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Julianne Mosher

Long Island premiere of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ opens in Northport

by Julianne Mosher - April 3, 2025

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Press Photo 1 — A scene from 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical.' Photo courtesy of John W. Engeman Theater

Engeman Theater brings beloved book series to life on stage

By Julianne Mosher

“Zoo-Wee Mama!” The Long Island premiere of Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical at The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport sure does have an animal heart. Full of laughter, love and just a hint of silliness, this one is perfect to bring the kids to.

Michael Deaner as Greg Heffley in ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’. Photo from John W. Engeman Theater

Directed by Marquez, and based on the popular book series by Jeff Kinney and the 2010 movie of the same name, Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows Greg Heffley (Michael Deaner, Matthew Eby), an awkward middle child who’s just starting junior high.

His popularity level is low and the entire show is him trying to rise in the ranks. This is something he writes about in his journal … not a diary. His parents (Daniel Meglio and Jessica Mae Murphy) are preoccupied by Greg’s older punk brother, Rodrick (Kieran Brown) and their baby brother (depicted on stage as a puppet).

Navigating school with his overly sensitive BFF Rowley Jefferson (Amare Tavarez, Oliver Cirelli), his weird neighbor Fregley (Brady Goldman, Elliot Torbenson), and schoolmate Chirag Gupta (Nathan Benites, Pranav Ramkumar), Greg tries his hand in all things popular. He runs for school government against his arch nemesis, Patty Farrell (London Delvecchio, Claire Daly), which fails epically, and becomes a cartoonist for the school paper, which ultimately doesn’t work out either.

Oh, did I mention poor Greg is doing all this while constantly being picked on by the eighth graders (Lexi Cid and Will Logan)?

With other twists and turns, the ensemble cast — Finn Brown, Liam Von Schmidt, John Moger, Scott Maciorowski, Camryn LaFemina, Zachary Kanakaris, Sophie Achee, Caraline Quackenbush, Erin Risolo and Sofia Jarmel — makes this show so relatable to anyone who has every attended middle school. Without them, the show would be incomplete.

A scene from ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical.’ Photo courtesy of John W. Engeman Theater

And while the student population at this school has a bunch of differences and varying popularity ratings (which are shown on stage), the kids have one thing in common: Joshie (Jae Hughes) — a European popstar who has a standout solo song right after intermission. Everyone loves Joshie, but their biggest fan is definitely Rowley who has the “Animal Heart” singer’s poster on his wall.

On stage, the scene is set with your typical school lockers, cafeteria and kids’ bedrooms. Always on stage, however, is Greg’s journal, which updates the audience with his drawings and notes throughout the show. His life literally becomes an open book.

Overall, this show is catchy, fun and a great afternoon out for children of all ages. Parents will be completely impressed by the professionalism and talent of these young actors, while kids will laugh at the relatable song and dance. So, grab your “Mom Bucks” and purchase a ticket to the Engeman’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid. You won’t regret it.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical through April 27. Children’s theater continues with Madagascar A Musical Adventure from July 19 to Aug. 24. Tickets are $20 per person. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Sugar, butter, flour and a great premiere of ‘Waitress’ at the Engeman Theater

by Julianne Mosher - March 21, 2025

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By Julianne Mosher

The Engeman’s latest production is as sweet as, well, pie.

Now on the main stage of the Northport-based theater, Waitress, written by Jessie Nelson with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, is based on Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 indie movie of the same name.

This production, however, was directed by Marc Tumminelli and stars an all-star cast that creates an atmosphere that will surely have you dancing in your seat.

The show starts off with Joe’s Diner. Three waitresses, Dawn (Kalea Leverette), Becky (Laraisha Dievelyn Dionne) and Jenna (Chessa Metz) slave away at the local joint off a highway in a small town. Dawn is a nerdy hopeless romantic who soon falls for Ogie (Matthew Dengler), while Becky is a strong-willed independent woman who has a secret (spoiler alert: it involves Cal (Adam Du Plessis), their boss).

