Arts & Lifestyles - January 5, 2017

ARTS&LIFESTYLES TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA • JANUARY 5, 2017

'Complicating Abstracts' opens in Port Jefferson • B15 ALSO: Photo of the Week B11 • ‘Loco-Motive’ book review B20 • SBU Sports B25 • ‘A Little Rees Specht’ book review B28

TIMES BEACON RECORD Presents

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BRIDGES

A Resource Guide Featuring Stony Brook University Offerings

February 23, 2017

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

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PAGE B2 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

NEWS AROUND TOWN

MAKING HISTORY: On Dec. 22, seventh-grade students of the Port Jefferson Middle School attended an assembly that focused on how the village’s residents aided the efforts of the Patriots in winning the Revolutionary War. Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant, historian Georgette Grier-Key and alum Michael Tessler engaged

the students in a fascinating display of how the Culper Spy Ring operated as well as having the opportunity to view Loyalist soldier Nehemiah Marks’ letter informing his comrades that Phillips and Nathaniel Roe, among others, helped supply Setauket-based spy Caleb Brewster with information to pass on to the Patriots.

Photo courtesy of WMHO

From left, Laura, Jolie and Natasha Vetrovec with their winning entry

HOLLY JOLLY TREE: The Vetrovec family of East Setauket were the winners of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Holiday Tree Competition for their entry titled “Santa Claus.”

The competition was a part of the WMHO’s 37th annual Holiday Festival, which took place on Dec. 4. The family received a $150 gift certificate usable in over 35 shops and restaurants at the Stony Brook Village Center. Congratulations!

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Photo from Monica Consalvo

Far left, historian Georgette Grier-Key; second from left, teacher Monica Consalvo; second from right, alum Michael Tessler; and, far right, Mayor Margot Garant with seventh-grade students from the Port Jefferson Middle School

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B3

ask the veterinarian

Obesity: Sinking our teeth into our pet’s weight problems

By Matthew Kearns, DVM

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can lead to severe liver problems and in some cases liver failure and death in cats, It’s 2017 and time to start our New Year’s but severe obesity can lead to liver disease Resolutions!! We all know the struggle with in both dogs and cats.

Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the the battle of the bulge. We all want to look and feel good. We all know that regular ex- pancreas, is a serious (sometimes lifeercise and diet is the key to a long, healthy threatening disease in dogs and cats) that life. Well, our thinking in that regard should is a risk with obesity. There is also a higher extend to our four-legged friends. Obesity in incidence of diabetes in obese dogs and this country is as big a problem in dogs and cats. Thus is believed to be related not only to damage to the pancrecats as it is in ourselves. as but also insulin resisObesity in our pets is tance (as in humans). Almore a concern of longthough obesity does not term health rather than directly effect the heart, self-esteem. Although we obesity in a pet that has a do not worry about coropre-existing heart condinary artery disease in tion will hasten the propets, there are plenty of gression to heart failure. diseases that are directly How do we prevent linked to obesity as well obesity in our pets? Same as certain diseases that as ourselves: Eat less, exobesity will exacerbate. ercise more. Before radiThere has been a cally reducing your pet’s proven link between overfood intake, it would be feeding young dogs and We can prevent obesity better to make an apgrowth abnormalities. In in our pets by having pointment with your vetone study scientists were erinarian to have your able to reduce the risk of them eat less and dog or cat examined. This hip dysplasia by 25 perexercise more. way both you and your cent just by feeding one veterinarian can identify group of dogs less calories obesity and make sure than another. We are not talking about starvthere is no underlying disease. ing dogs, just not overfeeding.

Some older pets will suffer from obesity All growth abnormalities will lead to an early onset of arthritis. Additionally, the from arthritis. It is not that they eat more added weight is a burden on already ar- but rather they exercise less because they are unable to move like they used to. Also thritic bones and joints in older pets.

Dog breeds such as pugs, Boston ter- an underactive thyroid and some other riers, shih tzus, Lhasa apso, English bull- health disorders can lead to obesity.

There are medications available for dogs and Pekingese and cat breeds such as Persians, etc. (brachycephalic breeds many of the disorders that cause obesity, or breeds with flat faces) are predisposed but they have to be diagnosed first. Also reto breathing problems because of their alize that spayed or neutered pets will gain anatomy, but obesity will exacerbate the weight if you do not monitor their food respiratory problem. Severe obesity in any intake. Just because your pet was spayed breed will lead to respiratory problems in or neutered does not mean that they will automatically become obese but they may any pedigree or mixed breed.

Certain conditions have been directly re- be more at risk. lated to obesity. Hepatic lipidosis or “fatty ASK THE VETERINARIAN continued on page B6 liver disease” is a pathologic condition that

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In this edition ask the Vet ..................................... B3 Book review .................................B20 Calendar ................................. B18-19 Cooking Cove...............................B16 Crossword Puzzle ......................B10 Gardening ....................................B17 Legally speaking.........................B12

Life Lines .......................................... B6 Medical Compass ........................ B9 Parents and Kids ................. B26-28 Power of three ............................B13 religious Directory ............ B21-23 sudoku ...........................................B10 this week in history ..................B16

Email your lEisurE, hEalth, businEss and calEndar noticEs to: lEisurE@tbrnEwspapErs.com.

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

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PAGE B4 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B5

community news

Art2Go program inspires As part of Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Art2Go program, the fifth-grade Art Club of Port Jefferson’s Edna Louise Spear Elementary School visited the Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery on Dec. 14 to work on activities inspired by last month’s exhibition, Lorna Bieber: Traces.

The artist made a special appearance, making it a really exciting day for the kids. Previous to the visit, Director and Curator Karen Levitov and her gallery assistant Samantha Clink met with the school’s Art Club to do a collage activity.

The students brought their collages to the gallery to show to the artist and then made a large montage of all of the collages in the gallery.

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Back row from left, Karen Levitov, gallery director and curator; Thomas Meehan, principal of Edna Louise Spear Elementary School; Richard Anderson, art teacher and Art Club instructor; far right: Caitlin Terrell, art teacher; front row from left, Samantha Clink, gallery assistant; Andrea Baatz, student gallery assistant; and, front center, artist Lorna Bieber with art students from Edna Louise Spear Elementary School

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PAGE B6 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

ASK THE VETERINARIAN Continued from page B3

If your veterinarian feels that your pet is healthy then you can identify obesity and set realistic goals.

Eliminating all the extras (table scraps, extra cookies, treats, rawhides, pig’s ears, etc) are a good start. These are all empty calories.

If that is not working then you may need to cut back on the amount of calories from dog or cat food your pet receives.

Either feed your pet less or consider one of the special weight reducing diet. These diets are available both commercially and through your veterinarian.

Exercise is both physically and mentally healthy for our pets as well as ourselves. Controlled exercise (short walks

at first) not only burns calories but enhances the bond between our pets and ourselves. I know I could use the walks more than my dog.

For cats (especially indoor only cats) there are toys that you can play with them.

Make sure these toys are not made of material that could be chewed off and potentially form an obstruction or if they do fray throw them away before they do become a problem. I used to tie a piece of string to my belt loop just to get my fat cat to chase me while I cleaned my apartment.

So, remember to have your pets eat right and exercise. That is the best way to keep them happy and healthy in the New Year.

Dr. Kearns practices veterinary medicine from his Port Jefferson office and is pictured with his son Matthew and his dog Jasmine.

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Image from ‘The Golden Bough’

Egypt has long been considered a land of mystery and magic. Above, the Magical Circle of Anubis is discussed in ‘The Golden Bough.’

Magic, religion and science

By Elof AxEl CArlson

empirical and reason-based studies of the material, living and psychological uniIn 1890 Sir James George Frazer (1854- verse in which we live.

Contemporary historians and philoso1941) wrote “The Golden Bough.” Frazer was Scottish, educated in Glasgow and phers differ with Frazer and among themthen in Cambridge studying classical liter- selves on the origins of science. Some use ature (Greek and Roman). He studied my- a Marxist interpretation that farmers and thology, comparative religion and anthro- workers laid the groundwork for science pology. His book argues that magic gave by their practical approaches to cultivate nature. Some argue that science is acturise to religion and religion to science. ally a cultural consensus Magic assumes there are or construction that shifts supernatural powers that to new consensus and some people can invoke or constructions in response possess as innate gifts. With to political and cultural magic, what seems imposchanges. sible can be made possible, Most scientists reject at least to the observers of these social views of scimagical acts. Most profesence and favor a matesional magicians deny that rial universe that can be they possess such gifts, and explored, interpreted and Houdini spent considerable manipulated with tools, extime duplicating the tricks perimentation, reason and and illusions other magidata replacing myth, ideolcians (and charlatans) used ogy or the supernatural. to deceive the public.

At issue in these deFrazer surmises the earbates are the ways scienliest humans believed in tists see the universe and magical acts and associ‘The Golden Bough’ their efforts to understand ated them into rituals and it. Science sometimes myths with a belief in gods, argues that magic overthrows prevailing beoften family ancestors, mythic heroes who were gave rise to religion liefs seen as truths. More often, it modifies its findfounders of a tribe, clan or and religion to ings and its implications, larger population and sky science. incorporating the old as a gods. He believed the idea portion of the new. of resurrection came from Newton’s laws of motion and gravity the seasonal observation that plants die, scatter seeds and in the spring a resur- were not negated by Einstein’s theories rection occurs. He calls this “the dying of relativity or space-time. They became a more limited application useful for corn god.”

Religion largely replaced magic as studying Earth and its solar system. Scithe basis for interpreting how the world ence is limited in what it can predict. arose, how society should function and We do not know if there are few, many or an unending number of scientific how we relate to our gods.

Religion in turn led to science with laws that may emerge in the centuries mathematics replacing numerology, as- and millennia to come. tronomy coming out from astrology and Elof Axel Carlson is a distinguished chemistry from alchemy. The pursuit of knowledge from pseudoscience led to a teaching professor emeritus in the Departweeding out of the failed experiments ment of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at and predictions and a respect for more Stony Brook University.

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B7

‘Carousel’ hits local theaters

In honor of the 60th anniversary of “Carousel” starring Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones, Fathom Events and Twentieth Century Fox will bring the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic to select cinemas nationwide on Sunday, Jan. 8 and Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.

Starring Gordon MacRae as Billy Bigelow and Shirley Jones as Julie Jordan, “Carousel” features one of the most impressive and emotionally moving of all Rodgers & Hammerstein scores, as well as stunning cinematography — the 1956 film was shot largely on location in coastal Maine.

Its score includes such classics as “Soliloquy,” “What’s the Use of Wond’rin,” the rousing “June Is Busting Out All Over” and the haunting, inspiring “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

The screenings will also include an exclusive interview between Shirley Jones and the president of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Ted Chapin. “‘Carousel’ has always been dear to me, a film that remains beautiful, challenging and inspiring,” said Jones. “It was 60 years ago that we immortalized Rodgers & Hammerstein’s gorgeous musical, but when I think back on the memories it feels like no time at all has passed. I hope both longtime fans and new audiences will find it just as fresh and just as wonderful as ever.”

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“Movie musicals become an entirely different experience when viewed on the big screen and shared with an audience,” Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations Tom Lucas said. “We are proud to be presenting one of the best and most unique musicals of the 1950s, showcasing a truly extraordinary achievement of American moviemaking.”

Participating movie theaters in our neck of the woods include Island 16 Cinema De Lux in Holtsville and Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas.

For more information, please visit www.fathomevents.com.

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PAGE B8 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

THIS Year DO YOU Want To reverse Disease? Want To Lose Weight?

Feel Concerned You’re Locked Into Your Genes?

IF YOU THInk IT’S TOO LaTe TO CHanGe, reaD THe COmmenTS FrOm mY prOUD paTIenTS beLOW: The results I have achieved working with Dr. Dunaief have been quite remarkable. My primary goal was to reduce average blood pressure to acceptable levels.

This was accomplished in a little over 3 months.

