How Stony Brook Speeds Recovery After Surgery
OUR EXPERTS ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS
we’re continuously adding more. We focus on your treatment strategy right from your first surgeon’s visit, during all of your pre-operative services and through your discharge.
What is the typical ERAS treatment plan?
At Stony Brook we’re looking at every single component to improve and develop our treatment plans. What’s unique about ERAS is that we’re using a combination of best practices for patient care like pain relief medication, fluids and avoiding the use of feeding tubes. We also try to get you up and moving quickly because that will help you to regain your strength and gut function. All of these practices are built into every ERAS program.
How does ERAS improve patientphysician communication?
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
is a comprehensive care approach that incorporates best practices when you’re undergoing surgery. This means using the most up-to-date information to prepare you for surgery, improve your recovery and get you back to your daily routines sooner. Dr. Elliott Bennett-Guerrero and Dr. Sunitha Singh explain how Stony Brook optimizes the care of surgical patients before, during and after your procedure.
Why is ERAS important for patients?
The ERAS collaborative care approach results in higher patient satisfaction, shorter hospital stays and fewer readmissions. It is a multidisciplinary process to improving patient care throughout the surgical period: before, during and immediately after your surgery. The goal is to advance your healing and recovery, such as decreasing the risk of infection and boosting gastrointestinal function.
Is ERAS a new approach to surgical care?
ERAS is a new approach to care at many hospitals. But Stony Brook has the most comprehensive ERAS programs on Long Island to provide care for 10 different surgeries, and
Patients often get frustrated by the feeling that their doctors don’t talk to each other. At Stony Brook, ERAS breaks down those barriers between your surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurses to get them in the same room to talk about the best strategies to streamline your care.
Stony Brook’s ERAS program has 10 surgical ERAS pathways. Is there an overall approach regardless of the type of surgery?
Our goal is to make sure you have the best outcome after surgery. That can mean preparing you for surgery by recommending nutrition, exercise and smoking cessation goals. Most of the pathways incorporate keeping you well hydrated before surgery. We also discuss your expectations around pain management and other aspects of care encompassing the surgical process.
That means:
· forming a partnership with your healthcare team
· telling you how to prepare your home for discharge
· explaining what you can expect before surgery
· making sure you know the members of your care team
· clarifying what will happen in the operating room
· highlighting what you can expect during recovery in the hospital and at home
· providing you support so you know when and who to call for help
Most of this information is included in an individualized patient diary we provide to you. Some diaries “map” the process using checklists and pictures.
What is a patient diary?
Regardless of your type of surgery, you will receive an interactive diary that lays out what you can do before surgery, what to expect when you arrive at Stony Brook University Hospital, what to anticipate while you are here, and how we are going to manage your pain. Some diaries incorporate charts to help you set expectations for exercise, breathing, taking medications or managing drains. Each one of our treatment plans is specific to the surgery you are having and given to you to take home when you first decide you are going to have the procedure. Because most of the information you need is in one booklet, it makes it easier for you and your caregivers to look over all the necessary information, including where to get your questions answered.
10 Procedures with ERAS Surgical Pathways
Currently Available at Stony Brook:
Joint replacement (hip/knee) Colorectal Lumbar fusion Surgical oncology (pancreas/liver) Cystectomy Bariatric Gynecology Cesarean section
Learn more: stonybrook.info/eras
The winter holidays. Time to enjoy family and friends, eat good food, drink good drink, and celebrate. The holidays also present potential hazards for our pets. Here is a short list of potential holiday hazards.
Candy and Chocolate Poisoning: First, chocolate contains two chemicals (caffeine and theobromine) which are powerful stimulants. Mild symptoms usually begin within 6-12 hours after ingestion and include panting, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination. Severe cases include irregular heart rhythms, seizures, coma, and death. There are specific toxic levels for all pets but just like people some dogs and cats can be very sensitive to chocolate and show signs of poisoning from much lesser amounts.
Second, chocolate is very high in sugar and fat. Minimally, this will give your pet a tummy ache but I have personally seen a few cases of serious gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, liver disease from ingestion of chocolate.
Macadamia Nuts: The exact portion of the nut that is toxic to dogs is unknown at this time but veterinary toxicologists (poison experts) suspect that it has to do with something in the oil. Signs include tremors, seizures, and irregular heart rhythms. Be careful about leaving macadamia nuts or nut mixes with macadamia nuts in them within the reach of your dogs.
Medications: Both prescription and over the counter medications can do great harm to our pets. A single ibuprofen or acetaminophen tablet could be potentially fatal to a small dog or cat and could cause serious illness even in a larger dog.
Poisonous Plants: Winter Lillies, Poinsettas, Mistletoe, Holly, and other seasonal plants can lead to an upset stomach in some cases, but in others can potentially cause irregular heart rhythms, kidney failure, ulcers of the mouth, etc. Best to keep these plants away from your pets or consider not decorating your house with them if you are concerned that your pet may chew or ingest them.
Hazards Around the Christmas Tree: Christmas tree water can contain fertilizers or other chemicals can make your pet severely ill if ingested. Electric cords, tinsel, ribbons, glass ornaments, etc should either be secured away from curious pets or possibly removed to prevent electrocution, intestinal obstructions, or other internal organ damage.
Alcohol and Old (spoiled) Food: Curious pets will take advantage of a late-night party and get into these items after you go to bed. Make sure to clean up so that you do not have to worry about your pet ingesting leftover cocktails and treats that may have mold or bacteria growing on it.
Yeast Dough: The same yeast that helps the dough to rise can lead to problems in our pets. The yeast itself is potentially poisonous and the dough can continue to rise in the pet’s stomach causing painful and potentially harmful consequences.
If you know of a poisonous exposure or potential poisonous exposure call the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) at (888) 426-4435. This hotline is staffed with experts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season, as well as a prosperous 2023. I also want to thank Heidi Sutton and all the staff at Times Beacon Record News Media and affiliates for another great year.
Dr. Kearns practices veterinary medicine from his Port Jefferson office and is pictured with his son Matthew and his dog Jasmine.
BNL’s Luisella Lari embraces ‘dream job’ leading long term collider project
what happened. At that point, she said she understood nothing, which motivated her to want to become a nuclear engineer.
She was “fascinated by nuclear energy.” When she worked at CERN, she had not been studied much about accelerator physics. She attended meetings where sophisticated discussions physics took place and was driven to learn the material.
BY DANIEL DUNAIEFSome day, physicists and members of the public who benefit from their discoveries may be happy that Luisella Lari had limited musical and sports talent.
KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS
Lari, who grew up in Torino, Italy, tried numerous sports and instruments, especially with her parents’ encouragement.
After gamely trying, Lari blazed her own trail, which has led her to become Project Manager and senior scientist for the Electron Ion Collider, a one-of-a-kind nuclear physics research facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory. BNL won the rights to construct the EIC, which the lab will plan and develop over the course of the next decade, from the Department of Energy in 2020.
By using a 2.4 mile circumference particle collider, physicists will collide polarized electrons into ions with polarized protons to answer a host of questions about the nature of matter.
They will gather information about the basic building blocks of nuclei and how quarks and gluons, the particles inside neutrons and protons, interact dynamically through the strong force to generate the fundamental properties of these particles, such as mass and spin.
Lari, who joined the EIC effort on October 3rd, described her role, which includes numerous meetings, calls and coordinating with multinational and multi-state teams, as a “dream job.”
“I’m so excited to be a part of a project that can help the next generation of physicists,” Lari said. “It’s my turn to participate in the construction” of the cutting edge facility. BNL is coordinating with numerous other labs nationally,
including the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator in Virginia, an internationally on the project.
Amid her numerous responsibilities, Lari will ensure that effective project management systems, cost controls and project schedules are developed, documented and implemented. Core competencies of the team she is responsible for include procurement, quality and safety.
EIC applications
The EIC has numerous potential applications across a host of fields. It could lead to energy-efficient accelerators, which could lower the cost of accelerators to make and test computer chips. The EIC could also provide energetic particles that can treat caner cells and improve the design of solar cells, batteries and catalysts. The EIC may also help develop new kinds of drugs and other medical treatments.
Lari explained that she provides a review and approval of the safety evaluations performed by experts. She suggested this suits her background as she did similar work earlier in her career.
Lari has made it a priority to hire a diversified workforce of engineers, technicians and quality and safety managers who can contribute to a project that BNL will likely start constructing in 2026 and 2027.
“I am a strong supporter of building a diverse workforce at levels of the organization,” she explained in an email. “I am strongly convinced that it will add value to any work environment and in particular in a scientific community.”
Applying her experience
Lari isn’t just an administrator and a project coordinator — she is also a physicist by training.
She earned a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from Politecnico di Torino University in Italy and a PhD in physics from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne in Switzerland.
Early in her professional career, Lari worked at Thales Alenia Space, an aerospace company in Turin, Italy, where she collaborated for the development of her master’s thesis. She worked for two years at the company, performing tasks that included testing internal fluid supply lines for one of the International Space Station’s pressurized modules that connects the United States, European and Japanese laboratories in orbit.
She enjoyed the opportunity to work for a “really interesting project” and still routinely uses the NASA
system engineering handbook.
She also worked for about a dozen years as an applied physicist and planning officer at CERN, a particle physics lab, which is on the border between France and Switzerland near Geneva.
