Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., claiming the lives of almost one in three every year. However, more than half are not aware of the risks that heart or cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses to their health. Here, Stony Brook cardiologist, Neda Dianati Maleki, MD, shares what every woman should know today about CVD and their heart.
Despite up to 75 percent of American women having one or more heart disease risk factors, only about one in four raises the issue of heart health with her primary care doctor. And, while six times as many women die from heart disease each year, more women feel that breast cancer is the larger risk.
The more heart disease risk factors you have, such as family history, high blood pressure or cholesterol, obesity, inactivity, smoking or diabetes, the greater your risk. Never assume that you’re too healthy or too young to have heart disease.
Risk factors unique to women include oral contraceptive use (especially for women who smoke and some types pose a higher risk than
others); pregnancy-related high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and diabetes (gestational diabetes); polycystic ovary disease and earlyonset menopause. When considering hormone replacement therapy, women should evaluate their individual risks/benefits with their doctor. In addition, studies have shown that chronic stress, depression and certain health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, can increase one’s risk. Certain treatments for cancer can also impact one’s overall heart health; Stony Brook’s Cardio-Oncology Program can help protect heart health for those individuals at risk before, during and after treatment.
Men and women can both experience the most common heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain, sweating and shortness of breath, but women are more likely to experience more subtle symptoms, such as back pain between the shoulder blades, neck pain, jaw pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue — and often chalk these up to less life-threatening conditions like the flu or acid-reflux, which can cause a delay in seeking treatment. During a heart attack, only about one in eight women report chest pain, and often describe it as pressure, aching, or tightness rather than pain.
You can be your own best advocate when it comes to your heart. Maintain an ongoing dialogue with your healthcare provider about heart disease risk, symptoms and your overall health. In one study, women reported deep fatigue and disturbed sleep as much as a month or two before a heart attack. If you feel that something’s suddenly not right, trust your gut. Almost 90 percent of women who have had a heart attack report having had a feeling that something was “just not right.” Don’t put off emergency care if you are having symptoms.
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Take a free heart health risk assessment at stonybrookmedicine.edu/hearthealth.
Up to 90 percent of heart disease can be avoided with diet and lifestyle changes and preventive treatment. Here’s what you can do: Know Your Numbers. Body mass index (BMI), a healthy weight indicator, should be between 18.5 to 24.9 with a waist measurement of 35 inches or less; blood pressure: 120/80 or below; blood sugar/diabetes risk (fasting blood glucose): 100 mg/dL or less; “good” cholesterol (HDL): 50 and above; “bad” cholesterol (LDL): 100 or below; and triglycerides: 150 or below. Talk with your doctor about tests and treatments.
Eat Better and Get Moving. Load up on fresh fruits, veggies and whole grains and steer clear of high-sodium processed foods, trans and saturated fat and sugars. Aim for a minimum of a half-hour at least three days a week.
Quit Smoking. After one year of not smoking, your heart disease risk goes down by half. After seven years, the smoking-heart disease risk drops to zero.
“Myths
Realities of Heart Disease in Women”
and the peace that took place in the various places that we visited.
All of this sharing in the midst of songs that range from the 60s to the present moment caused us to laugh and most importantly remember.
BY FATHER FRANCIS PIZZARELLI
This month’s column was written outside the walls of the old city in Jerusalem, Israel. I was leading a pilgrimage with 74 Americans mostly from Suffolk County, a few from New Jersey, a few from Maryland and a few from Tennessee. We were clearly a very diverse and unique community of people.
Since arriving in Israel, the weather had been sunny and in the 50s which is unusual for early January. A pilgrimage is not a vacation but rather an opportunity for inner reflection, discernment and of course fun human interaction.
Our days consisted of rising early in the morning, having a hearty Israeli breakfast and visiting sites that were more than 2000 years old. Our Jewish guide was brilliant; he knew more about Catholicism and Christianity than most Christians.
Every day we would celebrate the Eucharist in a holy place: Bethlehem, Gethsemane, Peter’s house, Bethany and the Holy Sepulchre to name a few. After a full day of exploring, learning and celebrating, we returned home to a wonderful dinner. After dinner, for those who were interested, we would gather for “Caring, Sharing and Singing.”
Each night more than three quarters of the community would gather for the post dinner sharing. The focus of the sharing would be something that touched them about the day. Some talked about powerful experiences, others spoke about healings that occurred from experiences that were buried long ago, still others talked about the transformation
Our theme for this year’s pilgrimage was “Hope and Transformation.” Our group consisted of a Jewish man married to a Catholic woman, a number of nondenominational Christians, a number of nonpracticing Catholics and some very serious-minded Catholics.
What developed among us was a profound community of faith. Many rediscovered Jesus in their lives. We came as 74 strangers and left as a community of friends on the same journey struggling with the same issues seeking to do our best with what God has blessed us with.
Since 2008, I’ve been privileged to lead pilgrimages to Israel. There has never been a group that I did not leave feeling more enriched, more willing to stay the course especially in the difficult work that I do and have done for more than 40 years.
This was my first pilgrimage since the pandemic. There was an energy with this group that was very different from my past pilgrimages. We were fairly large, very diverse in age, career and religious practice. However, what I was blessed to see was a strong bond that formed and transcended all of our differences-that focused on faith and hope in making the world a better place.
Although I came home exhausted, I came home with a renewed spirit, a renewed sense of hope despite the landscape of divisiveness and the renewed belief that we can make a profound difference one person at a time. Shalom.
Diabetes, High blood pressure
My A1C has dropped dramatically, and I am officially no longer diabetic. This is excellent! I have also been off my blood pressure medications and statins for almost two years, and I feel absolutely great about that. I’m tickled pink to be off these medications and still my blood pressure is so well controlled.
Male, age 72
Weight, Constipation, Memory, Heart disease, Atrial fibrillation
I feel so much better. My clothes are looser. I lost about 12 lbs. in the first month, and it keeps going down – so far, I’ve lost 42 lbs. I’ve also noticed my constipation has improved. I’m going once a day. Before, I would go once every 2-3 days, and sometimes four. I also wake up less often in the night to urinate. My memory also seems improved some and I’m confused less often. I feel like I have some verve!My cardiologist also really likes the diet and says I’m doing really well. I don’t have to come back for my atrial fibrillation for six months, which is a nice change. My health is better than it has been since I hit my 50s. I look over my history and say where the hell was I? I was so lucky to come across you!!!
Male, age 70
I feel like I have evolved. I am continuing to get better with the sugars and have lost 30 lbs. in this process. My pants size went from
a 38 to a 33. I feel much better than I did 3 years ago. I can get in and out of a Corvette like a kid! My endocrinologist just took me off another diabetes medication. I was on 5 diabetes medications and now I am on two and my sugar continues to go down. Plus, I am no longer on the reflux (GERD) medication and the blood pressure medication has been cut in half. You have brainwashed me; I could not be more pleased with the results. I am delighted that I am your patient. The quality of my life is much better than it was since I have been working with you.
Male, age 71
• Cholesterol • High Blood Pressure • Heart Disease • Diabetes • Obesity • Migraine
• Arthritis • Osteoporosis • Autoimmune Disease (Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid
Arthritis, Lupus, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Psoriasis...) • Stomach Issues • Constipation
• Diarrhea • Chronic Kidney Disease • Thyroid Issues • Asthma/Allergies • IBS • GERD (Reflux)
• Cancer • Gout • Kidney Stones • Uveitis
• Macular Degeneration • Sarcoidosis • Long Covid, and many more...
My hematologist is very impressed and amazed with my numbers. He never expected my bone cancer inflammation and my blood counts would be under control. I have not needed a phlebotomy in the last two months. I was having phlebotomy every two weeks until we adjusted my diet.
Female, age 79
Weight loss
I have lost a substantial amount of fat. Considering I have not been able to lose weight in at least 4 years, this is very exciting. I definitely feel it in my clothes. My belly has shrunk, I feel like this is huge. And I was amazed that it was not hard to do. I feel like I can do even better, which motivates me.
Female, age 41
METRO photo
Make exercise a priority — part of the fabric of your life.
BY DAVID DUNAIEF, MDLast week, I wrote about the challenges of relying on exercise for weight loss. That’s not to say that it’s not important to exercise. It has powerful effects in altering how our genes express themselves and can improve our outcomes with specific diseases, such as diabetes and a host of other health issues, including kidney stones, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease and breast, colorectal and endometrial cancers (1).
Despite all the positives, it’s sometime difficult to motivate yourself to exercise. However, there are some simple ways to motivate yourself during exercise. One study showed that those who repeated positive mantras to themselves during exercise were able to persist for longer periods (2).
Why is this so important now? Because we are too sedentary, and this is the time of the year when we are especially so. According to data from the 2015-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the Northeast had among the highest levels of physical inactivity by U.S. region, at 25.6 percent of the population (3).
Exercise may have a significant impact on how our genes express themselves.
In a study, results showed that thousands upon thousands of genes in fat cells were affected when participants exercised for six months (4). The study involved sedentary men and had them exercise twice a week at a one-hour spin class. According to the researchers, the genes impacted were those involved most likely in storing fat and in risk for subsequent diabetes and obesity development. These participants also improved other important health metrics, including their cholesterol, bloodpressure, fat percent and, later, their waist circumferences.
The effect identified on the fat cells is referred to as epigenetics, where lifestyle modifications ultimately lead to changes in gene expression, turning them on and off. This has been shown with dietary changes, but this is one of the first studies to show that exercise also has significant impacts on our genes. It took only six months to see
these numerous gene changes with modest amounts of cardiovascular exercise.
Do you need more encouragement? Another study showed substantial gene changes in muscle cells after one workout on a stationary bike (5). Yet another introduced six weeks of endurance exercise to healthy, but sedentary, young men and identified an abundance of genetic changes to skeletal muscle with broad impacts on physical and cognitive health (6).
Which is better: exercise or drug therapy?
What if we could forgo medications for cardiovascular disease by exercising? One meta-analysis, which examined 57 studies that involved drugs and exercise, showed similar benefits between statins and exercise in mortality with secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (7). This means that, in patients who already have heart disease, both statins and exercise reduce the risk of mortality by similar amounts. The same study also showed benefits for those with pre-diabetes and the use of metformin vs. exercise. It didn’t matter which one was used, the drug or the lifestyle change.
While these results are exciting, don’t change your medication without consulting your physician.
Anyone who has tried to pass a kidney stone knows it can be an excruciating experience. Most of the treatment involves pain medication, fluids and waiting for the stone to pass. However, the best way to treat kidney stones is to prevent them.
