Easter is right around the corner! Celebrate early at one of the following pancake breakfasts with a visit from the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget your camera!
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Selden Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary & Jr. Company will be hosting their annual breakfast with the Easter Bunny, at Engine #1, 44 Woodmere Place, Selden from 8 a.m. to noon with pancakes, raffles to win some Easter Basket goodies, and pictures with the Easter Bunny. $12 per person at the door. Children under the age of 3 are free. 631-732-1234
Pancakes with the Easter Bunny
Mt. Sinai Fire Department Company 1, 746 Mt. Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai hosts its 15th annual Pancakes with the Easter Bunny from 8 a.m. to noon. Come out and eat some pancakes, see the Easter Bunny and take a chance on a raffle. Admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children, children under age 4 are free at the door. For more information, call 631-530-3820.
Pancake Breakfast w/Easter Bunny
The Polish American Independent Ladies Auxiliary presents a Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Polish American Independent Club, 35 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station with seatings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and fruit served with orange juice, coffee and tea, free photo booth and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny! Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children ages 6 to 17, $2 ages 5 and under at the door. Call 516-383-3456 for more information.
Ribbon for Chick-Fil-A in Selden on April 1, 2025. Photo courtesy of Brookhaven Town Clerk LaValle's office
Ribbon for Chick-Fil-A in Selden on April 1, 2025. Photo courtesy of Brookhaven Town Clerk LaValle's office
By Heidi Sutton
A new Chick-fil-A® restaurant began serving the Selden community on Tuesday, April 1. The event kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, Tabatha Fajardo from Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa’s office, Penny Hines from New York State Senator Dean Murray’s office, Thomas Lupo on behalf of Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Ryan Gessner from the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, staff, and members of the community. Franchise owner Stan Abrahamsen and his wife Debbie cut the ribbon.
Located in the College Plaza shopping center at 949 Middle Country Road, the 5,500-square-foot restaurant will be open for drive-thru, dine-in and delivery from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The new restaurant will also feature Mobile Thru, a fully dedicated lane in the drive-thru where Guests can pick up orders placed ahead of time on the Chick-fil-A App®.
The Selden restaurant joins 10 other Chick-fil-A restaurants serving Long Island, including Port Jefferson Station, Commack, Smithtown, Huntington, Farmingdale and the recently opened location in Farmingville in Suffolk County. Additional restaurants are planned for Medford, West Babylon and Lake Ronkonkoma.
Stan Abrahamsen, who also operates the Port Jefferson Station location, will be responsible for all day-to-day activities of the Selden business, including employing approximately 120 full- and part-time team members, “serving guests, cultivating relationships with local organizations and businesses, and tailoring philanthropic efforts to meet the Selden community’s needs,” according to a press release.
According to the release, Abrahamsen has lived on Long Island for 38 years and has spent more than two decades as a small business owner, building a career rooted in hospitality and service. His journey with Chick-fil-A began in 2015 when he became the local owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Port Jefferson Station, which was the first free-standing Chick-fil-A restaurant in New York state. He will continue to operate the Port Jefferson Station restaurant in addition to the new restaurant in Selden.
“As a longtime Suffolk County resident and the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Port Jefferson, I’m honored to continue serving my neighbors and making a positive impact in the community that I call home,” Abrahamsen said. “At Chick-fil-A Selden, my focus is on building a welcoming, service-driven culture and helping my Team Members grow — both personally and professionally.”
Chick-Fil-A in Selden. Photo by Heidi Sutton
According to the press release, Chick-fil-A business is built to add positive impact beyond profit, including giving back to local communities. Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators are empowered to support the neighborhoods they serve with a key focus on hunger, education, and specific community needs.
In celebration of the opening, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has donated $25,000 to Feeding America in honor of the new restaurant. These funds will be distributed to partners in the greater Long Island area to aid in the fight against hunger.
Abrahamsen’s restaurant will plan to participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, an initiative that redirects surplus food from the restaurant to local soup kitchens, shelters, food banks and nonprofits in need. To date, more than 35 million meals have been created from Chick-fil-A Shared Table donations from over 2,300 Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the U.S. and Canada.
