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Allan Varela

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'Every Little Thing' will be screened on March 13

By Tara Mae

As we become more dependent on home screening services, the social element of going out and experiencing a film together becomes a special occasion. The award-winning Port Jefferson Documentary Series (PJDS) returns for the Spring 2025 season with accounts of individual feats and community achievements that are worth leaving home to see. 

Presented by the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council (GPJAC), all screenings will be held at The First United Methodist Church, 603 Main Street in Port Jefferson, on select Thursdays between March 6 and April 24 with a start time of 7 p.m. 

‘Dust to Dust,’ below, will be shown on April 10.

Stories traverse topics featuring the historical accomplishments of women in politics; environmental integrity and enterprise; socio-economic factors of fashion; celebration of self-expression; friendships forged from shared struggles; and moments of triumph amid tribulations. This season’s documentaries investigate the impact of individual acts of courage and compassion. 

They acquaint audiences with persons and perspectives, situations and sensibilities that they may otherwise not encounter.

“PJDS looks for a high-level of craft as well as a depth of emotional connection. We are also attuned to the opportunities provided by a film to spark local collaborations or to showcase local voices as part of the overall screening experience,” said Kelly DeVine, Board Member and Chair of film programming at GPJAC.

After many of the screenings there will Q&As between the audience and guest speakers associated with the documentaries’ productions or subject matter, or an event with a local community outreach partner. Tom Needham, executive producer and host of “Sounds of Film” on WUSB, will moderate discussions for three of the films. 

‘Man from Pretentia’ will be screened on April 3.

And there will be other interactive elements, such as an upcycled fashion show. Arranged and emceed by Marcela Pinzon, owner of The Fashionable Stylista, a fashion design school in Syosset, the show will model her students’ upcycled designs: clothing deconstructed and re-sewn into new articles; repairs incorporated into new patterns, etc. 

“We have been trying to bring more community groups into the post-screening planning to increase our collaborations, reach new audiences and craft post screening activities that reflect the spirit or the topic of the film. PJDS is more than a movie night, it’s a community event,” DeVine explained.

Sponsored by Maggio Environmental Waste Collection, Dumpster Rentals & Recyclin, Metal Masters, Paumanok Veterinary Hospital, Covati & Janhsen CPAs PC, and Port Jeff Storage Inc. with a Suffolk County grant from the Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs & the Suffolk County Film Commission, the series is a symbiotic exercise in communal conversation. 

“We strive to get people off their tiny smart phone screens and enjoy a much larger screen as a community gathering,” GPJAC chairman Allan Varela said in an email. 

PJDS aims to foster interest not only in the arts, but in each other.

“Part of the benefit is that the PJDS has won Best Film Festival award in the Best of Long Island contest nine years in a row,” Varela continued. “We compete against Gold Coast, Huntington, Stony Brook and the Hamptons [film festivals], among others…Our stature brings in audience from all over the Island and therefore into the Village of Port Jefferson.”

Art in general, and PJDS specifically, is an avenue through which individuals may find common ground. 

This season begins with Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter on March 6. 

The film explores the story of the eponymous woman who was witness to and involved in some of the most historically significant moments of the 20th century, as among her many roles, she was the first female executive assistant to a vice president for Lyndon B. Johnson and then press secretary for Lady Bird Johnson. A conversation with director Abby Ginzberg will follow.

In Every Little Thing on March 13 filmmaker Sally Aiken profiles bird rehabilitator Terry Masear, who has devoted her life to saving and protecting hummingbirds in the Los Angeles area. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Terry Masear, Dr. Carl Safina, Patricia Paladines of the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments, and Dr. Maria Bowling.

A Man with Sole: The Impact of Kenneth Cole on March 20 follows the career of fashion designer Kenneth Cole and how his professional success supports his philanthropy. Director Dori Berinstein will join a Q&A via Zoom. 

Facing the Wind on March 27 examines the connection forged between two women as they care for their spouses stricken with Lewy Body dementia. Director Deirdre Fishel will join the post-film discussion in person with Cindy Morris of the Benson Agency.

Man from Pretentia on April 3 is tender portrait of “quirky” art dealer, Paul Bridgewater, who became a fixture of the Downtown NYC art scene. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Director Chih Hsuan Liang and producer Steve Zehentner.

