Arts & Lifestyles - December 10, 2020

ARTS&LIFESTYLES TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA DEC. 10, 2020

A magical experience

The Ronkonkoma Gingerbread House opens for the season ✴ B27

INSIDE: Netflix's Hillbilly Elegy reviewed B15 • Theatre Three hosts toy and food drive B16 • One on One with celebrity pastry chef Duff Goldman B25

Published: Thursday, January 7, 2021

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

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2020

Year in Review

Commemorative Issue

PAGE B2 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 2020

From Stony Brook University President MAURIE McINNIS Dear Students and Campus Community, As we ready ourselves for winter, I would like to acknowledge an important milestone: the completion of the on-campus portion of our fall semester. We have stayed open, healthy, and accountable for the full 13 weeks. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to the entire campus community, and especially the students, who made this possible. Thank you for the perseverance and commitment you’ve shown in weathering these difficult months.

You have set a safe example by practicing social distancing, wearing masks and switching to remote learning when indicated without complaint— all the while maintaining an environment of caring, respect, and civility both on campus and virtually.

This year has been historic in so many ways. As a society, we have faced unimaginable challenges. I have seen what this university community does in the face of adversity — it pulls together and overcomes. In recent months, I have watched Stony Brook step up and make heroic contributions to the health of our community. I have watched Stony Brook put all of its intelligence and hard work into the task of adapting to the years ahead while retooling its campus for the safety and well-being of its students. I have seen, put simply, the markings of an institution of which we can all be proud.

In August we launched our SBU COVID-19 Dashboard and began tracking that information daily. In September, a new website that rates college campus dashboards gave Stony Brook an “A” for Achievement. “We Rate Covid Dashboards” looked at 129 schools, and we were one of only eight to ace the test.

And at a recent press conference on campus, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras commended our university and its response to the pandemic: “Right here in New York, right here on Long Island, you’re seeing a perfect example of how it’s done right.”

Thank you all for doing it right. The sense of community here at Stony Brook University was a large part of what drew me here. And at first, I worried that in these pandemic times I wouldn’t get to experience firsthand the spirit that makes this community so unique. But last month, I attended the Light the Brook event put on by our Undergraduate Student Government. As I stood there and watched the Academic Mall light up, I was able to more clearly see all of those in attendance — physically distanced but very much together in spirit. People were bundled up, watching their dogs play in the cold night air…savoring a moment of togetherness.

That togetherness was there the whole time. It was there when this university weathered the first of the pandemic in spring, it was there as we carefully planned over the summer, and it was there when we all — students, staff, and faculty — delivered on those plans this semester. I see the hard work you’ve put in, the commitment you’ve demonstrated, the hardships you’ve endured, and the sacrifices you’ve made. Thank you again to everyone as we move forward into the end of this unique semester and into the start of 2021.

Sincerely,

Maurie McInnis President, Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 20110722

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DECEMBER 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B3

ASK THE VET

• Open 6 days a week.

METRO photo

Thankful: Benefits of pet ownership in COVID

BY MATTHEW KEARNS, DVM

• ‘Care to Share Program’...Refer friends & family to Countryside, and both of you receive $25 OFF your next visit. (must be a new client - can be used cumulatively... the more referrals, the more savings!)

• ‘Frequent Boarding Program’ • Newly renovated boarding facilities. ©142145

The holiday season is a time of gathering and thanks but, during these stressful and uncertain times, it can be difficult to find anything to be thankful for. The exception is pet ownership. One thing I hear over and over is, “I am thankful for my pets.” Now, more than ever, pets provide stress reduction and help to fend off loneliness. They are good for mind and body.

How do we know that interacting with a pet reduces stress? I read about a study where individuals were induced into a stressful state and then offered a rabbit, a turtle, a toy rabbit, or a toy turtle. Those individuals that pet a real rabbit or turtle showed a significant reduction in stress compared to those that pet a toy rabbit or turtle.

More recently, a study comparing pet owners (dogs and cats) to non-pet owners during COVID found that owning a pet reduced the feelings of isolation by having an individual (even if not human) to talk to throughout the day. Some of the participants even relished the fact that they were able

to spend more time with their pets during lockdown than before. This is so important in the new era of online meetings, classes, etc.

Pet ownership also benefits physical health. Previous studies both in the United States and abroad have concluded that just owning a pet significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as a heart attack or stroke, reduces the risk of type II diabetes, and lowers cholesterol.

Even before COVID it was known that owning a pet motivates us to exercise more.

The national physical activity guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week but a CDC analysis states only about 50% of Americans get that total. In contrast to this data, research shows that dog owners walk an average of 22 minutes more per day.

Not only do dog owners exercise more, but also the type of exercise is healthier. The type of exercise is described as at a moderate pace which refers to getting the heart rate up.

A more recent study found that dog owners were more likely to take their dogs for walks during COVID and, as a result, lost more weight than non-dog owners. So let us give thanks to the furry, four-legged members of our family who enrich our lives every day.

I give thanks to all the readers who enjoy this column. I would like to also thank Heidi Sutton, editor of the Arts and Lifestyle section, as well as all the staff at Times Beacon Record News Media 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.

• Sunday appointments temporarily unavailable.

In this edition Movie Review .......................................B15 Parents and Kids ............................B25-27 Photo of the Week ..............................B13 Power of 3 ............................................... B5 Religious Directory ......................B21-22 Shelter Pet ..............................................B24 SBU Sports .............................................B23 Sudoku ...................................................... B8

Email your community, business, health, class reunions and calendar listings to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com.

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Ask the Vet .............................................. B3 Book Review ..........................................B25 Business News ......................................B11 Calendar ...........................................B18-19 Cooking Cove .......................................B17 Crossword Puzzle .................................. B8 Legally Speaking .................................B10 Medical Compass ................................. B7

• Compassionate and loving care for all your pets’ needs.

to receive a complimentary nail trim for your pet 544 West Broadway, Port Jefferson 631-473-0942 • 631-473-6980

PAGE B4 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 2020

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DECEMBER 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B5

KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS

Dennis Plenker leads new organoid facility at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Harnessing the Technology of our Research Giants

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

If the job is too easy, Dennis Plenker isn’t interested.

He’s found the right place, as the research investigator in Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Cancer Center Director Dave Tuveson’s lab is tackling pancreatic cancer, one of the more intractable forms of cancer.

Plenker joined Tuveson’s lab in 2017 and is the technical manager of a new organoid facility.

Organoids offer hope for a type of cancer that often carries a poor prognosis. Researchers can use them to find better and more effective treatments or to develop molecular signatures that can be used as a biomarker towards a specific treatment.

Scientists can take cells from an organoid, put them in miniature dishes and treat them with a range of drugs to see how they respond.

The drugs that work on the organoids offer potential promise for patients. When some of these treatments don’t work, doctors and researchers can continue to search for other medical solutions without running the risk of making patients ill from potentially unnecessary side effects.

“Challenges are important and there is a sweet spot to step out of my comfort zone,” Plenker explained in an email.

In an email, Tuveson described Plenker as a “pioneer” who “likes seemingly impossible challenges and we are all counting on him to make breakthroughs.”

Specifically, Tuveson would like Plenker to develop a oneweek organoid test, where tissue is processed into organoids and tested in this time frame.

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

‘[Plenker] is trying to innovate the organoids, and so he may need to adjust conditions and that would include inventing his own recipes.’

—DAVE TUVESON

Organoids present a cutting edge way to take the modern approach to personalized medicine into the realm of cancer treatments designed to offer specific guidance to doctors and researchers about the likely effectiveness of remedies before patients try them.

Plenker and others in Tuveson’s lab have trained researchers from more than 50 institutions worldwide on how to produce and use organoids.

“It’s complicated compared to conventional tissue culture,” said Plenker, who indicated that considerably more experience, resource and time is involved in organoid work. “We put a lot of effort into training people.”

Tuveson explained that the current focus with organoids is on cancer, but that they may be useful for other conditions including neurological and infectious diseases.

The way organoids are created, scientists such as Plenker receive a biopsy or a surgical specimen.

These researchers digest the cells with enzymes into singular cells or clumps of single cells and are embedded. Once inside the matrix, they form organoids.

When they “have enough cells, we can break these down and put them into multi-well plates,” Plenker explained. In these plates, the scientists test different concentrations and types of drugs for the same patient.

Dennis Plenker Photo by Bob Giglione, 2020/ CSHL

It’s a version of trial and error, deploying a range of potential medical solutions against cells to see what weakens or kills cells.

“If you do that exercise 100 times, you can see how many times compound A scores vs. C, E and F. You get a sense of what the options are versus what is not working,” Plenker said.

While scientists like Plenker and Tuveson use targeted drugs to weaken, cripple or kill cancer, they recognize that cancer cells themselves represent something of a molecular moving target.

“There is a very dynamic shift that can happen between these

subtypes” of cancer, Plenker said.

“That can happen during treatment.

If you start with what’s considered a good prognosis, you can end up with a higher fraction of basal cancer cells” which are more problematic and have a worse prognosis. “We and others have shown that you have a mixture of cell types in your tumor all the time.”

Part of what Plenker hopes to discover as the director of the organoid center is the best combination of ingredients to foster the growth of these versatile and useful out-of-body cancer models.

The gel that helps the cells grow is something Plenker can

buy that is an extracellular matrix rich matter that is of murine, or rodent, origin. He hopes to develop a better understanding of some of these proprietary products so he can modify protocols to boost the efficiency of the experiments.

Plenker is “trying to innovate the organoids, and so he may need to adjust conditions and that would include inventing his own recipes,” Tuveson explained.

The facility, which received support from the Lustgarten Foundation, will engage in future clinical trials.

The type of treatments for pancreatic cancer patients typically fall into two arenas. In the first, a patient who is doing well would get an aggressive dose of chemotherapy. In the second, a patient who is already sick would get a milder dose. Determining which regimen is based on the current diagnostic techniques.

Plenker and his wife Juliane Dassler-Plenker, who works as a post-doctoral fellow in the lab of Mikala Egeblad at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, live in Huntington. The pair met in Germany and moved to the United States together.

Plenker calls himself a “foodie” and appreciates the hard work that goes into creating specific dishes.

In his career, Plenker always “wanted to help people.” He has appreciated the latest technology and has disassembled and put back together devices to understand how they work.

Prior to the pandemic, Plenker had gone on short trips to Germany to visit with friends and relatives.