In addition, Chick-fil-A Selden is recognizing 100 local heroes making an impact in the Selden area by providing them with free Chick-fil-A entrées for a year.
“With this opening and the impending opening of Aspen Dental next door it marks the redevelopment of two lots that were empty or barely used for well over a decade. Wishing Chick-fil-A success as they serve up delicious food and great hospitality to the community. Stop by and check them out!” said Town Clerk LaValle.
For the latest news and updates on Chick-fil-A Selden visit the local restaurant’s Facebook page. For more information about Chick-fil-A and stories about the Brand’s food, people and customers across the country, visit chick-fil-a.com.
Steven Zaitz won first place in the NYPA Best Sports Feature Photo category for the above photo.
By Heidi Sutton
The New York Press Association announced the winners of its 2024 Better Newspaper Contest during NYPA’s annual Spring Conference at The Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs on March 20 and 21.
Over 130 newspapers in New York State took part in the annual event celebrating newspaper excellence and community journalism with 2,082 entries competing for 280 awards in 71 categories covering the editorial, advertising and circulation efforts of the state’s dailies and weeklies. Members of the Missouri Press Association were tasked with judging this year’s contest.
TBR News Media, which has 6 newspapers along the North Shore of Suffolk County, was honored with a fitting 6 awards for excellence this year including two first place awards.
Reporter Lynn Hallarman captured first place in the Best Spot News Coverage category for her November 2024 article titled “FEMA denies aid to Stony Brook, state and local officials fight back” on the after effects of the North Shore storm that caused widespread flooding, leading to road closures and extensive property damage to homes and businesses and breached the dams at Stump Pond in Smithtown and Mill Pond in Stony Brook back in August The judge wrote,”Wow! What a phenomenal piece with huge impact to the community. Great writing, in-depth reporting and photography.”
Former news editor Toni-Elena Gallo snagged second place in the same category for her article titled “Storm ravages the North Shore” in August 2024 which addressed each town on the North Shore severely impacted by the flooding. “Great reporting and photos showing storm damage, officials and impact to local wildlife. I really liked the way you broke down and explained each area of impact. It was a well-written report that kept my interested throughout,” commented the judge.
Sports reporter and photographer Steven Zaitz won first place for Best Sports Feature Photo for the photograph on the right titled “Oh-Kay!” which accompanied Zaitz’s article “Evan Kay’s stellar pitching propels Commack to second consecutive Long Island championship” in June 2024.
“The lead photo is full of peak emotion,” wrote the judge. “The player leaping makes the image come alive, creating a focal point that helps organize the image. The flying ball glove is a bonus. The other two photos in the package are also full of emotion with clean backgrounds.”
Art/Production Director Beth Heller Mason won second place for Best Small Space Ad for the design of a 1/4 page ad for the Port Jefferson Lions Club Car Show in September 2024. “Ad full of stuff but you made it feel less crowded and very clean. Way to work it! Great job,” wrote the judge.
The production department also won second place in the Best Multi-Advertiser Pages category for “Shop Local!” box page ads in TBR’s Time for Giving holiday supplement with the judge commenting, “Nice, clean, easy-to read layout.”
Rounding out the awards, Classifieds Director Sheila Murray won third place for Best Classified Advertising with the judge commenting how he liked the clean layout and how it was well organized.
“As with every year, I am proud of the accolades and recognition of our staff members,” said TBR News Media publisher Leah Dunaief.
“We are honored to be among the winners recognized by our peers in the New York Press Association but that is not our main purpose, which is to serve our readers and advertisers in the best way possible. Congratulations to the talented and hard working staff of Times Beacon Record News Media!” she said.
For a full list of winners, visit nynewspapers.com/nypa/better-newspaper-contest/
Sal Filosa and Jenny Bloom cut the ribbon for the new Teen Center at 205 Main Street on March 14.
Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
By Heidi Sutton
It’s been 10 years in the making but it was all worth it when the doors to the new Port Jefferson Free Library Teen Center swung open after a ribbon cutting event on March 14. A large crowd, including Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, attended the celebration which continued into the evening and at an Open House on March 15.
According to a press release, the library purchased the 1812 Bayles house at 205 East Main Street 10 years ago with plans of turning the former “Scented Cottage” store into a Teen Center which had been operating out of a rental space across the street from the library.
New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich present certificates to staff of the Port Jefferson Free Library. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
A designated “Safe Space,” the new Teen Center features “multiple small rooms offering teens the ability to browse the library’s book, video and game collections, get homework and college application help, play board and video games, access craft supplies or participate in the busy schedule of program offerings,” according to the release. The Center, which is geared for teens in grades 6-12, also features a 3-D printer, homework stations and laptop computers.
Working with BBS Architecture and Belfor Property Restoration, the library preserved much of the building’s charm, including 5 fireplaces, a beehive oven, the front “Dutch Door,” and the original pine floors. A covered front porch was added after Kate Von der Heyden of the Port Jefferson Historical Society shared historic photos which showed a previously existing Greek Revival-style porch. Amendments include a wheelchair lift and wider doorways.
“The reputation of this institution transcends the boundaries of the village. This is a draw for kids not just in this community but all the surrounding communities. I want to thank you for putting this together and for doing it in such a sensitive way that it maintains the streetscape and the look and feel of the village; it is such a great enhancement,” said Councilmember Kornreich.
“I am so grateful to this library board, to the leadership here and to the community for having the foresight to obtain this historic building, maintain it and renovate so that it can continue to be part of the beating heart of our library system and be a safe, wonderful and fun place for the teens,” said Assemblywoman Kassay.
“… So proud to walk through these doors for the first time and see what’s inside. I want to use it! There’s a nook and cranny for everything. I’m so glad that my nieces and my nephews and their friends will be able to use it as they come through middle school into the high school … It’s an incredible facility and what a great resource for them,” said Mayor Sheprow, who went on to thank Head of Teen Services Sal Filosa and Library Director Jenny Bloom for bringing the Teen Center to fruition.
“Growing from our one-room rental space to multiple rooms with a covered porch offers a variety of spaces for teens to relax, do homework, play games, or create art. We hope they consider the Teen Center to be their new ‘home away from home,” said Filosa.
“The restoration of the Bayles House and development of the new Teen Center has been the dream of a decade of Board Trustees, Staff, and community members, and the Library is very proud to welcome the community to the grand opening, and for teens for generations to come,” added Bloom.
The Teen Center is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 631-509-5707.
Beginning in May, Long Islanders will have even more options to fly the friendly skies.
Avelo Airlines announced on March 11 that the Houston-based airline will begin offering non-stop flights from Islip’s MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma to Charlotte, North Carolina (Concord-Padgett Regional Airport) beginning May 22; and to Wilmington, North Carolina (Coastal Carolina Wilmington International Airport) beginning June 12 with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays.
The airline also announced that it will offer non-stop flights from MacArthur Airport to Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, Florida starting June 12 also with twice weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays.
One-way introductory fares start at $59*, according to the press release. Avelo will operate these routes utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircrafts. Travelers can book at AveloAir.com.
“We are so excited to welcome Avelo Airlines and value their focus on serving smaller, more convenient airports like Islip’s Long Island MacArthur Airport,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter in a statement. “Avelo will fly from hassle-free ISP to other easy airport alternatives in Charlotte, Central Florida, and Wilmington, NC. Long Island residents love the convenience of their hometown airport and now they will enjoy a similar customer experience traveling on Avelo to popular destinations while skipping large airports,” she said.
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “We’re excited to bring our reliable, convenient, and affordable service to New York and Long Island. Traveling to Central Florida, Charlotte and Wilmington will never be easier, convenient or more affordable. We also look forward to welcoming travelers from these three popular destinations to the New York-Long Island region. We are very proud of the presence Avelo has established in the Northeast and we are very excited about the addition of ISP to this important region.”