Dust to Dust on April 10 chronicles haute couture designer Yuima Nakazato’s realizations about the detrimental effect of “fast fashion” on the world and how he shifts his attentions to sustainable fashion. Resources on recycling and a upcycled fashion show led by the head of The Fashionable Stylista academy of Syosset, Marcela Pinzon will follow the screening.

The season closes with Front Row on April 24 which showcases the Ukrainian National Ballet’s poignant company tour as it performs far from the frontlines and invites a soldier who lost his legs to partake in a singular performance. The screening is followed by a discussion about the film and Ukraine with Professor Juliette Passer of Stony Brook University.

Selected by PJDS co-chairs DeVine and Wendy Feinberg, the films are sourced from number of different festivals: DocNYC, Tribeca, Sundance, etc. Personal industry connections, honed from years of working on this and other series, also helped shape the lineup. 

Contenders were then voted on by a team of long-term PJDS board members and volunteers, including DeVine and Feinberg; community outreach coordinator Barbara Sverd; co-chair emeritus Lyn Boland; Denies Livieri; Yvonne Lieffrig; Ronnie Levy; and, Lise Poulos.

The group shares a commitment to seeking and sharing documentaries that enhance human understanding as they invoke personal insights.  

“PJDS is always looking for films that offer distinct points of view, that open up new ways of looking at the world and that provide opportunities to reflect on the connections we may share however far-flung or different the story may appear initially,” DeVine said. “All of our films will offer great experiences and each brings its own emotional tone and opportunity for connection.”

Individual film tickets are $10 each while a season pass is $58. For more information about the PJDS or to reserve your seat, visit www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.

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'Bike Vessel' will kick off the series in Port Jefferson on Feb. 27. Photo courtesy of Independent Lens
Watch the film & join the conversation

Independent Lens has announced the launch of the new season of Indie Lens Pop-Up, the long-running screening series that brings people together for community-driven conversations around its thought-provoking documentaries. The free event series will include in-person screenings in more than 100 cities across the U.S. including Port Jefferson, Stony Brook, Centereach and Selden, thanks to a partnership with The Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council (GPJAC).

Middle Country Public Library’s Centereach branch will screen ‘Free for All: The Public Library’ on April 11. Photo courtesy of Independent Lens

Through its roster of five documentary projects, Indie Lens Pop-Up will ignite conversations on a range of topics, including a Cambodian American basketball prodigy, the American institution of public libraries, and the history of funk music. This season’s topics also aim to expand perspectives through deeply personal stories, like what it means to live with Alzheimer’s disease and the bond between father and son. The screenings, which are approximately 60 minutes long, will be followed by impactful post-screening activities ranging from panel discussions to performances.

Each film will eventually make its television debut on PBS and will be available to stream on the PBS app.

Since its inception in 2005, more than 7,200 Indie Lens Pop-Up events have brought an estimated 430,000 participants together to discuss issues that impact local communities.

“We’re so excited to continue these Indie Lens Pop-Up screenings that not only advance independent stories, but continue to bring together local communities across the U.S.,” said Beatriz Castillo, senior director of engagement operations at Independent Television Service (ITVS), the production arm of PBS which produces Independent Lens.

“The Greater Port Jefferson – Northern Brookhaven Arts Council (GPJAC) is delighted to join the Indie Lens Pop-Up program as screening partner. We welcome the chance to support these award-winning films while having the opportunity to craft impactful activities with our venue and community partners such as the Middle Country Public Library, the First United Methodist Church and the Long Island Museum,” said Kelly DeVine, Board Member and Chair of film programming at GPJAC

“Supporting independent artists and filmmakers is at the center of our work,” added Allan Varela, Chair of the GPJAC. “And getting to collaborate with our community partners to raise up their work is icing on the cake.”

The Indie Lens Pop-Up 2024-2025 lineup includes the following documentaries: 

‘Bike Vessel’

■ Bike Vessel by Eric D. Seals will be screened at the First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. In this portrait of familial love, father Donnie Seals Sr. undergoes a transformation after several medical crises and, at age 70, embarks on a long-distance cycling trip with his son. 

A panel discussing the health, social and infrastructure issues raised by the film with a cardiologist, a representative from a safe transportation organization and a librarian from Port Jefferson Free Library will follow. Register here.