He is grateful for that time, especially now that he is much more limited in where he can go.

He appreciates his landlord and a second American family which helps the couple feel welcomed and grateful.

In 2017, Plenker recalls attending a talk Tuveson gave in Washington, D.C. in which he invited anyone in the audience who wanted to improve a test to come and talk to him after the presentation.

“I was the only one in that regard who talked to him” after that lecture, Plenker said.

PAGE B6 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 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.

We invite you to tune in to our new weekly Medical Compass health video at tbrnewsmedia.com

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drdunaief@medicalcompassmd.com • Visit our website www.medicalcompassmd.com ©170595

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 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B7

MEDICAL COMPASS

When should you take vitamin D supplements?

Here in the Northeast, we are quickly approaching the point in the year when we have the least daylight hours. This is the point at which many reach for vitamin D, one of the most important supplements, to compensate for a lack of vitamin D from the sun. Let’s explore what we know about vitamin D supplementation.

There is no question that, if you have low levels of vitamin D, replacing it is important.

Previous studies have shown that it may be effective in a wide swath of chronic diseases, both in prevention and as part of the treatment paradigm. However, many questions

By David remain. As more Dunaief, M.D. data come in, their meaning for vitamin D becomes murkier. For instance, is the sun the best source of vitamin D? At the 70th annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting in 2012, Dr. Richard Gallo, who was involved with the Institute of Medicine recommendations, spoke about how, in most geographic locations, sun exposure will not correct vitamin D deficiencies.

Interestingly, he emphasized getting more vitamin D from nutrition. Dietary sources include cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna.

We know its importance for bone health, but as of yet, we only have encouraging — but not yet definitive — data for other diseases.

These include cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases and cancer.

There is no consensus on the ideal blood level for vitamin D. For adults, the Institute of Medicine recommends between 20 ng/ ml and 50 ng/ml, and The Endocrine Society recommends at least 30 ng/ml.

Cardiovascular mixed results

Several observational studies have shown benefits of vitamin D supplements with cardiovascular disease. For example, the Framingham Offspring Study showed that those patients with deficient levels were at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (1).

However, a small randomized controlled trial (RCT), the gold standard of studies, called the cardioprotective effects of vitamin D into question (2). This study of postmenopausal women, using biomarkers such as endothelial function, inflammation or vascular stiffness, showed no difference between vitamin D treatment and placebo.

The authors concluded there is no reason to give vitamin D for prevention of cardiovascular disease.

NEWS AROUND TOWN

With vitamin D supplementation, more is not necessarily better.

The tour starts at the Stony Brook Post Office

WMHO Holiday Walking Tours

Stock Photo

The vitamin D dose given to the treatment group was 2,500 IUs. Thus, one couldn’t argue that this dose was too low.

Some of the weaknesses of the study were a very short duration of four months, its size — 114 participants — and the fact that cardiovascular events or deaths were not used as study end points.

Most trials relating to vitamin D are observational, which provides associations, but not links. However, the VITAL study was a large, five-year RCT looking at the effects of vitamin D and omega-3s on cardiovascular disease and cancer (3). Study results were disappointing, finding that daily vitamin D3 supplementation at 2000 IUs did not reduce the incidence of cancers (prostate, breast or colorectal) or of major cardiovascular events.

Mortality decreased

In a meta-analysis of a group of eight studies, vitamin D with calcium reduced the mortality rate in the elderly, whereas vitamin D alone did not (5). The difference between the groups was statistically important, but clinically small: nine percent reduction with vitamin D plus calcium and seven percent with vitamin D alone.

One of the weaknesses of this analysis was that vitamin D in two of the studies was given in large amounts of 300,000 to 500,000 IUs once a year, rather than taken daily. This has different effects.

Weight benefit

There is good news, but not great news, on the weight front. It appears that vitamin D plays a role in reducing the amount of weight gain in women 65 years and older whose blood levels are more than 30 ng/ml, compared to those below this level, in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (4).

This association held true at baseline and after 4.5 years of observation. If the women dropped below 30 ng/ml in this time period,

they were more likely to gain more weight, and they gained less if they kept levels above the target. There were 4,659 participants in the study. Unfortunately, vitamin D did not show statistical significance with weight loss.

USPSTF recommendations

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against giving “healthy” postmenopausal women vitamin D, calcium or the combination of vitamin D 400 IUs plus calcium 1,000 mg to prevent fractures, and it found inadequate evidence of fracture prevention at higher levels (6). The supplement combination does not seem to reduce fractures, but does increase the risk of kidney stones.

There is also not enough data to recommend for or against vitamin D with or without calcium for cancer prevention. But as I mentioned previously, the VITAL study did not show any benefit for cancer prevention.

When to supplement?

It is important to supplement to optimal levels, especially since most of us living in the Northeast have insufficient to deficient levels.

While vitamin D may not be a cure-all, it may play an integral role with many disorders.

But it is also important not to raise the levels too high. The range that I tell my patients is between 32 and 50 ng/ml, depending on their health circumstances.

References:

(1) Circulation. 2008 Jan 29;117(4):503511. (2) PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e36617. (3) NEJM. 2018 published online Nov. 10, 2018.

(4) J Women’s Health (Larchmt). 2012 Jun 25.

(5) J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. online May 17, 2012. (6) JAMA. 2018;319(15):1592-1599.

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.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization will host a Holiday Secrets of Stony Brook Village Walking Tour on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 10:50 a.m. and again at 2:50 p.m.

Participants will experience the unheard stories of some of Stony Brook Village’s illustrious residents and customs through time. Th is includes “Astor Orphan” Alida Chanler Emmet and the extravagant parties that she hosted at her estate, the Mallows; the origins of the Stony Brook Village and its traditions of gift giving though the centuries; and the forgotten story of painter Ruth Hawkins Mount Seabury who was born on Christmas Day in 1808 and the only sister of the three Mount artists.

The holiday cheer can continue after the walking tour, as the Mirabelle Tavern at the Three Village Inn (c. 1751) and Pentimento Restaurant will be offering ticket holders drink or dessert specials with the purchase of food items.

Tours will leave from the Stony Brook Post Office, 111 Main St., Stony Brook. Tickets for this event are $15 per person and includes fresh hot chocolate from Stony Brook Chocolate Works.

Reservations are required by calling 631-751-2244.

Hope House event

Join Hope House Ministries for its 37th annual Celebration of Hope at Christmas & the Holiday Season on Monday, Dec. 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The online virtual gala will feature an appearance by Fr. Francis Pizzarelli, HHM Chairman of the Board Charlie Russo, a special guest speaker, an online auction and music by H.I.M.S & HER. Tickets to participate in this livestreaming event are $75 each. To register, visit www.HHM.org. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Call 631-4738796 or email hhmterry@optonline.net.

Please send your community events to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com

PAGE B8 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 2020

Does an executrix have the right to choose the estate attorney?

Find out by reading my monthly column,

LEGALLY SPEAKING.

Linda M. Toga, Esq.

The Law Offices of

LINDA M. TOGA, P.C.

175 Main Street, Suite 9 • East Setauket, New York

631.444.5605 • 631.444.5607 Fax

linda@lmtogalaw.com • www.lmtogalaw.com Wi l l s • Tr u s t s • E s t a t e Pl a n n i n g Litigation • Real Estate

©170500

Personalized service and peace of mind Paid Attorney Advertising

SUDOKU PUZZLE

:

CROSSWORD PUZZLE THEME:

Happy Holidays!

CLUES ACROSS 1. "Lord of the Flies" shell 6. *New Year's Eve choice: Brut or Demi-____ 9. Get-out-of-jail money 13. Convex molding 14. *"____ I Want for Christmas..."

15. Sign of life 16. Redo, to a carpenter 17. Flying saucer acronym 18. Often-missed humor 19. *Hanukkah toy 21. *____ Santa, gift-giving tradition 23. Ides mo.

24. Part of a hammer 25. Cook's leaf 28. "Hey!" 30. Brain's ____ system 35. Revered one 37. "____ Your Enthusiasm" 39. Capital of Egypt 40. Went by horse 41. "I do" spot 43. *____ Sandler's "Eight Crazy Nights" 44. Scary movie consequence 46. Dexterity 47. Boundary line 48. Modern self-portrait 50. Superman's last name 52. Actor's domain 53. Wild plum 55. Mama sheep 57. *"I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my ____" 60. *African-American celebration 64. Town news announcer 65. Charged particle 67. Elephant poacher's ware 68. Give new guns 69. *The night before Christmas 70. Present 71. *Like a Christmas sweater, often 72. Uncooked 73. Adherents of Sikhism

Answers to last week’s puzzle: Disney

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. Umbilical connection 2. *"Grandma got run ____ by a reindeer..."

3. *Santa's "cheeks were like roses, his ____ like a cherry" 4. Request to Geico 5. Carriage on top of elephant 6. Pulitzer winner Bellow 7. *Santa helper 8. Bring to an end 9. Jefferson's Vice President 10. Medicinal succulent 11. Negative contraction 12. Bovine hangout 15. Alfresco meal 20. Novelist Jong 22. Sushi restaurant choice 24. *Have a piece of Christmas Goose, e.g.

25. *"Five golden rings, four calling ____..."

26. Dig intensely 27. Cry of the Alps 29. *Time for log 31. Address with apostrophe 32. Stays somewhere 33. About to explode 34. *Vixen follower 36. Table extension 38. Diamond's corner 42. Sign up again 45. Divest one of a gun 49. "Slippery" tree 51. Mark and Shania 54. Twig of a willow tree 56. End of a poem 57. Fortune-teller's residue 58. Iranian coin 59. Suggestive of the supernatural 60. Was aware of 61. Fall asleep, with 'out' 62. Foot part 63. Pirates' affirmatives 64. French vineyard 66. Female gametes * 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 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B9

Chico's 631-689-6426

Holiday Tree Competition Dec. 6 to Dec. 21 Vote for Your Favorite!

Madison's Niche 631-364-9898

Fratelli's 631-751-4445

Family Packages!

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Cottontails 631-689-9147

631.751.2244 stonybrookvillage.com Sweet Mama's 631-675-9263

Virtual Tree Lighting December 6th 5:30pm Stony Brook Village Facebook Live

PAGE B10 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 2020

LEGALLY SPEAKING

Matthew Wagner MD

Does an executrix have the right to choose the estate attorney?