“We’ve been working hard for several years to bring Avelo to Long Island MacArthur Airport as we felt we met their key criteria of providing a smoother, easier, and more enjoyable air travel experience without the crowds, congestion and long waits at larger airports,” said Long Island MacArthur Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken.
Since taking flight in April 2021, Avelo has flown more than 6.3 million Customers on over 50,000 flights. Today Avelo serves 56 cities spanning 23 states and Puerto Rico, as well as four international destinations: Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
With a motto to Inspire Travel by saving travelers time and money, “Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice, and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. Most Avelo routes have at least one small, easy to use airport. This makes traveling with Avelo a smoother, easier and more enjoyable experience than contending with the crowds, congestion and long walks at larger airports,” read the release.
In 2024, Avelo ranked #1 in on-time performance and achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate in the U.S. airline industry. The airline offers an abundance of advanced seating options. One third of its aircraft seats (Avelo Premium and Premium Economy) offer extra leg room — ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches of pitch.
“Customers can also purchase window and aisle seats in advance of their flight. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin. Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 14 and under will be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost,” read the release.
In 2024, Long Island MacArthur Airport, which is already home to Southwest, JetBlue, Breeze Airways and Frontier Airlines, enjoyed significant growth. Through July 2025, ISP seats are scheduled to grow 14% versus 2024, indicating how carriers are investing in ISP and its customers.
“The year 2025 is shaping up to be even better,” said Deputy Airport Commissioner Rob Schneider. “Our terminal, airfield, and team provide a faster and friendlier experience than NYC airports, and we look forward to continuing our work in the year ahead as we extend a warm “Hello!” to Avelo and their customers.”
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
By Heidi Sutton
“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.” So begins Theatre Three’s latest offering, Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show, a fitting tribute to the life and music of the Man in Black. The show opened to a full house lastSaturday night and did not disappoint.
Created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade, with orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby, the musical opened on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 2006 for a limited run before heading to community theaters.
Expertly directed by Christine Boehm, the show at Theatre Three features over 30 of Cash’s most popular songs including Jackson, Ring of Fire, If I Were a Carpenter, Get Rhythm, and I Walk the Line, sung in quick succession over two hours by an incredibly talented cast — Tina Ann Aurora, Kyle M. Breitenbach, Jeffrey Hoffman, Michael Mandato, Cassidy Rose O’Brien, Dan Schindlar and Ryan Van Nostrand — as the singer’s story is told.
One of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide, Cash drew inspiration from his life experiences and embraced country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel, earning him the rare honor of being inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.
Born in Kingsland, Arkansas in 1932, Johnny Cash was the fourth child of Carrie and Ray Cash. As the show progresses, we learn that he and his six siblings worked alongside their parents picking cotton on their farm. Tragedy strikes when his older brother Jack dies after been injured at work, an event that deeply affected Cash for the rest of his life.
We witness the first time the singer meets June Carter at the Grand Ole Opry and is instantly smitten. Several stints in jail inspire a series of “prison” songs including Folsom Prison Blues and Orleans Parish Prison and his struggles with drugs spur him to write Cocaine Blues.
Every song is executed beautifully and with gusto and each actor has a chance to shine, taking turns to sing the lead. Highlights include Breitenbach’s version of Delia’s Gone, Van Nostrand’s hilarious rendition of Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart and Man in Black by Mandato.
Special mention must be made of Schindlar’s A Boy Named Sue which tells the story of a young man’s quest for revenge on his father for naming him Sue before abandoning him. During the performance, Schindlar comes down from the stage to look for his “father” in the audience. A nice touch.
As with any production, it takes a village to make it all come together perfectly.
While each cast member plays multiple instruments including guitar, violin, ukulele, piano, tambourine and flute, they are accompanied on stage by a backup band featuring Marni Harris on fiddle, John Dericco on guitar and mandolin, Dave Grudzinski and Ethan Mascarenas on bass and Don Larsen on drums.