 

‘Home Court’

■ Home Court by Erica Tanamachi heads to the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook on Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. The film traces the ascent of Ashley Chea, a Cambodian American basketball prodigy whose life intensifies amid recruitment, injury, and triumph throughout her high school career. 

The screening will be followed by a panel of SBU and local high school athletes and coaches discussing the challenges of transitioning from high school to college as a female and Cambodian American athlete.

‘Free for All: The Public Library’

■ Free for All: The Public Library by Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor will be screened at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach on Friday, April 11 at 6 p.m. The documentary tells the story of the U.S. public library system—a simple idea that shaped a nation and the quiet revolutionaries who made it happen.

The event will be followed by a “library fair” where MCPL representatives across the library’s departments show all the ways libraries serve their communities.

‘We Want the Funk’

■ We Want the Funk by Stanley Nelson will be screened at Middle Country Public Library, 575 Middle Country Road, Selden on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. The documentary is a syncopated voyage through the history of funk music, from early roots to 1970s urban funk and beyond and will be followed by a short live funk music band performance and discussion on how the genre is still influential today.

‘Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s’

■ Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s by Anna Moot-Levin and Laura Green will be screened at the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook on Tuesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. The documentary explores how three families confront the challenges of Alzheimer’s, focusing on how the disease transforms identities and relationships and will be incorporated into a full program of dementia events with speakers and resources.

To register for these free documentaries, please visit www.gpjac.org or click here.

Photos courtesy of Independent Lens

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Paul Braile

By Peter Sloniewsky

Paul Braile’s volunteer commitments keep him constantly busy exemplifying his dedication to his community. Whether running Santa Claus Central at the First Methodist Church or managing work for the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival, Braile’s packed schedule reflects his extraordinary commitment to volunteerism and his gift for bringing people together.

Braile has worked in theatrical stage lighting since 1995 on projects for television, movies, theater and corporations including the Super Bowl, Glee and the CBS Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 2001, he moved from New York City to Port Jefferson Village and founded Paul Braile Creative, a company specializing in innovative lighting design.

His volunteer work began in 2005 with the Greater Port Jefferson/Northern Brookhaven Arts Council where he provided lighting for the Charles Dickens Festival. Each year since (with the exception of 2020), Braile has illuminated 16 locations across the village creating magical displays for the community. Today, he serves as the vice-chair of the Arts Council.

Chair of the Council Allan Varela described Braile’s “creative sense and tireless work ethic” as unparalleled, citing his reconstruction of the Roe House Santa’s Workshop. Renamed ElfWorks, the project has become a beloved attraction delighting children and adults alike.

Beyond the Dickens Festival, Braile extends his talents to other community events. He creates lighting for the Port Jefferson High School prom where he also served as president in 2024. Introduced to the prom in 2005, Braile continues to help transform parents’ ideas into reality saying, “It’s all about community and what one can do that can make a difference.”

Braile’s influence goes beyond his artistry. Jon Famularo, a lighting designer who credits Braile with inspiring his career, described him as a mentor since middle school. Famularo praised Braile’s high-quality work and dedication saying, “Regardless if you know him or not, most everyone who sees the product he delivers is blown away.”

Port Jefferson Village Trustee Kyle Hill remarked that Braile’s imagination and creativity “know no limit” while Renee Lemmerman, director of recreation in Port Jefferson, described him as “kind, generous, creative, funny” and a “problem solver.” Co-worker Cindy Pipia added that Braile is a “visionary who strives to make all he brings to his volunteer activities better and better every year.”

Braile’s commitment to volunteerism stems from his love for his community. He describes Port Jefferson as “a community where strong friendships are born and continue to develop.” As for the future, Braile plans to continue volunteering, mentoring and contributing to the village he loves.

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Scene from the 28th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Donatelli
Scene from the 28th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Donatelli
Scene from the 28th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Donatelli
Scene from the 28th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Donatelli
Scene from the 28th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Donatelli
Scene from the 28th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Donatelli
Scene from the 28th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Donatelli
Scene from the 28th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Donatelli
Scene from the 28th annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Donatelli

By Jennifer Donatelli

In the quaint hamlet of Port Jefferson village, a wondrous transformation occurred on Dec. 7 and 8, whisking it back to the days of yore, specifically to the era of Charles Dickens. The enchanting village is the home of one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions — the Charles Dickens Festival.