Lari also served as a project manager and scientist for the European Spallation Source, a neutron source under construction in Sweden. She coordinated ESS Accelerator Project budgets and ran data-driven safety analyses.
Recently, Lari was a senior manager at Fermi National Accelerator in Illinois, where she coordinated international partner contributions to the Proton Improvement Plan II, which upgraded the accelerator complex.
A need to know
When Lari was in middle school, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant melted down. As a school assignment, she had to explain
“All my life, which started when I was a child, I wanted to understand the world around me,” she said. Her work in project management for scientific projects is also her passion, she said. “My mother would say to me when I was younger that I should choose my job in a way that I would do something I like, because I will spend half my life doing it.”
In addition to committing to understanding the physics and helping other scientists pursue their curiosity, Lari said she appreciates the opportunity to collaborate.
While Lari never became proficient in music or athletics, she enjoys dancing and is looking forward to attending Broadway musicals in New York.
She has hosted her parents at each of the places where she has worked, broadening their horizons.
As for her work, Lari recalls being impressed by the ability of the managers at the LHC to summarize complex work in a few pages and to make big picture decisions that affected so many other scientists. She became impressed and inspired “by the power of the project administrator approach,” she said. She also appreciates the opportunities to interact with experts in several fields, which gives her the chance to “better understand and learn.”
ONLY ON THE WEB:
Check out the following articles at tbrnewsmedia.com
Stony
» Artist Muriel Musarra to be featured at Apple Bank
» Huntington Art Center unveils dual-solo show emphasizing female empowerment
SPOTLIGHTING DISCOVERIES AT (1) COLD SPRING HARBOR LAB (2) STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY & (3) BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABLuisella Lari Photo courtesy of BNL
‘ I’m so excited to be a part of a project that can help the next generation of physicists.’ — LUISELLA LARI
»
Brook Heart Institute expands treatment options for severe aortic valve stenosis
of SmithtownDunaief, M.D.
to Dr. Dunaief’s guidance, my blood pressure is under control and I was able to discontinue my medication. I have a family history of heart attack with my father dying at 60. I love having more energy, and I have lost my taste for junk food. I can ride my bike more and it feels like less effort. I look forward to the appointments. I am finding it easier to eat more consciously, which is one of the great benefits of these visits. It keeps me on track with eating knowing I am coming here. Also, this is the first time in 30 years that I did not have to take medication during allergy season. It is fantastic. My peripheral neuropathy is improving and this is one of the main reasons I came to see him. I’m using an inversion table for spinal stenosis suggested by Dr. Dunaief, and when I get off the table it feels amazingly good.
Male, age 65
Diabetes and Autoimmune - Hypothyroid
I have been referred to as a “complex case” by numerous traditional physicians. In search of a more holistic approach, I began working with Dr. Dunaief in March of 2016. Despite being a Type-1 Diabetic of 13 years and having complicated thyroid issues, eating issues, chronic night sweats, and mental health issues, I was not turned away by Dr. Dunaief. He provided me with helpful consultations, meal plan suggestions, and blood work results on a regular basis. I am proud to say that within less than 18 months, I have: 1) reduced my insulin levels; 2) resolved my thyroid issues with an appropriate balance of medication; 3) eliminated my debilitating night sweats; and 4) partially revived the function of my pancreas— raising my insulin production numbers through effective nutrition. I am eternally grateful for the services Dr. Dunaief has provided me with, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.
Female, age 24
General
You are my favorite doctor because you approach things looking at me as the whole person, not just the numbers- I very much appreciate that!!!!
Female, age 23
Diet can help us overcome our genetic destiny Comparing Paleo and Mediterranean diets for cardiovascular results
MEDICAL COMPASS
Heart disease gets a lot of attention, because it’s still the number one cause of death in the U.S. We know that diet plays a signi cant role in this, but so do our genes.
What if we could tackle genetic issues with diet?
BY DAVID DUNAIEF, MDA study involving the Paleo-type diet and other ancient diets suggests that there is a signi cant genetic component to cardiovascular disease, while another study looking at the Mediterranean-type diet implies that we may be able to reduce our risk factors with lifestyle adjustments. Most of the risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, smoking and obesity are modi able (1). Let’s look at the evidence.
The role of genes
Researchers used computed tomography scans to look at 137 mummies from ancient times across the world, including Egypt, Peru, the Aleutian Islands and Southwestern America (2). e cultures were diverse, including hunter-gatherers (consumers of a Paleo-type diet), farmergatherers and solely farmers. eir diets were not vegetarian; they involved signi cant amounts of animal protein, such as sh and cattle.
Researchers found that one-third of these mummies had atherosclerosis (plaques in the arteries), which is a precursor to heart disease. e ratio should sound familiar. It aligns with what we see in modern times.
e authors concluded that atherosclerosis could be part of the aging process in humans. In other words, it may be a result of our genes. Being human, we all have a genetic propensity toward atherosclerosis and heart disease, some more than others, but many of us can reduce our risk factors signi cantly.
I am not saying that the Paleo-type diet speci cally is not bene cial compared to the standard American diet. Rather, that this study does not support that. However, other studies demonstrate that we can reduce our chances of getting heart disease with lifestyle changes, such as with a plant-rich diet, such as a Mediterranean-type diet.
e New England Journal of Medicine published study about the Mediterraneantype diet and its potential impact on cardiovascular disease risk (3). Here, two variations on the Mediterranean-type diet were compared to a low-fat diet. People were randomly assigned to three di erent groups. e two Mediterranean-type diet groups both showed about a 30 percent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease, compared to the low-fat diet. Study end points included heart attacks, strokes and mortality. Interestingly, the risk pro le improvement occurred even though there was no signi cant weight loss.
e Mediterranean-type diets both consisted of signi cant amounts of fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, sh, olive oil and wine. I call them “Mediterranean diets with opulence,” because both groups consuming this diet had either signi cant amounts of nuts or olive oil and/or wine. If the participants in the Mediterranean diet groups drank wine, they were encouraged to drink at least one glass a day.
e study included three groups: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts (almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts), a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil (at least four tablespoons a day), and a lowfat control diet. e patient population included over 7,000 participants in Spain at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
e strength of this study, beyond its high-risk population and its large size, was that it was a randomized clinical trial, the gold standard of trials. However, there was a signi cant aw, and the results need to be tempered. e group assigned to the lowfat diet was not, in fact, able to maintain this diet throughout the study. erefore, it really became a comparison between variations on the Mediterranean diet and a standard diet.
What do the leaders in the eld of cardiovascular disease and integrative medicine think of the Mediterranean diet study? Interestingly there are two opposing opinions, split by eld. You may be surprised by which group liked it and which did not.
Cardiologists, including well-known physicians Henry Black, M.D., who specializes in high blood pressure, and Eric Topol, M.D., former chairman of cardiovascular medicine at Cleveland
Clinic, hailed the study as a great achievement. is group of physicians emphasized that now there is a large, randomized trial measuring clinical outcomes, such as heart attacks, stroke and death.
On the other hand, the integrative medicine physicians, Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D., and Dean Ornish, M.D., both of whom stress a plant-rich diet that may be signi cantly more nutrient dense than the Mediterranean diet in the study, expressed disappointment with the results. ey feel that heart disease and its risk factors can be reversed, not just reduced. Both clinicians have published small, well-designed studies showing signi cant bene ts from plant-based diets (4, 5). Ornish actually showed a reversal of atherosclerosis in one of his studies (6).
So, who is correct about the Mediterranean diet? Each opinion has its merits. e cardiologists’ enthusiasm is warranted, because a Mediterranean diet, even one of “opulence,” will appeal to more participants, who will then realize the bene ts. However, those who follow a more focused diet, with greater amounts of nutrient-dense foods, will potentially see a reversal in heart disease, minimizing risk — and not just reducing it.
So, what have we learned? Even with a genetic proclivity toward cardiovascular disease, we can alter our cardiovascular destinies.
References:
(1) www.uptodate.com. (2) BMJ 2013;346:f1591. (3) N Engl J Med 2018; 378:e34. (4) J Fam Pract. 1995;41(6):560-568. (5) Am J Cardiol. 2011;108:498507. (6) JAMA. 1998 Dec 16;280(23):2001-2007.
Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, tness and stress management. For further information, visit www. medicalcompassmd.com.
HOROSCOPES OF THE WEEK
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
A health issue that has been getting the better of you for some time will be resolved for in the days to come, Sagittarius. It’ll be birthday good news. Start celebrating.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, after a tumultuous few weeks, things in your life nally settle down. Embrace the opportunity to rest and do not take on any new projects until next year.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, things may not be going completely according to plan on the professional front. But at home you have gotten into a solid groove. Use this win to boost your mood.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
There is much more to a situation than meets the eye, Pisces. Delve deeper to learn about a person’s true motivation.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, no matter how much you try to tip the odds in your favor, this week is much more about the luck of the draw. Keep a positive outlook and things may turn out in your favor.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, if winter’s chill is getting you down, you may want to plan a getaway to somewhere warmer. That may be just what you need to recharge.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
The two sides of your personality are lately at odds with one another, Gemini. You have to make an important decision, so seek out a friend for advice.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, you lean toward an optimistic view on most things, but it is alright to be realistic at some points along the way, or even slightly skeptical. Balance is key.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, if you are feeling under the weather this week, you will have to put on a smile and push through. It is the holidays, after all. Seek as much help as others can muster.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, you are on borrowed time regarding your nances. Take a careful look at your budget this week and make the tweaks necessary to stay a oat if income wanes.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
A companion animal in your life needs some attention, Libra. There may be some vet bills to contend with, but luckily you can handle that without much issue.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
The activity you have been turning to provide mental stimulation just may not be cutting it any longer. Start to explore some other options and see if there may be a better t, Scorpio.
