Arts & Lifestyles - December 3, 2020

ARTS&LIFESTYLES Coronavirus halts beloved holiday traditions in Port Jefferson  B21

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA DEC. 3, 2020

Theatre Three's 'A Christmas Carol' starring Jeffrey Sanzel as Ebenezer Scrooge had to cancel this year's annual production.

Photo by Julianne Mosher

INSIDE: Netflix's The Christmas Chronicles 2 reviewed B3 • Nature exhibit opens at Studio 268 B12 • 'Twas the Night Before Christmas returns to Smithtown B22

Published: Thursday, January 7, 2021

Photos of our neighbors, communities, and significant events that shaped our year.

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Year in Review

Commemorative Issue

PAGE B2 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 03, 2020

Reducing Stroke Risk for People with Atrial Fibrillation OUR EXPERT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS Eric Rashba, MD Director, Heart Rhythm Center Stony Brook University Heart Institute

the heart pumps blood, which can result in blood possibly forming clots in a chamber of the heart called the left atrial appendage, or LAA for short. If a clot leaves the LAA, it can block blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke. More than 90 percent of stroke-causing blood clots that arise in the heart come from the LAA.

How does the Watchman implant work?

People with an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AFib) have a five-to-seven percent increased risk of having a stroke compared to people without AFib. To help prevent strokes, blood thinners such as direct oral anticoagulants or warfarin are prescribed. Most people do well, but some experience bleeding problems or have other reasons why blood thinners aren’t the best option. Dr. Eric Rashba, Director, Heart Rhythm Center at Stony Brook Heart Institute, explains how a device called WatchmanTM, which is implanted in the heart, can offer a lifelong solution for those dealing with this problem.

What does the Watchman implant do?

Watchman offers protection from strokes for people who have AFib that’s not caused by a heart valve problem. It provides an alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners (anticoagulants) for people with AFib by blocking blood clots from leaving the heart and possibly causing a stroke.

Why are people with AFib at risk for stroke?

With AFib, the upper chambers of the heart beat in an irregular rhythm. This disrupts how

Because Watchman is officially named a “left atrial appendage closure implant.” In plain English, this means that it is a device that gets implanted into the LAA to block blood clots from leaving the heart. The FDA-approved Watchman device is about the size of a quarter. When it is inserted into the LAA, the device expands like an umbrella so no blood can leak out. Then, over the next 45 days, cardiac tissue grows over the implant to permanently block off the LAA.

How is Watchman implanted?

At Stony Brook, Watchman is implanted by a multidisciplinary team in a minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure done in the Heart Rhythm Center’s electrophysiology lab.

With the patient under general anesthesia, we insert a small catheter carrying the Watchman device into the patient’s upper leg, and thread it up into the LAA. We use real-time echocardiograms and x-rays during the procedure to help ensure proper fit and placement of the device. Implanting Watchman takes less than two hours, and patients are able to leave the hospital after an overnight stay.

Who is Watchman right for?

The Watchman implant is appropriate for people who: • have AFib not related to heart valve disease • are at increased risk for a stroke • are appropriate for short-term, but not long-term treatment with blood thinning medicines such as warfarin (Coumadin)

FREE HEART HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT Do something good for your heart health today by taking our free heart health risk assessment at heart.stonybrookmedicine.edu/hearthealthy.

For an appointment with one of our cardiology experts, call (631) 44-HEART (444-3278)

• are unable to stay within the recommended blood clotting range while taking warfarin • have an appropriate reason to seek a non-drug alternative to warfarin, such as a history of serious bleeding, a high risk for falling, or jobs or hobbies that increase the risk for bleeding

Why are you so excited about Watchman?

This has been shown to be a truly good alternative to blood thinners for my patients.

It’s the first alternative that has been rigorously studied and has a proven record of safety after more than 100,000 procedures performed worldwide. Watchman effectively provides protection equivalent to anticoagulants for preventing strokes and avoiding the risk of serious bleeding. It has saved lives and improved my patients’ quality of life.

For more information, call Stony Brook Heart Institute at (631) 44-HEART (3278).

This article is intended to be general and/or educational in nature.

Always consult your healthcare professional for help, diagnosis, guidance and treatment. Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 20080223H

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DECEMBER 03, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B3

MOVIE REVIEW

Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell in a scene from the film.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

In 2018, Netflix released The Christmas Chronicles, a warm comedy with a wonderfully edgy center. It followed siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce who almost prevented Santa from making his deliveries. While it had plenty of fantasy, it was rooted in the reality of children coming to terms with the passing of their father, a fireman who died in the line of duty. Each child was struggling in his or her own way but grew from their encounter with Santa.

Darby Camp and Judah Lewis were both understated and grounded as the children, with Darby’s believing sister playing nicely off of the skeptical and borderline delinquent brother. While Kimberly Williams-Paisley, as their mother, Claire, didn’t have much screen time, she managed to impart the difficulty of being a single parent. The heart of the film was Kurt Russell’s Santa, both hilarious and extremely cool. Russell reinvented St. Nick without losing sight of the symbolic heart.

The first film had a clever, solidly constructed screenplay by Matt Lieberman, complemented by Clay Kaytis’ smart and well-paced direction. It was produced by Chris Columbus who has now taken up the directorial reins for the sequel, The Christmas Chronicles 2, and has co-written the screenplay with Lieberman and Enrico Dante-Mann.

From the beginning, it is apparent that the sequel will take a completely different approach. It opens in a world of cold which is later to be revealed as the North Pole in all its whimsy. It establishes the villain, Belsnickel, and his plot to destroy Santa’s world.

The action then shifts to Mexico. Kate, now a frustrated teen, is unhappy with her mother’s new relationship. The Pierces — Kate, Teddy, and mom — are on vacation in Cancun with mom’s new beau, Bob, and his neurotic son, Jack. These few scenes are stiff and false. They play as the most basic exposition, stating the characters’ intentions, rather than allowing the complications to reveal themselves in context. In every way, it lacks the subtlety, finesse, and honesty of the first movie.

Very quickly, Belsnickel captures Kate (and, accidentally, Jack) and uses them to break the veil of Borealis that protects Santa’s village.

Belsnickel makes bold statements about Santa falling into his trap. If he had a mustache, he most certainly would be twirling.

Santa rescues the frozen Kate and Jack, and Mrs. Claus heals them with magic hot chocolate. Santa and the Missus give them a tour of the Village, with elves making toys and candy in shades of Willy Wonka.

Emphasis is placed on the Village’s power source, the Christmas Star that contains a bit of the Star of Bethlehem.

MOVIE REVIEW continued on page B4

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Netflix's The Christmas Chronicles sequel lacks the holiday magic of the first

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MOVIE REVIEW Continued from page B3

The Clauses allow the children to stay overnight.

There is a strange moment when Mrs. Claus, unprompted, decides to tell them the history of Santa Claus, beginning with his origin as a bishop in Turkey, then segueing into elf lore. From there, Darby Camp as Kate and Jahzir Bruno as Jack in a scene from the film. it gives an account of Photo courtesy of Netflix Belsnickel, a talented but naughty elf who rebelled; his behavior turned scene, set in 1990 Chicago. him into the thing he despised the most — a The Christmas Chronicles cleverly shared human. Again, rather than showing and its message, wrapped up in plot-driven revealing, his saga was shoehorned into this action and sly humor. In The Christmas awkward and rather dark bedtime story.

Chronicles 2, the morals are flatly stated. The Belsnickel poisons the elves with elfbane, comedic elements are forced jokes, and the making them crazy and then steals the star action is adventure for adventure’s sake. In for his own village. He wants to reverse the real life when people announce what they’re curse that has been placed on him and sums going to do and do it, we appreciate that. In up his frustration with rather ineloquent movies, not so much.

“Humans suck; elves rule.” Belsnickel seems The Christmas Chronicles 2 is strictly for to be crafted less as a traditional Christmas children (though there is one violent moment antagonist and more as a lesser supervillain. involving an attack on one of the reindeer).

With the Village no longer powered by the There is an emphasis on the elves who are Star, Santa and Kate fly off to Turkey to see extremely cute gremlin-like creatures with the Forest Elves and magical elf elder Hakan their own chattery language. In the first film, (voiced by Malcolm McDowell) to have a they didn’t appear until the end and were new Christmas Star fashioned. Jack remains a fun surprise. Here, they are wedged into with Mrs. Claus to solve the elf problem. every possible moment, most likely with an Then there is the wormhole that rends eye on marketing their likenesses in plush the fabric of time, a “spontaneous” musical toys and Happy Meals. number in a snowbound airport and The elves — like the Village, like the featuring a terribly underused Darlene Love, reindeer — are CGI. Actually, the entire a Nerf crossbow, flame-shooting drones, and film seems to be computer generated — add a yule-cat that looks like a Saber-toothed Santa, cute children, a rogue elf, lessons on tiger … There is a lot of busyness but little bravery and decency — compute — and out focus and even less purpose. Needless to say, pops a finished product. What is missing is it all works out in the end. inspiration and humanity and dimension.

Kurt Russell is still delightful in his hip take At the center of both films is the idea of being on the holiday icon but there is less of the wry a true believer. The idea is that by believing in perspective and surprising magic. Gone is Santa, you believe in Christmas, and by taking the wonderful, quirky knowingness that was Christmas into your heart, you connect with the center of his St. Nick. Goldie Hawn, who the joy and opportunity in the world. Those had a cameo at the end of the first film, seems are big concepts and good sentiments. In the uncomfortable as Mrs. Claus, trying to make first film, the idea is nicely baked in; here, her both traditional and feminist, magical and the principles aren’t so much integrated as maternal. Julian Dennison’s Belsnickel plays slathered on top like a moral condiment. what he is given but, of all the characters, his Last week, I offered a mixed review of lines are the most wooden; there is potential Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. But the in his portrayal but the screenplay truly lets difference is that Jingle Jangle’s intentions him down. are clearer, its goals more connected, and, Darby Camp is given the unenviable task of ultimately, provides a more rewarding representing every sulky teen and the writers experience. Jingle Jangle is problematic but do nothing to help her find the transition to there is the underlying love and wonder. The understanding. Jahzir Bruno’s Jack is lifted Christmas Chronicles 2 seems to be locked from any number of sitcoms but he’s likable into the commerce of sequels — the use of enough as the nerdy, sensitive sidekick. Judah a success to sell an inferior product. And Lewis, as Teddy, is barely in the film; Kimberly perhaps some elfin merchandise.

Williams-Paisley (as Kate and Teddy's mom) Rated PG, The Christmas Chronicles 2 is even less so. Sunny Suljic has some nice now playing in local theaters and streaming moments and a good reveal in the airport on Netflix.

DECEMBER 03, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B5

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PAGE B6 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 03, 2020

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DECEMBER 03, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B7

NEWS AROUND TOWN

PORT JEFFERSON DERMATOLOGY

HOLIDAY MARKET A TWINKLING SUCCESS Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown hosted an outdoor Holiday Party for Wildlife and Craft Market on Nov. 27 and 28. Over 20 vendors, including Peppered Fern, above, participated in the well-attended event which also included a visit from Seven the Barred Owl and storytime for the kids. See more photos online at www.tbrnewsmedia.com. Photos by Heidi Sutton

Bright Lights heads to the Vanderbilt Museum The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents Bright Lights, a month-long holiday celebration on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through December 20 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Evenings will include holiday lights, themed light-up displays, festive foods, music, and Santa Claus and his friends — reindeer, snowmen, gingerbread people, nutcrackers, and elves — all portrayed by costumed actors. The Vanderbilt Mansion gardens will be decorated for the season.

The Museum is presenting the event in collaboration with Redmax Events.

“We’re thrilled to invite everyone to kick off the holiday season and celebrate with us.