Pediatric/Young Adult Orthopedic Surgery Surgical and Non-Surgical Management of:

THE FACTS:

My aunt Mary died recently. She was widowed and had no children. My father, her only sibling, died a few years ago. In her will Mary named me as the executrix of her estate and the sole beneficiary. The attorney who drafted

BY LINDA TOGA, ESQ. the will expected to be retained to handle Mary’s estate but I have worked with a different attorney and want to work with him in connection with the probate of Mary’s estate. The drafting attorney has the original will and has refused to give it to me.

• Fractures • Sports Injuries • Pediatric Hand & Foot Surgery • Scoliosis Accepting Nearly All Insurances!

• Limb Deformity • Developmental Assessments • Benign Bone Tumors

THE QUESTIONS:

Must I retain the drafting attorney to handle the probate of my aunt’s will? If not, must he turn the will over to me or my attorney?

Port Jefferson Station & Commack ©167118

THE ANSWER:

631.371.8034

The short answer to your first question is an emphatic “NO”! Although many attorneys assume and likely hope that the families of their estate planning clients will retain them to handle the estates of those clients when they die, there is absolutely no legal basis for the drafting attorney to insist that he/she be retained by the named executor to assist with the probate of the estate. If your aunt wanted the drafting attorney to handle her estate, she certainly could have named him as executor.

Since she named you, you are free to retain any attorney you want to assist you with the probate process.

As for whether the drafting attorney must provide you or your attorney with the original will, it would clearly be better if the drafting

MatthewWagnerMD.com

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METRO photo

attorney simply agreed to turn the will over to you or your attorney. However, if that does happen, all is not lost since New York law provides a mechanism for compelling a person who is holding an original will of a decedent to file that will with the surrogate’s court.

If polite requests for the will are ignored, your attorney can commence a proceeding in the surrogate’s court to compel the drafting attorney to produce the will. If the court determines that the drafting attorney did not have good cause to withhold the will, the court may not only order the attorney to file the original will with the court but, can also order the drafting attorney to reimburse you for the attorney’s fees you paid in connection with the proceeding.

Obviously, unless there is a good reason why the drafting attorney will not provide you or your attorney with the will, it is in his/her best interest to simply turn it over without the need for court intervention.

Linda M. Toga, Esq provides legal services in the areas of estate planning and administration, real estate, small business services and litigation. She is available for email and phone consultations. Call 631-444-5605 or email Ms. Toga at Linda@LMTOGALAW.com.

Gurwin Jewish hosts Festival of Lights drive thru

(631) 751-6620 21 Bennetts Road, Suite 200, Setauket, New York 11733

158349

www.staffordassociates.com

Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 68 Hauppauge Road, Commack will host a holiday-themed Festival of Lights drive-thru light display on its campus on Monday, Dec. 14 and Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The display will feature thousands of blue, gold and white lights arranged in a variety of scenes and include inflatable menorahs, dreidels and other holiday fun.

Guests will be able to tune their car radio to a special FM station (107.7 FM) for a musical accompaniment to the visual experience.

“The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, and we wanted to provide some cheer and a thank you to the communities that have helped our residents and honored our healthcare heroes this year,” said Stuart

B. Almer, President & CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System.

Guests are urged to brighten the season for nursing home residents by bringing donations of unwrapped gifts including puzzle books and pens, fuzzy holiday socks and other personal gifts.

The event is made possible by the generosity of sponsors, including Ambulnz (Presenting Sponsor), Advantage Title Agency, Inc., Gensler Cona Elder Law, Huntington Hospital Northwell Health, Setton International Farms, Unidine, Austin Williams and Jackson Lewis, PC. The display is free of charge and no reservations are needed. For more information call 631-715-2563. Posts on social media can use the hashtag #GurwinLights.

DECEMBER 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B11

BUSINESS NEWS

Comings and Goings

Suffolk Federal namesVP of Lending

Suffolk Federal Credit Union has named Gregory Kryjak of East Setauket as Vice President of Lending. In his new role, Kryjak will oversee Consumer and Residential Mortgage Lending. “We are excited to welcome Greg to Suffolk Federal as we Gregory Kryjak begin our transformation of bringing new and innovative loan products to the marketplace.

He brings a wealth of knowledge to this role and we are confident that he will be a great asset to the organization, said Michele Dean, President and CEO of Suffolk Federal. “As we continue to expand and streamline our lending processes, Greg will be front and center guiding our team and leading us in the right direction as we seek to improve member experience and digital focus.”

Cat Cafe in Selden to close

Centereach’s White Castle reopens after makeover

Fans of White Castle’s iconic Original Sliders have a cause for celebration as the long-awaited renovation of the hamburger restaurant in Centereach is complete.

Brookhaven Town Councilmen Kevin LaValle and Neil Foley attended the grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony at the 2201 Middle Country Road eatery on Dec. 3.

“White Castle has been a staple in Centereach and has continued to give back to the community for nearly 40 years.

Congratulations and best of luck on your reopening,” said Councilman LaValle before presenting the store manager with a Certificate of Congratulations.

The Ohio-based company has more than 370

restaurants in 13 states. Like most of the chain’s other restaurants, the Centereach location offers a drive thru and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, satisfying the crave of White Castle fans morning, noon and night.

For more information, call 631-467-3147 or visit www.whitecastle.com. See more photos online at www.tbrnewsmedia.com.

Northwell Health CEO named most influential

TIME TO PLAY

Village Chabad Center for Jewish Learning of Stony Brook was awarded a $25,000 check from Investors Bank in Setauket on Nov. 5 for the organization’s new preschool playground.

“This project has been proudly supported by a grant from Investors Foundation,” said Hope Kinney, Branch Manager of Investor’s Bank, pictured in center with Village Chabad codirectors Rabbi Chaim and Rivkie Grossbaum.

Northwell Health President and CEO Michael J. Dowling, who marshalled tens of thousands of his workforce this spring to battle the deadly COVID-19 surge in the New York metropolitan area, has been named to Modern Healthcare Michael J. Dowling magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare,” ranking second overall.

“This year has shown us how vulnerable we are to the various pandemics facing health care,” Mr. Dowling said. “COVID-19 devastated us. Gun violence continues to cripple us. And there are numerous other issues that are keeping our communities from thriving. It is our responsibility to partner with them to finally move the needle in the right direction.”

A Kitten Kadoodle Coffee Cafe, 600 Middle Country Road in Selden has announced it will close its doors by the end of December. All of their cats and kittens are in need of their forever homes. The community is encouraged to stop by the cafe and meet them. For more information, call 846-7389 or visit www.akittenkadoodlecoffeecafe.com.

Jersey Mikes opens in Stony Brook

Jersey Mikes Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, has opened in Stony Brook Square, at 1113 Route 25A, Stony Brook across from the train station and Stony Brook University. “We are very excited to finally open and serve the Stony Brook, and Three Village community,” said franchise owners Mitch Cohen, Alvin Goldstein, Marvin Goldfarb and Seth Goldstein. The partners share a long history of building very successful businesses on Long Island. This is their fourth Jersey Mikes on Long Island, with plans for two more.

Guests can phone in take out orders; use the Jersey Mikes app; or use a third party delivery like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub.

Restaurant hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

For more information, call 631-675-6700 or visit www.jerseymikes.com.

Karts in Ronkonkoma closes

Karts Indoor Amusement Center, 701 Union Parkway, Ronkonkoma has closed its doors. “Due to COVID and the control that we don’t have over our own business, I regretfully inform you that Karts closed permanently on November 30. I would like to thank everybody for allowing me to share over 15 years of fun with your families,” said owner Len Elkins.

Send your business news to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com.

PAGE B12 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 2020

The Good Steer Family wishes all our “Good” friends a happy, healthy and safe Holiday Season.

We also want to thank everyone for their continuing support during these incredibly challenging times.

We are forever grateful for your patronage!

We will be closing at 6 on New Years Eve, December 31st and opening at 4pm on New Years Day, January 1st so our “Good” Crew can spend the Holidays with their families and loved ones.

We will be closing at 6pm on Christmas Eve, December 24th and Closed all Day on Christmas Day, December 25th

R

The Good Steer is Open 7 “Good” Days. Noon til 8pm Our All Day, Every Day menu is available for Take-Out, Call us at 631 585 8212 or place your order online thru ChowNow for pickup or order thru one of our Delivery Partners DoorDash UberEats or For your continued “Good” Health, Please practice all recommended Mask wearing requirements and other protective methods when visiting the Good Steer.

We hope to see you soon!

169641

DECEMBER 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B13

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Dining & Entertainment AUTUMN FAWN Tom Caruso snapped this photo of a young whitetail deer in a meadow at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve in his hometown of Smithtown on Dec. 6. He writes, 'I followed a small herd of deer for a while and was amazed by how comfortable they were with my presence. I snapped this picture of the smallest deer as it took a break from grazing to check me out. It was a great experience getting so close to them.'

825 Montauk Highway Bayport, New York 11705 ©161773

Send your Photo of the Week to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com

(631) 472-9090

www.lesoirbayport.com

©152868

• Open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining • Dinner Specials Sunday - Thursday • Price of All Entrees includes soup or salad & dessert • Serving Dinner from 5 pm – (Closed Mondays)

DJ’s Clam Shack has opened at 1972 Jericho Turnpike East Northport, NY 11731

We are open 7days a week!!

Check out our menu at DjsClamShackEastNorthport.com Follow us on Instagram and facebook @djsclamshackeastnorthport for updates and our daily specials!!

@169307

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TakeAvaila o ut ble

PAGE B14 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 2020

M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

14 EAST BROADWAY | PORT JEFFERSON, NY 631.473.1117 | ECOLIN.COM

169290

C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S

DECEMBER 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B15

MOVIE REVIEW

Horoscopes of the week

Glenn Close and Amy Adams star in film adaptation of best-selling memoir by J.D. Vance. Photo courtesy of Netflix

Ron Howard directs A-list cast in Netflix's Hillbilly Elegy

REVIEWED BY JEFFREY SANZEL

In 2016, J.D. Vance published Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. In it Vance examined his family’s Appalachian roots and values and how they affected their lives in Middletown, Ohio.

He highlighted the contrast of loyalty and love of country with a history of violence and abuse. The book was an immediate but controversial bestseller.

So overwhelming was the response to his view on what were perceived as myths about poverty, the book Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy was brought out in 2019. This collection of essays criticizes Vance’s opinions and generalizations. Over the years, Vance has become a vocal social conservative.