Famous Birthdays:
Dec. 8 - Nicki Minaj (40); Dec. 9 - Beau Bridges (81); Dec. 10 - Bobby Flay (58); Dec. 11 - Hailee Steinfeld (26); Dec. 12 - Jennifer Connelly (52); Dec. 13 - Dick Van Dyke (97)
Can we improve our genetic response with diet?Pixabay photo
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relaxation Gift
Flock to the Rock 'N' Raptors fundraiser for Sweetbriar Nature Center
BY TARA MAEand talents since he wants to amplify both the center’s work and its needs.
COVER STORY
Birds of a feather, come together to support Sweetbriar Nature Center’s latest event, Rock 'N' Raptors, that puts the “fun” in fundraisers! The celebration will be held on Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Bates House, 1 Bates Road in Setauket from 2 to 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Smithtown wildlife rehabilitation and nature preserve.
“We have never done an event that featured only raptors, though they are the majority of what we have [at Sweetbriar], so it is an important opportunity to promote them. They are really expensive to feed… and since organizations like ours are not funded by the state or local governments, we largely depend on the generosity of our supporters,” said Sweetbriar’s Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation Janine Bendicksen.
The fundraiser will feature live music, raffles, games, and other activities. An auction, currently underway online, will conclude in person that night. St. James Brewery will provide beer and other beverages while Maui Chop House’s food truck will be onsite offering savory snacks. Homemade baked goods, created by volunteers, will be available for purchase. The guests of honor,
raptors including a barn owl, Eurasian eagle owl, great horned owl, red tailed hawk, will make a fashionably late entrance as the music fades out, intermingling with guests and performing a demonstration.
Brimstone (William M. Kucmierowski), a pro-wrestler, author, actor, and host of The Grindhouse Radio, will act as Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon. Three different tribute bands will provide the soundtrack for making merry and raising
money: The Petty Rumors, a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers cover band; Streetfighter, a Rolling Stones cover band; and 70s Rock Parade, a genre cover band. Each will each play a 45 minute set. All of the entertainment is donating their time.
Having first connected with Sweetbriar through social media when he reached out to Bendicksen to see if he could meet baby squirrels being cared for in its rehabilitation unit, Brimstone is happy to lend his name
“As a native Long Islander, I have known about Sweetbriar for many years, but I did not know in detail the true heroes they are until I was going back and forth with Janine on social media,” Brimstone said. “I got to see what they do at Sweetbriar and how they rehabilitate the animals. They are overworked and underappreciated and it kills me that they do not get the help, attention, and assistance that they deserve.”
John Davis, who has been volunteering at Sweetbriar for two years, was similarly drawn to work with Sweetbriar after he visited the center and explored the nature preserve while participating in a photo shoot with a photography club. Now, he volunteers there a couple days a week and primarily handles the raptor residents, inspired by their majesty even in adversity.
“They are majestic, powerful, efficient, streamlined, glorious hunters that are incredibly beautiful. What I find most interesting with our raptors is despite their shortcomings, whether it's wing injuries or vision loss...or both, they've all found a way to adapt. They know their own aviaries and navigate then with precision despite not being able to fly or see,” he said.
LONG ISLAND SYMPHONIC CHORAL ASSOCIATION
AN EVENING OF SACRED MUSIC
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 8:00 p.m.
Saint James Roman Catholic Church Route 25A, Setauket, New York Refreshments to follow.
General Admission $25, Seniors $20, Students Free. Tickets available online, from LISCA members and at the door. By credit card online go to www.lisca.org. For information, or to be added to our mailing list, call 631-751-3452
Meditative & Wellness Arts
Winter Registration
SWEETBRIAR FUNDRAISER
Continued from page B11
As a tribute to the raptors and a sign of his dedication to the cause, Davis is coming out of retirement for one night only, resuming his role as the bassist and a vocalist for 70s Rock Parade. (He retired from the group last year.) Davis also helped connect the musicians with Sweetbriar.
The power of community interdependency, both in the animal kingdom and human society, are themes that tie this event and Sweetbriar’s mission together. Located on 54 acres of diverse garden, woodland, field, and wetland habitats, Sweetbriar’s rehabilitation unit, in addition to the raptors, houses other animals, such as rabbits, squirrels, songbirds and even tarantulas.
There are over 100 permanent residents who call Sweetbriar home. Many of them live inside the center, but most reside in permanent enclosures. The staff and volunteers of the center, who may receive hundreds of calls a day about distressed or injured wildlife, treat more than 2000 patients a year, over half of whom are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
“What the people of Sweetbriar do is incredible. They care for injured animals rehabilitate them, if they are not able to be released, Sweetbriar keeps them for their lifespans,” Davis added.
Ultimately, the goal of Rock 'N' Raptors is simple: to enable to Sweetbriar to continue its lifesaving work while encouraging people of all ages to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the natural world and its inhabitants.
“Sweetbriar is so special, and as a nonprofit, it relies on people’s generosity and good hearts…I show up to the center and my blood pressure goes down; it is my zen,” Davis said.
Tickets to Rock 'N' Raptors are $25 each, free for children under the age of 12. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. For more information, call 631-979-6344.
The Jazz Loft partners with local business to create jazz-inspired candles
The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook recently partnered with local small business owner of Old Field Apothecary, Renee Fondacaro, to release three original jazz-inspired scented candles.
Fondacaro worked alongside founder Tom Manuel and the Jazz Loft team to create scents that spark the same excitement as jazz music.
The “Lady Day” candle has notes of rose, green leaf, powder, musk, and white gardenia inspired by Billie Holiday’s signature flower that she wore in her hair. “Mood Indigo,” inspired by Duke Ellington, has notes of leather, smoke, tobacco, sandalwood, musk, and amber to bring the feeling of an elegant jazz club to your home. The holiday-inspired "Jingle Jazz" candle spikes up the traditional Christmas tree scent with notes of gin, red currant, oak, juniper, and cypress.
Old Field Apothecary candles are both gluten- and paraben-free, and made with clean burning vegan coconut apricot creme wax. Each candle is hand-poured and contains a crackling wooden wick to create a cozy, by-the-fireside experience.
“It’s always wonderful when we can work with local businesses,” says Manuel. “I’m quite excited that we could create these unique signature candles that bring together the atmosphere of the Jazz Loft and a wonderful local business such as Old Field Apothecary. Renee’s creativity in designing the scents is inspirational.”
“I’m so excited to collaborate with the Jazz Loft,” said Fondacaro. “The scents we have created reflect the jazz artists and the beautiful Stony Brook Village community. Old Field Apothecary is proud to be able to offer our natural products that are toxinfree, phthalate-free and made from vegan waxes for this local and special venue. These new scents make great holiday gifts for your favorite music lover.”
Perfect gifts for friends and family this holiday season, these exclusive candles can only be purchased in person at the Jazz Loft for $28 each, two for $50, or all three for $75.
Located at 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook, the Jazz Loft is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education and performance of the American born art form of jazz through the art of collaboration. Visit www.thejazzloft.org.
As the curtain came down at last Friday's performance of A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson, Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel stepped out of his role as Ebenezer Scrooge to be honored for his 1500th performance as the miserly curmudgeon.
Addressing a packed house, the President of Theatre Three's board of directors Andy Markowitz said, "Tonight is a very special night. We figured it out and [Sanzel] has played this role to close to a half a million people."
Turning to Sanzel, Markowitz said, "Even though it's the 1500th performance, and you've said this to me before, it might be the first performance to someone in the audience and that is why you always keep it fresh and you always bring your A-game. Throughout your performances you have shown how kindness and love to someone can change the world and change
people's lives forever."
Jeffrey Sanzel honored for 1500th performance of 'A Christmas Carol' COMMUNITY
Markowitz, Managing Director Vivian Koutrakos, and Artistic Associate and fellow actor Douglas Quattrock then presented Sanzel with a special anniversary pin, a photo collage of the cast to commemorate the night and last, but not least, a new cane for Mr. Scrooge to help him get to the next 1500 performances.
"On behalf of the cast and everyone here tonight, we want to thank you for taking us on this journey with you," said Quattrock, who portrays Bob Cratchit in the play.
"To all the people who have been a part of this production, both onstage, backstage and in the audience for over 30 years, and I want to mention two people who not with us but are always with us, Brent Erlanson and Ellen Michelmore, thank you all very much," said Sanzel.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents A Christmas Carol through Dec. 30. For tickets, call 631-928-9100 or visit www. theatrethree.com.
Holiday cupcakes make the season more festive
BY HEIDI SUTTONWhether you're baking for an upcoming holiday party, or you're trying to plan an entire holiday dinner menu for your family and friends, it's never a bad idea to whip up a batch of cupcakes. Often overlooked in favor of all those cookies and pies, cupcakes are just as easy to eat while also being so much fun to decorate with the kids. Try these Vanilla Holiday Cupcakes if you're looking for a new recipe that will wow your guests during your holiday festivities. They're easy, delicious and even double as holiday décor!