The decorated Estate grounds will become a winter wonderland," said Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan, executive director of the Vanderbilt Museum. "Bright Lights is our first-ever holiday winter walk and will offer evenings of family fun for all.”

For everyone’s safety, all visitors must adhere strictly to all current public health and safety guidelines and practices, including social distancing. All guests must wear a mask when unable to maintain six feet of social distance.

Tickets to the event are $25 adults, $20 members; $15 children under 12, $10 members. Children under the age of 2 are free.

To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

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PAGE B8 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 03, 2020

HELPING YOU NAVIGATE TO OPTIMAL HEALTH

EXCITING UPDATE:

Two of my research studies were recently published by the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine showing that my whole food plant based LIFE diet reduces inflammation, the root of many chronic diseases.

David Dunaief, M.D. Integrative Medicine

• A Whole Body Approach •

We Are Accepting

NEW PATIENTS

I am open for In-Person Appointments, taking all necessary precautions with masks, meticulous disinfecting, and air purifiers with HEPA filters.

I am also still offering Zoom and phone appointments.

Reversing, Preventing & Treating Chronic Disease and Managing Weight by Connecting Conventional Medicine with Lifestyle Modifications Our Philosophy is simple.

We believe wellness is derived through nutritional medicine and lifestyle interventions that prevent and treat chronic diseases.

Medications have their place - and in some cases can be lifesaving.

However, there’s no medication without side effects. The goal should be to limit the need for medications - or minimize the number of medications you take on a regular basis.

You are not limited by your genes.

Fortunately, most diseases are based primarily on epigenetics, which are environmental influences, and not on genetics. Epigenetics literally means above or around the gene. In epigenetics, lifestyle choices impact gene expression. Just because your first degree relatives may have had a disease, you are not predestined to follow suit.

We are specialists who will partner with your primary care physician.

A standard medical education does not integrate enough nutritional medicine and other lifestyle interventions. We bridge that gap.

We use evidence-based medicine to guide our decision-making.

The amount of research related to nutrition and other lifestyle issues continues to grow rapidly, with many studies showing significant beneficial effects on health.

We treat each patient as an individual.

We will work with you to develop a plan that allows you to take a proactive role in managing your own health. The health outcomes are worth the effort.

Is disease reversal possible?

Absolutely! Study evidence has found this to be true, and many of our patients have experienced reversal of diabetes, autoimmune disorders, migraines, and cardiovascular disease, just to mention a few. In many cases, because of their exceptional results, our patients have been able to reduce or eliminate their medications.

Read more common questions and answers on medicalcompassmd.com.

Dr. Dunaief has written over 2,000 medical research articles that have been published in Times Beacon Record Newspapers.

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David Dunaief, M.D. Clinician, Researcher, Author and Speaker Dr. Dunaief was also recently published in The New York Times and appeared on NBC, News 12 Long Island and News 12 Brooklyn.

Preventing and Reversing Chronic Conditions and Diseases Including: High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol/Triglycerides Heart Disease • Stroke Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 Obesity • Breast Cancer Prostate Cancer • Lung Cancer Colorectal Cancer • Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis • Reflux Disease Sleep Apnea • Migraine and many more “My relatives all died from diabetes or complications by 57. I was on a statin and four diabetes medications including insulin when I started at 55 with Dr. Dunaief. In two months, I was able to stop them all. I’m now 59. The numbness in my feet is gone, I can move my toes much better, and I’m no longer short of breath.” – T.C.

Dr. Dunaief builds a customized plan for each patient - he knows that “no body is the same.”

DECEMBER 03, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B9

MEDICAL COMPASS

Thank You

Maximize exercise benefits

to those risking their lives and keeping us safe and supplied

A good pace and mindset may improve your outcomes

Walk with a spring in your step

While pedometers give a sense of how many steps you take on a daily basis, this number isn’t all that’s important. Intensity, rather than quantity or distance, may be the primary indicator of walking’s benefit.

In the National Walkers’ Health Study, results showed that those who walk with more pace are more likely to decrease their mortality from all causes and to increase their longevity (1). This is one of the first studies to quantify specific speed and its impact. In the study, there were four groups. The fastest group was almost jogging, walking at a mean pace of less than 13.5 minutes per mile, while the slowest group was walking at a pace of 17 minutes or more per mile.

The slowest walkers had a higher probability of dying, especially from dementia and heart disease. Those in the slowest group stratified even further: those whose pace equaled 24-minute miles or greater had twice the risk of death, compared to those who walked with greater speed.

However, the most intriguing aspect of the study was that there were big differences in mortality reduction in the second slowest category compared to the slowest, which might only be separated by a minute-per-mile pace. So, don’t fret: you don’t have to be a speedwalker to realize significant benefit.

During these difficult times, tips to reduce anxiety:

METRO photo

Align your mind and body

The mind also plays a significant role in exercise. The results of one study note that a positive mindset while exercising makes a big difference in the exercise’s impact (2). Researchers created two groups. The first was told to find four positive phrases, chosen by the participants, to motivate them while on a stationary bike and repeat these phrases consistently for the next two weeks while exercising.

Members of the group who repeated these motivating phrases consistently throughout each workout were able to increase their stamina for intensive exercise after only two weeks, while the same could not be said for the control group, which did not use reinforcing phrases.

‘Longevity’ supplement may negate exercise benefits

Resveratrol is a substance that is thought to provide increased longevity through proteins called Sirtuin 1. So how could it negate some benefit from exercise? Well it turns out that we need acute inflammation to achieve some exercise benefits, and resveratrol has anti-inflammatory effects. Acute inflammation is short-term inflammation and is different from chronic inflammation, the basis for many diseases.

In a small randomized controlled study, treatment group participants were given 250 mg supplements of resveratrol and saw significantly less benefit from aerobic exercise over an eightweek period, compared to those who were in the control group (3). Participants in the control group had improvements in both cholesterol and blood pressure that were not seen in the treatment group. This was a small study of short duration, although it was well-designed.

Impact on diabetes complications

The majority of Type 2 diabetes patients suffer from cardiovascular disease. The good news is that exercise may improve outcomes. In a prospective (forward-looking) observational study, results show that diabetes patients who

exercise less frequently, once or twice a week for 30 minutes, are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and almost a 70 percent greater risk of dying from it than those who exercised at least three times a week for 30 minutes each session. In addition, those who exercised only twice a week had an almost 50 percent increased risk of all-cause mortality (4).

The study followed more than 15,000 men and women with a mean age of 60 for five years.

The authors stressed the importance of exercise and its role in reducing diabetes complications.

Calculate your fitness age

You can calculate your fitness age without the use of a treadmill, according to the HUNT study (5). An online calculator utilizes basic parameters – age, gender, height, weight, waist circumference and frequency and intensity of exercise – to help you judge where you stand with exercise health. This calculator can be found at www.ntnu.edu/cerg/vo2max. Your results may surprise you.

Even in winter, you can walk and talk yourself to improved health by increasing your intensity while repeating positive phrases that help you overcome premature exhaustion.

Exercise can also have a significant impact on complications of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and resulting death with diabetes. As a bonus, getting outside during the day may also help you avoid the effects of the “winter blues.”

• Practice deep breathing and relaxation • Meditate • Connect with friends and family by telephone or online • Use visualization & guided imagery • Exercise, try to take a walk • Distract yourself by setting small goals • Mindfulness

REMEMBER TO KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCING AND THAT THIS WILL END If you would like a confidential, compassionate professional person to talk to, I am a psychotherapist working with adults, couples and families who are dealing with anxiety, depression, bereavement and trauma.

Wishing you serenity and good health,

Nancy F. Solomon, LCSW, P.C. 47 Route 25A Setauket, NY 11733 631-941-0400

References:

(1) PLoS One. 2013;8:e81098. (2) Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2013 Oct. 10. (3) J Physiol Online. 2013 July 22. (4) Eur J Prev Cardiol Online. 2013 Nov. 13. (5) Med Sci Sports Exerc.

2011;43:2024-2030.

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.

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Medical professionals (including me!) often press you to exercise. This sage advice seems simple enough; however, the type, intensity level and frequency of exercise may not be well-defined.

For instance, any type of walking is beneficial, right? Well, as one study that quantifies walking pace notes that some types of walking are better than others.

We know exercise is beneficial for

By David prevention and Dunaief, M.D. treatment of chronic disease. But another very important aspect of exercise is the impact it has on specific diseases, such as diabetes and osteoarthritis.

Also, certain supplements and drugs may decrease the beneficial effects of exercise.

They are not necessarily the ones you think.

They include resveratrol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen).

Let’s look at the evidence.

PAGE B10 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 03, 2020

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Disney

THEME:

CLUES ACROSS

169395

SUDOKU PUZZLE

:

1. *Bambi and others like him 6. Nail a criminal 9. Use a paring knife 13. Cornucopia's shape 14. Lawyers' org.

15. Interior designer's focus 16. *Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor's draw 17. 1/100 of afghani 18. Tapestry 19. *Minnie Mouse's full first name 21. *"Be Our Guest" performer 23. Kukui nut necklace 24. #22 Down competitor 25. Dojo pad 28. Pillow filler 30. Detected 35. Burden of proof 37. Ness' domain 39. Vernacular 40. Poker amount 41. Divvy up 43. U.S. freshwater invader 44. Relating to nose 46. Golfer's warning 47. "The Three Musketeers" dueling sword 48. Isaac of science fiction fame 50. *"The Princess Diaries" leading actress 52. Pigpen 53. Candle burner 55. Greek letters on campus 57. *Remy's idol Auguste ____ 61. *Pongo's mate 65. Radio sign 66. J. Edgar Hoover's org.

68. Was dishonest with, two words 69. *Iago and Kevin 70. *Scar to Simba, e.g.

71. At the point of death, archaic 72. Command to Fido 73. Seed alternative, to a landscaper 74. Loses color

Answers to last week’s puzzle:

Famous Landmarks

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 to last week’s SUDOKU:

CLUES DOWN 1. Fraud 2. Famous Amos 3. Before long, to Shakespeare 4. Alef and Bet follower 5. *Like a Haunted Mansion visitor 6. California valley 7. *Aladdin's sidekick 8. What football and baseball have in common, pl.

9. "Frasier" actress Gilpin 10. Homesteader's measure 11. *Shere Khan's cry 12. Highland tongue 15. Woman in trouble?

20. Actress Davis 22. Package delivery service 24. Reveal the true nature 25. *"How Far I'll Go" performer 26. *____ of Arendelle, pl.

27. Hutu's opponents, 1994 29. *Raksha or Rama 31. Cote d'Azur locale 32. Ginger cookies 33. Kind of heron 34. *Beardless dwarf 36. Clothing line 38. Honker 42. It may be perfect 45. Moves down 49. Itinerary word 51. Cap attachment 54. Part of a sleeve, pl.

56. Organ swelling 57. Loads 58. Military group 59. Sarah, alt. sp.

60. Not a slob 61. ____ Piper 62. Object of worship 63. Tear, past tense 64. *"A Bug's Life" characters 67. *Human child in Monstropolis * THEME RELATED CLUE

Answers to this week’s puzzle will appear in next week’s newspaper and online on Friday afternoon at www.tbrnewsmedia.com, Arts and Lifestyles

DECEMBER 03, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B11

KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS

Arkarup Banerjee returns to CSHL to study singing mice Harnessing the Technology of our Research Giants

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

Arkarup Banerjee is coming back home to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. This time, instead of working on the olfactory system, the way he did in Associate Professor Dinu Florin Albeanu’s lab from 2010 to 2016, he is studying vocalizations in the Alston’s singing mouse, a Central American rodent.

Banerjee rejoined Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in November after almost four years of postdoctoral work at NYU Langone Medical Center. He hopes to use the study of the way these mice react to songs and the way they formulate them to understand how signals from the brain lead to vocalizations.