But the biggest secret of all is that Jenna is pregnant by her terrible, deadbeat and abusive husband, Earl (Trevor St. John-Gilbert). Devastated, and unhappy, Jenna finds solace in making pies, just like she did with her late mother (Ashely Margaret Morton). And she’s good at it, even winning over old Joe (Gregory North), the diner’s owner, who is not a fan of much else.

Jenna heads to the OBGYN to confirm the pregnancy and there she meets Dr. Pomatter (Jack Cahill-Lemme) who she soon falls in love with. The two start an affair. From then on, we see the ups and downs of Jenna’s life as she tries to navigate her friendships, her unhappy marriage and the few things that bring her joy: sneaking around with Dr. Pomatter and imagining new, exotic pies, and planning her escape from this small town.

Each actor does a phenomenal job of bringing Shelley’s characters to life on the big stage. From the set design, which is made up to look like an old-school diner, to the costumes, you’ll truly believe you’re watching drama (with a dash of music and choreography mixed in) unfold over your own breakfast.

Metz shines bright as Jenna, with an amazing voice that literally wowed the audience as she held extended notes. The supporting cast, too, brings their own fun flair to the show like Dionne and Du Plessis’ hilarious, and surprising, chemistry and Leverette’s adorable quirkiness (that’s then matched by Dengler’s Ogie). You’ll even love to hate Earl. Even though he’s a bad guy, St. John-Gilbert’s portrayal of him is outstanding. Joe, who seems like you’d dislike the old man for his attitude, actually becomes a special character who makes your heart melt by the end of the show thanks to North’s talent.

But what was most fun to watch, though, was the fun Metz and Cahill-Lemme had together on stage. As Jenna and Dr. Pomatter, they were a perfect match.

So, let the theater whisk you away to a story that will make your heart feel good. Just like a warm piece of pie, Waitress is a sweet one.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Waitress through April 27. The season continues with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific from May 15 to June 29 and Footloose the Musical from July 10 to August 24. For tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Theatre Three’s Festival of One-Act Plays deserves a standing ovation

by Julianne Mosher - March 13, 2025

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By Julianne Mosher

Seven small plays packed into a two-hour festival will leave you with plenty of emotions; you’ll laugh, cry, gasp and smile.

Now in its 26th year, the Festival of One-Act Plays at Port Jefferson’s Theatre Three has been the place where world premieres have been shown. Throughout it’s almost three decades, they have received 14,000 submissions worldwide. This year, 1,000 plays were sent in and seven made the cut.

Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the festival starts out with the somber “A Happy Child” featuring the incredible Jae Hughes and Linda May. Written by Melinda Gros, Hughes plays Rory, the child of the woman (May), who is a drifter. They won’t go home to a stable shelter where their child lives and grows, and it hurts both them and their mom. The mom expresses how much she misses them when they’re away and the end of the show will leave your heart hurting for the family that seems to be holding on by a thread.

“Monster Love,” written by D.L. Siegel, is next featuring Steve Ayle as Victor and Julia Albino as Bonnie. Bonnie is getting married, and she must plan the festivities with her scientist father, Victor Frankenstein. He really wants his late wife, Bonnie’s mother, there, so he shows off his new creation (Samantha Fierro) … And it happens to have his wife’s head. You’ll laugh at this one, it’s silly, but a clever take on modernizing the classic tale and making it more… relatable? While Fierro doesn’t have much speaking parts, she plays a great monster with her hilarious body language and facial expressions. Albino is a successful working woman and Ayle’s mad scientist is absolutely hysterical.

Port Jefferson local Melanie Acampora’s third show in the festival premiered with “Too Much Fondant” which starts off with funny banter between a husband (Evan Teich) and wife (Brittany Lacey). Teich, a workaholic, is unimpressed by a piece of cake Lacey brought home after the neighbor’s birthday party. Too much fondant can ruin a cake. But in a quick turn of events, we see their relationship completely unravel. What went wrong? Teich and Lacey’s chemistry on stage is beautiful and tragic, especially when we watch the relationship fall apart.