Vanilla Holiday Cupcakes
YIELD: Makes 24 cupcakes
INGREDIENTS:
Cupcakes:
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 16 ounces regular cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 8 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Decorating:
SNOW GLOBE: Ornaments and gingerbread cookies
SNOWMAN: Marshmallows, pretzel sticks and peanut butter cups
TREES: Pretzel sticks and green frosting
DIRECTIONS:
Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Sift flour and baking powder and set aside. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy while adding eggs one at a time, add in vanilla extract. Gradually add flour mixture and milk to mixer until well incorporated. Divide batter evenly on cupcake liners. Bake for about 18-20 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack before decorating.
Decorating/Frosting:
In a bowl, add the butter and cream cheese and whisk well until lump-free. Add the vanilla extract and salt and mix some more. Mix in the powdered sugar until combined. Using a regular icing tip, pipe the frosting onto the cupcake. Decorate with optional toppings as pictured in image.
Recipe Tips:
— For the frosting, make sure to remove the butter and cream cheese from the fridge so that it will be easier to mix and make the frosting.
— If making the snowman, use icing to hold the pieces together.
Find more recipes and holiday baking tips online at tbrnewsmedia.com/arts-lifestyles/
Ongoing
Festival of Trees
Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2023 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Call 473-4778.
Garden of Lights
The spirit of the season has returned to Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook with the Garden of Lights, a community-built walk-through light show for all ages on Dec.8-10 and 12-16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Call 588-5024.
Thursday 8
Port Jefferson Station Tree Lighting
Rescheduled from Dec. 3, join the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce for a Community Tree Lighting at the Chamber Car, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from 6 to 8 p.m. with performances by School of Rock and BackStage Dance Studio. Hot chocolate will be served. Call 821-1313.
SCCC Selden Winter Concert
Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Department of Music, 533 College Road, Selden presents a Winter Concert in the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building at 7 p.m. featuring orchestra, guitar ensemble, the Suffolk Singers and college choir. Free. No tickets required. Call 451-4110.
Friday 9
Holiday Light Spectacular
Brookhaven Town’s Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show, kicks off tonight at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Walk through the winter wonderland of lighted, festive displays, before stopping to take a photos with Santa in his workshop. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.brookhavenny. gov. All proceeds benefit the Holtsville Ecology Site. The show continues Fridays and Saturdays 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Dec. 18. Call 451-5330.
Winter Lantern Festival
The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown celebrates the holiday season with Suffolk County’s FIRST immersive Winter Lantern Festival tonight, Dec. 10 and 11 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 8, 2023. The walk-through holiday light show will feature lanterns and displays in the shape of
Times ... and dates
Dec. 8 to Dec. 15, 2022
flowers, mushrooms, farm animals, dinosaurs and many more, all handmade by artisans with decades of dedication to their craft. Tickets are $22 per person, $12 ages 3 to 12. To order, visit https://www.showclix.com/tickets/suffolkwinter-lantern-festival. Call 265-6768.
Drive-Thru Live Nativity
Stony Brook Christian Assembly, 400 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket hosts a Drive-Thru Live Nativity tonight and Dec. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. See the Christmas story come to life with costumed characters and the use of multimedia. Free. Call 689-1127.
Grounds and Sounds concert
Grounds and Sounds Cafe, UUFSB, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket will host a concert featuring Annie and the Cool Hand band at 8 p.m. Preceded by an open mic at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 available in advance or at the door. Call 631-751-0297 or visit www. groundsandsounds.org.
An Evening of Opera
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport hosts an evening of opera with Opera Night Long Island starting at 7:30 p.m. with Darlene Bennet, Paricia Gallagher, Henry Horstman and more. Refreshments will be served. $10 donation, students free. Visit www.operanight.org.
Saturday 10
Holiday Light Spectacular
See Dec. 9 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 9 listing.
Drive-Thru Live Nativity
See Dec. 9 listing.
Club and Vendor Fair
Comsewogue High School, 565 N Bicycle Path, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Club and Vendor Fair in the cafeteria from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with various high school sports and academic and specialty clubs with over 75 vendors featuring crafts, holiday gifts, food, and a visit from Santa. For more information, call 428-2530 or 974-5668.
Northport Winter Craft Fair
Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport hosts the 26th annual Winter Northport Craft Fair today and Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Long Island’s largest indoor craft fair showcases over 200 exhibitors featuring original art, photography, one of a kind crafted jewelry, woodcraft, textiles, apparel, personalized ornaments, organic specialties as olive oils, soaps, bath & body butters, jellies, chocolates and bakery delicacies, teas and local honey, and much more. Free admission. Call 846-1459.
Festival of Trees and Lights
The Father’s Club of Sachem North High School, 212 Smith Road, Lake Ronkonkoma presents its annual Festival of Trees and Lights today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festive event will feature craft vendors, basket raffles, live entertainment and a visit from Santa. $2 admission, free for ages 6 and younger. Call 848-4855.
Three Village Winter Market
The Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket hosts the 1st annual Three Village Outdoor Winter Market today and Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop from an array of artisans, crafters, delicious treat makers and so much more as you kick off your holiday shopping. Free admission. Call 7513730 or visit www.tvhs.org.
Jazz Loft Holiday Concert
The Jazz Loft will be at the Smith Haven Mall Center Court Santa Set in Lake Grove with a free performance of holiday favorites from 2 to 4 pm. Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, Steve Salerno and Dean Johnson will be providing some jazzy holiday classics for shoppers. The performance is part of the Jazz Loft outreach mission to bring music out into the community. Call 751-1895.
Santa Parade
The Hauppauge Fire Department Engine Company 3, 122 Ledgewood Drive, Hauppauge will host its 38th annual Santa Parade at 4:30 p.m. Children may visit Santa at the firehouse from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Call 265-2499.
Holiday Walking Tours
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents Holiday Walking Tours today and Dec. 11, 17 and 18 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Dec. 30 at 4:30 p.m. These educator-led tours through historic Cold Spring Harbor village will explore Victorian seasonal traditions in the 19th century. Participants will learn about how local homes and businesses celebrated holidays in December. Hot chocolate will be served inside the museum’s workshop at the start of the tour while participants arrive. The tour starts on the pavement outside of the museum. Tickets are $15 per person. Register at www. cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418.
Holiday Flute Concert
The Long Island Flute Club presents its annual Holiday Concert at the United Methodist Church of Lake Ronkonkoma, 792 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove at 3 p.m. The ensemble, directed by Lauren Osnato will play a variety of festive classics such as “The Nutcracker Suite” and “Let it Snow” to “Sleigh Ride” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” Free.
St. James Holiday Night Market
Join the Community Association of Greater St. James for a Holiday Night Market Wonderland at 230 2nd Ave., St. James from 3 to 9 p.m. with vendors, live music, character photos, baked treats, hot chocolate and more!
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its third annual holiday event, Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season, tonight and Dec. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. Thousands of warm-white lights will create holiday magic inside and outside the Mansion and illuminate trees, wreaths, garlands, guest rooms, walkways, and the Vanderbilt Library. The event will include Candlelight Tours of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion, visits with Santa and friends in his workshop, a children’s scavenger hunt, and a 15-minute Holiday Laser show in the Reichert Planetarium. The event continues Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 18, and on Dec. 22. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children ages 12 and under at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Holiday Night Market
Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook presents a Holiday Night Market from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Shop for unique items sold by local vendors, enjoy fun family activities and experience the library’s walkthrough light show, Garden of Lights. Call 588-5024.
SCCC Selden Winter Concert
Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Department of Music, 533 College Road, Selden presents a Winter Concert in the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building at 7 p.m. featuring Contemporary
Music Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band. Free. No tickets required. Call 451-4110.
Miller Place Tree Lighting
The Miller Place Fire Department and Aliano Real Estate will host the 14th annual Polar Express and Tree Lighting in the Aliano Shopping Center, 691 Route 25A, Miller Place at 7 p.m. with complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, soup and pizza; entertainment by Miller Place School and Dance Pointe Performing Arts Center students; and a special visit from Santa! Call 744-5000.
Holiday Choral Concert
The Long Island Symphonic Choral Association (LISCA) presents An Evening of Sacred Music at the St. James R.C. Church, 429 Route 25A, Setauket at 8 p.m. Conducted by Eric Steward and Richard Foley, the program will include works by Bach, Mozart, Monteverdi and more. Tickets are $25, $20 seniors, students free at www.lisca.org or at the door. For more information, call 751-3952.
LIGMC Holiday Concert
The Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus presents “A Visit from St. Nick and a Rockin’ Holiday” — a wide-spanning musical revue of yuletide favorites and a fabulous glitterflecked musical retelling of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas — tonight at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, 380 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket at 8 p.m. and Dec. 11 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect St., Huntington at 7 p.m.. $25 tickets available at www.ligmc.org/concerts and at the door.
Sunday 11
Holiday Light Spectacular
See Dec. 9 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 9 listing.
Northport Winter Craft Fair
See Dec. 10 listing.
Festival of Trees and Lights
See Dec. 10 listing.
Three Village Winter Market
See Dec. 10 listing.