Netflix now offers a film adaptation that basically eschews the more direct political elements of the autobiography and instead focuses on his struggle both as a teenager and a student at Yale. With an engaging if narrow screenplay by Vanessa Taylor and focused direction by Ron Howard, they have chosen to tell a personal story that will still raise many of the questions and complaints resulting from the book.

The film alternates between 1997 and 2011, with the teenage Vance struggling with his home situation and the older Vance working three jobs while attending Yale and attempting to land a summer internship

with a law firm in Washington. What ensues over the next two hours is the unwinding of his childhood history along with his present struggles as Vance returns home to once again deal with his volatile mother. In some ways, the film is a blending of the traditional coming-of-age story with the well-trodden dysfunctional family saga.

The film’s strength lies in its performances.

Gabriel Basso plays the older Vance with a mix of stoicism and vexation as he tries to navigate his familial responsibility while trying to go advanced his life and career.

He believably conveys the battle between past and future. Owen Asztalos, as the younger Vance, is the right mix of hope and disappointment. Both actors appear to be playing the same person which does not always happen in film.

Haley Bennett, as Vance’s sister, shows her love and commitment that is overwhelmed by a sense of weariness. Freida Pinto is fine with the rather unexplored and undeveloped Usha, Vance’s Yale girlfriend (and later wife).

But the film belongs to two compelling performances. Amy Adams is raw and fearless as Vance’s drug-addicted, mercurial mother, a nurse with both substance abuse and mental issues. She alternates between expressions of unconditional love and brutal physical and emotional attacks. It is unlike anything Adams has done prior, with truly visceral pain and rage. (If it all seems a

Many will take exception to ... the film’s ... point-of-view and its simplistic and dubious portrayal of the causes and results of poverty. bit too much, that responsibility should be attributed to Taylor and Howard.)

Glenn Close is a gifted actor with technical skills rivaled by very few (Meryl Streep, being one of them). Her performances are usually complete but sometimes there is a sense of the mechanics behind them. In this case, she has completely subsumed herself in the role of Vance’s grandmother.

She is unrecognizable as the calculating matriarch with an ugly history (that is only alluded to once) and a presence focused on her grandson’s survival and growth, most importantly through education. In this cold and disconnected woman, Close has found a strange warmth. In stillness and action, when she is on screen, the film is hers.

Many will take exception to Vance’s — and hence the film’s — point-of-view and its simplistic and dubious portrayal of the causes and results of poverty. This is a valid and legitimate concern. However, Hillbilly Elegy is worth watching for the performances of two great American actors.

Rated R, Hillbilly Elegy is currently streaming on Netflix.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, even if your ways of doing things have served you well, it may be time to revise your modus operandi to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, a quick call to a friend can easily turn into a lengthy conversation. There is much to say and catching up to do. Enjoy the time you have with this person.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you may feel a bit pressured to start something you really aren’t ready for. Take it slowly and think it through before you jump into the action.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You may be anxious to get moving with a new plan that you’ve hatched, Pisces. If you have all of the facts, move ahead.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, exciting news could be coming your way that could bring much joy into your life. It’s just what you need right now. Enjoy the ride in the coming days.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 People may be trying to convert you by telling you their thoughts and opinions, Taurus. You can listen, but follow your own mind with important decisions.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, before you try to prove your point to others, make sure you have all of the facts and proof to state your case; otherwise, sound thoughts may fall on deaf ears.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, be confident this week and do not take “no” for an answer. It can be easy to get thrown off course when others offer their views on how things should be done. Stand firm.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 You may be surprised how cutting edge your thinking can be, Leo. Put some effort into innovative ideas. Be a leader at work this week and welcome any new suggestions.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Let others know you will not be a pushover, Virgo.

Sometimes you cave to the pressures of others, especially when you feel the need to help out.

Focus on your needs this week.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, if you know you have something important to share or do, be bold and make your move.

Waiting for others to go first may cause you to miss an opportunity.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, sometimes you are so resolute in your thinking that you feel the need to get your ideas across to everyone. Do not make promises unless you can keep them.

PAGE B16 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 2020

FEATURE STORY

Theatre Three, Infant Jesus Parish team up for holiday food and toy drive Dec. 12

BY MELISSA ARNOLD

As the holiday season settles in, many people include giving to others in need as part of their annual traditions. Whether it’s food for a family struggling to make ends meet or toys for kids that might not get any gifts, sharing what we have is a big part of spreading holiday joy.

This year, more Long Islanders are facing financial difficulties than ever before thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the generous people stepping up to help is Brian Hoerger, a board member and Facilities Manager at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson.

Not long after the pandemic began, Hoerger, who was born and raised in the community, felt compelled to do whatever he could for his neighbors. He learned that local hospitals were searching for iPads and other devices to help connect patients with their family members who couldn’t be at their bedside.

“I donated an old one that I had at home, and then I thought it would be a good idea to see if I could raise a little extra money to donate a second one,” he said. “So I put something up on my Facebook and that first night I had $2000 come in.”

Linda May and Jeffrey Sanzel sort through donated items at Theatre Three's food drive in July.

Photo by Brian Hoerger

Ultimately, Hoerger’s friends helped him donate 15 iPads to St. Charles and Mather hospitals. He later called Stony Brook University Hospital to ask how he could help them, too. Their answer: Food.

“They told me that some of the staff members were really struggling and needed help getting food on the table. They were already doing their own food drives, but they

encouraged me to have one of my own,” he explained. “I put a table out in my driveway on my birthday, and people came by with all sorts of donations. It was a great way to celebrate, probably one of my best birthdays.

Everyone was so into it.”

At the urging of his friends, he held a second drive a few weeks later. The response was even greater than the first.

Theatre Three’s Executive Director Jeffrey Sanzel regularly brought bags of donations to Hoerger’s food drives, and it wasn’t long before the wheels started turning again. What if the food drives were run by the theater directly? “We certainly have more space and a large audience to draw on [at the theater],” Hoerger said. “And people could just drive up and drop off their donations in a safe, contactless way. It checked all the boxes.”

Sanzel jumped at the proposal. The theater has hosted five food drives since June with the last one of the year planned this Saturday.

“We thought it was a wonderful idea, especially given the times we're in,” he said.

“We've had volunteers from the Theatre Three family help set up and run the drives and have had many show up with donations.

We plan on continuing for as long as we can, even after we reopen.”

In addition to helping out the hospitals, Hoerger has been donating food to Infant Jesus Parish in Port Jefferson, whose Open Cupboard Food Pantry provides food and other emergency supplies to people in the area.

FOOD AND TOY DRIVE continued on page B17

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.

THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS ©163436

TROPICANA PURE PREMIUM ORANGE JUICE - $2.99 / 52 oz. varieties PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY (Corner of Boyle Road & Old Town Road) 631–928–4607 • buttercupdairy.com CALL AHEAD THE HOLIDAYS ARE APPROACHING FAST DELI ORDERS SAVE TIME WITH BUTTERCUP STILL Pre sliced cold cuts and pre made sandwiches AVAILABLE Check out our heat and eat dinner options

BREAKSTONE’S SOUR CREAM - $1.99 / 16 oz., pint varieties EXTRA LARGE EGGS - 2/$3/ dozen packs

SALES RUN 12/9 – 12/15

DECEMBER 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B17

COOKING COVE

Hanukkah cakes uphold tradition

BY BARBARA BELTRAMI

What better time than the holidays to bake? Usually we’re pressed for time, but this year because so many of us are homebound anyway, it’s a great opportunity to try some new recipes with traditional ingredients. I wish I had room here to give you eight recipes for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, but I’m afraid it will have to be only four. Instead of the Hanukkah jelly donuts called sufganiyot, how about an old-fashioned jelly roll? In keeping with holiday flavors, there’s a recipe here for honey-orange cake, one for a walnut torte and still another for a chocolate upside down cake.

They’re all keepers.

Old-Fashioned Jelly Roll

YIELD: Makes 6 servings INGREDIENTS: • Butter or Crisco for greasing • 1 cup sifted cake flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3 eggs • 1/4 cup cold water • 1 cup sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • confectioners’ sugar • 1 cup raspberry jelly or jam DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 425 F. Line a 10" x 15" sheet cake pan with waxed paper and grease. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Beat eggs until thick and lemon-colored. Beating well, add cold water and sugar. Gradually sift in dry ingredients; add vanilla and stir.

Turn batter onto prepared pan; bake 12 to 15 minutes, until tester inserted in center comes out clean. Place a clean linen towel on work surface and cover with waxed paper; sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar. Turn hot cake onto waxed paper and spread with jelly. Holding towel and waxed paper firmly with forefinger and thumb, lift and roll short end to opposite short end. Let cool, then unwrap and re-roll.

Serve with hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Orange-Honey Cake

YIELD: Makes 16 small squares or 8 large squares INGREDIENTS:

Ingredients for the cake:

• 1/2 cup solid shortening • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/2 cup honey • 1 egg • 1/2 cup grated orange zest • 2 cups flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 cup orange juice • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Stock photo

Old-Fashioned Jelly Roll

Ingredients for the sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice • 1/3 cup honey DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Generously grease a 9" square cake pan. Cream shortening and sugar gradually until light and fluffy; add honey and beat until smooth; beat in egg and orange zest.

Sift the dry ingredients together three times.

Combine orange juice and lemon zest, then add dry ingredient mixture alternately with orange juice and lemon zest to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with dry mixture. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan; bake 45 minutes to one hour until a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before removing from pan. Meanwhile make the sauce by blending the half cup orange juice with the third cup honey. Serve cake hot or warm with the sauce.

Walnut Torte

YIELD: Makes 10 servings INGREDIENTS: • 8 eggs, separated • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup sifted cake flour • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar • Pinch salt • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 3/4 cup ground walnuts DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 F. Beat egg yolks until thick and lemon-colored; gradually add sugar and continue beating. Add flour by sifting a small amount at a time and folding in until well blended. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites

until foamy; sift cream of tartar and salt over them and beat at high speed of mixer until stiff peaks form; add vanilla extract. Fold egg white mixture into egg yolk mixture. Fold in walnuts, then turn batter into a 10-inch tube pan which has been rinsed with cold water. Bake for about an hour and a half, until cake tester inserted in between inside and outside of ring comes out clean. Invert cake for one hour before removing from pan. Serve with whipped cream or chocolate sauce.