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“My cardiologist was so impressed with my results. By following Dr. Dunaief’s advice, I’ve been able to stop all three of my blood pressure medications. My heart palpitations, which were limiting my activities, have dramatically reduced in frequency, my energy levels have increased and I have lost 15 pounds in two months.” ~ Nurse, age 62 “I feel awesome after eating the diet, especially in the morning. I can’t believe how much has improved with such small changes. My cholesterol is normal, and my triglycerides dropped dramatically - almost 200 points! My blood pressure medication was stopped, yet my blood pressure is the best it has ever been.” ~ E.M., age 44

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JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B9

medical compass

Simple weight management techniques for the New Year

Focusing on calorie expenditure lowers intake When we think of losing weight, calories are usually the first thing that comes to mind. We know that the more calories we consume, the greater our risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing many chronic diseases, including top killers such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Despite this awareness, obesity and chronic diseases are on the rise according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How can this be the case? I am usually focused on the quality of foods, rather than calories,

By David and I will delve into Dunaief, M.D. this area as well, but we suffer from misconceptions and lack of awareness when it comes to calories.

The minefield of calories needs to be placed in context. In this article, we will put calories into context, as they relate to exercise, and help to elucidate the effects of mindful and distracted eating.

Let’s look at the studies.

Impact of energy expenditure One of the most common misconceptions is that if we exercise, we can be more lax about what we are eating. But researchers in a recent study found that this was not the case (1). The results showed that when menu items were associated with exercise expenditures, consumers tended to make better choices and ultimately eat fewer calories. In other words, the amount of exercise needed to burn calories was paired on the menu with food options, resulting in a significant reduction in overall consumption. The example that the authors gave was that of a four-ounce cheeseburger, which required that women walk with alacrity for two hours in order to burn off the calories.

Those study participants who had menus and exercise expenditure data provided simultaneously, compared to those who did not have the exercise data, chose items that resulted in a reduction of approximately 140 calories, 763 versus 902 kcals.

Even more interestingly, study participants not only picked lower calorie items, but they ate less of those items. Although this was a small preliminary study, the results were quite impactful. The effect is that calories become a conscious decision rooted in context, rather than an abstract choice.

The importance of mindful eating Most of us like to think we are multitaskers. However, when eating, multitasking may be a hazard. In a meta-analysis (a

group of 24 studies), researchers found that those calories. In another study involving when participants were distracted while children, the results showed that those ofeating, they consumed significantly more fered vegetables for snacks during the time calories immediately during this time pe- that they were watching television needed riod, regardless of dietary constraints (2). significantly fewer calories to become satiThis distracted eating also had an im- ated than when given potato chips (4). pact on subsequent meals, increasing the The authors commented that this was amount of food eaten at a later time period, true for overweight and obese children as while attentive eating reduced calories eat- well, however, they were more likely to be en in subsequent meals by offered unhealthy snacks, approximately 10 percent. like potato chips.

Distracted eating resulted In a study published in greater than 25 percent in JAMA in June 2012, more calories consumed the authors state that we for the day. When particishould not restrict one pants were cognizant of the type of nutrient over anamount of food they were other but rather focus on consuming, and when they quality of nutrients conlater summoned memories sumed (5). of their previous eating, In my practice, I find there was a vast improvethat when my patients ment in this process. follow a vegetable-rich, The authors concluded nutrient-dense diet, one Blueberries are one of the wonderful “side efthat reducing distracted eating may be a method of the most nutrient fects” they experience is a to help in both weight loss reduction or complete supdense and highest and weight management, pression of food cravings. providing an approach that As far as mindless eatantioxidant foods in does not necessitate calorie ing goes, I suggest if you the world. counting. These results are are going to snack while encouraging, since calorie working, watching TV or counting frustrates many who are watching doing some other activity, then snack on their weight over the long term. a nutrient-dense, low-calorie food, such as carrots or blackberries. If you don’t remember how many vegetables or berries The perils of eating out that you ate, you can take heart in knowMost of us eat out at least once in ing it’s beneficial. It can also be helpful a while. In many cultures, it is a way to to keep a log of what you’ve eaten for socialize. However, as much as we would the day, to increase your cognizance of like to control what goes into our food, distracted eating. we lose that control when eating out. In a Therefore, rather than counting calostudy that focused on children, the results ries and becoming frustrated by the proshowed that when they ate out, they con- cess, be aware of the impact of your food sumed more calories, especially from fats choices. Why not get the most benefit out and sugars (3). of lifestyle modifications with the least Of the 9,000 teenagers involved in the amount of effort? Rather than having to study, between 24 and 42 percent had exercise more to try to compensate, if gone to a fast-food establishment and 7 to you actively choose nutrient-dense, low18 percent had eaten in sit-down restau- calorie foods, the goal of maintaining or rants when asked about 24-hour recall of losing weight, as well as preventing or their diets on two separate occasions. potentially reversing chronic diseases, Researchers calculated that this re- becomes attainable through a much less sulted in increases of 310 calories and painful and laborious process.

267 calories from fast-food and sit-down restaurants, respectively. This is not to References: say we shouldn’t eat out or that children (1) J Exp Biol. 2013; Abstract 367.2. (2) should not eat out, but that we should have more awareness of the impact of our Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 April;97:728-742. food choices. For example, many munici- (3) JAMA Pediatr. 2013;167:14-20. (4) Pepalities now require calories be displayed diatrics. 2013;131:22-29. (5) JAMA 2012; 307:2627-2634. in chain restaurants.

Quality of calories It is important to be aware of the calories we are consuming, not only from the quantitative perspective but also from a perspective that includes the quality of

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, visit www.medicalcompassmd. com or consult your personal physician.

Yoga Time Still searching for a New Year’s resolution? New research suggests that adopting a yoga practice can do wonders for your health by lowering your blood pressure, BMI, heart rate and cholesterol. Join the Smithtown Historical Society as it hosts a yoga class at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown on Tuesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31. Bring your yoga mat and water. $10 per person. For more information, call 631-265-6768.

Making Memories The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor will present an art-centered program titled Making Memories By the Sea for adults living with dementia and their caregivers on Monday, Jan. 9 at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. $10 for pair. To RSVP please call 631-367-3418.

Bereavement Support Good Shepherd Hospice Inpatient Center, 200 Belle Terre Road, Port Jefferson will hold several bereavement support groups in the new year for anyone in the community who has experienced a loss through death. Free and open to all.

Upcoming groups, led by a bereavement specialist, include Spousal/Partner Loss Support Group from Jan. 11 to March 1 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and again in the evening from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Adult Loss of Parent or Sibling Support Group from Jan. 10 to Feb. 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Registration required by calling Diane McNamara, LCSW-R at 631- 642-4200.

Island Christian Church, 400 Elwood Road, East Northport will host a Grief and Bereavement Support Group for 13 weeks starting on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. This confidential and informal meeting is designed to help work through the loss of a loved one, especially during the difficult holiday time. For further details, call 631-822-3000 or visit www.islandchristian.com.

St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Brooksite Drive, Smithtown hosts H.E.A.L. (Help Ease A Loss) support group for bereaved adults coping with an adult loss on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments are provided. For information, call 631-2654520 (a.m.) or 631-265-2810 (p.m.).

Send your community events to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com.

PAGE B10 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

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sudoku puzzle

Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all digits 1 through 9

Answers to last week’s SUDOKU puzzle: Answers to this week’s puzzle will apear in next week’s newspaper.

THEME:

Primetime TV ACROSS 1. *Fate of many “Game of Thrones” characters 6. “Death ____ for Cutie” 9. Back talk 13. *America’s funniest?

14. Spermatozoa counterparts 15. Salk’s conquest 16. 1/16 ounce, pl.

17. For every 18. Donor’s bequest 19. *Cookie’s drama 21. *”The ____ ____ Theory” 23. “High” drink 24. “Back in the ____,” The Beatles 25. Not square 28. *____ Grimes of “The Walking Dead” 30. Web connectors 35. Bagnold or Blyton 37. Urban myth 39. ____ Mara, Kenya 40. Stalactite site 41. *Celebrity dancers 43. River of Hades 44. Door openers 46. Sad sound 47. Owl’s cry 48. English or Irish canine 50. Type of word 52. Be nosy 53. Bridge site 55. Do this with hot drink 57. *Gordon Ramsay’s turf 61. *Investors on “Shark Tank” 64. Gem State 65. East Coast time 67. Lumps of fuel 69. Andrea Bocelli, e.g.

70. Day before 71. Small island 72. Door fastener 73. Cuba Libre ingredient 74. Down and out

Answers to last week’s puzzle:

Year in Review

DOWN 1. Blu-ray precursor 2. De Valera’s Ireland 3. *”The Goldbergs” narrator 4. Do like sirens 5. Legwear monger 6. Deal with it 7. Park or Fifth, e.g.

8. Wire prickles 9. Acid gritty-textured fruit 10. One algae representative 11. a.k.a. Xi’an 12. *Frequently belted out in “The Voice” 15. Organized persecution of ethnic group 20. Train tracks 22. Any doctrine 24. Russia’s neighbor 25. *Family in “The Middle” 26. Foolish 27. Basketball foot maneuver 29. Army beds 31. 100-meter race 32. Impede 33. Bill de Blasio, e.g.

34. *Leslie Stahl’s minutes 36. Collection agency’s target 38. “Cogito ____ sum” 42. “Be quiet!”

45. SeÒor in Portugal 49. Fish eggs 51. One of B-vitamins 54. Unkind look 56. Nonpoetic writing 57. ____ and kin 58. Creative spark 59. Sunbathing results 60. Karate blow 61. Kind of cell 62. Leafy supergreen 63. Downhill racer 66. *”Law & Order” acronym 68. Pig’s digs *Theme related clue.

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

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B11

photo of the week

You have ITneeds.

Cabling Networking Security Cameras

We can help.

“Stafford Associates recently designed & installed a security camera system at our Setauket location.

From beginning to end the experience was perfect.

The knowledge of the entire team resulted in a high quality user-friendly system. specifically designed for us.

We are extremely confident our investment is protected.”

Usher Tree Experts, Inc. Setauket, New York 138745

happy new year

Nature photographer Jay Gammill of East Setauket captured this image of a red-tailed hawk eyeing his backyard feeder and its visitors on New Year’s Day. The bird of prey, knicknamed Big Red, has been a party crasher in the backyard for the past month.

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

(631) 751-6620 www.staffordassociates.com

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

153359

PAGE B12 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

legally speaking

Atria East Northport recognized for quality Atria East Northport was recently honored for maintaining the highest standard of quality in all areas.

The community received the Atria Senior Living Q Award, which is presented only to communities that receive outstanding scores in Quality Enhancement. The company’s Quality Enhancement program consists of biannual, unannounced internal reviews of approximately 700 items that examine all facets of the community. All areas, ranging from culinary services and medication management procedures to cleanliness of bathrooms and

Can a will’s executor take the money and run?

activity programming, are assessed.

To earn a Q Award, a community must score above 91 percent on the Quality Enhancement review and meet an additional checklist of demands.

“Quality care comes from dedicated employees, and we’re committed to hiring only the most talented and compassionate people,” said Steve Necroto, executive director of Atria East Northport.

“Every member of our staff undergoes a rigorous training program developed by experts in the field of senior living, and we are honored to be recognized for exceeding expectations.”

Some of the most common issues with probate are not being able to locate individuTHE FACTS: My father died recently. He als who are entitled to notice and dealing had a will in which he named my brother with individuals who contest the validity of as executor. My brother and I have not spo- the will. Fortunately, the percentage of cases ken to each other in a number of years. I am where a will is contested and ultimately not admitted to probate is small. concerned that he will close However, if there are objecout my father’s accounts and tions filed to the probate of a sell his house and keep all will, the probate process can the money even though I am drag on for quite some time, named as a half beneficiary significantly increasing the exunder the will. He seems to penses of the estate. be under the impression that If you and your brother are since he is the named executhe only beneficiaries named in tor, he can do these things the will and your father’s only simply by presenting the will. children, and you do not have a basis for contesting the will, QUESTION: Is that true? the probate process should be relatively straightforward.