For over 28 years, the festival has celebrated the works of Charles Dickens and his timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” bringing the spirit of Dickens’ era to life in the heart of Port Jefferson. 

The festival is sponsored by Northwell Health’s Mather Hospital and is a partnership between the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council and the Village of Port Jefferson and is run by volunteers. Allan Varela, producer and creator of the festival as well as chairman of the Greater Port Jefferson Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, said, “This is a great mix of entertainment, history, and holiday cheer that captivates both young and old.”

Mather Hospital Executive Director Kevin McGeachy said, “We are proud to have sponsored the Charles Dickens Festival for the second consecutive year. We see this as a wonderful opportunity to connect with and support our community at an event that brings us all together to celebrate this special time of year.” 

This annual event, attended by over 25,000 people from all over the country and around the globe, transported festival goers back to Victorian England with costumed performers, bustling street markets, festive decorations and a variety of family-friendly activities. In the course of two days, there were 172 events and over 130 volunteer musicians, actors and townspeople who wandered through the crowd, all dressed in period attire.

From the moment attendees stepped onto Main Street for the opening parade and heard the bells ringing, they were enveloped in the charm of a Victorian Christmas. The cobblestone streets were brimming with life and bustling with street characters like Father Christmas, the Dickens Mayor, the miserly Scrooge, the ever-vigilant Town Crier and the soot-faced chimney sweeps roaming the hamlet. 

“I’ve been coming to the Dickens Festival for years, and it’s the highlight of the season,” said attendee Jane O’Connor, who brought her grandchildren for the first time this year. “It’s magical how the whole town transforms. The costumes, carolers and the storytelling really make you feel like you stepped back in time.”

Held in the town’s picturesque First United Methodist Church, the main highlight of the festival was the array of performances and reenactments of Dickens’ most famous works, including a live reading of “A Christmas Carol,” where actors and volunteers joined forces to bring Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitors to life.  

“There’s something about the intimate setting of Port Jefferson, with its history and beauty, that makes the story feel even more poignant,” said Varela. He explained how involved the audience gets, adding that it’s a great way to spread Dickens’ message of redemption and generosity. 

Alongside the traditional readings, the festival also featured various musical performances, including Victorian-era carolers singing holiday classics as they strolled down Main Street. 

“It’s so rewarding to see people enjoying our music,” said First Methodist choir member Susan Miller. “The weather can be chilly, but the warmth from the crowd makes it all worthwhile with people singing along with us.”

Visitors saw a few new additions this year. The second floor of the Village Center was turned into Elf Works. “You’ll go in there and see busy elves hard at work making Christmas gifts for the Festival of Trees,” said Varela of the elaborate Festival of Trees display featuring two rows of 30 over-the-top decorated trees.  

Believers in ghosts of Christmas past took a stroll down to Dickens Central where they had photos taken with four oversized ghosts from “A Christmas Carol,” a six-foot photo of Dickens and a giant walk-in snow globe. 

The festival also featured a charming Victorian marketplace that stretched down historic Main Street, with local vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to vintage books and holiday ornaments. The smell of roasted chestnuts filled the air as visitors sampled traditional Victorian fare such as milled cider and gingerbread cookies. 

“The market really captures the essence of what Dickens would have experienced in his time,” said vendor Anna Whelan, who sells handcrafted jewelry inspired by Victorian designs. “The costumes, the music and the atmosphere all make this festival a true labor of love for the community.”

Varela explained that the festival is a true community event, with locals volunteering to create the festive atmosphere, from decorating storefronts to participating in the pageantry. “It’s a celebration that unites people of all ages who return year after year, making it such a cherished tradition.”

Of course, no Charles Dickens Festival would be complete without a live performance of his classic holiday story, “A Christmas Carol,” which was performed at Theater Three each night of the festival. “This is our 40th anniversary production,” said Jeffrey Sanzel, executive artistic director of Theater Three who has performed the lead role of Scrooge over 1,600 times. 

“But at the heart of it, of course, is the idea of making the community a better place, of taking responsibility beyond ourselves,” Sanzel said. “And this whole idea of the Dickens Festival, which brings the community together, really reflects that as well.”