In the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study, exercise reduced the risk of kidney stones by as much as 31 percent (8). Even better, the intensity of the exercise
did not change its beneficial effect. What mattered more was exercise quantity. One hour of jogging or three hours of walking got the top results; however, lesser amounts of exercise also saw substantial reductions. This study involved 84,000 postmenopausal women, the population most likely to suffer from kidney stones.
We have heard that sex may be thought of as exercise, but is this myth or is there actual evidence? According to research, this may be true. In a study, researchers found that young, healthy couples exert 6 METs — metabolic energy, or the amount of oxygen consumed per kilogram per minute — during sexual activity (9).
How does this compare to other activities? We exert about 1 MET while sitting and 8.5 METs while jogging. In terms of energy utilized, sexual activity falls between walking and jogging, therefore, it can be qualified as moderate activity. Men and women burned almost half as many calories with sex as with jogging, burning a mean of 85 calories over about 25 minutes. Who says exercise isn’t fun?
I can’t stress the importance of exercise enough. It not only helps you feel better, it may also influence gene expression and, ultimately, affect your development and prevention of disease. In certain circumstances, it may be as powerful as medications. Therefore, make exercise a priority — part of the fabric of your life. It may already be impacting the fabric of your body: your genes.
References:
(1) JAMA. 2009;301(19):2024. (2) Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2013 Oct 10. (3) cdc.gov.
(4) PLoS Genet. 2013 Jun;9(6):e1003572. (5) Cell Metab. 2012 Mar 7;15(3):405-11. (6) Mol Metab. 2021 Nov;53:101290. (7) BMJ. 2013; 347. (8) JASN. 2013;24(3):p 487-497. (9) PLoS One 8(10): e79342.
Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd. com or consult your personal physician.
Each year, the Department of Health will release updated resource and income levels for the Medicaid program. This year there has been a significant increase.
BY NANCY BURNER ESQ.
Beginning January 1, 2023, New York State will be increasing the asset limits for community and nursing home Medicaid and income limits for community Medicaid.
For both community (home health aides) and chronic (nursing home) Medicaid, the available asset limit for 2023 is being increased to $28,133 for an individual applicant (the former asset limit for 2022 was $16,800) and $37,902 for a married couple (up from $24,600), allowing Medicaid applicants to retain significantly more assets and still be eligible for Medicaid.
The income limit for community Medicaid applicants is being increased from $934/month to $1,563/month for individual applicants and for married couples the income limit is being increased from $1,367/month to $2,106/ month. There is an additional $20.00 disregard that can be added to each allowance; therefore, the total of income allowance for an individual applying for Medicaid can have $1,583/month and married couples can have $2,126.00.
Under this program, any excess income can be directed to a Pooled Income Trust for the benefit of the Medicaid applicant and the monies deposited into the trust can be used to pay the household expenses of the Medicaid applicant. In New York, all Pooled Income Trust are managed by charitable organizations. It is important to use the monies in the Pooled Income Trust because when the applicant passes away, the balance goes to the charity.
As for nursing home Medicaid applicants, the monthly income limit will continue to be $50, but the income limit for the non-
Residents at Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community in Commack remembered and commemorated the victims and survivors of the Holocaust with a candle lighting vigil and ceremony on Jan. 27.
“International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a time to honor the 6 million Jews who were killed during the Holocaust and those who survived of one of the darkest periods in history,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “It is an especially important day of reflection for our Gurwin residents, many of whom experienced unspeakable atrocities firsthand and are compelled to share their stories.”
During the ceremony, 13 residents were called upon to each light a candle to honor the friends and family who died at the hands of the Nazis. Of the residents that were called up, two shared their personal stories of survival.
institutionalized spouse is being increased to $3,715/month. Additionally, federal guidelines permit community spouses to retain up to $148,620 in assets plus a primary residence with a maximum value of $1,033,000.
Even if the community souse has assets and income over the threshold, New York’s spousal refusal provisions provide even more protection in that a community spouse can elect to sign a document which allows them to retain assets in any amount, including assets which were previously in the name of the spouse that requires care in a nursing facility.
Individuals applying for Medicaid benefits after January 1, 2023, should apply based on the asset and income limits discussed above. For those individuals who are already receiving community Medicaid and are using a pooled trust for their excess monthly income, your monthly budget/spend-down will remain the same until you recertify, at which time the increased income limits will be applied.
However, starting in January 2023 Medicaid recipients may ask their local Medicaid office to re-budget their spend-down based on the new income limits before their next renewal, enabling community Medicaid recipients to keep more of their monthly income sooner. It is advisable to consult an elder law attorney in your area to determine if a re-budget is appropriate in your case.
While the asset allowance has been increased, keep in mind that the five-year look-back period for nursing home Medicaid still applies, which means that any transfer of assets made within this period for below market value will incur a penalty period and Medicaid coverage will commence only after the penalty period has elapsed. Typically, there is always Medicaid planning that can be accomplished even if the individual immediately needs Medicaid coverage and has done no pre-planning.
*Please note, the income and assets are based on the 2022 Poverty Level. This is subject to change based on the 2023 Poverty Level.
Nancy Burner, Esq. is the founder and managing partner at Burner Law Group, P.C with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, New York City and East Hampton.
At 97 years old, Polish-born Cilia Borenstein vividly recalls the horrors the Nazis perpetrated against her at the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp. She is the only member of her family to survive the Holocaust.
Rose Ashkenazy was eleven years old out the outset of World War II. She and her family fled Poland and lived in the woods near Ukraine to hide from the Nazis, surviving the outdoors on little food and with just the clothing on their backs. Neighboring houses provided small amounts of food for the refugees, helping to keep them alive until the war ended.
“We tell our stories of survival to keep the memories of our loved ones alive and to prevent this from happening again,” said Cilia Borenstein. “There are only a few of us left and it is important to remind others of our experiences during the Holocaust.”
to a Roth IRA. But while this backdoor strategy sounds simple, it involves some serious considerations.
A low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) scan, a comprehensive examination and all required imaging services are offered to those who qualify. Your case is reviewed by our nationally recognized team of lung cancer specialists.
We encourage those who are ages 50 and older and who smoke or are former smokers to learn if they qualify for this screening.
Our program follows the guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network®.
Call (631) 638-7000
for guidelines, qualifications and appointments.
BY MICHAEL CHRISTODOULOUThere aren’t many drawbacks to having a high income — but being unable to invest in a Roth IRA might be one of them. Are there strategies that allow highincome earners to contribute to this valuable retirement account?
Before we delve into that question, let’s consider the rules. In 2023, you can contribute the full amount to a Roth IRA — $6,500, or $7,500 if you’re 50 or older — if your modified adjusted gross income is less than $138,000 (if you’re single) or $218,000 (if you’re married and filing jointly). If you earn more than these amounts, the amount you can contribute decreases until it’s phased out completely if your income exceeds $153,000 (single) or $228,000 (married, filing jointly).
A Roth IRA is attractive because its earnings and withdrawals are tax free, provided you’ve had the account at least five years and you don’t start taking money out until you’re 59½. Furthermore, when you own a Roth IRA, you’re not required to take withdrawals from it when you turn 72, as you would with a traditional IRA, so you’ll have more flexibility in your retirement income planning and your money will have the chance to potentially keep growing. But given your income, how can you contribute to a Roth?
You may want to consider what’s known as a “backdoor Roth” strategy. Essentially, this involves contributing money to a new traditional IRA, or taking money from an existing one, and then converting the funds
Specifically, you need to evaluate how much of your traditional IRA is in pretax or after-tax dollars. When you contribute pretax dollars to a traditional IRA, your contributions lower your annual taxable income. However, if your income is high enough to disqualify you from contributing directly to a Roth IRA, you may also earn too much to make deductible (pretax) contributions to a traditional IRA. Consequently, you might have contributed after-tax dollars to your traditional IRA, on top of the pretax ones you may have put in when your income was lower. (Earnings on after-tax contributions will be treated as pretax amounts.)
In any case, if you convert pretax assets from your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, the amount converted will be fully taxable in the year of the conversion. So, if you were to convert a large amount of these assets, you could face a hefty tax bill. And since you probably don’t want to take funds from the converted IRA itself to pay for the taxes, you’d need another source of funding, possibly from your savings and other investments.
Ultimately, then, a backdoor Roth IRA strategy may make the most sense if you have few or no pretax assets in any traditional IRA, including a SEP-IRA and a SIMPLE IRA. If you do have a sizable amount of pretax dollars in your IRA, and you’d still like to convert it to a Roth IRA, you could consider spreading the conversion over a period of years, potentially diluting your tax burden.
Consult with your tax advisor when considering a backdoor Roth strategy. But if it’s appropriate for your situation, it could play a role in your financial strategy, so give it some thought.
Michael Christodoulou, ChFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS® is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Stony Brook. Member SIPC.
The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Karasmatic Day Spa on Jan. 19. Based in Bayport for over 14 years, the full service day spa recently opened its second location at 41 North Country Road in Port Jefferson across from Mather Hospital.
The new location offers a wide range of services, including massages, facials, lasers, waxing, Botox, fillers, as well as state-of-the-art technologies and features four treatment rooms, a relaxation room, and a retail area where customers can purchase skincare and spa products.
“We are thrilled to bring our services to the Port Jefferson community,” said Kara Morris, owner of Karasmatic Day Spa. “Our customers can expect to receive the most advanced treatments such as EmSculpt Neo for muscle toning and body sculpting, Hydrafacial for deep cleansing and hydration, Clear + Brilliant laser for skin rejuvenation, DMK for skin revision and Morpheus 8 for skin tightening and wrinkle reduction. We believe that everyone deserves a little luxury in their lives, and we look forward to providing that to our new customers.”
Jarrett M. Behar, Partner at Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP, has been elevated to Co-Chair of the Litigation Practice Group. He will work in both Hauppauge and East Meadow offices.
The Commack resident has vast litigation experience in the areas of real estate, commercial lending, construction, general contractual disputes, land use, bankruptcy, intellectual property, professional liability defense matters and appellate practice in both federal and state courts.
Branch Funeral Home has announced the opening of their new location at 2225 Jericho Turnpike in Commack, in addition to Smithtown and Miller Place. The modern 10,000 square foot facility boasts four chapels, an on-site reception center, two meeting rooms and ample parking with 125 spaces.
"Our family has been serving those in need for more than 120 years. During that
The spa is open seven days a week by appointment only to accommodate busy schedules. Gift certificates and packages are also available for purchase. For more information, visit www.karasmaticdayspa. com or call 631-472-1005.
time our family has established multigeneration relationships and we hope to continue this legacy in the Commack community," said 4th generation Funeral Directors/Co-Owners John and Paul Vigliante.
The community is invited to a grand opening event at the facility on Sunday, Feb. 19 at noon with a ribbon cutting ceremony, food, refreshments, door prizes, guided tours and answers to any and all questions. To RSVP, call 631-493-7200.