“The reason I decided to come back to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is not just because I did my PhD here,” said Banerjee, who is an assistant professor. “Neuroscience [at the lab] is amazing. I have fantastic colleagues. I expect to have lots of collaborations.” CSHL is one of his “top choices” in part because of the ability to interact with other researchers and to attend meetings and courses, he said.

To hear Albeanu tell it, CSHL’s colleagues appreciate the skill and determination Banerjee, whom Albeanu described as a “rare catch,” brings to the site.

“There was pretty much unanimous excitement about his vision for his research,” Albeanu said. “Pretty much everyone was in agreement that [hiring Banerjee] is a must.”

Fundamentally, Banerjee is interested in understanding how the brain computes information. In his new lab at CSHL, he wanted to study the natural behaviors that

SPOTLIGHTING DISCOVERIES AT (1) COLD SPRING HARBOR LAB (2) STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY & (3) BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LAB

animals produce without having to teach them anything.

“That’s why my fascination arose in singing mice,” he said.

“Nobody has to train them to vocalize.” He hopes to understand the neural circuits in the context of a natural behavior.

In the longer term, Banerjee is interested in contributing to the field of human communication.

While numerous other creatures, such as birds, interact with each other vocally, singing from trees as they establish territorial dominance and soliciting mates through their songs, mice, which have cerebral cortexes, have brain architecture that is more similar to humans.

The Alston’s singing mice, which is found in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and Panama, is also different from numerous other species of mice. Many rodents produce vocalizations in the ultrasonic range. These animals can hear calls that are outside the range of human capacity to pick up such sounds.

The singing mice Banerjee is studying produces a stereotyped song that is audible to people.

“These mice seem to specialize in this behavior,” he said. In neuroscience, scientists seek animals that are specialists with the hope that understanding that species will reveal how they work, he said.

Audible communications are important for male mice in attracting mates and in guarding their locations against other males.

These lower-frequency sounds travel across greater distances.

Specifically, Banerjee would like to know the anatomical differences between the brains of typical rodents and the singing mice. He plans to probe “what kind of changes does it require for a new behavior to emerge during evolution.”

Attention s r e s i t r e v d A Please Note

Arkarup Banerjee Photo from CSHL

The songs have some value to the males who sing them. Females prefer males who sing more notes per unit time in a 10-second period.

In his experiments, Banerjee has demonstrated that the conventional view about one of the differences between humans and other vocalizing animals may not be accurate. Scientists had previously believed that other animals didn’t use their cortex to produce songs.

Banerjee, however, showed that the motor cortex was important for vocal behaviors. Specifically, animals with temporarily inactivated cortexes could not participate in vocal interactions.

As a long term goal, Banerjee is also interested in the genetic sequence that makes the development of any anatomical or behavioral feature different in these singing mice. By using the gene editing tool CRISPR, which CSHL scientists employ regularly, Banerjee hopes to find specific genetic regions that lead to these unique behaviors.

An extension of this research could apply to people with various communication challenges.

Through studies of mice with different genetic sequences, Banerjee and other researchers can try to find genes that are necessary for more typical vocalizations. By figuring out the genetic differences, the CSHL scientist may one day discover what researchers could do to minimize these differences.

A resident of Mineola, Banerjee lives with his wife Sanchari Ghosh, who works at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory press for the preprint service bioRxiv. The couple, who met in India, spend considerable time discussing their shared interest in neuroscience. Banerjee said his wife is a “much better writer” than he and has helped edit his manuscripts.

Banerjee is passionate about teaching and hopes he has a chance to educate more students once the pandemic recedes. Outside the lab, Banerjee shares an important quality with the mice he studies: he sings. He trained as a vocalist when he was growing up in India, and listens to a range of music.

Albeanu, who was teaching a course in Bangalore, India in 2009 when he met Banerjee, said it is a “pleasure to listen to [Banerjee] singing.”

Albeanu recalls how Banerjee stood out for many reasons when he first met him, including developing a way to modify a microscope.

As for his work, Banerjee hopes to understand behaviors like vocalizations from numerous perspectives. “We can seek explanations for all of these levels,” he said.

A neuroscientist by training, Banerjee would like to determine the connection between neural circuitry and the behavior it produces. “The understanding would be incomplete if I didn’t understand why this behavior is being generated.”

DECEMBER DISPLAY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the Holidays!

Issue Dec. 10

Deadline Dec. 3 - Leisure Dec. 4 - News Dec. 17 Dec. 10 - Leisure Dec. 11 - News Dec. 24 *Dec. 3 (early) Dec. 31 *Dec. 10 (early)

Call 631–751–7744 to reserve your space now ©169470a

PAGE B12 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 03, 2020

ART EXHIBIT

Studio 268 celebrates the beauty of nature with student art exhibit

BY MELISSA ARNOLD

L

andscapes and natural scenes are among the most popular subjects in visual art, and it’s easy to understand why. The natural world is simple and complex, calm and powerful, beautiful and intimidating.

At Studio 268 in Setauket, more than 50 student artists aged 7 through 16 have been working hard to capture their favorite parts of the natural world through art. Their work will be on display at the studio from Dec. 5 through Dec. 23.

Mary Jane van Zeijts opened the studio five years ago with the intention of teaching and selling art. Today, she offers classes for both adults and children with a variety of backgrounds and experience levels. While the pandemic has been tough for everyone, van Zeijts said she’s grateful that the studio remains open.

“Over the summer when nonessential businesses were closed, we had classes outdoors in various locations — Frank Melville Memorial Park, West Meadow Beach, Stony Brook Village Green, people’s gardens.

They were safe, beautiful, welcoming places for us to be and we are very grateful for both this community and for the opportunity to be together and continue on,” van Zeijts said.

'View from Second Stone Bridge' by Mary Jane van Zeijts

The exhibit, titled Nature, features work from van Zeijts’ afternoon students, all of whom are under 18. The collection includes a diverse array of media, including paintings, drawings, pastels, collage and printmaking.

All pieces in the exhibit will be available for purchase to support each artist.

Reboli Center to host Holiday Pop Up Shops this weekend

You have ITneeds.

During this holiday season, The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 main Street, Stony Brook welcomes Jessica Randall and Renee Fondacaro to set up Pop Up Shops on Dec. 5 from11 a m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 6 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. All are welcome to visit and shop for something original and handmade.

Jessica Randall is an artist, silversmith and jewelry designer whose studio is located in Setauket, NY. She has been designing and making jewelry for over 20 years, and is inspired by found objects and nature, particularly the sea. Her pieces are designed to be worn everyday as wearable artwork. Jessica’s jewelry is 24K gold.

Renee Fondacaro, founder of Old Field Apothecary, creates hand poured, small batch candles, wax melts and home accessories. All products are made from a vegan wax blend of natural coconut and apricot. The waxes are gluten-free, toxin free, paraben free, phthalate free, and come from renewable sources. The entire blend utilizes only FDA approved waxes.

While there, visitors are welcome to enjoy the Center's current exhibit, Celebrate the Season, with artwork from local artists, and the Center's Design Shop Masks must be worn, and social

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21 Bennetts Road, Suite 200, Setauket, New York 11733

Additionally, van Zeijts will be holding a raffle for one of her own pieces, “View from Second Stone Bridge,” with custom walnut framing done by Jonathan Busko. The 34" by 24" pastel painting depicts Conscience Bay in Setauket in November at high tide. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the

Frank Melville Memorial Foundation. Raffle tickets are $20 each, or 3 for $50.

This exhibit offers a special opportunity to appreciate the work of up-and-coming Long Island artists who are already showing great skill and talent.

“The artists in the studio are deeply creative — they are willing to learn and make mistakes more often and with less fear than myself. I love their stories and enjoy them sharing their lives with me,” van Zeijts said.

“These artists are searching for their style, medium and particular joys in making art. It is incredible to see them grasp that joy when it is realized and hold onto it. Just as we all learn where we fit, it is a privilege to watch a beginning artist grow into their own space of contentment and pride in their art," she added.

"The students in this group are supportive of each other and act with honesty and humor ... They remind me that, like all of life, art is a process — one that can be challenging, but also full of joy.”

Studio 268 is located at 268 Main Street, Setauket. Public viewing hours for Nature are Saturdays, Dec. 5, 6, 12, and 19 from noon to 5 p.m. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing when visiting the studio. For more information, call 631-220-4529.

158327

Above, a candle from Old Field Apothecary; right, a hand fabricated cuff bracelet by Jessica Randall.

Photos from The Reboli Center

distancing is required. For further information, please call the Reboli Center at 631-751-7707.

DECEMBER 03, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B13

BOOK REVIEW

Christmas in Angel Harbor

By Jeannie Moon

Romance Novel Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel “It’s not always about the time, but the place we are in our lives.”

Jeannie Moon’s Christmas in Angel Harbor (Tule Publishing Group, LLC) is a heartfelt romance of love deferred. As with all of her work, she creates engaging characters of charm and honesty.

In this case, she has set her novel on Long Island, in the fictional town of Angel Harbor.

Best-selling author Dan Gallo has returned home after an absence of several decades. It is revealed that his most recent novel inspired a psychopathic true-crime copycat. He has now decided to escape the fast lane and try to catch his breath by writing a more personal novel. He is also a man in search of himself; his quest is for an inner peace that his success has not provided. “He’d learned the hard way that a good life was a collection of small experiences. While big and flashy might impress in the short term, the millions of tiny details about an experience were what mattered.” He settles in with his sister’s family, living in a cottage on the property. He begins to unwind and to come alive.

Jill Fallon is the proprietor of Harbor Books. As a young woman, she had dreams of a world-spanning career in archeology.

With her father’s sudden death, she felt obligated to return home to run the family bookstore. “It hadn’t been her dream job, but owning the store brought her many rewards and even more happy moments.” She is grateful for the life she has had — especially close bonds with both her mother, a retired school teacher, and her daughter, Tara. But Moon gives Jill a welcomed complexity: Jill still wonders about the life she could have had and that slight shadow of regret gives her an added dimension.

Throughout high school, Dan had used the table in the bookshop as his writing headquarters. Dan and Jill had been best friends since fifth grade and, while they had never been a couple, their relationship had an emotional intimacy. While Dan was getting ready for law school, Jill indicated that she wanted more. Spooked, Dan

Author Jeannie Moon Photo by Fox Gradin, Celestial Studios

disconnected from Jill and the entire Angel Harbor community. Even when Jill’s father passed away, Dan maintained both distance and silence.

And now he has returned. Jill struggles with her feelings but, with great caution, allows him to begin writing at the table once again. “They were bound by an old friendship, and by the shared history of a small town that held one of them back, while the other shot forward.” Needless to say, they begin to rekindle what was snuffed out thirty plus years before.

What is delightful is the innocence of the courtship between two fifty year-olds. There is a sense of wanting to recover what was lost, picking up almost where they left off.

Moon gives us a couple that is reminiscent of Our Town’s George and Emily: love and hope and possibility. “… there was something magical about her, something so centered it was seeping into him. Even as she faced huge changes in her own life, she found a way to focus on others … for the first time since he’d left home all those years ago, he wasn’t on edge.” But their relationship is not without heat, and the pull between them is genuinely strong.

The story begins two weeks before Thanksgiving and carries through the Christmas holiday. Both Dan and Jill are going through struggles, internal and external. Dan’s current project is outside his comfort zone; he wants to inspire readers

and allow his work to be a source of healing.

However, he is facing pressure from his “people” to stay with what works. Jill is facing her mother’s relocation to warmer climes and her daughter’s departure for college the following fall. As always, the store’s survival and growth is always present.

Playing as a backdrop for the story is a wonderful sense of village life in modern times. With shades of nostalgia, Moon finds the richness of a Long Island Christmas, from the perfect pastry to snowfall to walks in the brisk night air. The writing is easy and fluid, with characters rooted in personal realities as well the world she has vividly fashioned for them. It all rings romantically true.

