen,” this is a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Contains adult themes and situations. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Much Ado About Nothing’
The Carriage House Players continues its annual Shakespeare Festival at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport with sm from June 5 to June 26 on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m. Performances take place outdoors on stage in the courtyard, where the Spanish-Mediterranean architecture adds a touch of timeless charm and magic. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy before the show and bring your own lawn chair. Inclement weather cancels. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children ages 12 and under. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
‘Kinky Boots’
Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Kinky Boots from May 19 to July 3. With songs by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, this dazzling, sassy and uplifting musical celebrates a joyous story, inspired by true life events, taking you from the factory floor of a men’s shoe factory to the glamorous catwalks of Milan! Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘It Shoulda Been You’
Star Playhouse at Stage 74, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack presents It Shoulda Been You, Broadway’s wild musical farce with blushing brides, nervous grooms, overbearing moms, unexpected guests and plenty of crazy twists and turns, on May 21 at 8 p.m. and May 22 at 2 p.m. It’s wedding season and you’re invited to a wedding like no other! Get ready for a good time filled with music, mayhem, comedy, and a real bunch of characters! Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors and students. To order, call 462-9800, ext. 136 or visit www.starplayhouse.com.
Vendors Wanted
◆ The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River has vendor opportunities available for its upcoming outdoor Farmer’s Markets on May 21, June 18,July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept.17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 631-929-3500 x708 for an application.
◆ East End Arts, 133 E. Main St., Riverhead will host the 26th annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival in Downtown Riverhead on May 29 from noon to 5 p.m. Craft/artisan vendors and food/beverage vendors may visit www.eastendarts.org for an application or call 631-727-0900.
◆ Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce seeks vendors for its 2022 Ronkonkoma Street Fair along Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma on May 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.ronkonkomachamber.com for a vendor application. Call 631-963-2796 for more info.
◆ Commack United Methodist Church, 486 Townline Road, Commack seeks vendors for its Community Yard Sale on June 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fee is $25 per space. Tables are not supplied and the event is held rain or shine. Outdoor spaces are 10’ by 10’; indoor spaces 6’ by 6’. For additional information, call 631-499-7310 or email [email protected].
◆ Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce will host its 10th annual Farmingville Street Fair along Portion Road on June 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interestedvendors can call 631-317-1738 or visit www.farmingvillechamber.com for an application.
◆ St. Thomas of Canterbury, 29 Brooksite Drive, Smithtown seeks craft or new merchandise vendors for its Craft Fair and Car Show on Oct. 8 (rain date is Oct. 15 for craft fair only). Visit www.stthomasofcanterbury.net or call 631-265-4520 to obtain an application or get more info.
CELEBRATE MARITIME HERITAGE DAY
Head over to the Whaling Museum on May 22 for a Build-A-Boat workshop.
PROGRAMS
Scavenger Hunt at the Hatchery
Celebrate World Turtle Day & Endangered Species Day with a scavenger hunt at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor on May 20, 21, 22 and 23 anytime from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hatchery is home to some very unique animals. Some are even endangered, threatened or species of special concern. Take a hunt around to find and learn about these incredible animals. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. For more information, call 516-692-6768.
Cuddle and Care Workshop
Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket hosts a children’s workshop for ages 3 to 12, Cuddle and Care, on May 21 from 10 a.m. to noon, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 5p.m., and on May 22 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Children will be introduced to the farm’s newest baby barnyard animals. Learn what they eat, how they grow, and how to take care of them. There will also be a farm tour, crafts, and a tractor ride! $40 per child. To register, call 689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.
Tiny Seeds
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Tiny Tots program for ages 3 to 5 titled Tiny Seeds on May 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This program will connect children and their parents with nature through a short walk, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure
Frogs & Friends
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents a family program titled Frogs & Friends on May 21 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. From frogs and toads to newts and salamanders, amphibians are an amazing group of animals! Join the staff to learn more about these amazing cold-blooded creatures as you search for them in their natural habitat.$4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 265-1054.
