Tags Posts tagged with "Heidi Sutton"

Heidi Sutton

The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police:

Centereach

■ Harbor Freight on Middle Country Road in Centereach called the police on Feb. 11 to report that a man allegedly stole a 3500 Watt Inverter Generator valued at approximately $850.

■ Ocean State Job Lot on Middle Country Road in Centereach reported a petit larceny on Feb. 10. A woman allegedly stole four backpacks, two Apple device chargers and two couch protectors. The items were valued at approximately $170.

Commack

■ Walmart on Crooked Hill Road in Commack reported a petit larceny on Feb. 6. A man and woman allegedly stole two TI-84 calculators, two webcams and miscellaneous household items valued at $380.

■ Ulta Beauty on Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack reported that a man allegedly stole $1200 worth of fragrances on Feb. 8.

■ A resident on Meadow Lark Drive in Commack reported that someone stole a wallet, debit cards and cash from a center console in their unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway on Feb. 7. Someone attempted to use the debit cards at a 7-Eleven but were unsuccessful.

■ Home Depot on Jericho Turnpike in Commack reported a shoplifter on Feb. 10. A man allegedly stole wire worth approximately $1200.

■ Famous Footwear on Jericho Turnpike in Commack called the police on Feb. 9 to report that a man and a woman allegedly worked together to steal three pairs of shoes worth approximately $350.

East Northport

■ A resident on Ketcham Court in East Northport reported the theft of a 2019 BMW X5 worth $70,000 on Feb. 9. The vehicle had been parked on the driveway and had been locked.

Fort Salonga

CVS on Fort Salonga Road in Fort Salonga reported a petit larceny on Feb. 9. Two men allegedly stole assorted over the counter medications valued at approximately $250.

Halesite

Juniors Pizza on New York Avenue in Halesite reported a burglary on Feb. 11. A man allegedly pried open the back door and stole cash from the register.

Hauppauge

■ A resident on Lincoln Blvd. in Hauppauge called the police on Feb. 7 to report that someone cut the lock off of their garage door and stole two rims and two tires and two ATVs. The items were valued at approximately $14,000.

■ Dunkin Donuts on Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge reported a burglary on Feb. 7. The front glass door was broken by a large rock and an undetermined amount of cash was stolen from three registers.

Head of the Harbor

■ A resident on Wicks Lane in Head of the Harbor called the police on Feb. 8 to report that someone stole a 2021 Mercedes Benz G63 valued at $280,000 from their home.

Huntington Station

■ Bloomingdales on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station reported that two men allegedly stole 12 men’s polo shirts valued at approximately $1500 on Feb. 8.

■ A food delivery driver reported being held up by two men on Leyden Street in Huntington Station who displayed a firearm on Feb. 11. An iPhone, wallet, cash and bank cards were stolen. The victim was not injured.

 ■ Marshalls on New York Ave. in Huntington Station reported a petit larceny on Feb. 8. A man allegedly stole a shopping cart filled with assorted clothing valued at approximately $900.

Kings Park

■ A resident on Cypress Drive in Kings Park called the police on Feb. 7 to report that items including cash and credit cards were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in front of their home. 

Lake Grove

■ Macy’s at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove reported a petit larceny on Feb. 9. Two unknown suspects allegedly stole assorted clothing valued at approximately $680. 

■ A resident on Laurelton Ave. in Lake Grove called the police on Feb. 10 to report the theft of a 2005 Yamaha ATV chained to a camper on the driveway. The vehicle was valued at approximately $2000.

Lake Ronkonkoma

■ Lake Liquors on Hawkins Ave. in Lake Ronkonkoma reported that a man entered the store on Feb. 7 and allegedly hid a bottle of Jack Daniels in his jacket before walking out. The item was valued at $31.

Melville 

■ Two men entered AT&T on Walt Whitman Road in Melville on Feb. 9 and allegedly stole three iPhone 13s. The merchandise was valued at approximately $2,900.