Holiday Walking Tours
See Dec. 10 listing.
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
See Dec. 10 listing.
LIGMC Holiday Concert
See Dec. 10 listing.
Northport Polar Plunge
The Town of Huntington and Special Olympics New York will hold a Polar Plunge at Frank P. Petrone Crab Meadow Beach, Waterside Ave., Northport with registration at 10 a.m. and plunge at 11:30 a.m. Visit www. polarplungeny.org.
Sunday at the Society
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Sunday at the Society Holiday Edition at 1 p.m. Brad Kolodny, president and founder of the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island, will discuss his new book, The Jews of Long Island. Refreshments and light fare will be served. Free. Register at www.northporthistorical.org.
Rock ‘N’ Raptors fundraiser
Tickets are now on sale for Sweetbriar Nature Center’s Rock ‘N’ Raptors fundraiser at the Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket from 2 to 6 p.m. featuring live music by 70’s Rock Parade, Streetfighter and Petty Rumours, raptor presentations, raffles, games, food, and more. All the funds from this event and raffles will benefit Sweetbriar’s mission. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show. Held rain or shine. Tickets are $25 per adult (children under age 12 are free) at www. sweetbriarnc.org. See story on page B23.
Silver Chords Holiday Concert
The Huntington Moose Lodge, 631 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn hosts a classic holiday concert by the Silver Chords Chorus titled Joy at 2 p.m. Featuring traditional and new favorites including “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,”“Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas” and more with raffle baskets. Free admission. Call 235-3593.
Sons of Serendip head to SBU
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook welcomes the Sons of Serendip for a family show at 4 p.m. and a holiday show at 7 p.m. in the Recital Hall. Winning the hearts of fans and judges alike as finalists on America’s Got Talent, Sons of Serendip transfixing stage presence returns to the Staller Center in a festive evening of warmth and cheer. For tickets, visit www. stallercenter.com or call 632-2787.
Miller Place Holiday Festival
The Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society will hold its annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival at the Daniel Hawkins House, 111 North Country Road, Miller Place at 5 p.m. All are welcome. Call 476-5742.
Three Village Electric Parade
Presented by the Stony Brook Rotary Club, the Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returns to Setauket tonight at 5 p.m. Celebrating its 26th year, the parade will take place along Main Street/ Route 25A and feature festive holiday floats to kick off the season. The Setauket Firehouse will host pre-parade festivities at 4 p.m. Visit www.3Vholidayparade.com for more info.
Monday 12
Movie Trivia Night at the CAC
Do you know a lot about movies? Movie Trivia Night is back in-person in the Sky
Room Café at Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington tonight at 8 p.m. Hosted by Dan French, contestants are asked 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to play solo as well. Tickets are $10. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Tuesday 13
No events listed for this day.
Wednesday 14
Winter Secrets Walking Tour
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization presents a walking tour through Stony Brook Village at 10:30 a.m. Participants will hear about Stony Brook residents, artifacts and the holiday spirit. Stories include gilded age socialite Alida Emmet’s holiday parties, the year Dorothy Melville saved the holidays, arctic fever and the Polaris whaleboat, finding joy during the holiday season (and beyond) during the Great Depression, and more! Rain date is Dec. 15. $15 per person. To reserve your spot, call 751-2244.
Author Panel
The Port Jefferson Free Library, 100 Thompson St., Port Jefferson hosts an Author Panel featuring Sarah Beth Durst, Catherine Asaro and Kelley Skovron at 7 p.m. Moderated by Salvatore J. Filosa, Head of Technical Services and Marketing & Outreach Librarian, these award-winning authors will talk about their newly published novels, writing process, behind the scenes info, and more. Open to call. Call 473-0022 to register.
Thursday 15
Book signing East Northport
Barnes and Noble, 4000 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport hosts a book signing with Hilary Topper, three-time author, business owner, and now endurance athlete, at 7 p.m. Topper will discuss her latest book, From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete – A Por trait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete followed by a Q&A and book signing. Call 462-0208.
Film
‘A Christmas Carol’
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Movie at the Museum special screening of the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, (1951) starring Alastair Sim on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Refreshments and light fare will be served. Ages 21 and over only. $8 per person. Registration required by visiting www. northporthistorical.org.
Theater
‘A
Christmas Carol’
“I will honor Christmas in my heart...” Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for its 38th annual production of A Christmas Carol in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. from Nov. 12 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www. theatrethree.com.
‘A Christmas Story’
The John W. Engeman Theater presents A Christmas Story, The Musical from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. Based on the beloved movie, A Christmas Story, The Musical is the perfect holiday gift for the entire family! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www. engemantheater.com.
‘Nutcracker’
A perennial favorite, Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for five performances from Dec. 17 to 19. The cast will be led by Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning Principal Dancer Maya Butkevich and 1st Soloists Vivian Ye, Madeleine Martufi, Nina Zhang and Kaede Urso. Tickets range from $34 to $40. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
‘A Christmas Carol’
The Minstrel Players will present their annual holiday production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, at Trinity Episcopal Church’s Houghton Hall, 130 Main St., Northport on Dec. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order, email tickets.minstrelplayers@gmail.com or text 516-361-7232.
CALENDAR DEADLINE is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Email your information about community events to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com. Calendar listings are for not-for-profit organizations (nonsectarian, nonpartisan events) only, on a space-available basis. Please include a phone number that can be printed.
As you grow older, you don’t want to worry about how your family will manage your end-of-life plans. Taking control now takes the pressure off them later – and you can rest assured your preferences will be honored. Our planning tool kit is exactly what you need to get started. Start
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INFANTJESUS
ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH 110MyrtleAve.,PortJefferson631-473-0165 Fax631-331-8094 www.www.infantjesus.org
REVERENDGREGORYRANNAZZISI,
REV.FRANCISLASRADO& PASTOR,ASSOCIATES:
REV.ROLANDOTICLLASUCA
WeekendMasses: Saturdayat5pminthe 12pmintheChapel* WeeklyMasses: 6:50and9amintheChurch, Chapel10:00amand12:00pm Church7:30amand10:00am(Spanish) Sunday,December25th ChristmasDay Chapel4:15pmandMidnight Church4:00pm Saturday,December24th ChristmasEve ParishOutreach:631-331-6145
atSt.CharlesHospital. *HeldattheInfantJesusChapel Wednesdayat6pmintheChurch SpanishMasses: Sundayat8:45amand and11:30am(FamilyMass)intheChapel* andat8:30am,10am, am,10:30am,12pm,and5pmintheChurch Church,4:00pmintheChapel,*Sundayat7:30
ST.GERARDMAJELLA
ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH 300TerryvilleRoad,PortJeffersonStation 631-473-2900www.stgmajella.org
REV.GREGORYRANNAZZISI,PASTOR
Confessions: Saturday3:45pm-4:45pm WeekdayMass: 9am Sunday8am,10am&12pm Mass: Saturday5pm 8:00am,10:00am&12:00pm Sunday,December25th ChristmasDay 4:00pm Saturday,December24th ChristmasEve
ThriftShop: Monday-Thursday10am-4pm OfficeHours: Monday-Thursday9am-4:30pm
madebycallingtheParishOffice. BaptismandWedding arrangementscanbe andFriday10am-2pm.
ST.JAMESROMAN
CATHOLICCHURCH 429Rt.25A,Setauket Phone:631-941-4141Fax:631-751-6607
ParishOfficeemail:
REV.MIKES.EZEATU, ASSOCIATEPASTOR REV.ROBERTSCHECKENBACK, REV.ROBERTKUZNIK,PASTOR www.stjamessetauket.org parish@stjamessetauket.org
CHRISTMASSCHEDULE Saturday9am OfficeHours:Monday-Friday9amto4pm... SBUHOSPITALCHAPLAIN,INRESIDENCE
RECONCILIATION
7:00pm-8:00pm afterthe8:00amMass Wednesday,December21st afterthe8:00amMass Tuesday,December20th 12Noonto2:00pm afterthe8:00amMass Monday,December19th 3:00tO4:45PM Saturday,December17th
CHRISTMASEVE MASSES
CHRISTMASDAY 11:00MidnightMass 10:30pmCarolsintheChurch 7:00pmintheChurch 4:15pmintheParishCenter 4:00pmintheChurch Saturday,December24th
NEWYEARSEVE 11:30amintheChurch 10:30amintheParishCenter 9:30amintheChurch 8:00amintheChurch Sunday,December25th
Outreach: 631-941-4141X313 FaithFormationOffice:631-941-4141X328 Bereavement: 631-941-4141X341 9:30amintheChurch 8:00amintheChurch Sunday,January1st NEWYEARSDAY 5:00pmintheChurch Saturday,December31st
FoodPantryOpen ...Wednesdays12Noonto TBD opened2-3pmeverySundayclosed....reopening OurDailyBreadSundaySoupKitchen
2pmandSundays2pmto3pm
MissionStatement:We,theCatholiccommunityoftheThreeVillagearea,formedasthe
formedbytheGospel.Westrivetorespondto HolySpirit,nourishedbytheEucharistand fullnessoftheKingdomofGod,guidedbythe areapilgrimcommunityjourneyingtowardthe BodyofChristthroughthewatersofBaptism,
Jesusinvitation:tobefaithfulandfruitfuldisciples;tobeaGoodSamaritantoourneighborand
Charity...sothatinJesusname,wemaybea andtobelivingwitnessofFaith,Hopeand enemy;tobestewardsofandforGod’screation
welcomingcommunity,respectfuloflifeinall
itsdiversities.