Beach Wander
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington hosts a Beach Wander program for families on May 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Take a walk to Caumsett’s beautiful north shore beach while learning about the forest, the Sound, the sand and the shells. Bring lunch and wear comfortable shoes. 5+ miles with hilly and sandy terrain. $4 per person. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure
Build-a-Boat Workshop
Come celebrate Maritime Heritage Day at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on May 22. Adults and kids can drop in any time from 1 to 3 p.m. to imagine, design and create unique wooden vessel models out of a variety of materials in this open-ended workshop. Go home with your creation! Admission + $10 participant. Call 367-3418 for more information.
Owl Prowl Thursday
Visit Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown on May 26 from 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. for an Owl Prowl! Meet and learn about some of the Center’s resident owls and then embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night. Dress warmly, wear bug spray, and bring a flashlight just in case. Open to families with children ages 5 and up. $15 per person. For tickets, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.
THEATER
Pinkalicious The Musical
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children’s theater season with Pinkalicious The Musical from May 28 to July 3. Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe — a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament. Tickets are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on May 28, June 4, 11 and 18 at 11 a.m. with a sensory sensitive performance on June 12 at 11 a.m. Join them for a hysterical retelling of a wonderful story with a Queen, a Witch, a Princess with skin as white as snow, and seven dwarfs guaranteed to keep you laughing from start to finish. Costumes encouraged. All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Welcome to the fifth edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home!
Keesha
Meet Keesha
This adorable and sweet girl is Keesha. She was surrendered to the Brookhaven Animal Shelter because her family was no longer able to care for her. Keesha is a gentle soul who has to start over at the age of 10. She is as sweet as could be, she knows sit but is always checking out her surroundings to see who is available to get some pets from. She is looking for a family to love, a door to look out of and get her daily dose of sunshine and a bed to curl up in. She is a delight to walk, she is housebroken and would love the opportunity to show you what she is made of. She can be a little shy at first but then the happy go lucky girl comes out and she is giving kisses and looking for all of your attention. She would do best with kids over the age of 10, no dogs and she is fine with cats. Call 631-286-4940.
Snowflake
Meet Snowflake
Snowflake is a young adult, female, short-hair currently waiting at Little Shelter for her furever home. This patient, sweet girl that had been at the shelter since 2018. She gets overlooked because she likes to snuggle into cubbies. Laser toys are a great way to get her out and about! Call 631-368-8770.
Chelsea
Meet Chelsea
An eight-year-old Min Pin mix, this clever little lady is Chelsea, currently up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Subscribing to the adage that all you need is “a snack and a snuggle,” she’s the perfect one to share your couch with…and just about everything else! A breed that has been described as “tiny but mighty,” they have an outgoing personality and tenacious spirit. With her current mission being to find her forever home, Chelsea is ready to screen potential adopters, hoping to find her the perfect family. Energetic and self-possessed, she’s not about to let age slow her down. If you’re looking for a loyal, life-long friend with a good sense of humor, the search is over…just ask for Chelsea. Call 631-368-8770.
Ophelia
Meet Ophelia
“Hi, I’m Ofie from Kent Animal Shelter. It’s going to take a little while for you and me to become best friends and trust each other. But, I promise you that when we do, you will be showered with more love, affection and loyalty than you can imagine. There is nothing more that I love than hugs, kisses and belly rubs
just ask the kind people who work here at the shelter. But sometimes, new people make me nervous, and I get a little scared and I feel I need to protect myself because I am not sure yet who you are. You see, I came to America from the streets and meat markets of Thailand., and some people there were going to do really bad things to me. That’s why it may take a little while for you and me to become best friends
.but I promise it can happen if you give me a chance. Thank you for reading a little about me. I hope to see you soon. Oh and I love treats! Love, Ofie.” Ophelia needs to be the only pet in the house. Call 631-727-5731, ext. 1.
