Arts & Lifestyles - December 15, 2022

Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

PORT JEFFERSON DERMATOLOGY

Provolone cheese has been enjoyed for decades by not only Italian-Americans, but the vast majority of the population. Regardless of whether it is imported from Italy (mainly from the south) or made domestically (mostly in Wisconsin), Provolone is enjoyed by itself or in a multitude of food recipes.

Peter A. Klein, MD • Adam J. Korzenko, MD

Brett M. Dolgin, DO • Wil D. Tutrone, MD

Renee Fruchter, MD • Vanita Srivastava, DO

BY BOB LIPINSKI

Auricchio is the best-known brand of Provolone on both sides of the Atlantic. Gennaro Auricchio founded the Auricchio Cheese Company in San Giuseppe Vesuviano, near Naples, Italy, in 1877. In 1979, Gennaro’s great-grandson, Errico Auricchio, moved his family to the United States, and they settled in Wisconsin for the abundance of topquality milk.

Provolone is classified in Italy as a pasta filata (plastic curd) cheese, which translates as “spun paste.” The curd is heated in hot whey, then kneaded or spun in long threads (similar to string cheese) until it is transformed into a soft and pliable ball suitable for shaping that can be hard or soft. Other examples are caciocavallo, mozzarella, and burrata.

Provolone, a cow’s milk cheese (once made from water buffalo milk), is light golden yellow in color, with a waxed exterior and creamy ivory interior. It is made in various shapes and sizes, including rectangular, ball, oval, round, wheels, and a giant salami (known as gigante). Depending on the age of the cheese, it is smooth to hard in texture with a mild to quite tangy and even sharp flavor.

Provolone is good for grating when hard. It is available in three styles — dolce (sweet)

with a sweet and delicate flavor, which is aged for two to three months; piccante (piquant), sharp and slightly salty, which is aged longer; and affumicato, which is smoked for one week, then aged for two months.

Provolone cheese is made in several of Italy’s regions. Some examples are:

Provolone del Monaco: A semi-hard, provolone cheese made in Campania, has a russet exterior and hazelnut color interior. It is cylinder-shaped with a pleasing, sweet, buttery flavor and a light, pleasant taste.

Provolone Lombardo: A provolone cheese made in the provinces of Brescia and Cremona in Lombardy.

Provolone Valpadana: A provolone aged several months, which is made in the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, TrentinoAldo Adige, and Veneto. It has a firm texture and mild aroma, which sharpens with age.

Provolone pairs well with many red and white wines, including reds: Dolcetto, Merlot, Primitivo, Valpolicella, Zinfandel; and whites: Orvieto, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Soave. It is also wonderful paired with a dry sherry wine.

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR bkjm@hotmail.com.

der•ma•tol•o•gist

Noun

A Doctor who is board-certified in Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery by the American Board of Dermatology. An expert in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair and nails. A physician specialist who has completed four years of medical school, one year of internship, and three or more years of residency training in Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. You deserve nothing less than a Doctor

who is board-certified in Dermatology.

NEWS AROUND TOWN

Holiday Train Display at Longwood

Looking for a fun holiday activity with the kids? Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road in Ridge, presents its annual Holiday Train display on Dec. 17 and 18 and Dec. 26 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in an "I Spy" game and try to find all the hidden items in the display. Free. Call 631-924-1820 for more info. See more events for children on page B30.

Grand Menorah Car Parade

Chabad of Mid-Suffolk, 318 Veterans Highway, Commack and The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills will hold a Grand Menorah Car Parade on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. Cars will line up at Chabad of MidSuffolk starting at 5 p.m. and end at The Chai Center with a Chanukah Celebration with a Grand Menorah Lighting at 7 p.m. Enjoy latkes, donuts, dreidels, chocolate gelt, music and more. To register for the parade and/or celebration, visit www.chabadmidsuffolk.com. Call 631-462-9800 for more information.

Chanukah Wonderland

Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington welcomes the Melville Chabad Center to celebrate Chanukah on Sunday, Dec. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bloomingdale's Court. All are welcome to celebrate and take part in dreidel painting, doughnut decorating, face painting, giant menorah lighting, Make Your Own Menorah activity, balloon designing, Chanukah Gelt, The Big Chanukah Story Book, Chanukah arts & crafts and more! Free. To RSVP, call 631-385-2424. See more Menorah Lightings on page B27.

Beach Cleanups this Weekend

New York Marine Rescue Center, a non profit organization that runs the only rescue and rehabilitation facility for seals and sea turtles in New York state, will host two beach cleanups this Sunday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Choose from FINS at Smith Point County Park, 1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley or Crab Meadow Beach, Waterview Street West, Fort Salonga. Come join them in their effort to eradicate marine debris from our local beaches and help save our wildlife! To register visit www.nymarinerescue.org or call 631-369-9840.

Holiday Pop-Up at the Reboli

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St.. Stony Brook will host a Holiday Pop-Up! Shop Local event on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find the perfect gift while shopping local. Meet artist Jessica Randall of Jessica Randall Jewelry Studios, Renee Fondacaro of Old Field Apothecary and Mireille Belajonas, Fine Art and Fine Crafts and enjoy the gallery's latest exhibition, Celebrate the Season, along with complimentary gift wrapping. For more information, call 631-7517707 or visit www.rebolicenter.org.

Library Chess Club

Did you know? Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Chess Club on Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join other chess enthusiasts to sharpen your skills and play a game or two. All skill levels welcome. Players must supply equipment. No registration necessary. For more information, call 631-928-1212.

Send your News Around Town events to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com

Photo from Longwood Estate

Isabella Rossellini to bring her one-woman show to CSHL in March

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

Amodel and actress, Isabella Rossellini has spent her life as a part of numerous stories. Nowadays, the 70-year old Rossellini, who has a home in Bellport, is eager to share the next chapter in her story-telling.

This time, Rossellini will bring her one-woman show “Darwin’s Smile,” which she originally wrote in French but will perform in English, to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's Grace Auditorium for a twoday run on Saturday and Sunday, March 4 and 5, 2023.

FEATURE STORY

Tapping into her love for animals, Rossellini plans to share her observations and insights about the nexus between her art as an actress and the science she studied and observed when she earned her Master’s Degree from Hunter College in animal behavior and conservation.

“What I would like to do is share my wonderment and stupor about information I learned” about animals, Rossellini said in a recent interview with Times Beacon Record News Media. “Science is notoriously difficult. The language is very enigmatic. Even to read Darwin is complicated. Once you get it, it’s really incredible.”

Indeed, Rossellini wrote the show as an extension of the 1872 book by Charles Darwin titled Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals , which was published 13 years after his famous On the Origin of Species .

Darwin studied a range of expressions from people all over the world and discovered that some of those expressions, such as smiling, responding to fear, or being disgusted, are the same regardless of the cultural background.

Darwin, Rossellini said, believed that evolution through natural selection shaped these expressions of emotion, the same way natural selection might affect a bone, the horns on a buck or the shape of a bird’s beak. The core of emotion across species appeals to her as an actress and as someone who appreciates and admires animals.

“Modeling is all about expression,” said Rossellini, who was the world’s highest paid model in 1982. “Yes, you have to be beautiful, and all this. What makes a good model is not so much beauty. People respond to emotion, rather than a beautiful nose or a beautiful mouth.”

As she did with her series of shorts called “Green Porno,” in which Rossellini dressed as creatures such as a praying mantis, shrimp, snails, spiders, and whales, among others, and described their mating, Rossellini uses humor to entertain and educate in “Darwin’s Smile.”

At one point, she dresses as a peacock with an attractive tail. Darwin, Rossellini said, found the brilliant colors of those feathers overwhelming, which gave him a headache.

Rossellini emerges from her peacock costume in another costume and sings a song, slowly, in French.

In her show, Rossellini uses her acting skills to convey emotions that use the same words. Repeating “I love you and I want to be with you all my life,” she shares that thought with rage, love and sadness, making it clear through her acting that humans derive meaning from a range of cues.

On a scientific level, Rossellini would like to challenge the idea that research into animals can’t include a recognition of their emotions. The science of behaviorism suggested that researchers shouldn’t

Rau/CSHL

“project any emotion into animals,” she said. Many scientists look, instead, directly at the behavior of animals.

“Darwin did not have that problem,” she said. He recognized that his dog was happy to see him and that a cat was angry.

As for the emotions she feels when she views her own acting performances, Rossellini suggested her experience mirrors that of many other actors and actresses. “It’s difficult to see oneself on screen in front of everybody,” she said. The mental image she has of herself sometimes conflicts with what she sees on screen.

“It’s very disturbing,” she said. “I don’t really like to watch my past work.”

The movies also create some melancholy for her, as they can evoke memories of her experiences during filming. She said the film “Blue Velvet” conjures thoughts of the time she and the cast, with whom she shared close friendships, worked together in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Sometimes she watches her movies twice. The first time, she adjusts to herself on screen. The second time, she follows the storyline and plot.

In terms of movies that came out this year, Rossellini said the film EO , which is about the life of a donkey who performs in a circus and then moves from one

challenging circumstance to another, “makes you feel for the farm animal.” She described the film, which was made in Poland by director Jerzy Skolimowski, as “kind of beautiful.”

As for her life, Rossellini, who is the daughter of famed director Roberto Rossellini and actress Ingrid Bergman, said her interest in animals started when she was around 14 and her father gave her the book King Solomon’s Ring by Konrad Lorenz.

When she read the book, she thought “this is what I want to be,” Rossellini said. Only later, after modeling and acting, both of which she continues to do, did she add ethology to the mix.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor will host a special performance of Darwin’s Smile at Grace Auditorium on March 4, with doors opening at 5 p.m. The show starts at 6 p.m., followed by a reception and Q&A with Rossellini led by Helen Hou, an assistant professor and neuroscientist at CSHL.

An encore performance (sans Q&A and reception) will be held March 5, with doors opening at 3 p.m. and showtime at 4 p.m. For tickets, visit www.cshl.edu. For further information, call 516-367-8800.

Isabella Rossellini ‘s new one woman show Darwin’s Smile reconciles two worlds that are often at the opposite ends: art and science.

Photo by © André

'What I would like to do is share my wonderment and stupor about information I learned [about animals].'

— ISABELLA ROSSELLINI

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Weight loss and Increased Energy

I lost 22 lbs. of fat and I am no longer obese. I could tell especially in the back that the fat had gone down. I could not go to the gym before coming to Dr. Dunaief because I just did not have the energy. Now, I go to the gym three times a week, plus I ride the bike and jump on a trampoline, so I’m exercising 7 days a week. I feel so much younger. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired!!!!!

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Female, age 70

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Osteoarthritis

Since eating a plant-based diet, my inflammation has gone down. My joints have improved to the point where I am able to play my new favorite sport- pickleball. I am feeling so much better since drinking your smoothie. This has helped me tremendously. I don’t take Tylenol for my arthritis anymore. This is great. I am very thankful I can stay away from the medications for arthritis.

Female, age 73

A simple prescription for physical and mental health

Walking improves bone health and brain volume

MEDICAL

COMPASS

HOROSCOPES OF THE WEEK

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, your to-do list might be growing longer, but tackle one thing at a time rather than getting overwhelmed. Reach out to a loved one for assistance.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Success is within reach, Capricorn. Do not be surprised if others are a bit jealous of your accomplishments and want to pull you down. Ignore the naysayers.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

You have a plan but others are not falling in line right now, Aquarius. It may take time before others come around to your way of thinking. Be a little more patient.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

BY DAVID DUNAIEF, MD

What does it take to get Americans off the sofa? We know that exercise is good for our longterm physical and mental health, but it’s still elusive for the majority of us. It’s just too tempting to let the next episode of our new favorite series autoplay or to answer those last 12 emails.