The tension in the room could be cut with a knife.

Before intermission, Larry (Jason Furnari), Jess (Hughes), Luke (Will Brennan), Amy (Fierro), Bobbi (Phyllis March) and Desi (Steven Uihlein) are putting on a community theater production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in “Final Dress, or Places for the End of the World” by Matthew Green. The five are rehearsing the famous end scene, and Bobbi is tired and wants to leave the theater … which is actually a shelter from the end of the world outside. When Bobbi leaves, Jess, who has become stage manager and director, needs to figure out how to produce “Romeo and Juliet” with just four actors. This one feels all too real in a post-pandemic world.

Mark Mulkerin’s “Where Illusions End” is a sad one, but also relatable to people who have felt the effects of cancer firsthand. Cam (Furnari) and his brother Alex (Teich) are navigating how to better care for their sick mother. Alex is a magician by trade, and he is completely against their mom trying a new type of treatment that he is convinced is a scam. An illusionist, himself, he says he can do a better job at pretending to cure her than an expensive doctor can.

On a lighter note, we’re then brought to a business pitch in James McLindon’s “Sinergy.” Aubrey (Lacey) plays a businesswoman whose specialty is combining medieval prayer with modern cleansing … of your sins. She’s pitching this wellness practice to Taylor (Ayle), and to prove it works, Tistram (Uihlein), a poor man dressed in pauper’s clothing, who reluctantly will take on the sins of the consumer, clearing their conscious and making them feel great. This one is funny. It’ll be a sin to not to laugh at it.

The festival ends with “Cliff” by Teri Foltz. Cliff (Douglas Quattrock) is sitting in a waiting room anticipating a cancer diagnosis. His hurricane of a wife, Carrie (May), is there with him along with four other patients; (Albino, Brennan, Fierro and March). Cliff, a quiet, delicate man tells us the story of his life. He’s always been known as shy, kind of a doormat, and relatively awkward in social settings, but he’s kind, and deep down he wants more. This diagnosis, whether it’s negative or positive, could be the start of a new chapter for Cliff.

Quattrock’s performance received a standing ovation and should continue on throughout the remainder of the shows.

Overall, the festival was an amazing production of short and sweet plays that will appeal to everyone. There’s a reason The Festival of One-Act Plays has been selling out shows for 26 years.

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Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 26th annual Festival of One-Act Plays at the Ronald F. Peierls Theatre on the Second Stage through April 5. Tickets are $25. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Valentine’s Day fundraiser at Save-A-Pet will be a dog gone fun time

by Julianne Mosher - February 13, 2025

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By Julianne Mosher

Who needs a box of chocolates when you can adopt a puppy this Valentine’s Day?

Save-A-Pet Animal Shelter will be hosting its first annual Valentine’s Day Yappy Hour on Feb. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at its Port Jefferson Station location for a special holiday fundraiser.

According to Dori Scofield, president of Save a Pet, the Yappy Hour will feature wine, charcuterie boards and desserts inside the adoption center, which they are transforming into a romantic setting for a purr-fect night out.

“We’ll have tables set up with candlelight and roses for the women,” she said. “It’s going to be a really fun night.”

Proceeds from the event will go towards helping dogs who need orthopedic surgeries, including Teddy, above. Photo courtesy of Dori Scofield

Just this month, the shelter, which is already home to several dozen cats and dogs up for adoption, received 30 puppies from Georgia and Puerto Rico.

“The shelters there are just too overcrowded,” said Scofield.

Those little loves, who will be joining you for your date night roaming the room, are up for adoption and the $25 ticket price will come off the adoption fee, Scofield added.