Chocolate Upside Down Cake

YIELD: Makes 6 to 8 servings INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup sifted flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 cup sugar • 6 tablespoons cocoa • 2 tablespoons shortening • 1/2 cup milk • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1/2 cup chopped almonds • 3/4 cup brown sugar • 1 3/4 cups hot water DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F; grease a 9" layer cake pan. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the cocoa. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; stir in milk, vanilla and nuts. Mix remaining cocoa with brown sugar and sprinkle over surface of cake. Pour hot water carefully over surface of batter; bake 40 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with milk, hot tea or coffee.

FOOD AND TOY DRIVE Continued from page B17

In the early days of the pandemic, Infant Jesus social ministry coordinator Vicki Rybak was working curbside, doing her best to meet the needs of pantry visitors without the usual volunteer support.

“Prior to the pandemic, I would see much less than 30 families in a typical week,” said Rybak, who has spent 17 years serving the community. “Back in the spring, when things were really bad, I was seeing 60 to 65 families a week. Everyone was just trying to get by. They weren’t working, assistance was running out, and bills still needed to be paid.”

While the pantry had the funds to help, purchasing limits at grocery stores made it difficult to stay stocked.

Hoerger used his connections to keep the donations coming.

As for what they need most right now, Rybak said that toiletries are always deeply appreciated by visitors.

“It’s about dignity — imagine what it would be like to go two weeks without washing your hair or not being able to brush your teeth with toothpaste, especially for kids and teens,” she added.

Rybak also hopes that volunteers might step up to help transport fresh produce and other products from farms whose excess inventory is sitting in storage, she said. “Fresh produce and dairy are like gold to us. It would be incredible if people could drive to the farms so that we can offer those items more frequently. Imagine what we could do if we had a few trucks delivering produce!”

This month, Theatre Three is also collecting unwrapped toys and gifts for ages 1 to 16. The toys will be given to children visiting the pantry.

This month’s Theatre Three Cares Holiday Food and Toy drive will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 (rain date Dec. 13) at Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson.

Donations will be collected behind the theater, on the building’s south side. Donors are welcome to remain in their vehicle if they’d like to make a contactless donation. For questions, call 631-938-6464.

The Infant Jesus Open Cupboard food pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon at 220 Hawkins St., Port Jefferson, behind the church. For information, please call 631-928-0447.

PAGE B18 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 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. 10 to Dec. 17, 2020

Smith Point Light Show

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. 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. The event runs through Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). 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.

Dec. 10

Saturday 12

Riverhead Holiday Light Show See Dec. 10 listing.

‘TIS THE SEASON

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum presents the holiday show Bright Lights through Dec. 20.

Women’s EXPO

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton continues tonight from 5 to 9 p.m., on Dec. 11 and 12 from 5 to 11 p.m. and Dec. 13 and 17 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 purchased online at www.riverheadlightshow.com or at the gate for $25. * All numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.

Stony Brook Christian Assembly, 400 Nicolls Road, East Setauket presents its annual drive through Live Nativity today and Dec. 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.

Northport Plays presents a virtual “Food for Thought: Theater Gives Back” festival event featuring four one-act plays about benevolence (The Volunteer, The Baker of Kos, Drawing the Line, and Margot’s Hope) starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Donations to L.I. Cares appreciated. The festival will be online through the holidays. Visit www.

NorthportPlays.com to register.

The spirit of the season has returned to Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook with its 3rd annual Garden of Lights, a community-build walk through light show today, Dec. 11, 14 to 18 and 21 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing required. Register by calling 585-5024.

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 at 5 p.m. and leave at 6 p.m. to go to The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills for the Grand Menorah Lighting at 6:45 p.m. Donuts and latkes will be served. Free. To register your car, visit TheChaiCenter.com/Parade or call 351-8672.

Drive Thru Live Nativity

Northport One-Act Plays

Garden of Lights

Car Menorah Parade

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.

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.

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/.

Friday 11

Riverhead Holiday Light Show See Dec. 10 listing.

Garden of Lights See Dec. 10 listing.

Artists in the Galleries

Meet the artists behind the artwork in the Long Island Biennial 2020 exhibition at Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington from 3:15 to 5 p.m. Artists Howie Pohl and Paul Farinacci will give insight into their work and answer visitor questions. Register for one of the following time slots: 3:15, 3:45 or 4:15 pm. Free with admission.

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. 12 and 13 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

Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt See Dec. 11 listing.

Drive Thru Live Nativity See. Dec. 11 listing.

Holiday Food and Toy Drive

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson hosts its final Food and Toy Drive of the year from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help those less fortunate for the holidays. Donations of food, personal care items and unwrapped toys and gifts for ages 1 to 16 will be collected in the back of the theater on the south side of the building. For further details, see page B16.

Second Saturdays Poetry

Join All Souls Church in Stony Brook for a virtual Second Saturdays poetry reading via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted

by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Barbara Southard, the featured poet will be George Wallace. An open reading will follow; all are welcome to read one of their own poems.

Participants can access the program by visiting www.allsouls-stonybrook.org. For more info, call 655-7798.

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 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B19

Superheros of the Sky

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents a special program, Superheros of the Sky, from 11 a.m. to noon.

Take a walking tour with Raptor Dan while he feeds our Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about our Bald Eagle, our Turkey Vultures, our owls, hawks and many more. Fee is $10 per adult, $5 children ages 11 and under. Register at www. sweetbriarnc.org. Questions? Call 979-6344.

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 and Dec. 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. 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 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.

Port Jeff Virtual Tree Lighting

The Village of Port Jefferson will present a virtual tree lighting with Santa in front of Village Hall at 4:30 p.m. View the event live at Inc Village of Port Jefferson Official. For more info, visit www.portjeff.com or call 473-4724.

Bright Lights

See Dec. 11 listing.

Electric Light Parade

The annual Three Village Electric Light Parade has been reimagined as a drive thru event at Ward Melville High School, 380 Old Town Road, Melville from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Holiday floats will light up the parking lot as spectators view them from the safety of their vehicles.

Come see a display of lights, holiday themes and Santa! Presented by the Rotary Club of Stony Brook. Free. Questions? Call 828-9031.

Monday 14 Garden of Lights See Dec. 10 listing.

Festival of Lights

Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 68 Hauppauge Road, Commack will host a holiday-themed “Festival of Lights” drive-thru light display on its campus today and Dec. 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The display will feature thousands of blue, gold and white lights arranged in a variety of scenes and include inflatable menorahs, dreidels and other holiday fun. The display is free of charge and no reservations are needed. Questions? Call 715-2563. See more on page B10.

‘Fiddler on the Roof’

Fathom Events and TCM Big Screen Classics present a special screening of “Fiddler on the Roof” (1971) at Island 16 Cinema De Lux in Holtsville and Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas at 6:15 p.m. A lavishly produced and critically acclaimed screen adaptation of the international stage sensation tells the life-affirming story of Tevye, a poor milkman whose love, pride and faith help him face the oppression of turn-of-the century czarist Russia. Rated G. To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.

Author Talk: Stories of Hope

Author Jeannie Moon discusses how themes of hope and second chances make a romance novel during the Comsewogue Public Library’s

Author Talk program at 7 p.m. Attendees have a chance to win a signed copy of Jeannie’s latest book, Christmas in Angel Harbor. Open to all. Free. Comsewogue Public Library. Visit www.cplib.org/a-online-programming/ for information on how to participate in this online program. Questions? Call 928-1212.

Author Talk

Join Book Revue in Huntington for a special evening with planet earth’s bestselling author James Patterson, and #1 New York times bestselling author and local legend, Nelson DeMille, as they discuss Patterson’s new releases, Deadly Cross and The Last Days of John Lennon, live on CrowdCast at 7 p.m. Free but registration is required at www.bookrevue.com.

Movie Trivia Night at CAC

Do you know a lot about movies? Well here’s your chance to prove it! Join the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington for a virtual Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Hosted by Dan French, the winning team will get up to four CAC Gift Cards (1 per team member) and bragging rights. Tickets are $10 per team, $7 members. Visit www.cinemaartscentre. org to register. Any questions please email Danlovestrivia@gmail.com.

Tuesday 15 Garden of Lights See Dec. 10 listing.

Festival of Lights See Dec. 14 listing.

Anything But Silent livestream

Join the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington for a free virtual screening of “The Eagle” (1925) starring Rudolph Valentino and featuring live piano accompaniment by Ben Model at 7 p.m. as part of its Anything But Silent series. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org to register.

Wednesday 16 Garden of Lights See Dec. 10 listing.

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson presents A Carol for This Christmas, a virtual performance adapted from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, accessible through the theater’s website and Facebook page on the Vimeo platform starting today. This new take on the holiday classic features six actors ( Jeffrey Sanzel, Andrew Lenahan, Michelle LaBozzetta, Linda May, Douglas J. Quattrock, and Steven Uihlein) playing the many roles in the holiday classic, filmed socially distanced, with actors both onstage and in the theater’s auditorium. As a gift to the Long Island community, the presentation will be offered for free. Donations to Theatre Three are greatly appreciated. Visit www.theatrethree.com.

Riverhead Holiday Light Show See Dec. 10 listing.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization presents the Holidays Secrets of Stony Brook Village Walking Tours today 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 B7.

Author Talk

Book Revue in Huntington presents an evening with journalist Claire McNear as she discusses her new book Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insiders Guide to Jeopardy! live on CrowdCast at 7 p.m. Free. Join the conversation by visiting www.bookrevue.com. Call 271-1442 for further details.

Thursday 17

Riverhead Holiday Light Show See Dec. 10 listing.

Garden of Lights See Dec. 10 listing.

Virtual Lunch and Learn

In lieu of its beloved annual Holiday Historic House Tour, the Huntington Historical Society will present a virtual Lunch & Learn program, Historic Holiday House Tours of Years Past, at noon. Enjoy highlights from the tour’s 15 year history. Enjoy your own lunch while exploring some of Huntington’s beautiful private homes all decked out for the holidays from the tour’s 15 year history. The event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Register at www. huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Atelier lecture

Join the Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James for a free online lecture by Egyptian artist/ art historian Ebrahim Ali from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Ali will be speaking about Egyptian sculptor, Mahmoud Mokhtar. Register for the lecture at www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.