As kids, many of us tried to get out of gym class, and as adults, we “want” to exercise, but we “don’t have time.” I once heard that the couch is as bad as the worst deep-fried food. It perpetuates inactivity. Even sleeping burns more calories than sitting watching TV, for example.

I think part of the problem might be that we don’t know what type of exercise is best and how long and frequently to do it.

It’s a fine balance between work and play right now for you, Pisces. You’re tempted to forego all responsibilities, but that wouldn’t be smart.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Don’t fret, Aries. No news is good news while you’re waiting around to hear about something important. Give it a few more days and your waiting time will be over.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

If you are thinking about changing careers, you probably should wait until the holidays are over. No one’s mind is on the job these days, so waiting is the wiser move.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Walking

I have good news. There is an easy way to get tremendous benefit with very little time involved. You don’t need expensive equipment, and you don’t have to join a gym. You can sharpen your wits with your feet.

Jane Brody has written in The New York Times’ Science Times about Esther Tuttle. Esther was 99 years old, sharp as a tack and was independently mobile, with no aids needed. She continued to stay active by walking in the morning for 30 minutes and then walking again in the afternoon. The skeptic might say that this is a nice story, but its value is anecdotal at best.

Well, evidence-based medicine backs up her claim that walking is a rudimentary and simple way to get exercise that shows incredible benefits. One mile of walking a day will help keep the doctor away.

Walking has a powerful effect on preserving brain function and even growing certain areas of the brain (1). Walking between six and nine miles a week, or just one mile a day, reduced the risk of cognitive impairment over 13 years and actually increased the amount of gray matter tissue in the brain over nine years.

Participants who had an increase in brain tissue volume also had a substantially reduced risk of developing cognitive impairment. Interestingly, the parts of

the brain that grew included the hippocampus, involved with memory, and the frontal cortex, involved with shortterm memory and executive decision making. There were 299 participants who had a mean age of 78 and were dementia free at the start of the trial. Imagine if you started earlier?

In yet another study, moderate exercise reduced the risk of mild cognitive impairment with exercise begun in midto-late life (2).

Even better news is that, if you’re pressed for time or if you’re building up your stamina, you can split a mile into two halfmile increments. How long does it take you to walk a half-mile? You’ll be surprised at how much better you will feel — and how much sharper your thinking is.

This is a terrific strategy to get you off the couch or away from your computer. Set an alarm for specific points throughout the day and use that as a prompt to get up and walk, even if it’s only for 15 minutes. The miles will add up quickly. In addition to the mental acuity benefits, this may also help with your psychological health, giving you a mental break from endless Zoom calls and your eyes a break from endless screens.

METRO photo

If you ratchet up the exercise to running, a study showed that mood also improves, mollifying anger (3). The act of running actually increases your serotonin levels, a hormone that, when low, can make people agitated or angry. So, exercise may actually help you get your aggressions out.

Walking has other benefits as well. We’ve all heard about the importance of doing weight-bearing exercise to prevent osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. Sadly, if you don’t use them, bones weaken and break. Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that helps strengthen your joints, bones and muscles.

So, remember, use your feet to keep your mind sharp and yourself even-tempered. Activities like walking will help you keep a positive attitude, preserve your bones and help increase the plasticity of your brain.

References:

(1) Neurology Oct 2010, 75 (16) 1415-1422. (2) Arch Neurol. 2010;67(1):80-86. (3) J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2010 Apr;32(2):253-261.

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.

Consider all sides of a situation before you offer your opinion, Gemini. This way you have the facts and will not inadvertently alienate someone.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

When someone turns to you for help, you do not hesitate to do all that you can, Cancer. Just be sure you do not to overwork yourself. Take on only what you can manage.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

You’ve bitten off quite a lot lately, Leo. Fortunately, you have a good support system that can help you out when you need a helping hand. Rely on them as much as necessary.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Take a few days to sit back and rest and recharge. It will afford you an opportunity to plan for the future, as this may be a period of unrest for you.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You’ve been placed in a new role and you’re loving every minute of it, Libra. Enjoy the moments while they last. This may be what you’re meant to do.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you might want to take it easy and stick close to home for the time being. You need to regroup and focus anew.

Famous Birthdays:

Dec. 15 - Don Johnson (73); Dec. 18 - Brad Pitt (59); Dec.

18 - Steven Spielberg (76); Dec. 18 - Billie Eilish (21); Dec.

19 - Jake Gyllenhaul (42); Dec. 20 - Jonah Hill (39); Dec.

21 - Samuel L. Jackson (74); Dec. 21 - Jane Fonda (85); Dec 21 - Ray Romano (65); Dec. 22 - Ralph Fiennes (60)

is a rudimentary and simple way to get exercise that shows incredible benefits.

CLUES ACROSS

Hair, Loft & Brow Spa celebrates grand opening in Port Jefferson

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Hair, Loft & Brow Spa on Nov. 19. Located in the Danfords Hotel and Marina complex at 25 East Broadway, Port Jefferson, the new business is an extension of the Hair, Lash & Brow Loft and Bar located at 120 East Main Street in the village. A grand opening celebration folllowed, with catered food, champagne, music, raffles and giveaways.

This full-service spa offers an array of services which includes lash extensions, spa facials, massages, waxing, threading and semi-permanent makeup.

Along with offering spa services, the stylists are fully licensed through New York State to offer continuing education, including advanced training for beauticians through their HLB Academy. Their team at HLB Academy trains

hundreds of professional stylist in the areas of hair and lash extensions, microblading, semi-permanent makeup and micro-pigmentation.

Spa hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Satuday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday by appointment only. For more information, call 631-509-1349 or visit www.hairlashandbrow.com.

St. Catherine of Siena Hospital appoints new Chief Operating Officer

Randolph G. Howard, Jr., MHA, FACHE, has been named Chief Operating Officer at Catholic Health’s St. Catherine of Siena Hospital (SCSH). A retired army officer, Mr. Howard has 20 years of experience in healthcare administration.

In his new role, Mr. Howard will oversee SCSH’s daily hospital operational and administrative functions; design and implement business strategies; set comprehensive goals for performance and growth across all clinical services lines; and continue to ensure patient safety and patient satisfaction.

“We are very fortunate to have Mr. Howard part of St. Catherine’s senior leadership team,” said SCSH President James

O’Connor. “With extensive experience in hospital operations, system integration and facilities management, Mr. Howard has proven his steadfast leadership, strategic capital planning and keen decision-making skills in addressing various operational issues. As St. Catherine’s COO, Mr. Howard will further enhance our hospital’s mission in providing the highest quality of care to our patients.”

Prior to joining Catholic Health, the Centerport resident served as Northwell Health’s Senior Vice President, Corporate Facilities Services where he oversaw property management for 18 million square feet for all Northwell-affiliated hospitals, as well as over 800 non-hospital properties.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

King Kullen appoints new Director of Human Resources

King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc. has hired Carolann Maroney of Sound Beach as Director of Human Resources.

Maroney, a human resources veteran with decades of experience, is proficient in union and non-unionized environments. The announcement was made by King Kullen Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary Bernard P. Kennedy.

“We are very pleased to welcome Carolann and look forward to her many contributions to our human resources department and workforce,” said Kennedy.

“Carolann is a seasoned professional with a diverse background that includes employee relations, talent acquisition and management, benefits and compensation, strategic planning, safety programs, and leave management. I know everyone at King Kullen joins me in welcoming her and looks forward to meeting Carolann as she visits our stores to engage with our team and associates.”

Maroney comes to King Kullen from Clare Rose Beverage where she served as Human Resources Director.

Revival by Toast opens in Port Jeff

Restauranter Terry Scarlatos has teamed up with chef Scott Andriani to open Revival by Toast in Port Jefferson Village. Located in the former Toast Coffeehouse at 242 East Main Street, the new upscale restaurant will offer farm forward cuisine. "Inspired by the season and artisan's best, our progressive small plate and tasting menu style will be an ever evolving culinary adventure ... in an elegant, relaxed and natural atmosphere. Our goal is to introduce you to new flavors, foods and experiences. Together we hope to reawaken Long Island cuisine," said Scarlatos and Andriani in a press release. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. For more information, call 631480-8700.

Photo courtesy of PJCC

Carolann Maroney

Randolph G. Howard

From left, PJCC President Mary Jo Pipe with owner Nancy Piazza (holding scissors) surrounded by her team on Nov. 19. Photo courtesy of PJCC

Named ‘Conservation Warrior,’ SBU’s Patricia Wright seeks funds to save Madagascar wildlife

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

For only a short period of time, Patricia Wright was just a primatologist who studies the charming lemurs of Madagascar.

KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS

Now the Herrnstein Professor of Conservation Biology and Distinguished Service Professor at Stony Brook University, Wright first trekked to the island nation off the southwest coast of the African continent in 1986 to understand and study these unique primates.

Within a year, she realized she wouldn’t have much to observe and understand in a perilously short time if she didn’t also work to protect them, their habitat, and many other threatened and endangered animals and plants.

With the help of the government of Madagascar, Wright created a protected area known as Ranomafana National Park, which includes 41,500 hectares of space, keeping loggers, poachers and others from threatening to eradicate animals and plants that are unique to the country.

Between the original effort to create the national park and today, Wright has collected numerous honors and distinctions. She has won three Medals of Honor from the Malagasy government and become the first female recipient of the coveted Indianapolis Zoo Prize in 2014.

Recently, the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York named Wright its inaugural “Conservation Warrior,” providing her with a $20,000 prize in recognition for conservation work that has had a lasting, meaningful impact on species survival.

“Dr. Wright’s early years were spent in Rochester, New York and it is fitting that the inaugural

Conservation Warrior award be bestowed upon arguably the most influential conservationist to come out of the Finger Lakes region,” Pamela Reed Sanchez, President and CEO of the Seneca Park Zoo Society, explained in an email.

The newly anointed conservation warrior recently traveled to Montreal as a member of the Madagascar delegation at the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, or COP-15.

While she’s in Montreal, she plans to meet with conservation donors in an all-out effort to save wildlife on Madagascar, where almost all the reptiles and amphibians, half of its birds and all of its lemurs are only found on the island nation.

Wright hopes to raise $250 million for the country and $50 million for Centre ValBio (CVB), the research station she created in Ranomafana in 2003 and that employs 80 Malagasy staff. CVB has developed a conservation network around CVB that includes work with 75 villages.

Drew Fellman, who directed and wrote the Island of Lemurs documentary, encouraged donors to support Wright’s efforts. Wright and CVB are at the “front line of defense and anyone who cares [about] wildlife and endangered species should lend them a hand,” Fellman wrote in an email. He described how some species of lemurs are down to fewer than 10 individuals and “without conservation, there will be nothing left to research.”

In areas where conservation isn’t a priority, the region has lost habitat and biodiversity. In the northern areas of Madagascar, loggers and timber exporters reduced rainforest areas to grasslands, she said.

In the bigger picture, Wright said Madagascar needs funding

immediately as the country is “closer to the brink of extinction with so many more species.” Saving plants and animals in Madagascar extends beyond committing to the protection and stewardship of vulnerable creatures. It also could provide benefits for people.

“So many lemur species are close relatives [to humans] and contain genetic information” about Alzheimer’s, diabetes and other conditions, she said. Additionally, creatures like bamboo lemurs regularly eat large quantities of cyanide, which would kill humans. Understanding how they can tolerate such high quantities of cyanide could provide an antidote.

The forests in the national park, which might otherwise attract loggers, prevent erosion, silting and landslides, she explained.

The benefit of a research stations like CVB extend beyond gathering information and conducting experiments.

In a recent correspondence in Nature Communications, lead author Timothy Eppley, a postdoctoral fellow at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance along with three other scientists including Wright, argues that field research stations “are on the front line of biodiversity conservation, acting as no-take

zones that rewild surrounding ecosystems.”

In the correspondence, Eppley and his colleagues said that these stations are “invisible” in global environmental policy, despite their importance in conservation.

