Arts & Lifestyles - December 24, 2015

ARTS & LIFESTYLES L E I S U R E T I M E S B E AC O N R E C O R D N E W S M E D I A • D E C E M B E R 24, 2015

HolidayMemories LIFE ON THE NORTH SHORE • B14

Also: ‘Star Wars:The Force Awakens’ review B2 • ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ in Cold Spring Harbor B5 • Wildlife artist Roger Kramer B28

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PAGE B2 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

From a certain point of view An emotional return to a galaxy far, far away

Film: The Force Awakens Reviewed by Michael Tessler THE EXPERIENCE To many, “Star Wars” is so much more than a film franchise. It’s an expansive sandbox filled to the brim with plastic action figures, toy lightsabers, X-Wing Lego sets, friendships and the imaginations of children everywhere. For me, it’s a return to a simpler time, one without bills, college, work or relationships. A time when my biggest concern was getting off the bus and running across the street to reenact epic lightsaber duels with my childhood best friend, Matthew.

This past Thursday, Matthew (now a soldier in the United States Army) and I reunited for one of the premiere showings of “The Force Awakens.” It had been over a decade since we attended a “Star Wars” film together. Mark Hamill could describe the experience best — “Everything has changed and nothing has changed.” We’ve both grown up. And yet you can’t help but feel six years old when the opening crawl appears and the John Williams score begins playing.

“We’re 32 years worth of excited,” one longtime fan said. “I’ve been to every ‘Star Wars’ premiere since the original film in 1977.” Standing next to him was his grandson. This was his first “Star Wars” premiere. For him, taking his grandson to the movie was the only thing more exciting than seeing the movie itself.

Some three decades ago a young boy by the name of Jeffrey Jacobs got to see “Star Wars” for the first time. Like many children, he was instantly hooked. Today he is the director and co-writer of “The Force Awakens” and the spiritual successor to George Lucas. He was given the impossible task: Make a sequel to the most popular film franchise ever made.

J.J. Abrams was our new hope. And he did not disappoint.

THE REVIEW (SOME MINOR SPOILERS BELOW) Part of what made the original “Star Wars” so special was the tangibility of it all. Tatooine felt real because it was real. Filmed in the desert sandscapes of Tunisia, you just knew as a child that somewhere that place existed. This sensation was replicated in “The Force Awakens” during our journey to Jakku, a scavenger’s paradise littered with wreckage from the Galactic Civil War.

Seeing the massive hull of a Star Destroyer consumed by the sandstorms of Abu Dhabi was both powerful and an excellent metaphor. While the Empire may be long gone, its shadow remains a looming threat over the galaxy at large.

Our story picks up 30 years after “Return of the Jedi.” Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has gone missing, and an evil faction known as The First Order has filled the vacuum the Empire left behind. In opposition is the Republic, a pacifist government, maintaining an uneasy peace with its inevitable enemy. General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) leads a small band of resistance fighters hoping to stop The First Order before it strikes.

Harrison Ford, the clear star of the film, reprises his role as the infamous smuggler Han Solo. He’s old, he’s grumpy and absolutely perfect in his portrayal of the scruffy-looking nerf herder. His banter with renegade storm trooper Finn (John Boyega) is one of the film’s highlights. Co-writer and “Star Wars” veteran Lawrence Kasdan masterfully creates f luid dialogue reminiscent of “Empire Strikes Back” and”Return of the Jedi,” finding the perfect blend between story, wit and comedy.

We also meet newcomer Rey (Daisy Ridley), an orphaned scavenger living in a hollowed out AT-AT on Jakku.

She’s full of surprises and is the perfect successor to everyone’s favorite Alderaanian princess. Alongside her is Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), an ace pilot who leads a secret mission at the request of General Leia Organa. He’s accompanied by his trusty astromech BB-8, who’s a true marvel of engineering and a worthy addition to the droid duo of C-3PO and R2-D2.

Perhaps my favorite new cast mem-

ber is Adam Driver (from “Girls”) who plays the unstable yet wildly entertaining Sith-in-training Kylo Ren. Compared to the refined Darth Vader, he makes for an absolutely terrifying villain. We’re also introduced to Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis), an entirely CGI supervillain whose background largely remains a mystery.

THE VERDICT ‘The Force Awakens” is an emotional cinematic experience unmatched in its ability to make you feel. Though at times the story feels rushed, it is a story worth telling. Plot lines may have been overused and recycled to the point of cliche (SPOILER ALERT: i.e., Death Star = Starkiller Base, intergalactic daddy issues, etc.), yet J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan compensate with a masterful screenplay and perfect casting.

From start to finish you’re on the edge of your seat. There’s no shortage of action and the cinematography is unrivaled. You’re so captivated by the story, effects, music and characters that you’ll overlook the film’s various (but forgivable) plot holes.

All in all this is the film fans have been waiting for. It is a worthy sequel to the most beloved franchise of all time and a perfect reminder of what “Star Wars” is all about. It’s about people, it’s about the underdogs, struggling to find a place in a galaxy of massive proportions. Because hey, if a simple farm boy from Tatooine can take on the whole Empire ... then why can’t I? Michael Tessler is a resident of Mount Sinai, a wannabe X-Wing pilot and an account executive at Times Beacon RecordNews Media.

The crowd lines up at the AMC Loews in Stony Brook at the premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ last Friday night.

Photo by Michael Tessler

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B3

WINE AND CHEESE

“Christmas at my house is always at least six or seven times more pleasant than anywhere else. We start drinking early. And while everyone else is seeing only one Santa Claus, we’ll be seeing six or seven.”

— W. C. Fields, 1880–1946, American comic and actor

Drambuie Liqueur from the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It was first produced in 1745, from a blend of Scotch whisky and heather honey-based liqueur. Its classic cocktail, called a Rusty Nail, consists of equal parts of Drambuie and Blended Scotch Whisky.

Zubrówka Vodka from Poland and What could be more alluring than a other Slavic countries. It has a yellow-green glass of whiskey on the rocks or an arctic tinge and a distinctive smell and taste of cold martini in a Y-shaped glass adorned spring flowers, thyme, lavender and freshly with several pimentomown grass, which is filled green olives? derived from various Although I love botanicals that have an ice cold martini been added. and certainly a glass of whiskey with ice, Chartreuse a glass of brandy on “Green” Liqueur. a cold winter day This world-famous licertainly is a great queur was originally body heat rejuvenaformulated in 1605, tor. Smelling its rich, in Grenoble, France, fiery, heavily perby St. Bruno. Licorice fumed bouquet and and flower aromas, its smooth, velvet-like with sweet herbal texture and luxurious notes. Sweet middle aftertaste beckons a and finish, with flasecond glass. vors of herbs, licorice, To make this holiwhite pepper and day season really burnt flowers. Very festive, I’ve included elegant and well made. a list of some of my

BY BOB LIPINSKI favorite spirits (that Baker’s 7-year-old will hopefully beBourbon.

Baker’s come yours).

Bourbon is 107 proof and is very aromatic with a sweet, smooth, medium finish. It Laird’s Applejack, made in Scobeyville, has a warm amber, tawny, nut-brown color New Jersey, since 1780. It is an apple bran- with a bouquet of fruit, caramel and vanildy, dry and full of rich apple flavors. I like it la. It tastes of toasted nuts, fruit and sugareither in a brandy snifter or sometimes on vanilla, with a silky texture. The aftertaste the rocks while listening to relaxing music. is warming and sweet, with a mediumlong aftertaste.

Auchentoshan “Three-Wood” SingleMalt Scotch Whiskey from the LowHine Antique XO Cognac. Created in lands. It has been aged in three different 1920 by George Hine. The taste is mellow wood types: Bourbon, Spanish Oloroso and supple with a wealth of sustained flaSherry, and finally Pedro Ximénez sherry vors, floral nuances, hints of honey, leather barrels. Spectacular flavor. and a pronounced taste of vanilla, carried by finesse and endurance. Velvety smooth Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky. and extremely elegant.

On its label there is a black Scottish terrier “Scottie” and a white West Highland dog Bob Lipinski, a local author, has writ“Westie.” I have been enjoying this Scotch ten 10 books, including “101: Everything for decades.

You Need to Know About Vodka, Gin, Rum & Tequila” (available on Amazon.

Campari from Italy. Campari, which is com). He conducts training seminars bright red, has a bouquet and taste of bit- on wine, spirits and food and is availter orange, cherry, ginger, lemon, licorice, able for speaking engagements. He can orange zest and strawberry, with a bitter- be reached at www.boblipinski.com or sweet aftertaste. boblipinski2009@hotmail.com.

In this edition: Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B12-13 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B27 Cooking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B19 Crossword Puzzle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B10 Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B21 Health News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7 Holiday Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . B14-16

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PAGE B4 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

ArT

Art League of Long Island announces winners of 60th annual Members’ Exhibition: Part Two Art League of Long Island recently announced the winners of the second part of their 60th Annual Members’ Exhibition, showing through Jan. 10. Exhibition juror Edward McEvoy, Art League director emeritus, selected 12 works of art out of 104 pieces on display in the League’s Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery.

Awards of Excellence went to Shawn McAvoy for his bronze sculpture, “Power and Grace;” Anna TsontakisMally for “Sleeping Guardian,” ceramic/sculpture; Constance Wain for her monoprint, “Cycle: Decay/Growth;” and Rosanne Wellmaker, “Freeze Frame at the Lake,” glass/mixed media.

Honorable Mention Awards went to E. Craig Marcin, “Eight Over Eight,” watercolor on paper; Donna Marlowe,

“Happy Fish,” ceramics/wall hanging; Eleanor Tyndall Meier, “Gift From Scotland,” watercolor; Pat Ralph, “The Long View,” oil; Renate Reid, “Open Doors,” acrylic and pumice gel; Burt Reminick, “Reflections at Twin Ponds,” photography; Ray Rothaug, “Salt Marsh,” oil on board; and David Schram, “The Sisters,” oil.