A little past the half-way mark, the real crisis is introduced, throwing Jill’s fate into

turmoil. It is not the suspense of what will happen but the painting of the community that rises to the surface. The denouement has shades of It’s a Wonderful Life.

Christmas in Angel Harbor gives us something that we need right now: the joy that can come in the Christmas season. Here is a romance with the sights and sounds but above all the heart that we associate with hope in the holidays. Looking for the gift of a little light in the darkness? This book is just the right present.

A school librarian by day, and an established author by night, Jeannie Moon has written 17 books to date. Christmas in Angel Harbor is available at bookrevue.com, barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.

PAGE B14 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 03, 2020

COOKING COVE

Za'atar adds zest and zing to your cooking

BY BARBARA BELTRAMI I’ve recently started using za’atar a lot.

A Middle Eastern blend of equal amounts of dried culinary herbs, thyme, cumin, coriander, sesame seeds and sumac with a perhaps a little salt or crushed hot red pepper added, za’atar gives an interesting and savory dimension to both ordinary and exotic dishes. Like so many ethnic combinations, it varies from cook to cook and region to region with other additions or substitutions such as fennel or marjoram, for instance.

Moreover, I’ve found that recipes in which it is used often call for additional amounts of one of its elements. Make your own blend or buy it at specialty grocers, then add it to salad dressings, spreads, dips, veggies, meat, poultry or fish, and a whole lot more. Its flavor is subtle; it doesn’t sock it to you, make your eyes water, clear your sinuses or send you sputtering and sprinting for a glass of water. It’s just a nice flavor kick.

cook until garlic releases its aroma and starts to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Add za’atar, stir and remove from heat. Discard garlic, let cool to lukewarm, add salt and pepper and lemon juice. In a salad bowl toss cucumber and tomatoes with warm dressing, then sprinkle feta on top. Serve with toasted pita bread and hummus.

Basic Za’atar

YIELD: Makes generous 1/4 cup.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 tablespoon crushed dried thyme leaves • 1 tablespoon ground coriander • 1 tablespoon ground cumin • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds • 1 tablespoon sumac • Generous pinch coarse salt • Generous pinch crushed dried red pepper flakes DIRECTIONS:

Lemony Za’atar Chicken, Potatoes and Onions

In a small bowl thoroughly combine ingredients. Store in air tight container or zip top bag.

Cucumber, Tomato and Feta Salad with Za’atar YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings.

INGREDIENTS: • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, bruised • 1 tablespoon za’atar • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 small English hothouse cucumber, peeled and diced • 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese DIRECTIONS:

In a small skillet over medium high heat, warm oil; add garlic, reduce heat to low and

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings.

INGREDIENTS: • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice • 3 tablespoons za’atar • 1 garlic bulb, cloves separated and peeled • 1/2 cup dry white wine • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste • 1 broiler-fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces • 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, scrubbed and halved • 1 large onion, peeled and cut into small wedges DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, za’atar, garlic, wine, salt and pepper. Transfer to gallon zip top bag, add chicken, seal bag and turn it to be sure chicken is evenly coated. Refrigerate for two hours.

Remove chicken from bag, but reserve bag of marinade; place chicken in bowl, cover

with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the bag of reserved liquid place the potatoes and onions; seal bag and tilt to coat them evenly; refrigerate for one hour. Preheat oven to 400 F, place chicken, garlic, potatoes and onions with the marinade in a shallow baking pan. Bake, basting occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender, about 40 to 50 minutes. Serve hot with a tossed salad.

Za’atar Red Snapper with Israeli Couscous YIELD: Makes 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup Israeli couscous • Four 6-ounce red snapper fillets, skin on • 1/4 cup olive oil • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste • 3 tablespoons za’atar DIRECTIONS:

Cook couscous according to package directions. Meanwhile coat the fish fillets on both sides with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and rub each side of the fillets evenly with the za’atar. Heat the remaining oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add the fish fillets, skin side down, and cook until skin is golden and crisp, about 5 minutes.

Carefully turn fish over and cook until flesh is opaque and fish flakes easily. Divide couscous onto 4 plates and top with fish. Serve hot with sautéed greens.

OPEN EVERY DAY – 7 DAYS A WEEK 8 am-6 pm WE ARE STILL FOCUSING ON SAFETY

We are open for regular shopping between these hours with a few changes in our operation.

We are limiting the amount of people inside the store at one time. During a busy time you may be asked to wait for someone to come out before going inside. We are not allowing walk up service at the deli counter, we are instead asking you to call your order in allowing up to one hour in advance. The order will be waiting for you when you arrive, this way there are no lines forming for deli service. We also still slice our deli express line fresh every day, allowing for quick grab and go service. We are requiring face masks while inside the store to keep our customers and employees safe.

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FLORIDA’S NATURAL ORANGE JUICE - 2/$5 / 52 oz. varieties ENTENMANN’S FULL LINE SALE - 3/$9.99 / all varieties THOMAS’ PLAIN ENGLISH MUFFINS - 2/$5/ 6 pk plain only PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY (Corner of Boyle Road & Old Town Road) 631–928–4607 • buttercupdairy.com ITALIAN VILLAGE FROZEN RAVIOLI - 2/$3/ 12-14 oz. varieties CALL AHEAD THE HOLIDAYS ARE APPROACHING FAST OREIDA FROZEN FRENCH FRIES - $2.99 / asst. varieties DELI ORDERS SAVE TIME WITH BUTTERCUP Pre sliced cold cuts and pre made sandwiches Check out our heat and eat dinner options

STILL AVAILABLE

SALES RUN 12/2 – 12/8

DECEMBER 03, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B15

Middle Country Public Library's annual Women's EXPO goes virtual this year

I

f we had to pick one word for 2020 it might be pivot. We’ve all been pivoting our lives to accommodate changes due to a global pandemic. Perhaps no one has pivoted more than small business owners and entrepreneurs, especially local micro entrepreneurs who rely on sales from weekend markets throughout the holiday season.

The annual Women’s EXPO, an initiative of the Middle Country Library Foundation and Miller Business Center, has also pivoted and will be held virtually this year on Dec. 10.

“The mission of the Library’s Miller Business Center has always been to promote economic development on Long Island and we felt that more than ever, we needed to support Long Island’s women entrepreneurs," said Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, Director of the library. "With support from Bank of America and our other sponsors, we are able to offer workshops that would help

Lori Rosenberg: Red Gems

provide the necessary tools to succeed in this virtual marketplace," she said. The programs, focusing on social media, selling online, marketing, and photography, helped entrepreneurs with the online environment.

“Bank of America is committed to supporting economic mobility for those within the communities we serve,” said Bob Isaksen, Long Island market president for Bank of America. “Women entrepreneurs play an important role in driving economic growth here on Long Island, and this year more than ever, it is important to support and advance their businesses. We’re grateful to have a strong, long standing partnership with the Middle Country Library Foundation for this event and encourage everyone who is able to virtually shop the EXPO this holiday season.”

Here are just a few of the women you will “meet” at this year’s virtual event:

Primarily a pop-up shop, Lori Rosenberg’s Red Gems, was not prepared for all the event cancellations. “I have always told my children to play to their strengths, one of my strengths is building a strong rapport and trust with my customers," said Lori.

This rapport has brought her many repeat customers and word-ofmouth referrals who reach out to purchase the jewelry, rain ponchos, and other accessories she sells. But not seeing new and loyal customers at events has been a challenge. While Lori knows she has to build her online shopping presence, she is also the first to admit that tech does not come easily to her.

Like most of us, she’s had to learn a lot of new skills in 2020. Lori is looking forward to learning what she needs to create a virtual booth for the EXPO. “I signed up for the virtual EXPO because I was honored to have been an exhibitor for the last two years and from start to finish it was a true pleasure as well as profitable. The staff could not have been more professional, supportive or accommodating and it was inspiring to be in the company of other Long Island entrepreneurs.”

TIME TO SHOP! Register for the 20th annual Women's EXPO at www.womensEXPOli.org

Kelly Wong: Lai Life Products

After seeing how hard it was for some people to kneel on their thin yoga mats, Kelly Wong created a high quality knee pad to alleviate pressure on knees, wrists, or tailbone. She never expected that her passion project, Lai Life, would be so successful. Feedback from those customers showed Wong that the implications for her product reached far beyond the yoga studio. Now she markets the pad with its many other uses including for gardening and game day.

With in-person events being canceled, Kelly turned to her ecommerce site.

Targeted online ads and a move towards exercising at home has helped and Kelly has even sold out a few times. The move to more online sales has forced her to learn a lot more but overall it has helped with the business. Interestingly, she’s been

developing more relationships with her customers in this new virtual world. This year will be Kelly’s first as an exhibitor at the EXPO and she is “very excited to join this elite group of small businesses.”

Tamar Perry: Creative Treasures

Tamar Perry has been creating since her first art class at age 12. Her hobby turned into a side business in 2011, when she began making paper jewelry and selling at local shows.

This year has been a challenge — the pandemic caused her employer to close its New York office — but Tamar is an optimist and saw an opportunity to invest in her own company, Creative Treasures which focuses on vintage, romantic, steampunk and old country style paper crafting and mixed media art.

While her main focus is creating scrapbooking albums and mixed media art, she has partnered with Plasterkraze in Selden to offer make-and-take events and online classes.

As a first time exhibitor, Tamar is looking forward to using the virtual EXPO to interact with the local community and introduce them to her art. “The virtual EXPO gives me the ability to invite you to my studio, share my techniques and show you hands on how I make these crafts.”

Dana Porciello: The Soothery

Like many other small businesses without a storefront, Dana Porciello, of The Soothery, has been seeking ways to get in front of customers.

In these times especially, finding markets for her handmade soaps, lotion bars, lip balms, and face masks has been a big challenge, but one Dana knew she wanted to take on. She’s been working on her website thesoothery.com - to get her business in front of a wider audience. Dana has also joined any safe, in-person markets. “I met amazing people and customers who wanted to support local makers which was inspiring and made me love what I do even more.” She has learned a lot about her business and sees this year overall as a tremendous learning experience.

Dana’s excited about the opportunities a virtual EXPO brings. “I love the Women’s EXPO because every woman here started with an idea and made it a reality. I find this so powerful and love to be around that energy. The library and its community does an amazing job supporting the EXPO and women in business and I love being a part of it.”

Support local businesses and finish your holiday shopping at the 20th annual (and first VIRTUAL) Women’s EXPO on Thursday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Virtual attendees will be entered to win one of many door prizes. Computers for browsing will be available at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd, Centereach on the day of the event.

PAGE B16 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 03, 2020

Ongoing

Times ... and dates

Festival of Trees

The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson kicks off the holiday season with its annual Festival of Trees featuring 20 professionally decorated 6 ft. trees on display on the second floor now through Dec. 30. Enjoy a magnificent display of themed holiday trees. Viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Social distancing protocols will be followed and masks are required. Free.

For more information, call 802-2160.

Dec. 3 to Dec. 10, 2020

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton continues tonight from 5 to 9 p.m., on Dec. 4 and 5 from 5 to 11 p.m. and Dec. 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! Runs through Dec. 30. Tickets can be bought online at www. riverheadlightshow.com or at the gate for $25.

Virtual Family Trivia Night

Join the Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor for a virtual Family Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Adults and kids are invited Join us for a night of fun and friendly competition with winter-themed topics! Questions range across all levels. Winners receive museum tickets. Free to play. $5 suggested donation appreciated. Register at www. cshwhalingmuseum.org. * All numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.

Smith Point Light Show See Dec. 3 listing.

Open House at the LIM See Dec. 4 listing.

Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt See Dec. 4 listing.