“Our point in the paper is that this has not been given any conservation attention,” said Wright. “Nobody is funding us for doing conservation” even though these sites are “conservation engines. We should be given recognition and more conservation money.”

Eppley, who leads SDZWA’s lemur conservation program, added that the Nature correspondence didn’t include any of the data the group collected.

While Eppley cautioned in an email sent from Madagascar that it’s difficult to generalize about conservation efforts at field stations, he said many have some conservation initiatives or projects, or that some element of their research includes a strong conservation component.

“Without the conservation piece, all other research will eventually disappear: we need the ecosystem and animals to exist in the first place,” he explained.

Eppley suggested that scientists often approach conservation initiatives that they can test on a

small scale and then, if they are effective, find the best way of scaling up those initiatives for entire protected areas, landscapes, countries or broader geographic regions.

As for the honor Wright received from the Seneca Park Zoo, Eppley believes such recognition dovetails with their recent correspondence piece in Nature Communications.

Wright “founded CVB and has been tirelessly building it into a globally recognized field research station,” he wrote.

Bringing international recognition to the work being done at CVB “highlights the overall importance of field research stations and why they need to be included in global environmental policy frameworks,” Eppley added.

ONLY ON THE WEB:

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Harnessing the Technology of our Research Giants

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

From left, Patricia Wright with Pamela Reed Sanchez, President and CEO of the Seneca Park Zoo Society with the Warrior Award, a depiction of a tree growing out of rock, designed and created by artists at the Corning Museum of Glass. Photo courtesy of Amanda Lindley

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

HOLIDAY WINDOW SHOPPING

Creativity is in full display in the Village of Port Jefferson as more than 20 businesses take part in a Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Shoppers can vote for their favorite window display at any of the participating businesses or scan the QR code on the flyer located outside the store. Participating businesses include The Amazing Olive, Breathe, Century 21 Icon, Curry Club Saghar, Fedora Lounge, Fetch Doggy Boutique, Fame and Rebel, Lavender and Co., Organically Connected Dispensary and Kombucha Tap Bar, Luna Nova, Pattern Finders, Port Jeff Salt Cave, Pasta Pasta, Pattern Finders, The Spice and Tea Exchange, SkinMed Spa, The SoapBox, Sue La La Couture, Tabu Boutique, Torte Jeff Pie Co., The East End Shirt Company, The Smokin' Gentleman and WILD Plant Shop. Winners will be announced in the first week of January, 2023. The festive event is sponsored by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, Port Jefferson BID and Port Jefferson Village. See more photos at www.tbrnewsmedia.com

Photos by Heidi Sutton

Resilience

BY JOHN L. TURNER

“There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew.”

—Marshall McLuhan, Canadian Philosopher and Media Expert

that has its roots in Setauket, where the Environmental Defense Fund, which led the charge, was born.

nitrogen oxide, ozone, and sulfur dioxide have decreased by more than 75%.

Another metric highlighting the improvement in air quality is reflected by the reduction in the number of “unhealthy air days” tracked in 35 major American cities. In 2001 there were 2,155 such days collectively in these cities; by 2019 the number had dropped to 466 (it has jumped up slightly in the last two years due to the numerous western wildfires).

And we can thank the federal Clean Water Act (passed in 1972 we celebrate its 50th anniversary this year), for marked improvements in the quality of the nation’s waters. Although more progress is needed, we have made great strides in meeting the Act’s goal to “restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Nation's waters,” or as its goal has been better understood to say: “to make the nation’s waters drinkable, swimmable, and fishable."

to the surface with an open mouth in the middle of a large school of fish. Aerial videos captured by drones show large fish in the form of various shark and tuna species swimming through these schools. Eagles and ospreys feed on menhaden as they move into bays, harbors, and the mouths of Long Island’s countless rivers and streams. The passage of an important state law has fueled a resurgence of marine life in the briny waters around the island.

Given the many environmental afflictions we currently face, what are the take away lessons from these examples? Some might conclude the lesson is a permission slip or a continued license to pollute since Nature often has the ability to restore itself, so what’s the harm? I prefer to think that the resiliency of Nature means, more profoundly, that we live in a world of second chances, that environmental problems need not be depressingly intractable and irreversible, but can be successfully ameliorated. In many cases, recent history has proven we can right environmental wrongs.

NATURE MATTERS

Walking through the backyard to add some coffee grounds and banana peels to the compost bin, I looked up to see, to my surprise, an adult Bald Eagle circling over a phalanx of maple trees. A splendid white head and tail shone brightly, sandwiching a massive dark body and wings. For each of the first several circles it became partially hidden by the maples halfway through its arc but soon broke out entirely into the sky of blue before slipping north.

I was uplifted by this chance experience, not only by the presence of the eagle itself, but for what the eagle represented — resilience. I knew full well that were I to have walked to the compost bin anytime from the 1960’s through the 1990’s I would have little to no chance of spotting an eagle because they were very few in number.

Hammered by the widespread use of DDT, a persistent pesticide once viewed as a miracle chemical, Bald Eagle populations plummeted from the late 1950’s through the late 1970’s. There was a real fear this bird of prey would be extirpated in the lower 48 states and perhaps disappear entirely — yet another extinct species in the sad legacy of human impact to other inhabitants of the planet.

Scientists soon determined that DDT interfered with the ability of eagles and other birds to make eggshells. In some cases they laid yolks with no shells at all; in most cases the shells were thinner, often cracking or breaking under the weight of the incubating adult. The species got a reprieve with the federal ban on the use of DDT by the Environmental Protection Agency, a campaign, by the way,

But half a century after DDT’s banning, we are witness to the result: Bald Eagle populations are surging, as evidenced by its 2007 demotion from the federal Endangered Species list. Today, there are more than a dozen active eagle nests on Long Island as this iconic species re-establishes its historic presence here. Other impacted species, like Peregrine Falcons and Ospreys also high on the food chain, have rebounded too and are more common than they were decades ago. As these species illustrate, bad environmental outcomes can be reversed (i.e. if they are reversible, unlike outcomes such as extinction).

The reversibility of environmental problems and the resilience of natural systems is highlighted by two well-known examples that helped usher in the modern environmental movement: The blanketing haze of air pollution that choked the residents of Los Angeles during the 1960’s and Ohio’s Cuyahoga River catching on fire (yes a river catching on fire!) in 1969, fueled by copious amounts of oil dumped into it. Today, the air is much cleaner over Los Angeles as is the water in the Cuyahoga River, although there is, no doubt, still room for improvement in both places.

With the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970, the nation began on a path toward markedly better air quality. Factories and incinerators were required to install pollution control equipment as were mobile sources like trucks and cars. Cars were equipped with catalytic converters which break down pollutants. Today, despite there being more stationary sources like factories and Americans driving considerably more miles and more vehicles on the road, concentrations of the top six pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic chemicals, carbon monoxide,

And these briny waters surrounding Long Island that we like to swim in and boat on are clearly cleaner than they were decades ago due to sustained governmental efforts catalyzed by the Clean Water Act. For example, if we jump to the Island’s North Shore and focus on the Long Island Sound we find water quality and overall environmental conditions have significantly improved since the 1980’s when collective intervention by the federal and state governments began to reverse downward trends in water quality. Foremost among these troubling signs were low to non-existent levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels (referred to as hypoxia and anoxia, respectively) suffocating bottomdwelling species such as crabs and lobsters. These conditions were caused by too much nitrogen entering the estuary, mostly from sewage treatment plant (STP) discharges. The nitrogen set off algae blooms, events which pull DO out of the water column when the algae decomposes. Today the duration and areal extent of hypoxic conditions in the Long Island Sound are markedly lower than several decades before because of the many operational upgrades made at STP’s that reduce nitrogen levels in wastewater.

An example of ecological recovery is being played out in the coastal waters around Long Island, most notably in the Atlantic Ocean along Long Island’s south shore. This story involves an oily fish — the menhaden — that a lot of other fishes, birds, and marine mammals like to eat. The fish, also known as bunker, has prospered ever since the state several years ago banned their commercial harvest in New York waters. Schools of fish ranging from tens of thousands to millions of fish frequent the nearshore waters of the South Shore (these schools are easily recorded from aerial drones and the videos posted on YouTube).

This largess has attracted humpback whales that are regularly seen close to shore, with their characteristic feeding behavior of breaking

What are the ingredients necessary to achieve success in turning around an environmental problem? I think a person or individuals persuasively spotlight a problem and others in a position of power or authority to do something about it.

People like Rachel Carson who revealed the dangers of widespread pesticide exposure to wildlife and EPA Administrator William Ruckelshaus in a position to do something about it through the national ban on the use of DDT. Or staff within organizations like The Nature Conservancy explaining the ecological value of menhaden in coastal ecosystems to key individuals like New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright who introduced and secured passage of the legislation to shut down the commercial harvest of menhaden in New York waters.

And here’s the really good news — the first ingredient of this formula lies even closer — in the latent power possessed by you and me, if we’re unwilling to accept a dying and unclean world, but, instead, demand a planet vibrant and alive, one filled with whales and menhaden, eagles, clean air and water, salamanders in woodland pools, bees in wildflower-filled meadows, and piping plovers sharing our beloved beaches, keeping all the while in the back of our mind a recognition from past experience the damage that has been done to this resilient planet and its inhabitants doesn’t have to be permanent — often it is in our power and ability to reverse it, and in fact, to paraphrase McLuhan: “it is our responsibility, all being part of the crew, to do so.”

A resident of Setauket, John Turner is conservation chair of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, author of “Exploring the Other Island: A Seasonal Nature Guide to Long Island” and president of Alula Birding & Natural History Tours.

Franklin the Bald Eagle at Sweetbriar Nature Center

Photo by John Davis

relaxation Gift

8 easy centerpiece ideas for the holiday table

The holiday season is a great time to make any home a bit more merry and bright. Most individuals let their personalities show through their home decor, and holiday decorating is just as personal as decorating throughout the rest of the year.

The main living areas of a home get the most decorating attention, with a Christmas tree or menorah taking a prominent position in the front window. Garlands, candles and other accoutrements also may dress up spaces. However, when it comes to holiday hosting, attention also should be given to the dining table — which can benefit from a festive centerpiece.

Premade centerpieces are undeniably attractive, but adding a homespun touch can be a fun creative pursuit and become a family tradition. Explore these eight simple ideas to dress up your holiday table.

Glass baubles: Who says ornaments should be exclusive to the tree? A crystal vase or glass cake stand with a lide can be transformed into a holiday delight when topped with multi-colored glass ornaments.

Frosted pine cones: Take advantage of a crisp winter’s day to venture into a forest or park that is rich with evergreen trees. Gather pine cones from the forest floor and, if possible, a few evergreen boughs. Give the pine cones a touch of winter whimsy with a little faux snow in a can or even white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table. Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests.

Holiday thanks: Cut many strips of paper roughly 6 inches in length from various colored pieces of paper to match the holiday theme. When guests arrive, ask them to write a favorite holiday memory or two, or what they’re thankful for. Twirl the paper strips around a pencil to curl them, and then place the curlicues into a decorative bowl in the center of the table. Later in the evening, the host or hostess can read some of the sentiments.

Magical forest: Use green and silver conical party hats to turn a table or sideboard into a veritable evergreen forest. Arrange them on a blanket of faux snow or white confetti.

Freshly cut: Select attractive flowers in vibrant holiday hues from a florist or even the supermarket floral section. Cut the stems and place them into an unusual display container, such as holiday themed mugs or a punch bowl.

Birch wood: The crisp white coloring of birch bark is right at home with holiday decor. Go stark with pieces of the cut wood in varying heights intermingled with white candles that mimic the shapes and scale of the wood.

Fruit and vegetables: If guests are coming over and the race is on for a fast centerpiece, look no further than the kitchen. Lemons, artichokes, pears, or pomegranates look festive in a bowl interspersed with some greenery and baby’s breath.