Proceeds from the event will go to continue support for the adoption center and also help care for three special cases; dogs who need orthopedic surgeries. One dog, Teddy, who is not for adoption, was unfortunately hit by a car and thanks to his latest procedure will be at Yappy Hour sporting his new cast and overseeing the night’s schedule.

If you’re looking for a lovable cat or dog who might be a little older, all the other animals available will be adoptable, too.

Those animals come from all different situations, Scofield said. “We have strays, animals who were abandoned, left in the woods, left in the streets… abandoned, abused and neglected.”

And you won’t need Cupid to shoot an arrow through your heart to fall in love with one of them.

Save-A-Pet, 608 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station will hold a Valentine’s Day Yappy Hour on Feb. 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. For reservations, visit www.saveapetusa.org. 631-473-6333.

Follow the breadcrumbs to Theatre Three for a magical production of ‘Hansel and Gretel’

by Julianne Mosher - January 30, 2025

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By Julianne Mosher

You don’t need to head deep into the forest to witness the timeless story of Hansel and Gretel, or A Question of Crumbs. In fact, just head down to Port Jefferson to witness Theatre Three’s latest magical production.

Written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Douglas Quattrock, the show starts off inside a bookstore (featuring the same set from the theater’s mainstage show, Crossing Delancey.) A sister and brother are flipping through the story of Hansel and Gretel, but cannot afford to purchase it. They ask the clerks if they can borrow it to read at home. Out of the goodness of their hearts, the kids skip away, excited to read the story amongst themselves.

We’re then brought into the home of the mischievous Gretel (Julia Albino) and the aloof Hansel (Will Logan). Their father (Jason Furnari), a woodcutter, works a lot and is completely under the control of his new wife, the kids’ stepmother (Cassidy Rose O’Brien). They play pranks on her and she is very, very unhappy. She hates the children and tells her husband that he must dump them in the woods so they can live a happy, childfree life. Although he really doesn’t want to, he agrees and coerces the kids to the woods and tries to leave them there.

Luckily, young Gretel is smart, and she knows better. She and her brother can outsmart their dad, instead causing him to get lost in the woods. When the stepmother tries to get them lost the next day, the siblings leave breadcrumbs to help them find their way back home. However, thanks to Hansel not paying too much attention to what he was doing, the plan backfires and the kids end up not being able to find their way back.

In the woods, they’re met by Scrimshaw (Steven Uihlein) and Harvis (Liam Marsigliano), contract kidnappers hired by an evil, child-eating witch. They spot Hansel sitting on a log and convinced him to follow them to the witches’ candy-coated home, where he is put on the menu. Gretel finds her brother and helps him escape, but before that happens, several surprises ensue.

Directed and choreographed by Colleen Britt, the show is filled with catchy musical numbers, fun dancing and colorful costumes designed by Jason Allyn. Hansel and Gretel is a joy to the stage that kids of all ages will love and will have their parents laughing along.

With a small cast, all five actors bring something great to the table. Albino and Logan do a great job as their versions of the fable’s characters, bringing wit and joy to the stage, while Uihlein and Marsigliano are fun supporting antagonists. Furnari’s spacey father figure is a great addition to the show while O’Brien’s stepmother (and, spoiler alert, the witch) is star quality.

So, grab your favorite candy and head down to Theatre Three for this sweet show.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Hansel and Gretel through Feb. 8. Children’s theater continues with Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 19 to March 29 and The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 16 to May 10. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Port Jefferson Ice Festival is still cool six years later

by Julianne Mosher - January 30, 2025

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By Julianne Mosher

For its sixth consecutive year, the Port Jefferson Ice Festival brought in thousands of guests to the village after stormy weather caused a rain date activation.

Originally scheduled for Jan. 18 and 19, the festival was postponed to Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26 where weather was sunny, but chilly — a perfect combination for the more than two dozen ice sculptures to thrive.