Port Jefferson Station

■ A resident on Piedmont Drive in Port Jefferson Station reported that an Amazon package had been stolen from their doorstep on Feb. 5. The value of the items was approximately $150.

■ A resident on Grove Street in Port Jefferson Station called the police on Feb. 9 to report the theft of a catalytic converter from a 2001 Honda Accord that was parked in front of the house. The stolen item was valued at approximately $800.

Rocky Point

■ A resident on Dawn Road in Rocky Point reported that someone stole an American flag from their porch on Feb. 9.

Smithtown

■ A car parked at St. Catherine Medical Center on Route 25A in Smithtown was broken into on Feb. 5 by an unknown suspect who stole a wallet and keys.

■ A 2005 Jeep  parked at the LIRR station in Smithtown was reported stolen on Feb. 10. A spare key had been left in the center console. The vehicle was valued at $2000.

South Setauket

■ Home Depot on Pond Path in South Setauket reported a shoplifter on Feb. 8. A woman allegedly stole two Milwaukee grinders and a Makita circular saw. The items were valued at approximately $275.

■ Target on Pond Path in South Setauket reported a petit larceny on Feb. 5. A man and a woman entered the store, went to the video game section, used a special magnet key to open the cabinet and allegedly stole 13 various video games valued at approximately $700.

Stony Brook

■ The theft of road and field equipment from a job site on Oxhead Road in Stony Brook was reported on Feb. 10. Stolen items included a Ground Penetrating Radar and highway construction materials valued at $1,000. The items had been left on the side of the road while a crew was measuring underground utilities.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police:

Commack

■ Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives are investigating a robbery that occurred at a Commack bank on Dec. 29. A man entered Capital One, located at 2050 Jericho Turnpike, at approximately 11:50 a.m. and allegedly handed a teller a note threatening violence and demanding money. The teller gave the man cash from the drawer and the man fled on foot. The man was wearing a mask, a hooded sweatshirt with the hood up, a ski cap and gloves. Update: Suspect is in custody.

■ Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives are also investigating a robbery that occurred at a HSBC bank in Commack on Dec. 29. A man entered the bank, located at 5880 Jericho Turnpike, at approximately 4:35 p.m. and allegedly handed an employee a note threatening violence and demanding money. The teller complied and the man fled on foot. The man was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt under a dark colored jacket. His hood was up and he was also wearing a blue baseball cap, a blue face mask, and gloves. Update: Suspect is in custody.

■ A person allegedly stole a 2021 black Mazda 3 that was parked in the driveway of Balsam Lane in Commack on Jan. 4 at 12:30 a.m.

■ Two men walked into Walmart on Crooked Hill Road in Commack on Jan. 3 at 1:40 p.m. and allegedly stole two coffee machines and two Kitchen-Aid machines.

■ An unidentified person in a car allegedly took two outgoing payment checks from a mailbox on Holly Drive in Commack on Jan. 3. The incident was caught on a neighbor’s Ring security camera.

East Northport

■ Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives are investigating a robbery that occurred at an East Northport bank in the afternoon of Jan. 3. A man entered Citibank, located on Larkfield Road, and allegedly handed an employee a note threatening violence and demanding money at approximately 3:45 p.m. The teller complied and the man fled on foot. The man is white and was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt under a dark colored jacket. He was also wearing a COVID facemask. Update: Suspect is in custody.

■ A person allegedly removed a catalytic converter from a 2003 Ford F250 parked on the street in front of a residence on Grant Street in East Northport on Jan. 3.

■ A catalytic converter was removed from a 1999 Honda Accord parked on 4th Street on the corner of 5th Avenue in East Northport on Jan. 3.

■ The theft of a catalytic converter from a 2009 Toyota Prius parked on Harding Street in East Northport was reported on Jan. 3.

■ A catalytic converter was removed from a 2005 Honda Accord parked in front of a residence on Heath Lane in East Northport on Jan. 5.