ST.LOUISDEMONTFORT ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH 75NewYorkAvenue,SoundBeach Parishoffice:631-744-8566; fax631-744-8611
Parishwebsite:
REV.MSGR.CHRISTOPHERJ.HELLER, www.stlouisdm.org
OfficeHours:Mon.,Tues.,Thurs.:9amto5pm
MissionStatement:Toproclaimthegoodnews Saturday:9amto1pm;ClosedonSunday Wednesday:9amto8pm;Friday:9amto4pm;
ofJesusChrist’slovethroughouractiveinvolvementasaparishfamilyinworksof
AREWELCOME!Nomatterwhatyourpresent Charity,Faith,Worship,JusticeandMercy.ALL
familysituation.Nomatteryourpracticeoffaith. statusisintheCatholicChurch.Nomatteryour
Nomatteryourpersonalhistory,ageorbackground.YOUareinvited,respectedandlovedat
PleasecontactParishOfficeforanappointment. Baptisms:MostSundaysat1:30pm. Sunday:7:30am;10:00am;12noon. WeekendMasses:SaturdayVigil:5pm MondaythroughFriday8:30amintheChapel WeekdayMasses: St.LouisdeMontfort.
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ParishOutreach:Contact631-209-0325 ReligiousEducation:Contact631-744-9515
Catholic Traditional Latin Mass
ST.MICHAELTHEARCHANGEL
SOCIETYOFSAINTPIUSX 900HorseblockRoad,Farmingville 631-736-6515sspxlongisland.com SundayMasses at7amand9am
Pleaseconsultsspxlongisland.comforupdates
CandlelightSungMidnightMass Sun.Dec.25: Christmas: Sat.Dec.24: 8:00amLowMass HolidaySchedule andcurrentmasstimes.
Sun.Jan.1: OctaveDayofChristmas 9:00amSungMass (No7:00amMassonChristmasday)
9:00amSungMass 7:00amLowMass
Christian
Congregational
MT.SINAICONGREGATIONAL UNITEDCHURCHOFCHRIST 233NorthCountryRoad,Mt.Sinai 631-473-1582 www.msucc.org
REV.DR.PHILIPHOBSON
GraceandPeace,Rev.Phil life’sjourney,youarewelcomehere.” “Nomatterwhoyouareorwhereyouareon andstayincar andThursdayfrom2:30-4:30pm.Wearamask MiddleIsland,N.Y.OurhoursareWednesday helpthoseinneedat643MiddleCountryRoad, TheIslandHeartFoodPantry continuesto msucc@optonline.net. registerat631-473-1582or Congregationalchurch.Allarewelcome.Please 10am-12:00pm,On December17th,Mt.Sinai GriefandtheHolidays”,workshop from adifferentkindofserviceat10AM. theCarolsandtellingthestory... ChristmasDay willbepj’sandcocoa!Singing 9pmtraditionalcandlelightservice. ChristmasEve 5pmfamilyservice. Holidayschedule oneanother. strivetoliveoutChrist’smessagetolove Throughourworshipandbyouractionswe timethereafter,withRev.PhilHobson. onourYouTubechannelat10am, andany Wewillcontinuetoprovideour onlineservice suggested.” tothepublic “Masksarenotrequired,butare MountSinaiCongregationalChurchisopen
Episcopal
PARISHASSISTANTREV.HENRYVAS REV.FRANCISPIZZARELLI,S.M.M., HANSON,INRESIDENCE ASSOCIATEPASTORREV.MSGR.DONALD PASTORREV.ALPHONSUSIGBOKWE, 631-941-4245
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REVNICKOLASGRIFFITH
PRIEST-IN-CHARGE
LetGodwalkwithyouaspartofour
family-friendlycommunity.
8:00am&9:30amSundays 5:00pmSaturdays HolyEucharist 10:00amThursdays HealingService
HolyEucharistw/music
HolidaySchedule
December22 5:00pmLive
NativityattheCarriageShed(rain-date12/23)
CarolingatCarolineChurch,5:00pmChristmas December24 4:30pm
EveFamilyService
ChristmasEveServicew/Choir December24 8:00pm
ChristmasEveServiceVigil December24 10:00pm
December25 10:00am
ChristmasDayService
CHRISTEPISCOPALCHURCH
127BarnumAve.,PortJefferson 631-473-0273 email:ccoffice@christchurchportjeff.org www.christchurchportjeff.org
Churchofficehours:Tues.-Fri.9am-12pm
FATHERANTHONYDILORENZO:
PRIESTINCHARGE
GODBLESSYOU inourChapel.Masksareoptional. Eucharistsandour10:00WednesdayEucharist Pleasejoinusforour8:00and10:00Sunday
yourjourneyoflifewewanttobepartofit. welcomingcommunity.Whereveryouarein andministry.WeatChristChurchareajoyful, tomakehisloveknowntoallthroughourlives togrowinourrelationshipwithJesusChristand ItisthemissionofthepeopleofChristChurch FatherAnthonyDiLorenzo
ST.JOHN’SEPISCOPALCHURCH
“ToknowChristandtomakeHimknown” Rev.DuncanA.Burns,Rector Rev.JamesE.Reiss,Curate Rev.ClaireD.Mis,Deacon
AlexPryrodny,MusicDirector
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Jewish
NORTHSHOREJEWISHCENTER
385OldTownRd., PortJeffersonStation 631-928-3737 www.northshorejewishcenter.org
EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR CANTORDANIELKRAMER RABBIAARONBENSON
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TEMPLEISAIAH(REFORM) 1404StonyBrookRoad,StonyBrook 631-751-8518www.tisbny.org AWarmAndCaring IntergenerationalCommunity
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Lutheran-ELCA
HOPELUTHERANCHURCHAND ANCHORNURSERYSCHOOL 46DareRoad,Selden 631-732-2511 EmergencyNumber516-848-5386
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DALENEWTON,VICAR
On Sundays theservicesareat9and10:30a.m. 10:30am ChristmasDay 4:00pm,7:00pmand9:00pm ChristmasEve HolidayServices
516-848-5386 Inanyemergency,callthepastorat “ShareGod’sMission”page. churchservicesandthroughourwebsite’s Offeringstosupportourministrycanbemadeat amessageonthechurchansweringservice. a.m.-noonorbymakingarrangementsbyleaving food.Also,donationscanbemadefrom11 Thursdaysfrom12:30-2:30p.m.forpickingup OurFoodPantryisopentoeveryoneon website:www.hopeluth.com. Alinkforalltheseservicesisonthe
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MESSIAHLUTHERANCHURCH 465PondPath,EastSetauket 631-751-1775www.messiahny.org PASTORNILSNIEMEIER
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OurPastorsareavailableandyouarewelcome pleasecallus. Wearehereforyouandifyouareinneed, NewYear’sDayWorship at10am ChristmasDayWorship at10am (bothwithCandlelight) ChristmasEveWorship at5:30pm&8pm at10amand6pm (Dec.14th&21st)
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ST.PAUL’SEVANGELICAL LUTHERANCHURCH 309PatchogueRoad PortJeffersonStation 631-473-2236
ThriftShop stories&cheer. OurannualconcertofChristmassongs,carols, SingNoel!-Sunday,December18that7:30pm LongIslandGayMen’sChorus WednesdayBibleStudy at9:30amoverzoom churchwebsitefrom8:30am Serviceisalsoavailableonfacebookliveatthe wearamask. Ifyouarenotvaccinatedandboostedplease fromMapleAvenue Parkinglotisbehindthechurch.Pleaseenter betweentheservices withAdultBibleStudybypastor eachweek ServicesonSundaysareat8:30and10:30am at8:30and10:30am January1RegularServices serviceofHolyCommunion7:30pm December31NewYear’sEve liveandonfacebooklive Only1serviceat10:30amHolyCommunion FeastoftheNativity December25ChristmasDay CommunionandCandlelighting10:30pm TraditionalChristmasEveService withHoly Communion5:00pm CandlelightFamilyServicewithHoly December24-ChristmasEve SpecialChristmasServices facebook.com/stpaulselca www.StPaulsLCPJS.org pastor’scellphoneTextorvoice347-423-3623 e-mailpastorpauldowning@yahoo.com
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NEWS AROUND TOWN
NSJC Social Club
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts several events in December. Join them each Tuesday at 11 a.m. for bagels, cream cheese, and coffee among other refreshments in the Social Hall for social interaction, dancing, and entertaining programs including on Dec. 13: Samantha Graviano from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office will discuss senior services available to seniors; Dec. 20: Bretton Woods Players will perform holiday songs; and Dec 27: Howard Schneider, Executive Director of the Center of News Literacy at Stony Brook and who helped establish the University’s Alda Center for Communicating Science, will lecture on “How To Be a Smart News Consumer." $3 for members; $5 for nonmembers. Call 631-928-3737.
Ink and Fire event
Lubavitch of the East End's Jewish Women's Circle hosts an evening of Ink & Fire with Shaina Zirkind at the Chabad House, 87 Mount Sinai Road, Coram on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. Explore the art of ink and fire and create your own
inspirational slogan, connect with friends and gain insight to the mystical message of Chanukah. Latkes and donutes will be served. Tickets are $20 per person. To RSVP, visit www.JewishLi.com.