“This festival has become part of our holiday season,” said Port Jefferson resident Tom Harris, who attends every year with his wife and children. “It’s a great way to create family memories and a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.”

As the festival wrapped up this year, Varela and his team were already looking forward to the next celebration. “I’m already planning my costume for next year,” said Jessica Green, who portrayed a street vendor this year. “It’s such a fun event and I love seeing the joy it brings to everyone.”

Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, the Charles Dickens Festival is a festive, enchanting experience that captures the magic of the holiday season in a way only Dickens could imagine.

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Catch a screening of the award-winning documentary 'Honorable But Broken' at Theatre Three on July 11 at 6 p.m.

By Julianne Mosher

A new documentary created by a former producer for ABC News and 60 Minutes, and with the help of different EMS groups across New York State, is heading to Port Jefferson next week for a free viewing of a powerful film that will remind people how important rescue services are. 

Michael Presta, deputy chief at Port Jefferson EMS, said he received a LinkedIn message from the film’s director and producer, Bryony Gilbey, asking if her 2023 award-winning documentary, Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis, could be shown in the area.

Catch a screening of the award-winning documentary ‘Honorable But Broken’ at Theatre Three on July 11 at 6 p.m.

After connecting with the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council and Theatre Three, Presta was able to help get the film to play on Thursday, July 11 at 6 p.m. — for free — and for the first time on Long Island.

Gilbey, whose three children are EMS workers, developed the film after hearing the stories about what it was like being in emergency services pre, during and post COVID-19, plus the lack of funding these operations receive from the state and federal governments. The documentary was shot on location with EMS crews in Ossining, New York, and Montclair, New Jersey.

“The film has been circling the state for about a year now and it shows the challenges of delivering EMS services to the public,” Presta said, adding that local elected officials have been invited to attend.

“It helps paint a picture to the public and our politicians on what delivering EMS services in 2024 is like,” Presta added.

He noted that the Port Jefferson EMS helps and protects all of Port Jefferson and its surrounding communities including Mount Sinai and the Village of Port Jefferson, while also lending support to other local areas. 

When Presta started his career in Port Jefferson almost two decades ago, on average there were less than 1,000 calls per year. Now, he said, they’re around 3,500.

“It’s getting harder with rising costs to deliver EMS, not just here, but everywhere. Funding is needed to support that number of calls,” he said. “This movie will give people insight.”

Narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker, the goal of the documentary is to, “raise awareness of the systemic collapse of EMS and to advocate for change. Shockingly, most states don’t mandate the provision of EMS, so funding is unpredictable and inadequate. There is a critical workforce shortage, particularly in rural areas, which in turn has led to much longer response times.”

The goal, the documentary’s official website says, is to eventually get the film onto a streaming service so everyone can see it. On the film’s official website, people can donate to help fund that endeavor, as well.

And while Honorable But Broken is not part of the Port Jefferson Documentary Series, Kelly DeVine, head programmer of the series, said that when Presta approached her and Allan Varela, president of the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council, looking for help, both groups jumped to volunteer their resources. 

Working alongside Theatre Three, the arts council offered to lend the theatre their personal movie screen so that the film could be played at the venue.

“The Port Jefferson Documentary Series is focused on bringing high-quality films normally only seen at top festivals or art house screens to our audiences and curating those titles to support our community partners and create impactful communal experiences,” DeVine said. 

As for other films coming to Port Jefferson, the documentary series is moving to a new venue and day of the week. The Methodist Church on Main Street across from Theatre Three will now show its films on Thursdays starting in September.

Theatre Three is located at 412 Main Street in Port Jefferson. The screening is free and no reservations are required. For more information, call 631-928-9100. 

For more information on Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis, visit www.honorablebutbroken.org.

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A scene from 'We Feed People' Photo courtesy of National Geographic

By Melissa Arnold

When Russia first began its major assault on Ukraine earlier this year, the whole world turned its eyes on the conflict. As days turned into weeks and scenes of destruction played out on screens everywhere, it seemed like everyone had the same questions: How will this end? What can we do?

Among them was Lyn Boland, co-director of the Port Jefferson Documentary Series (PJDS). “I must ask myself at least once a day what more I could be doing, because this situation is so heartbreaking,” she said.