THE ANSWER: Absolutely Once the court issues letters not! Although your brother testamentary to your brother, is named in your father’s The executor has he can sell the house and close will as the executor of his your father’s bank accounts. estate, the surrogate’s court a legal obligation However, he cannot simply in the county in which your to carry out the the money for himself father resided at the time of wishes set forth in keep since he has a legal obligation his death must admit the will to carry out the wishes set forth to probate and issue letters the will. in your father’s will. testamentary to your brother In your case, he would be required to before he can take any action with respect distribute to you assets valued at half of the to your father’s assets.

In other words, he must establish to the value of the estate after accounting for your court’s satisfaction that the will is valid be- father’s legitimate debts, funeral and estate fore he is able to act as executor. He cannot administration expenses, commissions and assume the responsibilities of executor with- estate taxes. If you suspect that he has not done so, you should demand that he account out the court’s explicit approval.

The complexity, cost and time involved in for all of the estate assets so you can see the having a will admitted to probate will vary value of the marshaled assets and the exwith the number of beneficiaries named in penses incurred by the estate. If you are not the will, as well as the number of heirs to satisfied with the accounting he provides, or the estate, the ease with which the attorney have reason to believe that he breached his assisting the named executor can locate the fiduciary duty to you as a beneficiary, you can beneficiaries and heirs, how cooperative ask that his letters testamentary be revoked.

Since this process can get quite involved, those people may be with the attorney in moving forward, the value of the estate and if it comes to that, you should seek the advice whether anyone contests the admission of of an attorney with expertise in the areas of estate administration and litigation. the will to probate, among other factors.

Linda M. Toga, Esq. provides legal serWhile the probate process can be straightforward and relatively inexpensive, there are vices in the areas of estate planning, probate numerous issues that can arise in the probate and estate administration, real estate, small process that are best handled by an experi- business service and litigation from her East Setauket office. enced estate attorney.

By linda toga

Setauket Harbor Marina, LLC Andrew & Geraldine Morrison Jolie Powell Realty, Inc. Linda Eichhorn Elite Foreign & Domestic Auto, LTD. Robert & Barbara Walker Thomas & Celia Bilfinger Robert & Katherine Merz Prestige Collision James & Shali Vitello Deborah Meek Joan Gossner Mark Freeley/The North Shore Injury Lawyer John & Patricia Strong Jean Giovanniello Edward & Patricia Remek Arnold F. Feldman Wealth Management Kerri, Julie,Moll Cavallo Bi-County Concrete Corp.

Frank & Arlene Vero John & Susan Deverna Bill & Shirley Leonard Barbara & Reuben Wecker Susan & George Henik Lollo, Gina/Northshore Properties of NY, LLC Jack Lanphear Michael & Elizabeth Emerson Marilyn & James Simons Revelation Properties, Inc. Charles & SusanPieroth Gerard & Barbara Harris Steven/Valerie Aiello Kathryn Bernstein Cynthia Michels Jack & Sandra Zamek Joseph Ochs Carol Ann Goodwin Sav-On Printing, Inc. James Kole/Kole & Kole John & Jennifer Crimmins Eye Vision Associates William Gatta Joel & Lynne Marchiano Astoria Bank Arleen & Thomas Buckley Nancy Loddigs Gaston Millard Harry & Andrea Faulknor Mt. Sinai Shopping Center, Inc. Andrew & Barbara Marulis Barbara M. Russell Dean T. Jenkins Inc. Patricks Auto Body Edgar Enterprises, Inc. Dean T. Jenkins Inc. Michael Horney/PF Chiropractic Office Port Jefferson Frigate, Inc. Steve Gallagher Maiella Associates, Inc. Glassland, Inc. Harry & Kerstin Usher Bernardino DiIorio Pellegrino Paving Corp.

Bruce D’Abramo Todd & Jessica Postal

Raymond & Mary Udavchak Karras Agency Famularo/WizDOM Enterprises Bruce D’Abramo Ernest/Linda Rushia/Springer Donna Cappuccio Marjorie Britt Sheila Skolnick William & Karen Bomzer Catalano & Associates Realty LDT Joan Genchi Joan Genchi John Risotto, CPA Lehn Company Nelin Realty, Inc. Christopher Schook North Island Contracting Inc. Jack & Melissa Giannola Lisa A. Kelly, CPA OB Davis Funeral Homes Jill Olish Richard & Joan Skelton Ekvura Arekt Brainard Consulting Inc. Lorraine & Steve Rocamboli Manuel & Marilyn London Robert & Susan Spagnoldi Steven & Karen Gurtman Judith & Lance Kincaid Erin Kincaid Joan Cioffaletti South Country School District Huntington Business Systems, Inc Smithtown Strength & Conditioning, Inc. DBA Crossfit Stony Brook Janine & Michael DeNicola Brian & Victoria White WPV Assoc/DBA Port Construction Co. Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley Dubin & Quartararo, LLP Kit Nursery Frank & Rita Kito Markus & Jessica Seeliger Pryla & Dickman/Stony Brook Medicine Cynthia Odales Frohman & Evinger Taylor Rental Neysa Corp.

Gary & Claire Vegliante First Coastal Consulting Corp.

Jennifer Lyon/Chip it All Laura Brown/Sheep Pasture Tree and Nursery Supply Inc. Richard & Athena Edgar Wendy Doerzbacher Linda Eicholz CPA Davidow, Davidow, Siegel & Stern LLP Joseph Caruso, Jr. Bertolotti, Tony/Diamond Construction, Inc. Christopher McKeever Karen Sanders Smithtown Strength and Conditioning, Inc. DBA Crossfit Stony Brook Bill & Shirley Leonard Alvin Heller, DDS Nancy Burner and Associates

©153595

The Port Jefferson Lions Club wishes to thank our many friends for their support this year in sponsoring our annual food drive.

Grand opening

Thrift shop sale

Professional Physical Therapy, a leading provider of physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, recently opened a brand new, state-of-theart clinic in Hauppauge at 800 Veterans Memorial Highway.

“Every time we open a new clinic, we are not only reaching new patients and communities, but our clinicians benefit from continuous opportunities to learn and grow, through our esteemed Clinical Excellence program,” said Chief Operating Officer Don Demay.

The opening of the Hauppauge clinic is Professional Physical Therapy’s 107th clinic, its 24th on Long Island and its 14th in Suffolk County.

The Thrift Shoppe at Commack Methodist Church, 486 Townline Road, Commack will hold a 50 percent off sale during the month of January. Hours for the annual clearance event are Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For additional information, call 631-499-7310.

Made to Move Tennis Made to Move Tennis, 5 S. Jersey Ave., Setauket will hold a New Year’s Resolution Week from Jan. 9 to 16 offering free services including tennis instruction, unlimited yoga and personal training. For further information, call 631-801-0039.

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B13

Knowledge seeKers

SBU, BNL’s Takeuchi seeks ways to build a better battery

By Daniel Dunaief Pop them in the back of a cell phone and they work, most of the time. Sometimes, they only do their job a short time, discharge or generate so much heat that they become a hazard, much to the disappointment of the manufacturers and the consumers who bought electronic device.

Esther Takeuchi, a SUNY distinguished professor in the Departments of Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering and the chief scientist in the Energy Sciences Directorate at Brookhaven National Laboratory leads a team of scientists who are exploring what makes one battery work while another falters or fails. She is investigating how to improve the efficiency of batteries so they can deliver more energy as electricity.

The process of manufacturing batteries and storing energy is driven largely by commercial efforts in which companies put the ingredients together in ways that have, up until now, worked to produce energy. Scientists like Takeuchi, however, want to know what’s under the battery casing, as ions and electrons move beneath the surface to create a charge.

Recently, Takeuchi and a team that includes her husband Kenneth Takeuchi and Amy Marschilok, along with 18 postdoctoral and graduate students, made some progress in tackling energy storage activity in iron oxides.

These compounds have a mixed track record among energy scientists. That, Takeuchi said, is what attracted her and the team to them. Studying the literature on iron oxides, her graduate students discovered “everything from, ‘it looks terrible’ to, ‘it looks incredibly good,’” she said. “It is a challenging system to study, but is important to understand.”

This offered promise, not only in finding out what might make one set of iron oxides more effective in holding a

charge without generating heat — the energy-robbing by-product of these reactions — but also in providing a greater awareness of the variables that can affect a battery’s performance.

In addition to determining how iron oxides function, Takeuchi would like to “determine whether these [iron oxides] can be useful and workable.” Scientists working with iron oxides didn’t know what factors to control in manufacturing their prospective batteries.

Takeuchi said her group is focusing on the linkage between small-scale and mesoscale particles and how that influences battery performance. “The benefit of iron oxides is that they are fairly inexpensive, are available, and are nontoxic,” she said, and they offer the potential of high energy content. They are related to rust in a broad sense. They could, theoretically, contain 2.5 times more energy than today’s batteries.

’The benefit of iron oxides is that they are fairly inexpensive, are available, and are nontoxic.’

— esther takeuchi “By understanding the fundamental mechanisms, we can move forward to understand their limitations,” she said, which, ultimately, could result in making these a viable energy storage material.

Takeuchi is also looking at a manganese oxide material in which the metal center and the oxygen connect, creating a tube-like structure, which allows ions to move along a track. When she started working with this material, she imagined that any ion that got stuck would cause reactions to stop, much as a stalled car in the Lincoln Tunnel leads to long traffic delays because the cars behind the blockage have nowhere to go.

Takeuchi said the ions don’t have the same problems as cars

Book signing

Photo courtesy of Brookhaven National Laboratory

esther Takeuchi with a device that allows her to test batteries under various conditions to see how they function. in a tunnel. She and her team believe the tunnel walls are porous, which would explain why something that looks like it should only produce a result that’s 5 percent different instead involves a process that’s 80 percent different.

“These escape points are an interesting discovery, which means the materials have characteristics that weren’t anticipated,” Takeuchi said. The next step, she said, is to see if the researchers can control the technique to tune the material and make it into the constructs that take advantage of this more efficient flow of ions.

Through a career that included stops in Buffalo and North Carolina and West Virginia, Takeuchi, who has over 150 patents to her name, has collected numerous awards and received considerable recognition. She won the 2009 National Medal of Technology and Innovation, a presidential award given at a ceremony in the West Wing of the White House.

Takeuchi developed compact lithium batteries for implantable cardiac defibrillators.

Takeuchi is currently a member of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee, which makes recommendations for the medal to the president.

Scientists who have known Takeuchi for years applaud the work she and her team are doing on Long Island. “Dr. Takeuchi and her research group are making great advances in battery research that are very clearly promoted by the strong relationship between Stony Brook and BNL,”

said Steven Suib, the director of the Institute for Materials Science at the University of Connecticut.

Indeed, at BNL, Takeuchi has used the National Synchrotron Light Source II, which became operational last year. The light source uses extremely powerful X-rays to create incredibly detailed images. She has worked with three beamlines on her research. At the same time, Takeuchi collaborates with researchers at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials at BNL. Although she works with real-world experiments, Takeuchi partners with scientists at Stony Brook, BNL and Columbia University who focus on theoretical possibilities, offering her an insight into what might be happening or be possible. There are times when she and her team have observed some interaction with batteries, and she’s asked the theorists to help rationalize her finding. Other times, theorists have suggested what experimentalists should search for in the lab.

A resident of South Setauket, Takeuchi and her husband enjoy Long Island beaches. Even during the colder weather, they bundle up and enjoy the coastline. “There’s nothing more mentally soothing and energizing” than going for a long walk on the beach, she said.

In her research, Takeuchi and her team are focused on understanding the limitations of battery materials. Other battery experts believe her efforts are paying dividends. Suib said the recent work could be “very important in the development of new, inexpensive battery materials.”

Port Jefferson Station native Clinton Kelly will appear at the Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington on Monday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. The Emmy award-winning television cohost of “The Chew” will be signing copies of his new book, “I Hate Everyone, Except You,” a hilariously candid, deliciously snarky collection of essays about his journey from awkward kid to slightly-less-awkward adult. For further information, call 631-271-1442 or visit www.bookrevue.com.