Cornucopia: The horn of plenty can be customized to any holiday. Purchase a horn in wicker or woven grapevine and fill with flowers, fruit and greenery, or even painted gourds or miniature pumpkins.

Holiday hosts and hostesses should not neglect the dining table when they decorate. Festive centerpieces can be handmade without much effort on the part of hosts.

When did holiday lights become so popular?

Holiday lights are now everywhere come the holiday season. Private homeowners tend to hang the holiday lights outside their homes around Thanksgiving weekend and keep them up through New Year’s Day.

Though it might seem like a tradition without a deep history, decorating a Christmas tree with electric lights can be traced all the way back to the nineteenth century.

In 1882, Edward Johnson, who was a friend and colleague of the man who invented light bulbs, Thomas Edison, replaced candles, which had traditionally been used to briefly light Christmas trees, with light bulbs.

But at the time of Johnson’s innovation, the high cost and relative infancy of light bulbs ensured the idea did not catch on. And though United

States President Grover Cleveland used electric lights to illuminate a Christmas tree in the White House in 1895, it would be another eight years before General Electric would begin selling Christmas light kits.

Those kits cost $12 in 1903, which equates to several hundred dollars today. The first outdoor Christmas light shows started to become popular in the 1920s, and this is the same time when commercial sales of Christmas lights picked up.

In the 1960s, GE’s decision to begin manufacturing Christmas lights overseas helped reduce the price of outdoor lights even further, thus paving the way for the tradition of decorating home exteriors with string lights during the holiday season to take a firm hold. And that tradition remains wildly popular today.

Classic family holiday movies to stream this season

arious traditions take center stage during the holiday season. One of those traditions may be sitting down and enjoying any of a number of timeless holiday movies. Film fans have their own ideas about the best films to watch during the holidays, but the following classic movies are some kids and adults can enjoy together.

1. It's A Wonderful Life (1946) In Frank Capra's iconic film, an angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. The film ranks #11 on the American Film Institute's original list of the 100 Greatest American Films of All Time.

2. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) The youngest of Santa Claus's reindeer, Rudolph uses his luminous red nose to lead the reindeer team and guide Santa's sleigh on Christmas Evein this iconic stop-motion animation film

3. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) It's Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration with the extended family. Things never run smoothly for Clark but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.

Hermes the elf and Rudolph in a scene from the classic 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.'

4. Home Alone (1990) Kevin! An eightyear-old troublemaker must protect his house from a pair of burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation.

5. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) This beloved beloved seasonal staple follows good ol' Charlie Brown as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

6. Elf (2003): As a youngster, Buddy was magically transported to the North Pole and raised by Santa’s elves. As an adult, he’s determined to find his real dad in New York City and find a way to fit in.

7. A Christmas Story (1983) Set in December 1940, the film is presented in a series of vignettes, with narration provided

by the adult Ralphie Parker reminiscing when he was nine years old in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana and wanted only one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle.

8. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) After a divorced New York mother hires a nice old man to play Santa Claus at Macy's, she is startled by his claim to be the genuine article.

9. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 & 2000) Based on the 1957 children's book of the same name by Dr. Seuss, the film tells the story of the Grinch, who tries to ruin Christmas for the townsfolk of Whoville below his mountain hideaway.

10. The Polar Express (2004): A young boy enjoys a magical adventure to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express train. He learns about the true spirit of the holidays and the value of bravery and friendship along the way.

11. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): Charles Dickens’ classic story about a bitter miser might be a little frightening for young children to enjoy in its more theatrical offerings. However, when the Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale, the story becomes much more

By

Jennifer B. Cona, Esq., Cona Elder Law

Simple ways to involve kids in holiday decorating

Millions of people across the globe feel that the holiday season is a magical time of year. Though those people come from all walks of life, it’s likely that no group is as taken by the unique spirit of the holiday season as much as children. Whether they’re looking forward to Santa’s arrival or preparing for a school holiday pageant, kids have much to be excited about come December. Parents can channel that enthusiasm by involving kids when decorating around the house this holiday season.

Make homemade ornaments. The options are limitless when making holiday ornaments with children. From simple ornaments made from pine cones picked up outside to more complex projects designed for children nearing adolescence, parents can look to the internet to find design ideas and directions for hundreds of ornaments.

Make some homemade garlands. Garlands are another great way for your kids to help with the Christmas decorations. And there are so many great ways your kids can make their own garlands! Make a classic popcorn garland by threading pieces of popcorn on a string while you watch your favorite Christmas movie.

Let them pick a new decoration.

When you’re out shopping for new Christmas decorations, give your kid a chance to pick a new piece of decor to add to your home. Let them look through the aisles to see what kind of decoration they

Me Elmo

It's easy for adults to experience a little nostalgia when holiday shopping for their children. The holiday season has long been considered a special time of year, and much of that magic can be traced to the joy kids feel when unwrapping gifts from mom, dad and, of course, Santa Claus. Many parents who now have youngsters at home grew up in the 1990s. When such moms and dads are shopping for holiday gifts this season, they might wonder what was the must-have item for them back when they anxiously awaited the arrival of Christmas morning?

According to Insider.com, who worked in conjunction with the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, 1996 was the year of "Tickle Me Elmo." This ticklish toy was the most sought-after item of the 1996 holiday seasons, and it was so popular that retailers experienced shortage and the Tyco toy became the hardest to find toy since the Cabbage Patch Kids craze in 1983.

Those shortages led to some surprising sales on the secondary market, with figures that will undoubtedly drop some jaws even now, a quarter century after the Tickle Me Elmo craze erupted.

Though the Tickle Me Elmo doll retailed for around $30 in 1996, some parents intent on getting their youngsters the most in-demand gift that year reportedly spent more than $1,500 on a single doll. To put that latter figure into perspective, data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates that the average price of a new car in 1996 was $18,525. And according to Yahoo! Finance, drivers in the market for a used car in 1996 could have purchased a 1986 four-door Oldsmobile for just over $2,600.

want to add to your existing décor. When they pick something out, ask them where they want it to go inside your home.

Let kids lead the way when decorating the tree. Families that celebrate Christmas can let kids lead the

way when decorating their Christmas tree. Kids are likely to spend the weeks leading up to Santa’s arrival gazing in awe at the tree, and knowing they decided where to place the various ornaments on it might make the season even more special for youngsters.

Take kids along when choosing lawn ornaments. It’s not safe to involve children when installing lighting displays, but kids will get a kick out of choosing inflatable lawn decorations and other items to place around the yard. Take kids along when buying new items and then seek their input when placing Frosty, Santa and his reindeer friends around the yard.

Include kids in culinary decor. Many celebrants cannot imagine a holiday season without gingerbread houses and cookies. These traditions provide another great opportunity to involve children in holiday decorating.

Set aside some time to make homemade gingerbread houses, which can be used as decorations before they’re ultimately eaten. Cookies may not have the shelf life of a typical gingerbread house, but kids can pitch in and decorate cookies prior to a holiday party or family meal.

Tyco's Tickle

was the hottest holiday toy 25 years ago

Holiday decor is as much about the sights and sounds as it is about the scents of the season. Few things evoke the holiday spirit as much as the aroma of fresh evergreen or spicy cinnamon and cloves. Incorporating inviting aromas into holiday decor can make homes feel even more special.

Filling a home with fragrant decor takes a little ingenuity and planning. Here are some ideas to incorporate the scents of the holiday season into your decor.

• Scented ornament sticks. An easy way to create a pine-like scent indoors is to select a real Christmas tree. Ask the tree farm which varieties are the most fragrant. If using an artificial tree, hang scented ornament sticks on the tree or fill a decorative basket with pine cones and evergreen boughs for that woodsy appeal.

• Experiment with scented candles. Scented candles can be found at various stores during the holiday season. Select among popular holiday aromas like pine, cinnamon, apples, and Christmas cookie varieties.

• Make holiday sachets. Some of the same ingredients for the holiday simmer can be dried and sewn into sachets. Add

ribbon and hang on real or artificial trees. Or tuck the pouches into various areas around the house.christm

• Utilize essential oils. Natural food stores and other retailers may sell essential oils, which can be diluted and sprayed on

surfaces or into the air. Exercise caution around upholstery, or test for staining before use.

• Spend more time in the kitchen. Add delicious scents to the home by way of freshly baked goods or holiday meals.

Nothing beats the smell of cookies right out of the oven, and the scents can linger for hours.

• Make beeswax ornaments. Add scented oils to melted beeswax and pour into molds. Hang these creations as ornaments on trees or in other areas of the home.

• Craft some 'gingerbread' ornaments. A mixture of cinnamon, applesauce and glue can be used to make ornaments or gift tags that resemble gingerbread cookies, and these ornaments have more staying power than actual cookies.

• Create a seasonal scented simmer. Take to the stove to make a homemade air infusion from ingredients in and around the house. Simmer pine branches, citrus peels, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and whatever else can be placed in a pot or slow cooker with water. The scents will permeate the house for hours if enough water is added to the mixture.

• Design a pretty pomander. Stud an orange with cloves. Cut off the top of the orange and hollow out a place for a small tea light. The warmth of the flame will produce more scent.

Rich and inviting aromas can fill a home with the holiday spirit.

Prolong the life of

Poinsettias and their rich red, white or variegated color schemes are the ideal backdrop for Christmas celebrations. In fact, poinsettias are among the most popular decorative flowers during the holiday season.

Indigenous to Central America, the plant was introduced to North America in the 1820s when Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, brought the red-and-green plant back with him from a trip abroad.

While millions of poinsettias will be purchased for the holiday season, many mistakenly think their utility ends once New Year’s Day has come and gone. But with proper care poinsettia plants can continue to thrive and bring warmth and beauty to a home long after the holiday decorations have been tucked away.

Choose a hearty plant

Experts with the University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science say that many people mistake the plant’s leaves for its flowers. The red, white or pink bracts are actually modified leaves. The flowers of the plant are the yellow clustered buds in the center called “cyathia.” Choose poinsettia plants that have buds which are, ideally, not yet open.

Keep the temperature consistent

Poinsettias prefer a room temperature between 60 and 68 F during the day and 10 degrees cooler at night. Humidity levels between 20 and 50 percent are ideal. Group plants on water-filled trays full of pebbles to help increase humidity levels.

Place near sunlight

The United Kingdom-based Perrywood floral company advises placing poinsettia

poinsettias

plants near a bright windowsill but not in direct sunlight. Do not let a poinsettia touch cold window panes.

Avoid drafts

The plants are sensitive to drafts and changes in temperature. So it’s best to keep poinsettias away from drafty doors, windows, radiators, or fireplaces.

Don’t drown the roots

Wait until the surface of the compost dries out before watering the plant anew. Also, the decorative foil wrapper that covers pots can trap water and lead to root rot. Remove it or poke holes in the bottom to allow for drainage.

Cut back plants

Come mid-March, cut back the plant by half to encourage new shoots, suggests the University of Illinois Extension. The plants also can be placed outside in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. Bring poinsettias back in around mid-September to early October to force them to bloom again.

Ongoing

Festival of Trees

Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2023 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Call 473-4778.

Thursday 15

Garden of Lights

The spirit of the season has returned to Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook with the Garden of Lights, a community-built walk-through light show for all ages tonight and Dec. 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Call 588-5024.

Book signing in East Northport

Barnes and Noble, 4000 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport hosts a book signing with Hilary Topper, three-time author, business owner, and now endurance athlete, at 7 p.m. Topper will discuss her latest book, From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete — A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete followed by a Q&A and book signing. Call 462-0208.

Friday 16

Garden of Lights

See Dec. 15 listing.

