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By Steven Zaitz

The Ward Melville Softball team paid tribute to local military personnel, past and present in a pre-game ceremony on April 19 that was organized by their booster club and hailed as Military Appreciation Day. Before their game against the West Islip Lady Lions, about 15 military members from all branches of service​ took part in a ‘Tribute Walk’ that deployed the girls on both sides of the left field foul line as every honoree was introduced. They marched toward home plate, as their name, rank, branch and citations were announced to the applauding crowd.

Instead of donning their traditional green and gold, the Ward Melville Softball team wore special American flag-themed uniforms for the occasion that made note of the originally scheduled date of April 12. Due to inclement weather, the event was moved up by a week. Ward Melville won the game by a score of 11-1, as Julianna Russ pitched a complete game, striking out nine. The National Anthem was beautifully performed by sophomore infielder Coryn Rizzo and her sister Samantha served as honorary batgirl for the Lady Pats, who have won 4 of their last 5 and improved to 5-4 on the season. 

– Photos by Steven Zaitz

By Julianne Mosher

It was an egg-cellent time for all. 

With a weekend of sunshine and warm temperatures, Saturday, April 19 was the perfect day to search for some eggs throughout Port Jefferson’s Harborfront Park. 

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce’s annual Easter parade and egg hunt was even more egg-citing this year thanks to hundreds of families who came out to participate. Starting at noon, moms, dads, grandparents and their little ones lined up outside Theatre Three and marched down Main Street in their best Easter attire with baskets in hand with the hopes of finding as many plastic eggs as they could.

Leading the group were members of the chamber and Port Jefferson’s favorite Easter Bunny, Barbara Ransome, director of operations for the chamber. The parade finished up at the Port Jefferson Village Center where tables were set up to trade in found eggs for different prizes and bins to recycle the eggs for next year’s event — an effort to continue being sustainable to the planet. 

While the lines were long to hand in the eggs, the line to take a picture with the Easter Bunny was equally as lengthy with kids of all ages ready to smile. 

— Photos by Julianne Mosher

Reviewed by Rita J. Egan

Theatre Three’s Wait Until Dark cast has theatergoers sitting at the edge of their seats — sometimes even jumping out of them.

Directed by Christine Boehm, the suspense thriller, which was written by Frederick Knott and adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, takes place in the Greenwich Village basement apartment of Susan Hendrix and her husband Sam in 1944. 

The show, which opened on April 18, follows Susan, who recently lost her vision and three con artists searching for a mysterious doll. Audience members soon discover how resourceful she is and learn why sometimes it’s best to wait until dark. 

The play, which originally debuted on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 1966, was released as a movie in 1967 starring Audrey Hepburn of Breakfast at Tiffany’s fame.

Set designer Randall Parsons has skillfully recreated a small apartment on Theatre Three’s mainstage. The smartly designed set, which includes pieces integral to the plot line, and the theater’s size are perfect for a play such as this, as audience members are easily drawn into the scenes, feeling like they are right there in the room as the story unfolds.

Jessica Mae Murphy, as Susan, is quite convincing as the blind homemaker. She evokes sympathy as she reveals her frustrations and strategically bumps into furniture in earlier scenes. Later in the production, as the character’s senses become keener and she realizes her blindness may be an asset in her current circumstances, Murphy seamlessly conveys the confidence growing in Susan.

Scott Butler plays up the swarminess of the conniving conman Harry Roat Jr. to the point that one can’t help but feel uncomfortable whenever he is on stage. Unsurprisingly, the character turns out to be the most dangerous of the three con artists.

Richard O’Sullivan delivers just how uncomfortable his character Sgt. Carlino is with the situation he has been dragged into. David DiMarzo, as Mike Talman, is so convincing as a sweet and friendly former Marine and friend of Susan’s husband that audience members may feel sorry for him when they discover his ultimate fate despite a story twist that reveals his true identity.

Adriana Mia Como is perfect as the bratty girl Gloria, who lives in the same apartment building as Susan and her husband and, at the same time, she gets across that the character truly cares for Susan. While Eric J. Hughes’ time on stage as Sam was short, he portrayed the character with sweetness and charm.

Theatre Three has proven once again that regional theater is an asset to the community and offering productions such as Wait Until Dark is vital. Plays such as this one and last year’s The Gin Game are a treat since most modern theater lovers have most likely never had the opportunity to see them live on stage.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Wait Until Dark until May 11. Runtime is approximately two hours with a 15-minute intermission. Please note the production contains some adult situations. The season continues with Half Time from May 24 to June 22. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12 and Wednesday matinees. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com.