Bereavement program
Are you apprehensive about the upcoming holidays? Feeling alone and missing the presence of a loved one? A workshop entitled “Grief and the Holidays” will be offered at Mt. Sinai Congregational Church, 233 North County Road, Mount Sinai on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon by the Caring Ministry of MSUCC. All are welcome! Please call the church office at 631-473-1582, or email mscc1@optonline.net to register.
Make a Menorah
As part of its Chanukah Happenings, the Suffolk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack will host a Menorah Making Workshop on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. Artist in Residence Susan Buroker will guide you step-by-step as you creat your very own ceramic Menorah keepsake. $50 per person. To register, call 631-462-9800, ext. 140 or visit www.syjcc.org.
Saturdays Poetry Reading
Join All Souls Church in Stony Brook for its Second Saturdays Poetry Reading via Zoom on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson, the featured poet will be Pramila Venkateswaran. An openreading will follow; all are welcome to read one of their own poems. Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/ For more information, call 631-655-7798.
German Vespers Service
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point will hold German Vespers Service on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. Individuals and families of German and Eastern European heritage and others who are interested in experiencing a unique Christmas service in the German tradition are welcome to join ithem in worship. e Vesper-Gottesdienst will include familiar German carols, and Scripture readings with guest preacher Rev. Guy Erwin, President of the United Lutheran Seminary. A reception will follow the service. Call 631-744-9355.
Sip & Paint at the Reboli Center
Join the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook for a Winter Paint Party on Wedneday, Dec. 14 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Led by Linda Davison Mathues, participants will be provided with all materials needed to complete their own reproduction of Joseph Reboli’s 'Lake Street Snowman.' Light snacks and refreshments will be served including the choice of red or white wine for participants over 21. $45 per person. To register, visit www. rebolicenter.org. For more information, call 631-751-7707.
Quaker
QUAKERRELIGIOUSSOCIETY OFFRIENDS ConscienceBayMeeting 4FriendsWay,St.James11780 631-928-2768www.consciencebayquakers.org
andstewardship.In-personworshipblendedwith simplicity,peace,integrity,community,equality We’reguidedbytheQuakertestimoniesof InnerLight/Spirit. WegatherinsilentworshipseekingGod,/the
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SBU SPORTSWEEK
Men’s basketball puts forth valiant effort but falls to Yale
The Stony Brook men's basketball team went toe-to-toe with Yale in front of an energized crowd inside Island Federal Arena on Dec. 3. The Seawolves put forth a valiant effort as they were led by senior guard Tyler Stephenson-Moore and graduate guard Aaron Clarke, who each posted 20-point outings. Despite the Seawolves' efforts, the Bulldogs were able to narrowly pull away, 77-72, to improve to 8-1 on the season.
Clarke made his Stony Brook debut and gave the Seawolves a lift off the bench as he scored 20 points in 22 minutes. The graduate checked into the game with 15:44 to play in the first half and scored his first points as a Seawolf at the 13:29 mark when he knocked down a three-pointer.
Stephenson-Moore led the way offensively for Stony Brook as he scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Stephenson-Moore helped fuel an 8-0 run in the second half as he drilled a three to cut Yale's lead to 67-62 with 8:04 to play.
The Seawolves and Bulldogs traded blows down the stretch. Stony Brook was able to get within two points of the lead
Seawolves Home Games
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Dec. 12 vs. Sacred Heart 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 18 vs. Army West Point 1 p.m.
Jan. 7 vs. Towson 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 vs. Drexel 7 p.m. Jan. 19 vs. Northeastern 7 p.m. Feb 2 vs. Elon 7 p.m.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Dec. 10 vs. St. Frances Brooklyn 2 p.m. Dec. 21 vs. Maryland East Shore 2 p.m.
Dec. 30 vs. William & Mary 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 vs. UNCW 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 13 vs. Monmouth 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 vs. College of Charleston 6:30 p.m.
Jan 29 vs. Towson 1 p.m. Feb. 5 vs. Drexel 1 p.m.
Visit www.stonybrookathletics.com for tickets and any last minute cancellations.
three times over the final eight minutes of the game, but Yale came up with an answer on each occasion. With 1:06 to play in the contest, Clarke converted a
pair of free-throws to make it 72-70. Yale returned the favor by cashing in on two free-throws on the ensuing possession with 43 seconds to play to go up, 74-70. A
second-chance layup by graduate forward
Frankie Policelli cut the Bulldog's lead to two points, 74-72, as he cleaned up a missed three by Stephenson-Moore with 15 seconds to go.
Yale was able to convert its free-throws down the stretch and go on to win by the final score of 77-72. The five-point margin of victory was the second-smallest of the season for Yale, its smallest margin of victory was three points when it defeated Hawaii, 62-59, in overtime earlier this season.
"This [experience] is something we can build on," said head coach Geno Ford after the game. "Tonight we played hard and we played well — it just wasn't quite well enough to beat a really, really good Yale team From a coach perspective, I'm disappointed we lost ... but we took a huge step forward and this is by far the best we've looked."
Up next, the team will travel to Rhode Island to take on Brown on Dec.9. A quick turnaround finds the Seawolves back at Island Federal Arena on Dec. 12, for a 6:30 p.m. tip-off against Sacred Heart.
Women's basketball falls to Bucknell Bisons in tough battle
The Stony Brook women's basketball team battled tough, but was ultimately edged by Bucknell, 64-58, on Dec 3 in Sojka Pavilion in Lewisberg, PA. Graduate guard Anastasia Warren paced the Seawolves with a game-high 20 points as she recorded her third 20-point performance of the season and first since November 14, against Iona.
The Bison outlasted the Seawolves in a back-and-forth contest. The score was tied a total of 11 times and the lead changed five times. Stony Brook led 46-42 with 1:59 to play in the third quarter following a pair of free-throws by sophomore forward Sherese Pittman. Bucknell used a 10-2 run that carried over into the fourth quarter to take a lead it would not relinquish.
Stony Brook battled until the final buzzer as it cut the Bison lead to as little as three points with 22.6 seconds to play.
With 22.6 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Warren knocked down a threepointer off a feed from senior guard Gigi Gonzalez.
Bucknell was able to close the game out down the stretch as Tai Johnson converted three of her four free-throw attempts over the final 22.6 seconds to give the Bison a 64-58 advantage, a score it would hold on to win by.
Warren finished as the game's leading scorer with 20 points. The guard shot 9-of23 from the field and 2-of-8 from threepoint range. She grabbed four rebounds and swiped a season-high tying three steals. It marked Warren's third 20-point game of the season as she also scored 20 points against Manhattan on November 10 (28 points) and against Iona on November 14 (28 points). Her 23 field goal attempts were a career-high.
Graduate forward Nairimar VargasReyes nearly recorded a double-double with nine points and a season-high 12 rebounds. She shot 4-of-8 from the field and six of her 12 rebounds were of the offensive variety. The forward has pulled down 10 or more rebounds in four games this season. Sophomore forward Sherese Pittman scored nine points on 3-of-10 shooting, dished out a career-high five assists, and recorded three rebounds.
Graduate guard Daishai Almond scored seven points, while senior guard Gigi Gonzalez totaled five points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Stony Brook won the battle for the boards by outrebounding Bucknell, 35-31.
"Bucknell is a good team that challenged us today. We will learn from this and continue to get better," said head coach Ashley Langford after the game.
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New York Dance Theatre of Commack marks 40th season of 'The Nutcracker' KIDS TIMES
Local young dancers will share the stage with New York City Ballet stars Indiana Woodward and Daniel Ulbricht in New York Dance Theatre’s 40th season of “The Nutcracker” at Hofstra University, 1000 Hempsteak Turnpike, Hempstead on Dec. 17 and 18 with performances at noon and 5 p.m. Woodward will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Ulbricht will perform as her Cavalier.
The young dancers, students at the Ohman School of Ballet in Commack, will perform multiple roles in the iconic holiday story ballet including children in the Party Scene, Toy Soldiers and Mice in the Battle Scene, Snowflakes, Angels, and various confections in the Land of Sweets.
Aviva Hellman, a seventh grader at West Hollow Middle School in Dix Hills and Sonya Russo, a sixth grader at Nesaquake Middle School in St. James, play the central role of “Clara” each in two of the four performances.
Claire DeVaney, a seventh grader at Commack Middle School, and Eileen Huntsman, a sixth grader at East Northport Middle School, share the pivotal role of Clara’s brother “Fritz,” who breaks Clara’s Nutcracker and sets the plot in motion, each in two of the four performances.
This year’s cast also includes Chloe Cantillo, Anna Clemente, Elysena DeStefano, Brynn Farino, Anna Gross, Isabel Gross, Sofia
Gross, Marilyn Ihasz, Emily Kern, Emma Martir, Ava Napolitano, Alyssa Tavares, Sara Tobia, Nina Van Zandt, Vivienne Vasquez,
and Madison Wagner of Commack; Chloe Cheng, Esther Cheng, Mikaela Gluck, Emma Grabelsky, Galina Hellman, Ariel Kerley, Holly Lochridge, Elizabeth Pau, Carina San Jose, Adrianna Stucchio of Dix Hills; Olivia Deng of Melville; Clio Sun and Seraphina Moger of Greenlawn; Charlotte Stratton of Huntington; Addison Candelaria, Grace Galgano, and Kayla Kuprian of East Northport; Elodie Hennessy and Violet Hennessy of Centerport; Magdalen Schaefer of Kings Park; Sophia Ferro of Setauket; Olivia Wu of Stony Brook; and Mary Calefato, Laila DarConte, Chloe Foster, Molly Haft, Samara Kolodny, Evelyn McCaughey, and Amelia Grace Novellino of Smithtown.