Holiday Light Spectacular

Brookhaven Town’s Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show, continues tonight and Dec. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m and Dec. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville. Walk through the winter wonderland of lighted, festive displays, before stopping to take a photos with Santa in his workshop. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www. brookhavenny.gov. All proceeds benefit the Holtsville Ecology Site. Call 451-5330.

Winter Lantern Festival

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown celebrates the holiday season with Suffolk County’s FIRST immersive Winter Lantern Festival tonight, Dec. 17 and 18 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 8, 2023. The walk-through holiday light show will feature lanterns and displays in the shape of flowers, mushrooms, farm animals, dinosaurs and many more, all handmade by artisans with decades of dedication to their craft. Tickets are $22 per person, $12 ages 3 to 12. To order, visit https://www.showclix.com/tickets/suffolkwinter-lantern-festival. Call 265-6768.

Times

... and dates

Dec. 15 to Dec. 22, 2022

REVISITING HISTORY

Third Friday at the Reboli Center

Join the Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St.. Stony Brook for an artist reception for its newest exhibit, Celebrate the Season, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments and music. Call 751-7707.

Holiday concert

St. John the Baptist Church, 1488 North Country Road, Wading River hosts a holiday concert by the North Shore Community Band at 7:30 p.m. Join them for musical comfort and joy. Selections will include your Christmas and Hanukkah favorites. Admission is free and enjoyment is guaranteed. Visit www.nscbli.org.

Saturday 17

Holiday Light Spectacular

See Dec. 16 listing.

Winter Lantern

See Dec. 16 listing.

country crafts and more. Free admission. Call 846-1459.

Holiday Walking Tours

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents Holiday Walking Tours today and Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Dec. 30 at 4:30 p.m. These educator-led tours through historic Cold Spring Harbor village will explore Victorian seasonal traditions in the 19th century. Participants will learn about how local homes and businesses celebrated holidays in December. Hot chocolate will be served inside the museum’s workshop at the start of the tour while participants arrive. The tour starts on the pavement outside of the museum. Tickets are $15 per person. Register at www. cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418.

Jazz Nativity Holiday Show

Festival

Selden Craft & Gift Fair

One of the country’s longest continuously running indoor craft fairs, the 39th annual Selden Craft & Gift Fair heads to Newfield High School, 145 Marshall Drive, Selden today and Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Over 200 exhibitors offer hand picked gift items including photography, textiles, soy candles, crafted jewelry, floral, organic soaps,

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will premiere a new holiday show called Jazz Nativity at 7 p.m. This candlelight nativity service will feature the Biblical Christmas story with a jazz tentet and Metropolitan Opera soprano Susanna Phillips. This performance, based on Wynton Marsalis’ arrangements of Christmas jazz classics, will include an impressive lineup of jazz artists teamed up with guest narrators. Tickets are $35, $30 seniors; $25 students, $20 for children at www.thejazzloft.org.

holidays

Frank Capra’s heart-warming masterpiece It’s A Wonderful Life celebrates its 75th anniversary this week and in commemoration, Turner Classic Movies, Paramount Pictures and Fathom Events are bringing the classic holiday film to over 1,000 select theaters nationwide on Sunday, Dec. 18 and Wednesday, Dec. 21. The story follows George Bailey (James Stewart) who sets aside his dreams of world travel to run his father’s small community bank and to protect the people of Bedford Falls from greedy businessman Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). When a costly mistake pushes George to the brink of despair, a visit from a kindly stranger (Henry Travers) shows George how the life of one good man can change the world forever.

Locally the film will be screened at Island Cinema De Lux in Holtsville on Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.; AMC Stony Brook 17 on Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.; Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas on Dec. 18 at 3:30 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.; and Regal UA Farmingdale at noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on both days. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www. fathomevents.com.

CALENDAR DEADLINE is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Email your information about community events to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com. Calendar listings are for not-for-profit organizations (nonsectarian, nonpartisan events) only, on a space-available basis. Please include a phone number that can be printed.

The Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor hosts two walking tours this weekend.

A scene from 'It's A Wonderful Life' Photo from Fathom Events

It's A Wonderful Life returns to the big screen for the

TIMES ... and dates

Continued from page B23

St. James Winter Walk

St. James Community Association invites the community to take part in a Holiday Winter Walk along Lake Avenue from Moriches Road to Woodlawn Ave. from 3 to 9 p.m. Enjoy Chorus Line performances, Santa at Celebrate Park, carriage rides, music by the Sts Philip and James Choir and Smithtown School District and more.

Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its third annual holiday event, Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season, tonight, Dec. 18 and Dec. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Thousands of warmwhite lights will create holiday magic inside and outside the Mansion and illuminate trees, wreaths, garlands, guest rooms, walkways, and the Vanderbilt Library. The event will include Candlelight Tours of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion, visits with Santa and friends in his workshop, a children’s scavenger hunt, and a 15-minute Holiday Laser show in the Reichert Planetarium. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children ages 12 and under at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Spotlight Dance Show

Fred Astaire Dance Studios will hold their annual Spotlight Dance Show at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown at 6 p.m. Titled "Peace Around the Earth," the show will deliver the importance of many global topics such as justice, racism, human rights, religion, fairness, equality, respect, freedom and peace. A huge part of the show is dedicated to the bravery of The People of Ukraine during the current Russian invasion. Tickets are $50 adults, $25 children with all proceeds to be donated to support the People of Ukraine in need due to the Russian invasion. To purchase, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Tricycle Holiday Show

First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson hosts a special holiday concert by the Tricycle Trio — Andie, Andrew and Cole Fortier — at 7:30 p.m. Join them for a night of music, love, family and friends. Presented by the Greater Port Jeff-North Brookhaven Arts Council. Tickets are $25, $10 students in advance only at www.gpjac.org.

Chamber Music Concert

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents a chamber concert at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a live performance by a string quartet under the stars of the Reichert Planetarium. Talented musicians from Long Island Chamber Music will play a selection of pieces composed by Bach, Ravel, Sibelius, and more. Beautiful

panoramic views of the stars projected onto the 60-foot planetarium dome will complement the music. Tickets are $30 per person at www.vanderbiltmuseumm.org.

Sunday 18

Holiday Light Spectacular

See Dec. 16 listing.

Winter Lantern Festival

See Dec. 16 listing.

Selden Craft & Gift Fair

See Dec. 17 listing.

Holiday

Walking

See Dec. 17 listing.

appetizers, donuts and a latke bar. $25 per person. RSVP at www.thechaicenter.com. Call 351-8672 for more info.

Tuesday 20

No events listed for this day.

Wednesday 21

Tours

Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt

See Dec. 17 listing.

Huntington Winter Farmers Market

The John J. Flanagan Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts the Huntington Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March with over 40 vendors plus guest vendors. Visit www. longislandfarmersmarkets.com.

Winter FUNderland at the NHS

The holidays are here and the Northport Historical Museum, 215 Main St. Northport has been transformed into a Winter FUNderland starting at 1 p.m. with holiday craft stations by the Society's Education Committee, gingerbread house crafting with SweetArts, hot cocoa and cookies provided by The Northport Chamber of Commerce, reading of the Night Before Christmas by Northport Mayor Donna Koch, photos with Santa and more! For all ages. $5 per person. Register at www.northporthistorical.org.

Northport Walking Tour

Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for its final Parading Down Main Street walking tour of the year at 1:30 p.m. Tour guide Dan Sheehan makes the past come alive during this lively and informative walking tour of Northport’s historic Main Street business district. $7 per person. Register at www. northporthistorical.org.

Greenlawn Christmas Tree Lighting

The First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn invites the community to a Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Sing at 5 p.m. After the tree lighting, come inside and enjoy Christmas carols, cookies, hot chocolate, coffee and some surprises! Call 261-2150.

Monday 19

Chanukah Comedy Night

The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills hosts a Comedy Night at 7 p.m. Join them to celebrate Chanukah with comedian Gary Vider (of AGT fame). Enjoy an evening out with friends including Menorah lighting,

The Menorah and the Mentalist Chabad of Mid Suffolk, 318 Veterans Highway, Commack will host an adult Chanukah Social titled The Menorah & the Mentalist, at 7 p.m. with a live performance by Israeli Master Mentalist Eran Biderman, Menorah Lighting 4th candle, appetizers, drinks, sushi and fine wines. $36 per person. To register, visit www.chabadmidsuffolk.com/RSVP.

Hard Luck Café Concert

Long Island-based singer-songwriters Pete Mancini, Nico Padden, Rorie Kelly, and Delaney Hafener of The Belle Curves will share the bill and swap songs during the monthly Hard Luck Café series co-presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington, in the Cinema’s Sky Room from 7 to 10 p.m. An open mic precedes the concert. Tickets are $20 at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Thursday 22

Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt See Dec. 17 listing.

Live Nativity

One night only! Caroline Church of Brookhaven, One Dyke Road, Setauket will host a live nativity with animals at the Carriage Shed from 5 to 8 p.m. with hot beverages and Christmas carols. Free. All ages welcome. Call 941-4245 or visit www. carolinechurch.net.

Native American Drumming

All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host an evening of Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 to 8:45 p.m Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Call 655-7798.

Film

‘A Christmas Carol’

Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Movie at the Museum special screening of the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, (1951) starring Alastair Sim on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Refreshments and light fare will be served. Ages 21 and over only. $8 per person. Registration required by visiting www. northporthistorical.org.

'Meet

Me in St. Louis'

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Best of the Big Screen series with a screening of Meet Me in St. Louis on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary star Judy Garland. Beginning in the summer of 1903 and ending in the following spring, the film chronicles a very busy year in the lives of the Smith family amidst the excitement leading up to the 1904 World’s Fair. Tickets are $15. Visit www. cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart...” Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for its 38th annual production of A Christmas Carol in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. from Nov. 12 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www. theatrethree.com.

‘Nutcracker’

A perennial favorite, Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for five performances from Dec. 17 to 19. The cast will be led by guest artist, Max Lippman (Cavalier) and Seiskaya Ballet's award winning principal dancers Maya Butkevich, Vivian Ye and Madeleine Martufi plus returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Diana Atoian and Eva Pyrros. Tickets range from $34 to $40. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

‘A Christmas Story’

The John W. Engeman Theater presents A Christmas Story, The Musical from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. Based on the beloved movie, A Christmas Story, The Musical is the perfect holiday gift for the entire family!

Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

'Northport Nutcracker Ballet'

Northport Middle School, 11 Middleville Road Northport hosts the Posey Dance Company's production of the Northport Nutcracker Ballet on Dec 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. For ticket information, call 757-2700 or visit www. poseyschoolofdance.com.

Have an event you would like to share? Send your calendar listings to leisure@ tbrnewspapers.com

R eligious D irectory

Catholic

INFANTJESUS

ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH 110MyrtleAve.,PortJefferson631-473-0165 Fax631-331-8094 www.www.infantjesus.org

REVERENDGREGORYRANNAZZISI,

REV.FRANCISLASRADO& PASTOR,ASSOCIATES:

REV.ROLANDOTICLLASUCA

WeekendMasses: Saturdayat5pminthe 12pmintheChapel* WeeklyMasses: 6:50and9amintheChurch, Chapel10:00amand12:00pm Church7:30amand10:00am(Spanish) Sunday,December25th ChristmasDay Chapel4:15pmandMidnight Church4:00pm Saturday,December24th ChristmasEve ParishOutreach:631-331-6145

SpanishMasses: Sundayat8:45amand and11:30am(FamilyMass)intheChapel* andat8:30am,10am, am,10:30am,12pm,and5pmintheChurch Church,4:00pmintheChapel,*Sundayat7:30

Wednesdayat6pmintheChurch

atSt.CharlesHospital. *HeldattheInfantJesusChapel

ST.GERARDMAJELLA

ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH 300TerryvilleRoad,PortJeffersonStation 631-473-2900www.stgmajella.org

REV.GREGORYRANNAZZISI,PASTOR

WeekdayMass: 9am Sunday8am,10am&12pm Mass: Saturday5pm 8:00am,10:00am&12:00pm Sunday,December25th ChristmasDay 4:00pm Saturday,December24th ChristmasEve

Confessions: Saturday3:45pm-4:45pm

ThriftShop: Monday-Thursday10am-4pm OfficeHours: Monday-Thursday9am-4:30pm

BaptismandWedding arrangementscanbe andFriday10am-2pm.

madebycallingtheParishOffice.