Theatre Three announced the line-up for its 55th season on April 19:

Annie from Sept. 13 to Oct. 19, 2025; A Christmas Carol from Nov. 8 to Dec. 27, 2025; Brighton Beach Memoirs from Jan. 17 to Feb. 8, 2026; Godspell from Feb. 21 to March 22, 2026; The 39 Steps from April 11 to May 3, 2026 and Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein from May 16 to June 21, 2026. Tickets are on sale now.

 

Annual event benefits the Fortunato Breast Health Center

Join Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson on Sunday, May 18 for the annual Northwell Walk to Raise Health to support the Fortunato Breast Health Center.

Presented by Four Leaf Federal Credit Union, the Walk brings together family, friends and team members for a five-mile walk through the scenic villages of Port Jefferson and Belle Terre. The day includes music, raffles, photo props, a walker warm up session, and the return of the popular Pink Your Pooch contest for the best “pinked” pup! Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. and the Walk steps off at 10 a.m.

Sponsored by New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, King Quality Roofing and Siding, Riverhead Toyota, and CSDNET the Northwell Walk to Raise Health at Port Jefferson raises awareness of the need for regular breast cancer screenings starting at age 40. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers according to the American Cancer Society It accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%, or a 1 in 8 chance. 

The event will be held simultaneously with other walks in Riverhead, Jones Beach, Staten Island and Westchester County. Last year’s Northwell Health Walk was attended by more than 6,000 people who came together across five Northwell Health Walk locations to raise more than $1.14 million for local hospital programs and services.

According to Northwell’s website, the Walk began 15 years ago as the “Every Woman Matters Walk,” inspired by the vision of philanthropists Iris and Saul Katz. Since its inception, the Northwell Health Walk has raised more than $8 million and supports Northwell’s Outpacing the Impossible campaign, a comprehensive $1.4 billion fundraising effort that supports Northwell’s promise to the people it serves. 

The campaign’s objectives include improving hospitals and clinical programs, accelerating research and funding endowment.

On May 18, walk for a family member or friend fighting breast cancer, a breast cancer survivor, or in memory of someone whose life was cut short by this disease. Form a team with family, friends, or co-workers, join a team or walk as an individual, or sponsor a team or walker. Help raise funds for the Walk and collect Walk Fundraising Rewards. Participants can begin earning rewards by raising just $100! All rewards will be waiting for you at the Walk. To register, visit www.northwellhealthwalk.com.

‘The Lady of the Lake’ stars Seth Gilliam, Chris Roach, Taylor Red Fox, and Veronica Kelly come out to show support. 

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) honored director Maria Capp (originally from Ronkonkoma), and screened her latest film, The Lady of The Lake: The Legend of Lake Ronkonkoma, on Saturday, April 19 at the museum, located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook. This event was the lead-off film of LIMEHOF’s recently announced Monthly Local Filmmakers Series, which turns the spotlight on Long Island-based directors and their films. 

Capp flew out from Los Angeles to participate in the event and was joined on stage by some of the film’s stars, including Seth Gilliam, Chris Roach, Taylor Red Fox, and Veronica Kelly for a Q&A after the screening. They all spoke about being part of the film. 

“I think it’s wonderful, and I’m really grateful to everybody who has opened their arms and provided this opportunity to be the first film in the film series,” said Capp. “It’s really important what’s being done—and that is to keep arts in the community and bring local artists to the forefront. It’s been really quite an enjoyable experience and a pleasure working with everybody here.”  

Seth Gilliam, perhaps best known for his roles in The Walking Dead and The Wire, plays Adam Schultz, the main character’s father, in Lady of the Lake. He says it was great to screen and watch it with a local Long Island audience.   

“The crowd was really attentive and seemed to really dig it, and that makes it all worth the price of admission to me,” Gilliam said. “I wanted to be part of a coming-of-age story, but I’ve long since ‘come of age’—so being the father was the only role that I could actually play. I was drawn to it [the film] because of Maria Capp’s passion for the project and need to tell the story, and I wanted to be a part of it.” 

Chris Roach is a comedian from Ronkonkoma. He says he was aware of the real legend of the lake and wanted to be part of the film when Maria told him about it.

“She sent me the script and I really liked the role,” Roach said. “He’s a guy who adds some comic relief to the movie, which is something I really love doing. Being a proud Long Islander, it’s important to come out and represent whenever you can. This was extra special because I had a little part in it—and I love Maria and her family.” 

 Taylor Red Fox is an actress who has recently appeared in the TV series Manifest, has acted in off-Broadway theater, and is also a member of The Shinnecock Nation. She plays Tahoma in Lady of the Lake. 