The costumes, designed by Boehm, feature modest and demure country dresses, jeans and overalls in Act I but switch to sparkly and shiny new digs in Act II to reflect the progression of Cash’s career. Even the boots glitter!
The impressive set, designed by Randall Parsons, resembles the inside of a barn with hints of the Grand Ole Opry. Each side of the stage features a lighted porch for seating and stained glass windows illuminate the background.
Don’t miss this wonderful show. You’ll be clapping along and tapping your feet and going home with a deeper appreciation of the legendary singer/songwriter and his impact on the world of music. The standing ovation at the end of the opening performance was most deserved.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show through March 30. Come early for a cocktail and snacks at Griswold’s Cafe. Proceeds benefit the refurbishment of the historic theater.
Mainstage performances continue with Wait Until Dark from April 18 to May 11 and the Long Island premiere of Half Time from May 24 to June. 22. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12.
Coming up at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage is the 26th annual Festival of One-Act Plays featuring the world premieres of sevenplays up close and personal from March 8 through April 5. Tickets are $25.
To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Photo courtesy of Councilman Neil Manzella's Facebok
By Heidi Sutton
2025 is starting out as a year of firsts. The first Wegmans on Long Island officially opened in Lake Grove on Feb. 26. Now the first Sprouts Farmers Market in New York Slate is heading to Centereach. The supermarket will occupy the former L.A. Fitness at 1934 Middle Country Road which closed its doors on Jan. 28. The shopping center also houses a Harbor Freight and an AutoZone.
Town of Brookhaven Councilman Neil Manzella made the announcement on Facebook on Feb. 22.
“Through many discussions with the property owner, and their representatives, I am excited to finally announce that a Sprouts Farmers Market will be joining our community. Though personally unfamiliar with Sprouts, those who are have described it as a blend between Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. As with any business, the community will ultimately decide if it is a success or failure, but I, for one, am thrilled to see a new business come to the area,” he said.
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the supermarket chain operates more than 415 stores in 23 states and has been expanding at a rapid pace. “… We are eager to expand into more communities. We are dedicated to expanding our banner with over 110 approved new stores in the pipeline over the next few years,” said CEO Jack Sinclair in a recent statement.
Specializing in natural, organic and gluten-free foods, the grocer touts a farmers market experience with an open layout featuring fresh produce at the center of the store along with meat, seafood, dairy, vitamins and wellness items.
In addition to Amazon Fresh which opened in East Setauket last October and Wegmans which opened in Lake Grove on Feb. 26, Sprouts will be joining several other supermarkets planned for the area including an Aldi in the former King Kullen on Ronkonkoma Avenue in Ronkonkoma, an Aldi in the former Michael’s Crafts in Medford on Route 112, and a Trader Joe’s on Route 25A in Miller Place next to Walgreens.Plans for an Amazon Fresh in Farmingville have been scrapped.
While there is no official opening date, Councilman Manzella said that a representative from Sprouts told him they expect to open in the fall of this year. Comments on the councilman’s Facebook page were mostly positive, with many familiar with the supermarket stating that it will be “a fantastic addition to the community.”
Wegmans in Lake Grove is the first to open on Long Island. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
By Heidi Sutton
The wait is finally over. Wegmans Food Markets has announced that it will celebrate the grand opening of its Lake Grove store on Wednesday, Feb. 26 with a ribbon cutting set for 9 a.m. Located at 3270 Middle Country Road in the DSW Plaza, the 101,000 square-foot supermarket will be Wegmans’ first on Long Island.
“We have been actively hiring and training new employees and are excited to open our doors on Feb. 26 to serve the Lake Grove community,” said store manager Dawn Cooper in a press release.
Located in the former Fairway Marketspace, the new store will employ more than 500 people in full- and part-time positions and will feature restaurant-style foods at its Market Café including sushi, pizza, chef-made salads, and sandwiches; along with a hot self-serve bar; a large produce department; and a wide variety of seafood, meat, bakery, deli, and cheese options.