A scene from ‘We Feed People’
Photo courtesy of National Geographic

Boland, co-directors Barbara Sverd and Wendy Feinberg, and board members Honey Katz, Lorie Rothstein and Lynn Rein put their heads together to create an inspiring event to support Ukrainian people in need. On Monday, May 9, they will host a screening of the film We Feed People, a family-friendly documentary about generosity, food and its power to heal.

Directed by Ron Howard, the National Geographic film tells the story of chef Jose Andres, the Spanish-born founder of World Central Kitchen. The not-for-profit organization is dedicated to feeding communities impacted by natural disasters and humanitarian crises around the globe. 

“I have found that in the most challenging moments, food is the fastest way to rebuild a sense of community,” Andres said in the film. “A humble plate of food is just the beginning … there is no limit to what we can achieve when we come together and just start cooking.”

The documentary was already completed when Ukraine was invaded, but World Central Kitchen has been on the ground there ever since, helping to provide food and other basic needs.

Boland said that a contact from National Geographic reached out to the arts council recently, offering the film for consideration in the Port Jefferson Documentary Series. The spring lineup was already planned, but Boland asked if they’d be willing to screen the film as a benefit instead. All proceeds from the screening will be sent to World Central Kitchen to provide immediate support to Ukrainians in need. 

“Getting to see Jose Andres in action, and the embrace of humanity that he has, is incredible. He has a way of pulling everyone in,” Boland said.

A scene from ‘We Feed People’
Photo courtesy of National Geographic

Andres started from the bottom in various kitchens when he arrived in America in the 1990s. Over time, he worked his way through the ranks and eventually became a restaurant owner and cookbook author with his own massive following. He founded World Central Kitchen in 2010 in response to the earthquake in Haiti, and since then, it’s been his way of giving back through his greatest passions.

We Feed People takes viewers inside planes, trucks and kitchens as Andres and his team deliver food over a 10-year period. 

Following the movie screening, there will be a live Q&A session via Zoom with the film’s producer Meredith Kaulfers and Ukrainian singer Olha Tsvyntarna, who fled her country for safety a month and a half ago. Tom Needham, host of “The Sounds of Film” on 90.1 WUSB-FM radio, will serve as moderator.

“What’s happening in Ukraine is an abomination, and the people there need the whole world to step up and help them,” said Allan Varela, chair of the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, which sponsors the Port Jefferson Documentary Series. 

“Our mission at the arts council is to bring joy to our communities and expose people to ideas and subjects they may not otherwise know about. For us, we can use our artistic mission to raise awareness, create a fundraiser and ultimately do our part to assist the Ukrainian people.”

Varela also expressed gratitude to Lori and Tom Lucki of Riverhead Toyota for covering all expenses for the screening.

We Feed People: A Fundraiser for Ukraine will be held at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd, Port Jefferson Station on May 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.69 per person online at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com ($10 from each ticket will be sent to World Central Kitchen, and the remaining $0.69 will be used to cover Paypal fees for the donation) or $10 at the door (cash only). 

For more information about this event, email to [email protected].

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Pat Darling ran Santa's Workshop in Port Jefferson Village. File photo

By Allan Varela

The very successful 25th celebration of Port Jefferson’s Charles Dickens Festival has come to a close for this year, with energetic plans already in the works for the 26th celebration in 2022. Sadly, one of the many bright spots of the event, Santa’s Workshop, will not be returning. The historic Phillips Roe House, aka the Drowned Meadow House located on the corner of Barnum Avenue and West Broadway, which has played host to the workshop all these years, is officially becoming a year-round museum.

For the last seven Charles Dickens Festivals, Santa Claus and his elves came to life through the tireless work of the acclaimed confection artist Pat Darling. The whimsical workshop has welcomed both the young and young at heart to step back in time and reflect on the storybook charm of cherished memories of an era that has quietly faded. 

Snowflakes glistening high above the elaborate confection nutcrackers and giant turrets that have adorned the beautiful displays throughout the workshop area set the mood, while children were greeted by sugar trees and toy soldiers.

The wonderment continued into Hollyberry’s bedroom, an elaborate vignette that featured Hollyberry anticipating the night before Christmas as she busily wrapped presents. The nightscape background featured Santa in his sleigh high in the night sky, coming to visit the workshop. 