Cast call Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson, is seeking an actor (late-teens to 20s) for the original play, “When Driven,” part of the 20th annual Festival of One-Act Plays.

Rehearsals begin mid-January; performances are from March 11 to April 1.

The theater is also seeking an actor (mid-teens to 20s; must appear no older than 21) for an original Mainstage production of “Where There’s a Will.”

Rehearsals begin mid-March; performances run from April 8 to May 6. It is possible to cast the same actor in both productions.

Auditions will be held by appointment until roles are filled. For more information, contact Jeffrey Sanzel at 631-9289202 or Jeffrey@TheatreThree.com.

Chamber holiday party The North Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday Party and Installation Dinner Dance on Monday, Jan. 16 at The Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from 6 to 9 p.m. $45 per person includes a DJ, buffet dinner with beer, wine and dessert. Prospective members are welcome to attend. For information and reservations, call Felicia at 631-338-2216 or visit www. northbrookhavenchamber.org.

Send your community events to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com.

PAGE B14 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

art exhibits

‘If you could say it in words, there’d be no reason to paint.’

— Edward Hopper

Art League of LI

The Reboli Center for Art and History

The Art League of Long Island is located at 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. Through Jan. 8 the gallery will showcase its 61st annual Members’ Exhibition featuring over 200 works of art created by the league’s members. Call 631-4625400 or visit www.artleagueli.net.

The Reboli Center for Art and History is located at 64 Main Street in Stony Brook Village.

Currently on view through Jan. 29 is Joseph Reboli: A Sense of Place. A Third Friday Art Talk featuring a panel of local artists will be held on Jan. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. Followed by a Q-and-A. Free. For more information, call 631751-7707 or visit www.ReboliCenter.org.

Cold Spring Harbor Library

Ripe Art Gallery

Cold Spring Harbor Library is located at 95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor. Photorealistic artist Bob DeSantis will present an exhibit titled Being There, featuring scenic porch deck views, still lives and sports figures, through Jan. 30.

The exhibit may be seen during regular library hours. Call 631-692-6820 for more information.

Ripe Art Gallery is located at 1028 Park Ave., Now showing through Jan 21 is Introductions — A Slide Slam Group Show featuring artists chosen from Slide Slam, an art collaboration with The Islip Art Museum, The Long Island Museum and Ripe. An Artists Talk will be held on Jan. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 631-239-1805.

Comsewogue Public Library

The Comsewogue Public Library is located at 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station.

During the month of January, the library will present an exhibit by the students from The Atelier at Flowerfield. The exhibit may be seen during regular library hours. For more information, call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org.

Sachem Public Library

Sachem Public Library is located at 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook. Photographer Robert Silvering will present Picture This, a collaborative photograpy exhibit in the gallery during the month of January. Call 631-588-5024 for further information.

East Northport Public Library

The East Northport Public Library is located at 185 Larkfield Road in E. Northport. On view through January will be landscape paintings in oil by Michelle Kollmeier. For additional information, call 631-261-2313.

Emma S. Clark Library

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library is located at 120 Main St., Setauket. During the month of January the library will present a Long Island Wildlife Photography exhibit by Mike Busch.

Call 631-941-4080 for information.

Expressions Gallery Expressions Gallery, home of the North Shore Artists Guild, is located in the Holiday Inn Express, 3131 Nesconset Highway, Centereach.

Through Feb. 12 the gallery will showcase an exhibit titled The Natural World. An opening reception will be held on Jan. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For further information, visit http:// northshoreartguild.com.

Gallery North

Gallery North is located at 90 North Country Road, Setauket. From Jan. 19 to Feb. 10 the gallery will present an exhibit titled A Collision of Thoughts ... Hexagonal: Six Perspectives in Contemporary Printmaking. An artist reception will be held on Thursday, Jan. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. Questions? Call 631-751-2676.

Image from The Long Island Museum

‘Echoes of De Kooning’ by Adel Gorgy will be on view at The Long Island Museum’s Visitors Center through Jan. 29 as part of the LIMarts Inspired By ... exhibit.

Huntington Public Library

Huntington Public Library is located at 338 Main St., Huntington. In the Main Art Gallery through Feb. 28 the library will present an exhibit titled A Potpourri of Paint, Pen & Pencil by illustrator and cartoonist Tony D’Adamo.

An artist reception will be held on Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. In January and February the Main Street Display Cases will feature Treasures from the Huntington Local History Room Collection.

Questions? Call 631-427-5165.

The Long Island Museum

The Long Island Museum is located at 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook. Currently on exhibit is Hooked@LIM: The Crocheted Tree Project and the 3rd annual LIMarts Inspired By … Meet the Artists at an Open House on Jan. 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Visitors Center. Call 631-751-0066 or visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Northport Public Library

The Northport Public Library is located at 151 Laurel Ave., Northport. During the month of January the library will present an exhibit titled Works – Old and New by Jim Scovel.

Call 631-261-6930 for additional information.

North Shore Public Library

North Shore Public Library is located at 250 Route 25A, Shoreham. An exhibit by Gena Vaccarello will be on view during the month of January. An art reception, hosted by the Friends of the Library, will be held on Jan. 8 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 631-929-4488.

Port Jefferson Free Library

Port Jefferson Free Library is located at 100 Thompson St., Port Jefferson. Through the month of January and February the library will present Complicating Abstracts by Robert Jones featuring lines, shapes and colors taken from everyday life. Questions? Call 631-473-0022.

Port Jefferson Village Center

The Port Jefferson Village Center is located at 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson. From Jan. 13 to Feb. 28 the 2nd floor gallery will present an exhibit titled Winter Poetry featuring oil paintings by sisters Ewa Lisinski and Maria Wiszniewski. An artist reception will be held on Jan. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. Viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. For more information, call 631-802-2160 or visit www.portjeff.com.

Harborfields Public Library

Harborfields Public Library is located at 31 Broadway, Greenlawn. In the gallery during the month of January will be the Huntington Quilter’s Guild Exhibition with a reception to be held on Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. Call 631-757-4200 for more information.

The Smithtown Township Arts Council Gallery is located at the Mills Pond House, 660 Route 25A, St. James. From Jan. 21 to Feb. 19 the gallery will present a juried exhibit titled The Fine Art of Illustration with an artist reception on Jan. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The works of watercolor artist Essie Freilach will be on view at Apple Bank, 91 Route 111, Smithtown through Jan. 27 as part of STAC’s Outreach Gallery program. For more information, call 631-862-6575.

Three Village Historical Society

Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket, is presenting Chicken Hill: A Community Lost to Time, along with the SPIES exhibit about the Culper Spy Ring.

Viewing hours are Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m., and by appointment. $8 adults, $5 children under 12, members free. Call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.

Call for artists Art League of Long Island, 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills will hold its annual Go Ape advance placement exhibition from Jan. 28 to Feb. 12. Seeking exceptional artwork, selected by their teachers, of AP art students in Long Island schools. Deadline is Jan. 16. Call 631-462-5400 for more information.

Huntington Arts Council, 213 Main Street, Huntington is seeking artists for its upcoming juried exhibition, The Human Condition, to be held from Feb. 2 to 25.

Deadline to apply is Jan. 6. For more information, call 631-271-8423 or visit www. huntingtonarts.org.

Heckscher Museum of Art

The Heckscher Museum of Art is located at 2 Prime Ave., Huntington. Current exhibits include Norman Rockwell and Friends: American Illustrations from the Mort Künstler Collection through March 5; and Mort Künstler: The New Nation and Synapses: Threads for Thought through April 2. Call 631-351-3250 or visit www.heckscher.org for more information.

Huntington Arts Council

Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery is located at 213 Main St., Huntington. A juried show, Versatility of Street Art, will be on display through Jan. 7. For more information, call 631-271-8423.

STAC

Photo from Mike Busch

‘Robert Moses Bridge’ by Mike Busch will be on view at the Emma Clark Library through January.

Art League of Long Island, 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills has a call for artists for its 58th Long Island Artists Exhibition to be held from Feb. 18 to March 21. Open to artists residing in Suffolk, Nassau, Brooklyn and Queens. Entry is limited to five works not previously exhibited in the Art League of Long Island’s gallery, one of which may be chosen from among submissions.

Deadline for submissions is Jan. 11. Call 631-462-5400 or visit www.artleagueli.org for more information.

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B15

cover story

Port Jefferson abstract artist launches first exhibit

By Heidi Sutton Although it’s only the first week of January, 2017 is turning out to be a very good year for Port Jefferson artist Robert Jones. The 29-year-old is excited to share his art with the community in his debut show, “Complicating Abstracts,” at the Port Jefferson Free Library now through the month of February.In this unique exhibition, which will feature approximately 40 paintings, the viewer will have the opportunity to witness the past few years that Jones has spent developing a unique style and his journey to apply this style to a form.

Sal Filosa, marketing and research librarian, said the library was pleased to be the host of Jones’ first exhibition, adding, “Robert’s creativity through reflection is truly unique among the themes of artwork displayed at the library, and we hope that community members and passersby will stop in to view this stimulating artwork.”

Raised in Stony Brook, Jones graduated from Ward Melville High School in 2006 and moved down to Georgia in 2011 before returning to the area two years ago. In addition to being a musician and songwriter, Jones started painting in earnest in his early 20s.

Entering Stony Brook University’s Studio Art program this semester, Jones will concentrate on painting, drawing, printmaking and graphic design. He feels that now is the perfect time to have an exhibit and to branch out and connect with the community. “I want to further myself; I want to progress.”

The artist is drawn to the works of abstract painters like Franz Kline (“I really like the simplicity; the black and white”) László Moholy-Nagy and Piet Mondrian and finds inspiration in local landscapes like West Meadow Beach. He enjoys visiting the Nassau

Images from Robert Jones

Above, the artist working on his latest painting titled ‘turtles All the Way down’; top, clockwise from left, ‘the Whale,’ ‘the inferno’ and ‘Cab Color’ County Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and the Heckscher Museum in Huntington.

According to Jones, his paintings are created by a reaction toward an initial gesture, the starting point, whether it be a flick of the wrist or a full arm motion. Says Jones, “I never try to paint something [in particular], I just go through the action of painting,” adding that his artwork is a reflection of what is happening in the world, including its happiness, the gray area and its futility.

Alternating between oils and acrylics, the artist uses forms, shapes, lines and colors taken from everyday life to create something so abstract that it seems to jump off the page.

Study each painting closely though and eventually your eyes will light up in recognition as hidden objects reveal themselves among the brush strokes.

In “The Whale,” based on a song that Jones composed titled “A Whale in the Sky,” the image of a white sperm whale, inspired

by Herman Melville’s novel “Moby-Dick,” is inconspicuously incorporated into the painting, while Jones’ first and favorite piece, “The Inferno,” depicts city buildings that appear to be toppling down into the abyss among the orange and red fiery background.

Another piece in the exhibit, “Cab Color,” utilizes the stain of cabernet among vibrant

shapes and colors, some of which seem to resemble liquor bottles. One of his newer pieces, “The Tree,” is a bit more straightforward, depicting a tree reaching for the sun. “I’m trying to work toward more representational works,” explains Jones.

Like many artists, Jones finds painting as a way to decompress and to relieve stress.

“While I’m organizing my painting, I’ll be thinking about everything that’s going on in my life and try to organize that more also,” he said. While he loves music, Jones says he finds more clarity in painting. “I’m more comfortable with this type of expression,” he explains.

Jones encourages everyone to check out his exhibit, adding that some people may not necessarily like this type of art while others may end up liking it a lot. “Art is something I’m really passionate about and I’ve always had a passion for,” he said, adding, “For the last two years I have disciplined myself enough where I feel like my art is going to grow even more, so I’m excited for people to see this exhibit. It is one of my first milestones and I hope to find success in life through art.”