Jack Jack
Meet Jack Jack
“A dog so nice, he was named him twice!” Jack Jack, a 1.5-year-old Doxy mix, arrived at Little Shelter hoping for a second chance at happiness. Though nearly blind, he is quickly acclimating to his surroundings, sniffing out new friendships and hearing all the applause celebrating his progress. Playing with abandon despite his disability, he’ll teach you to grab life by the tail, take chances, and savor every moment. Smart, affectionate and loyal, Jack Jack is the perfect reminder that “a house is not a home without paw prints.” Stop by to meet him today! Call 631-368-8770.
Kitty Free-Fur-All
May is Kitty Free-Fur-All Month at the The Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, 300 Horseblock Road, Brookhaven. Fees will be waived for cat adoptions for the entire month. For more information, call 631-451-6955 or visit www.brookhavenny.gov/animalshelter
Check out the next Paw Prints inthe issue of June 9.
Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport recently debuted Related Searches, the first solo museum exhibition by New York artist Christopher Tennant.
Tennant’s artwork—a mix of avian and aquatic dioramas and vitrines, handmade lamps, and collected specimens—reimagines natural history as an extension of commodity culture and the decorative arts. His brilliantly illuminated cases combine antique taxidermy with discarded consumer products to provide a stark visual representation of the beauty and terror of an ecology altered by human industry and the algorithmic marketplace.
Related Searches is on view in the Lancaster Room, a newly renovated gallery space in the mansion, through June 30.
For more information, call 631-854-5579 or visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
(Family Features) Liven up your mealtime routine with the fresh global flavors of an at-home fiesta for a memorable way to rethink your menu. With nearly countless ways to spice up the kitchen using inspiration from around the world, it’s easy to find something new and exciting.
For example, these Sloppy Joe Mini Tacos from “The New York Times” bestselling cookbook author Stephanie Banyas offer a true flavor fusion. The lively blend of ground turkey or pork chorizo, cheeses, spices and veggies pop when combined with the high-quality ingredients of Fresh Cravings Salsa.
These boldly flavored salsas are made with vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp onions, zesty peppers and spices. Plus, they’re never cooked or pasteurized, meaning you’re enjoying a vibrant dip that’s never soggy or dull. Available in a range of heat levels among restaurant style, chunky and pico de gallo, they complement any at-home fiesta.
“This is the ultimate mashup of two school lunch favorites: Sloppy Joes and Tacos,” Banyas said. “It includes some serious attitude thanks to Fresh Cravings Salsa’s hearty blend of diced tomatoes, onions, fragrant cilantro and Anaheim and Serrano chili peppers.”
Visit freshcravings.com for more ways to spice up your at-home fiesta.
Sloppy Joe Mini Tacos
Recipe courtesy of Stephanie Banyas
Yield: 12-15 tacos
Ingredients:
1 container (16 ounces) Fresh Cravings Restaurant Style Salsa (mild or medium)
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow, brown or Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 heaping tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 ounces ground turkey or pork chorizo
8 ounces 90% lean ground chuck or turkey
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup water
15 tortillas
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (optional)
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced, soaked in ice water 30 minutes and drained
Avocado Mash:
1 ripe Haas avocado, halved, pitted and removed from skin
2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
1/2 lime, juice only
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 F.
In blender or food processor, process salsa until smooth. Remove 1/2 cup processed salsa and set aside for garnish. In medium bowl, mix remaining salsa, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar until combined. In large saute pan over high heat, heat oil until it begins to shimmer. Add chorizo and ground meat; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, breaking up meat with wooden spoon, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 8 minutes. Add salsa mixture and water; bring to boil, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Wrap tortillas tightly in foil and heat in oven 10 minutes. Remove and keep wrapped tightly until ready to serve.
To make avocado mash: In medium bowl, coarsely smash avocado halves with fork. Add onion and lime juice then season with salt and pepper, to taste, and gently mix to combine.
Place tortillas on flat surface, top each with meat mixture and garnish as desired with reserved salsa, avocado mash, cotija, Mexican cheese and sliced red onion.