Country Parlor Holiday Gift Show

Smith Point Light Show

The Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau has partnered with the Smithtown Horizons Counseling and Education Center and the Town of Smithtown Youth and Community Alliance to host a free virtual screening of the anti-bullying documentary “The Upstanders” at 6 p.m. via Zoom. The screening will be followed by a Q & A session featuring a panel of professionals from the film. Registration is required in advance in order to attend. To register, visit: https://www.smithtownny. gov/215/Youth-Bureau or via Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/smithtownyouthbureau/.

See Dec. 3 listing.

St. James Episcopal Church, 490 North Country Road, St. James hosts a Books & Things Christmas Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring an extensive collection of Christmas decorations and collectibles, books, CDs, china and household items. Face masks are mandatory. For more information, call 584-5560.

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

Anti-bullying documentary screening

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

Books & Things Christmas Sale

Dec. 3

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and County Executive Steve Bellone invite the community to the 17th annual Smith Point Light Show at Smith Point County Park, 1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley. The event continues tonight and runs through Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). Drive along the 1.5 mile trail at Smith Point County Park Campgrounds filled with dazzling holiday light displays. Enjoy new surprises and some of your old favorites!

Proceeds support programs for girls and families across Suffolk County. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.

Friday through Sunday. $25 per car, $22 online at www.SmithPointLightShow.com.

Saturday 5

The Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn will be decorated for the holidays during the Society’s Heritage Country Christmas on Dec. 5. File photo

Stony Brook Film Festival

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts continues its 25th annual Stony Brook Film Festival virtually at 7 p.m. with a screening of the short film Jane followed by the feature film On the Quiet (In Hungarian with subtitles). An all-access pass is available for $60; individual tickets are also available for $6. Visit www. stonybrookfilmfestival.com or call 632-2787.

Holiday Guitar

Learn guitar fundamentals from Chris Fury with some simple holiday songs during a virtual program offered by Comsewogue Public Library in Port Jefferson Station at 7 p.m.

Fury will cover simple melodies for beginners as well as some chords and strumming at the intermediate level. Also on 12/10 and 12/17.

Visit www.cplib.org/a-online-programming/ for information on how to participate in this online program. Questions? Call 928-1212.

Heckscher Curator Conversations

Heckscher Museum of Art Curator Dr. Karli Wurzelbacher leads a virtual discussion with select Long Island Biennial artists from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Artists Chris Ann Ambery, Alisa Shea, Mark Van Wagner, and Claire Watson will bring their unique perspective, experience, and ideas, ensuring a thought-provoking dialogue.

Conversations will center around different themes including abstraction, landscape, materials and processes and end with a Q&A session. $5 fee, free for members. Registration required by visiting www.heckscher.org. For more information, call 380-3230.

Friday 4

Riverhead Holiday Light Show See Dec. 3 listing.

Smith Point Light Show See Dec. 3 listing.

Open House at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Features a state of the art carriage museum, art museum, one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, barn, garden sculptures and herb garden. To help ensure public safety and limited capacity, visitors must register for museum admission online in advance. Timed admission will be available from noon to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.

Admission is free for the remainder of the 2020 year. Visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues Bright Lights, a month-long holiday celebration tonight, Dec. 5 and 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. The holiday winter walk, which will continue on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through Dec. 20, features holiday lights, themed lightup displays, festive foods, music and Santa Claus and friends. Admission is $25 adults, $20 members; $15 children under 12, $10 members; children under age 2 are free. Masks are mandatory. To purchase tickets, visit www. vanderbiltmuseum.org. See more on page B7.

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead will present its annual Country Parlor Holiday Folk Art and Gift Show today and Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held in the historic Naugles Barn, the unique and one-of-a-kind event will feature handmade Rustic Santas and tree ornaments, holiday home decor and gifts, baskets, jewelry and fine gifts including handmade pottery pieces, plus stocking stuffers. Masks are mandatory.

Questions? Call 298-5292.

Heritage Country Christmas

Join the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown for their annual Heritage Country Christmas from 4 to 8 p.m. Enjoy holiday caroling, historic cooking, s’mores, ornament decorating, tree lighting, a winter hayride., and a visit with Santa Claus! Rain date is Dec. 6. $5 for an hour time slot. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. For more information, call 265-6768.

Outdoors with Birds of Prey

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents a program for ages 5 and up titled Outdoors with Birds of Prey from 11 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 2 p.m. Learn about these wonderful raptors, meet a variety of birds including owls, falcons and hawks and discover what makes them so special.

There will be many photo opportunities. Face masks required. Meet down at the barn. $15 per person. Advance registration required by visiting www.sweetbriarnc.org. Call 979-6344 for more info.

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 may be published.

DECEMBER 03, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B17

Operation Spirit: Holiday Style

In keeping the holiday spirit alive and well, The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents ‘Operation Spirit: Holiday Style,’ a series of live outdoor concerts by the Equity Brass Band on the venue’s front lawn today, Dec. 12 and 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. The band, featuring Ray Anderson on sousaphone; Tom Manuel on cornet; Eric Kay on clarinet; Rod Borrie on trombone; Darrell Smith on drums; and Vinny Raniolo on banjo, will play an array of holiday classics, New Orleans Jazz style. For more information, call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Photo opp with Santa

Come visit Santa in his winter sled at the corner of Main Street and Chandler Square in the Village of Port Jefferson today and Dec. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. (No direct contact with Santa) $5 suggested donation per photo session. Bring your own camera. Questions? Call 473-1414.

Museum Shop open

Just in time for holiday shopping, the museum shop at the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport will be open today and every Saturday through Dec. 19 from 1 to 4:30 p.m..

Come on in and shop for antique and vintage items such as jewelry, china, and glassware alone with sweatshirts, books, maps, and posters. For more information, call 757-9859.

Drive-Thru Santa

The Port Jefferson Station Terryville Chamber of Commerce hosts a Drive-Thru Santa event at the chamber train car, corner of Route 347 and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a holiday light display and bring your wish list to Santa. Free. Visit www.pjstchamber.com.

Drive Thru Live Nativity

Stony Brook Christian Assembly, 400 Nicolls Road, East Setauket presents its annual drive through Live Nativity today, Dec. 6, 11 and 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Take a trip back in time to experience the magic and mystery of the first Christmas. V Participants will see and hear the Christmas story come alive with authentic characters, live animals, majestic backdrops & multi-media. Free. Call 689-1127 for more info.

Monday 7

Smith Point Light Show See Dec. 3 listing.

Tuesday 8

Smith Point Light Show See Dec. 3 listing.

Travel Tuesday

Comsewogue Public Library in Port Jefferson Station presents a virtual program, Travel Tuesday: Austria Beyond Salzburg, at 2 p.m. “Travel” to Austria from home! Enjoy a 30-minute video from the Savvy Sightseer featuring beautiful pictures, hidden gems, and interesting cultural tidbits. Open to all. Free.

Visit www.cplib.org/a-online-programming/ for information on how to participate in this online program. Questions? Call 928-1212 and ask for Adult Services

Wednesday 9 Smith Point Light Show See Dec. 3 listing.

Winter Wonderland Tours

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization presents the Holidays Secrets of Stony Brook Village Walking Tours today and Dec. 16 at 10:50 a.m. and again at 2:20 p.m. Tours will leave from the Stony Brook Post Office, 111 Main St., Stony Brook. Tickets are $15 per person. Reservations are required by calling 751-2244. See more on page B.

Thursday 10

Riverhead Holiday Light Show See Dec. 3 listing.

Smith Point Light Show See Dec. 3 listing.

Women’s EXPO

Middle Country Public Library in Centereach will host the annual Women’s EXPO virtually this year from 10 am. to 8 p.m. Shop online for jewelry, clothing, fine art, pottery, children’s items, culturally diverse crafts, fiber art, specialty food items, gift baskets, household accessories, paper products and more. To attend, visit www.womensEXPOli. org. For more information, call 585-9393, ext.

296. See page B15 for more info.

Car Menorah Parade

The Chai Center and Chabad of Mid-Suffolk present a Grand Menorah car parade and annual Menorah lighting at 6 p.m. Cars will line up at Chabad of Mid-Suffolk, 318 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack and leave at 6 p.m. to go to The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills. Donuts and latkes will be served. Free. To register your car, call 351-8672.

Stony Brook Film Festival

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts concludes its 25th annual Stony Brook Film Festival virtually at 7 p.m. with a screening of the short film Maradona’s Legs followed by the feature film My Name Is Sara. An allaccess pass is available for $60; individual tickets are also available for $6. Visit www. stonybrookfilmfestival.com or call 632-2787.

Author Talk

The Smithtown Library welcomes Jeannie Moon, author of Christmas in Angel Harbor, for a virtual Author Talk via Zoom at 7 p.m.

All are welcome to join the conversation. To register, call Gina at 360-2480, ext. 235.

Conversations in the Arts

Join the Huntington Arts Council for a virtual Conversations in the Arts via Facebook Live from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Moderated by Kevin McEvoy, the panel will include Jan Guarino,Thais Osorio, Scott Schneider and Danangelowe A.J Spencer.

To join the conversation, visit facebook.com/ HuntingtonArts/live/.

Sunday 6

Riverhead Holiday Light Show See Dec. 3 listing.

Smith Point Light Show See Dec. 3 listing.

Open House at the LIM See Dec. 4 listing.

Country Parlor Holiday Gift Show See Dec. 5 listing.

Drive Thru Live Nativity See Dec. 5 listing.

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Farmers Market heads indoors to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 25, 2021.

Social distancing required. Call 802-2160.

The Stony Brook Film Festival concludes with a virtual screening of My Name is Sara on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The film based on the true life-story of Sara Góralnik, a 13 year-old Polish Jew whose entire family was killed by Nazis in September of 1942. Photo courtesy of Staller Center for the Arts

Horoscopes of the week SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, you are always eager to learn new things. This week take time to explore the world around you and pick up some facts along the way.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 It can be challenging to find a balance between giving your all at work and enjoying your personal life. That’s because you’re such a hard worker.

Devote more time to home.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 The smallest steps can lead to the greatest results, Aquarius. Don’t discount any strides you make in the direction of success. You will get there eventually.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Be mindful of where your dollars are going, Pisces.

This will help you strike a greater balance between spending and saving.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, this week you feel more energized and ready to hit the ground running with a special project at work.

It’s also a great time to do something for yourself.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, a couple of days this week you may need to roll over and catch a couple extra minutes with your head on the pillow. Being extra tired may indicate you need to scale back.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 A social butterfly, you are eager to socialize this week, Gemini. Figure out a day when a few friends are available to get together and catch up. Then plan an event.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, it is essential to practice self-care; otherwise, you easily can run yourself ragged.

Put yourself ahead of others sometime this week, even if it feels indulgent.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, take an opportunity to share your big heart with someone who may need an extra emotional boost. Spend some quality time with this individual.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you are eager to get caught up in all the details. This can keep you on track and orderly, but you may miss some spontaneity if you’re always following the rules.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Relationships are inportant to you, Libra. You may be eager to develop some new friendships in the days to come. Think about pursuing new hobbies or interests.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, everyone around you knows if they put you in charge you will get the job done successfully. But others may not be in tune with who you are, so open up a little bit.

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DECEMBER 03, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B19

Religious D irectory

Byzantine Catholic

RESURRECTION BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH

38 Mayflower Avenue, Smithtown NY 11787 631–759–6083 resurrectionsmithtown@gmail.com www.resurrectionsmithtown.org FATHER VLADYSLAV BUDASH, ADMINISTRATOR DEACON ROBERT KNAPP JOSEPH S. DURKO, CANTOR Divine Liturgy: Saturdays 4:45 pm Sunday Liturgy: 10 am For Weekday and Holy Day Schedule: See website or phone for information Sunday School Sundays at 9:15 am A Catholic Church of the Eastern Rite under the Eparchy of Passaic.