“Complicating Abstracts” will be on view in the Display Case and Meeting Room at the Port Jefferson Free Library, 100 Thompson St., Port Jefferson through Feb. 28.

Come meet the artist at an opening reception on Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

For more information on the exhibit, call the library at 631-473-0022. For more information on Robert Jones and his paintings, visit www.artbyrobertjones.com.

On the cover:

Image courtesy of Robert Jones

‘the tree’ by Robert Jones

PAGE B16 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

Buttercup’s Dairy Store!

COOKING COVE

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ThIs wEEK IN hIsTOry Jan. 5

1885: The LIRR becomes the first to offer piggy-back rail service, which was the transportation of farm wagons on trains.

1914: Ford Motor Company announces there would be a new daily minimum wage of $5 and an eight-hour workday.

1970: “All My Children” premieres on ABC.

Jan. 6

1838: Samuel Morse publicly demonstrates the telegraph for the first time.

1952: “Peanuts” debuts in Sunday papers across the United States.

1994: Figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is clubbed on the right leg by an assailant at Cobo Arena in Detroit. Four men are later sentenced to prison for the attack, including Tonya Harding’s ex-husband.

Jan. 7

1610: Galileo Galilei sights four of Jupiter’s moons; he names them Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.

1896: The “Fannie Farmer Cookbook” is published.

1926: George Burns and Gracie Allen are married.

1959: The United States recognizes Fidel Castro’s new government in Cuba.

Jan. 8

1856: Borax (hydrated sodium borate) is discovered by John Veatch.

1889: The tabulating machine is patented by Herman Hollerith. His firm, Tabulating Machine Company, later becomes International Business Machines Corporation (IBM).

— ComPiled By erneStine FranCo 1958: Bobby Fisher wins the United States Chess Championship for the first time at the age of 14.

1962: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” is exhibited in America for the first time at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Jan. 9

1929: The Seeing Eye is incorporated in Nashville. The company’s purpose is to train dogs to guide the blind.

1937: The first issue of Look goes on sale.

1984: Clara Peller is first seen by TV viewers in the “Where’s the Beef?” commercial campaign for Wendy’s.

2007: Apple Inc.’s CEO Steve Jobs introduces the first-generation iPhone.

Jan. 10

1776: “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine is published.

1870: John D. Rockefeller incorporates Standard Oil. 1920: The League of Nations ratifies the Treaty of Versailles, officially ending World War I with Germany.

Jan. 11

1878: In New York, milk is delivered in glass bottles for the first time by Alexander Campbell.

1964: U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry releases a report that says that smoking cigarettes is a definite health hazard.

Bread Pudding with Stewed Fruit Compote

Dress up your bread pudding

By BarBara Beltrami

DIRECTIONS:

If ever there was a culinary invention that deserved the prize for simplicity, nutrition, versatility, economy and popularity, it’s got to be bread pudding. Take some leftover stale bread, throw in a couple of eggs, some milk, a little sugar and butter and vanilla and you basically have the foundation for not only a delicious dessert but a pretty wholesome breakfast!

Dress it up by adding raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, chopped dried fruit, cinnamon or whatever your imagination dictates.

For a quick and elegant dessert, top it with a stewed fruit compote, whipped cream, ice cream, vanilla, chocolate or whiskey sauce, liqueur or just about any combination. For breakfast, crank up the nutrition with that same stewed fruit compote, fresh fruit, yogurt, maple syrup, warm milk or a little dollop of jam.

Again, the possibilities and combinations are practically endless, but my very favorites are the stewed fruit compote or just fresh fruit and whipped cream for dessert … or breakfast.

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, vanilla, sugar, salt and eggs. Beat until well blended.

Grease a 6- to 8-cup baking dish with the one tablespoon solid butter. Place the bread in the baking dish and pour liquid mixture over it. Cover, refrigerate and let sit until bread has soaked up all or most of the liquid.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Uncover baking dish and bake 30 to 45 minutes until liquid is set and bread is golden. Serve warm or at room temperature. Refrigerate and reheat any unused portion.

Basic Bread Pudding YIELD: 4 to 6 servings INGREDIENTS: • 2 tablespoons butter, melted plus 1 tablespoon solid butter for greasing baking dish • 2 cups milk • Dash of vanilla extract • ½ cup sugar • Pinch of salt • 3 eggs • 5 to 6 cups day-old bread, cubed

Stewed Fruit Compote INGREDIENTS: • 4 cups fruit, pitted, pared, cored, as applicable • ½ to 1 cup sugar, depending on sweetness of fruit • Dash of vanilla extract • One cinnamon stick • Peel of half an orange or lemon, pith removed • Red or white wine or apple juice to barely cover DIRECTIONS:

Combine all ingredients in nonreactive sauce pan. Cover and simmer over low heat until fruit is soft and liquid is somewhat reduced. Remove cinnamon stick and citrus peel. Let cool.

Refrigerate, covered, until ready to use.

Reheat and serve hot or warm over bread pudding.

Top with whipped cream if desired.

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B17

gardening

Where do those odd plant names come from?

By EllEn BarcEl Sometimes we just plunge into gardening and sometimes, especially if it snows outside, we’re staring at a beautiful fire in the fireplace and just pondering where do those odd plant names come from?

Marshmallow

Be patient: The marshmallow plant generally doesn't flower until the second year.

Hellebores come in a variety of colors from white to pink to purple and even green.

Ever wonder where the word "marshmallow" comes from for the delightful candy we float in hot chocolate? Well, way back when, when the treat was first concocted in ancient Egypt, it was a mixture of honey (a sweetener) and the sap of the marshmallow plant (a thickener).

Read the ingredients of marshmallows today and you’ll see they say basically sugar (the sweetener), water and gelatin (a thickener), then coated with cornstarch (to keep them from sticking together).

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial plant found in Europe, Asia and North Africa and, as its name implies, grows in marshes. If you are interested in growing herbs, you can get the seeds online.

The plant, which produces a light pink flower, grows to about three feet tall and needs a rich soil that holds moisture (remember it’s a marsh plant). It’s a perennial in U.S.D.A. zones 3 through 9 (Long Island is zone 7). You must be patient with this one as it doesn’t flower generally until the second year and may take even longer to have its roots large enough to harvest some.

Hellebores

Jacob's ladder is rarely bothered by deer.

Hellebores (Helleborus niger and H. orientalis) are early, herbaceous bloomers that come in a wide variety of colors from white through pinks and purples and even green. The cup-shaped flowers bend over (making it hard to photograph them, I know). Consider planting them in a raised bed so you can more easily enjoy the flowers.

Hellebores, also known as winter rose or Lenten rose, are not closely related to roses at all. They do well in U.S.D.A. hardiness zones 5 through 8. They’re very cold hardy — you can sometimes see them poking through late snows. However, check the variety you are planning to add to your garden as some are more cold tolerant than others.

But, where does the name hellebore come from? There’s folklore stating that the plant was used in old witchcraft to summon demons. But the name actually comes from the Greek meaning to harm food, as some varieties of hellebores are highly toxic, so I guess that is “hellish.”

Other folklore, which relates to the name Christmas rose (H. niger), is that the tears of a young girl led the plant to bloom around Christmas as a gift to the Christ child.

Jacob’s ladder Solomon's seal is a part of the asparagus family and is a relative of lily of the valley.

Then there’s Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium caeruleum). The leaves rise along the stem, some seeing it like the biblical Jacob’s ladder to heaven in his dreams.

According to Rutgers Extension, the plant is rarely bothered by deer, a plus on Long Island, but no plant is deer proof if they are hungry enough. It’s also somewhat drought tolerant, another plus, and shade tolerant. The bell-shaped flowers can be white, pink, blue or even yellow — take your pick.

Like hostas, Jacob’s ladder prefers a semi-shady to shady location since it is a small woodland plant. It can burn in strong sunlight. Make sure the soil is rich as a woodland’s might be. It prefers cooler weather and may need to be cut back in the heat of summer. P. reptans is a creeping Jacob’s ladder and native to North America.

I’ve read that cats really like Jacob’s ladder, as they like catnip, so if you have a lot of stray cats around you may need some form of protection for them, the plants that is, not the cats. An herbaceous perennial, it can be divided every few years. This is one where the seeds can still be planted in late autumn and will germinate the following spring.

Solomon’s seal Solomon’s seal, (Polyonatum odoratum) also known as King Solomon’s seal is native to North America, does well in full or part shade and blooms May to June. The herbaceous perennial is in the asparagus family and a relative of lily of the valley.

As a woodland plant, it is relatively small, just a foot or two in height. In woodlands trees shed their leaves, which decay to form a rich compost, so keep this in mind when growing it in Long Island’s very sandy soil. Add compost to your shade planting bed (or let your leaves compost themselves under your trees in the shade).

It does well in U.S.D.A. zones 5 through 9 and can be grown in more acidic soil than the others above, with a pH of 5.0 to 7.

Its scientific name refers to the “many knees” found on the underground rhizome.

But where does the common name come from? Some noted the depressed spots on the underground roots and thought it looked like the royal king’s seal. Others thought a cross section of the stem resembled a Hebrew character.

Consider interspersing your Solomon’s seals with some nice, hardy ferns.

Since they spread by the rhizomes as well as reseed themselves, you can develop a really nice bed. As they are somewhat slow growers, the seedlings will take a few years to bloom, but established beds can be divided in early spring.

The first three of the above plants do best in a soil pH near neutral (7) — only slightly acidic to a bit alkaline. Consider liming your soil if it is very acidic.

Ellen Barcel is a freelance writer and master gardener. To reach Cornell Cooperative Extension and its Master Gardener program, call 631-727-7850.

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PAGE B18 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

TiMeS

Thursday 5 Civil War Roundtable meeting

The South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station will host a meeting of the Civil War Roundtable from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Topic of the evening will be the election of 1860. All are welcome. For additional information, call 549-4411.

Friday 6

...and dates Jan. 5 to Jan. 12, 2017

Drumming Circle

Hope Academy at Little Portion Friary, 48 Old Post Road, Mount Sinai will host a Drumming Circle with John and Heidi Kowalchyk from 7 to 8 p.m. All levels welcome. Free will donation.

For more information, call 473-0553.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will host Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, on the Second Stage from 10:30 p.m. to midnight. $15 per person. Cash only. For ages 16 and up. Call 928-9100.

‘Sylvia’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will bring the howlingly comic valentine "Sylvia"

by A.R. Gurney to its Mainstage from Jan. 14 to Feb. 4. Tickets are $35 adults, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Saturday 7 Black Tie Swing Dance

First Saturday concert

The Folk Music Society of Huntington will present The Boxcar Lilies and Low Lily in concert at The Congregational Church of Huntington, 30 Washington Drive, Centerport at 8:30 p.m. as part of its First Saturday Concert series.

Preceded by an open mic at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, priced at $25 per person, $20 members, may be purchased at www.fmsh.org or at the door.

For more information, call 425-2925.

Sunday 8 Polar Bear Plunge

The Smithtown Historical Society will present a Polar Bear Plunge at Long Beach in Smithtown at 10 a.m. Go solo or build a team. $25 donation. For more information and to register, visit www.smithtownhistorical.org. For more information, call 265-6768.

Winter Magic concert

North Shore Public Library, 250 Route 25A, Shoreham will welcome pianist Anne Taffel in concert at 2 p.m. Program will include works of Schubert, Beethoven, Chopin and more.

Free and open to all. Call 929-4488 for further information.

Huntington Public Library, 338 Main St., Huntington holds a Coloring for Grown-ups Club in the Meeting Room two afternoons a month including Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9 and 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. Led by Annina Wildermuth. Bring your own colored pencils, magic markers, gel pens, pencil sharpener, coloring book. No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Call 427-5165.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization's Educational & Cultural Center, 97P Main St., Stony Brook will present a St. George Production, "Holiday Wishes from Mary Martin & Dinah Shore" through Jan. 11. Featuring a musical theater tribute performance and high-tea luncheon catered

by Crazy Beans. Tickets are $50, $48 seniors. Advance reservations required by calling 689-5888.