ST.JAMESROMAN

CATHOLICCHURCH 429Rt.25A,Setauket Phone:631-941-4141Fax:631-751-6607

ParishOfficeemail:

SBUHOSPITALCHAPLAIN,INRESIDENCE REV.MIKES.EZEATU, ASSOCIATEPASTOR REV.ROBERTSCHECKENBACK, REV.ROBERTKUZNIK,PASTOR www.stjamessetauket.org parish@stjamessetauket.org

OfficeHours:Monday-Friday9amto4pm...

CHRISTMASSCHEDULE Saturday9am

RECONCILIATION

7:00pm-8:00pm afterthe8:00amMass Wednesday,December21st afterthe8:00amMass Tuesday,December20th 12Noonto2:00pm afterthe8:00amMass Monday,December19th 3:00tO4:45PM Saturday,December17th

CHRISTMASEVE MASSES

9:30amintheChurch 8:00amintheChurch Sunday,January1st NEWYEARSDAY 5:00pmintheChurch Saturday,December31st NEWYEARSEVE 11:30amintheChurch 10:30amintheParishCenter 9:30amintheChurch 8:00amintheChurch Sunday,December25th CHRISTMASDAY 11:00MidnightMass 10:30pmCarolsintheChurch 7:00pmintheChurch 4:15pmintheParishCenter 4:00pmintheChurch Saturday,December24th

Bereavement: 631-941-4141X341

FaithFormationOffice:631-941-4141X328

FoodPantryOpen ...Wednesdays12Noonto TBD opened2-3pmeverySundayclosed....reopening OurDailyBreadSundaySoupKitchen Outreach: 631-941-4141X313

2pmandSundays2pmto3pm

MissionStatement:We,theCatholiccommunityoftheThreeVillagearea,formedasthe

formedbytheGospel.Westrivetorespondto HolySpirit,nourishedbytheEucharistand fullnessoftheKingdomofGod,guidedbythe areapilgrimcommunityjourneyingtowardthe BodyofChristthroughthewatersofBaptism,

Jesusinvitation:tobefaithfulandfruitfuldisciples;tobeaGoodSamaritantoourneighborand

welcomingcommunity,respectfuloflifeinall Charity...sothatinJesusname,wemaybea andtobelivingwitnessofFaith,Hopeand enemy;tobestewardsofandforGod’screation

itsdiversities.

ST.LOUISDEMONTFORT

ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH 75NewYorkAvenue,SoundBeach Parishoffice:631-744-8566; fax631-744-8611

Parishwebsite:

ASSOCIATEPASTORREV.MSGR.DONALD PASTORREV.ALPHONSUSIGBOKWE, REV.MSGR.CHRISTOPHERJ.HELLER, www.stlouisdm.org

HANSON,INRESIDENCE

MissionStatement:Toproclaimthegoodnews Saturday:9amto1pm;ClosedonSunday Wednesday:9amto8pm;Friday:9amto4pm; OfficeHours:Mon.,Tues.,Thurs.:9amto5pm PARISHASSISTANTREV.HENRYVAS REV.FRANCISPIZZARELLI,S.M.M.,

ofJesusChrist’slovethroughouractiveinvolvementasaparishfamilyinworksof

familysituation.Nomatteryourpracticeoffaith. statusisintheCatholicChurch.Nomatteryour AREWELCOME!Nomatterwhatyourpresent Charity,Faith,Worship,JusticeandMercy.ALL

Nomatteryourpersonalhistory,ageorbackground.YOUareinvited,respectedandlovedat

ParishOutreach:Contact631-209-0325 ReligiousEducation:Contact631-744-9515 sixmonthsinadvanceofdesireddate. HolyMatrimony: ContactParishOfficeatleast AnointingoftheSick:byrequest. orbyappointment. Reconciliation:Saturday4-4:45pm PleasecontactParishOfficeforanappointment. Baptisms:MostSundaysat1:30pm. Sunday:7:30am;10:00am;12noon. WeekendMasses:SaturdayVigil:5pm MondaythroughFriday8:30amintheChapel WeekdayMasses: St.LouisdeMontfort.

Catholic Traditional Latin Mass

ST.MICHAELTHEARCHANGEL SOCIETYOFSAINTPIUSX 900HorseblockRoad,Farmingville 631-736-6515sspxlongisland.com SundayMasses at7amand9am

Pleaseconsultsspxlongisland.comforupdates

HolidaySchedule andcurrentmasstimes.

CandlelightSungMidnightMass Sun.Dec.25: Christmas: Sat.Dec.24: 8:00amLowMass

Christian 9:00amSungMass 7:00amLowMass Sun.Jan.1: OctaveDayofChristmas 9:00amSungMass (No7:00amMassonChristmasday)

ISLANDCHRISTIANCHURCH 400ElwoodRoad,EastNorthport IslandChristian.com 631-822-3000 PASTORCHRISTOPHERCOATS

Congregational 9AM+11AM Services live&onlineSundaymornings

MT.SINAICONGREGATIONAL UNITEDCHURCHOFCHRIST 233NorthCountryRoad,Mt.Sinai 631-473-1582 www.msucc.org

REV.DR.PHILIPHOBSON

tothepublic “Masksarenotrequired,butare

ChristmasDay willbepj’sandcocoa!Singing 9pmtraditionalcandlelightservice. ChristmasEve 5pmfamilyservice. Holidayschedule oneanother. strivetoliveoutChrist’smessagetolove Throughourworshipandbyouractionswe timethereafter,withRev.PhilHobson. onourYouTubechannelat10am, andany Wewillcontinuetoprovideour onlineservice suggested.”

Congregationalchurch.Allarewelcome.Please 10am-12:00pm,On December17th,Mt.Sinai GriefandtheHolidays”,workshop from adifferentkindofserviceat10AM. theCarolsandtellingthestory...

“Nomatterwhoyouareorwhereyouareon andstayincar andThursdayfrom2:30-4:30pm.Wearamask MiddleIsland,N.Y.OurhoursareWednesday helpthoseinneedat643MiddleCountryRoad, TheIslandHeartFoodPantry continuesto msucc@optonline.net. registerat631-473-1582or

GraceandPeace,Rev.Phil life’sjourney,youarewelcomehere.”

Episcopal

ALLSOULSEPISCOPALCHURCH Ourlittlehistoricchurchonthehillacrossfrom theStonyBrookDuckPond 61MainStreet,StonyBrook Visitourwebsitewww.allsoulsstonybrook.org

Sunday: 8amVirtualMorningPrayer orcall631-655-7798

Tuesday:8:00am Interdenominational 9:30HolyEucharistwithOrganMusic

Thursday:12noon InterdenominationalRosary MorningPrayer

CelebrateChristmaswithUs

ChristmasEve: 5pmService“JesusinManger”

9:30amHolyEucharistwithOrganandCarols ChristmasDay: 8amVirtualMorningPrayer 10:30pmCandlelitHolyEucharist (FamilyFriendly) andHolyCommunion

1DykeRoadontheVillageGreen,Setauket Website:www.carolinechurch.net email:office@carolinechurch.net

R eligious D irectory

Episcopal

CarolingatCarolineChurch,5:00pmChristmas

EveFamilyService

ChristmasEveServicew/Choir December24 8:00pm

ChristmasEveServiceVigil December24 10:00pm

December25 10:00am

ChristmasDayService

CHRISTEPISCOPALCHURCH

127BarnumAve.,PortJefferson 631-473-0273 email:ccoffice@christchurchportjeff.org www.christchurchportjeff.org

FATHERANTHONYDILORENZO: Churchofficehours:Tues.-Fri.9am-12pm

PRIESTINCHARGE

MASKSAREOPTIONAL.ABLESSED reservationbycallingthechurchoffice. 10:00Eucharistareaskedtopleasemakea Thoseattendinginpersonforeither5:00or and10:00amChristmasDayEucharist. 5:00pmChristmasEveEucharist Pleasejoinusforour

CHRISTMASTOALL.

yourjourneyoflifewewanttobepartofit. welcomingcommunity.Whereveryouarein andministry.WeatChristChurchareajoyful, tomakehisloveknowntoallthroughourlives togrowinourrelationshipwithJesusChristand ItisthemissionofthepeopleofChristChurch

ST.JOHN’SEPISCOPALCHURCH

“ToknowChristandtomakeHimknown” Rev.DuncanA.Burns,Rector Rev.JamesE.Reiss,Curate Rev.ClaireD.Mis,Deacon

OnMainSt.nexttothelibrary 12ProspectSt,Huntington(631)427-1752 &Artist-in-Residence AlexPryrodny,MusicDirector

10amHolyEucharistwithmusic ChristmasDay 10pmCandlelitEucharistwithincense 7pmCandlelitChoralEucharist 4pmFamilyHolyEucharistwithbeautifulmusic ChristmasEve 9:40am-SundaySchool 10:00amRiteIIHolyChoralEucharist 8:00amRiteIHolyEucharist SundayWorship

LongIslandGayMen’sChorus

ThriftShop stories&cheer. OurannualconcertofChristmassongs,carols, SingNoel!-Sunday,December18that7:30pm

12to3pmTuesdays,Thursdays&Saturdays

Facebook.com/stjohns1745 www.stjohns1745.org info@stjohns1745.org(631)427-1752

NORTHSHOREJEWISHCENTER 385OldTownRd., PortJeffersonStation 631-928-3737 www.northshorejewishcenter.org

RABBIAARONBENSON

CANTORDANIELKRAMER

EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR

MARCIEPLATKIN

PRINCIPALHEATHERWELKES

SisterhoodMen’s CallForTimes.TotShabbatFamilyServices DailyMorningAndEveningMinyan Services: FridayAt8Pm;SaturdayAt9:15am YOUTHDIRECTORJENSCHWARTZ

FoodPantryLectureSeriesJewishFilmSeries AdultBar/BatMitzvahJudaicaShop ClubSeniors’ClubYouthGroupContinuingEd

NSJCJEWISHLEARNINGCENTER

InnovativeCurriculumAnd RELIGIOUSSCHOOL

ProgrammingForChildrenAges5-13

ImagineASynagogueThatFeelsLikeHome!

ComeConnectWithUsOnYour

JewishJourney.MemberUnitedSynagogue

OfConservativeJudaism.

TEMPLEISAIAH(REFORM) 1404StonyBrookRoad,StonyBrook 631-751-8518www.tisbny.org AWarmAndCaring IntergenerationalCommunity

DedicatedToLearning,Prayer,SocialAction,

MemberUnionForReformJudaism andFriendship.