Catholic ST. GERARD MAJELLA ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

300 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station 631–473–2900 www.stgmajella.org REV. GREGORY RANNAZZISI, PASTOR Mass: Saturday 5 pm only mass Sunday 8 am, 10 am & 12 pm Weekday Mass: 9 am Confessions: Saturday 3:45-4:45 pm Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 am - 4:30 pm Thrift Shop: Monday-Thursday 10 am - 4 pm Baptism and Wedding arrangements can be made by calling the Parish Office

INFANT JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

©170714

110 Myrtle Ave., Port Jefferson, NY 11777 631-473-0165 • Fax 631-331-8094 www.www.infantjesus.org REVEREND PATRICK M. RIEGGER, PASTOR ASSOCIATES: REV. FRANCIS LASRADO & REV. ROLANDO TICLLASUCA To schedule Baptisms and Weddings, Please call the Rectory Confessions: Saturdays 12:30-1:15 pm in the Lower Church Religious Ed.: 631– 928-0447 Parish Outreach: 631–331-6145 Weekly Masses: 6:50 and 9 am in the Church, 12 pm in the Chapel* Weekend Masses: Saturday at 5 pm in the Church, 5:15 pm in the Chapel,* Sunday at 7:30 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm in the Church and at 8:30 am, 10 am, and 11:30 am (Family Mass) in the Chapel* Spanish Masses: Sunday at 8:45 am and Wednesday at 6 pm in the Church *Held at the Infant Jesus Chapel at St. Charles Hospital

ST. JAMES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 429 Rt. 25A, Setauket, NY 11733 Phone: 631–941–4141 • Fax: 631–751–6607 Parish Office email: parish@stjamessetauket.org www.stjamessetauket.org REV. JAMES-PATRICK MANNION, PASTOR REV. ROBERT SCHECKENBACK, ASSOCIATE PASTOR REV. JOHN FITZGERALD, IN RESIDENCE REV. MIKE S. EZEATU, SBU HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN, IN RESIDENCE

MRS. LOUISE DICARLO, FAITH FORMATION DIRECTOR OFFICE: 631-941-4141 X 328 MRS. KATHY VAETH, OUTREACH DIRECTOR/COORDINATOR OFFICE: 631941-4141 X 313 Office Hours:Mon.-Fri. 9am - 4pm; Sat. 9am - 2pm Weekday Masses: Monday to Saturday at 8am Weekend Masses: Saturday (Vigil) 5pm (Youth) Sunday 8am & 9:30 (Family) 11:30am (Choir) re-starting in Oct. BAPTISMS: Contact the Office at the end of the third month of pregnancy to set a date.

MATRIMONY: Contact the Office at least nine months before desired date to set a date.

RECONCILIATION: Saturdays 4 - 4:45pm or by Appointment ANOINTING OF THE SICK: by request.

BEREAVEMENT: 631-941-4141 x 341 OUR DAILY BREAD: Sunday Soup Kitchen 3 pm, closed... reopening TBD FOOD PANTRY OPEN: Wednesdays 12 noon to 2 pm and Sundays 2 pm to 3 pm MISSION STATEMENT We, the Catholic community of the Three Village area, formed as the Body of Christ through the waters of Baptism, are a pilgrim community journeying toward the fullness of the Kingdom of God, guided by the Holy Spirit, nourished by the Eucharist and formed by the Gospel. We strive to respond the Jesus’ invitation: to be faithful and fruitful disciples; to be Good Samaritan to (our) neighbor and enemy; stewards of and for God’s creation and living witnesses of Faith, Hope and Charity...so that in Jesus’ name, we may be a welcoming community, respectful of life in all its diversities.

ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

75 New York Avenue, Sound Beach, N.Y. 11789 Parish Office: 631-744-8566; FAX 631-744-8611 Parish Website: www.stlouisdm.org Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs.: 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday: 9 am to 8 pm; Friday: 9 am to 4 pm; Saturday: 9 am to 1 pm; Closed on Sunday Mission Statement: To proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ’s love through our active involvement as a parish family in works of Charity, Faith, Worship, Justice and Mercy. ALL ARE WELCOME! No matter what your present status is in the Catholic Church. No matter your family situation. No matter your practice of faith. No matter your personal history, age or background. YOU are invited, respected and loved at St. Louis de Montfort.

REV. MSGR. CHRISTOPHER J. HELLER, PASTOR REV. ALPHONSUS IGBOKWE, ASSOCIATE PASTOR REV. MSGR. DONALD HANSON, IN RESIDENCE REV. FRANCIS PIZZARELLI, S.M.M., PARISH ASSISTANT REV. HENRY VAS, PARISH ASSISTANT Weekday Masses: Monday through Friday: 8:30 am in the Chapel Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil: 5 pm Sunday: 7:30 am; 10:00 am; 12 noon.

Baptisms: Most Sundays at 1:30 pm.

Please contact Parish Office for an appointment.

Reconciliation: Sat.: 4-4:45 pm or by appointment.

Anointing of the Sick: by request.

Holy Matrimony: Contact Parish Office at least six months in advance of desired date.

Religious Education: Contact 631-744-9515 Parish Outreach: Contact 631-209-0325 Our Lady of Wisdom Regional School: Contact 631-473-1211.

Catholic Traditional Latin Mass ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Society of Saint Pius X 900 Horseblock Road, Farmingville, NY 11738 631–736–6515 • sspxlongisland.com Sunday Masses at 7 am and 9 am

Congregational MT. SINAI CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai • 631–473–1582 www.msucc.org • REV. DR. PHILIP HOBSON Take care of yourselves, wash your hands, wear your mask, check on your neighbors.

Grace and Peace, Rev. Phil Worship with us online! Sundays at 10 am (or anytime) on Facebook and YouTube.

Episcopal ALL SOULS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

“Our little historic church on the hill” across from the Stony Brook Duck Pond Visit our website www.allsouls–stonybrook.org or call 631-655-7798 allsoulsepiscopalchurch@verizon.net 8 am service will be Virtual 9:30 am service will be outdoors at the Rectory 5 Mill Pond Rd., Stony Brook; parking end of road at Parish House This is a small eclectic Episcopal congregation that has a personal touch. We welcome all regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey. Walk with us.

CAROLINE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SETAUKET

THE REV. CN. DR. RICHARD D. VISCONTI, RECTOR 1 Dyke Road on the Village Green, Setauket Web site: www.carolinechurch.net email: office@carolinechurch.net • 631–941–4245 Our worship services have resumed with the following schedule: Saturday evening at 5pm: Evening Prayer Sunday morning: 8am Morning Prayer; 9:30 am Morning Prayer with music.

A Eucharistic Healing Service will be held on Thursdays at noon.

Church School Classes now forming; please call the office to register Let God walk with you as part of our familyfriendly community

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

127 Barnum Ave., Port Jefferson • 631–473–0273 email: ccoffice@christchurchportjeff.org www.christchurchportjeff.org Church office hours: Tues. - Fri. 9am - 12pm FATHER ANTHONY DILORENZO: PRIEST–IN–CHARGE Please join us for our 8:00 and 10:00 Sunday Eucharists and our 10:00 Wednesday Eucharist in our chapel.

Please wear masks.

GOD BLESS YOU. Father Anthony DiLorenzo It is the mission of the people of Christ Church to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and to make his love known to all through our lives and ministry. We at Christ Church are a joyful, welcoming community. Wherever you are in your journey of life we want to be part of it.

Evangelical THREE VILLAGE CHURCH

To Know Christ and To Make Him Known 322 Main Street, East Setauket www.3vc.org • 631-941–3670 LEAD PASTOR JOSH MOODY Sunday Worship Services, 9:15 am and 11 am. You may now join us in person or virtually every Sunday.

Please get connected by vising www.3vc.org to find out more about our in person and virtual services.

–Your 3VC church family Join Us As We Celebrate 60 Years Of Proclaiming The Good News Of Jesus Christ!

Greek Orthodox CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION

430 Sheep Pasture Rd., Port Jefferson 11777 Tel: 631-473-0894 • Fax: 631-928-5131 www.kimisis.org • goc.assumption@gmail.com REV. DEMETRIOS N. CALOGREDES, PROTOPRESBYTER Sunday Services: Orthros 8:30 Am - Divine Liturgy 10 Am Services Conducted In Both Greek & English* Books Available To Follow In English* Sunday Catechism School, 10 Am - 11 Am* Greek Language School, Tuesdays 5 Pm - 8 Pm* Bible Study & Adult Catechism Classes Available* Golden Age & Youth Groups Banquet Hall Available For Rental* For Information Please Call Church Office* Adjustments to services will be made according to CDC and NYState DOH COVID-19 guidelines. Please call Church office for updates.

Jewish VILLAGE CHABAD

Center for Jewish Life & Learning “Judaism With A Smile” 360 Nicolls Road, East Setauket Next To Fire Dept.

631-585–0521 • www.MyVillageChabad.com RABBI CHAIM & RIVKIE GROSSBAUM RABBI MOTTI & CHAYA GROSSBAUM RABBI SHOLOM B. & CHANIE COHEN Membership Free Weekday, Shabbat & Holiday Services Highly Acclaimed Torah Tots Preschool Afternoon Hebrew School Camp Gan Israel • Judaica Publishing Department Lectures And Seminars Living Legacy Holiday Programs Jewish Learning Institute Friendship Circle For Special Needs Children The Cteen Network N’shei Chabad Women’s Club • Cyberspace Library Chabad At Stony Brook University – Rabbi Adam & Esther Stein

PLEASE CALL OR VISIT YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP’S WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE.

Continued on next page •

PAGE B20 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 03, 2020

Religious D irectory

Jewish

NORTH SHORE JEWISH CENTER

385 Old Town Rd., Port Jefferson Station 631-928–3737 • www.northshorejewishcenter.org RABBI AARON BENSON • CANTOR DANIEL KRAMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARCIE PLATKIN PRINCIPAL HEATHER WELKES YOUTH DIRECTOR JEN SCHWARTZ Services: Friday At 8 Pm; Saturday At 9:15 am Daily Morning And Evening Minyan- Call For Times.

Tot Shabbat • Family Services • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Seniors’ Club Youth Group • Continuing Ed • Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Judaica Shop Food Pantry • Lecture Series • Jewish Film Series NSJC JEWISH LEARNING CENTER RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Innovative Curriculum And Programming For Children Ages 5-13 Imagine A Synagogue That Feels Like Home!

Come Connect With Us On Your Jewish Journey.

Member United Synagogue Of Conservative Judaism

TEMPLE ISAIAH (REFORM)

1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751–8518 • www.tisbny.org A Warm And Caring Intergenerational Community Dedicated To Learning, Prayer, Social Action, And Friendship.

Member Union For Reform Judaism RABBI PAUL SIDLOFSKY CANTOR INTERN EMILY HOOLIHAN EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR RABBI MICHAEL S. CHURGEL, RJE RABBI EMERITUS STEPHEN A. KAROL RABBI EMERITUS ADAM D. FISHER CANTOR EMERITUS MICHAEL F. TRACHTENBERG Sabbath Services Friday 7:30 pm And Saturday 10 am Religious School • Monthly Family Service Monthly Tot • Shabbat Youth Groups • Senior Club Adult Education Sisterhood Brotherhood • Book Club-More

Lutheran–ELCA HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND ANCHOR NURSERY SCHOOL

©170715

46 Dare Road, Selden 631-732-2511 Emergency Number 516-848-5386 REV. DR. RICHARD O. HILL, PASTOR ERIC FARET, VICAR Email: office@hopelutheran.com Website: www.hopeluth.com We have worship services for a limited size congregation on Saturdays at 5 p.m.

Call the church to reserve a place.