For more than half a decade, the annual Port Jefferson Ince Festival, hosted by the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District, has brought in Rich Daly, owner of Ice Memories Inc. in Mastic Beach.

Daly, who is an award-winning ice sculptor with over 200 competition titles, including a Guinness World Record for carrying 60 sculptures in under three hours, took to the tennis courts to show several live carvings including Olaf the snowman from “Frozen” where people of all ages watched the master carver in awe.

Throughout the village, pre-made ice sculptures from Daly’s shop decorated the sidewalks outside of local businesses. In addition to the sculptures, visitors enjoyed live ice carving demonstrations, ice corn hole, marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate stands, ice mini golf, skating demos, tractor rides, karaoke, interactive games and live dance and music performances.

‘Crossing Delancey’ at Theatre Three is a perfect match

by Julianne Mosher - January 28, 2025

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By Julianne Mosher

Looking for something to do on a cold winter’s day? May I recommend the latest offering at Theatre Three as the stage turns into 1980s New York City where we meet a 30-something single lady who’s trying to navigate dating, the prospect of marriage and an overbearing (yet lovable) grandmother.

With a small, yet strong, cast of five, Crossing Delancey is a refreshing romantic comedy that will make anyone in the audience smile. Although it has simple, predictable plot (especially if you’ve seen the 1988 film starring Amy Irving), Theatre Three’s production is still a must see.

The show, written by Susan Sandler and directed by Colleen Rebecca Britt, follows Isabelle “Izzy” Grossman (Michelle LaBozzetta), a young, single bookstore worker who spends almost every day at her Yiddish grandmother, Ida’s (Ginger Dalton) apartment on the Lower East Side.

We watch Grossman as she falls for local author Tyler (Antoine Jones), who frequents her bookshop, meanwhile Ida recruits a matchmaker, Mrs. Mandelbaum (Catherine Maloney) to find her granddaughter a nice boy. Mandelbaum has the perfect suitor for the independent Izzy — Sam (Steven Uihlein), a local pickle vendor who comes from a nice, Jewish family. Izzy must answer one question; does she go after her crush who barely knows she exists, or does she “settle” with someone who’s seen her standout amongst the crowd in their community for years?

Upon entering the theatre, the stage transforms to a typical 1980s kitchen to the right and small bookshop on the left thanks to Randall Parsons’ scenic design. There, Ida and Izzy share stories, food and drink. LaBozzetta’s Izzy is a bold modern-day woman (with great 80s style from Jason Allyn’s costume design) and her monologues make you laugh when she breaks the fourth wall. Her colorful jumpsuits and bowler hat are straight out of a John Hughes film’s closet.

The two suitors of the plot, Jones and Uihlein, bring a table full of emotions; you’re going to fall in love one, but hate the other, audibly rooting for the pickle man to win Izzy’s heart. Maloney’s Hannah Mandelbaum is an unsung hero as a supporting actor whose comic relief brings joy to the stage. Portraying a stereotypical Jewish matchmaker, her character is a lot of fun.

However, Dalton’s Ida, or Bubbie as she’s lovingly called by her family, is a riot. Dalton does a great job playing this dynamic granny who’s just looking out for her granddaughter. Everyone knows a Bubbie — she looks out the window, tells tales about how all the boys wanted her back in the day, shows off her muscles and sings in Yiddish full of heart and humor.

With funny and authentic dialogue throughout the show, the characters are genuine and shine bright on the stage. You won’t want to miss this one.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Crossing Delancey through Feb. 9. The season continues with Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical from March 1 to March 30. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12, $25 Wednesday matinees. To order, cal 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

People of the Year: Meals on Wheels brings healthy meals to those in need

by Julianne Mosher - December 30, 2024

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Meals_on_Wheels_delivery — Meals on Wheels. Wikipedia photo

By Julianne Mosher

While helping to feed Long Islanders, two local Meals on Wheels groups are also the eyes, ears and friends of those in need of assistance.