There will be an equal number of full-service and self-checkout registers and plenty of parking. Casanova the Rooster,the company’s mascot, will greet customers at the top of every hour and there is a designated seating area to enjoy eat-in meals.
Before even opening, the Lake Grove leadership team has been focused on building relationships and getting to know and support the local community.
Over the summer, fall, and holiday season, the team participated in festivals, volunteered at local food pantries, and sponsored the annual Pictures with Santa display at the Smith Haven Mall.
They also formed a partnership with Long Island Cares and Island Harvest to improve food security for local families through their annual Check Out Hunger scanning and by providing donations three days a week to the food banks through their perishable pick-up program.
“With Wegmans’ help, we will be better able to support those on Long Island experiencing hunger, including families, children, seniors, veterans, unhoused individuals, and others who need assistance,” said Bob LaBarbara of Long Island Cares.
To date, the store team has donated nearly $30,000 to over two dozen local non-profit organizations and events, including United Way of Long Island, Village of Lake Grove for the Summer and Harvest Festivals, Ronkonkoma Fire Department, Suffolk Community College Foundation, Sachem Teen Center, and United Veterans Beacon House.
“It is such a warm and welcoming community; we are enjoying getting to know the people who live here,” said Cooper. “From volunteering at events to sponsoring them, the team has done a great job building connections in the area, and we are excited to have those connections grow.”
Based in upstate Rochester, the regional supermarket chain operates over 100 locations along the east coast. The family company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016.
After Wednesday’s 9 a.m. opening, the Lake Grove store will be open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. For more information, call 631-285-1300.
While eggs were back on the shelves at some local supermarkets on Presidents Day, including Aldi in Selden, the prices remain higher than normal with a limit of two per customer.Photo by Heidi Sutton
Candy, flowers, heart-shaped notes — what’s not to like about Valentine’s Day? This sweet celebration, which happens every year on February 14, is all about spreading the love. Still don’t have plans for this special day? Check out these 14 events happening right in our own backyard. See more Valentine’s Day related events in next week’s TIMES … and dates.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a screening of ‘Casablanca’ at the Cinema Arts Centre.
1. ‘Casablanca’ at the CAC
“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns,
in all the world, she walks into mine.“
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington invites all lovebirds and lonelyhearts to spend Valentine’s Day with them revisiting a classic, Casablanca, on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 members and includes complimentary sweets. To order tickets in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
2. An evening of jazz
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook presents “Here’s to the Ladies!” a special Valentine’s Day concert featuring The Jazz Loft All Stars playing tunes honoring the women of Jazz on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. The venue will supply the live jazz music, a glass of champagne and chocolate. You supply the romance. Tickets are $50. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org.
3. HeARTS for ART
Fall in love with art at the HeARTS for ART Valentine’s Day event at the Heckscher Museum, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Feb. 14 from noon to 5 p.m. Fall in love with a work of art and place a heart in front of your favorite work of art for all to see/ Then post your pick on social media with #heartsforart. Free with museum admission. 631-330-3230
4. WinterTide concert
The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson hosts a special Valentine’s Day concert on Feb. 14 with musical storyteller Gerald Bair from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. as part of its WinterTide series. Free. Sponsored by St. Charles Hospital and Greater Port Jeff-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council. Call 473-5220 or visit www.gpjac.org.
5. Valentine’s Day Paint & Sip
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Northport Historical Society and Museum, 215 Main St., Northport with a fun, creative twist! Join curator Elizabeth Abrahams Riordan for a Paint and Sip event on Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. inspired by the iconic Still in Love graffiti on Northport’s Bayview Avenue. Participants will paint their own homage to this unique piece of local street art and enjoy adult beverages. For ages 21 and over. Tickets are $35 per person, $30 members. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org. 631-757-9859
6. Grounds and Sounds concert
Grounds and Sounds Cafe, UUFSB, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket hosts a concert featuring The Claudia Jacobs Band on Feb. 14 to serve up tunes that will honor a wide range of feelings that are sure to touch hearts no matter where they might be residing at the moment. The show begins with an Open Mic at 7:30 (signup at 7 p.m.); the main act goes on at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, available in advance at www.groundsandsounds.org or at the door. For more information, call 631-751-0297.