New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS), has announced the promotion of Jim Matera, MSRTT, Vice President of Operations Radiation Oncology, to Senior Vice President of Operations Radiation Oncology.
"Jim has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep commitment to our patients and team," said Jeff Vacirca, MD, CEO. “I am confident that in this new role, he will continue to excel and make valuable contributions to the success of our practice.”
As Senior Vice President of Operations for Radiation Oncology, Matera will continue to be a driving force in overseeing the operational aspects of the department, including implementing policies and procedures and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care. Matera will also be responsible for supervising the development of new and existing radiation oncology facilities.
"NYCBS has given me a chance to 'run with the bulls,' Matera said.“We are a fast-moving, strong force that will not let obstacles stand in our way. It is an honor to be a part of the team, and I look forward to the future as we continue to strive for success."
Joann Fabric and Crafts has announced the closure of its Centereach and Holbrook stores and a spring opening for a new superstore in Sayville Plaza on Sunrise Highway in Sayville. The location at 191 Middle Country Road, Centereach has a confirmed closing of Feb. 19 while the Holbrook store at 5705 Sunrise Highway is projected to be closing sometime in April.
The superstore will occupy the former Sports Authority location and will join Harbor Freight, F45 Fitness, Christmas Tree Shops, Boot Barn and others.
Maria Palmar Properties, 202 East Main St., Port Jefferson recently announced that Laura Hamilton has joined their team.
"We’re thrilled that Laura Hamilton has joined us as a fully licensed sales agent," said owner Maria Palmar.
"Over the decades, Maria Palmar Realty has established strong roots in our communities. Similarly, over the same period of time, Laura, in her diverse roles as a leader and health care provider at St. Charles and John T. Mather hospitals, has been known for her strong presence in the area, commitment to excellence, professionalism, caring and hard work. People respect her professionally and she is very well liked personally. Ours is a people-oriented business, and as such, Laura with her winning personality will be a distinct asset to our firm. Please join us in welcoming Laura!" For more information, call 631-774-2264.
Little Flower welcomes new CFO
Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York in Wading River, has welcomed Matthew Bredes, CPA, to the senior executive team as the organization’s new Chief Financial Officer.
“I am so impressed with Matthew's technical skills and his collaborative spirit, which combined will have a positive impact on the organization, our employees, and mostly importantly, those we serve through our mission,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Corinne Hammons.
In his role, Bredes will oversee the fiscal operations of Little Flower and St. John’s Residence for Boys, its affiliated organization. In addition, he will oversee the Information Technology and Services and Facilities teams. He will serve as the key financial advisor to the president and CEO and the boards of directors of the affiliated organizations, and he will collaborate with his peers on the Senior Executive Council. Bredes will be accountable for financial functions, including financial monitoring and oversight and budget preparation and monitoring.
“I am extremely excited and grateful to be joining the Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York team as their Chief Financial Officer,” said Bredes. “I look forward to assisting with further development of the organization’s reach to best support local communities and those we serve.”
Children's Theater Scavenger Hunt
TBR News Media is having a Scavenger Hunt! Find this magical fish in this week’s issue of Arts & Lifestyles and email the page number to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com. The first correct submission will win four tickets to The House That Jack Built, courtesy of Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson, on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m.
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm and Aesop's Fables, the adorable musical features seven stories including The Fisherman and His Wife, Henny Penny, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, The Bremen Town Musicians, Stubborn as a Mule, The Lion and the Mouse That Returned a Favor, and The Tortoise and the Hare. Good luck!
Wednesdays, 7-8pm, starting February 8th to May 24th, 14 sessions (no classes April 5th and 12th for Passover)
Busy doing something else when you were 13? No problem!
It’s never too late to have a bar or bat mitzvah.
Study for 14 weeks with Rabbi Benson and learn the basics about Jewish texts, history, practices, Hebrew and Torah reading. The class will have their B’nai Mitzvah on Saturday, May 27th which is the holiday of Shavuot.
RSVP by to 631-928-3737 or rabbi.benson@nsjc.org.
$100 for all 14 classes. Need 4 students to run the class.
1. Spencer of Hollywood's Golden Age
6. Eyeball, e.g.
9. "Tosca" song, e.g.
13. Theater passage
14. Bovine call
15. "____ came a spider..."
16. *Univision's ____ Grammy Awards
17. Barley bristle
18. Turning token taker
19. *President with a Grammy
21. Diabolical
23. Sold at the pump
24. Russian monarch
25. Back of a boat
28. *"Shallow," 2018 recipient from "A ____ Is Born" movie
30. *Camila Cabello and Ed Sheeran's nominated song
35. College dwelling
37. Footnote note
39. Shade of violet
40. Huron's neighbor 41. Head of the abbey 43. Done in a pot 44. City in Bolivia 46. Not manual 47. Mend, healthwise 48. Eye cover 50. Egghead 52. Four quarters 53. Dog in yoga 55. Triple ____
1. Bath powder
2. Iranian coin
3. ____ Spumante
4. Be needy
5. Gossipy ones
6. Arabian Peninsula country
7. Column's counterpart
8. Holiday surprise for employee
9. Palo ____, CA
10. Agitate
11. Inwardly
12. *1970 two-time winner "The ____ of Aquarius"
15. Hindu retreat
Answers to last week's SUDOKU S U D O K U P U Z Z L E
*____.com Arena 60. *"Vegas" and "Woman" nominee (2 words) 64. Unit of electrical energy 65. Hoover's agency, acr.
20. Ancient Rome's neighbor 22. Nail a criminal
24. Popular newspaper name
25. *"30" performer
26. Pillage
27. Beef ___, dim sum choice
29. *"Don't Shut Me Down" group
31. Alan Alda's classic TV show
32. Type of hawk
33. Type of flu
34. Multi-colored dog coat
36. One of three square ones
38. Shower with affection
42. Human trunk
45. Sliding fastener
49. Part of "i"
51. Past-life experience? (2 words)
Directions: Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all digits 1 through 9.
Answers
54. Capital of Bulgaria
56. Airbnb option
57. Chanel of fashion
58. German industrial valley
59. Big Bang's original matter
60. Disc, alt. sp.
61. Popular dieter's foe
62. Between ports
63. Chris Hemsworth's superhero
64. *Award-winning Bon Jovi's lead singer
66. *Coldplay's collaborators
The first day Kevin O’Hare arrived in Vietnam, a bullet flew over his head during reverie. Vietcong fighters regularly targeted the assembled morning crowd of soldiers who stood in formation to honor the flag.
“That was a shock,” recalled O’Hare, a resident of Kings Park who is a retired sales director for RJR Nabisco and who served in the army from 1966 to 1968. “I jumped in the bunker as fast as I could.”
O’Hare, who shared memories of his time in the military, wants to ensure that others have an opportunity to reflect and appreciate the soldiers who served during the war amid a time of civil discontent in the United States.
In 1966, the hamlet of Hauppauge created what O’Hare and others believe is one of the first tributes to those serving in Vietnam. The "Vietnam Era Hauppauge Honor Roll" memorial sits in Bill Richards Park near Suffolk County's H. Lee Dennison Building off Veterans Memorial Highway and will soon add plaques with the names of O’Hare and navy veteran Wayne “Mickey” Johnson.
Officials have considered the possibility of moving the memorial, O’Hare said, although he would prefer that it remain in the park.
O’Hare’s near miss during reverie was one of several other times he could have been severely injured or worse, including two incidents when mortar landed without exploding outside his tent. “They were duds,” he said. “If they had gone off,” said the 78-year old father of two and the grandfather of four, “I wouldn’t be here.”
In April of 1967, O’Hare was in a bunker with five other men. A mortar round came in and killed three of his fellow soldiers.
At another point, a man approached O’Hare with a bag. As he got closer, the man tried to strap the satchel around O’Hare. Two infantry men assigned to protect O’Hare saw the exchange and shot the man before he could plant explosives that would have killed O’Hare.
So, what made this American soldier worth an attempted assassination?
Initially a mortar man, O’Hare’s experience with the Soupy Sales comedy show in New York prior to his tour of duty attracted the attention of army brass. Officials asked O’Hare to help run the shows for the United Service Organization, or USO.
Started in 1941, these shows entertained troops stationed overseas and gave them a taste of home half a world away. The
entertainment “took them away from the war,” said O’Hare, “even for two hours. They looked forward to it.”
In some ways, the shows were the antidote to people like Hanoi Hannah, a radio broadcaster from North Korea who chided American troops, suggesting that their girlfriends back home were cheating on them or that they were fighting an unjust and unwelcome war.
The USO shows featured Hollywood stars, who were determined to bring their talents to members of the military who might otherwise feel disconnected from American life or who might be physically or emotionally wounded. Seats in the first 10 rows for these often crowded shows were reserved for the wounded.
O’Hare worked with celebrities including Bob Hope, an entertainer who hosted the Academy Awards 19 times.
Hope, who later became an honorary veteran for visiting the troops starting in World War II and ending with the Persian Gulf War, was eager to visit the wounded in the hospital after his show, O’Hare recalled.
Comedienne Phyllis Diller, who was famous for her wild hair and self-deprecating stand up routines, also traveled to Vietnam. During Diller’s visit, O’Hare recalled, the army arranged to transport her in a Huey, a helicopter with a single blade. Nervous about flying in a small helicopter, Diller asked O’Hare if he could help her fly in the larger Chinook, which has two blades.
After receiving the approval of senior officers, O’Hare strapped a chair next to a pole in the Chinook. Sandwiched between the cue cars on one side of the helicopter and her clothing on the other, Diller rode in her preferred helicopter.
Before she returned to the United States, Diller drew a self-portrait, with spiky hair and a smile on her face and signed her name for O’Hare. “That’s the craziest autograph I ever had,” O’Hare recalled. It wasn’t, however, the last.
Legendary actor and future head of the National Rifle Association, Charlton Heston, who played Moses in the 1956 film The Ten Commandments, also made the long trip to Vietnam to entertain the troops. On his last day before returning the states, Heston chatted with O’Hare. Heston, who autographed a program for O’Hare, asked him when he would return to the States. O’Hare recalled being nervous speaking with the intense and direct Heston.
“When you get back,” Heston urged, “you’re going to see my new movie.” When he returned to the States, O’Hare saw the film Heston mentioned: Planet of the Apes.
In addition to working with celebrities including five winners of the Miss America contest, O’Hare coordinated shows in between these high-profile visits. He kept a list of the people who could play instruments. When he found out about a drummer, a guitarist and others who could play instruments, he formed a band that provided live performances.
O’Hare also helped bring a show to the Black Virgin Mountain near Cambodia. For his work bringing that show to the troops, O’Hare won the Bronze Star.