For more information, visit www.wmho.org.

Friday Night Face Off

The Smithtown Historical Society will host an evening of ballroom, Latin and swing dancing every first Saturday of the month at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown from 7 to 10 p.m. Complimentary 30-minute lesson at 7 p.m. $10 person. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 265-6768.

Coloring for Grown-ups Club

'Holiday Wishes from Mary Martin & Dinah Shore'

Long Island author and managing editor of Elite Daily Greg Dybec will be speaking and signing copies of his new book, “The Art of Living Other People's Lives,” at the Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington at 7 p.m. Call 271-1442 for more information.

Barn Dance

Thursday 12

Theater

Book signing

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will host a Swing Dance featuring the Jazz Loft Big Band from 8 to 11 p.m. Beginner lesson from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Formal attire encouraged but not mandatory. Come alone or bring a friend. $15 cash at door. For further information, visit www.sdli.org.

the discussion, participants hash out the specifics of the reading and discuss its greater implications.

All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. $3 donation requested. For further information, visit www.NewYorkCircle.org.

FOLK MUSIC WITH A POP TWIST The string and vocal trio Low Lily (from left, Flynn Cohen, Liz Simmons and Lissa Schneckenburger will join The Boxcar Lilies in concert at The Congregational Church of Huntington on Jan. 7. Photo by Andy Cambria

New Year’s jazz party

Ring in the New Year with jazz musician Tom Manuel & His Syncopated Seven at the Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook at 2 p.m. Enjoy cake and sparkling cider at intermission. Free and open to all. Questions?

Call 588-5024.

Monday 9 Book signing

Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington will welcome Emmy award-winning co-host of “The Chew” and Port Jefferson Station native Clinton Kelly who will be signing copies of his new book, “I Hate Everyone, Except You,” at 7 p.m. For more information, call 271-1442.

Civic association meeting

The Sound Beach Civic Association will hold a meeting at the Sound Beach Firehouse, 152 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach at 7:30 p.m. to set its agenda for 2017. For more information, call 744-6952.

Tuesday 10 Adult coloring class

Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn holds an adult coloring class every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Kitchen Meeting Room. All are welcome. Registration is not required. Call 757-4200.

Wednesday 11 Int'l and Israeli folk dancing

RJO Intermediate School, 99 Old Dock Road, Kings Park will host an evening of Israeli and international folk dancing every Wednesday (when school is in session) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All levels, no partner needed. Cost is $9 per person.

For more information, call Linda at 269-6894.

The Feinberg Brothers in concert The Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave, Northport will present The Feinberg Brothers in concert at 7 p.m. Join them for an evening of authentic bluegrass music played on the fiddle, mandolin and guitar. Free and open to all. Call 261-6930 for additional information.

New York Circle Round Table

The Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket will host a New York Circle Round Table, fostering understanding through dialectic, at 7:30 p.m. Your participation is encouraged through the suggested reading ahead of the meeting. During

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.

‘The Full Monty’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will present the 10-time Tony Award nominee "The Full Monty" from Jan. 19 to March 5. Tickets range from $71 to $76. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Peter and the Starcatcher’

From Jan. 14 to Feb. 25 the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will present the hilarious comedy "Peter and the Starcatcher." Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors, $20 students. To order, call 7243700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

'Running Scared, Running Free'

Back by popular demand, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization's Educational & Cultural Center, 97P Main St., Stony Brook will present a production of "Running Scared, Running Free ...

Escape to the Promised Land" on selected dates between Feb. 1 and 28 with performances at 10 a.m. and noon. Tickets, by reservation, are $12 per adult; $12 per student (up to 35 students); $8 per student (over 35 students). To order, call 689-5888 or 751-7744. For more information, visit www.wmho.org.

'Respect'

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will bring "Respect: A Musical Journey of Women"

by Dorothy Marcic to its Mainstage from Feb. 25 to March 25. Featuring music by Reddy, Wynette, Gershwin, Rodgers, Hart, Sedaka and many more. Tickets are $35 adults, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

'It Shoulda Been You'

From March 11 to April 15 the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will introduce a new musical comedy to the Main Stage, "It Shoulda Been You," with book and lyrics by Brian Hargrave and music by Barbara Anselini. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors, $20 students. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B19

Festival of One-Act Plays

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will present its 20th annual Festival of One-Act Plays from March 11 to April 1. Tickets are $18. Call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com to order.

'Jekyll & Hyde'

From March 16 to April 30, the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will bring the mesmerizing musical "Jekyll & Hyde" to its Main Stage. Tickets range from $71 to $76. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

'Carmen'/ 'Romeo & Juliet'

The Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will welcome the Russian National Ballet Theatre to the Main Stage on March 11 at 8 p.m. Enjoy two classic stories, "Carmen" and "Romeo & Juliet" in one spectacular evening.

Tickets are $48 and are available at the box office, by calling 632-2787 or by visiting www.stallercenter.com.

Film ‘Florence Foster Jenkins’

Catch a free screening of “Florence Foster Jenkins” starring Meryl Streep at the Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport on Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. Rated PG-13. Open to all. Call 261-6930.

'Papa: Hemingway in Cuba'

As part of its Friday Afternoon Matinee series, the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will screen "Papa: Hemingway in Cuba" on Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. Rated R. Open to all.

No registration required. Call 941-4080.

‘Boogie Nights’

“Boogie Nights” will be screened at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Jan. 7 at 10 p.m. as part of the theater’s Cult Café series.

Tickets are $6, $5 members. Call 423-7611.

‘Lamb’

A fundraiser for education for girls in Ethiopia will be held at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Jan. 8 at 1:30 p.m. Includes a special screening of “Lamb,” 2015’s official selection at the Cannes Film Festival, (in Amharic with English subtitles), a lecture with slide show, a reception with Ethiopian coffee and snacks and handmade Ethiopian jewelry and scarves for sale. Tickets are $20, $15 members.

For more information, call 423-7611.

‘Sunrise’

As part of its Anything But Silent series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen the 1927 silent film “Sunrise” on Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. With live theater organ accompaniment by Ben Model. Tickets are $15, $10 members. Call 423-7611.

‘Magic of the Snowy Owl’

As part of its Documentary Night series, the Huntington Oyster Bay Audubon Society will screen “Magic of the Snowy Owl” at the Cold Spring Harbor Library, 95 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. Free and open to all. Questions? Call 692-6820.

‘American Honey’

The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington will screen “American Honey” on Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Fred Craden.

Tickets are $12, $7 members. For more information, call 423-7611.

Farmers market Huntington Station Jack Abrams STEM School, 155 Lowndes Ave., Huntington Station will host a winter farmer's market on Jan. 8 and 22, Feb. 5 and 19 and March 5 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featuring fresh regional produce and artisanal foods. For more information, visit www.longislandfarmersmarkets.com.

Port Jefferson The Village of Port Jefferson will host a winter farmers market at the Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson every Sunday on the third floor from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through May. Find local organic produce, honey, bread and baked goods, international specialties and much more. Over 20 vendors. Free admission. Call Melissa at 516-551-8461 for further information.

Vendors Wanted ▶ The Art League of Long Island, 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills seeks merchandise vendors for its 2nd annual Welcome Spring Art and Craft Fair on March 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Deadline is March 10. Call 4625400 for more information.

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

Courtesy of Trigon Film

BEAUTY AND HEARTACHE: The Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington will screen Yared Zeleke's award-winning film 'Lamb' on Sunday, Jan. 8 at 1:30 p.m.

153082

PAGE B20 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

book review

‘Loco-Motive’

By Jack Kohl

Novel Reviewed by Melissa Arnold

A philosophical jaunt for deep thinkers It becomes clear when you speak to Jack Kohl that he does nothing part-way.

The 46-year-old Northport native is completely immersed in the arts, with an extensive career in music composition, piano and theater.

Now, Kohl is sharing the stories that have captivated his imagination for decades. His first book, “That Iron String,” was critically acclaimed by reviewers. In late July, he released “Loco-Motive,” a philosophical novel that pays homage to his two greatest loves: Long Island and running.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Kohl about his latest venture.

Both of your books are set on Long Island. Were you born here?

Born in Manhattan, but we moved to Queens right after I was born, and then out to Northport when I was three. Except for a few brief periods of living away for work or school, I’ve always claimed Northport as my native place.

What do you love about this area?

What makes Long Island so remarkable is that whenever you go to the shoreline, you have all of New England looming in the distance, and at the same time, to the west, you have the whole of our republic, with so much to explore. I’ve never exhausted what the Island holds in my imagination.

Did you always want to be an author?

I think so. I was always a big penand-paper letter writer, and in my early 20s I had the will to write in large prose forms. A novel poured out of me about my happy childhood that was also set on Long Island, but it was never published.

I grew up with my parents, particularly my mother, reading aloud to me from Dickens and Melville. I think the music of those two authors was inside me from very early on.

What are some of your other interests?

Most of my income is from my work as a pianist. I studied piano in college in Juilliard and went on to get my master’s and doctorate in piano at the University of South Carolina as well. I teach some courses as an adjunct and do freelance performance as opportunities arise.

Photos from Jack Kohl

Above, author Jack Kohl; right, the cover jacket of his latest novel.

Are ‘Loco-Motive’ and your first book, ‘That Iron String,’ connected at all?

They are, in terms of setting. And if one reads both books very carefully, they’ll find that characters from “That Iron String” appear in the background of “Loco-Motive,” particularly the character Portsmouth Gord. I don’t intend to compare myself to Faulkner in any way, but he employed a similar weaving and overlapping of characters in his work as well.

Tell me about the story line.

I would say it’s a portrait of my experience learning to be a runner. I turned to running to help lose weight during my time in graduate school. I created a character who uses running in an irrational way to try to set the world’s problem’s aright.

There are two very ordinary runners who, suddenly, during a race very much like Northport’s Great Cow Harbor 10K, break the world record significantly.

Part of the novel involves finding out why that was possible, and the great coincidence of those two people being in the same place. It also explores the almost sinister preoccupation of one of those runners with coaching the other to be even faster.

The great theme of the book is whether or not improving our physical abilities can prove that the body (and physical matters) are superior to spiritual matters. The main character makes an argument that the physical realm is what we have to fight for.

What inspired you to write this book?

The narrator’s love affair with running is very much autobiographical. It’s a portrait of my experience learning to be a runner, as well as all the experiences I’ve had with the Northport Running Club and all of the wonderful characters I’ve met through running and fitness on Long Island. Of course, the town of Pauktaug is a stand-in for my own native village and so many other villages on the North Shore.

Even if one doesn’t quite follow all of the philosophical ideas in the book, I still think that people will enjoy its recognizable settings and the affectionate fallibility of the characters. They have a humorous preoccupation with their finish times, their fitness routines and all of the things that come with being a runner.

What do you like most about your books?

There’s so much literature out there about writing, and I agree with the cliches — it makes you feel better and improves your way of life. I’ve made the majority of my best friends through running. But I think this book explores the psychic and spiritual elements of running like no other.

What is the target audience for this book?

I think adults or even a thoughtful older teen who enjoys literary fiction would be able to grapple with the book and enjoy it. There are no themes in it that would be inappropriate for children; it’s more a question of whether they can

be successfully grasped. I’ve been happily surprised by the variety of people who responded positively to this book … you don’t need to be steeped in Fitzgerald or Melville to appreciate it.

Your books are published by Pauktaug Press. Is that your own company?

It is, yes. I had read about successful authors that went the route that eliminated the middle man in publishing and, after some difficulty finding a publisher for my first book, chose to pursue that myself. I also take pleasure in creating a recognizable place that exists mythically in the book. Pauktaug Press is a newspaper that exists in “Loco-Motive,” so it’s fun to create the illusion that it also exists in the real world. Some people don’t even question its reality.

What’s on the horizon for you?

“That Iron String” and “Loco-Motive” are part of the Pauktaug trilogy of books.

Their successor, “You, Knighted States” takes Pauktaug and sets it back in 19th century Long Island and the Old West. It uses many of the same themes while focusing on the families and ancestors of the characters in the first two books. That book is in copy editing now and should be available in the spring.