“I’m excited that we’re all here as Long Island community members and we can help add to the artists in the area,” Red Fox said. “We were able to portray a side of the story that wasn’t disrespectful or dishonoring the memories of anyone living in the area. It was great working with Maria and Seth and the other actors, and I love that we were able to include actors who are local from the area in ways they may already be involved in the community—like being a comedian.”  

The film series is sponsored by Rick Eberle of Magnetic Vine and G&R Events. LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham organized the event and emceed the Q&A that followed the screening. 

“The LIMEHOF Monthly Local Filmmaker Series is a celebration of the incredible filmmaking talent emerging from our region,” said Needham. “Each month, we showcase the creativity, passion, and dedication of local filmmakers—providing them with a platform to share their work and connect with audiences who appreciate the power of storytelling. This series is an important part of our mission to support the arts and highlight Long Island’s impact on the entertainment industry.”

For over 20 years, Maria has worked in film and with the arts community on Long Island, NY and in Los Angeles, CA in a variety of roles as an award-winning writer, director, producer, and acting coach. In addition to The Lady of the Lake, she has been involved as a producer with many notable movie credits which include narrative features in the storytelling: Reach, DIVOS!, Four Cousins and a Christmas, and the Weekly World News Studios’ The Zombie Wedding.

The Lady of The Lake: The Legend of Lake Ronkonkoma is a Native American folklore thriller distributed by Vision Films Inc. This film was shot on location, in around filmmaker Maria Capp’s childhood hometown Ronkonkoma, and stars Seth Gilliam (The Walking Dead) and Nia Sioux (Dance Moms) as, respectively the father and daughter protagonists. Also featured are Larry Saperstein (High School Musical: The Musical [TV Series]), Emery Kelly (Netflix’s Alexa & Katie), Steven Thomas Capp (Fat Camp), and Julie Dove (Days of our Lives).

The next director to be recognized in the series is Sean King from Huntington on Saturday, May 17 at 1 p.m. Sean will be screening his latest film ScreamWalkers and be accompanied by Glenn McBride Jr. (Actor), Celia Spero (Actor), and Peter Bune Jr. (Producer). LIMEHOF welcomes nominations of local film directors and movies for consideration to feature in the series. For more information, visit the LIMEHOF website at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/

 

It is said that all good things come in threes and the The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s  event on April 11 was no exception as it hosted ribbon cuttings for Stony Brook Village Center establishments Georgio’s Coffee Roasters; North Shore Injury Lawyer Mark Freeley, Esq.; and The Little Cheese Shop.

For over 20 years, Georgio’s Coffee Roasters has been perfecting the art of roasting coffee in Farmingdale. Now they are thrilled to expand their legacy with a new location at 131 Main Street in Stony Brook. Founded by Lydia and Georgio Testani, the coffee shop offers Georgio’s signature roasted coffee beans and freshly ground coffee, available in 21 varieties. Their extensive drink menu features specialty lattes, cappuccinos, and rich hot chocolate, featuring house-made syrups. For those on the go, Georgio’s also serves delicious to-go items, such as bacon, egg, and cheese tacos and challah peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They are open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-841-1700 or visit georgioscoffee.com.

North Shore Injury Lawyer, Mark Freeley, Esq., brings over 30 years of personal injury litigation experience to his new office at 111 Main Street in Stony Brook. A longtime local resident and Senior Partner at a respected law firm in Woodbury, Freeley offers clients in the Three Village area personalized legal services backed by the strength of a full legal team. He is available by appointment in Stony Brook with a flexible schedule. In addition to handling injury cases, Freeley provides free reviews of auto insurance policies to help ensure proper coverage. Known for his daily walks with his rescue dogs and his volunteer work with Last Chance Animal Rescue, he is a familiar face in the community he proudly serves. By appointment only, call 631-495-9435 or visit northshoreinjurylawyer.com.

Little Cheese Shop at 127 Main Street in Stony Brook is run by Chris and Krystal Abate—industry professionals with over 20 years of experience in the food world. The charming boutique cheese shop offers an impressive selection of over 30 international and artisanal cheeses, many of which are rare finds on Long Island. In addition to cheese, the shop is stocked with gourmet pantry staples including jams, spreads, crackers, and mustards, as well as a curated selection of charcuterie. Perfect for entertaining or gifting, they also offer custom cheese platters, grazing tables, and beautifully packaged gift baskets. Cheese lovers can enjoy their full sandwich and grilled cheese menu, featuring over 20 delicious options made fresh to order. To learn more or place an order, call 631-223-0245 or visit littlecheese.shop.