Virtual Trivia Night

The Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor hosts a virtual Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Adults and kids are welcome to test their knowledge in winter-themed topics!

Questions range across all levels. Winner receives museum passes. Free to play. $5 suggested donation appreciated. Register at www. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

‘A Carol for This Christmas’

Sunday 13

Winter Wonderland Tours

‘Together We Can’ virtual screening

THE SECOND SPIRIT Andrew Lenahan stars as the Ghost of Christmas Present in Theatre Three’s virtual production of ‘A Carol for Christmas.’ The show premieres on Dec. 12. Photo by Eric J. Hughes

Mather Hospital caregivers provide powerful testimony of the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic in Together We Can, a short documentary film that will premiere at 7 p.m.

The film chronicles how 2020 events tried the resiliency and strength of hospital staff and how they came together — along with the community that supported Mather throughout the pandemic — in remarkable ways. To preview the film and learn more about this special project, go to www.matherhospital.org/ togetherwecan.

PAGE B20 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 2020

YOUR TURN

Is the story of Chanukah relevant in 2020?

BY RABBI MOTTI GROSSBAUM

As we kindle the Menorah’s lights, we pay tribute to the heroes of long ago. The courage of the Maccabees (the small band of Jewish fighters who led the revolt against the Syrian Greek religious oppressors) and their refusal to surrender in the face of terrible and overwhelming odds blazed a trail for the survival of the Jewish people and the freedom to practice our faith.

As the Chanukah story goes, the Maccabees came into the desecrated Holy Temple but they could not find any pure oil with which to light the menorah. All the oil had been defiled by the Greeks. Miraculously, they found one small jug of pure, holy, undefiled oil, enough to illuminate the temple for one night. But as we all know; a miracle took place. The tiny jug of oil lasted for 8 nights.

Friends — every single one of us is a candle. We all have a jug of oil deep inside, which is our divine soul — a spark of G-d. We may at times feel that our oil is defiled — we are uninspired. But deep down,

every one of us has a small jug of untouched pure oil that, when lit, can outshine any darkness inside and out.

So the question is asked, why is it that lighting candles is such a big part of Judaism?

Candles are lit by Jewish women every Friday at sunset for Shabbat, we light candles on every festival, and Chanukah is all about candles.

What is the connection between candles and spirituality?

Jewish tradition teaches that there is something about a flame that makes it more spiritual than physical. A physical substance, when spread, becomes thin. Spirituality, when spread, expands and grows.

When you use something physical, it is diminished. The more money you spend, the less you have; the more gasoline you use, the emptier your tank becomes; the more food you eat, the more you need to restock your pantry (and unfortunately, the heavier you become).

But spiritual things increase with use. If I use my wisdom to teach, the student learns, and I come out wiser for it; if I share my love with another,

I become more loving, not less. When you give a spiritual gift, the recipient gains, and you lose nothing. This is the spiritual property that candles share.

When you use one candle to light another, the original candle remains bright. Its light is not diminished by being shared; on the contrary, the two candles together enhance each other’s brightness and increase light.

We sometimes worry that we may stretch ourselves too thin. In matters of spirit, this is never the case. The more goodness we spread, the more goodness we have. By making a new friend you become a better friend to your old friends. By having another child you open a new corridor of love in your heart that your other children benefit from too. By teaching more students, you become wiser.

My spiritual mentor and teacher, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, taught us that when we kindle the Chanukah flames, we should “listen closely and carefully” to what the candles are telling us. And this is what they are saying: Keep lighting your candles. There is an endless supply

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

media. They need, no, they want, inspiration, a noble cause to live for, a moral purpose that frames their pursuits and interests with meaning and direction.

Like the flames of the menorah, with a desire to make an impact and illuminate, and an ever-persistent desire to reach higher, we too can do the same, and be a beacon of light to all.

Rabbi Motti Grossbaum is director of programming and development at Village Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning in East Setauket.

37th Annual Celebration of Hope AT CHRISTMAS & THE HOLIDAY SEASON MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2020 • 7:00-8:30 PM

Online Virtual Gala & Online Auction $75 per person Music by H.I.M.S & HER

Sponsorship Opportunities

$25,000 1 year residency at Little Portion Friary for one person in recovery

$15K SPONSORSHIP

$15,000 Medical expenses for 62 men of the Friary for 1 year $15,000 Automobile repairs for 13 agency vehicles for 1 year

Deadline December 10 - Leisure December 11 - News *December 3 (early) *December 10 (early)

$10K SPONSORSHIP

$10,000 Professional counseling for 15 clients for 6 months $10,000 1 year residency at Siena House (domestic violence recovery program)

$5K SPONSORSHIP $5,000

Call 631–751–7744

$5,000 ©169653

to reserve your space now

Peac e

Sponsors will receive recognition on the HHM & event websites $25K SPONSORSHIP

Due to the Holidays!

December 24 December 31

Rabbi Motti Grossbaum Photo courtesy of The Stony Brookside Bed & Bike Inn

HOPE HOUSE MINISTRIES

DECEMBER DISPLAY DEADLINE NOTICE Issue December 17

of light in your soul. You will never run out of goodness.

The Chanukah story happened so long ago – yet carries a timely message for us, even today.

Science has given us the greatest technologies and conveniences, yet it alone cannot free us from the moral and social challenges of our day. From gun violence and simmering racial tension, to corruption in politics, material pursuits alone do not lead to a happy and meaningful life.

Our children need a better diet than the value-system fed to them

by Hollywood, the internet and mass

One week of groceries for 62 men in recovery Electric, gas and water for the women of Siena House for 1 year

$3K SPONSORSHIP $3,000 $3,000

College tuition and books for 1 student per semester Covers costs for 1 family and children counselor for 1 month

$2,500K SPONSORSHIP $2,500 $2,500

Renovations and repairs for facilities for 1 month Automobile fuel bill for 13 agency vehicles for 1 month

$1K SPONSORSHIP $1,000 $1,000

Milk and dairy products for 62 men for 1 month Paper goods for Hope Academy at Little Portion Friary for 1 month

$500 SPONSORSHIP $500

Phone and internet expenses at Hope Academy for 1 month

For tickets go to www.hhm.org INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR? CALL 631-473-8796 OR EMAIL HHMTERRY@OPTONLINE.NET

©161582

DECEMBER 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B21

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

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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

To be listed in the Religious Directory please call 631–751–7663

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 Christmas Schedule 2020 RECONCILIATION Saturday, December 19 3-4:45 pm Monday, December 21 after the 8 am Mass 12 noon to 1:30 pm Tuesday, December 22 after 8 am Mass Wednesday, December 23 after 8 am Mass; 7 - 8 pm MASSES Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24 4 pm in the Church; 4:15 pm in the Parish Center 7 pm in the Church; 10:30 pm Carols in the Church 11 pm ‘Midnight Mass’ Christmas Day, Friday December 25 8 am in the Church; 9:30 am in the Church 10:30 am in the Parish Center 11:30 am in the Church New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31 5 pm in the Church Gentle Eve Mass 7 pm in the Church New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2021 8 am in the Church; 9:30 am in the Church 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 Christmas Services: Christmas Eve 12/24: 4 pm & 11 pm in Church Christmas Day 12/25: 8 am Virtual Service www.allsouls-stonybrook.org 9:30 am in Church 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

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 Please get connected by visiting www.3VC.org for more information and service times – 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.

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

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

Continued on next page •

PAGE B22 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 2020

Religious D irectory

Jewish

Lutheran–ELCA

Lutheran–LCMS

VILLAGE CHABAD

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND ANCHOR NURSERY SCHOOL

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

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)

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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

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

To be listed in the Religious Directory please call 631–751–7663

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 (social distancing & masks required) service is also broadcast on church FB page under “Missions and Activities” Christian Education Activities: Call 631-473-0147 Bible Study: Tuesday 2 pm via Zoom Holy Communion 1st Sunday of the Month Hot meals, groceries & clothing provided on a take out basis by Welcome Friends on Fridays 4-5:30 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 Advent Sunday Morning Services December 13 & 20 at 9:30 am-streamed from our website Longest Night Service: Monday, December 21 at 7:30 pm Christmas Eve, December 24 10:30 am-Informal interactive service with story & song for children via Zoom 3-4 pm-in person Blessing of the Animals-in SPC parking lot *7:30 pm-Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Service 11 pm-Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Service-in person outside in front of the church *Sunday, December 27 9:30 am-Lessons & Carols Service *Most services streamed online from website, Facebook and SPC App. For all program information visit our website Setauketpresbyterian.org 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

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

DECEMBER 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B23

SBU SPORTSWEEK DEC. 10 TO DEC. 16, 2020

TOMORROW IS FRIDAY – WEAR RED ON CAMPUS!

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Dingle named America East Player of the Week

Juan Felix Rodriguez, center, led Stony Brook in scoring on Friday against Fairfield. Photo by Andrew Theodorakis

Men’s hoops wins home opener vs. Fairfield in OT

After falling to host Saint Peter’s 82-68 in the season opener played in Jersey City on Dec. 1, the Stony Brook men’s basketball team worked overtime to secure a victory against Fairfield in the home opener at Island Federal Arena on Dec. 4.

Tykei Greene, a Manhattan transfer, tallied his first career double-double — including Stony Brook’s opening four points of the extra session — as the Seawolves posted a 72-69 victory.

“It felt like home already,” said Greene, who faced his second straight familiar MAAC opponent to open his Stony Brook career.

Fairfield (0-3) had possession up two points with 39.9 seconds remaining in regulation, but was unable to inbound the ball and was whistled for a five-second violation.

Juan Felix Rodriguez then pulled Stony Brook even at 62 with a driving layup at the other end.

Again, Stony Brook’s defense stood tall. And the Stags — unable to get off a shot — suffered a shotclock violation with 3.5 seconds remaining that gave the Seawolves the final possession of regulation.

Greene’s long-distance three-point heave at the buzzer narrowly came up short, though, and the teams headed to overtime.

Greene finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Rodriguez led the Seawolves with 21 points and also contributed five assists and five rebounds. “Our team has some toughness, and it starts with Tykei,” coach Geno Ford said.

Stony Brook had as much as a six-point lead in the final minute of overtime, but it remained a onepossession game for Fairfield in the final seconds. The Stags, down three, failed to get off a final shot before the buzzer, although they had attempted a layup anyway.