While the Kings Park resident appreciates the recognition, he knows, despite escaping serious injury and death in Vietnam, that he had a considerably easier experience than many of other members of the military.
He recalled the terrible job of “tunnel rat” that the smallest and lightest men had to perform. Once the Americans found some of the tunnels built under their bases and scattered throughout the country, the tunnel rat had to try to flush out the enemy. The Vietcong left scorpions, tarantulas and snakes for the Americans. Seeing the disadvantage of fitting the profile for this job, some servicemen tried to gain weight quickly so they wouldn’t fit in small tunnels that often became death traps.
Since he left the army, O’Hare has continued to try to serve some of his fellow vets. He sits with vets and talks at a bagel store. He has also helped restore monuments like the one at Bill Richards Park, so people don’t forget the service and sacrifice of other Long Islanders. O’Hare is also the president of the Citizen’s Police Academy.
For his consistent and enduring contributions to the community, O’Hare has won several admirers. “Nothing is too much work for him,” said Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset). “He does more than 20 or 30-year-olds. He’s a rocket.”
FEATURE STORY continued on page B12
Continued from page B11
A navy veteran who served from 1968 to 1972 and a 1967 graduate of Hauppauge High School, Wayne “Mickey” Johnson is excited about the prospect of seeing his name alongside those of other members of the community who served during Vietnam.
Johnson would like his grown sons to see his name on the memorial along with those of some of his high school friends.
“I’m proud of my service,” said Johnson, who spent two years stationed in Puerto Rico and two years stationed on the amphibious ship USS Hermitage, which included a six month stint in the Mediterranean.
Johnson, who is a resident of Patchogue, said his father, Vandorn Johnson, served in the navy during World War II and the Korean conflict.
Johnson, whose brother shares a name with his father and is preparing the additional plaques, said he knows his father would be pleased with his service.
BY MELISSA ARNOLD
When you’re on a mission to find your perfect match, it’s safe to say you’ll have some less-than-great experiences along the way. It happens to the best of us.
Whether you’re partnered up or flying solo, an evening of Valentines-themed storytelling is sure to be relatable and entertaining.
Johnson said he doesn’t mind if the memorial moves. “Wherever it is, I’ll find it,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier to be on it.”
story at www.tbrnewsmedia.com
• Why did you choose this
• If you had to do it again, would you and would you do it the same?
• What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
The Performing Arts Studio in Port Jefferson will host a production of (Mostly) True Things, a recurring show featuring people from all walks of life sharing real, personal experiences. Their Feb. 11 production is themed “Bad Valentines and Worst Dates Ever.”
There’s also a game wrapped into the evening — while all four stories are true, three storytellers will change subtle little details. In Act 2, the audience will have a chance to question each person and decide for themselves who’s being sneaky. Winners get a tote bag, and the whole truth about each story is shared before the end of the night. It’s a combination of comedy, heart and community that is truly a unique experience every time.
The host and creator of (Mostly) True Things is Selden resident Jude Treder-Wolff, a creative soul who has worn a number of hats.
“I grew up in a family where everyone learned to play piano, and I fell in love with it. I’ve always been a musician and a performer, and I got a degree in music therapy in my 20s,” Treder-Wolff explained. "Music has always been a healing art form for me … I love helping people tap into their creativity and use the arts as a way to express their feelings."
After working as a music therapist in hospitals, rehab facilities and sessions with children, Treder-Wolff went to graduate school for social work and began a private practice.
She was also growing creatively, getting involved with the cabaret scene in New York City and writing her own material. A mentor encouraged her to share true stories from her own life as well.
(Mostly) True Things has appeared around New York City, Long Island and the Midwest since 2014, weaving the performers' stories with original songs written and performed by Treder-Wolff.
This Valentine's edition is special, she notes.
"I don’t usually do themed shows, but a while back I was in a show called 'Worst Dates Ever,' and it was hilarious, so I put out a request for story pitches on that theme," she said.
To be cast in the show, potential storytellers meet with Jude, often via Zoom, to present their ideas. If it's a good fit, they'll work with her to develop a carefully-crafted and polished story for the show — possibly with those little white lies added in.
Among the Feb. 11 performers is Kelly Massaro, a Westhampton Beach middle school teacher and writer.
"I was a scarecrow in my elementary school play, and that's all the theater experience I have. I'm feeling terrified and thrilled," Massaro admitted, laughing. "But I made a New Year's resolution to try new things. I saw (Mostly) True Things in the past and knew I wanted to share some of my writing with Jude … The show was so evocative, thoughtful and funny — the little twist of trying to find who’s telling their story straight is really engaging for the audience."
Massaro will share the ups and downs of learning to own her romantic history while giving herself permission to love. It may not be the funniest story of the night, but she hopes it will resonate.
"The most important stories come from being vulnerable," Massaro said. "I want to reach the person in the audience who might be nursing a broken heart."
The evening will also feature performances by humor writer Ivy Eisenberg; playwright Jack Canfora; and political comedian Joey Novick.
Ultimately, the goal is to leave the audience feeling hopeful, Treder-Wolff said.
"Everyone can enjoy this because it’s both comedic and real," she added. "I think it can help people to feel a lot less alone in their life experiences."
See (Mostly) True Things: "Bad Valentines and Worst Dates Ever" at The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St., Port Jefferson on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 online at www. mostlytruethings.com or $20 at the door (cash only). The show is recommended for teens and adults. For more information, call 631928-6529.
SPOTLIGHTING DISCOVERIES AT
(1) COLD SPRING HARBOR LAB
(2) STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY &
(3) BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LAB
BY DANIEL DUNAIEFPeople have natural defenses against cancer. Proteins like P53 search for unwelcome and unhealthy developments.
the protein and determine its structure.
Sun is working on x-ray crystallography, in which she purifies the protein, crystallizes it and then uses x-rays to determine the atomic structure.
Sun described the search for the structure of the protein as an “important direction” in the research. “Once we solve the structure” researchers can focus on drug design, testing and other experiments.
Sometimes, mutations in P53, which is known as the “guardian of the genome,” rob the protein of its tumor fighting ability. In more than seven out of ten cases, the brain tumor glioblastoma, which has a grim prognosis for people who develop it, has an intact P53 protein.
So what happened to P53 and why isn’t it performing its task?
That’s what Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Professor and Cancer Center member Alea Mills and postdoctoral researcher Xueqin “Sherine” Sun wanted to know.
Starting with the idea that something epigenetic was somehow blocking P53, Sun conducted numerous detailed experiments with the gene editing tool CRISPR-Cas9.
She knocked out parts of the chromatin regulating machinery, which determines whether factors for DNA replication, gene expression, and the repair of DNA damage can access genes and perform their tasks.
The researchers wanted to find “something specific to glioblastoma,” Mills said in an interview. Working with a team of researchers in Mills’s lab, Sun focused on the protein BRD8.
In experiments with mice, Sun and her colleague inhibited this specific protein by destroying the gene that encodes it. That step was enough to stop the tumor from growing and allowed the mouse to live longer.
Mills and Sun published their work in the prestigious journal Nature just before the holidays.
The article generated considerable buzz in the scientific community, where it was in the 99th percentile among those published at the same time in attracting attention and downloads. It also attracted attention on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.
“We see this as a major discovery, and are not surprised that many others think that the impact is extraordinary,” Mills said. The paper “has the potential of having a significant impact in the future. The work is completely novel.”
While finding a connection between BRD8 and glioblastoma suggests a target for researchers to consider in their search for new glioblastoma treatments, a potential new approach for patients could be a long way off.
“We cannot predict how long it will take to be able to help patients” who have glioblastoma, Mills said.
Still, this finding provides a promising step by showing how knocking out the BRD8 protein can enable P53 to gain access to a life threatening tumor.
Sun and Mills said BRD8 and its partners lock down genes that are normally turned on by P53.
“What you inherit from mom and dad is one thing,” said Mills. “How it’s packaged, the epigenetic mechanism that keeps it wrapped up or open, is key in how it’s all carried out within your body.”
By targeting BRD8, Mills and her team opened the chromatin, so P53 could bind and turn on other cancer fighting genes.
After receiving patient samples from Northwell Health, Stanford and the Mayo Clinic, the team studied tissue samples from patients battling glioblastoma. Those patients, they found, had
higher concentrations of BRD8 than people without brain cancer.
Researchers and, down the road, pharmaceutical companies and doctors, are careful to make sure removing or reducing the concentration of any protein doesn’t have so-called “off target effects,” which would interfere with normal, healthy processes in cells.
Mills said they tested such actions in the context of neural stem cells in the brain. At this point, removing BRD8 didn’t have any “deleterious consequence,” she said.
Her lab is working to see the effect of reducing or removing the mouse version, also called Brd8, during development by engineering mice that lack this protein.
An important next step in this research involves searching for and developing viable inhibitors of the BRD8 protein.
For histone readers like BRD8, researchers look for an active domain within the protein. The goal is to interrupt the interface in their interactions with histones.
In creating molecules that can block the action of a protein, researchers often start with the structure of the protein or, more specifically, the active site.
Sun, who is currently applying for jobs to run her own lab after working at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for over eight years, is hoping to purify enough of
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She suggested that the search for a small molecule or compound that might prove effective in inhibiting BRD8 would involve optimizing efficiency and activity. There is a “long way to go” in that search, Sun added.
She is working to generate a chemical compound in collaboration with other groups. A long, productive journey
Born and raised in China, Sun has been an active and important contributor to Mills’s lab.
“I’ll miss [Sun] personally as well as in the lab,” Mills said. “She’s been a really good role model and teacher across the Cold Spring Harbor campus and in my lab.”
Mills is “really excited about [Sun’s] future,” she said. “She’ll be really great” at running her own lab.”
For her part, Sun enjoyed her time on Long Island, where she appreciated the natural environment and the supportive culture at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Sun described her time on Long Island as a “very exciting and satisfying journey.”
She is determined to study and understand cancer for a number of reasons.
“I know people who died of cancer,” she said. “It’s a terrible disease and it’s urgent to find more efficient therapeutic strategies to stop cancers and improve human heath.”
Sun is also eager to embrace the opportunity to mentor and inspire other students of science.
“Teaching is very important,” she said. She looks forward to helping students grow as professionals to create the “next generation of scientists.”
In honor of National Carrot Cake Day, Feb. 3, here is a traditional take on the timeless treat using everyday ingredients. This cake is so easy to make, perfectly moist, and topped with an easy homemade cream cheese frosting. Then try this cream cheese bar recipe that combines the spiced sweetness of traditional carrot cake with creamy, smooth cheesecake for an irresistible dessert.