Comprised of 5,000 community-based programs, Meals on Wheels is a national network that is dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation.

Smithtown

The Smithtown Meals on Wheels program, located within the Senior Center in the Smithtown township, provides a daily hot meal delivered directly to the homes of residents age 60 and over.

According to Tina Pfennig, supervising community service aide with the Senior Center’s Meal on Wheels program, more than 40 volunteers help deliver hot meals to 90 clients weekly. Every day, volunteers will pick up the food, donated by a local Lake Grove deli, and deliver to the client’s home. Each entrée comes with milk, juice, fruit, bread and sometimes dessert.

“We have some people who have been with the program long-term and some occasionally come on for a short period,” she added.

This year, the group celebrated its 45th anniversary.

But Pfennig said that the program would not run if it weren’t for the people who help out every morning and afternoon.

“Annually, we have a volunteer appreciation luncheon to show how much we appreciate them,” Pfennig said.

She said that out of the roughly 40 volunteers, a few have been with the group for more than 20 years. Some have been volunteering for 10 years and others 15. They’re still receiving applications for new drivers to come on board.

“Thankfully people are always applying and we’re very grateful,” she said. “Without them, we wouldn’t have a program.”

Kim Cunningham, senior neighborhood aide, said that while the main role of the Meals on Wheels volunteers is to drive the food to each client’s house, they’re also looking out for them.

“If a client isn’t feeling well or there are other concerns, we make sure we follow through with their emergency contact,” Cunningham said. “They’ll have conversations with them and often become their friends.”

Along with the drivers, Cunningham and Pfennig noted that other volunteers who make this program possible are the kitchen staff who help package the food to give to the drivers.

Like an assembly line, the tasks are “done efficiently, organized and in a timely fashion.”

Pfennig added that some former volunteers have now become clients, themselves.

“We’re returning the favor and making sure they get healthy food, too,” she said.

Three Village

While not directly affiliated with the national brand of Meals on Wheels, the Three Village organization is similar in that it provides healthy food to people of any age as long as they’re homebound due to medical concerns.

According to their website, clients are the elderly or disabled who, due to immobility and isolation, are unable to prepare their own meals and referrals are made by doctors, social service agencies, hospitals, neighbors, family members or the clients themselves.

Ruth Spear, office manager of the Three Village Meals on Wheels, said that they charge $7.50 a day for two meals, one hot and one cold. If a client has concerns about payment, they can apply for a subsidy and that’s funded by a big fundraiser and donations throughout the year.

Similar to other Meals on Wheels programs, food is prepared at Mather Hospital and St. Charles in Port Jefferson. Then, 130 volunteers pick up the meals and deliver to clients all over Northern Brookhaven — Stony Brook, Setauket, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Miller Place, Mount Sinai, northern parts of Coram and Selden. In 2023, 28,000 meals were delivered.

“We are so appreciative of the staff at St. Charles and Mather because if it weren’t for them, we’d have to figure something else out,” Spear said.

Each driver also creates that friendship with the client and acts as the eyes and ears of family who can’t be there to check in on their loved ones.

“If the driver gets to the door and a client doesn’t pick up the phone or answer, we’re going to call the emergency contact,” she said. “There are so many people who don’t see one human being all day or all week, so our drivers are the only people they’re seeing and being lonely is a terrible thing.”

Spear said that the beauty of the organization is that friendships are formed and people often become attached to one another.

“That’s what I’m most proud of … The drivers really care about the clients,” she said. “If everyone can just help people in the community just a little bit, it can go a long way. It’s so gratifying and it’s a great feeling.”

For their volunteerism and dedication, all the volunteers of the local Meals on Wheels groups have been named TBR News Media 2024 People of the Year.