East Setauket

■ BJ’s Wholesale Club on Nesconset Highway in East Setauket reported that 12 cases of beer were stolen on Jan 5 at 12:50 p.m. The items were allegedly placed in a shopping cart by an adult male who then exited the store without paying for them. The items are valued at approximately $365.

■ The police were summoned to Walmart on Nesconset Highway in East Setauket to investigate a petit larceny on Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. An unidentified female allegedly took miscellaneous household items valued at $25 and walked out of the store without paying.

Hauppauge

■ Lynbrook Glass on Motor Parkway in Hauppauge reported that several catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles on their property on Jan 1 at 2 a.m.

Huntington

■ A wallet containing credit cards and cash was stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence on La Rue Drive in Huntington on Jan. 3 at 9 p.m. 

■ A 1999 Chrysler Town and Country was stolen from a residence on Meadowlawn Street in Huntington on Jan. 5. The owner reported that the keys had been left in the vehicle.

Huntington Station

■ Rite Aid on West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station reported the alleged theft of 10 cases of beer by an unidentified man on Jan. 2 at 5:40 p.m. 

Kings Park

■ A Razor E200 electric scooter was stolen from outside T.J. Maxx on Indian Head Road in Kings Park on Jan. 5 at 4:30 p.m. 

Lake Grove

■ Mayra’s Bakery on Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove was the victim of a scam on Dec. 28, 2021. A caller allegedly claiming to be a PSEG employee told the owner they would shut the power off to the bakery if they didn’t send a payment. A payment was made over the phone using a bank card.

■ Police were summoned to Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove on Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. after two women allegedly placed assorted clothing in bags and left the store without paying for it.

Mount Sinai

■ A resident on Mount Sinai Coram Road in Mount Sinai called the police on Jan. 2 at 1 a.m. to report license plates were stolen off a vehicle parked in front of his home.

Port Jefferson

■ Miscellaneous groceries were reported stolen from Cafe Latino on Main Street in Port Jefferson on Jan. 3 at 3 p.m. The value was estimated at $15.

Port Jefferson Station

■ On Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. a resident on Rush Street in Port Jefferson Station reported that approximately $500 in gift cards and cash had been stolen from a wallet inside the home.

Rocky Point

■ While loading groceries into trunk at Stop & Shop on Route 25A in Rocky Point on Jan. 3 around 6:30 p.m., a woman left her pocketbook in the shopping cart and drove away. When she returned to retrieve it the pocketbook containing her wallet and cellphone were gone. No one turned the purse in

Selden

■ Employees at Home Depot on Middle Country Road in Selden called police on Jan. 4 to report merchandise including copper wire had been allegedly stolen by two males. The items were placed on a utility cart and the two suspects walked out of the store without paying. Estimated value of the items is $6800.

■ A woman called the police on Jan. 4 at 4:45 p.m. to report that her wallet had been stolen while she was shopping at ShopRite on Middle Country Road in Selden.

■ Police were summoned to Home Depot on Middle Country Road in Selden on Jan. 4 at 3:30 p.m. after two adult males allegedly walked out without paying for two cordless nail guns valued at a total of $360. 

■ Home Depot on Middle Country Road in Selden called police on Jan. 5 at 12:40 p.m. to report that a spool of copper wire valued at approximately $430 had been allegedly stolen by an adult male.

■ On Jan 6 at 1:15 a.m. a resident on Hawkins Road in Selden reported that a laptop and some personal items were allegedly stolen from a car parked in the street in front of the resident’s home. 

■ A manager at Walgreens on Middle Country Road in Selden called the police on Jan. 6 at 9:40 p.m. to report that two cases of Heineken beer were stolen from the store.

South Setauket

■ Target on Pond Path in South Setauket reported on Jan. 2 at 3:15 p.m. that an unidentified woman allegedly switched price stickers on four LEGO sets before purchasing them. The original price was listed at $570.