An artist reception will take place on January 10, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Art League of Long Island is located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills. The gallery is open to the public, free of charge, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www. artleagueli.org or call 631-462-5400.

r

Photos from Art League of LI

Above, ‘Power and Grace’ by Shawn McAvoy; below, “Sleeping Guardian,” by Anna Tsontakis-Mally. Both artists were recipients of Awards of Excellence.

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Farmers markets Huntington Winter Farmers market Jack Abrams School, 155 Lowndes Ave., Huntington Station, will host a Winter Farmers Market by G & G Long Island every Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through April. For more information, visit www.longislandfarmersmarkets.com.

Port JeFFerson Winter Farmers market The Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson, will host a Winter Farmers Market, on the third floor, every Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through May 1.

For more information, call Melissa at 516-551-8461. riverHead Winter Farmers market The downtown Riverhead Farmers Market will be held at 117 East Main St., Riverhead, every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., through April. For details, call 631-208-8159.

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B5

theater

Whaling Museum spotlights the tale of the Essex

Live performance recounts whale ship tragedy

By Ed Blair

On August 12, 1819, the Essex, a small but sturdy whaling ship piloted by 29-year-old Captain George Pollard, slipped her moorings and, with a following wind, sailed purposefully from the busy harbor of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Bound for Cape Horn and then on to the warm waters of the Pacific, Essex had a record of several financially successful voyages, and her crew of 20 hoped that their expected two-and-ahalf-year expedition would be a profitable one. The whaling was indeed good, and, by November of 1820, Essex, now deep in the expansive South Pacific, was well on its way to completing yet another rewarding voyage. And then the unthinkable happened.

While Captain Pollard and his harpooners were on the hunt in their whaleboats, 23-year-old First Mate Owen Chase, aboard the ship, spotted in the distance a huge sperm whale — 85 feet by his reckoning — facing head-on toward the vessel. After spouting a few times, the leviathan inexplicably charged straight for Essex, smashing into her with what Chase later described as “an appalling and tremendous jar.” Not satisfied, the menacing giant, “as if distracted with rage and fury,” struck again, with devastating results. Essex went down, leaving her horror-struck crew to fend for themselves more than a thousand miles from the nearest land.

If the story strikes a familiar note, it is because the tales told by the Essex survivors were incorporated by author Herman Melville in penning his 1851 classic, “Moby-Dick.” Where Melville’s novel ended, however, the harrowing tale of Essex’s forsaken crew had only begun.

It is their incredible story, chronicled

by Nathaniel Philbrick in his best seller “In the Heart of the Sea” (and also by Ron Howard in his newly released film Photo from the Whaling Museum

actors will perform inside an authentic whaleboat that was built in Setauket.

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by the same title) that The Whaling Museum & Education Center in Cold Spring Harbor is currently offering to share with visitors to the museum on Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor.

On Sunday, Dec. 27, and again on Saturday, Jan. 9, the museum will present college student actors who will perform, in full whaler garb, select scenes from the Philbrick book. Staged “in the round” inside an authentic whaleboat, the performance will offer a unique opportunity to gain insight into Long Island’s rich whaling history. The 30-foot whaleboat, built in an 1800s shipyard in Setauket, is fully equipped with its original gear according to Nomi Dayan, the museum’s executive director.

“While the Ron Howard movie may focus more on the whale’s attack, we differ in that we concentrate on how men pushed to their absolute limits were able to prevail,” she explained. Characterizing the local actors’ performance as “extremely professional,” Dayan added, “Our hope is that the interest aroused by the film stimulates an interest in an important part of Long Island’s past.”

The three-month odyssey of the crew members following the wreck of the Essex was one of torment and privation. At the mercy of the elements, they endured storms and starvation, and their desperation to survive eventually drove them to cannibalism. Eight men lived to tell the tale, Captain Pollard and First Mate Chase among them, and it was their rendering of the story that inspired Melville’s “Moby-Dick.”

The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor is located at 279 Main Street. Both performances of the selected readings will start at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a questionand-answer session and include a wine and cheese reception as well as exhibit viewing. Seating is limited to 40 guests for each performance. Tickets, which are $20 per person and $35 per couple, can be reserved online at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or by calling 631-367-3418.

PAGE B6 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

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“Being recognized for the work that we do is an important validation of the effort we put forth every day,” said Bob Caulfield, president and CEO of Jefferson’s Ferry. “Our residents have entrusted us to provide them with the highest quality care and support that enables them to live life to the fullest.

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Half Hollow Hills Library, 55 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills, will host a workshop for families recovering from divorce on Saturday, Jan. 9, from 9:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This workshop will provide information to help families readjust after a divorce, as well as discuss the series of transitions families go through. Free.

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medical compass

What is the value of vitamin D? Vitamin d with calcium may reduce mortality in the elderly

By DaviD Dunaief, M.D.

Vitamin D is one the most widely publicized and important supplements. We get vitamin D from the sun, food and supplements. With our days at their shortest of the year here, in the Northeast, I thought it would be worthwhile to explore what we know about Vitamin D supplementation.

Vitamin D has been thought of as an elixir for life, but is it really? There is no question that, if you have low levels of vitamin D, replacing it is important.

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

However, many questions remain. As more data come along, their meaning for vitamin D becomes murkier. For instance, is the sun the best source of Vitamin D? At the 70th annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting, Dr. Richard Gallo who was involved with the Institute of Medicine recommendations, spoke about how, in most geographies, sun exposure will not correct vitamin D deficiencies. Interestingly, he emphasized getting more vitamin D from nutrition. Dietary sources include cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna.

We know its importance for bone health, but as of yet, we only have encouraging — but not yet definitive — data for other diseases. These include cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases and cancer.

There is no consensus on the ideal blood level for vitamin D. The Institute of Medicine recommends more than

20 ng/dl, and The Endocrine Society recommends at least 30 ng/dl. More experts and data lean toward the latter number.

Skin cancer

Vitamin D did not decrease nonmelanoma skin cancers, known as NMSCs, such as squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma. It may actually increase them, according to one study done at a single center by an HMO (1).

The results may be confounded, or blurred, by UV radiation from the sun, so vitamin D is not necessarily the culprit. Most of the surfaces where skin cancer was found were sun exposed, but not all of them.

The good news is that, for postmenopausal women who have already had an NMSC bout, vitamin D plus calcium appears to reduce its recurrence, according to the Women’s Health Initiative study (2). In this high-risk population, the combination of supplements reduced risk by 57 percent. Unlike the previous study, vitamin D did not increase the incidence of NMSC in the general population. NMSC occurs more frequently than breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancers combined (3).

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Several observational studies have shown benefits of vitamin D supplements with cardiovascular disease. For example, the Framingham Offspring Study showed that those patients with deficient levels were at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (4).

However, a small randomized controlled trial, the gold standard of studies, calls the cardioprotective effects of vitamin D into question (5). This study of postmenopausal women, using biomarkers, such as endothelial function, inflammation or vascular stiffness, showed no difference between vitamin D treatment and placebo. The authors concluded there is no reason to give vitamin D for prevention of cardiovascular disease.

The vitamin D dose given to the treatment group was 2500 IUs. Thus, one couldn’t argue that this dose was too low. Some of the weaknesses of the study were a very short duration of four months, its size — 114 participants — and the fact that cardiovascular events or deaths were not used as study endpoints. However, these results do make you think.

Weight benefit

There is good news, but not great news, on the weight front. It appears that vitamin D plays a role in reducing the amount of weight gain in women 65 years and older whose blood levels

Recent studies have shown that vitamin D with calcium has positive health benefits.

are more than 30 ng/ml, compared to those below this level, in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (6).

This association held true at baseline and after 4.5 years of observation.

If the women dropped below 30 ng/ ml in this time period, they were more likely to gain more weight, and they gained less if they kept levels above the target. There were 4,659 participants in the study. Unfortunately, vitamin D did not show statistical significance with weight loss.

Mortality decreased

In a recent meta-analysis of a group of eight studies, vitamin D with calcium reduced the mortality rate in the elderly, whereas vitamin D alone did not (7). The difference between the groups was statistically important, but clinically small: 9 percent reduction with vitamin D plus calcium and 7 percent with vitamin D alone.

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

USPSTF recommendations

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against giving “healthy” postmenopausal women the combination of vitamin D 400 IUs plus calcium 1000 mg to prevent fractures (8). It does not seem to reduce fractures and increases the risk of kidney stones. There is also not enough data to recommend for or against vitamin D with or without calcium for cancer prevention.

stock photo

Need for clinical trials

We need clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of vitamin D in many chronic diseases, since it may have beneficial effects in preventing or helping to treat them (9). Right now, there is a lack of large randomized clinical trials. Most are observational, which gives associations, but not links. The VITAL study is a large RCT looking at the effects of vitamin D and omega-3s on cardiovascular disease and cancer.

It is a five-year trial, and the results should be available in 2016.

When to supplement?

It is important to supplement to optimal levels, especially since most of us living in the Northeast have insufficient to deficient levels. While vitamin D may not be a cure-all, it may play an integral role with many disorders.

References:

(1) Arch Dermatol.

2011;147(12):1379-84. (2) J Clin Oncol. 2011 Aug 1;29(22):3078-84. (3) CA Cancer J Clin. 2009;59(4):225-49. (4) Circulation. 2008 Jan 29;117(4):50311. (5) PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e36617.

(6) J Women’s Health (Larchmt). 2012 Jun 25. (7) J Clin Endocrinol Metabol. online May 17, 2012. (8) AHRQ Publication No. 12-05163-EF-2. (9) Endocr Rev. 2012 Jun;33(3):456-92.

Dr. Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, go to the website www. medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

PAGE B10 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. © 2013 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Answers to this week’s puzzle will appear in next week’s newspaper.