The game marked the return of Fairfield assistant coach Bryan Dougher, who ranks second on Stony Brook’s all-time scoring list during the Division I era. Dougher is a 2020 inductee into the Rita & Kurt Eppenstein Stony Brook Athletics Hall of Fame.

As was the case in the season opener at Saint Peter’s, Stony Brook had inopportune misses at the freethrow line, this time shooting 16for-33. However, the Seawolves reduced their turnover total, committing only 12. “The first game we were adjusting,” Rodriguez said. “During this game, we felt the offense was smoother.”

After trailing by as many as 10 points in the first half, Stony Brook took its first lead, 30-29, on Greene’s layup during the opening minute of the second half.

The lead ultimately swelled to six points on Frankie Policelli’s

‘The first game we were adjusting. During this game, we felt the offense was smoother.’

On the court, Asiah Dingle had a resounding debut for the Stony Brook women’s basketball team. And on Nov. 30, she was recognized as the first America East Player of the Week of the 2020-21 season.

Dingle, a transfer from Kent State, averaged 15.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game against Fordham and Syracuse to begin her Seawolves career. She started at point guard and scored a team-high 22 points on 10-for-15 Asiah Dingle shooting in her Stony Brook debut on Nov. 25 against Fordham.

After her Seawolves debut, Dingle learned her father Maurice “Mo” Dingle had passed away. Dingle elected to remain with her teammates through the Thanksgiving weekend and played on Sunday against No. 23 Syracuse. She then was escorted by head coach Caroline McCombs late Sunday to Boston to be with her family as they mourn.

“For Asiah to be able to stay here and play was something she wanted to do,” McCombs said. “She knows her team and coaches love her and were here for her. This is going to be something that doesn’t ever go away. She was as locked in and focused as anyone was, or could be, at this time.”

— JUAN FELIX RODRIGUEZ

layup with 14:12 remaining.

However, Fairfield retook the lead, 52-50, on a three-point play from Jalen Leach with 7:34 to go and the teams ultimately required the extra session to settle things.

“I thought we won it on the defensive end,” Ford said. “Our turnovers were a million times better.”

Stony Brook (1-1) returned to action Dec. 6 to face St. John’s at 2:30 p.m. at Carnesecca Arena (FS1). The team started strongly but the Red Storm ultimately surged back and won 89-66.

The Seawolves (1-2) went on to play the Hofstra Prides on Dec. 9 in the Battle of Long Island. Results were not available as of press time.

Seawolves Home Games

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Dec. 15 vs. Point Park Dec. 27 vs. UMass Lowell Dec. 28 vs. UMass Lowell Jan. 2 vs. UMBC Jan. 3 vs. UMBC

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Dec. 14 vs. Hofstra Dec. 19 vs. Binghamton Dec. 20 vs. Binghamton Jan. 9 vs. UAlbany Jan. 10 vs. UAlbany

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

4 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

*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 10, 2020

SHELTER PET OF THE WEEK MEET COOKIE!

This week's shelter pet is Cookie, a loving and happy 9-year-old pit bull mix. She adores every human she meets, can play for hours and gives the BEST snuggles.

Cookie is very healthy and athletic. She needs a big yard where she can play fetch with her family.

Sadly she has been in the shelter for over a year and doesn’t understand why she is overlooked time and time again. Do not be fooled by her age — Cookie has a young heart, mind and body and lives to please everyone she meets. She would be good with kids 8 and up, but must be the only pet in the home. She comes spayed, microchipped and is up to date on her vaccines.

If you are interested in meeting Cookie, 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, Smithtown.

KIDS KORNER Programs Tales for Tots

Children ages 3 to 5 are invited to join the Smithtown Library for a special themed storytime, Bedtime Stories!, filmed on location at the Smithtown Historical Society on Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. No registration required. This program will be available at www.facebook.com/SmithtownLibraryKids through Dec. 18. Questions? Call 360-2480.

Winter Craft Weekends

Every weekend in December, the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor invite children enjoy winter-inspired selfserve crafts in the museum workshop. Free with admission! Call 367-3418 for more info.

Vanderbilt Planetarium Show

Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

Shelter 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.

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum's Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure on Dec. 12 and 13 at 11 a.m. Elmo and Big Bird live in the United States and Hu Hu Zhu lives far away in China, but they discover that they see the same stars at night. For ages 2 to 8. Tickets, which include admission to the museum and access to the grounds, are $13 for children, $16 adults, $15 seniors. To order, visit www. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

H@H Kids

Coat drive underway in Smithtown

The Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington continues its “Heckscher at Home” virtual art activity series for kids with a Silhouetted Sunset Drawing on the museum’s YouTube channel on Dec. 12 at 10:15 a.m. inspired by artwork in the Museum’s collection, exhibitions, and from nature, the class is led by Museum Educators. For each project, an instructional video is accompanied by a materials lists, key terms, and discussion questions — all designed to build visual literacy and make learning at home fun and exciting! Questions? Call 380-3230.

Santa is coming to town!

Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

For several years, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta has been working with Smithtown based SMM Advertising and Retired Volunteer Services Programs (RSVP) to conduct a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who are in need of warm winter clothing.

They are collecting gently used or new coats, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and new socks for infants, children, teens and adult men and women.

“Due to COVID-19, many residents have lost their jobs or have had their hours

reduced. As people prepare for the winter and clean out their closets or plan to give a new coat as a gift, it is important for all of us to help our fellow neighbors who need warm coats by contributing to this drive,” said Leg. Trotta, pictured above.

Donations of coats and other outerwear may be dropped off at Legislator Trotta’s district office, located 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1, (Blue Door) in Smithtown, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The coat drive ends January 7, 2021. For more information, call 631-854-3900.

Bring your cameras and take a selfie with Santa and his elves at the Smithtown Historical Society's Roseneath Cottage, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown on Dec. 12, 13, 19 and 20 from noon to 3 p.m. $10 per family (5 person maximum). Purchase tickets at www. smithtownpac.org.

Cookieland heads to Port Jeff

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. 12 and 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The cookie kit includes 2 large sugar cookies with all the trimmings, icing and decorations.

TIME TO GET CREATIVE!

Cookieland at the Port Jefferson Village Center is officially open! Come decorate two large sugar cookies for the holidays on Dec. 12 or 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Photo by Julianne Mosher

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

Virtual Family Trivia Night

The Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor hosts a virtual Trivia Night on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Families are welcome to test their knowledge in winter-themed topics!

Questions range across all levels. Winner receives museum passes. Free to play. $5 suggested donation appreciated. Register at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Toys, Toys, Toys

Save the date! The Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor continues its virtual Fun Friday workshops with Toys, Toys, Toys! On Dec. 18 at 4:30 p.m. Thinking about toys this season? Find out what kids like you were playing with in the 1800s. Make a couple of whaling-era toys of your own at home! You’ll need a paper cup, string, aluminum foil, paper, and a paperclip. Free. Register at www. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Theater

‘’Twas the Night Before Xmas’

The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents an outdoor performance of Ken Ludwig’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Smithtown Historical Society’s Roseneath Cottage, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown on Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20 and 24 at 11 a.m. Join a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl on a quest to find out why Santa missed their house last year. A joyful tribute to the holiday season! Tickets are $18 per person. Masks are mandatory. Stay after for photo opportunities with Santa at his workshop for $7 per family (5 person maximum). For schedule and to order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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

DECEMBER 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B25

BOOK REVIEW

Duff Goldman’s Super Good Baking for Kids is a sweet intro to the kitchen

BY MELISSA ARNOLD

P

astry chef Duff Goldman has risen to become one of the titans of the baking world over the past 20 years.

His bakery, Charm City Cakes, has crafted incredible sweets for anything from a child’s first birthday to a presidential inauguration, and he’s a fixture on the Food Network. Since 2014, Goldman has judged the network’s Kids Baking Championship, gently encouraging the eager contestants with pro tips and a sense of humor.

This year, he released Super Good Baking for Kids (HarperCollins), an easy-to-read cookbook covering kitchen basics and unique, whimsical recipes for bakers of any skill level. Kids are encouraged to experiment and have fun in the kitchen as they whip up dessert pizzas and tacos, unicorn cupcakes, Boston creme donuts and much more.

The book is also full of helpful photos and interesting facts — a great addition to any kid’s (or adult’s!) holiday haul.

Goldman took some time to chat with TBR News Media recently about the book, his early food memories, and how parents can support their kids’ culinary adventures.

Lately, you’ve been working with kids a lot. Did your own interest in baking begin as a child?

Definitely, the interest began with cooking in general. My mom is a really good cook, my grandmother was a really good cook, and my great-grandmother was a baker. So I was always around it, and some of my earliest memories are food-related. Good food is really important to our family as a “thing,” not just as something that keeps you going.

It’s a part of who we are.

Why did you decide to write this book?

Well, I read cookbooks all the time, and I’ve been reading a lot of kids’ cookbooks recently. I found myself thinking, “You know, these are okay, but if I were 9 or 10 years old I probably wouldn’t be that satisfied.” So I wanted to write a book that I thought I would enjoy [at that age]. When I think about the things I like in a cookbook, I’m looking for lots of details and things to discover. A good cookbook for kids is about a lot more than using bubble letters and crazy colors. Kids love facts, lists, pictures. And that’s what I wanted to give them.

Have the kids ever taught you something new?

Oh, yeah! One of the girls on Kids Baking Championship made a cupcake that had a

graham cracker crust on the bottom, which I had never heard of before. I thought it was genius. So I decided to make a cookies-andcreme cupcake for this book that uses an Oreo crust because of what she taught me.

There’s also a recipe in there for rainbow brownies — my wife and I took a big road trip for our honeymoon, and we visited some of her family. I asked one of her cousins who was 8 or 9 years old what recipe she would want in a cookbook, and she immediately said she wanted rainbow brownies. I told her, “You can’t have rainbow brownies — brownies are brown!” She told me to figure it out! So I did.

How do you go about deciding which recipes go into a cookbook?

We made a list of things that I’ve made in the past that people really tend to like, or recipes that get a lot of questions. There are certain things people are always asking how to make, so a lot of the process was about answering those questions people wonder about.

Some of the recipes I’ve included because I see them as a bit aspirational — something they can work toward and tackle as they get better. For example, the Boston creme donut recipe in there is the exact donut recipe I use in my own kitchen. There’s nothing different about it — nothing is made easier or safer, and they’re still being deep-fried in oil.