Stony Brook

■ Lowes on Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook called the police on Jan. 2 at 1:45 p.m. to report an adult male allegedly stole two garage door openers valued at approximately $450 in total.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

The tree at Heritage Park in Mount Sinai will be lit on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. File photo by Kyle Barr

By Heidi Sutton

Enjoy caroling, treats, tree lightings, special visits from Santa, and more on the North Shore this weekend. Check next week’s TIMES … and dates for tree lightings taking place on Dec. 11 and 12.

Cold Spring Harbor

The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will host a tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. Santa Claus will light the hatchery’s Christmas Tree at 5:30 p.m. Free admission. Suggested donation of $10 per family. 516- 692-6768.

Greenlawn

The Greenlawn Civic Association hosts a will host a “Meet at the Tree” Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 4 at 3:30 p.m. at the Harborfields Public Library Front Circle. Join them for a celebration that includes holiday music, hot cocoa and treats, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus with the Greenlawn Fire Department. A food/gift card drive will also take place to benefit HACO. www.greenlawncivic.org.

Kings Park

The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Veterans Plaza, King Park on Dec. 4 at 4:15 p.m. Enjoy holiday music selections followed by invocation and welcome remarks from the chamber with hot chocolate and cookies for all. 631-269-7678

Mount Sinai

Join the Heritage Trust and the Mount Sinai Fire Department for a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. Listen to carols, enjoy hot chocolate and visit with Santa. 631-509-0882.

St. James

The St. James Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a Christmas Tree Lighting at Deepwells Farm County Park, 2 Taylor Lane, St. James on Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. with holiday music, pictures with Santa, cookies and hot chocolate. 631-584-8510.

Stony Brook

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts a Holiday Tree Lighting at the Stony Brook Village Center Green, 111 Main St., Stony Brook on Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. as part of the WMHO’s 42nd annual Holiday Festival. 631-751-2244.

Wading River

Join The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River for a Holiday Tree Lighting on Dec. 4 from 3 to 7 p.m. Stop by to put a letter in Santa’s mailbox, enjoy music and dancing, and more holiday fun including holiday shopping at their Winter Fest. Santa arrives on a Fire Truck to light the tree and take free photo with families. Santa will also be at the Shoppes on Dec. 11 and 18 from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. 631-929-3500

The cast, from left, Lizzie Dolce, Matt Rafanelli, Justin Autz, Meaghan McInnes and Jae Hughes. Photo from Engeman Theater

By Heidi Sutton

As the weather outside becomes frightful, the Engeman Theater in Northport invites families inside for a heartwarming production of Frosty. The terrific cast, directed by Jennifer Collester with stage manager Jillian Sharpe, brings the holiday musical to life with catchy sing-alongs and plenty of audience participation. 

The narrator (Lizzie Dolce) introduces us to Jenny (Meaghan McInnes), a young girl who lives in Chillsville, “a little town way up north that is always covered with a fresh blanket of snow.” The daughter of the Mayor (Matt Rafanelli), Jenny’s favorite thing to do is to play outside. With help from her father, she builds a snowman and names him Frosty. When Jenny puts a scarf around him, Frosty (Justin Autz) magically comes to life and the two become fast friends.

On the other side of town, Ebenezer Pierpot (Jae Hughes), the president of Pierpot Enterprises (a manufacturer of snow shovels, snowblowers, and ice scrapers), wants to build a bigger factory in the park but can’t do that with all the snow. During a meeting at town hall, Pierpot tricks the Mayor into signing a contract to build a machine that will melt all the snow in the town, putting Frosty’s life in jeopardy. 

With Chillsville getting warmer by the minute, will Jenny come up with a plan to save Frosty or will he turn into a large puddle of water with a carrot?

I always look forward to reviewing this show because I love to see the children’s faces light up when they realize that they have been invited to become part of the production. They move to the edge of their seats with eager anticipation as they wait for the next question from the narrator or the cast and the next sing-a-long to join in.

During the performance the audience is asked what Jenny should do today (Build a snowman!), to come up with a plan to save Frosty (Move to another town!), help Jenny write a letter to her dad, and wish for snow (and it works!) They also join the narrator in the fun opening number, “Snow!” and the entire cast in a lively rendition of “Frosty the Snowman.”