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B11

Spreading good cheer in Port Jefferson The Port Jefferson High School Chamber Choir spread holiday cheer in the new wing at Mather Hospital on Friday, Dec. 18. This young group, which has a delightfully refreshing style of delivery,

performed selections from South Africa as well as traditional Christmas carols and holiday songs. They are often asked to perform at the Dickens Festival, sporting events and school and community

Photo by Irene Ruddock

Pictured from left, Port Jefferson school district director of music and fine arts Michael Caravello, Ryan Worrell, Nick Fedler, Grace Crugnale, Bridget Yost, Jessica Gray, Emma Gutmann, Allison Abbonizio, Cole Fortier and choral director for grades 6 to 12 Lisa Scrom

events. All who were listening agreed that it was a joy to hear these talented young people whose voices had an uplifting angelic quality that mesmerized the

room — a reminder that music is an integral part of the arts that expresses deep emotional feelings.

— Irene Ruddock

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PAGE B12 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

money matters

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When life gets busy, it’s easy to beIf you like the idea of having fewer accome more passive about managing counts to keep track of, or if you prefer to your bank accounts and credit cards by actively manage your retirement dollars, letting receipts, bills and statements pile consider consolidating stray 401(k) and up. Even if you regularly keep up with IRA dollars by rolling them into a cenyour finances, it can be beneficial to take tralized retirement account. There’s a lot a fresh look at them. Simplify your fi- to consider when it comes to rollovers, so it’s important to weigh all your options nancial life with these three strategies: Go paperless. It’s easier than ever to carefully. Consider a direct rollover, as access financial documents online. Going withholding tax and tax penalties may paperless will not only make your life more apply for cash withdrawals.

Credit cards and debt efficient and clutter-free, are two other areas where it’s also environmentally consolidation may be wise. friendly.

Is it time to chop up the A good place to start is card that carries a hefty by requesting electronic annual fee? Are you carstatements and opting out rying a credit card balance of printed ones from the that is snowballing due to companies who send you high interest rates? It may regular bills. Consider gobe financially advantaing paperless with your geous to pay off the cards bank, credit card compawith the highest interest nies, cell phone and cable rates and either close the providers or your electric account or put it away for company. You’ll then reemergency-use only. It’s a ceive an email when your relief to have fewer cards to statement or bill is ready

BY Jonathan S. Kuttin manage, along with a plan each month. This gives for extinguishing debt. you the option to downTurn to the professionals. As you sort load and store your statements electronically and also to print and file if needed. through your financial choices, enlist the If you’re not already enrolled in direct right team of professionals to assist you. deposit with your employer, make sure Helpful professionals may include a tax to get this set up. It saves a trip to the advisor or accountant, who can provide bank on payday and you get to enjoy the guidance on how to put you in the best tax fruits of your labors sooner. While you’re situation, and a lawyer who specializes in at it, go ahead and request electronic re- estate planning. Also, consider consultceipts at the store when they’re offered, ing a financial advisor who can help you in lieu of stuffing them in your pockets streamline your financial life and accelerate your financial goals by recommending or purse.

Consolidate where you can. There specific strategies based on your individual are several corners of your financial life situation. Each of these professionals can that can be simplified through consoli- share their expertise with you and help you dation. Retirement accounts are one of eliminate unnecessary financial clutter. those areas. If you’ve worked for several Jonathan S. Kuttin is a Private Wealth employers during the course of your career, you’ve probably acquired a few re- Advisor with Kuttin-Metis Wealth Managetirement accounts along the way. Accu- ment, a private advisory practice of Amerimulated assets left in a former employer’s prise Financial Services, Inc. in Melville. He retirement account are still yours, but specializes in fee-based financial planning they sometimes offer less investment and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 19 years. flexibility.

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B13

business news

Photo from Amanda Haller

Donald E. Lippencott

Lippencott joins advisory council

From left, Frank and Cynthia Lindner and Ann Rudolph

Photo from PJCC

New digs Frank and Cynthia Linder, owners of Advanced Hypnotherapy in Port Jefferson, recently relocated to 1000 Main Street. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Nov. 19 with friends and members of the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.

Donald E. Lippencott of Lippencott Financial Group, 4 Technology Drive, Suite 260, Setauket, has been elected to New York Life’s 2016 Agents Advisory Council (AAC). Founded in 1946, the AAC is a prominent group of 24 New York Life agents elected by their peers to communicate the issues and perspectives of their fellow agents. Members of the AAC work with senior management to develop and implement ideas that will benefit families and businesses in their local community.

Lippencott, a New York Life agent for 33 years, was elected to the Agents Advisory Council at a recent awards and recognition educational conference.

Wishing you a world of thanks ...

Have a Wonderful Holiday Season and a New Year of Peace and Happiness Virginia A. McGrath and the staff of Three Village Bennett Agency

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PAGE B14 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015 MAMMA IN HER KITCHEN

STONY BROOK VILLAGE

BY BEA RUBERTO, SOUND BEACH CIVIC ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

BY KARA HAHN, SUFFOLK COUNTY LEGISLATOR

My mother in her kitchen is the memory of Christmas that will always be with me. For Mamma, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were first and foremost religious holidays, and the way to commemorate them was by breaking bread with family and friends. In Southern Italy, where Mamma grew up, La Vigilia (Christmas Eve) was also known as the Feast of Seven Fishes. For us, it was usually only one or two fishes (smelts and baccala), but for Mamma the sentiment was the same — commemorating the wait of the birth of Jesus.

On Christmas Day, even when we didn’t have a lot of money, Mamma always prepared a feast. It often started with homemade ravioli (first course), braciole and pork cooked in tomato sauce (second course), always lots of vegetables, and what my sister and I waited for with bated breath — her homemade desserts — strufoli, zeppole, and crispetelli.

Most of you know the first two, but these don’t compare to what we knew as crispetelli but had never seen outside Mamma’s kitchen.

For weeks leading up to Christmas she would prepare tens of this honeycomb-like pastry. She would cut two-inch ribbons from sheets of pasta dough, then crimp the ribbons every inch or so to create a round honeycomb about four inches in diameter. These were then fried, filled with chopped walnuts and honey and stored on large platters in the pantry to remain untouched until Christmas.

As Mamma grew older and was unable to make the crispetelli, her granddaughter Janet learned how to make them. Mamma is gone now, but each Christmas Janet sends us a box filled with this delicious pastry — just enough to make us feel that we are spending another Christmas with Mamma.

Stony Brook Village plays such a central role in my memories of the holidays growing up in Stony Brook — decorating the Christmas trees in front of the shops as a young Girl Scout, sitting on Santa’s lap in front of the Post Office and at the Stony Brook Fire Department as a member’s daughter, ice skating on the duck pond, watching the tree lighting and door-to-door caroling with members of the Stony Brook Community Church. Our charming Village Center is a beautiful backdrop for all of these holiday memories.

On Christmas Day, even when we didn’t have a lot of money, Mamma always prepared a feast.

— BEA RUBERTO

LIFE ON THE NORTH SHORE Times Beacon Record News Media asked community members to share their fondest, funniest or most heartwarming holiday memories with our readers.

SURPRISE VISIT FROM SANTA

BY BARBARA RANSOME, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, GREATER PORT JEFFERSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

In 1961 it was the age of wearing matching flannel nightgowns with your sisters! Unbeknownst to Blair Elizabeth, age 10, Barbara Fry, age 6, and Sara Jane, age 3, their parents John and Marge Ransome had prearranged a special visit by someone … As we sat quietly watching TV in the living room, the front door of our home blew open with a fully dressed Santa Claus running through the room wishing us all a very Merry Christmas! The speed of Santa running by us was so fast that we sat there in complete shock, barely understanding what had JUST happened!! Our parents had successfully conspired with our very dear neighbor Harry Matthews to adorn the suit of Santa, and with his full natural white beard we confirmed the Santa sighting as being authentic!

The magic of Christmas remained in our hearts for a number of years thereafter!

CHRISTMAS EVE 2009

BY WILLIAM SPENCER, SUFFOLK COUNTY LEGISLATOR

One of my fondest holiday memories was on Christmas Eve in 2009. Dad and I, both ordained ministers, went to visit our dear friend, Mary, who was in a NYC hospice dying of cancer. We sat with her, shared memories, sang carols and prayed. She was so happy, and Dad and I were so pleased that we were able to spend that special time with her.

Our parents had successfully conspired with our very dear neighbor Harry Matthews to adorn the suit of Santa, and with his full natural white beard we confirmed that Santa sighting as being authentic!

— BARBARA RANSOME

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B15 THE GIFT OF FAMILY CHRISTMAS RECOVERY

BY JAY GARDINER, SETAUKET FIRE COMMISSIONER

About 15 years ago, we had a call for an accident at Route 347 and Nicolls Rd. on Christmas Eve. It seemed to be a minor accident, but then we noticed a young girl, about 13-years-old, unconscious in the back seat. She had suffered from major head trauma and was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital. I had gone and visited her after the accident at the Pediatric ICU. About two months later, the young girl and her mother showed up at the firehouse with cookies to say thank you for everything we did. I may have been the chief at the time, but it’s a group effort here in Setauket, and to see her recovered and healthy, that was the best Christmas present I ever received.”

BY VALERIE CARTRIGHT, BROOKHAVEN TOWN COUNCILWOMAN

To choose just one favorite holiday memory would be almost impossible, but I can definitely say that my holidays are truly unforgettable. From my earliest memories, my grandmother and parents always did their best to make sure that all of our holidays were memorable, enjoyable, inspirational and most importantly, spiritual. They always emphasized how blessed we were to have life, family and health and made sure that prayer was a part of every holiday celebration. As a child, I always looked forward to my family gathering together for fun, food and laughter. I could always look forward to hours of singing, dancing and playing outside with my cousins, while the adults caught up on years of “what’s new” and reminiscing on their lives in Haiti and now here in America. My grandmother was an amazing seamstress and cook, so our holidays always consisted of handmade tablecloths, at least five homemade dishes, desserts and her famous Haitian bouillon soup. Although I cannot choose just one favorite holiday, I can definitely say that every holiday was made extra special because of the outpouring of my grandmother’s unfailing love for her family. I truly miss my grandmother during the holidays, but her legacy lives on as the traditions continue every holiday. This year I look forward to spending time with my family, especially my new husband and nieces and nephew, who always light up the night and leave us entertained for hours. I see myself in them as they laugh, dance, sing, praise God and simply enjoy their youth. The wheels have turned and I am blessed to be on the receiving end of such an amazing gift ... family!