Long-term use of PPIs can cause dementia and chronic kidney disease. METRO photo
Over-the-counter PPIs should be taken for no more than 14 days
By David Dunaief, MD
Dr. David Dunaief
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most commonly treated diseases in the U.S. While it is sometimes referred to as heartburn, this really a symptom. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), first launched in the late 1980s, have grown to become one of the top-10 drug classes prescribed or taken over-the-counter (OTC).
When they were first approved, they were touted as having one of the cleanest side-effect profiles. This may still be true, if we use them correctly. They are intended to be used for the short term only.
PPIs currently available OTC include Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), and Aciphex (rabeprazole). These and others are also available by prescription.
The FDA indicates that OTC PPIs should be taken for no more than a 14-day treatment once every four months. Prescription PPIs should be taken for 4 to 8 weeks (1).
While PPI pre-approval trials were short-term, many take these medications long-term. And the longer people are on them, the more complications arise. Among potential associations with long-term use are chronic kidney disease, dementia, bone fractures and Clostridium difficile, a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
Chronic kidney disease
In two separate studies, results showed that there was an increase in chronic kidney disease with prolonged PPI use (2). All of the patients started the study with normal kidney function based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, there was a 50 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease, while the Geisinger Health System cohort study found there was a 17 percent increased risk.
The first study had a 13-year duration, and the second had about a six-year duration. Both demonstrated modest, but statistically significant, increased risk of chronic kidney disease. But as you can see, the medications were used on a chronic basis for years. In an accompanying editorial to these published studies, the author suggests that there is overuse of the medications or that they are used beyond the resolution of symptoms and suggests starting with diet and lifestyle modifications as well as a milder drug class, H2 blockers (3).
Dementia risk
A German study looked at health records from a large public insurer and found there was a 44 percent increased risk of dementia in the elderly who were using PPIs, compared to those who were not (4). These patients were at least age 75. The authors surmise that PPIs may cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially increase beta-amyloid levels, markers for dementia. With occasional use, meaning once every 18 months for a few weeks to a few months, there was a much lower increased risk of 16 percent.
The researchers also suggested that PPIs may be significantly overprescribed in the elderly. Unfortunately, there were confounding factors that may have conflated the risk. Researchers also did not take into account family history of dementia, high blood pressure or excessive alcohol use, all of which have effects on dementia occurrence.
Bone fracture risk
In a meta-analysis of 18 observational studies, results showed that PPIs can increase the risk of hip fractures, spine fractures and any-site fractures (5). Interestingly, when it came to bone fractures, it did not make a difference whether patients were taking PPIs for more or less than a year.
They found increased fracture risks of 58, 26 and 33 percent for spine, hip and any site, respectively. It is not clear what may potentially increase the risk; however, it has been proposed that it may have to do with calcium absorption through the gut. PPIs reduce acid, which may be needed to absorb insoluble calcium salts. In another study, seven days of PPIs were shown to lower the absorption of calcium carbonate supplements when taken without food (6).
Absorption of magnesium, calcium and B12
PPIs may have lower absorption effects on several electrolytes including magnesium, calcium and B12. In one observational study, PPIs combined with diuretics caused a 73 percent increased risk of hospitalization due to low magnesium (7). Diuretics are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure and swelling.
Another study confirmed these results. In this second study, which was a meta-analysis of nine studies, PPIs increased the risk of low magnesium in patients by 43 percent, and when researchers looked only at higher quality studies, the risk increased to 63 percent (8). The authors note that a significant reduction in magnesium could lead to cardiovascular events.
The bottom line
It’s best if you confer with your doctor before starting PPIs. You may not need PPIs, but rather a milder medication, such as an H2 blocker (Zantac, Pepcid). In addition, PPIs may interfere with other drugs you are taking, such as Plavix (clopidogrel).
Even better, start with lifestyle modifications including diet, not eating later at night, raising the head of the bed, losing weight and stopping smoking, if needed, and then consider medications (9).
If you do need medications, know that PPIs don’t give immediate relief and should only be taken for a short duration.
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.
Welcome to the fifth edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home!
Kitty Free-Fur-All
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