7. Michael Bublé Tribute
The Suffolk Theater, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead presents Feelin’ Good: The Ultimate Michael Bublé Experience with Anthony Bernasconi on Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. Join them for a night filled with the timeless classics and unforgettable originals that have made Bublé a global sensation. Backed by a 17-piece orchestra, this show promises an authentic experience that will transport you straight to the front row of a live Bublé concert. Tickets range from $49 to $99. To order, call 727-4343 or visit www.suffolktheater.com.
8. Valentine dinner dance
Time to put on your dancing shoes! East Wind Long Island, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River presents its annual Valentine Dinner Dance in the Grand Ballroom on Feb. 14 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Enjoy a four hour premium open bar, live DJ music, passed hors d’oeuvres, gourmet buffet and dessert for $125 per person. For reservations, call 631-929-6585 or visit www.eastwindlongisland.com.
9. ‘Heartbreak Hotel’
Fans of Elvis will love Heartbreak Hotel at the John Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. The show takes a closer look at the musical icon whose impact shaped the history of rock and roll from his early days to his rise to become “The King of Rock and Roll” and features over 40 Elvis hits and iconic songs including, “That’s All Right,” “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jail- house Rock,” “Are You Lonesome,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” For tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
10. Night Sky Love
Looking for an unusual date night with Your Valentine? The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road Centerport will present a special Valentine’s Day show, “Night Sky Love,” on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. and again at 8 p.m.This live presentation celebrates Valentine’s Day and all of its lovers in outer space. With its Valentine/love emphasis, this show will explore how civilizations told stories about the constellations that included tales of heroism and love, and how they are depicted in the night sky.Tickets to the afternoon show are $20 adults, $18 students (with ID) and seniors (62-plus), $16 children 12 and under. Tickets to the evening show are $12 adults, $10 students (with ID) and seniors (62-plus), $8 children 12 and under. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
11. ‘Jersey Boys’
Head over to the South Shore for a performance of Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons at the Argyle Theatre, 34 West Main St., Babylon on Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Featuring chart-topping hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” and “My Eyes Adored You,” which brought The Four Seasons the highest honor: induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. For tickets, visit www.argyletheatre.com.
12. Valentine’s Day Tribute Concert
Join the Reboli Center for Art & History 604 Main St., Stony Brook for Pure Joy, a Valentine’s Day tribute to African American singers and composers with Paige Patterson and her band on Feb. 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy music from Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, The Drifters, Corinne Bailey Rae and more. $45 per person includes champagne and refreshments. Call 631-751-7707 to reserve your seat.
13. Valentine’s Day Yappy Hour
And for the animal lover …. Save A Pet, 608 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station will hold a Valentine’s Day Yappy Hour fundraiser on Feb. 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join them for a special pregame treat. Enjoy wine, charcuterie, sweets, raffle baskets and a rose, all while supporting the animals at the shelter — and yes, adorable puppies will be in attendance to make your evening even more delightful! Your $25 ticket can be used toward an adoption fee. For reservations, visit www.saveapetusa.org.
14. Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra
Stony Brook University’s Staller Centerfor the Art, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents a Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra concert on the Main Stage on Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. Conducted by Xian Zhang, the program will include Bellini’s Overture “I Capuleti e Montecchi”; Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with a piano solo by Owen Dodds; and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5. Join emeritus professor Peter Winkler in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. for a free pre-concert lecture. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors and $10 students (with SBU ID). To order, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
The Selden restaurant joins 10 other Chick-fil-A restaurants serving Long Island, including Port Jefferson Station, Commack, Smithtown, Huntington, Farmingdale and the recently opened location in Farmingville in Suffolk County. Additional restaurants are planned for Medford, West Babylon and Lake Ronkonkoma.
13. Valentine’s Day Yappy Hour
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