GRANNY MARY HANUKKAH MEMORY

BY RABBI AARON BENSON, NORTH SHORE JEWISH CENTER

As a child, my family was not religious. My father is not Jewish though my mother is. For Hanukkah, we would often celebrate with her parents. As I grew older, I became more interested and more involved with my Jewish heritage.

One year in particular I remember being at my grandparents. They had a sideboard table on which they had placed their silver menorah. On the wall next to it were Jewish-themed pictures they had, family pictures, it was a special little corner of the room.

My grandfather, who himself was not a particularly religious man though he had grown up with tradition, and who was also very stern and of few words, led us in the candle lighting. He put on a yarmulke, took out a very old and tattered prayer book I’d never seen before, found the Hebrew prayers for Hanukkah and chanted them in a clear, confident, almost youthful voice that I had never heard come out of him before and never remember hearing again. We lit the candles, ate, got presents, all the usual things.

It wasn’t meant to be a “special moment.” We had lit the candle together before and would again after, but something about that night has always stayed with me, being just one more little sign, little wonder, marking a path toward the calling I fill today.

And other things about that night have remained a part of me, too.

The silver menorah of my grandparents is among those my family now possesses and is one we often use on Hanukkah. And the Jewish pictures that lent such a special air to that corner of my grandparents’ home now adorn the wall in my office at the synagogue.

One never knows what small things can make a big impression.

How one small light may illuminate the path we are to walk in life.

BY SARAH ANKER, SUFFOLK COUNTY LEGISLATOR

My grandmother was one of the greatest influences in my life and the time we shared was always very special, especially during the holidays. Mary Ellen Kenney, who we affectionately called Granny Mary, provided incredible feasts and wonderful adventures. My grandparents lived in Madeira Beach, Florida, so it was always nice to visit them at the beach. During our visit, we would feast on delicious southern food including turkey, fried chicken, my grandfather’s special mash potatoes, hush puppies (fried corn bread), fresh vegetables and coquina soup made from harvested coquinas (tiny clams) from the nearby beach. After dinner we took evening walks along the seashore, collecting shells, feeding the seagulls and watching the sunset. On occasion, we would take long rides on their sailboat, and fish off John’s Pass Pier. The holidays provide a special time to appreciate our loved ones and their wonderful memories and traditions.

As a child, I always looked forward to my family gathering together for fun, food and laughter.

— VALERIE CARTRIGHT

THANKSGIVING

BY JEN SCHULZ-ROSE, HOLBROOK

My favorite holiday memory from when I was a kid was Thanksgiving. We would go to my grandparents’ house in Smithtown and the whole family would always be there. We had the best dinners at that table as a family. My mom always made at least three desserts and we would all vote on which one was the best and a do-over. You never know when it will be your last Thanksgiving at that table with everyone. What I would give to go back to those days! Those were my best memories — just being with everyone. Nothing else mattered but my family. The holidays are never an easy time, but just seeing my little girl makes me feel we are doing something right.

PAGE B16 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

CHRISTMAS EVE

BY HANNELORE ARLITSCH, MILLER PLACE

When I was a little girl, I lived in Leipzig, Germany, with my parents and my two sisters. Christmas Eve was always special and I remember it very well. In the afternoon, my parents went into the living room and closed the door. They told us they had to help the “Weihnachtsmann” (Santa Claus) decorate the Christmas tree. How did the tree get into the living room? Santa Claus, silly! But we actually never questioned it. Once in a while “Mutti” (my mother) would come out, because Santa was getting hungry. He wanted to taste the homemade stolle and cookies, and he needed a cup of coffee — no milk for this Santa. After a long time we heard the sound of a little bell, the door opened, and there was a beautiful Christmas tree, shimmering with icicles, ornaments and real candles! We wanted to go into the room and see our presents, but first we had to stand in the doorway and sing Christmas songs. One song, another song and a third — it was torture! Finally, we were allowed into the room. Our presents were displayed on a coffee table or a side table; we each had our own little space. Nothing was wrapped — it was different then. In my memory I still see the tree shimmer with the icicles, ornaments and real candles. It was truly magical …

LIFE ON THE NORTH SHORE Times Beacon Record News Media asked community members to share their fondest, funniest or most heartwarming holiday memories with our readers.

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

BY FRED DREWES, HERITAGE PARK VOLUNTEER, MOUNT SINAI

A Christmas hobby started in 1973 when my daughter Kristen was 2 years old. I thought reading Clement C. Moore’s poem on Christmas Eve would help set the stage for Christmas morning. I discovered several different books of “The Night before Christmas” illustrated by different artists.

My first purchase was “The Night before Christmas” illustrated by Holly Hobbie and published by American Greetings Corporation in 1971. I chose this book mainly because there was an illustration of a living room, fireplace, plank floor and hewed beams similar to our home. A second illustration depicted a home very similar to a neighbor’s home on Shore Road. We enjoyed reading the poem and discovering how and what Holly Hobbie illustrated.

Clement C. Moore read his poem to family and friends in their Chelsea home in 1822. The poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” became well know and read at Christmas time. In 1848 Henry M. Onderdonk of New York published the first illustrated book. Eight illustrations in the book were printed using woodcuts carved by T. C Boyd. St. Nicholas appeared very different but Boyd illustrated the important parts of the poem. In the next 120 years or so the image of St. Nicholas evolved and the modern view of St. Nicholas jelled during the 1920 to ‘30s.

I became fascinated by how and what artists illustrated about the Moore poem. What was the style of the artist? What time did St. Nicholas arrive? How many children were pictured? What did the sugarplums look like? What toys were in his pack? How was the mouse illustrated? What did Mama and Dad look like in bed? How were the reindeer pictured? What did Santa look like?

Over 25 years my collection increased to 172 different illustrated books. My oldest edition was published in 1898, illustrated by William Roger Snow and published by McLoughlin Bros. I have small pocket books, animated books, simple pop-up books, complex pop-up books, illuminated books and books printed on cloth and linen. Added to this are coloring books, press-out figure and sticker books, scratch and smell and even “The 3-D Night before Christmas.” All of these books expanded my vision of Moore’s wonderful poem and added joy and spirit to my Christmas.

I no longer read the poem to Kristen who now lives in Oregon, my neighbors have moved, Holly Hobbie’s house is now on its last legs and I’ve decided 172 books are enough for my collection. I review books in my collection at this time of the year to relive some of the Christmases of the past. I still enjoy the tradition of reading “ The Visit From St. Nicholas” or “The Night before Christmas” and do this by presenting a power point program about the illustration of Moore’s poem and then leading a community reading of the poem at the Heritage Center in Mt. Sinai. This reading helps set the stage for my Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and hopefully shares the fascination I’ve had for how artists illustrated a delightful poem.

In the afternoon, my parents went into the living room and closed the door. They told us they had to help the “Weihnachtsmann” (Santa Claus) decorate the Christmas tree. How did the tree get into the living room? Santa Claus, silly!

— HANNELORE ARLITSCH

HANUKKAH AS A CHILD

BY HAYLEY LEMKIN, EAST SETAUKET

Hanukkah as a kid had its perks: celebrating for eight nights meant receiving eight nights’ worth of presents. Although I enjoyed my nightly presents, the one thing I wanted more than anything was a visit from Santa. I don’t actually think I told anyone I believed in him, because the idea would have sounded ludicrous to others. But the thought of having this jolly, fat man come down my chimney to give me gifts seemed out of this world. And the thought of Rudolph on my roof? Forget about it! Every Christmas Eve, I would sneak into the living room and stay up as long as humanly possible to watch Santa arrive at my neighbors’. I never did see him, but I’m still looking forward to that day.

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B17

KNOWLEDGE

For SBU researcher, threespine stickleback rings evolutionary bell

This particular fish, whose three sharp spines on the top The creation of a freeway of its body prevent some predin Los Angeles put Michael ators from swallowing it, apBell on the road to his career peals to scientists for a host of choice. When Bell was about reasons — from the variation 12 years old, construction near it exhibits within and among his home cut through rocks populations to its relatively that contained a treasure for small size and ease of maintaining in a lab. him: fossil fish.

Bell has focused on es“I formed a relationship tablishing the relationship with the Natural History Museum in LA County and between traits and environstarted bringing fossils [to mental factors. These fish can live in the them],” Bell recalled. “I ’Darwin underestimated sea — where they contend had friends with the usual who would the potential for rapid saltwater dido it for a evolution. He believed lemma, where week or two evolution is slow.’ the concentraand then — MICHAEL BELL tion of salt is they’d had higher than in enough. I did it endlessly. In a way, that’s body fluids — and in freshwater, where salt is lower than in how my career started.”

Indeed, that career led him their body fluids.

Like salmon, they breed in to Stony Brook University, brackish water (water that’s in where he arrived in 1978 and is a professor in the Department between fresh and salty) and of Ecology and Evolution. Bell freshwater. The population of was co-editor of “The Evolu- fish that evolve in freshwater tionary Biology of the Threes- can continue to survive despite pine Stickleback” in 1994 with having marine ancestors.

Indeed, the evolution, Susan A. Foster.

Recently, the American As- through mutations, of these sociation for the Advancement fish is so rapid that they defy of Science elected Bell as a Charles Darwin. Coming Ffellow. Bell said he appreci- up with the theory of natuated the “broader recognition ral selection when he studied the many unique birds in the of his work.”

Those who have collaborated Galapagos Islands 600 miles with him said Bell is a leader off the coast of Ecuador, Darwin believed that evolution and an exceptional scientist.

Bell’s “contribution to the occurred on an almost imperfield has been enormous,” ex- ceptibly slow time scale.