By Bill Landon

When the Hurricanes of Westhampton girl’s lacrosse came calling on the Wildcats of Shoreham-Wading River both teams traded scores well into the 2nd quarter when the Canes netted three unanswered goals pushing the Wildcats back on their heels. Westhampton showed why they’re undefeated as they stretched their legs, edging ahead the rest of the way to win the game 15-8 handing the Wildcats their first loss of the season in the division II matchup on April 10.

Senior attack Charlotte Erb led the way for the Wildcats netting three goals and teammates Grayce Kitchen and Morgan Lesiewicz banked two goals apiece. Sophomore goalie Sophia Giangreco had five saves in net. 

— Photos by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

The Comsewogue Spartans boy’s lacrosse team looked to play “up” in their first of two non-league games of the season and play up they did, when they hosted Nassau County conference 1 powerhouse Port Washington (5-1). Comsewogue, a Suffolk Division II team got their nose bloodied in a rain swept matchup that yielded only two goals for the Spartan’s in a home game on April 12. 

Port Washington rattled off eight unanswered points in the first half before Comsewogue senior midfielder Doug Anacelli broke the ice when his shot on goal stretched the net just before the half to trail 8-1.

Junior midfielder Hunter Marquardt would be the only other Comsewogue stick that spoke the rest of the way when his shot found its mark in the third quarter. Port Washington cruised the rest of the way to a 15-2 victory.

Comsewogue goalie Ryan Schnepf had 12 saves in net.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Lloyd Harbor Elementary School’s recent production of “The Addams Family Musical” in the Cold Spring Harbor School District proved to be a resounding success, captivating audiences with its charm, wit and theatrical flair. Featuring a cast and crew of fifth and sixth grade students, the show brought the iconic Addams family to life in a spirited performance that showcased the incredible talent, creativity and dedication of the young performers.

With a perfect blend of spooky charm and heartwarming humor, the fifth and sixth grade cast and crew welcomed brave souls and curious mortals to a world where the creepy is endearing, the kooky is captivating and being different is something to celebrate. From the opening number to the final bow, the talented young performers delivered an incredible show filled with impressive singing, polished choreography and impeccable comedic timing.

The fan-favorite number, “Full Disclosure,” captured the spirit of the musical’s message – that even the strangest families can bond over dinner. And while the characters may have emerged from the cobwebs of Broadway, it was hard to believe these stars-in-the-making were only in elementary school.

Under the inspired direction of Jennifer Cové, the production shined with professional- level quality. The costumes, makeup and set design were extraordinary, while the backstage crew executed seamless scene changes with quiet precision and tireless dedication.

Bravo to the entire cast, crew and production team for embracing the eccentric, celebrating the macabre and reminding us all that there’s magic in the mysterious.

 

By Steven Zaitz

The game took 19 hours to complete, but the defending Long Island champion Commack Cougars baseball team took out the Ward Melville Patriots by a score of 8-3 this past weekend, April 11 and 12.

Suspended after 5½ innings due to darkness on Friday, April 11, Commack finished off the Patriots on Saturday despite gloomy weather conditions. Reliever Justin Pagan pitched a scoreless three innings to earn the win that improved the champion Cougars’ record to 5-1 and put them in a first-place tie in Division II with Connetquot. Ward Melville dropped to 1-2 after the loss.

Trailing 3-0 in the third, a two-run double by Pats third baseman Joe Karpowicz highlighted a three-run rally that tied the score at three. It stayed that way until the top of the sixth when the Cougars broke the game open with a 5-run frame. Cougar centerfielder Anthony Antorino hit a two-run triple in that inning that made the score 6-3. They tacked on two more runs with the help of an infield error that allowed both Antorino and catcher Robbie Mascia, who reached on a walk, to score. Ward Melville reliever Dan Cornish was charged with four runs, three of which were earned, in that decisive frame. He suffered the loss.

Ward Melville committed three errors in the game, Commack committed none.

When the game resumed on Saturday morning, Sam Kay, brother of former Commack star and current Stony Brook pitcher Evan Kay, pitched the final inning and a third and struck out three batters.

Commack has won four straight Suffolk County titles and two straight Long Island Championships. During Spring recess, they will play nonleague games against St. Anthony’s and Longwood, resuming league play on April 22 against Lindenhurst.

Ward Melville plays a three-game set against those same Lindenhurst Bulldogs on April 14, April 15 and April 19.

Both teams wore military tribute-style uniforms for the game, with Ward Melville sporting a full camouflage top and Commack, whose school colors are black and gold, wore khaki green shirts.

— Photos by Steven Zaitz