YIELD: Makes 10 to 12 servings
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups carrots, shredded
• 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
• 2/3 cup walnuts
Frosting:
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 1/2 cups powdered sugar
DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and baking powder. In mixing bowl, cream together oil and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Gradually add in carrots and crushed pineapple. Add dry mixture to wet ingredients and beat until smooth. Fold in walnuts.
Pour batter into two lightly greased 8-inch round cake pans and bake 25-30 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely. Remove cakes from pans and slice off tops to level cakes.
To make frosting: In mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Gradually add in powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Spread two large spoonfuls frosting over top of one cake and stack second cake on top. Frost entire cake with remaining frosting.
YIELD: Makes 24 bars
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour, divided
• 2 cups sugar, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs, divided
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix 1 cup each of flour and sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl. Add oil, 2 eggs, vanilla extract and carrots; mix well. Spread 1/2 of the batter into greased and floured 13x9-inch baking pan. Reserve remaining batter. Set aside. Beat cream cheese and remaining 1 cup sugar in another large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add milk, remaining 2 tablespoons flour and lemon extract; beat until well blended. Add remaining 2 eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended.
Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture and reserved carrot cake batter, alternately, over carrot cake batter in pan. Cut through several times with knife for marble effect. Bake 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack.
In 2012, Samuel D. Hunter’s The Whale premiered off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons. It won both the Drama Desk and the Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Play. Hunter has adapted his play for the screen in a compelling film directed by Darren Aronofsky.
The film opens with Charlie, a morbidly obese college professor, teaching online from his Idaho apartment. While Charlie urges his students to write from a place of truth and honesty, he leaves his camera off so they cannot see who he really is. His friend Liz, a nurse with personal ties to Charlie’s history, urges him to go to the hospital as he is bordering on congestive heart failure. Charlie refuses, citing a lack of health insurance and the fear of incurring huge debts.
Charlie spends his days grading papers, eating, and struggling with declining health. Thomas, a missionary from the New Life Church, visits, attempting to bring him to God. Charlie’s only other outside interaction is with the Gambino’s pizza delivery man, Dan, with whom he speaks through the closed door.
Knowing that his time is limited, Charlie reaches out to his estranged daughter, Ellie. Charlie had not seen the girl since he left her and her mother, Mary, for Alan, one of his continuing ed students.
A dysfunctional family drama ensues that touches on depression, suicide, religion, money, and homophobia. For the screenplay, Hunter hewed closely to his original work. The play was set entirely in Charlie’s living room, and Aronofsky wisely opts to keep most of the action in the dark, cluttered room, only opening up to the apartment’s additional rooms and the porch (though Charlie never goes beyond the threshold).
The film is not subtle in its storytelling and metaphors. The titular “whale” refers to Moby Dick—both Charlie and a student essay he rereads obsessively. Nevertheless, The Whale derives strength from exceptional performances from its ensemble cast.
The connection between Liz and Charlie is central to his survival, and Hong Chau balances her love and frustration as Charlie’s only direct contact with the outside world. She frets over his health but is a notso unwitting enabler. Sadie Sink brings multiple shades of anger and darkness to Ellie, showing her pain but also an almost sadistic need to manipulate.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, there has been a lot on your plate and many thoughts swimming through your mind. A quick getaway could be what is needed this month.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, you have a few offers on the table, but could be having trouble narrowing down your preference. Bring in a third party to help.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, it’s important to focus on progress and not necessarily on money that can be made. See what you can learn along the path you choose.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
You have high hopes that your efforts will be well received this week, Taurus. Before you move full speed ahead, run your ideas by a trusted group of confidantes.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
You don’t learn by getting things right all of the time, Gemini. A few mistakes along the way provide an opportunity to grow and figure out new ways to do the job.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, distractions seemingly abound this week and your head isn’t in the game. While you can get away with a few oversights here and there, too many can be problematic.
Ty Simpkins, as Thomas, avoids cliché and makes the later revelations valid and believable. Samantha Morton appears in one scene, imbuing Mary, the alcoholic ex-wife, with the right sense of hurt and damage. But, at the center of the film is Brendan Fraser as Charlie.
Fraser’s early career included Dogfight (1991), Encino Man (1992), and School Ties (1992). He is best known for The Mummy series (1999, 2001, 2008), with other movies ranging from Dudley Do-Right (1999) and Blast from the Past (1999) to Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) and No Sudden Move (2021). Certainly, none of these prepare audiences for the heartbreaking depth of this performance.
Going beyond the physical challenges, Fraser makes Charlie a complicated figure. He alternates between a resigned need to apologize—his litany of “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry …”—and a passionate desire to see the good in people (specifically, the mercenary Ellie, who may or may not warrant this faith).
Harrowing moments include a choking fit and a pizza binge—each horrifying and gut-wrenching in its own way. But they are no more painful than Ellie’s malevolent, “I’m not spending time with you. You’re disgusting.” And his cry, “Who would want me to be a part of their life?” Even his struggle to stand and cross the room
resonates with a deep hurt. Fraser never loses sight of Charlie’s humanity, creating a dimensional, unforgettable performance.
Fraser has already won twenty awards, an equal number of additional nominations, and another dozen pending, including the Oscar for Best Actor.
However, the film has been in the crosshairs of two controversies. Fraser’s casting required him to wear nearly three hundred pounds of prosthetics. This raised questions about why a more appropriately sized actor was not selected. (Shuler Hensley, who appeared in The Whale off-Broadway, was also heavily padded for the role.)
In addition, the character itself has stoked ire in various sectors. “Some of the film’s critics believe it perpetuates tired tropes of fat people as suffering, chronically depressed and binge eating.” (Time Magazine, December 9, 2022) Appropriately, Aronofsky’s career has included a range of controversial films, including Requiem for a Dream , Black Swan , Noah , and Mother!
These challenges aside, the film and its key performance are more than worthy of viewing. At its heart, The Whale asks: Can anyone save anyone? The Whale is a disturbing, extraordinary exploration that leaves the question unanswered.
Rated R, the film is now playing in local theaters.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, someone in your life is looking for a pep talk and you are just the person to provide one. Listen to the problem at hand and offer this person some solid solutions.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, you could be at a crossroads in your life. You are pondering many different scenarios, and now is the time to solidify plans for the next few weeks.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
If you made a career change recently, you may be discovering that the payoff isn’t quite what you expected. Fulfillment is essential, so give some thought to new pursuits.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, it is not like you to feel adrift, but that could be the situation right now. Latch on to one activity or person that brings you joy. Focus on the positives in life.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, family members want to spend more time with you, so plan for the extra company. Have a few extra snacks on hand and make sure the house is orderly.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Your tendency to want to tackle things all on your own could have you pushing others away, Capricorn. Accept others’ willingness to pitch in.
Famous Birthdays:
Feb. 2 - Shakira (46); Feb. 3 - John Lithgow (78); Feb. 4 - Alice Cooper (75); Feb. 5 - Cristiano Ronaldo (38); Feb. 6 - Axl Rose (61); Feb. 7 - Chris Rock (58); Feb. 8 - Helen Hunt (60); Feb. 9 - Judith Light (74)
Going beyond the physical challenges, Fraser makes Charlie a complicated figure. He alternates between a resigned need to apologize—his litany of 'I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry …'—and a passionate desire to see the good in people.
Thursday 2
Brookhaven is Back! event
Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition present a Brookhaven is Back! event at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville from 6 to 8 p.m. Representatives from Town of Brookhaven’s Planning, Zoning, Town Clerk and Fire Marshal’s office will be on hand to discuss their functions, how they can help your business and answer questions you may have about doing business in Brookhaven. Questions? Call 889-1190 or email info@brookhavencoalition.org.
A Victorian Valentine’s Day
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for A Very Victorian Valentine’s Day program from 7 to 9 p.m. Hear the alluring history of Valentine’s Day, told through wine and chocolate! You’ll take a journey from the early beginnings of the holiday, all the way to modern times, while learning (and sampling) an array of wine and chocolate pairings. For ages 21 and up. Tickets are $60 per person. To register, visit www. northporthistorical.org.
An Evening of Jazz
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents the The Jazz Loft Big Band, a 17 piece big band directed by Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel, in concert from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children. To order, visit www. thejazzloft.org. For further information, call 751-1895.
First Friday at the Heckscher
The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington continues its First Friday series tonight from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Explore the exhibitions during extended viewing hours and enjoy a special performances by Toby Tobias beginning at 7 p.m. Free. Call 380-3230 for more info.
American Heritage Night
Join the Leo P. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum, 101 Church St., Kings Park for American Heritage Night at 7 p.m. Enjoy music by the Gold Coast Jazz Band and Robert Levey II. Admission is free. For more information, call 269-3305.
Wintertide concert
The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson kicks off the Wintertide concert series from 7 to 8 p.m with a performance by East End songwriter Robert Bruey in the Sail Loft Room on the third floor. $5 donation at the door. Questions? Call 473-4778.
Memphis Jookin’ heads to SBU
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook welcomes Memphis Jookin’: The Show featuring Lil Buck on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. Charles “Lil Buck” Riley is a movement artist who is known for being an ambassador for Memphis Jookin, a freestyle-based dance involving intricate footwork. Tickets range from $42 to $75. To order, call 6322787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
Whale Boat Chats
The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Whale Boat Chat surrounding the star of the museum’s permanent collection, the 19th century whaleboat Daisy, at noon and again at 1 p.m. These educator-led gallery talks around the whaleboat will share the story of whaling on Long Island and in Cold Spring Harbor specifically. Visitors will learn that people have been hunting whales here on Long Island for thousands of years. Free with admission to the museum of $6 adults, $5 children and seniors. Call 3673418.
All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six concert series with a performance by Brazilian guitarist Octávio Deluchi. The program will feature a balance between well established and canonical pieces, with new works, with works recently premiered and composed. Selections will include works by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Sergio Assad, Astor Piazzolla, Vicente Paschoal, and Joaquin Rodrigo. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Call 655-7798 for more information.
Port
The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market will be held at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will run every Sunday through April 30. Featuring over 20 vendors. Call 473-4778.
Tuesday 7
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes chiropractor Michael Horney of Port Jefferson Chiropractic who will talk about healthy living for seniors, including exercise, good eating habits, fall prevention, and the role of Vitamin B-12, in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee among other refreshments will be served. $5 per person, $3 members. Call 9283737 for more information.
Huntington Farmers Market
The John J. Flanagan Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts the Huntington Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March with over 40 vendors plus guest vendors. Visit www. longislandfarmersmarkets.com.
Caumsett Hike
Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a four-mile moderately paced walk through the park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults only. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770.
Sunken Meadow Hike
Come celebrate Black History Month with a hike at Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Ten stations along this self-guided hike through the marsh and woodlands will each feature the achievements of a Black environmentalist who has made great contributions to the field of science. $4 per person. To register, please visit EventBrite. com or call 269-4333.