“Darwin underestimated plained Windsor Aguirre, a former graduate student who the potential for rapid evoluis an assistant professor in the tion,” Bell said. “He believed Department of Biological Sci- evolution is slow.” Stickleences at DePaul University who backs have traits that evolve at still works with Bell. “Many of high rates.

Bell has studied stickleback the most important papers in the field have been made pos- fossils in Nevada and Califorsible or greatly enhanced [by nia and modern stickleback in California and Alaska.

Bell’s efforts],” he said.

He has often studied the From those early days, Bell has focused on the threespine armor plates of stickleback, stickleback, a fish that used to which have a marine and a be considerably more preva- freshwater version. In the lent at Flax Pond in Old Field ocean, the freshwater version would theoretically ocand in the Great South Bay.

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

Michael Bell casts a minnow trap at Loberg Lake in Palmer, Alaska.

cur only once in about 10,000 young sticklebacks, because it’s a disadvantage to that individual. However, in a different environment, the fish with the freshwater armor plating becomes the natural selection superstar.

In an experiment in Cheney Lake in Anchorage, Alaska, Bell released sea-run stickleback. A year later, none of the fish had the freshwater plates, while fewer than 1 percent had them two years later. Six years after the experiment began, however, one in five fish had these plates.

“When you put the fish in freshwater, it evolves,” he said.

A resident of Stony Brook, Bell chose to live close enough to the university to walk to work.

That, he said, was by design because he moved in during the gas crisis in the 1970s and didn’t want to wait in line for gas or struggle to get to work.

Bell and his wife Cynthia Blair travel to farms out east, shop and visit vineyards. Bell enjoys wandering through stores, especially for craft objects, which Blair also likes and makes herself. She designed a pillow of Bell, surrounded by swimming sticklebacks.

After four decades of research, Bell remains as inspired to fi nd fossils and gather evidence about these rapidly evolving and adaptive fish as he was when he was a teenager.

“I won’t ever really retire,” said Bell, although he does expect to cut back so that he can

Photo by Peter J. Park

travel with his wife. He appreciates being able to visit the shore of a lake in Alaska and “see what comes up in traps.

It’s all still fun — making samples of modern and fossil stickleback, getting results that mean something scientifically and standing in front of a class and explaining biology to them.”

Aguirre, who described Bell as a “great” mentor, suggested that Bell and the stickleback are inextricably intertwined. “The threespine stickleback is truly one of evolutionary biology’s supermodels and [Bell] has played a critical role in bringing the species to the attention of the broader scientific community and the general public.”

PAGE B18 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

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directionS: Heat oven to 400 F. Season pork tenderloins with salt and pepper. in large skillet over medium-high heat, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add tenderloins one at a time and brown well on all sides. transfer to medium-size, nonreactive baking pan.

Add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil to skillet. Stir in shallots and cook until lightly browned on all sides. transfer shallots to baking pan. Add apples to skillet and brown on all sides. transfer apples to small bowl and set aside. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in skillet and add garlic and thyme. cook garlic until golden, then pour in cooking wine. Bring wine to a boil, scraping brown bits at bottom of pan. Add cranberry juice and cranberries. Bring back to a boil, then pour liquid over pork in baking pan. transfer baking pan to oven, cover and braise for 15 minutes. Add apples to pan, cover and braise another 10-15 minutes, or until thermometer inserted into pork registers 155 F. transfer pork to platter and return pan to oven for 10-15 minutes more, until shallots are tender. cut pork into 1-inch-thick slices and spoon shallots, apples and cranberrywine sauce over pork.

• • • •

directionS: Heat oven to 300 F. Simmer cranberries, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice and water in saucepan over medium-high heat until berries burst and begin to break down, about 10 minutes. let cool 10 minutes, then in blender or food processor puree until smooth. Set sauce aside. coat 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Process gingersnaps in food processor until fine; add graham cracker crumbs. With machine running, drizzle in melted butter. Press crumb mixture firmly into bottom of prepared springform pan and about 1 inch up sides of pan. Set aside. in large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and remaining sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Scrape sides of bowl, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla and 1 tablespoon orange juice, then pour into prepared pan. drizzle top of cheesecake with 1/4 cup of prepared cranberry sauce, then drag skewer, toothpick or knife tip through sauce to create marbled swirl pattern on top. Place cheesecake on baking sheet and bake on center rack until edges are set and puffed but center is slightly jiggly, about 45 minutes. do not overbake. turn oven off, crack door open slightly and allow cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour. remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then cover cheesecake with tea towel and refrigerate overnight before serving.

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PAGE B20 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

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DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B21

gardening

Photos by ellen Barcel

above, from left, a variety of garden salvia with deep purple flowers; salvia with an intense red flower tinged with white; Salvia officinalis is the common garden sage used in cooking.

Salvia, a large and varied group of plants

By EllEn BarcEl

I’ve always thought of salvia as a plant with flaming red flowers. And, it’s true, many varieties of salvia do have red flowers, especially in mid summer. But, there are many, many varieties of salvia, native to both the Old and New World. I’ve seen estimates range from 700 to nearly 1000 different ones and that’s not counting cultivars. Recently, stopping at a local nursery I saw many of these flowers — a truly stunning display. Colors range from burgundy, red and purple to blue. Orange, yellow and near white are rarer but are available.

All varieties of salvia are In the mint family (Lamiaceae). Feel the stem and you’ll find that it is square, like peppermint and spearmint. Also, gently rub or crumple the leaves and you’ll get the distinctive aroma, again like various kinds of mint. Depending on variety, salvia is an annual, biennial, perennial and even a small shrub. Sizes range from 12 to 18 inches up to 5 feet, again, depending on the variety. Always read the tag or plant description in the catalog as this genus is a large one, adapted to many locations.

That way you’ll get just what you want for your garden.

Salvia generally grows well in very acidic to alkaline soil, meaning that Long Island gardeners can plant it almost anywhere in the garden however, optimum soil pH is around 5.5 to 6.0.

Salvia splendens

Salvia splendens (scarlet sage) is the variety most commonly grown for summer flowers which are truly spectacular when grown in mass. A tender perennial, it survives winters in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11 (Long Island is zone 7) so treat it as an annual here.

Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis is the common variety of sage grown in the herb garden. Like most herbs, it does best in a sunny location, one with good drainage. It is a hardy

perennial in USDA zones 5 to 9. Common sage does will in acidic, neutral and mildly alkaline soil. Sage can be propagated from seeds or by stem cuttings.

Harvest the leaves and dry them. Use them as a seasoning for various meat and fish dishes including Thanksgiving stuffing. If you find your plants have an insect infestation, try insecticidal soap. If you use a chemical spray, read the directions carefully as to how close to harvest you can safely apply the product.

your own, remember that they are native to a fairly arid region, so do not over water.

Salvia divinorum

If you’ve come across information that salvia is an hallucinogen, well that’s only partly correct. The hallucinogenic variety is Salvia divinorum, also known as Diviner’s Sage and Sister Salvia. Suffolk County, has made it illegal to possess or

sell Salvia divinorum in the county. So, whatever you find in local nurseries is perfectly legal, and is not hallucinogenic.

Ellen Barcel is a freelance writer and master gardener. Send your gardening questions and/or comments to leisure@tbrnewspapers. com. To reach Cornell Cooperative Extension and its Master Gardener program, call 631-727-7850.

It...

Dream It...

It...

Design It...

Create It...

It...

Create

Salvia elegans

Salvia elegans, pineapple sage, is one of my favorite plants to grow. It has red flowers in summer and leaves which smell of pineapple. It is an annual here but a perennial in warmer climates (zones 8 to 11). The plant can get very large so give it room to grow. As with most herbs, it does best in a sunny location. It can be propagated by laying a stem down on soil and holding it there with a stone or metal clip. When roots appear, cut if free of the mother plant and pot it up.

Salvia hispanica

I’ve long known that ancient Mesoamericans consumed chia seeds as a staple in their diet. It’s a complete protein, something needed in ancient Mexico, before the introduction by European explorers of cattle. It’s high in fiber, calcium and antioxidants.

What I didn’t know was that chia, a native plant of Mexico, is Salvia hispanica, yes, a member of the salvia family. Today, chia has become a popular “health” food included in some health bars. You can buy chia seeds and incorporate them in baking, much like you do with flax seeds.

Some people prefer to sprout the seeds and use them in salads and sandwiches.

And yes, these are the same seeds as in Chia Pets, but don’t eat the seeds/sprouts if you have a Chia Pet as those seeds were not really processed as human food. Edible chia seeds are widely available in health food stores and online. If you try to grow

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PAGE B22 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

Times Beacon RecoRd

We Pick The Winners:

87.5%

Of The Candidates We Endorsed In The Recent Elections

Won 14 ouT of 16 races

Election 2015

Bellone

Bellone can do it. He demonstrates an understanding of complex issues.

Romaine

Ed Romaine has a solid record of getting things done.

Losquadro

In one of the most tangible litmus tests, Losquadro has remained accessible with his office’s attempts at putting a dent in a backlog of road repaving and repair projects, while also admitting there was no way he could tend to every single one.

Cartright

Cartright’s perspective and life experience is necessary to the Brookhaven Town Board.

Hahn

Hahn is accessible to the people she represents, and her ideas are moving the county in the right direction

Berland

[Berland] has worked to sponsor legislation that’s made a difference, including laws that help put an end to blight and legislation to regulate the invasive bamboo, which can frequently be a nuisance to neighbors.

Cook

Cook’s greatest strength lies in being the sole minority party member on the board, and his willingness to speak up when something fishy is going on, whether he’s right or wrong.

Trotta

A focused and practical lawmaker, Trotta has served his district – the Town of Smithtown and a small portion of Huntington Town – well in the last two years.

Kennedy

She may be untraditional in her approach, but we feel Leslie Kennedy truly wants to respond to the needs of her constituents and has a firm grasp of the issues to respond accordingly.

Stern

Experience is invaluable, and for that, coupled with his achievements, we say elect Stern to a final term in office.

Spencer

Spencer is a well-organized, caring legislator who has done good things for his constituents.