With the ultimate message that love “is pretty powerful stuff,” this is the perfect show to introduce a child to live theater and is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Frosty through Jan. 2. Running time is 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Children’s theater continues with Disney’s Frozen Jr. from Jan. 29 to Feb. 27 and Madagascar – A Musical Adventure from March 26 to May 1. All seats are $20. For more information or to order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

By Heidi Sutton

The holidays have arrived at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson with the 37th annual production of A Christmas Carol. In the lobby the garland is hung and the tree is trimmed and in the Mainstage theater the Victorian London set awaits the wonderful imagination of Charles Dickens and the beloved retelling of a classic tale of redemption.

Based on Dickens’ 1843 novella of the same name, A Christmas Carol introduces the audience to Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter and miserly man who has chosen “the world of business” over love, friendships and community. We first meet Scrooge “of all the good days of the year” on Christmas Eve, exactly 7 years since his business partner Jacob Marley died, as he snaps at his clerk Bob Cratchit, dismisses his nephew Fred Halliwell and chases carolers away. We see Want in the corner, a specter who will haunt Scrooge the entire show.

Later that evening Scrooge is visited by Marley’s ghost who offers him a precious gift — one last chance at redemption. Draped in the heavy chains he has forged in life, Marley warns Scrooge he will be visited by three spirits — the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future – in an attempt to save his immortal soul.

In one of the most important parts of the show, the Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge “the shadows of things that have been” — a series of events that led him to become the man he is today — from his mother dying at childbirth; his time at Wellington House, the boarding school where he spent many Christmases alone as a boy; his loving relationship with his sister Fan and his apprenticeship with the kind-hearted Fezziwig where he proposes to his first and only love, Belle.

The shadows also reveal the exact moment when he chooses to go into a business partnership with Marley (“and so it began”) and is overtaken by greed; when Belle walks out of his life; how he turns on Fezziwig; and the death of Fan.

The cheeky Ghost of Christmas Present arrives to teach Scrooge the joys of mankind. The first stop is Bob Cratchit’s home where he finds out about Tiny Tim’s failing health and that Cratchit’s oldest daughter works long hours in the workhouses to help the family pay their bills. Scrooge’s concern is evident. The mood lightens at a dinner party hosted by his nephew where the guests mock him in spirit during a game and compare him to a bear.

A daunting 14-foot Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge the shadows of what is yet to come, including his own death and how it affects those he has wronged. The frightening notion is exactly what the miser needs to turn his life around. His transformation on Christmas Day, especially in his interaction with Want, is a joy to watch. In the end, Scrooge discovers that old Fezziwig was right all along and that love is the only thing in life worth having.

Adapted for the stage by Theatre Three’s Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel, the show evolves and changes every year, keeping it fresh and exciting. This year the show features a revised underscoring created by musical director Brad Frey, slight changes to the opening and closing, a shivaree, and due to COVID regulations, Tiny Tim is a puppet, designed by gifted puppet designer Austin Michael Costello. 

The entire cast is excellent, with many playing multiple roles. Sanzel, who has played the role of Scrooge in over 1400 performances, is fascinating to watch. Slightly hunched over, his character walks slowly with a cane and eases into a chair with a groan. But when the Ghost of Christmas Past brings him to Fezziwig’s Christmas Party, he jumps out of the shadows with a straight back and becomes a young man again dancing the night away with Belle. 

Special mention must also be made of Douglas J. Quattrock in the role of Scrooge’s loyal clerk Bob Cratchitt (a role he has played over 750 times) whose love for his family and the holidays is unconditional. His character’s attempt to be strong for his family while his child is very sick tugs at the heartstrings.

The Victorian set, designed by Randall Parsons, is most impressive with fireplaces that glow, a four-poster bed that tucks away neatly into the wall when the set transforms to the London streets, a church with stained glass windows, and a living home decked out for the holidays. The period costumes, also designed by Parsons, are perfectly on point and the lighting and sound design by Robert W. Henderson Jr. is truly magical, a word that also best describes the entire production.