Ridotto concert
Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington hosts a Ridotto Concert: The Gloriosa Piano Trio at 4 p.m. with Eric Silberger, violin, Kevin Bate cello and Yoonie Han piano. Tickets are $35, $30 seniors, $25 members, $12 students. For reservations, call 385-0373, or email Ridotto@optonline.net.
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Church, 38 Mayflower Ave., Smithtown invites the community to a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser in the Church Social Hall from 1 to 6 p.m. Enjoy spaghetti and meatballs, salad, dessert, coffee and tea. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 per child ages 11 and under. Cash bar (wine, beer, soda) and take out available. For reservations, please call Joanne at 3321449.
Monday 6
No events listed for this day.
Tribute to James Taylor
The John W. Engeman, 250 Main St., Northport presents a concert titled How Sweet It Is! at 8 p.m. Steve Leslie performs the music of James Taylor and will have audiences singing along to such classics as “Carolina In My Mind,” “Shower the People,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Fire and Rain,” “Up On the Roof,” and many more. Tickets are $45 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Wednesday 8
Winter Art Workshop
Huntington Historical Society hosts a found object wire wrapping workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8 p.m. Taught by artist Jennifer Salta owner of Unmarked Industries, each student will select their own unique piece of sea lass, pottery or crystal and turn it into a beautiful necklace or window hanging using a wire wrapping technique. Each person will leave with a completed piece at the end of the night. All materials are included. $55 per person, $50 members. Register at www. huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Thursday 9
Love Notes in Scrimshaw
Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor at 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. for Love Notes in Scrimshaw. Take a peek into the world of historic love tokens as you explore romantic examples of carved whalebone from the 19th century. Uncover the secrets of coded images shared between romantic partners and design and carve your own scrimshaw art for someone special (or for yourself!) Adults only. $15 participant (includes admission), $10 members. Call 367-3418.
Lunch and Learn
Kehillath Shalom Synagogue of Cold Spring Harbor presents an online Lunch and Learn program titled Jewish Humor: Then and Now at 12:30 p.m. 34% of American Jewish consider “having a good sense of humor” to be an essential aspect of their Jewish identity. In this new Lunch & Learn class, just in time for Adar!, the group will
explore the history and evolution of Jewish humor and explore its components. Bring a joke or story. All are welcome. Contact rabbi@kehillathshalomsynagogue.org for Zoom information.
‘The Sweet Delilah Swim Club’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage season with The Sweet Delilah Swim Club from Jan. 14 to Feb. 4. This hilarious and touching show features five very different but deeply connected Southern women whose friendships began on their college swim team. Each summer they meet for a reunion at the same beach cottage in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Visiting them on four weekends over thirty-three years, we learn of their lives, loves, and losses. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St.. Northport presents Dirty Rotten Scoundrels from Jan. 19 to March 5. Con artist Lawrence Jameson is a longtime resident of a luxurious coastal resort, where he enjoys the fruits of his deceptions–that is, until a competitor, Freddy Benson, shows up. When the new guy’s lowbrow tactics impinge on his own work, Jameson resolves to get rid of him. Based on the uproarious movie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels boasts a jazzy-pop score by David Yazbek, who also wrote the music for The Full Monty. Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 24th annual Festival of One-Act Plays from February 25 through March 25 at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage. Selected from over 250 submissions world-wide, these seven cutting-edge premieres are guaranteed to entertain and engage. Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the plays will feature Steve Ayle, Tamralynn Dorsa, Antoine Jones, Brittany Lacey, Phyllis March, Evan Teich, Steven Uihlein, Sean Amato, Ava Andrejko, Angelo DiBiase, Samantha Fierro, Jason Furnari, Melissa Norman, Danielle Pafundi, and Tristan Prin. Please Note: Adult content and language. All tickets are $20. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www. theatrethree.com.
CALENDAR DEADLINE is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Email your information about community events to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com. Calendar listings are for not-for-profit organizations (nonsectarian, nonpartisan events) only, on a space-available basis. Please include a phone number that can be printed.
Legacy is where man and myth intertwine. More than a summation of his best ideals, the heritage of President Abraham Lincoln’s humanity takes the stage on his birthday, Sunday, Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. when he visits the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center in Celebrate St. James’ latest Living History event.
Garry Rissman, an Abraham Lincoln presenter, is the conduit for the 16th president. His interactive presentation will consist of scenes from three different plays in which Rissman inhabited the role, a monologue from the movie Lincoln , a game, and an audience Q&A session.
“Many attendees are history buffs and their questions display their knowledge of the historical figures. So far, the Living Historians have been great — they really assume their character — costumes, persona, mannerisms, etc. They are knowledgeable and able to answer audience questions. You would think you are actually in [the historical figure’s] presence,” said Celebrate St. James President Patricia Clark.
Historical re-enactors and living history interpreters showcase an amalgam of artistry, history, and theatricality. They make the past present, facilitating scenarios in which audiences are not simply observers but rather cooperative collaborators participating in the presenter’s paradigm.
In this spirit, Rissman’s Lincoln interacts with his supporters, engaging with them throughout the program and creating an immersive experience.
“The audience members who volunteer to read lines in the Civil War plays really feel more involved by being the characters. It is very fulfilling to see them enjoy a living history lecture,” said Rissman.
A member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters for nearly six years, Rissman, who also belongs to the Screen Actors Guild, has appeared as Honest Abe on stage and screen as well as in private and public occasions.
Not unlike Lincoln, Rissman’s preferred profession is a second career. Whereas Lincoln was first a lawyer, Rissman was initially a working actor. Both roles benefit from a gift of oration. “I decided that being a living historian was more fulfilling than being an actor in a play with little to no pay and usually no possibility of getting a copy of my performance. I can do things my way,” he said.
Having found his path, Rissman had not yet selected the persona he would portray as he walked it. Initially, Rissman experimented with representing other prominent men of history, but they were not the right fit, so he sought inspiration from his previous occupation.
Like the five o’clock shadow that eventually yields a full beard, Rissman’s association with President Lincoln grew from portraying him in a play at the Incarn Theatre in Brooklyn to embodying him as a full time job.
“I was playing Lincoln in a Civil War play from [the] Incarn Theatre when I decided to go to the yearly Lincoln festival in his hometown of Hodgenville, Kentucky,” he said. “I believed that I needed to experience the Association of Lincoln Presenters first hand before deciding to spend the $200 for a lifetime membership.”
Finding resources and community to support his passion, Rissman, who is based out of New York City, embarked on his campaign of traveling Lincoln presenter. While he has been stumping, the staff and volunteers of Celebrate St.
James have been organizing innovative programming to facilitate not only its mission of rejuvenating the town but buying the historic building in which it rents space.
Celebrate St. James resides in the historic Calderone Theatre. Built in the early 1900s, the organization hopes to purchase the building and restore it as a functional theater and creative arts space. Fundraising efforts are in the early stages and the Living History series, highlighting speakers and living history presenters, is a means of spotlighting the town’s robust history and paying homage to its theatrical roots.
These talks constitute Act One of the organization’s ongoing initiative to engage the public in local culture by invoking the past into the present.
“Our goal is to bring attention to the history of St. James, which is a hamlet with a very rich past,” Clark said. “We want to revitalize St. James as the flourishing hamlet it once was by bringing the cultural arts to our community to drive economic growth.”
Clark and members of her team have been inviting living history presenters to speak at their events following successful visits from Mark Twain, George Washington, and Alice Roosevelt Longworth, President Theodore Roosevelt’s oldest daughter, among others. Rissman and Clark connected via the Association of Lincoln Presenters’ official website.
“The historical recreations have become a regular series of events … Living History: Abraham Lincoln is a very family friendly educational/entertaining event and we encourage attendance from families with school age children to see the Living Historians bringing these historical characters to life,” Clark said.
Other Celebrate St. James endeavors include art exhibits, art classes, senior fitness classes, comedy shows, a virtual book club, various children’s events, a classic film series, and summer concerts at Celebrate Park this summer.
St. James Community Cultural Arts Center is located at 176 Second Street, 2nd floor (no elevator), in St. James. Tickets to Living History: Abraham Lincoln are $25 per person, $20 for members, $10 children ages 10 and up. The event will be followed by a Q&A and refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www. celebratestjames.org or call 631-984-0201.
INFANTJESUS ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH
110MyrtleAve.,PortJefferson631-473-0165 Fax631-331-8094 www.www.infantjesus.org
REV.FRANCISLASRADO& PASTOR,ASSOCIATES: REVERENDGREGORYRANNAZZISI,
REV.ROLANDOTICLLASUCA
WeeklyMasses: 6:50and9amintheChurch, ParishOutreach:631-331-6145
WeekendMasses: Saturdayat5pminthe 12pmintheChapel*
Church,4:00pmintheChapel,*Sundayat7:30
andat8:30am,10am, am,10:30am,12pm,and5pmintheChurch
SpanishMasses: Sundayat8:45amand and11:30am(FamilyMass)intheChapel*
Wednesdayat6pmintheChurch
*HeldattheInfantJesusChapel
atSt.CharlesHospital.
ST.GERARDMAJELLA
ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH
300TerryvilleRoad,PortJeffersonStation 631-473-2900www.stgmajella.org
REV.GREGORYRANNAZZISI,PASTOR
Mass: Saturday5pm
Sunday8am,10am&12pm
WeekdayMass: 9am
Confessions: Saturday3:45pm-4:45pm
OfficeHours: Monday-Thursday9am-4:30pm
ThriftShop: Monday-Thursday10am-4pm
andFriday10am-2pm.
BaptismandWedding arrangementscanbe
madebycallingtheParishOffice.
ST.JAMESROMAN CATHOLICCHURCH
429Rt.25A,Setauket
Phone:631-941-4141Fax:631-751-6607
ParishOfficeemail:
parish@stjamessetauket.org
REV.MIKES.EZEATU, ASSOCIATEPASTOR REV.ROBERTSCHECKENBACK, REV.ROBERTKUZNIK,PASTOR www.stjamessetauket.org
SBUHOSPITALCHAPLAIN,INRESIDENCE
OfficeHours:Monday-Friday9amto4pm...