Anker

Anker’s ear has been easily available to constituents since she took office in 2011 and she takes what she hears to heart.

Bonner

Bonner has proven she is a caring and effective councilwoman. She should be reelected to a fifth term.

Muratore

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma) said he doesn’t consider himself a politician but, instead, a man of the people.

We agree.

LaValle

We have a feeling LaValle, a Republican who grew up in Middle Country, will only keep getting better as time goes on. He has shown high energy and commitment.

[Losing candidates that we endorsed: Wehrheim, Creighton, Luft)

In ThE 45 COmmunITIEs WE sERvE

With Our 6 newspapers and tbrnewsmedia.com

Photo from Seiden Communications

Above, from left, Fred Sganga, executive director, Long Island State Veterans Home; Ben Gebbia; Congressman Lee Zeldin and Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., partner, GDGC

Elder law firm hosts annual Salute to Veterans event Genser Dubow Genser & Cona LLP, an elder law firm based in Melville, sponsored their fourth Salute to Veterans event, honoring a special veteran and the winners of the “Red, Write and Blue” student essay contest.

The event was held at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook on Nov. 14.

This year, GDGC and Congressman Lee Zeldin paid tribute to 96-year old Ben Gebbia, a resident at the LISVH. Ben served as a trained Army medic during WW II, and his regiment also liberated two concentration camps in Germany.

A recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the WW II Victory Medal, Ben is a modest man who doesn’t feel like a hero, but just that he was part of a 25-man regiment serving his country.

“Our only goal was to win the war and get back home,” says Ben. According to Jonathan Spier, deputy executive director of LISVH, Ben symbolizes those who are unable to speak about their experiences in the war and epitomizes our greatest generation. “He remembers D-Day like it was yesterday.”

Mr. Gebbia grew up in Coney Island, where he and his wife of 63 years raised their two sons. When he returned from the war, he worked as a truck driver for Taystee Bread. Now a widower, he moved to LISVH five years ago. He has three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and is an avid Mets fan.

In addition to honoring Ben, GDGC also recognized the two first place winners of the “Red, Write and Blue” student essay contest. Amelia Larkin, 13, a student at R.C. Murphy JHS in Stony Brook, and Dominic Lewis, 9, a student at Sunrise Drive Elementary School in Sayville were each presented with a $100 gift card and a certificate. The four student runners-up each received a $ 25 gift card and a certificate.

“When we started the contest four years ago, we only had three essay submissions,” said Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., partner, GDGC and a Smithtown resident. “This year we had nearly 500 essays from 30 school districts on Long Island. We selected Amelia’s essay because of how skillfully and articulately she expressed why her uncle is her hero and how he has inspired her to help others,” said Negrin-Wiener.

Dominic learned that even after leaving the service, his uncle attended the funerals of hundreds of soldiers to complete the 21 gun salute. As Dominic saluted the crowd, it was evident that he had a new appreciation for his military hero.

The Salute to Veterans, “Red, Write and Blue” Essay Contest gives young people the opportunity to learn more about their country and the freedoms and liberties they enjoy every day. This type of intergenerational program gives our youth the chance to learn from their heroes, the very people who made this country what it is today.

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DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B23

Wishing One and All

Wishing You A Beautiful Holiday And A New Year Filled With Promise And Hope.

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PAGE B24 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

Wishing You the Happiest of Holidays and a “Handy” New Year!

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DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B25

leisure

Long Island Museum to take brief hiatus in February Hours extended for the holidays

Mort Künstler: The Art of Adventure February 26 through May 30, 2016 Known for his meticulously researched paintings of the American Civil War and other significant historical subjects, Mort Künstler of Oyster Bay is also a prolific illustrator whose romance, adventure and sporting illustrations have engaged and entertained readers and admirers for six decades.

Mort Künstler: The Art of Adventure features nearly 100 original artworks and ephemera spanning the breadth

‘Sun Silver’ by Drew Klotz is one of four kinetic sculptures on the grounds of the Long Island Museum.

of his prolific career, created for such popular 20th-century publications as True, Argosy, Men’s Story, Sports Afield, Outdoor Life, American Weekly and The Saturday Evening Post, as well as movie posters, book jackets and advertisements reflecting American popular culture and the diverse artistic genres that comprise his exceptional creative journey.

The Brush Is My Pen: Art That Tells Stories February 26 through July 30, 2016 The Brush Is My Pen explores American art in the narrative tradition, from the 1820s through today. From the classically influenced historical and genre paintings of 19th-century artists to powerful contemporary narrative work, artists have long created richly evocative stories. In this exhibition’s 18 paintings, prints and photographs, chosen primarily from the

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Long Island Museum’s permanent collection, artists have explored every aspect of the human condition, just as writers of literary and stage productions. The exhibition explores narrative art through four separate themes — work, satire, drama and hope — and includes a range of work from artists of every era.

William Sidney Mount’s “Loss and Gain,” 1847, a satirical work in support of the American temperance movement, is a typically striking example of the artist’s multilayered storytelling. Edward Lamson Henry’s “Home Again,” 1908, a nostalgically tinged work expressing longing for an America that was rapidly fading, tells the tale of a family reunion.

And Margery Caggiano’s “Michael as Don Manuel Osorio de Zuñiga,” 1978, is both an expression of love for the artist’s Spiderman-T-shirt-wearing grand-

Photo by Heidi sutton

son and a sly reference to the famous Francisco de Goya painting of a similar title. Whether exploring an aspect of history or simply appealing to the viewer’s sense of humor, all of these works prove the old adage that a “picture is worth a thousand words.”

Colors of Long Island February 26 through May 1, 2016 This annual student art exhibition affords an opportunity for students in grades K through 12 to show their artwork in a museum setting. Hundreds of proud parents and teachers flock to the museum every year to admire the work of these talented Long Island students, many of whom go on to study art in college. Colors of Long Island is sponsored

by Astoria Bank.

For more information, call 631-7510066 or visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Happy Holiday and Best Wishes for the New Year!

FROM ALL OF US AT CAPPY’S

Cappy’s Carpets Since 1946

440 MAIN STREET PORT JEFFERSON • (631) 473–2600 Home improvement Lic. #18-817H.I. www.cappyscarpets.com • Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9–6 PM, Thurs. 9–8 PM, Sat. 9:30–5 PM

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The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook, will be open for extended hours during the holiday vacation. It will be open Dec. 26 and 27 (regular hours), Dec. 29 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Jan. 2 and 3 (regular hours).

The museum will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1. Only the Visitors Center will be open from Jan. 4 to 31 and admission is free. The museum will then close from Feb. 1 through Feb. 25 for the installation of new exhibits and reopen on Feb. 26.

Visitors may view this year’s installment of Sculpture@LIM through the new year featuring four works by Connecticut sculptor Drew Klotz. Growing up in an artist setting, Drew naturally gravitated toward kinetic sculpture.

A graduate from Cooper Union in NYC his career has led him to create various different approaches to kinetics, from TV props to flying machines to his indoor inventions to outdoor windactivated sculptures. As Klotz puts it, “My continuing exploration of kinetics, form and color are the backbone of my work. Many things influence me, flight, nature and natural phenomena. Using the wind as a power source to put my creations in motion to pull the viewer in and experience the fun.”

The following exhibits will open in February:

PAGE B26 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

Resolutions

A New You L I F E ST YL E W INT ER 2015

LO NG ISL A ND

DIA ECORD NEWS ME TIMES BEACON R

R E S O LU T I O N S A New You

A fun and fabulous way to reach our North Shore audience, LIFESTYLE magazine is part of the TBR family of publications. Our collection of magazines offer contemporary insights and of-the-moment notes on life and wellness on our island.

A New Year, A New You! Enjoy our special features including: • Improving All Aspects of Your Health • Better Finances: financial information provided by industry experts PLUS...

• Cultural Events Calendar • Music and Arts • Food • Wine • Shopping • Trends • Style • Beauty

COMPLIMENTARY

Next Issue January 28, 2016

HURRY – CALL NOW – JUST A FEW SPACES REMAIN! For DETAilS CAll

(631) 751–7744 185 Route 25A, Setauket, NY 11733

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T i M E S B E AC o n r E C o r D n E W S M E D i A

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B27

Times…and dates

Dec. 24, 2015 to Jan. 7, 2016

Thursday 24

wednesday 6 ACCorDion AlliAnCe meeTing Long Island Accordion Alliance will hold a meeting at La Villini Family Style Italian Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Road, E. Northport, at 6 p.m. Featured artists will be Manny Corallo and Frank Toscano. For more information, call 261-6344.

Christmas Eve

Friday 25 AnnuAl ChrisTmAs Dinner Gloria Dei Evangelical Lutheran Church, 22 E. 18th St., Huntington Station, invites the community to its 30th annual free Christmas dinner from noon to 2 p.m., featuring turkey and all the trimmings, with music and gifts for the children. Call 271-2466. holiDAy ho-ho-ho hike The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference will host a tenmile, fast pace hike on flat terrain, from the Pine Barrens Trails Information Center on Captain Daniel Roe Highway in Manorville, to the yellow trail junction and back again, at 10 a.m. Bring water, and a snack. Free. For more information, call 360-0753.

saturday 26 Fire DepArTmenT blooD Drive Northport Fire Department, 204 Main St., Northport, will host its annual Holiday Blood Drive from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. All who make a donation will be treated to a meal of roast beef and pot roast, homecooked by the fire department crew. Call 516-528-2262.

JusT A hike Caumsett State Historic Park, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington will hold a six-mile adult hike through the park from 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Bring lunch and drinking water. $4. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770.

sunday 27 inTernATionAl Folk DAnCing Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown, will host an International Folk Dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. All are welcome.

No partner necessary. Dances will be reviewed and/or taught. $8 donation requested. For additional information, call 516-781-3552.

Tuesday 29

Thursday 7 File photo

Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito will make an appearance at Book Revue in Huntington on Jan. 5.

sunday 3 winTer seAsonAl sTroll Caumsett State Historic Park, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington, will host an adult Winter Seasonal Stroll from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m.