We also offer two Parking Lot services on Sundays at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and we are livecasting these worship services as well. The service can be accessed in the three ways on the Homepage of our website: www.hopeluth.com. A link is also posted there. Links are also posted on our Facebook “Friends who like Hope Lutheran Church” group. The YouTube channel we use is “Rev Dr Richard O. Hill,” where the service and other items are available.

We have a live Zoom Bible Study on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 and a Hymn Sing event on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. All are welcome.

We have a “Hope’s Kids” Facebook group for children to use.

Our Food Pantry is open to everyone on Thursdays from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. for picking up food.

Also, donations can be made from 11 a.m.-noon or

by making arrangements by leaving a message on the church answering service.

Offerings to support our ministry can be made at church services and through our website’s “Share God’s Mission” page.

In any emergency, call the pastor at 516-848-5386.

ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

309 Patchogue Road, Port Jefferson Station 631-473-2236 REV. PAUL A. DOWNING PASTOR E-mail: Pastorpauldowning@yahoo.com Pastor’s cell: 347–423–3623 (voice or text) www.StPaulsLCPJS.org facebook.com/stpaulselca St. Paul’s will be continuing our live worship services on Sundays. We will have one morning service in the sanctuary at 9:30 am. This service is limited to 20 people. Please call the church to let us know you are coming. There will be an overflow room.

We will also have a live service in our parking lot on Sunday afternoon at 12:30 pm. This service is limited to 50 people. Bring your own lawn chair. If weather is questionable, call the church for updated information on the answering machine. We will also be broadcasting this service over FM radio. Stay in your car and still participate in the live service. The Sunday morning service will be broadcast on Facebook.com/ StPaulsELCA and StPaulsLCPJS.org. We will follow the CDC Guidelines on social distancing and mask wearing. If you have questions, call, text or email Pastor Paul. All or our other activities each week will continue on Zoom.

We continue to serve the Port Jefferson Community Now in our 102nd year

Lutheran–LCMS MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH

Messiah Preschool & Day Care 465 Pond Path, East Setauket 631-751–1775 • www.messiahny.com PASTOR NILS NIEMEIER ASSOCIATE PASTOR STEVE UNGER Wednesday’s Advent Worship at 7 pm December 9 and 16 Check our website often for any changes.

We are thrilled to announce we are open for worship in the church. Two services at 9 am & 10:30 am. Space is limited so please go to our website (www.messiahny. com) to register or call the church office (631-7511775). See our website for the procedures we will have in place. For those who are not comfortable with going to church, you can still watch the service online.

Go to our website to find links to our church YouTube page and live streams of the service.

We, as a church, are here for you and if you are in need, please call us. Our Pastors are available and you are welcome to call the church to speak to them.

May God keep you safe and shine His light and love upon you.

Methodist BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

33 Christian Ave/ PO 2117, E. Setauket NY 11733 REV. GREGORY L. LEONARD–PASTOR • 631-941–3581 Sunday Worship: 10:30 Am Adult Sunday School 9:30 Am Lectionary Reading And Prayer: Wed. 12 Noon Gospel Choir: Tues. 8 Pm Praise Choir And Youth Choir 3rd And 4th Fri. 6:30 Pm

ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

532 Moriches Road, St. James 11780-1316 REV. PRINCE DONKOR, PASTOR 631-584-5340 • All are Welcome We have opened our doors once again. 10 am.

We ask that all who enter, please wear a mask.

Thank you all and God Bless you.

SETAUKET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

160 Main Street, Corner Of 25A And Main Street East Setauket • 631–941–4167 REV. STEVEN KIM, PASTOR Sunday Worship Service Streamed temporarily online @www.setauketumc.org or visit us on Facebook Church School meets online Holy Communion 1st Sunday Of Month Mary Martha Circle (Women’s Ministry) meets every 2nd Tuesday each month at 1 pm No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here!

Presbyterian FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PORT JEFFERSON

107 South/Main Streets • (631) 473-0147 We are an accepting and caring people who invite you to share in the journey of faith with us.

THE REV. DR. RICHARD GRAUGH Email: office@pjpres.org Website: www.pjpres.org Sunday Worship Service-10 am (Childcare Provided) Christian Education-Sunday School: 10:15 am Coffee and Fellowship 11:15 am Bible Study: Tuesday 3 pm Holy Communion 1st Sunday of the Month Meal Provided by Welcome Friends every Friday at 6 pm Call the church office or visit our website for current activities and events.

NYS Certified Preschool and Daycare The purpose of First Presbyterian Church of Port Jefferson is, with God’s help, to share the joy & good news of Jesus Christ with the congregation, visitors and the community at large; to provide comfort to those in need and hope to those in despair; and to seek justice for all God’s people.

SETAUKET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5 Caroline Avenue ~ On the Village Green 631- 941-4271 Celebrating and Sharing the love of God since 1660.

THE REV. KATE JONES CALONE, INTERIM PASTOR THE REV. ASHLEY MCFAUL-ERWIN, COMMUNITY OUTREACH PASTOR Our creative Worship Service at 9:30 am streamed from our website: Setauketpresbyterian.org Sunday School via Zoom Sundays at 10:30 am Adult Interest groups via Zoom.

Youth Group for grades 7-12 via Zoom, (Open to the community) Bell Choir returns! All ringers welcome Our Outreach Programs are Continuing!

Setauket Presbyterian Pre-School, ages 2-5 www.setauketpreschool.org Open Door Exchange (furniture ministry) opendoorexchange.org 631-751-0176 For all program information visit our website for Zoom links, email the church office: Setauketpresbyterian@verizon.net • Follow us on FB

Quakers RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS

4 Friends Way, St. James 631–928-2768 • www.cbquakers.org We gather in silent worship seeking God • the Inner Light • Spirit. We are guided by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. Weekly coffee and fellowship, monthly discussions, Religious Education for children.

During this time when we are asked not to gather together physically, we are gathering online for worship.

Please see our website (www.consciencebayquakers.org) for information about joining in. All are welcome.

Unitarian Universalist UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP AT STONY BROOK

380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket, NY 11733 631–751–0297 www.uufsb.org • office@uufsb.org REV. MARGARET H. ALLEN (minister@uufsb.org) We are a religious community that seeks diversity, individual spiritual growth, social and economic justice.

Sunday Service: 10:30 am visit www.uufsb.org for the weekly link to our online services while we cannot gather in person Children’s Sunday Religious Education Classes resume in the fall.

Our website also offers information about other activities we are currently holding online, such as our Humanist Discussion Group and meditative and wellness arts classes

Would You Like to Join Our Religious Directory?

For More Information Please Call 631-331-1154

PLEASE CALL OR VISIT YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP’S WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE.

DECEMBER 03, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B21

COVER STORY

COVID causes cancellation of two beloved holiday shows

BY JULIANNE MOSHER Local theatergoers are saying "Bah Humbug" this Christmas because two of their favorite traditions will not be happening.

During the holiday season, families would gather to watch Scrooge confront the ghosts of his past, present and future. In another venue, little children would admire ballerinas in white tutus up on their toes. The Rat King would clash with the Nutcracker.

But because of the COVID-19 crisis, two staples in the Village of Port Jefferson’s art community — Theatre Three's “A Christmas Carol” and Harbor Ballet's “The Nutcracker” — have been canceled, leaving these two nonprofits hoping for a brighter 2021.

According to Jeffrey Sanzel, executive artistic director at Theatre Three, between 12,000-15,000 Long Islanders have viewed their production of “A Christmas Carol” over the last 35 years. Sanzel has portrayed the role of Ebenezer Scrooge 1,437 times. “This is the first time in 33 years I’m not doing a stage production of ‘A Christmas Carol,’” he said.

“It’s a shame, but I don’t want to do anything to exacerbate the problem.”

In a pre-COVID world, the theater would run the show six days a week with anywhere from 50 to 60 performances per year. Around 30 local actors would take on multiple roles of Charles Dickens' characters.

After speaking with the village, he and Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant considered an outdoor, socially distanced performance of the treasured production. Sanzel said they had it all figured out; it was going to be four 15-minute shows — a smaller adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” — with a minimal cast, at Harborfront Park.

“I got a cast. We went into rehearsal, and then the governor's office told [the mayor], ‘No,’” he said.

Three weeks ago, the village received word from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s (D) office that they were not allowed to host an event outside that could draw a crowd. “I was all for it, and the actors were all set,” he said. “We were right down to discussing what they need to wear under the costumes when it's below zero outside, socially distanced, in face shields.”

So, it was back to the drawing board. Sanzel and his team decided to create a free, virtual performance that will be filming this week.

Titled “A Carol for This Christmas,” it will be available for viewing on Facebook, Vimeo and the theater’s website (www.theatrethree.com) in mid-December “In a period of two days, I cast it, wrote it and went into rehearsal again,” he said. The 45-minute film will be set in a closed theater and features six actors playing the many roles in the story. The actors will be filmed socially distanced, in various parts of the theater, while wearing masks.

KIDS KORNER Programs Seashell Ornaments

From clams to sea snails, to hermit crabs, learn all about animals who spend their lives in shells during the Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor’s Virtual Friday Workshop, Seashell Ornaments, on Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. Decorate a special shell ornament to hang up at home during this festive time of year. You’ll need paper, string, and markers. Free. $5 suggested donation appreciated. Register at cshwhalingmuseum.org. For more info, call 367-3418.

Jeffrey Sanzel, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, is working on a new virtual play, 'A Carol for Christmas.'

Cookieland heads to Port Jeff

Amy Tyler Worrell had to cancel the Harbor Ballet Theatre's 'The Nutcracker' this year.

Photos by Julianne Mosher Sanzel said this would be the theater’s gift for the community. “This will be our contribution,” he said. “The actors have all donated their services because they're just happy to be doing something.” He hopes that this event will keep the theater’s name alive and bring attention to an industry that is struggling hard throughout this crisis. “We want people to know that we understand what's going on in the world,” he said.

This weekend would’ve marked the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival’s 25th anniversary, an event that always kept Theatre Three busy. The announcement of its cancellation this year is devastating for the community, said Sanzel. “The Dickens Festival brings people into the village,” he said. “It's a great weekend, and even if people aren't seeing the show, they become aware of the show and buy tickets for the future.”

Amy Tyler Worrell, who owns Amy Tyler School of Dance up the hill on Reeves Road with her husband John, agreed. “People who are coming to town can go out to dinner in Port Jeff and then come see ‘The Nutcracker’ or go

shopping,” she said. “Being able to go out to ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’ gets people excited.”

Worrell’s studio is celebrating its 33rd year in the Port Jefferson community. Within the school is the couple's nonprofit, Harbor Ballet Theatre, which puts on ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School during the Dickens Festival. This would have been their 29th year.

“My family — my parents, my husband, my kids — all helped out with it,” she said. “But there are a lot of other families here who had the same experience. It’s kind of a letdown for them.”

When COVID-19 began in March, the studio needed to shut its doors and move to online classes via Zoom. They couldn’t hold their annual recital in June in-person, resulting in doing it online. During the summer, they found out they couldn’t hold their ballet inperson this December.

“The families say this kicks off their holiday season,” she said. “Some of the parents are in the show, some help backstage.”

And while ‘The Nutcracker’ is a family affair, it’s also a growing experience that students won’t be able to participate in this year. “We had seniors this year who have done the show since they were little angels,” she said. “It’s rough.”

In a pre-pandemic world, the dancers would audition in the late summer. Every weekend they’d rehearse for the big show. “I think what the kids are missing is being together and building something together,” she said.

Although things might look a little different for the arts this season, the hope is that the traditions will continue on next year.

“I think ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a story that resonates with audiences; from a six or sevenyear-old, who comes for the wonder of the story … to a teenager who sees the frustration of the characters, to adults who look at their own lives and hope,” Sanzel said. “I guess the bottom line is when people look at the story and see that Scrooge can change and be better, so can we.”