People of the Year: ECLI-VIBES brings services and hope to survivors

by Julianne Mosher - December 29, 2024

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DSC_4380 (1) — Front row, from left, ECLI Co-Founder and Program Development & Education Director Feride Castillo; ECLI Co-Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Hernandez (with scissors); Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr; and Legislator Rebecca Sanin. Photo courtesy of ECLI-VIBES

By Julianne Mosher

There is hope for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence thanks to the founders of Islandia-based nonprofit ECLI-VIBES.

Co-founded by Feride Castillo and Jennifer Hernandez, ECLI-VIBES is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive community for individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and abuse. Through their trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach, they work to break the cycle of violence, one life at a time, by empowering individuals to achieve safety, independence and healing through their services.

ECLI-VIBES not only serves survivors but also helps their families by providing essential resources and support to help them rebuild their lives. On average, they serve more than 2,500 people every month.

“ECLI-VIBES began with a small spark nearly 10 years ago,” Hernandez said. “We founded ECLI with the idea that we create something extraordinary when we pour love and care into others.”

According to their website, a major cornerstone of the group’s mission is to foster a warm, welcoming and supportive environment where individuals facing trauma feel safe, respected and understood. At ECLI-VIBES, they believe that trauma is the catalyst for complex issues rooted in violence and abuse. They aim to uncover and address the underlying causes of trauma, enabling genuine healing and lasting transformation.

“That tiny spark has grown into a flame, one that burns brighter than ever as we work tirelessly to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and abuse,” Hernandez added.

Castillo said that the duo wanted to build a space that supports individuals, heals generations and breaks cycles.

“True transformation happens in spaces where people feel connected, loved, validated and seen,” she said. “My goal is for everyone to know what it’s like not to feel alone and empowered by the support of a team that believes in them every day.”

Some services that ECLI-VIBES boasts is a 24-hour “hopeline” that is available to all members of the community who are seeking crisis intervention, emotional support, information on victim rights and other resources.

They also host a youth program that provides support and mentorship to children and teens, a community food pantry, counseling, an advocacy program, housing program and legal programs, among others.

“This work is not just about providing services — it’s about creating a community where love and resilience lead the way,” said Hernandez. “People are inherently resilient, and love is what brings that strength to the surface. My passion comes from knowing that we all rise when we share our light with others. My job is to keep my cup overflowing so I can pour into my team and help them pour into our community. Together, we create the kind of impact that changes lives and builds brighter futures.”

“At its core, ECLI-VIBES was designed to put the ‘human’ back into human services — to be a place where people can rediscover hope, tap into their inner strength and heal,” Castillo added. “Every day, I am inspired by the power of human resilience as individuals take the courageous step to reach out, no matter how impossible their circumstances may seem.”

ECLI-VIBES also has created an Anti-Human Trafficking Program that supports individuals who have experienced human trafficking, helping them through complex issues they might have faced by utilizing a holistic approach with cost-free services.

“Human trafficking has been an ongoing issue in our county, and I am proud to work with ECLI-VIBES to support the victims and combat the traffickers,” said Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon [R-Rocky Point].“ In addition, ECLI-VIBES has been providing help to so many other people throughout our county.”

Hernandez said that ECLI-VIBES’ mission is to ensure that survivors have access to everything they need to “survive and thrive.”

“We have the privilege to stand in solidarity with them, offering not just services but an open heart, a shoulder to cry on and someone who listens to guide them toward long-term healing,” she said. “We are dedicated to supporting the mindset that empowers individuals to reclaim their power and self-sufficiency.”

For their passionate education and advocacy, TBR News Media is pleased to name Feride Castillo and Jennifer Hernandez 2024 Persons of the Year.

“As I reflect on this journey, I’m reminded of the incredible power of community and the importance of leading with love. ECLI-VIBES was built on this foundation, and it’s what continues to guide us as we create lasting change for the individuals and families we serve,” Hernandez said. “This honor is not mine alone — it belongs to every survivor who’s trusted us, every team member who’s shown up, and every person who’s believed in our mission. Love is what our community needs and will always lead us forward.”