With the elegant Christmas Party Scene, the drama of the magical growing Christmas Tree, the Battle of the Toy Soldiers and Giant Mice, the live Snow Storm, and the brilliant dancing in the Land of the Sweets, “The Nutcracker” appeals to all ages. In all, a cast of 80 children, pre-professional and professional dancers will bring this classic ballet to life on the stage of the John Cranford Adams Playhouse.
Tickets are $42, $32 seniors and children 12 and under plus $3 fee, available at www. ohmanballet.org or by calling 631-462-0964.
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Harbor Country Day School Fall food drive a success
In keeping with their annual tradition, the students of St. James’ Harbor Country Day School’s Student Council recently concluded their Fall 2022 Food Drive to benefit the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry. Over the course of two weeks, more than 400 pieces of nonperishable food items were collected. Those donated items were then delivered to the Food Pantry by Student Council officers on Nov. 30.
As shared by Pat Westlake, the Director of the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry, “The Smithtown Food Pantry always looks forward to seeing the green Harbor Country Day School bus pulling into the driveway and welcoming the student council
representatives. That green bus is always filled with an abundance of food obtained through student council efforts. The smiling students have not only collected the food, but also sorted, and packed it, before it ultimately is distributed to our neighbors who suffer from food insecurity. The pantry relies solely on donations and Harbor Country Day School greatly helps us to fulfill our mission of providing assistance to all who come to us.”
This year the pantry provided 267 Thanksgiving dinners and, thanks to the help of Harbor’s Student Council, the pantry will be providing more than 250 holiday dinners this December.
TIME TO VOTE
From whimsical to classic, over 60 decorated trees line the walkways of the Stony Brook Village Center for the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s annual Holiday Tree Competition. Voting for the competition is now open to the public through Dec. 21. Ballots for voting can be found in all shops within the Village Center. Photos by Heidi Sutton
Send your Photo of the Week to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com
THE MAGIC OF LIVE THEATER
'Barnaby Saves Christmas'
Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents the holiday musical Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 19 to Dec. 30. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As our littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. Tickets are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
'Beauty and the Beast Jr.'
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown kicks off the holiday season with Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. from Nov. 19 to Jan. 22. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. All seats are $25. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
'Frosty'
A perennial favorite, Frosty returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. from Nov. 26 to Dec. 24 and daily from Dec. 26 to 31. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
PROGRAMS
Polar Express Workshop
All aboard! Benner's Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket hosts a children's workshop, All Aboard The Benner's Farm Polar Express Workshop, on Dec. 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. Children ages 3 to 8 are invited to come spend a few hours on the farm and BELIEVE. Participants will be visiting all the farm animals and spreading some holiday cheer, touring the farm and gardens and taking a ride on the tractor (train) around the farm. Each child will go home with some exclusive farm crafts and gifts! $40 per child. To register, call 689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.
Children's Holiday Party
Celebrate St. James hosts a children's holiday party at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 2nd Ave., St. James on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a holiday sing-along with Nicky Loiodice; cookie decorating and story time with the author of “My Favorite Day of the Year,” Jessica DeGorter; and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets are $20 for one parent and one child, $10 each additional child. To register, call 984-0201 or visit www. celebratestjames.org.
A Child's Life at Eagle's Nest
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents A Child’s Life at Eagle’s Nest, a program for children in grades K-4, on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn about life at the Vanderbilt mansion, play games, listen to the music of the 1930s, and make a dreamy snow globe. $20 per child. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Backpack Adventures
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents a children's program, Backpack Adventures, for ages 5 and up on Dec. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Get ready to go on a nature experiment adventure with everything you need right on your back! The staff will loan you a backpack filled with fun, interesting experiments that you will complete together as you explore the park. $4 per child. Please call 265-1054 for reservations.
Holiday Party for Wildlife
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will host its annual Holiday Party for Wildlife event on Dec.
10 from noon to 3 p.m. Come enjoy short animal presentations, photo opportunities, crafts and story times for kids. Snack and drinks will be available for purchase. $15 per child $5 per adult. Please bring a small gift off of their wildlife wish list. Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org. Call 979-6344.
Crafternoons at the library
Stop by Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 anytime between 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for a holiday-themed “Crafternoon”! Children ages 3 to 12 welcome (younger kids may need supervision). No registration required. Questions? Call 941-4080.
Elf Workshops
The Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson presents Elf Workshops in December from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to make a gift for someone special in your life including Dec. 10 (make holiday lip balm); and Dec. 17 (create a snow globe). Each workshop is designed so that students learn the science behind their wonderful creations. For children in grades 2 to 6. $30 per child per workshop includes all supplies. To register, call 331-3277 or visit www. longislandexplorium.org.
Family Hour Sundays
Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington continues its Family Hour Sundays series on Dec. 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 5 through 10 are invited for a family-friendly art experience with Museum Educator Tami Wood. Explore works of art in the Museum and create fun art projects. $10 per child, adults free. Advance registration recommended by visiting www.heckscher.org or call 380-3230.
FILM
'Paddington'
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Paddington on Dec. 11 at noon. After a deadly earthquake destroys his home in a Peruvian rainforest, a young bear makes his way to England in search of a new home. Rated PG. Tickets are $12 adults, $5 children ages 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
paw prints
Welcome to the 12th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home!
SHELTER PETS OF THE MONTH
Meet Herman and Lily
Influential and successful in their own right, meet Little Shelter’s newest power couple, Herman and Lily!
This five year old Yorkie mix and this eight year old Lhasa apso complement each other perfectly, making the case for why a double adoption is an excellent idea!
Doing everything in sync, whether a walk, enjoying a pet or sharing secrets, these two are always seen side by side; their bond unmistakable. Herman is considerate and protective of his best friend, while Lily usually allows him to have control of the TV remote! Ready to enlarge their circle and welcome in a family, they are looking forward to meeting you…we suggest that you don’t keep them waiting! Call 631-368-8770.
Meet Jack
Jack is a senior Jack Russell Terrier at Brookhaven Animal Shelter in need of a hospice home. He is probably about 14 years old, is good with dogs and cats and is full of spunk. This poor sweetheart has chronic kidney disease and is on a special diet. He needs a home that will give him the extra TLC he deserves, maybe some nice home cooking too! If you are interested, please submit a matchmaker application, www.brookhavenny.gov/animalshelter. For more information, call 631-451-6950.
Meet Linx
Linx was taken to Smithtown Animal Shelter as a stray and was never claimed. This young boy is around 3 to 4 years old. He is well mannered and housebroken. Linx is beyond a typical German Shepherd and needs a GSD experienced owner. He is ball and stick obsessed and loves to play. Linx is a good natured dog that needs a strong Alpha leader to follow. He requires a very active home that will meet his mental and physical stimulation needs. Linx does not want to snuggle, he only wants to play. If you would like to meet this beautiful boy, please schedule an appointment by calling 631-360-7575.
Meet Krispy Kreme
This is Krispy Kreme, a handsome orange tabby available for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Krispy Kreme is a young adult male who has been a very good boy this year. He loves to play, be picked up, and all he wants is to be someone’s buddy for the hol idays. Will that be you? Call 631-368-8770.
Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of Jan. 12
Meet Sebastian Miguel
Though only ten months old, this young charmer at Little Shelter already has the suave, debonair thing down pat! Meet Chihuahua mix and certified heart throb, Sebastian Miguel! Full of excitement and zest for life, this Passage to Freedom traveler has passed inspection with flying colors and is ready to be adopted into his forever home, eager to become part of a real family. Fun loving and busy, Chihuahuas like nothing more than being with their people and make wonderful go-everywhere companions. Stop by Little Shelter soon to meet the “man” of your dreams. Call 631-368-8770.
Home for the Holidays
The Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center is celebrating the holiday season with its “Home for the Holidays” promotion, featuring free pet adoptions now through the month of December. Each adoption includes free neuter or spay, vaccinations, microchip, heartworm test, flea and other tests. The normal adoption fees are $137 for a dog and $140 for a cat. All adoptable pets are looking for a forever home this holiday season. If you are interested in adopting a dog or cat, visit the Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center located at 300 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. For more information, visit www. BrookhavenNY.gov or call 631-451-6950.
STRONGER T GETHER T
Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine welcome all students, faculty and sta back to our vibrant campus this fall.
In our mission to provide a world-class education for our diverse campus community, we accomplished several milestones. Among them: our designation as New York’s flagship university and being named the No. 1 public university in New York by U.S. News & World Report. We also are a finalist in the Governors Island Center for Climate Solutions bid and unveiled a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship program for underrepresented individuals.
We look forward to another year of collaborating across campus and with our neighboring communities to continue to make great things happen. We are truly Stronger Together
stonybrook.edu/strongertogether
Stony Brook University is an a rmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 22090320