But watching kids on Kids Baking Championship shows you a lot about what kids can do. They can make fried stuff.

They can use yeast. They can do it, as long as someone is there to help and make sure they work safely. The same can be said for working with knives when it’s appropriate — you can teach them that a knife is not a toy, that it’s sharp and it can hurt you.

Cooking can be dangerous, but it’s important to learn that you can do it safely if you treat it with respect. I wanted to include some of those lessons in the book as well and that we didn’t shy away from it, because I think sometimes people are excessively afraid. Just because there’s a risk involved doesn’t mean it should necessarily be avoided. I’m a big believer in giving kids a sense of accomplishment — it affects them in so many positive ways.

What are a couple of your favorite recipes in the book?

The brown butter blondies that are in there are one of my favorite things to eat, and they’re great to make for others because

Duff Goldman

they’re so good. The dessert pizza recipe was actually suggested by my editor — I don’t really like them; I always thought it was a dumb idea. But I was challenged to make a dessert pizza I would enjoy, so I asked myself what it would be like — brownie stuffed crust! Red velvet sauce!

Dessert imposters [desserts that are made to resemble other foods] are a really big thing on Kids Baking Championship. The kids really look forward to it, so I wanted to make sure I included that as well. I love tacos, so I gave a lot of thought to what ingredients you could use in a dessert that looks like a taco but is still delicious.

What would you say to a kid who wants to become a baker?

The first thing to know is that it takes practice. The first chocolate cake you ever bake might not come out so good. And that’s okay. But as you keep baking, you’ll get better and better. It’s a new experience every time — sometimes it works out great, and sometimes things come out terrible.

Even for me, when I make things today there’s always this feeling of excitement, like, “Oh boy, is this going to work out? I don’t know! Let’s see!”

What advice would you give a parent who is reluctant or nervous about letting their child cook or bake?

Honestly, truly — get over the fear!

Seriously. I’m not saying that you should just let your kid go alone into the kitchen and deep fry some donuts. Go and be a part of it, do it with them! Read the directions, Google some safety tips, talk about it together.

It doesn’t have to be scary. Some recipes or techniques can look intimidating just because you’ve never tried it before, and then you do it, and boom, you’ve gained a skill.

What age group is this book best for?

We’ve seen 9-year-olds come on Kids Baking Championship and totally school the other kids. So I don’t want to set an age requirement. And these recipes are legit — these aren’t little kid recipes where everything is a variation of a sugar cookie. You’re making donuts, puff pastry, pâte à choux — it’s all real pastry technique. I think the book is appropriate for any person, kid or adult, who shows interest and is willing to learn.

Super Good Baking for Kids is available at Book Revue in Huntington, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

PAGE B26 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 2020

KIDS TIMES

Color For A Cause 2021 COLORING TBR ARTIST

BOOK

#BankonLIArt

Look For Our Next Artist Coloring Book January 2021 Featuring Long Island Artists!

Nicolas 'Niko' Maldonado-Molina (standing in center) proudly shows off one the benches he built.

Eagle Scout Project unveiled at Gibbs Pond Park

Bank of America will display winning artwork in Long Island financial centers and donate to a nonprofit chosen by each winner!

On Nov. 4, local and state officials joined with family, friends, and the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce to unveil the Eagle Scout Project of Boy Scout Nicolas “Niko” Maldonado-Molina of Troop 566.

Niko chose to build two benches, one standard and one which is ADA accessible, for residents to utilize at the newly renovated playground at Gibbs Pond Park.

The project, created by hand, was designed to create inclusivity and hopefully inspire similar projects.

“Niko not only sought to build new benches for the playground area, he had the thoughtfulness of mind to create ADA accessible benches. This is a great new addition to Gibbs Pond Park and we are thrilled to be here today to unveil them as Nicholas Maldonado-Molina’s Eagle Scout Project for Troop 566," said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The ADA compliant, handicap accessible bench has a 34 inch gap in the center, allowing for a wheelchair user to easily

COLORIST Brianna Kim, 9, Stony Brook ‘A Feathered Friend’

by Cayla Rosenhagen

2020 WINNER

The Nature Conservancy Long Island

ARTIST Cayla Rosenhagen, Selden ‘A Feathered Friend’

Four Harbors Audubon Society

COLORIST Maria Montenegro, 84 Stony Brook ‘A Song of Spring’

by Kimberly Sanchez

2020 WINNER

Long Island Cares

Harbor Country Day School students give back

ARTIST Kimberly Sanchez, Melville ‘A Song of Spring’

Volunteers for Wildlife Inc.

Reserve Your 2021 Artist Coloring Book TODAY! Email rl@tbrnewsmedia.com

CALL 631–751–7744 TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA

185 Route 25A (P.O. Box 707), Setauket tbrnewsmedia.com

©169468

TBR NEWS MEDIA

maneuver it into the gap and sit next to others, instead of having to place it beside the bench.

“Only 4% of Scouts in the Scouting program achieve the Eagle rank before their 18th year, which is the deadline.

Reaching Eagle rank requires dedication, perseverance, and a very, very good work ethic. With the help of many people, I was able to complete this project. With over 50+ hours of collecting and recycling 10,000 bottles, we raised $500 so that we could build these cedar benches that belong to this park now," said Niko. "I thought it would be unique to do this as a way to give back to my community, and include a portion of people who might be overlooked. ” The benches at Gibbs Pond Park are one of several recent improvements made to the park. Other renovations include new landscaping, state-of-the-art LED sports lighting, turf resurfacing, reconditioning of the tennis and basketball courts, and new playground areas.

On Nov. 20, students from St. James’ Harbor Country Day School’s Student Council delivered more than 500 pieces of nonperishable food items to the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry. The food was collected through the school’s annual food drive organized and run by the school’s Student Council.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while there remained a significant need for donated food items, particularly for the upcoming holiday season, socialdistancing requirements limited the types of products that were requested by the Food Pantry. Nonetheless, through the

generosity of the Harbor community, the Student Council far exceeded their collection goal.

“We are grateful for the support Harbor Country Day School has given us for the past 19-plus years. We always look forward to seeing the children’s smiling faces as they take time out of their busy school day to visit us,” said Pat Westlake, Director of the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry.

“An integral member of our community for more than 60 years, Harbor is a perfect representation of the many wonderful ways we all rally together and lift each other up in times of need.”

DECEMBER 10, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B27

COVER STORY

The Ronkonkoma Gingerbread House: A Hidden Gem

I

BY JULIANNE MOSHER

t’s not located on Gumdrop Lane, but you can spot it on North Huron Street in Ronkonkoma.

On the right-hand side of the deadend street is a real-life gingerbread house. Adorned with nearly a thousand decorations across its front lawn, it’s like a miniature Disney World hidden in a Suffolk County suburb.

But although the property is not huge, it has drawn thousands of people each year, said Peter Tomasello, owner of the home .

“This is more of an amusement park,” he said. “We’re probably one of the only fully interactive displays in North America — it’s very unique, especially to Long Island.”

Tomasello’s love for Christmas began when he was a child. His grandmother would bring him to different houses around Long Island to look and admire their decorations.

“I was just blown away,” he said. “And I kind of wanted to be that house.”

So, from then on, he’d use his birthday and Christmas money to raid the stores selling discounted holiday decorations instead of buying games and G.I. Joes. He would decorate his childhood home every year on Shelter Road in Ronkonkoma before establishing his own place on the other side of town.

“I started to accumulate anything that I could at that point,” he said. “And then obviously, when I started to work and things like that, all bets were off. Now that I have my own house, it's pretty much just go-time.”

When he and his husband, Drew Jordan, purchased their home at 135 North Huron St., Tomasello said his one condition was that they’d buy a gingerbread house. Soon enough, he found this location, and with a little extra paint, it has maintained its name as the Ronkonkoma Gingerbread House ever since.

“I've just always loved Christmas,” he said. “I’ve always loved happiness, and I love making other people happy and just giving them a magical kind of experience.”

Before COVID-19, Tomasello said between 500 to 1,000 people would visit his house per night. However, due to new regulations, he’s monitoring how many people can come and go to appreciate the lights, music and dancing stations in a safe, socially-distanced, way.

He said that starting around July, people were messaging his home’s Facebook page asking him if the light shows were still on this year. Being a staple in the community and knowing that other holiday traditions were being cancelled, he knew they had to open it up.

With COVID, the couple implemented some new rules, like mask-wearing and a cap on the number of people on the property at one time. There is a hand sanitizing station (with peppermint-scented sanitizer) for people not wearing gloves or mittens, and some stations have been changed so there is less contact.

Compared to other heavily decorated homes, the Gingerbread House has a light show with 12 stations where, when a button is pressed, a show begins with animatronics of elves baking cupcakes, Santa Claus and his wife preparing gifts, and Nutcrackers — who crack jokes.

Penguins play ice hockey across from Comet, the talking reindeer who reminds those stopping by to maintain social distancing. Lucy, from the Peanuts gang, gives advice on one side of the lawn, while Elsa and Anna sing “Let it Go” for families and lights blink along with the music.

“Every item here has its own story,” explained Tomasello.

The Frozen scene is in memory of his close friend’s daughter, who passed away just before her third birthday, and who loved the movie. And that family is also the reason the couple accepts donations upon arrival, with funds going directly to the Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America (NSASA). The little girl’s brother is autistic.

“It was really devastating for us because he didn't even understand what was going on when his sister passed,” he said. “So that's

why we do the donation box for Above and below, scenes from the Ronkonkoma Gingerbread House. Photos by Julianne Mosher the Autism Society.”

See more photos online at www.tbrnewsmedia.com.

While every year the front lawn looks different with new or returning scenes, the Frozen stage always comes back to remember her.

“We’re always going to have it,” he said. “That's the heart of this place — being able to have the Frozen scenes.”

While they don’t charge for entry, the donations to NSASA are their way to give back.

“This is simply our philanthropy,” said Tomasello.

“This is our way of giving back to the community in general, and obviously making whatever donations people want to bring to go to a good cause.”

He said that while seeing the smiling faces of the kids is great, he loves seeing the reactions of the parents and grandparents.

“You’re always going to please the kids, they're always going to love it. But when you can make a 70-year-old feel like they're seven, that's cool … that’s really cool.”

The Gingerbread House, 135 N. Huron St., Ronkonkoma will be open daily through Jan. 1. Hours are Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

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PAGE B28 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 10, 2020

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