Castillo said that the co-founders have always believed they are “the extended family member, cousin or friend who will pick up your call when you’re in need and figure out a way to help you.”

“No one should have to face the hardest moments of their life alone,” she added. “That’s why we’re committed to breaking down barriers and removing gatekeeping to provide tangible, life-saving information and resources. It’s about creating spaces where people feel supported, validated and empowered to reclaim their power and take back their lives.”

If you need help or know someone who does, visit www.eclivibes.org or call 631-360-3606.

Global Language Reads in Port Jefferson brings diversity and culture to its bookshelves

by Julianne Mosher - December 22, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

Inside Global Language Reads, the maroon-colored walls are home to shelves filled with different books. There are novels varying from classic writers like Charles Dickens to true crime, local authors and historical fiction. There’s a shelf of Oliver Sacks’ best sellers and a room dedicated to solely to children’s books in the back.

It just opened in November, but GLR is already a special oasis that brings the feel of a small, family-owned book shop to Port Jefferson village. But what makes this spot different compared to some other local bookstores is the variety of different languages and cultures they bring to the table. Owner Caterina Lemos Cunha said that many of the books on site are not just sold in English, but are also available in more than a dozen different languages.

Offering a many different services, classes and events, the goal of GLR is to bring readers together through game nights, language classes and debate teams, while creating an environment that welcomes everyone and anyone — no matter what you speak.

With her three children, Cunha was living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn working as a scientist specializing in neuroscience. Using her background in research, she decided to start writing children’s books surrounding different types of science with her (little) free time. Cunha would often interview women scientist, disseminate the information into simpler terms and create a story surrounding that science featuring the main character, Alicia (named after her youngest daughter).

Alicia has more than a dozen stories — she learned about rainbows, fireworks, spiders and mental health, and each book offers a science experiment or recipe that kids can do with their families when they’re done reading. Cunha wanted to break down science and make it easy to digest for kids.

“I try to highlight women because sometimes we get forgotten,” Cunha said. “And then we translate them and publish the stories in other languages.” Out of her 10 books, more than half are written bilingually to cater to people of all backgrounds.

Alicia’s adventures had Cunha writing for years and years with one end goal in mind.

“Our dream was always to have our own store to sell them and also sell other books,” she said. “But I was always very busy with research work.”

Cunha and her family decided to leave the city after her son, Gabriel, was killed last year and move to Port Jefferson.

“We needed a change and we kind of followed our intuition,” she said.

After visiting several empty store fronts, Cunha was introduced to 402 Main Street next door to Theatre Three. A former insurance agent, Cunha repainted the walls her late-sons favorite color and named the shop “Global Language Reads” — the same initials as his name.

“We got into the mindset of wanting to do things now in our life and not wait,” she said.

Since officially opening their doors Nov. 8, Cunha said her favorite thing so far is becoming part of the community. “So far we’ve met so many people and got to learn their stories,” she said. “That’s really the best part.”

Cunha, who was born in Portugal and raised in Germany, wanted to bring a sense of culture to her new store. While stocking the shelves with New York Times bestsellers and typical classics, she wanted to be sure to also showcase authors that other people might not know or who are not well-known in the United States.

And to cater to the rich, diverse local community, she decided to bring in authors and books in not just English but Hindu, Bengali, Arabic, Spanish, Hebrew, Italian, French, German, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin. Her children’s books are also written side-by-side bilingually, too. Some genres that can be found include young adult, nonfiction, independent study, historical fiction and some science-heavy reads.

Cunha added that when she opened up the shop, she wanted to bring in different programming for people of all ages. GLR hosts weekly book clubs, game nights and will bring in local authors to talk about their writing.

“I always liked teaching and when I went into research I preferred it,” she said. “Here, too, I want to get kids excited about this and in a small, independent setting you can just come in, learn and have fun.”

The shop is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. Call 631-314-9080 or visit glrbooks.com for more information.

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Julianne Mosher

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