“Loco-Motive” and “That Iron String” are available at www.jacksonkohl.com, Amazon and other major online retailers. Copies are also available at the Super Runners Shop, located at 353 New York Avenue in Huntington.

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B21

Religious ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

STONY BROOK CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Connecting to God, Each Other and the World

400 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket (631) 689–1127 • Fax (631) 689–1215

www.stonybrookchristian.com Pastor Troy Reid Weekly Schedule Sunday Worship w/nursery 10 am Kidmo Children’s Church • Ignited Youth Fellowship and Food Always to Follow Tuesday Evening Prayer: 7 pm Thursday Morning Bible Study w/Coffee & Bagels: 10 am Friday Night Experience “FNX” for Pre K-Middle School: 6:30 pm Ignite Youth Ministry: 7:30 pm Check out our website for other events and times

BYZANTINE CATHOLIC RESURRECTION BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH

38 Mayflower Avenue, Smithtown NY 11787 631–759–6083 resurrectionsmithtown@gmail.com www.resurrectionsmithtown.org Father Tyler A. Strand, Administrator, Joseph S. Durko, Cantor Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 11:15 am Holy Days: See website or phone for information Sunday School Sundays at 9:15 am Adult Faith Formation/Bible Study: Mondays at 7:00 pm.

PrayerAnon Prayer Group for substance addictions, Wednesdays at 7 pm A Catholic Church of the Eastern Rite under the Eparchy of Passaic.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. GERARD MAJELLA 300 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station (631) 473–2900 • Fax (631) 473–0015

www.stgmajella.org All are Welcome to Begin Again. Come Pray With Us. Rev. Jerry DiSpigno, Pastor Office of Christian Formation • 928–2550 We celebrate Eucharist Saturday evening 5 pm, Sunday 7:30, 9 and 11 am Weekday Mass Monday–Friday 9 am We celebrate Baptism Third weekend of each month during any of our weekend Masses We celebrate Marriage Arrangements can be made at the church with our Pastor or Deacon We celebrate Reconciliation Confession is celebrated on Saturdays from 4–5 pm We celebrate You! Visit Our Thrift Shop Mon. – Fri. 10 am–4 pm + Sat. 10 am–2 pm

INFANT JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 110 Myrtle Ave., Port Jefferson, NY 11777 (631) 473-0165 • Fax (631) 331-8094

©152976

www.www.infantjesus.org Reverend Patrick M. Riegger, Pastor Associates: Rev. Francis Lasrado & Rev. Rolando Ticllasuca To schedule Baptisms and Weddings, Please call the Rectory Confessions: Saturdays 12:30-1:15 pm in the Lower Church Religious Ed.: (631) 928-0447 • Parish Outreach: (631) 331-6145 Weekly Masses: 6:50 and 9 am in the Church, 12 pm in the Chapel* Weekend Masses: Saturday at 5 pm in the Church, 5:15 pm in the Chapel* Sunday at 7:30 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm in the Church and at 8:30 am, 10 am, and 11:30 am (Family Mass) in the Chapel* Spanish Masses: Sunday at 8:45 am and Wednesday at 6 pm in the Church *Held at the Infant Jesus Chapel at St. Charles Hospital Religious Education: (631) 928-0447 Parish Outreach: (631) 331-6145

D irectory

CATHOLIC

ST. JAMES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 429 Rt. 25A, Setauket, NY 11733 Phone/Fax: (631) 941–4141

Mission Statement: In faith we come together to celebrate the Eucharist as a Parish Family; and as a Catholic community of faith, we are sent to be Christ to the world around us.

Rev. James-Patrick Mannion, Pastor Rev. Gerald Cestare, Associate Pastor Rev. Jon Fitzgerald, In Residence Weekday Masses: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday 8:00am, 9:30 am (family), 11:30 am (choir), 6:00 pm (Youth) Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Baptisms: Sundays at 1:30 pm (except during Lent) Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00 – 4:45 pm or by appointment Anointing Of The Sick: by request Holy Matrimony: contact the office at least 9 months before desired date

CONGREGATIONAL MT. SINAI CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai • (631) 473–1582 www.mtsinaichurchli.org

“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here” Worship hour is 8:30 am and 10 am Sunday School and Childcare offered at 10:00 am open to all children (infants to 8th grade).

The last Sunday of every month is our Welcome Sunday Service.

This service has been intentionally designed to include persons of differing abilities from local group homes.

We are an Open and Affirming Congregation.

CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN CHURCH CROSSOVER CHRISTIAN CHURCH Finding Faith As A Way of Life

Meeting at the Heritage Community Center 633 Mt. Sinai Coram Rd., Mt. Sinai (631)734-0204

www.crossoverchristianchurch.com Pastor Lesaya Kelly Weekly Schedule: Sunday Worship w/Children’s Church 9:30 - 11am We offer weekly small groups and monthly meetings for men and women.

We exist to love God with everything we have. We are a small, vibrant community reaching out to our world with love in action.

EPISCOPAL

ALL SOULS EPISCOPAL CHURCH “Our little historic church on the hill” across from the Stony Brook Duck Pond

Main Street, Stony Brook • (631) 751–0034

www.allsouls–stonybrook.org • allsoulsepiscopalchurch@verizon.net Please come and welcome our new Priest: The Rev. Farrell D. Graves, Ph.D., Vicar Sunday Holy Eucharist: 8 and 9:30 am Religious instruction for children follows the 9:30 am Service This is a small eclectic Episcopal congregation that has a personal touch. We welcome all regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey. Walk with us.

EPISCOPAL

CAROLINE CHURCH OF BROOKHAVEN The Rev. Cn. Dr. Richard D. Visconti, Rector

1 Dyke Road on the Village Green, Setauket Web site: www.carolinechurch.net Parish Office email: office@carolinechurch.net (631) 941–4245

Sunday Services: 8 am, 9:30 am and 11:15 am Church School/Child Care at 9:30 am Church School classes now forming. Call 631-941-4245 for registration.

Weekday holy Eucharist’s: Thursday 12 pm and First Friday of the month 7:30 pm (rotating: call Parish Office for location) Youth, Music and Service Programs offered.

Let God walk with you as part of our family–friendly community.

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 127 Barnum Ave., Port Jefferson (631) 473–0273 email: ccoffice@christchurchportjeff.org www.christchurchportjeff.org

Father Anthony DiLorenzo: Priest–In–Charge Sunday Services 8 am & 10 am Sunday Eucharist: 8 am and 10 am/Wednesday 10 in our chapel Sunday School and Nursery Registration for Sunday School starting Sunday after the 10 am Eucharist Our ministries: Welcome Inn on Mondays at 5:45 pm AA meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm/Prayer Group on Wednesdays at 10:30 am/Bible Study on Thursdays at 10 am.

It is the mission of the people of Christ Church to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and to make his love known to all through our lives and ministry.

We at Christ Church are a joyful, welcoming community. Wherever you are in your journey of life we want to be part of it.

EVANGELICAL THREE VILLAGE CHURCH Knowing Christ...Making Him Known

322 Route 25A, East Setauket • (631) 941–3670 www.3vc.org

Lead Pastor Josh Moody Sunday Worship Schedule 9:15 am:Worship Service Sunday School (Pre–K – Adult), Nursery 10:30 am: Bagel/Coffee Fellowship 11:00 am: Worship, Nursery, Pre–K, Cornerstone Kids (Gr. K–4) We offer weekly Teen Programs, Small Groups, Women’s Bible Studies (day & evening) & Men’s Bible Study Faith Nursery School for ages 3 & 4 Join us as we celebrate 55 years of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ!

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION

430 Sheep Pasture Rd., Port Jefferson 11777 Tel: 631-473-0894 • Fax: 631-928-5131 www.kimisis.org • goc.assumption@gmail.com

Rev. Demetrios N. Calogredes, Protopresbyter Sunday Services Orthros 8:30 am - Devine Liturgy 10 am Services conducted in both Greek & English* Books available to follow in English* Sunday Catechism School, 10:15 am - 11:15 am* Greek Language School, Tuesdays 5 pm - 8 pm* Bible Study & Adult Catechism Classes Available* Golden Age & Youth Groups* Thrift Store* Banquet Hall available for Rental* For information please call Church office*

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

PAGE B22 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

Religious JEWISH

CHABAD AT STONY BROOK

“Judaism with a smile” Future site: East side of Nicolls Rd, North of Rte 347 –Next to Fire Dept.

Current location: 821 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove (631) 585–0521 • (800) My–Torah • www.ChabadSB.com

Rabbi Chaim & Rivkie Grossbaum Rabbi Motti & Chaya Grossbaum Rabbi Sholom B. & Chanie Cohen Membership Free •Weekday, Shabbat & Holiday Services Highly acclaimed Torah Tots Preschool • Afternoon Hebrew School Camp Gan Israel • Judaica Publishing Department • Lectures and Seminars • Living Legacy Holiday Programs Jewish Learning Institute Friendship Circle for Special Needs Children • The CTeen Network N’shei Chabad Women’s Club • Cyberspace Library www.ChabadSB.com Chabad at Stony Brook University – Rabbi Adam & Esther Stein

YOUNG ISRAEL OF CORAM

Coram Jewish Center 981 Old Town Rd., Coram • (631) 698–3939 YIC.org-YoungIsraelofCoram@gmail.com

RABBI DR. MORDECAI AND MARILYN GOLSHEVSKY RABBI SAM AND REBECA GOLSHEVSKY

“THE ETERNAL FLAME-THE ETERNAL LIGHT” Weekly Channel #20 at 10 am Shabbat Morning Services 9 am. Free Membership. No building fund. Free Hebrew School. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Shabbat and Holiday Services followed by hot buffet. Adult Education Institute. Women’s Education Group-Internationally prominent Lecturers and Women’s Torah Class. Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Kaballah Classes. Jewish Holiday Institute. Tutorials for all ages.

Put Meaning in Your Life 631-698-3939 Member, National Council of Young Israel All welcome regardless of knowledge or observance level.

NORTH SHORE JEWISH CENTER

385 Old Town Rd., Port Jefferson Station (631) 928–3737 www.NorthShoreJewishCenter.org Rabbi Aaron Benson

Cantor Daniel Kramer, Rabbi Emeritus Howard Hoffman Executive Director Marcie Platkin Services: Daily morning and evening minyan Friday at 8 pm; Saturday 8:45 am and one hour before sundown • Tot Shabbat Family Kehillah • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Seniors Club • Youth Group Award–winning Religious School • Teen Community Service Program Nursery School • Mommy and Me • Preschool Summer Program Continuing Ed • Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Judaica Shop Thrift Shop • Kosher Catering Panel We warmly welcome you to our Jewish home. Come worship, study and enjoy being Jewish with our caring NSJC family.