RABBIEMERITUSADAMD.FISHER RABBIEMERITUSSTEPHENA.KAROL RABBIPAULSIDLOFSKY, EDUCATIONALDIRECTOR CANTORINTERNKALIXJACOBSON RABBIPAULSIDLOFSKY

ReligiousSchoolMonthlyFamilyService servicesat10am allotherFridays7:30pmandSaturdayB’nai SabbathServices:1stFridayofthemonth6pm, MICHAELF.TRACHTENBERG CANTOREMERITUS

BrotherhoodBookClub-More AdultEducationSisterhood MonthlyTotShabbatYouthGroups

Lutheran-ELCA

HOPELUTHERANCHURCHAND ANCHORNURSERYSCHOOL 46DareRoad,Selden 631-732-2511 EmergencyNumber516-848-5386

DALENEWTON,VICAR REV.DR.RICHARDO.HILL,PASTOR Website:www.hopeluth.com Email:office@hopelutheran.com

Offeringstosupportourministrycanbemadeat amessageonthechurchansweringservice. a.m.-noonorbymakingarrangementsbyleaving food.Also,donationscanbemadefrom11 Thursdaysfrom12:30-2:30p.m.forpickingup OurFoodPantryisopentoeveryoneon website:www.hopeluth.com. Alinkforalltheseservicesisonthe

Inanyemergency,callthepastorat “ShareGod’sMission”page. churchservicesandthroughourwebsite’s

516-848-5386

ST.PAUL’SEVANGELICAL LUTHERANCHURCH 309PatchogueRoad PortJeffersonStation 631-473-2236

ServicesonSundaysareat8:30and10:30am at8:30and10:30am January1RegularServices serviceofHolyCommunion7:30pm December31NewYear’sEve liveandonfacebooklive Only1serviceat10:30amHolyCommunion FeastoftheNativity December25ChristmasDay CommunionandCandlelighting10:30pm TraditionalChristmasEveService withHoly Communion5:00pm CandlelightFamilyServicewithHoly December24-ChristmasEve SpecialChristmasServices facebook.com/stpaulselca www.StPaulsLCPJS.org pastor’scellphoneTextorvoice347-423-3623 e-mailpastorpauldowning@yahoo.com

Ifyouarenotvaccinatedandboostedplease fromMapleAvenue Parkinglotisbehindthechurch.Pleaseenter betweentheservices withAdultBibleStudybypastor eachweek

WelcomeFriends providesfreemealsinour FridayPrayerGroupat10:30liveandoverzoom WednesdayBibleStudy at9:30amoverzoom churchwebsitefrom8:30am Serviceisalsoavailableonfacebookliveatthe wearamask.

TuesdaysandThursdays parkinglotat1:00pmon

Lutheran-LCMS

MESSIAHLUTHERANCHURCH 465PondPath,EastSetauket 631-751-1775www.messiahny.org PASTORNILSNIEMEIER ASSOCIATEPASTORSTEVEUNGER

Jewish WednesdayAdventWorship at9:45am SundaySchool,Adult&YouthBibleStudy

ChristmasEveWorship at5:30pm&8pm at10amand6pm (Dec.21st)

MayGodkeepyousafeandshineHislightand tocallthechurchtospeaktothem. OurPastorsareavailableandyouarewelcome pleasecallus. Wearehereforyouandifyouareinneed, NewYear’sDayWorship at10am ChristmasDayWorship at10am (bothwithCandlelight)

Methodist loveuponyou

BETHELAFRICANMETHODIST EPISCOPALCHURCH

33ChristianAve/PO2117,E.Setauket 631-941-3581 REV.LISAWILLIAMSPASTOR

LectionaryReadingAndPrayer: AdultSundaySchool9:30Am SundayWorship: 10:30Am

6:30PM. PraiseChoirAndYouthChoir3rdAnd4thFri. GospelChoir: Tues.8Pm Wed.12Noon

SETAUKETUNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH 160MainStreet,Cornerof25Aand MainStreetEastSetauket631-941-4167

REV.STEVENKIM,PASTOR

HolyCommunion 1stSundayofMonth andlivestreamedonFacebook @www.setauketumc.org Servicesarestreamedonline Indoorat10am SundayWorshipService

MaryMarthaCircle(Women’sMinistry)

Presbyterian journey,you’rewelcomehere! Nomatterwhoyouareorwhereyouareonlife’s meetsevery2ndTuesdayeachmonthat1pm

FIRSTPRESBYTERIANCHURCH OFPORTJEFFERSON 107South/MainStreets631-473-0147 Weareanacceptingandcaringpeople whoinviteyou

SundayWorshipService-10am THEREV.DR.RICHARDGRAUGH Website:www.pjpres.org Email:office@pjpres.org toshareinthejourneyoffaithwithus

ChristmasEveCandlelightService 7pm

ChristianEducationActivities: “MissionsandActivities” alsobroadcastonchurchFBpageunder (Amaskrequiredsectionisavailable)serviceis

SundayMorningWorship 8:30am&11:00am

HolyCommunion1stSundayoftheMonth BibleStudy: Tuesday2pmviaZoom Call631-473-0147

On Sundays theservicesareat9and10:30a.m. 10:30am ChristmasDay 4:00pm,7:00pmand9:00pm takeoutbasisbyWelcomeFriends Hotmeals,groceries&clothingprovidedona

Menorah lightings on the North Shore

Happy Hanukkah! Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the following events:

Commack

Multiple synagogues in the area and the Suffolk Y JCC will sponsor a community menorah lighting event at the Commack Corner Shopping Center parking lot, southeast corner of Jericho Turnpike and Commack Road, in Commack on Monday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. There will be entertainment, live music, dreidels, chocolate gelt, latkes and giveaways. 631462-9800

Dix Hills

The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills will hold its annual outdoor grand menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Enjoy latkes, donuts, dreidels, chocolate gelt, music and more. RSVP by calling 631-351-8672.

Farmingville

Join the Town of Brookhaven for a menorah lighting at Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. followed by entertainment, hot latkes and donuts. 631-451-6100

Greenlawn

The Greenlawn Civic Association will host a Menorah lighting ceremony and Hanukkah celebration at Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn on Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. www. greenlawncivic.org

Huntington

Grand Menorah Lighting by Chabad of Huntington Village will host a Grand Menorah Lighting at the Huntington Village Winter Wonderland at Main Street and Wall Street on Monday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. with juggling and fire entertainment.

Kings Park

The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce will host a menorah lighting at Veterans Plaza, 1 Church St., Kings Park on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. Enjoy holiday music selections followed by Rabbi Abe as he retells the story of the meaning of Hanukkah. Gelt and dreidels for the kids. www.kingsparkli.com

Lake Ronkonkoma

Take part in a menorah lighting at Raynor Park, 174 Ronkonkoma Ave., Lake Ronkonkoma at Sunday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Hosted by the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce. 631-963-2796

Port Jefferson Station

The Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host its annual menorah lighting at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. Rabbi Aaron Benson of North

Shore Jewish Center will perform the blessings/prayer for the first night of Hanukkah. 631-821-1313.

St. James

The community is invited to the St. James menorah lighting ceremony at The Triangle, Route 25A and Lake Ave., St. James on Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. 631-584-8510

Setauket

Village Chabad, 360 Nicolls Road, East Setauket will host a Grand Menorah Lighting and

Chocolate Gelt Drop on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. with latkes, douts, music, a fire juggling show and more. $5 per person in advance at MyVillageChabad.com/NightOne, $10 at the door. 631-585-0521

Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown will hold its annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Town Hall, 99 West Main St., Smithtown on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. with music, latkes, donuts and a special gelt drop. 631-360-7512

Children’sService at4:30PM,7:30PM&11:00PM ChristmasEveServices Visitwww.setauketpresbyterian.org

BlessingoftheAnimals Dec.24at10:30PM

WebelieveALLarecreatedinthe Matthew25congregation WeareaCovenantNetwork,MoreLight& Dec.24at2:30PM

Quaker

QUAKERRELIGIOUSSOCIETY OFFRIENDS

ConscienceBayMeeting 4FriendsWay,St.James11780 631-928-2768www.consciencebayquakers.org

andstewardship.In-personworshipblendedwith simplicity,peace,integrity,community,equality We’reguidedbytheQuakertestimoniesof InnerLight/Spirit. WegatherinsilentworshipseekingGod,/the

virtualworship. Monthlydiscussions,Sept.June. Religiouseducationforchildren.

Seeourwebsite. Sept.-June,11a.m.;Allarewelcome.

Unitarian

Aspiritualhomeforindividuals,couples,and minister@uufsb.org

familiesofdiversereligiousandsocialbackgrounds.

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'Tis the season for gingerbread cookies

BY HEIDI SUTTON

Tradition plays a big role during the holiday season. Food is at the center of many families’ traditions, which may include big family dinners and Sunday brunches together. Holiday baking sessions also hold a sacred spot in many households. Such sessions are a great opportunity for adults and children to have some fun in the kitchen and create some tasty treats the whole family can enjoy.

Baked goods devotees may find it hard to imagine the holidays without gingerbread, and this recipe for “Soft Glazed Gingerbread” from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s Tartine cookbook (Chronicle Books) can ensure the whole family enjoys this holiday season staple.

Soft Glazed Gingerbread

YIELD: Makes 12 to 20 cookies

INGREDIENTS:

Dough

• 3 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• 4 teaspoons ground ginger

• 11⁄2 teaspoons ground cloves

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 11⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 3⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1⁄2 cup dark molasses

• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

• 2 tablespoons water

DIRECTIONS:

To make the dough, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar and mix on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and soft. Add the egg and mix well.

Add the molasses and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl and all the ingredients are well

incorporated. Remove the dough from the bowl, flatten it on a large piece of plastic wrap into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, cover the dough with the plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper on a nonstick liner. Unwrap the dough and place on a floured work surface. Roll out the dough 1⁄3-inch thick, lightly dust the top with flour, press your cookie molds over the dough, and then cut out the shapes with a small knife and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Bake the cookies until lightly golden along the sides but still soft to the touch in the centers, 7 to 15 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of the individual cookies, or if you have made a single large patterned piece that will be cut after baking.

While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and water until smooth.

When the cookies are ready, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, while the cookies are still warm, using

even strokes, brush a light coat of glaze on the top of each cookie, evenly covering it. Let the cookies cool completely. When the glaze dries, it should leave a shiny, opaque finish. The cookies will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for about 2 weeks. Do not freeze.

Ina Garten’s new cookbook is an exploration of stress-free cooking

REVIEWED BY JEFFREY SANZEL

“I love you, come for dinner! Isn’t that invitation we all want to hear? It promises an evening of good food, warm conversations, and the chance to share our lives with family and close friends.” The wonderful Ina Garten, best known as The Barefoot Contessa, opens her excellent new cookbook, Go-To Dinners (Penguin Random House/Clarkson Potter), with this call to celebration. Leading with community, she addresses the power of connection that meals bring.

BOOK REVIEW

Garten’s most accessible work to date, the book offers seventy-eight detailed and plainly articulated recipes: “Make ahead, freeze ahead, prep ahead, easy, assembled.”

Since 2002, Garten has hosted the popular cooking show, Barefoot Contessa. Food Network’s longest-running show features Garten preparing a range of meals. Go-To Dinners marks her thirteenth book. Others include Barefoot Contessa Foolproof, Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That?, Barefoot Contessa Parties, etc. Her last book, Modern Comfort Food (reviewed in this paper in November 2020), was a welcomed addition at a time when “comfort” was truly needed.

Go-To Dinners is just that. As with Modern Comfort Food, Garten acknowledges the desire for ease in challenging times. Specifically, she embraces the need for the occasional modest approach. “When I planned a party before the pandemic, it was always a multicourse extravaganza. But then the pandemic happened and everything seemed like so much work. I started making simple dinners for [my husband] Jeffrey and me. I often made a lighter, easier, all-in-one dinner.”

In addition, the experiences of the last two years changed her point of view on leftovers — something she had previously disliked — repurposing one dinner into the next. “… I tried to think of new ways to be creative with what I had on hand. It became like a game to see how many different meals I could get out of the dinners I was cooking!” Throughout, she even suggests various “two-fers” (such as putting the leftover Mussels with Saffron Cream into the One-Pot Oven Risotto).

She smartly breaks the book into six sections: drinks and apps; breakfast for dinner; light dinners (the largest chapter);

family dinners; vegetables and sides; and desserts. Nothing seems overly complicated, and the directions, as always, are clear. “And just because a recipe is easy to make, it shouldn’t skimp on flavor or style.”

There are one-pot meals (as mentioned above) and others that take fewer than a quarter of an hour to cook. Some are supplemented with store-bought items, such as a pie crust that works better for a particular recipe. In addition, she has suggestions for boards made of purchased food (shown in inviting arrangements).