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosts a special Cookieland event, an afternoon of cookie decorating, at the Port Jefferson Village Center’s Harbor Cove Room, 3rd floor, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. The cookie kit includes 2 large sugar cookies with all the trimmings, icing and decorations. Masks will be required.

Participants will be socially spaced with additional clear barriers at tables! $15 per person. Preregister by visiting www. portjeffchamber.com.

Family Scavenger Hunt

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown hosts a Family Scavenger Hunt on Dec. 5 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. This fun filled family program will keep you entertained while you search for some of the natural and silly things on your scavenger hunt list.

For ages 5 and up. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 265-1054.

Vanderbilt Planetarium Show

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum's Reichert Planetarium presents Laser Holidays, a festive family program featuring a mix of everyone’s favorite holiday music, from the classical to the modern, all set to fantastic laser light and digital artwork, on Dec. 5 and 6 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $13 for children, $16 adults, $15 seniors at the door. To order, in advance, visit www. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Virtual Trivia for Kids

Time to get your thinking cap on and join the Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor for a Virtual Trivia game on Dec. 8 at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a wide range of questions to show off your knowledge skills in a fun, friendly, virtual competition.

Winner earns museum tickets! Geared for kids in grades 2 to 5. Free to play. $5 suggested donation appreciated. Visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org to register.

All numbers are in (631) area code unless noted.

PAGE B22 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 03, 2020

SHELTER PET OF THE WEEK

THEATER REVIEW

MEET ROCKY!

This week's shelter pet is Rocky, a 12 to 14-year-old German Shepherd mix. Rocky and his two siblings found themselves at the Smithtown Animal Shelter when their dad passed away.

While Rocky likes his siblings, he is not a fan of other animals.

Although he has significant arthritis and hearing loss, this fighter loves attention and to be around people. He comes neutered, microchipped and is up to date on his vaccines.

The staff at the shelter's holiday wish would be to see Rocky showered with affection and to be with a family who adores him.

If you are interested in meeting Rocky, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in the shelter’s Meet and Greet Room.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road,

Lorelai Mucciolo and Jae Hughes reprise their roles as Emily and Amos the Mouse this year. Photo by Carmen Barbosa

Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

Smithtown. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the weekend.

For more information, please call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.

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Less than 5 minutes from SBU Campus, 800’ north of Rte. 347

SPAC's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is a joyful tribute to the holiday season

BY HEIDI SUTTON

While the doors of the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts (SPAC) on Main Street remain shuttered, the theater continues its partnership with the Smithtown Historical Society to present the magic of live theater for young audiences. Following in the footsteps of sold-out performances of Moana Jr. in the summer and Spookley the Square Pumpkin in the fall, SPAC now brings the community a socially distant outdoor production of Ken Ludwig’s 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

The show will run on various Saturdays and Sundays on the grounds of the society through Dec. 24.

It’s Christmas Eve and Uncle Brierly (Evan Donellan) attempts to read his favorite poem, Clement C. Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to the audience. He gets as far as, “Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse” only to be interrupted by a mouse who is in fact stirring batter to make cookies for Santa in hopes that he’ll show up this year.

The mouse, named Amos (Jae Hughes), insists that Santa skipped the house the year before, a claim backed up by Emily (Lorelai Mucciolo), Brierly’s niece and Amos’ best friend. An elf named Calliope (Gabrielle Arroyo) suddenly appears and confirms that Santa’s naughty-or-nice list went missing last year and other families suffered the same fate.

With only a few hours left until Christmas Day, Calliope, Emily and a very reluctant Amos set off on a plane to the North Pole on a quest to prevent this from happening again and to save Christmas.

When they arrive at Santa’s workshop, they overhear a former elf, Sir Guy of

Gisbourne (Donellan), tell his sidekick Mulch (Anthony Panarello), how he sold the children’s Christmas wish list to retailers last year and plans to do it again this year. What follows is a madcap rush to retrieve this year’s list with a surprise appearance from Amos’s brother from Kansas (the incredible Hughes in a dual role), a hysterical case of mistaken identity, an exciting sword fight, an elf cheer, a visit from Santa Claus (Panarello) and a hilarious chase scene around the stage to the Benny Hill theme song.

Will Emily, Amos and Calliope succeed in their quest? Will all the boys and girls receive presents this year? Was it all a dream? With the underlying holiday message that the best Christmas presents don’t come in packages and to make life an adventure, this show is truly a joyful tribute to the holiday season!

The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents Ken Ludwig’s 'Twas the Night Before Christmas in the open air outdoor performance space behind the Smithtown Historical Society’s Roseneath Cottage, 239 Middle Country Rd., Smithtown on Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20 and 24 at 11 a.m. Running time is one hour with no intermission. Masks are required. Tickets are $18 per person.

For an additional $7 per family (5 person maximum), guests are invited to stay after the show for a distanced photo opportunity with a live Santa followed by photo opportunities at other locations on the property with Santa’s elves, field of snowmen, lighted Christmas tree, etc., all outside and safely distanced, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Bring your own camera.

To order tickets for either event, please visit www.smithtownpac.org.

DECEMBER 03, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B23

SBU SPORTSWEEK TOMORROW IS FRIDAY – WEAR RED ON CAMPUS!

DEC. 3 TO DEC. 9, 2020

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Women’s basketball season off to a rough start

After falling to Fordham 62-58 on Nov. 25 62-58 the Stony Brook women’s basketball team was defeated by No. 23 Syracuse 50-39 at Island Federal Arena on Nov. 29.

Stony Brook (0-2) never led in Sunday’s contest, but clawed within 27-24 on a fastbreak layup from Anastasia Warren early in the third quarter after trailing by as many as 10 points before intermission. The Orange, however, responded with a 7-0 run.

Point guard Asiah Dingle started for the Seawolves in what undoubtedly was an emotional game. Dingle’s father, Maurice “Mo” Dingle, passed away Thursday.

Head coach Caroline McCombs intended to escort Dingle to be with her family in Boston after Sunday’s game.

#13 Nairimar Vargas-Reyes fires from three-point range on Sunday against Syracuse. Photo by Andrew Theodorakis

Dingle picked up a disputed fourth foul and was forced to the bench for seven minutes beginning late in the third quarter. Warren also picked up her fourth foul

and departed with 6:30 left in the game. Nairimar Vargas-Reyes contributed a team-high 11 points.

Teammate Jonae Cox made her first start since Jan. 27, 2019.

The Seawolves shot 3-for-24 from three-point range and 10for-20 from the free-throw line and faced a Syracuse zone press throughout the game.

From a Syracuse perspective, the Orange’s season opener marked the return of point guard Tiana Mangakahia, who missed the 2019-20 season while battling stage 2 breast cancer. Mangakahia, who was declared cancer-free after a successful double mastectomy on Nov. 6, 2019, contributed a game-high 16 points.

Meanwhile, Stony Brook is looking to add games. But with home-and-home contests against Sacred Heart this week canceled after the Pioneers halted activities for two weeks, the Seawolves’ next scheduled game currently is at Hofstra on Dec. 13.

Women’s soccer teammates give graduating goalie proper sendoff

Head coach Tobias Bischof leads a sendoff for Sofia Manner as assistant coach Shannon Grogan holds a framed action photo. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook women’s soccer team had a sendoff befitting one of the program’s most valuable players on Nov. 13.

As fall practice wrapped up, head coach Tobias Bischof and the Seawolves presented record-setting goalkeeper Sofia Manner with a framed photo and her

jersey in a ceremony inside the Stony Brook Indoor Training Center.

Manner is graduating in December with a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies and intends to return to her native Finland rather than use her senior season and compete with the Seawolves in the spring.

“You made this a family,” Manner told her teammates. “You made it home.”

“We can’t replace her. We won’t even try,” said Bischof during the ceremony.

Manner ultimately expects to play professional soccer — potentially in Australia, and otherwise in her native Europe. “My dream would be Australia, but I don’t know if it’s too far,” she said. “Maybe Italy or France — somewhere a little bit closer, and warmer than Finland.”

Manner’s name is scattered throughout the program’s record book.

Her 1.14 career goals against average over three seasons ranks fourth in program history, trailing only Cara Gallagher (0.92, 2015-17), Marisa Viola

(1.01, 2006-09) and Emily Doherty (1.10, 2015).

Manner’s 20 shutouts rank third, six shy of matching Viola’s record. And her .796 save percentage is ninth all time.

Manner was named America East Freshman of the Year in 2017, then became a two-time America East Goalkeeper of the Year.

For her junior season, she earned a Stony Brook University Undergraduate Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement in Athletics, United Soccer Coaches AllAtlantic Region thirdteam honors, United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-Region and first-team All-America East.

If she continues her studies at the graduate level, her intended focus is digital media.

“Sofia is an outstanding player and person,” Bischof said. “She truly will be missed on and off the field.

Her presence on the field led to her receiving numerous awards, and I’m sure will translate into her being a successful professional player. I can’t wait to follow her professional career and wish her all the best.”

Her route to SBU had been accidental. Manner had befriended another young lady in Finland back in the fall of 2015 who worked as an au pair in Florida. The father of that American family knew a member of SBU’s women’s soccer staff at the time.

“Somehow we connected through him,” Manner recalled. “I didn’t even talk to any other schools. Right away I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to Stony Brook.’”

Men’s hoops opener at Bryant canceled after positive test unrelated to teams

It’s a sign of the times. The Stony Brook men’s basketball team’s scheduled season opener against Bryant on Nov. 25 was abruptly canceled. The decision stems from a positive COVID test involving someone who had been scheduled to work the game, but who is not directly affiliated with either team.

Tier 1 individuals, which include game participants, undergo testing three times a week. The Dec. 1 game versus Sacred Heart was canceled as well.

The men’s basketball team are now eyeing Dec. 4 against Fairfield at Island Federal Arena for its season opener.

Coach Geno Ford said he fully expects the schedule to be fluid this season. For example, Wednesday’s now-scrapped Bryant game had been a replacement for an originally scheduled game at Marist.

“It’s going on all over the country,” Ford said about cancellations. “We will stay focused on what we can control and are optimistic.”

Seawolves Home Games MEN’S BASKETBALL

Dec. 4 vs. Fairfield Dec. 12 vs. Bryant Dec. 27 vs. UMass Lowell Dec. 28 vs. UMass Lowell Jan. 2 vs. UMBC Jan. 3 vs. UMBC

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Dec. 13 vs. Hofstra Dec. 19 vs. Binghamton Dec. 20 vs. Binghamton Jan. 9 vs. UAlbany Jan. 10 vs. UAlbany

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*Please note this schedule can change at any time. Visit www.stonybrookathletics.com for any last minute cancellations.

Content for this page provided by Stony Brook University and printed as a service to our advertiser.

PAGE B24 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 03, 2020

Q. What do Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and a Sea Lion Show have in common?

A. They’re both good for kids and their families.

WE BUILT THE NEW STONY BROOK CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL TO PROVIDE A FAMILY-FRIENDLY, STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY OFFERING BEST-IN-CLASS CARE. And that includes putting live feeds from the Long Island

Aquarium in our lobby and throughout our pediatric floors, as well as bringing their virtual educational programs to our patients.

This year, to celebrate our 10th anniversary as Suffolk County’s only children’s hospital and 40 years of delivering care to children, we have a special invitation for you. Come

“inside our doors” for a virtual tour of our beautiful new facility. Then, watch a Sea Lion Show

directly from the Long Island Aquarium and be part of a live Q&A session with a sea lion trainer.

Sign up to join in on the fun!

Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7 pm Visit bit.ly/sbch10 to register for this free virtual event.

You’ll also get a voucher for a discounted, in-person visit to the LI Aquarium, and have a chance to win a free, year-long LI Aquarium family membership.

Part of Stony Brook Medicine | stonybrookchildrens.org Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 20100570H

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