Sanzel says it best in his director’s notes.“A Christmas Carol is a beautiful reminder that we are members of a community and that our responsibilities go beyond ourselves. Scrooge’s pledge to Tiny Tim’s future shows his ability to help those in his life; his embrace of the specter of Want shows his commitment to the world entire. Dickens’ message is one not just for Christmas but for always.”

Don’t miss this beautiful show.

Arrive early and be treated to a selection of Christmas carols by the actors on the Second Stage on the lower level and stay after for a Polaroid photo with Scrooge for $5 to support the theater’s scholarship fund or take one with your cellphone at no charge. 

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents A Christmas Carol through Dec. 26. A special abridged sensory-sensitive performance will be held on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. Running time is 2 hours with one intermission. Tickets are $20 each in November; $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12 in December. For more information or to order tickets, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

By Heidi Sutton

On Nov. 11, VFW Post 3054 hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park on Route 25A. The well-attended event paid tribute to the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country.

“Today we celebrate the millions of veterans who have ensured our freedom since America’s humble beginnings. That freedom is here because of the selfless that have continued to stand up, raise their right hand to take an oath and commit to ensuring liberty for all. Throughout our history, our veterans have answered the call to service and we all reap the many benefits of their selflessness. We celebrate their determination, dedication and unwavering patriotism,” said VFW Post 3054 Commander Reanna Fulton during the poignant ceremony.

Fulton’s son, Blake, a 5th-grader at Minnesauke Elementary School, read a speech he had prepared to thank all veterans. “Today is a day to celebrate all the veterans who served … Recent studies say that gratitude leads to happier, healthier and long-lasting life. Be grateful for our veterans and say thank you to them for their sacrifices.”

VFW Post 3054 Chaplain Mike Russell read the opening prayer and as in years past there was the traditional rifle salute and the playing of taps by Richard Wiederman followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

Bobby White from the American Legion Irving Hart Post 1766; Commander Earl Willoughby of the American Legion Harbor Post 417; Larry Coll of VFW Post 3054; Cub Scouts Pack 333 and Pack 18; and Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket), Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) and state Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) took turns laying a wreath at the park’s monument which honors members of the community who perished in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

“For those of us who are here today, we know the importance of honoring the sacrifices of veterans and their families. … I hope today serves to motivate us all with a renewed sense of patriotism, purpose and pride,” added Fulton.

 Photos by Heidi Sutton

By Heidi Sutton

Parking spaces were a hot commodity at the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 31st annual Halloween Festival on Oct. 29. The spooktacular event, which took place at the picturesque Stony Brook Village Center, attracted hundreds of families who spent the afternoon trick-or-treating at the many shops and restaurants, playing games, and dancing to the Monster Mash, courtesy of WALK 97.5. 

One of the highlights of the festival was a Halloween parade throughout the center led by the 12-foot-tall Monster Merlin who took photos with visitors throughout the day. The winners of the annual Scarecrow Competition were also announced. (Visit www.tbrnewsmedia.com for winners)

“It’s so wonderful to see everybody together again,” said Gloria Rocchio, WMHO president.

The fun event was sponsored by Suffolk Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy, the RJG Consulting Group, Dr. Robert Quilty and Gold Fish Swim School. 

Up next for the WMHO is its 42nd annual Holiday Festival on Dec. 5 and the annual Holiday Tree Competition from Dec. 5 to 20. For more information, visit www.wmho.org.

The talented cast, from left, Gabrielle Arroyo, Alexa Oliveto, Ari Spiegel, Lorelai Mucciolo, Max Lamberg and Derek Hough. Photo by Heidi Sutton

By Heidi Sutton

For too short a time, Mo Willem’s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! flies off its pages and takes roost on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society in a children’s musical production by the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts that is too cute for words!