On this 1.5 mile hike to observe seasonal changes, you’ll discover that nature is beautiful and interesting in winter too. $4. Advance registration required by calling 423-1770. new yeAr’s pArTy wiTh Tom mAnuel Ring in the New Year with Tom Manuel & His Syncopated Seven at Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook, at 2 p.m.

Along with vocalist Melanie Marod, the jazz band will bring you back to the heyday of swing. Free and open to all. Call 588-5024.

Tuesday 5 book signing Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington will welcome celebrity chef and The New York Times No. 1 best-selling author Rocco DiSpirito, who will speak and sign copies of his new cookbook, “The Negative Calorie Diet,” at 7 p.m. Call 271-1442. prosTATe CAnCer supporT group Us TOO will hold a Prostate Cancer Support Group at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital, 75 N. Country Road, Port Jefferson, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Conference Room 1. All welcome. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Craig at 846-4377.

roCk legenDs live!

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington, will present an educational lecture by Bill Shelley titled "A Little Bit of Folk: From Activism to Lyricism," at 7:30 p.m., as part of its Rock Legends Live! series. $15, $10 members includes reception. For more information, call 423-7611 or visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Film 'Tokyo DriFTer' Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington, will screen Seijun Suzuki's "Tokyo Drifter" on Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12, $7 members. For further information, call 423-7611. shAkespeAre's 'The winTer's TAle' Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington, will present a screening of Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale," starring Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh, on Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, $20 members. For further information, call 423-7611.

Theater 'in The heArT oF The seA' The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor, will present a live performance titled "In the Heart of the Sea." on Dec. 27 and Jan. 9, with a wine and cheese reception at 7 p.m., whaling history chat at 7:30 p.m. and performance at 8 p.m., followed by a Q-and-A with the director. Tickets are $20, $35 per couple. To order, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418. ‘sTrAngers in The nighT’ The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Educational & Cultural Center, 97P Main St., Stony Brook, will host a holiday musical theater performance of "Strangers in the Night," the story of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner, through Jan. 10. Tickets are $50 adults, $48 seniors. For reservations, call 689-5888.

'A ChrisTmAs CArol' Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson, will present its 32nd annual production of the Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol" through Dec. 27. Tickets range from $15 to $30. Call 9289100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. mADison squAre gArDen's 'A ChrisTmAs CArol' CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale, will present Madison Square Garden's "A Christmas Carol — The Musical" through Dec. 29. Tickets range from $20 to $29. For more information, call 218-2810 or visit www.cmpac.com.

Thursday 31 new yeAr's lAughin' eve Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson, will present a New Year's Laughin' Eve, at 6 p.m. and again at 8 p.m., featuring standups Paul Anthony, Chris Roach, Bryan McKenna and Rob Falcone.

Tickets for the 6 p.m. show are $45, tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $55. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Disney's 'The liTTle mermAiD' Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown, will present Disney's "The Little Mermaid," a treat for the whole family, through Jan. 24. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors, $20 children under 12. To order, call 724-3700.

new yeAr's eve gAlA CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale, will present a New Year's Eve Gala at 8 p.m., featuring live cabaret, cocktail reception, dessert and coffee. Tickets are $75 per person.

To order, call 218-2810 or visit www.cmpac.com.

‘mirACle on 34Th sTreeT: The musiCAl’ The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport, will present the holiday classic, "Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical," through Jan. 3. Tickets range from $69 to $74. Call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

new yeAr's lAugh, Dine AnD DAnCe The Suffolk Theater, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead, will present a New Year's Laughin' Eve at 8 p.m. Featuring stand-ups Eric Haft, Rich Walker and Carie Karavas. Tickets are $45. To order, call 727-4343 or www.suffolktheater.com. 'loADs oF lAughs' Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown, will present its New Year's Eve Comedy Show, "Loads of Laughs," at 10 p.m. — doors open at 8:30 p.m. — featuring standups Jim Dailakis, Sherry Davey, Pat Dixon, Clayton Fletcher, Marq Overton and Rob Ryan. $85 per person includes a buffet of Italian hors d'oeuvres and light fare, an open bar of wine and beer, dessert and a champagne toast to bring in the New Year. To order, call 7243700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Civil wAr rounDTAble meeTing North Shore Civil War Roundtable will hold its monthly meeting at the South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station, at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Jamie Malinowski, who will present a lecture on his book, “Commander Will Cushing: Daredevil Hero of the Civil War.” Free, and all are welcome. For further information, call 549-4411 or 757-8117.

Photo by Samantha Cuomo

Michelle Rubino stars as Ariel in Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts' production of 'The Little Mermaid' through Jan. 24.

CALENDAR DEADLINE is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record Newspapers, 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.

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

PAGE B28 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

leisure

The wildlife artist of Conscience Bay

By Alex Petroski

Directions to the small waterfront cottage pressed up against Conscience Bay in East Setauket included the phrase “follow the dirt road that’s covered by leaves.” Down a narrow, wooded path and around a hard left that is the last option prior to tires hitting water, you’ll find a small one-bedroom cottage with a deck overlooking the water. Out of his front window, the artist sees a sight suitable for framing each and every day. Inspiration is not hard to find in a setting like this.

Roger Kramer is a 74-year-old artist who lives alone in that one-bedroom cottage. He is separated and his two children, Matthew and Emily, are grown.

He has two grandchildren, with a third on the way; his son and daughter live in New York City and California, respectively. Kramer has a psychology practice that he attends to a few times a week.

Occasionally, he is accompanied by his son’s dog Jagger, an exceedingly friendly 95-pound ten-year-old golden retriever who needs sporadic breaks from city life. Together Kramer and Jagger spend much of their free time exploring the woods that engulf the cottage and flank the bay, searching for some of that inspiration that lies around every corner in Kramer’s world.

Kramer is a kind man with a warm, welcoming disposition. He stands about five feet, ten inches tall and has long gray hair. He was born in Brooklyn. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College and then went on to a psychology master’s program at Hofstra University. At 27 years old he got married and took off on a “whirlwind tour” of Europe on a motorcycle (which he had shipped overseas) with his new wife.

When they returned, the couple settled in Boulder, Colorado. Stops in California and Woodstock, New York, lead him back to Long Island in 1971, where he earned a Ph.D. at Stony Brook University. After that, Kramer took a job as a psychologist in Vermont, which he did for about seven years. Eventually he made his way back to Long Island, this time to the shores of Conscience Bay. Kramer’s combination of artistic talent and passion for environmental preservation and appreciation serve as a perfect blend for his current life.

“I do ‘found’ wood work,” Kramer said. “I like taking a piece of wood that’s just dirty and foul and [you] can hardly see what it is but it turns out to be 200-year-old black walnut that grew around here.”

Specifically, Kramer turns the wood that he finds on the land surrounding

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B29

leisuRe

his home into stunningly lifelike sculptures of birds (fowl wood), most of which he’s spotted not far from the places that he finds the wood. Kramer contests that they’re not meant to be too lifelike but rather interpretations of how he sees the shore birds that grace his fit-for-framing view. However, a few minutes in his presence make it obvious who his harshest critic is.

After that hard left turn is made and Kramer’s cottage and deck are finally, mercifully in sight through some forest that a Long Islander would classify as “fairly thick,” though that would probably be mocked by someone from another part of the country. For Long Island though, this is as remote as it gets. Along the right side of the “driveway,” which is paved similarly to that path leading to the house, with dirt and leaves, there’s a covered BMW motorcycle and a cherry red Saab crossover. Either one is suitable for a day of exploration.

Kramer accumulates wood in his travels, usually without a specific idea in mind of how he plans to use it. His favorite tool to shape the wood into wings or heads or feathers is a small handheld grinder. “I’m excited when I first see something, even if I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do with it and then the excitement comes when I’m in the

process and something is emerging. It comes alive. It talks to me.”

After one meeting, it might be crass to identify Kramer as eccentric. Creativity oozes from him. “Right now I liken myself to some kind of wildlife artist,” Kramer said with a chuckle. It wasn’t clear if Kramer meant simply that the subject of his art is usually wildlife or if he as an artist is now part of what is classified as wildlife. Either way, the description suits him.

His living room is furnished with chairs and tables that he crafted out of wood, just like his birds. On his refrigerator hangs an Andy Warhol quote: “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”

When walking up the three or four stairs that lead to Kramer’s deck, the majestic and nearly to scale size birds finally come into view, and this is about the same time that just over the deck’s railing and some foliage that the bay comes into view. By the time one’s foot hits the top step, what follows is breathtaking.

In the early afternoon the sun was just peeking around the corner of Kramer’s house, giving the water a little shimmer that served as a perfect

backdrop to view the birds. They are assembled into the corner when not being staged by the railing for jawdropping, beautiful photo opportunities. On this day, the blue heron has the main stage. This particular sculpture is crafted in such a way that despite being made of wood, flight looks to be imminent. There’s also a bald eagle, a snowy owl, and among about a dozen others, my personal favorite, an osprey.

Kramer sends picture messages to his kids for honest and constructive criticism. “I’ll send pictures to both kids and they’ll say either ‘oh, good,’ or ‘hmm maybe keep your day job.’” Kramer’s intention is to start getting more recognition for his work.

More words could be used to describe Kramer and his magnificent work, but they don’t do him or his beautiful birds any justice. Not many people have seen his work yet. A neighbor borrowed his bald eagle for a few weeks, just because he couldn’t keep his eyes off of it. I am not an art critic, nor do I have an artistic bone in my body, but I can say with confidence that Kramer’s birds will be seen and appreciated by far more than a few dozen eyes in the very near future.

To contact Roger Kramer and learn more about his projects, email him at rogerpsyqi@gmail.com.