Saturday9am
Bereavement: 631-941-4141X341
FaithFormationOffice:631-941-4141X328
Outreach: 631-941-4141X313
OurDailyBreadSundaySoupKitchen
opened2-3pmeverySundayclosed....
reopeningTBD
FoodPantryOpen ...Wednesdays12Noonto
2pmandSundays2pmto3pm
MissionStatement:We,theCatholiccommunityoftheThreeVillagearea,formedasthe
Jesusinvitation:tobefaithfulandfruitfuldisciples;tobeaGoodSamaritantoourneighborand
Charity...sothatinJesusname,wemaybea andtobelivingwitnessofFaith,Hopeand enemy;tobestewardsofandforGod’screation
itsdiversities. welcomingcommunity,respectfuloflifeinall
ST.LOUISDEMONTFORT
ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH
75NewYorkAvenue,SoundBeach Parishoffice:631-744-8566; fax631-744-8611
Parishwebsite:
PASTORREV.ALPHONSUSIGBOKWE, REV.MSGR.CHRISTOPHERJ.HELLER, www.stlouisdm.org
ASSOCIATEPASTORREV.MSGR.DONALD
REV.FRANCISPIZZARELLI,S.M.M.,
PARISHASSISTANTREV.HENRYVAS
OfficeHours: Mon.,Tues.,Thurs.:
Wednesday: 9amto8pm; Friday: 9amto4 9amto5pm
ClosedonSunday pm; Saturday: 9amto1pm;
MissionStatement:Toproclaimthegoodnews
ofJesusChrist’slovethroughouractiveinvolvementasaparishfamilyinworksof
familysituation.Nomatteryourpracticeoffaith. statusisintheCatholicChurch.Nomatteryour AREWELCOME!Nomatterwhatyourpresent Charity,Faith,Worship,JusticeandMercy.ALL
Nomatteryourpersonalhistory,ageorbackground.YOUareinvited,respectedandlovedat
WeekdayMasses: St.LouisdeMontfort.
MondaythroughFriday8:30amintheChapel
WeekendMasses:SaturdayVigil:5pm
Sunday:7:30am;10:00am;12noon.
Baptisms:MostSundaysat1:30pm.
PleasecontactParishOfficeforanappointment.
Reconciliation:Saturday4-4:45pm
HolyMatrimony: ContactParishOfficeatleast AnointingoftheSick:byrequest. orbyappointment.
ReligiousEducation:Contact631-744-9515 sixmonthsinadvanceofdesireddate.
ParishOutreach:Contact631-209-0325
ST.MICHAELTHEARCHANGEL SOCIETYOFSAINTPIUSX
900HorseblockRoad,Farmingville 631-736-6515sspxlongisland.com
SundayMasses at7amand9am
Pleaseconsultsspxlongisland.comforupdates
andcurrentmasstimes.
Christian
ISLANDCHRISTIANCHURCH
400ElwoodRoad,EastNorthport IslandChristian.com 631-822-3000
PASTORCHRISTOPHERCOATS
ServicesIn-Person+Online SundayMornings
ChildrenandYouthprogramsduringtheweek, eachservice Funreligiouseducationforkidsduring 9AM+11AM
FoodPantry: EverythirdWednesdayofthe checkoutourwebsiteformoredetails
month10:30AM-12PM
MT.SINAICONGREGATIONAL UNITEDCHURCHOFCHRIST 233NorthCountryRoad,Mt.Sinai 631-473-1582 www.msucc.org
REV.DR.PHILIPHOBSON
MountSinaiCongregationalChurchisopen
tothepublic “Masksarenotrequired,butare
strivetoliveoutChrist’smessagetolove Throughourworshipandbyouractionswe timethereafter,withRev.PhilHobson. onourYouTubechannelat10am, andany Wewillcontinuetoprovideour onlineservice suggested.”
MiddleIsland,N.Y.OurhoursareWednesday helpthoseinneedat643MiddleCountryRoad, TheIslandHeartFoodPantry continuesto oneanother.
andThursdayfrom2:30-4:30pm.Wearamask
“Nomatterwhoyouareorwhereyouareon andstayincar
GraceandPeace,Rev.Phil life’sjourney,youarewelcomehere.”
Episcopal
formedbytheGospel.Westrivetorespondto HolySpirit,nourishedbytheEucharistand fullnessoftheKingdomofGod,guidedbythe areapilgrimcommunityjourneyingtowardthe BodyofChristthroughthewatersofBaptism, Sunday: 8amVirtualMorningPrayer orcall631-655-7798
ALLSOULSEPISCOPALCHURCH
Ourlittlehistoricchurchonthehillacrossfrom theStonyBrookDuckPond 61MainStreet,StonyBrook Visitourwebsitewww.allsoulsstonybrook.org
9:30HolyEucharistwithOrganMusic
Tuesday:8:00am
Interdenominational
MorningPrayer
Wednesday:12noon
InterdenominationalRosary
Weareafriendlywelcomingcommunity
forallpeople.
CAROLINEEPISCOPALCHURCH OFSETAUKET
1DykeRoadontheVillageGreen,Setauket Website:www.carolinechurch.net email:office@carolinechurch.net
631-941-4245
REVNICKOLASGRIFFITH
PRIEST-IN-CHARGE
LetGodwalkwithyouaspartofour
family-friendlycommunity.
10:00amThursdays HealingService
5:00pmSaturdays HolyEucharist
8:00am&9:30amSundays
HolyEucharistw/music
CHRISTEPISCOPALCHURCH
127BarnumAve.,PortJefferson 631-473-0273 email:ccoffice@christchurchportjeff.org www.christchurchportjeff.org
Churchofficehours:Tues.-Fri.9am-12pm
Pleasejoinusforour8:00and10:00Sunday
Eucharistsandour10:00WednesdayEucharists
GODBLESSYOU inourChapel.Masksareoptional.
FatherAnthonyDiLorenzo
andministry.WeatChristChurchareajoyful, tomakehisloveknowntoallthroughourlives togrowinourrelationshipwithJesusChristand ItisthemissionofthepeopleofChristChurch
yourjourneyoflifewewanttobepartofit. welcomingcommunity.Whereveryouarein
ST.JOHN’SEPISCOPALCHURCH
“ToknowChristandtomakeHimknown” Rev.DuncanA.Burns,Rector Rev.JamesE.Reiss,Curate Rev.ClaireD.Mis,Deacon
AlexPryrodny,MusicDirector
&Artist-in-Residence
12ProspectSt,Huntington(631)427-1752
OnMainSt.nexttothelibrary
SundayWorship
8:00am-RiteIHolyEucharist
10:00am-RiteIIHolyChoralEucharist
9:40am-SundaySchool
ThriftShop
12to3pm-Tuesdays,Thursdays&Saturdays
VolunteersWelcome!
info@stjohns1745.org*www.stjohns1745.org
Followuson
Facebook&Instagram@stjohns1745
PLEASE CALL OR VISIT YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP’S WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE.
NORTHSHOREJEWISHCENTER
385OldTownRd., PortJeffersonStation 631-928-3737 www.northshorejewishcenter.org
RABBIAARONBENSON
CANTORDANIELKRAMER
EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR
MARCIEPLATKIN
PRINCIPALHEATHERWELKES
YOUTHDIRECTORJENSCHWARTZ
Services: FridayAt8Pm;SaturdayAt9:15am
DailyMorningAndEveningMinyan
CallForTimes.TotShabbatFamilyServices
SisterhoodMen’s
ClubSeniors’ClubYouthGroupContinuingEd
AdultBar/BatMitzvahJudaicaShop
FoodPantryLectureSeriesJewishFilmSeries
NSJCJEWISHLEARNINGCENTER
RELIGIOUSSCHOOL
InnovativeCurriculumAnd
ProgrammingForChildrenAges5-13
ImagineASynagogueThatFeelsLikeHome!
ComeConnectWithUsOnYour
JewishJourney.MemberUnitedSynagogue
OfConservativeJudaism.
TEMPLEISAIAH(REFORM)
1404StonyBrookRoad,StonyBrook 631-751-8518www.tisbny.org
AWarmAndCaring IntergenerationalCommunity
DedicatedToLearning,Prayer,SocialAction,
MemberUnionForReformJudaism andFriendship.
RABBIPAULSIDLOFSKY
CANTORINTERNKALIXJACOBSON
EDUCATIONALDIRECTOR
RABBIPAULSIDLOFSKY,
RABBIEMERITUSSTEPHENA.KAROL
RABBIEMERITUSADAMD.FISHER
CANTOREMERITUS
MICHAELF.TRACHTENBERG
SabbathServices:1stFridayofthemonth6pm,
allotherFridays7:30pmandSaturdayB’nai
servicesat10am
ReligiousSchoolMonthlyFamilyService
MonthlyTotShabbatYouthGroups
BrotherhoodBookClub-More AdultEducationSisterhood
Lutheran-ELCA
HOPELUTHERANCHURCHAND ANCHORNURSERYSCHOOL
46DareRoad,Selden 631-732-2511
EmergencyNumber516-848-5386
Email:office@hopelutheran.com
Website:www.hopeluth.com
REV.DR.RICHARDO.HILL,PASTOR
DALENEWTON,M.DIV
On Sundays theservicesareat9and10:30a.m. PASTORALASSISTANT
Alinkforalltheseservicesisonthe
OurFoodPantryisopentoeveryoneon website:www.hopeluth.com.
Offeringstosupportourministrycanbemadeat amessageonthechurchansweringservice. a.m.-noonorbymakingarrangementsbyleaving food.Also,donationscanbemadefrom11 Thursdaysfrom12:30-2:30p.m.forpickingup
churchservicesandthroughourwebsite’s
“ShareGod’sMission”page.
Inanyemergency,callthepastorat
516-848-5386
ST.PAUL’SEVANGELICAL LUTHERANCHURCH
309PatchogueRoad
PortJeffersonStation 631-473-2236
e-mailpastorpauldowning@yahoo.com
pastor’scellphoneTextorvoice347-423-3623
ServicesonSundaysareat facebook.com/stpaulselca www.StPaulsLCPJS.org
8:30and10:30ameachweek
withAdultBibleStudybypastor
betweentheservices
Parkinglotisbehindthechurch.
PleaseenterfromMapleAvenue
Ifyouarenotvaccinatedandboostedplease
Serviceisalsoavailableonfacebookliveatthe wearamask.
churchwebsitefrom8:30am
WednesdayBibleStudy
FridayPrayerGroupat10:30liveandoverzoom at9:30amoverzoom
WelcomeFriends
providesfreemealsinourparkinglotat1:00pm
onTuesdaysandThursdays
Lutheran-LCMS
MESSIAHLUTHERANCHURCH
465PondPath,EastSetauket 631-751-1775www.messiahny.org
ALLAREWELCOME
PastorNilsNiemeier
AssociatePastorSteveUnger
SundayMorningWorship
8:30am&11:00am
SundaySchool
Adult&YouthBibleStudy
Formoreinformationortospeaktooneofour at9:45am
pastorspleasecontactthechurchoffice.