Written in 2003, it was Willems’ first book for children, and received the Caldecott Honor the following year. The book’s appeal was that it spoke to the reader throughout the story as a bus driver asks the audience to not let the pigeon drive the bus while he has to step away for a moment. The remainder of the story is the pigeon pleading with the reader to let him drive the bus … until he sees a semi-trailer truck.

While Willems went on to write many more Pigeon books, his debut novella was turned into a musical in 2019 and now comes to life in Smithtown through Sept. 17.

Directed by Evan Donnellan, with musical direction by Robbie Torres, the 6-member cast embrace this clever script and jazzy score and run with it.

The pigeon has a complaint. He never gets to do anything. When the park gets a new bus stop, he gets his first glimpse at the beautiful shiny bus and … he wants to drive it! As passengers board the bus, the pigeon begs and pleads but the bus driver won’t give in. When the bus suddenly won’t start and all the passengers begin to panic, the pigeon realizes he just might get a chance to do something after all.

Uber talented Derek Hough is perfectly cast as the pigeon. Every line, song and dance number is executed perfectly and he quickly becomes an audience favorite who complains about the lack of adventure in his life. When the pigeon is tasked with flying to all the other bus stops on the route to tell them the bus is running late, Hough runs through the audience and relays the message to all of the young children, a highlight of the show.

Gabrielle Arroyo shines as the enthusiastic bus driver who boasts that her bus, like all public transportation, must always be on time. (LOL) Her three passengers are terrific as well. Lorelai Mucciolo’s transformation into a little old lady who has a purse full of bird seed (and likes to throw it at the pigeon) is hilarious; Ari Spiegel as the high strung business man late for his first day at a new job is spot on; and Max Lamberg as a superhero-obsessed teenager who wants to catch the premiere of a new movie is excellent. Alexa Oliveto, as the “voice” of the bus engine, is tasked with delivering the silliest and hardest lines and does so with ease.

The songs, written by Mo Willems and Deborah Wicks La Puma, are catchy and fun with special mention to the fast-paced “Panic at the Bus Stop” and “Let Me Drive the Bus” and the melodramatic “What Could Have Been.” The set, painted in the same shades as the book, and the creative costumes by Ronald R. Green III tie the production together nicely. Catch a performance before it flies the coop.

The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown on various dates and times through Sept. 17. Running time is 50 minutes with no intermission. While folding chairs are available, theatergoers are welcome to bring blankets or chairs for seating and bathrooms are available on the premises. Tickets are $18 per person. To order, call 631-724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

 

Photo by Kyle Barr

By Heidi Sutton

Lovers of all things Greek will gather at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Port Jefferson this weekend when the church hosts its 59th annual Greek Festival on Friday, Aug. 20 from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 21 from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 22 from noon to 10 p.m. The event will feature carnival rides, a variety of vendors, fireworks, church tours, live music, dancing and of course, traditional culinary delights.

Authentic mouth-watering foods such as gyros, tiropita (cheese pie), souvlaki, and spanakopita (spinach pie) will be served up, along with sweet desserts such as galaktoboureko, koulourakia, baklava and loukoumades, a fried dough pastry favorite.

One of the main attractions at the festival is the over-the-top sweepstakes that the church holds. This year 200 prizes will be awarded from cars — a 2022 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 W4 is first prize — to a trip to Greece, cash prizes; Xbox; New York Giants tickets; a10-inch iPad; a 24″ Smart TV, gift cards and much more. Tickets for the sweepstakes are $100 each, limited to 3,999 tickets — meaning that one out of 20 will win a prize. The drawing will be held on Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. 

Fireworks will be held on Friday and Saturday nights at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Free shuttle buses will pick up attendees from Ward Melville High School, 380 Old Town Road, East Setauket to transport them to festival on Saturday and Sunday only. Parking is also available at BASF Corporation across the street from the church. Admission to the festival is $2 requested donation per person.

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption is located at 430 Sheep Pasture Road in Port Jefferson. For more information, call the church office at 631-473-0894 or visit www.portjeffgreekfest.com.