Garten proposes clever insights. The trick to pulling off cocktails is to prepare them ahead of time in a large pitcher; this provides more time with guests. Often, she updates classics (as with Creamy Hummus and Easy Oysters Rockefeller). Breakfast for dinner is the perfect answer to the love for breakfast food but acknowledging that mornings present time constraints. From the relatively

simple Overnight Irish Oatmeal to the more demanding English Cream Scones, there is something for every level of cook.

Garten writes with ease and frankness. She is self-revelatory that she did not grow up loving family meals, which were grim, anxious affairs. Her passion for parties and dinners came later. Now, dinnertime marks the welcome end of the day, a time to relax and engage, an opportunity to be home. She draws on a skiing metaphor, encouraging risk-taking. “… avoiding failure means we miss out on the thrill of accomplishing something new”— whether on the slopes or in the kitchen. She also is not lacking in a sense of humor: witness the aptly named Eggs in Purgatory, with the eggs floating in a red sauce.

Of course, the proof is in the eating. My good friend, Doug, kindly made the Lemon Linguine with Zucchini and Basil, a highly recommended dish. He reported that the dish came together easily. His plans include tackling

the Oven-Roasted Southern Shrimp Boil; the Summer Skillet with Clams, Sausage, and Corn; and the Creamy Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme. He also has his eye on SlowRoasted Tomatoes with Fennel, Parmesan Polenta; and Panettone Bread Pudding.

Enhancing Go-To Dinners are dozens of vivid and elegant photos from the sure and artistic eye of Quentin Bacon (who also provided the visuals for Modern Comfort Food).

“Restaurant food is wonderful but there is something soul-satisfying about making and eating a real home-cooked dinner right at your own kitchen table.” Ultimately, Ina Garten’s Go-To Dinners is an exploration of stress-free cooking with dozens of creative, tasty options to be easily prepared, shared, and enjoyed.

Go-To Dinners is available at www. penguinrandomhouse.com, www.amazon. com and www.barnesand noble.com.

'There is something soul-satisfying about making and eating a real home-cooked dinner right at your own kitchen table.'

— INA GARTEN

Eggs in Purgatory

English Cream Scones

Seiskaya's Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' dances over to the Staller Center this weekend

The Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a perennial holiday favorite on Long Island, returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for a five-performance run from Dec. 17 to 19. This classical ballet rendition has earned praise from critics and audiences alike.

Hailed as Long Island’s most lavish “Nutcracker,” the Seiskaya Ballet production of the classic holiday ballet is truly an international collaboration beginning with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s most famous score. Sets and several costumes were designed by Poland’s Margaret Piotrowska whose highly respected work in Polish television and stage productions has garnered wide praise.

Directed by founder Joseph Forbes, scenery was executed by Scenic Art Studios which has been credited with painting over 300 Broadway shows. The imaginative and

unusual sculptures utilized in the Seiskaya Ballet’s production were the brainchild of creative artist Matt Targon. Choreographed by celebrated Russian-born Valia Seiskaya, this acclaimed production is imbued with bravura dancing, energy and endearing charisma.

The cast will be led by leading dancer of Orlando’s United Ballet Theatre and Butler University graduate standout, guest artist, Max Lippman (Cavalier) and Seiskaya Ballet's award winning principal dancers Maya Butkevich, Vivian Ye and Madeleine Martufi plus returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Diana Atoian and Eva Pyrros.

Performances will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $40 for adults, $34 children and seniors. To order, call 631-632-ARTS (2787) or visit www.nutcrackerballet.com.

Happy Holidays

PROGRAMS

Gingerbread Houses Galore

Benner's Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket hosts a its last children's workshop of the year, Gingerbread Houses Galore on the Farm, on Dec. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Mix in some gingerbread, some candy, some yummy icing, and some creativity, and this workshop is a hit! The program will consist of several gingerbread activities that incorporate the spirit of the farm during the holidays. Each child will go home with a gingerbread house as well as many other crafts. For ages 4 to 9. $40 per child. To register, call 689-8172 or visit www. bennersfarm.com.

Take a Bird to Lunch

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents a family program, Take a Bird to Lunch, on Dec. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. With the cold months here, many birds have either been migrating south, or bulking up for the long winter ahead. Using natural materials, you will make bird feeders to hang in your yard to give the migrating birds, as well as the year-long residents an extra boost! $4 per child. Please call 265-1054 for reservations.

Crafternoons at the library

Stop by Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on Dec. 17 anytime between 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for a holidaythemed “Crafternoon”! Children ages 3 to 12 welcome (younger kids may need supervision). No registration required. Questions? Call 941-4080.

Elf Workshops

The Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson presents Elf Workshops in December from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to make a gift for someone special in your life including Dec. 17 (create a snow globe). Each workshop is designed so that students learn the science behind their wonderful creations. For children in grades 2 to 6. $30 per child per workshop includes all supplies. To register, call 331-3277 or visit www. longislandexplorium.org.

Pinecone Pals

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a family program, Pinecone Pals on Dec. 18 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Winter is a great time to find pine cones! Come collect some at the

MAKING MEMORIES

Benner's Farm o ers a gingerbread house workshop on Dec. 17 and 18.

park, explore their structure, and create fun pine cone animal crafts to take home! $4 per person. To register, visit EventBrite.com & search #NatureEdventure.

THEATER

'Barnaby Saves Christmas'

Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents the holiday musical Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 19 to Dec. 30. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As our littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. Tickets are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www. theatrethree.com.

'Beauty and the Beast Jr.'

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown kicks off the holiday season with Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. from Nov. 19 to Jan. 22. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. All seats are $25. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

'Frosty'

A perennial favorite, Frosty returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. from Nov. 26 to Dec. 24 and daily from Dec. 26 to 31. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! All seats are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www. engemantheater.com.

From left, principal dancers Maya Butkevich as Sugar Plum and Madeleine Martu as Clara in a scene from the show.

SBU SPORTSWEEK

Women's basketball downs the St. Francis Terriers 75-59

The Stony Brook University women's basketball team came out victorious in the clash of New York State teams, as the squad knocked off the St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers 75-59, inside Island Federal Arena on Dec. 10.

The Seawolves' offense was paced by four different student-athletes finishing with over 10 points for the second time this season as graduate guard Anastasia Warren, senior guard Gigi Gonzalez, junior guard Shamarla King and sophomore forward Sherese Pittman combined for 57 of Stony Brook's 75 points.

The tandem of Warren and Gonzalez gave the Seawolves their first 12 points of the game after Warren cashed in on her first two three point attempts and Gonzalez knocking down her next two three pointers. The squad would keep the momentum on their side following a layup by junior forward Nyajuok Toang that gave Stony Brook an 11 point lead and capped off its 10-0 run with two minutes remaining in the first quarter.

The Seawolves would head to the second quarter with a nine point lead as St Francis

answered

Men's basketball propels to victory over Sacred Heart

The Stony Brook men's basketball team erased a 12-point deficit and came from behind to defeat Sacred Heart, 71-64, in a thrilling contest that saw 12 lead changes on Dec. 12 at Island Federal Arena. After being down 31-19 with 3:37 left to play in the first half, the Seawolves outscored the Pioneers 47-31 in the second half to ultimately secure the win.

On the Seawolves' first possession of the second half, graduate center Keenan Fitzmorris dunked the ball with authority after a pick-and-roll play, sparking a 12-3 extended run for Stony Brook that cut its deficit to 38-36.

Stony Brook dominated throughout the rest of the second frame, outscoring the Pioneers by 16 in the half, en route to a 71-64 win at Island Federal Arena.

Fitzmorris followed the dunk with a jumper outside the paint that was assisted by junior guard Tanahj Pettway, scoring four consecutive points. He finished the game with 13 points

on 6-of-6 shooting from the floor. On the Seawolves' ensuing possession, Pettway pulled down a defensive rebound off a jump shot that was missed by Sacred Heart's junior forward Nico Galette and drove down the lane for a layup that put Stony Brook on a 6-0 run.

After Sacred Heart guard Raheem Solomon drilled a three pointer off an assist from Galette with 17:37 left to play in the contest, the Seawolves went on another 6-0 run. Graduate forward Frankie Policelli and sophomore guard Kaine Roberts drained back-to-back threes to cut the deficit to just two, 38-36.

Stony Brook was able to cut the Pioneer's lead down to a one-point deficit when Pettway grabbed another defensive rebound off a missed three from senior guard Joey Reilly and drove down the lane again and finished a layup and drew a foul. He made the free throw to complete the three-point play and Stony Brook was trailing, 44-43, with 13:20 left to play.

With 12:46 remaining in the game, Pettway had a huge steal defensively and ran the fast break for the Seawolves. With good ball movement, senior guard Tyler Stephenson-Moore found junior forward Kenan Sarvan open in the corner. Sarvan sniped a three pointer, right in front of the Seawolves' bench, and gave Stony Brook a 46-43 lead. This lead marked Stony Brook's first lead in the game since it was 4-3, just over two minutes into the first half.

The Seawolves and Pioneers battled throughout the rest of the game and with under two minutes remaining, up 65-64, Fitzmorris got the ball in the post on the low block. With the 6-foot-3 Solomon defending him, the 7-foot center spun towards the baseline and slammed home the finishing touches of the game.

Stony Brook ended the game on an 8-0 scoring run over the final 2:43 and held Sacred Heart scoreless for the final 3:20. The Seawolves improved to 3-7 overall on the season.

Stony Brook did not let up in the second quarter and took its biggest lead of the half from a three pointer by junior guard Kelis Corley to give the squad a 30-15 hold with 4:30 left in the half. The Terriers did fight back and cut the lead to five points, but a buzzer-beater by Gonzalez gave the Seawolves a 36-29 lead heading into half.

After halftime, Stony Brook did not slow down as it outscored St. Francis Brooklyn by nine points and shot a blazing 15-of-28 from the field (53.6%) in the second half. Pittman was a wrecking force in the paint during the third quarter, scoring eight points to push the lead to 11 points with 10 minutes remaining.

Warren took control in the fourth quarter, scoring seven of her team-high 21 points to lead the Seawolves to a 75-59 victory. Stony Brook's biggest lead came in the final 48 seconds of the contest when it increased the deficit to 17 after freshman guard Khalis Whiting converted two free throws.

Stony Brook returns to action when it takes on Maryland Eastern Shore at Island Federal Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 21 with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m.

Seawolves Home Games

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Jan. 7 vs. Towson 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 vs. Drexel 7 p.m.

Jan. 19 vs. Northeastern 7 p.m.

Feb 2 vs. Elon 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs. Monmouth 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 11 vs. North Carolina AT&T 2 p.m.

Feb. 16 vs. William & Mary 7 p.m.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Dec. 30 vs. William & Mary 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 vs. UNCW 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 vs. Monmouth 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 vs. College of Charleston 6:30 p.m.

Jan 29 vs. Towson 1 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs. Drexel 1 p.m.

Visit www.stonybrookathletics.com for tickets and any last minute cancellations.

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

DEC. 15 TO DEC. 21, 2022

TOMORROW IS FRIDAY – WEAR RED ON CAMPUS! STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Brooklyn's junior forward Bella Green converted a driving layup to decrease the Terrier's deficit to seven before Gonzalez

back with her own driving layup with 24 seconds left to play in the first quarter.

Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

#15 Shamarla King takes a shot during last Saturday afternoon's game.

The Stony Brook Difference: Academic Excellence + A Welcoming Community

As New York’s flagship university, Stony Brook is transforming lives through education, research and innovation. One of the most affordable top-ranked public research universities in the nation, SBU offers 200+ degree programs and a supportive learning and mentoring environment that provides access and a quality education to all students.

See why SBU is New York’s #1 public university. Visit stonybrook.edu