MayGodkeepyousafeandshineHislightand
loveuponyou
Methodist
BETHELAFRICANMETHODIST
EPISCOPALCHURCH
33ChristianAve/PO2117,E.Setauket 631-941-3581
REV.LISAWILLIAMSPASTOR
SundayWorship: 10:30Am
LectionaryReadingAndPrayer: AdultSundaySchool9:30Am
Wed.12Noon
GospelChoir: Tues.8Pm
PraiseChoirAndYouthChoir3rdAnd4thFri.
6:30PM.
SETAUKETUNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH
160MainStreet,Cornerof25Aand MainStreetEastSetauket631-941-4167
REV.STEVENKIM,PASTOR
SundayWorshipService
Indoorat10am
Servicesarestreamedonline
@www.setauketumc.org
andlivestreamedonFacebook
HolyCommunion 1stSundayofMonth
MaryMarthaCircle(Women’sMinistry)
meetsevery2ndTuesdayeachmonthat1pm
Nomatterwhoyouareorwhereyouareonlife’s
journey,you’rewelcomehere!
STONY BROOK COMMUNITY CHURCH UNITED METHODIST
REV. CHUCK VAN HOUTEN, PASTOR
Connecting people to God, purpose, and each other!
216 Christian Avenue, Stony Brook, NY 11790 Church Office: 631-751-0574
Email:
stonybrookcommunitychurch@gmail.com Website: www.stonybrookcommunitychurch.org
Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 am
Sunday School: 10:45 am
Live stream link available on our website SBCC is a community of love, learning, and outreach for individuals and families doing God’s work together. We are an inclusive, evolving family of faith where everyone is welcome- a place to belong. Our mission is to grow in our love for God and one another and to bring positive change to the world through prayer and service.
Holy Communion 1st Sunday of the month
Presbyterian
FIRSTPRESBYTERIANCHURCH OFPORTJEFFERSON
107South/MainStreets631-473-0147
Weareanacceptingandcaringpeople whoinviteyou
toshareinthejourneyoffaithwithus
Email:office@pjpres.org
SundayWorshipService-10am Website:www.pjpres.org
Hotmeals,groceries&clothingprovidedona HolyCommunion1stSundayoftheMonth
takeoutbasisbyWelcomeFriendson
Wednesday5:00-6:00pm
Callthechurchofficeorvisitourwebsitefor andFridays3:30-5:00pm
ThepurposeofFirstPresbyterianChurchofPort NYSCertifiedPreschoolandDaycare currentactivitiesandevents.
despair;andtoseekjusticeforallGod’speople. comforttothoseinneedandhopetothosein visitorsandthecommunityatlarge;toprovide goodnewsofJesusChristwiththecongregation, Jeffersonis,withGod’shelp,tosharethejoy&
SETAUKETPRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
5CarolineAvenue~OntheVillageGreen 631-941-4271 setauketpresbyterian@verizon.net
Celebrating&sharingtheloveofGod
since1660
Allarewelcome!
THEREV.DR.JOHANNAMcCUNE
WAGNER
THEREV.ASHLEYMcFAUL-ERWIN, LEADPASTORANDHEADOFSTAFF
Worshipwithusin-personSundaysat9:30AM COMMUNITYOUTREACHPASTOR
Masksoptional
Ourserviceisavailablevialive-stream.
WeareaCovenantNetwork,MoreLight& Visitwww.setauketpresbyterian.org
imageofGodandweactivelyengageinmaking WebelieveALLarecreatedinthe Matthew25congregation
Sundaychildcareavailable&ChurchSchool, ourfaithcomealive.
Weeklysmallgroups,BibleStudy&Adult
YouthGroup&BellChoirChristianEd.,
allringerswelcome
SetauketPresbyterianPreschool
OpenDoorExchange(ODE)www.setauketpreschool.org
furnitureministry
LikeusonFacebook-SetauketPresbyterian www.opendoorexchange.org
FollowusonInstagram-spc_steeple Church,est1660
QUAKERRELIGIOUSSOCIETY OFFRIENDS
ConscienceBayMeeting 4FriendsWay,St.James11780 631-928-2768www.consciencebayquakers.org
WegatherinsilentworshipseekingGod,/the
InnerLight/Spirit.
PLEASE CALL OR VISIT YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP’S WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE.
This week's featured shelter pets are, from left, brothers Coco Puff and Squidward, two kitties available for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.
They arrived at the shelter on Jan. 21 and are estimated to be 7 years old.
ADOPT
These siblings are quite attached to each other. They lived with three other cats and lost their home when their dad passed away and their mom became ill. They are sweet and affectionate, just a litte shy as they adjust to their new lives. They would love a quiet home together, as they have never been alone.
If you would like to meet Coco Puff and Squidward, please call ahead to schedule
an hour to properly interact with them in a domestic setting.
The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only).
For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www. townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.
Join the staff at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown for a family program, Deer Detectives, on Feb. 4 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Where have all the deer gone? Expand your deer knowledge indoors as you explore the ways of the white-tailed deer. Outdoors you will become deer detectives and search for the clues that the deer have left behind. $4 per person. Call 265-1054 for reservations.
Join the Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson for Open Play on Feb. 4 and 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. with handson activities, crafts, and more. Admission is $5 per person, Long Island Explorium members and children under 1 are free. Call 331-3277 for more info.
Stop by Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Feb. 4 anytime between 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for a winterthemed “Crafternoon”! Children ages 3 to 12 welcome (younger kids may need supervision). No registration required. Questions? Call 941-4080.
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents A Groundhog Adventure on Feb. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. Come find out if Nibblet the groundhog is planning to hibernate for another 6 weeks or predict an early spring. Take part in a fun scavenger hunt to learn some facts about groundhogs, play with shadows, and meet some other animal hibernators and others with different solutions for cold weather. Make a fun groundhog craft to take home. Best for families with children age 4 to 8. Tickets are $10 per child, $5 adults at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Greetings, Groundhogs!
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Tiny Tots program titled Greetings, Groundhogs! for children ages 3 to 5 on Feb. 9 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Explore the natural world around us. This programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 269-5351.
Calling brave explorers! Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor in a hunt for star constellations around the museum with a spyglass to navigate your journey, just like mariners at sea during gallery hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Solve puzzles to find your reward — a glittery star lantern you can decorate in the museum's workshop to light your way home. For ages 5 and up. Cost is admission fee plus $10 per participant. Call 367-3418 for more information.
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children's theater with Disney's Frozen Jr. on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. from Feb. 4 to March 5. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 2612900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
'The House That Jack Built' Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson welcomes the New Year with The House That Jack Built, a delightful collection of stories, specially adapted for the youngest audiences from Jan. 21 to Feb. 4. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm and Aesop's Fables, the seven stories include The Fisherman and His Wife, Henny Penny, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, The Bremen Town Musicians, Stubborn as a Mule, The Lion and the Mouse That Returned a Favor, and The Tortoise and the Hare. This original musical features bold storytelling and a tuneful new score. Tickets are $10. To order, call 9289100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
All numbers are in (631) area code unless noted.
The Stony Brook men's basketball team (8-14, 4-5 CAA), led by a second half explosion from graduate forward Frankie Policelli, stormed past the Hampton Pirates (5-17, 2-8 CAA) on Jan. 28 at the Convocation Center in Hampton, VA to pick up a 71-66 victory.
Policelli scored a career-high 34 points, shooting 11-of-20 from the floor and 12-of14 from the free-throw line. The New Hartford, New York, native exploded for 31 points in the final 20 minutes, shooting 11-of-16 from the field and 9-of-10 from the line in the second stanza.
Policelli also hauled in 12 rebounds, giving him his team-leading eighth doubledouble of the season.
The Seawolves trailed the Pirates, 37-30, at halftime and used a second half comeback
to upend Hampton. Stony Brook began the frame on a 12-4 run to regain the lead and backed by Policelli they never looked back.
Policelli fooled Hampton freshman forward Kyrese Martin with his pump fake and step-through move that gave the Seawolves the lead with less than 14 minutes remaining. At that point, Policelli had scored 10 points in the half. The graduate helped maintain control of the lead and continued to build on it. He also got help from freshman forward Leon Nahar, who splashed the second three-pointer of his career.
The Seawolves opened the second half on a 27-9 run and built a lead of up to 13 points, at 65-52. Policelli exploded in the second half scoring 31 of the Seawolves' 41 points. The team shot 55.6 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from the free-throw line in
The Stony Brook women's basketball team (13-7, 7-2 CAA) moved into a tie for secondplace in the CAA, after sprinting past the Towson Tigers (12-8, 6-3 CAA), 83-66, at Island Federal Arena on Jan. 29.
The Seawolves were led by three studentathletes, who each scored 20+ points. Junior guard Shamarla King, sophomore forward Sherese Pittman, and senior guard Gigi Gonzalez all dropped 20 or more points in the game.
Stony Brook and Towson played a very tight game throughout the entire first half and most of the third quarter, until the Seawolves regained control and never looked back.
the second stanza.
With the victory, Stony Brook picked up its fourth conference win of the season.
"Great team win for us. I couldn't be prouder of how we competed and found a way to win tonight. A lot of guys made huge plays and were factors in the game, but Frankie's second half is the best 20 minutes of offensive basketball I've been a part of. Our guys are competing and battling as hard as they can," said head coach Geno Ford.
Next up, the team will return home to face-off against the Elon Phoenix on Feb. 2. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on SNY and FloHoops. Stony Brook is 2-0 against Elon in the alltime series.
With just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter, King nailed a huge three-pointer, off an assist from graduate guard Daishai Almond, to tie the game at 52-52. King's three sparked the Seawolves on both ends of the floor. King erupted for a career-high 22 points and she hauled in 10 rebounds. It was her first-career doubledouble and she set career-highs with eight field goals made and four threes made.
On the following possession, Almond stole the ball and drove all the way to the basket to finish the layup in transition. It gave Stony Brook a two-point lead. After another stop defensively, Gonzalez turned on the jets and sprinted to the basket where
she finished a layup and drew a foul in the process. She would complete the three-point play and Stony Brook led 57-52, going on a 8-0 run.
Gonzalez exploded for 14 points in the third quarter and totaled 18 points in the second half. The point guard finished the game with one of her most complete stat lines of the season. She dropped 20 points (7-of-13 from the floor, 5-of-5 from the freethrow line) and added seven assists and six rebounds.
Stony Brook led 57-54 at the end of the third frame and maintained its lead the rest of the way with a stifling defensive attack and contagious scoring on the offensive end.
Stony Brook forced Towson into multiple scoring droughts of over two minutes, which allowed the Seawolves to go on a 7-0 run and 8-0 run in the final quarter. The Seawolves outscored the Tigers, 26-12, in the fourth quarter. The Seawolves snapped Towson's six-game winning streak and have now won nine of their last 11 games.
Next up, the team will remain home to take on the Drexel Dragons on Feb. 5. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on SNY and FloHoops.