Photos from Roger Kramer and Alex Petroski

Counter- clockwise from top left, sandhill crane; bald eagle; red tailed hawk; snowy owl; yellow crown night heron; Jagger the dog; great blue heron; osprey; peregrine falcon; the artist on his deck overlooking Conscience Bay with one of his sculptures, a great blue heron; and a close-up of yellow crown night heron On the cover: Stony Brook Village painting by Jo-Ann Corretti

PAGE B30 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

Kids Calendar Guide Holiday break is a wonderful time for children to enjoy a reprieve from the daily routine of school and homework and spend time with family and relax. However, Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center reminds parents that there are many ways to keep children learning and engaged over break without forcing school work on them. “This break is a great opportunity to get into a few fun and educational activities as a family,” says Huntington. Here are a few ideas to help your child keep learning over the holiday break: Let your child plan a meal. This can combine time management and help with math, reading, writing and art skills. Provide cookbooks or online cooking sites to help choose simple recipes for the meal. When cooking, put your child in charge of measuring. Ask questions, such as “Is two 1/4 cups the same as 1/2 cup? How can you tell?” Model how to create a shopping list. Try to estimate cooking times and prepare a schedule.

Search the newspaper for coupons. Do math estimates while grocery shopping.

Break out the crafts. There’s no better time than the holidays to create gifts.

Check out your local craft center for classes on card-making or spend time together at home working with your hands.

Clay, paint, drawing materials and more are a great way to exercise those artistic, creative muscles. Take those projects a step further and check out how-to books from the library on new crafts or nonfiction books on different artists.

Hit the library. The library is a mustvisit destination over holiday break.

Your child can enjoy reading for the fun of it as opposed to reading for school, so let him or her choose a few books to enjoy over break on subjects that are of interest to him or her. Don’t forget to check out the library’s schedule of classes and events for children, teens and families over the holidays.

Books as holiday gifts. Good gifts over the holidays are books or a gift card from a book store. A gift card allows your child to pick out books they want to read so they are involved in the selection process and will be excited for what they will read.

Explore local museums. Call the local art, history, science or cultural museums to see if they have any special exhibits going on this holiday season. And even if they do not, these next couple of weeks are a great time to make a few family field trips to some of the attractions that your city has to offer. As a follow-up to the outing have your child write about the activity.

With a little planning and imagination, you can make this holiday break enjoyable for your child and help him or her learn a few new things, too. “Take time during the break to encourage your child to explore his or her interests and have fun in the process,” says Huntington. “Free time is the best time to refresh one’s memory that learning itself is a fun activity.”

tea and cookies. $20 per child, parents free. To RSVP, call 218-2810 or visit www.cmpac.com. haNDs-oN-historY The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook will present a program titled Hands-on-History on Jan. 7, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Make the past come alive through activities and objects. Visit a different gallery each month and explore history. For grades 1 to 4. $10, $8 members. To register, call 751-0066, ext. 212.

film

Photo by Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions Inc.

Join Santa’s elves, from left, Sam, Blizzard, Barnaby and Crystal on a musical adventure in ‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’ at Theatre Three through Dec. 26.

Programs

small outdoor animal to place inside a hanging snowy diorama to take home. $20, $18 members.

Preregistration is required by calling 854-5539.

Let’s CeLebrate the New Year!

Celebrate the New Year at the Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Explore the principles of geometry and design your very own Times Square Ball. $5. Call 331-3277 for more information.

amaziNg aNimaLs a-z The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Educational & Cultural Center, 97P Main St., Stony Brook Village will present a winter break program titled Amazing Animals A-Z from Dec. 28 to 30. Children will play animals games, explore bones and pelts and enjoy fun activities.

Ages 3 to 5 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., $50; ages 6 to 9 from 1 to 3 p.m., $65. To register, call 689-5888. fish PriNtiNg Learn about the ancient art of Gyotaku (fish printing) at the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, 340 Smith Road, Shirley on Dec. 28 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and make your own scientifically accurate print to take home. Free. To register, call 286-0485.

DeCember DisCoverY DaYs Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will present December Discovery Days for ages 5 to 11 from Dec. 28 to 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. With a different theme each day, children will participate in handson activities, crafts, wildlife presentations and more. $80/day, $70/day members; $350/week, $300/week members. To RSVP, call 979-6344.

PriNCess tea PartY Ballet Long Island, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma will host a Princess Tea Party on Dec. 26 at 1 p.m. Cinderella, Snow White, Tinkerbell, the Sugar Plum Fairy and Santa will perform live on stage followed by photos and a tea party including cupcakes, hot chocolate, candy canes and more. Tickets are $19 each. To order, call 737-1964. wiNterfest!

Celebrate the joy of winter at The Whaling Museum, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on Dec. 27 from noon to 3 p.m. Discover how whales keep warm in the cold, touch a walrus tusk, see real blubber, create lots of icy crafts, get your face painted and meet Elsa! $10 per child; adults regular admission; member adults free. Face painting $4 extra.

For further information, call 367-3418. aNimaLs iN wiNter The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will offer a creative workshop titled Animals in Winter for children in grades K to 2 on Dec. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. Children will visit the museum’s wildlife dioramas and exhibits, learn how animals adapt to survive the cold and create a

maD sCieNCe Lab (wiNter eDitioN) Enter the Mad Scientist’s Lab at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown on Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and conduct several different science experiments using household items. Ideal for ages 7 and up. $3. Advance registration required by calling 265-1054. makiNg traCks Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, 340 Smith Road, Shirley will present a program titled Making Tracks for children ages 7 and up on Dec. 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Learn the basics of identifying the tracks left by wildlife and create your own tracks to bring home. Free. To register, call 286-0485, ext.2131.

New Year’s bash for kiDs Join The Whaling Museum, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a family celebration on Dec. 31 at 11 a.m. to count down to noon. Create crafts such as noisemakers and wishing wands, and don’t forget to make a resolution for the ocean. Free hot chocolate in the workshop. Best for ages 3 to 6; siblings welcome. $8 per child, adults regular admission. Call 367-3418. roYaL tea PartY The CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale will host a Royal Tea Party for age 4 and older on Jan. 2 at 2 p.m. Meet some of your favorite princesses, learn princess etiquette, take part in a sing-a-long and enjoy

wiNter hoLiDaY fiLms The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” on Dec. 26, a selection of shorts from the New York International Children’s Film Festival on Dec. 27, “Home Alone” on Dec. 28, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” on Dec. 29 and “Grease” the sing-a-long version on Dec. 30. All shows start at noon. Tickets are $12 adults, $7 members, children 12 and under free. For more information, call 423-7611 or visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

theater ‘the LittLe mermaiD’ Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smithtown will present Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” through Jan. 24. Ariel, King Triton, Flounder, Scuttle and, of course, Sebastian all come to life on the stage. Tickets are $35 adults, $20 children under 12. Call 724-3700. ‘barNabY saves Christmas’ Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will present a holiday favorite, “Barnaby Saves Christmas,” through Dec. 26. Join Barnaby, the elf and Franklynne the reindeer on a musical adventure to save Christmas. All tickets are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www. theatrethree.com. ‘frostY’ Just in time for the holidays, the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will present the musical “Frosty,” through Jan. 3. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville. Tickets are $15. Call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. ‘mY Christmas eLf’ CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale will present the musical “My Christmas Elf,” on Saturday, Dec. 26. Join Mittens the toy maker as he helps Santa keep his naughty list straight while learning the true magic of Christmas. Tickets are $12. Call 218-2810.

‘LittLe reD riDiNg hooD’ Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will present a musical version of “Little Red Riding Hood” with a fresh new twist from Jan. 23 to Feb. 19. Tickets are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘JuNie b. JoNes the musiCaL’ The John W. Engeman Theater will present “Junie B. Jones The Musical” from Jan. 30 to March 6. Tickets are $15 each. To order, call 2612900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. ‘aLaDDiN Jr.’ The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will present “Aladdin Jr.” from Feb. 6 to 21. All tickets are $15. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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

DECEMBER 24, 2015 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B31

kids times ‘Unicorn’

By Chloe Stewart Nassakeag Elementary School, East Setauket Mystical, magical, beautiful, Riding down rainbows in light.

Seeing sunshine that’s bright.

Mystical, magical, beautiful, Dancing through forests with sounds Of horseshoes clomping.

Dreams coming through its pretty horseshoes, clomp, clomp!

Mystical, magical, beautiful, In a beautiful forest of rain, With a cotton candy lane.

A beautiful, mystical, and magical thing.

Unicorn

Photo by Heidi sutton

From left, Gianna, 9; Emma, 12; Allie, 15; and Mia, 8 of Holbrook took a break from the hustle and bustle to design gingerbread houses at the Gingerbread University in Riverhead last Sunday

Wanted: Kids’ poetry and artwork Kids, send your poetry, artwork, jokes or photographs to Kids Times, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733 or email it to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com, and we’ll publish it as soon as we can. Please include your name, age and hometown.

TImeS BeacoN RecoRd Presents

BRIdGeS A Resource Guide Featuring Stony Brook Medicine and University Offerings for the Community and Shops & Services of the North Shore Business Communities serving Stony Brook Staff

February 25, 2016

To be published at the beginning of the spring semester, Bridges will be distributed to the doctors and healthcare professionals at the hospital and faculty and administrators on campus, as well as inserted into the full run of six Times Beacon Record Newspapers and published with an interactive fully searchable online version on our web site, tbrnewsmedia.com.

Included will be hospital updates on the future of healthcare, clinical programs, technologies and healthcare reform as well as university events, exhibits and the schedule of SBU games for the sports season.

In town, our north shore business community will have the opportunity to reach SBU professionals with their products and services.

Published in All 6 Hometown Newspapers • The Village TIMES HERALD • The Village BEACON RECORD • The TIMES of Huntington, Northport & East Northport

• The Port TIMES RECORD • The TIMES of Smithtown • The TIMES of Middle Country

To be part of this issue, reaching readers in a very select audience on the North Shore,

Photo by elyse sutton

Victoria Bugay, 15, of Ronkonkoma braved the wintry weather last Sunday to go ice skating and then roast marshmallows in Port Jefferson Village.

631.751.7744 For Details and Rates.

Deadline January 28

©138901

CALL your Sales Representative today at

PAGE B32 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 24, 2015

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