And visit he did, as the third room presented the real live Santa in all his glory, sitting in a giant arched chair as he greeted families. Smiles and happiness are the legacy of this special exhibit.

Pat Darling has charmed literally thousands of people over the years with her creative vision, inspiring execution and attention to detail that made Santa’s Workshop such a very special happening for the Dickens Festival. The workshop will be sorely missed, but the community at large will be eternally grateful for Ms. Darling’s resolute efforts.

Allan Varela serves as chair for the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council which hosts the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival.

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File photo by Kyle Barr/2019

By Allan Varela

Welcome to Dickens in December! The 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival has been gently extended with activities on Saturday, Dec. 11 and 18. The Village will present two concerts per day, one in the Masonic Lodge and one in the Village Center’s Skip Jack room. The not-to-be-missed Festival of Trees will delight all those who visit the Village Center’s second floor and the streets will once again play host to a host of Dickens street characters.

Saturday the 11th features Dave K at the Masonic Lodge at 1 p.m. and Sweet Melody Music Studio with the Blue Music Company and Sterling Sax at the Village Center at 3 p.m. Saturday the 18th features the Dorian Consort string trio at the Masonic Lodge at 1 p.m. with Songs of the Season returning at 3 p.m. in the Village Center. The concerts are free and masking up is highly recommended.

Come on down to say ‘happy holidays’ to our beloved Chimney Sweeps and hear caroling groups perform throughout the Village. The restaurants have all prepared a holiday repast, while the stores are ready to fulfill those special holiday gift requests. So, come one, come all — a splendid time is in store for everyone.

Allan Varela serves as chair for the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council which hosts the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival.

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The annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson was canceled in 2020 out of an abundance of caution. Photo by Glenn Tinnie

By Allan Varela

We are living in strange times with the political upheaval and the terrible, deadly pandemic hanging over our lives. Every day we are literally battered with controversy and bad news. 

There is one place of comfort, however. We find it in the arts. We listen to music and watch music videos. We turn on movies old and new and stream over the top shows that offer constant variation. We might even look at a book of visual art or search for fine art online. The arts are present when we sing a song together, when a family member plays the piano or guitar or draws a picture. Yes indeed. The arts are alive in our lives. But there is so much more to this cultural picture than the obvious I just stated.

Every day, in every way we live, our lives are surrounded by the work of artists. Look down at the chair you are sitting in while reading this story. That’s right, it was designed in part by an artist and created by artisans. Look around the room you are in. If you see wallpaper, it was designed by an artist. The color palette of the paint scheme in your home was created by an artist. The ring on your finger and the jewelry you wear were all designed by artists. 

Your clothes — designed by an artist; your home — designed by an artist; the car you drive — designed by an artist. You see, everything you live with and in was designed to some degree by an artist. Everything you use to express yourself to the world was designed… well, you get it!

I am writing this as a reminder that the arts and artists of all types are hurting right now. It is easy to say “So what?” but remembering the impact the arts have on our lives should lead to “How can I help?” There are numerous not-for-profit organizations that need our help. Those of us fortunate enough to financially weather our current storm need to reach out to support these groups as they support artists, the arts and the cultural life of our communities.

These organizations have found ways to present engaging concerts online, to show documentary films that include a Q&A with the director online or make reservations to see an exhibit whilst keeping to community health standards. But the revenue stream for ticket sales has dried up and I fear that some of the groups will begin to fall apart. 

The arts organizations have wonderful financial impact on our communities. Property values remain stable or increase in communities that offer arts programming. Every dollar invested in an Arts Council program brings back some four dollars in revenue from simple things like an audience buying gas to get to a show, to visiting a local restaurant for a meal before or after a show.

Cultural engagement is needed to keep our communities enriched and interesting. Financial engagement is what is needed to keep our cultural organizations alive. Please make a difference and donate, as you are able, to a local not-for-profit arts organization or museum. Even a small amount can make a big difference.

Allan Varela serves as chair for the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council which hosts the Port Jefferson Documentary Series, Charles Dickens Festival, WinterTide Concert Series, Sunset Concert Series and Fiddle & Folk Festival. To support or sponsor the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council,  please visit www.gpjac.org/sponsor.

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