Member United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

TEMPLE ISAIAH (REFORM)

1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook • (631) 751–8518 www.tisbny.org

D irectory LUTHERAN–ELCA

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND ANCHOR NURSERY SCHOOL 46 Dare Road, Selden (631)732-2511 Emergency number (516) 848-5386 Rev. Dr. Richard O. Hill, Pastor email: hopelutheran@msn.com • website: www.hopeluth.com Holy Communion is celebrated every week Saturdays 5 pm and Sundays at 8 am, 9:30 am and 11 am

ST. PAULS LUTHERAN CHURCH

309 Patchogue Road, Port Jefferson Station (631) 473–2236

Rev. Paul A. Downing, Pastor email: pastorpauldowning@yahoo.com • pastor’s cell: 347–423–3623 church website: wwwStPaulsLCPJS.org Services: Sundays-8:30 and 10:30 am-Holy Communion Bibles and Bagels 9:30 am Sunday School during 10:30 service Wednesday evening 7:30 pm-Holy Communion Friday Morning-Power of Prayer Hour 10:30 am

LUTHERAN–LCMS

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH Messiah Preschool & Day Care 465 Pond Path, East Setauket www.messiahny.com (631) 751–1775

Rev. Charles Bell, Pastor We welcome all to join us for worship & fellowship Sunday Worship Services 8:15 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am Sunday School at 9:30 am We have a NYS Certified Preschool & Day Care

METHODIST BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 33 Christian Ave/ PO2117 E. Setauket NY 11733 (631) 941–3581 Rev. Gregory L. Leonard–Pastor

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Lectionary Reading and Prayer Wed. 12 noon Gospel Choir Tues. 8 pm Praise Choir and Youth Choir 3rd and 4th Fri. 6:30 pm

METHODIST SETAUKET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 160 Main Street, Corner of 25A and Main Street East Setauket • (631) 941–4167

Rev. Steven kim, Pastor

www.setauketumc.org • SUMCNY@aol.com Sunday Worship Service & Church School 10 am Holy Communion 1st Sunday of Month Mary & Martha Circle (Women’s Ministry) monthly on 2nd Tuesday at noon

STONY BROOK COMMUNITY CHURCH UNITED METHODIST

216 Christian Ave., Stony Brook, 11790 Church Office: 631-751-0574 stonybrookcommunitychurch@gmail.com www.stonybrookcommunitychurch.org Rev. chuck Van Houten, Pastor Connecting people to God, purpose and each other Sunday Worship 10:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am

Renewing, Restoring, Reviving for the 21st Century!

PRESBYTERIAN

SETAUKET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5 Caroline Avenue ~ On the Village Green (631) 941-4271

Making God’s community livable for all since 1660!! www.setauketpresbyterian.org Email: setauketpresbyterian@verizon.net

Rev. Mary, Barrett Speers, pastor Rev. Dr. Craig Malbon, Visiting Minister

Join us Sundays in worship at 9:30 am Church School (PreK-6th Grade) at 9:45 am Adult Christian Education Classes and Service Opportunities Outreach Ministries: Open Door Exchange Ministry: Furnishing homes...Finding hope www.opendoorexchange.org Welcome Inn Soup Kitchen Prep Site: volunteerwelcomeinn@gmail.org All are welcome to join this vibrant community of worship, music (voice and bell choirs), mission (local, national and international), and fellowship. Call the church office or visit our website for current information on church activities. SPC is a More Light Presbyterian Church and part of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians working toward a church as generous and just as God’s grace.

Religious Directory continued on next page

COMMACK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 486 Townline Road, Commack Church Office: (631)499–7310 Fax: (631) 858–0596 www.commack–umc.org • mail@commack–umc.org Rev. Linda Bates–Stepe, Pastor

Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel Cantor Carol Chesler Rabbi Emeritus Stephen A. Karol Rabbi Emeritus Adam D. Fisher Cantor Emeritus Michael F. Trachtenberg

Sabbath Services Friday 7:30 pm and Saturday 10 am Religious School • Monthly Family Service • Monthly Tot Shabbat Youth Groups • Senior Club • Adult Education Sisterhood • Brotherhood • Book Club-more

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

©152980

A warm and caring intergenerational community dedicated to learning, prayer, social action, and friendship.

Member Union for Reform Judaism

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B23

Images courtesy of The LIM

‘Storm Light,’ 1993, oil on linen by Jane Wilson; right, the artist

LIM receives generous gift

The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook recently announced that its collections committee voted to approve the acquisition of an original oil painting by artist Jane Wilson, who passed away early in 2015. The painting, titled “Storm Light,” was completed in 1993 and is a gift of Wilson’s estate.

The LIM’s Director of Collections and Interpretation Joshua Ruff commented, “We are very happy to be one of a number of institutions that were chosen by Jane Wilson’s Estate to receive her work.”

“Storm Light” is the fifth example of Wilson’s work to be added to The Long Island Museum’s permanent collection.

The museum owns four additional Wilson paintings dating from 1955 to

WINTER HOURS FOR THE LIM:

2000. Other institutions that own her work include the Hirshhorn Museum, the Modern Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, and the Parrish Art Museum.

Jane Wilson, who was a part-time resident of eastern Long Island since 1960, was a talented painter who merged expressionism and realism, creating memorable landscapes known most for their dramatic horizons. After her passing early last year, she was the focus (along with fellow artist Jane Freilicher) of a major exhibition at the Parrish Art Museum.

“Storm Light” will be highlighted as a new acquisition, on prominent display, when The LIM opens its new season on Feb. 24.

The Visitors Center of the The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook will be open from Jan. 5 to 29 from Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.; closed from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1. The Carriage Museum will be open from Feb. 2 to 18, Thursday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and again on Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Art Museum is closed through Feb. 1. For further information, please call 631-751-0066 or visit www. longislandmuseum.org.

Religious UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP AT STONY BROOK

380 Nicolls Road • between Rte 347 & Rte 25A (631) 751–0297 • www.uufsb.org • office@uufsb.org

Rev. Margaret H. Allen (minister@uufsb.org) Sunday Service: 10:30 am

Religious Education at UUFSB: Unitarian Universalism accepts wisdom from many sources and offers non-dogmatic religious education for children from 3-18 to foster ethical and spiritual development and knowledge of world religions. Classes Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Childcare for little ones under three. Senior High Youth Group meetings Sunday evenings.

Registration is ongoing. For more information: dre@uufsb.org.

SPREADING GOOD CHEER Over 70 members of the Centerport Garden Club gathered at the Harborfields Public Library in Greenlawn before the holidays to make Christmas wreaths for the community. Handmade with evergreens from the members’ gardens, the completed wreaths adorned the local post office, library, town memorials and historic homes. Members also created holiday centerpieces for donation to local veteran’s homes.

D irectory

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF HUNTINGTON

109 Brown’s Road, Huntington, NY 11743 631–427–9547

UNITY UNITY CHURCH OF HEALING LIGHT 203 East Pulaski Rd., Huntington Sta. (631) 385–7180 www.unityhuntingtonny.org

www.uufh.org

Rev. G. Jude Geiger, Minister

(minister@uufh.org) Starr Austin, religious educator (dreuufh@gmail.com) Sunday Service 10:30 am, Children’s Religious Education 10:30 am Whoever you are, whomever you love, wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Our services offer a progressive, non-creedal message with room for spiritual seekers.

Services and Religious Education each Sunday at 10:30 am Youth Group, Lifespan Religious Education for Adults, Adult and Children’s Choirs. Participants in the Huntington Interfaith Housing Initiative. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Rev. Saba Mchunguzi

Unity Church of Healing Light is committed to helping people unfold their Christ potential to transform their lives and build spiritual community through worship, education, prayer and service.

Sunday Worship & Church School 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Service 7:30 p.m.

Sign Language Interpreter at Sunday Service

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

©152978

153597

PAGE B24 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B25

SBU SportSweek JAn. 5 – JAn. 11, 2017

Tomorrow is Friday – wear red on Campus!

STony Brook UniverSiTy

Men’s hoops pulls out second-largest point total since 2012 The Stony Brook men’s basketball team never trailed in the second half and was able to hold on for a 92-89 win over Brown University at Pizzitola Sports Center Dec. 31. It was a familiar scene for the Seawolves, as the game came down to the final seconds, but they were able to close out nonconference play with a victory. Stony Brook moves to 5-8 on the year, while the Bears now sit at 9-6.

“I told these guys before that this would be a fun game to play in,” Stony Brook head coach Jeff Boals said after the win.

“Just given the way they play, with their offensive prowess and lack of defense, we knew we were going to get great looks and great shots, and it was going to come down to who made the stop when they needed it, and we got a big one there are the end.”

After a first half that saw seven ties and 12 lead changes, the Seawolves never lost their halftime lead. They strung together 12 straight points in the final minutes to position themselves for the lead at the break, despite six quick points from Brown in the final 35 seconds.

Stony Brook led by double figures nearing the midway point in the second half, but an 11-2 run by Brown tied things at 78-78.

A three-pointer from senior Lucas Woodhouse and a steal turned transition layup out of the press for junior Tyrell

Sturdivant put the Seawolves back up five with 2:23 to play.

The difference remained at two possessions until Brown’s Brandon Anderson hit a pair of free throws with 32 seconds on the clock to get the Bears within one.

Junior Bryan Sekunda sent the ball down the court to redshirt freshman Akwasi Yeboah, who threw down the wide-open opportunity and put the Seawolves back up five. His late dunk made it a career high for the newcomer, with 20 points.

The Bears answered, but were forced to foul still down three. Senior Kameron Mitchell went to the line twice in the final seconds, hitting 1-for-2 both times.

A last-second three from Brown’s JR Hobbie was tipped by Woodhouse and fell short as the Seawolves were able to hold on for the win.

Stony Brook’s 92 points is the most the team has scored since putting up 104 points in a win at the University of Detroit Mercy on Nov. 24, 2012.

Foul trouble plagued Stony Brook all afternoon, as Brown had 34 opportunities from the line, hitting 26 attempts.

Woodhouse led the way, as his 27 points matched his career-best, which he set at Longwood University. He added five assists and did not turn the ball over. This is the third time this season the Seawolves have

Photos from SBU

Above, Tyrell Sturdivant at the freethrow line during a previous game. Left, Lucas Woodhouse leaps up to the rim.

had four players score in double figures.

After beginning the year scoring in double figures in seven of the first eight games, Sturdivant returned to double figures for the first time in five games, with 15 points against the Bears.

Stony Brook will begin conference play on the road, taking on the University of New Hampshire Jan. 5 at 7 p.m.

Wingate’s buzzer-beater gives women’s hoops the win Sophomore Davion Wingate converted a the Seawolves held at the other end to win three-point play with 4.8 seconds remaining the game.

Wingate led all scorers with 19 points, into lift the Stony Brook women’s basketball team to its second dramatic win in 24 hours, cluding 15 in the second half. Bayne-Walker as the Seawolves downed University of Mis- had eight points and a season-high eight assouri-Kansas City, 57-55, Dec. 31 at Island sists, pulling her within 15 of Mykeema Ford’s Federal Credit Union Arena. With the win, program record of 417. Senior Christa Scogthe Seawolves conclude nonconference play namiglio tallied nine points and six rebounds in 23 minutes of action afat 7-6, while the Kangaroos, ter a pair of early first-half which the Seawolves played fouls. Freshman Gio Perez for the first time, fell to 5-8. tallied a career-best six “That’s our team. … points, all in the first half.

We’re going to have some The Seawolves shot 42.6 tight ballgames this year,” percent for the game, but Stony Brook head coach 52 percent in the second Caroline McCombs said. half. Stony Brook was out“I’m really proud of our rebounded, 38-33. team for being able to make The Seawolves are 5-1 that play at the end of the since Dec. 11, when Winggame. We knew if [UMKC] ate and senior Anamaria got the lead, that we needSkaro entered the starting ed to stay the course and — Caroline McCombs lineup. Five of Stony Brook’s just try to overcome, and we seven wins have been by were able to do that.”

The Seawolves trailed 55-54 with 16.4 five points or less.

It was the second day in a row the Seaseconds remaining and a sideline inbound.

Senior Kori Bayne-Walker drove the lane wolves won despite trailing in the final minute.

The Seawolves open America East play and kicked it out to Wingate, who drove and was fouled while sinking the go-ahead layup. Wednesday with an 11 a.m. tip at the UniverWingate calmly drained the free throw and sity of New Hampshire.

‘We knew if [UMKC] got the lead, that we needed to stay the course and just try to overcome, and we were able to do that.’

Content for this page provided by SBU and printed as a service to our advertiser.

Photos from SBU

Above, kori Bayne-Walker moves toward the basket in a previous contest. Left, Davion Wingate drives the baseline.

PAGE B26 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

KIDS CALENDAR

NEW BEGINNINGS 2017

HEALTH & WELLNESS

FINANCES

•

 Maintaining Healthy Weight  Trends in Nutrition  Cosmetic Procedures  Medical Updates  Finding Serenity

 Estate Planning

A New You

 Retirement Planning  Investments  Social Security  Taxes  Insurance  Real Estate

A S U P P L E M E N T TO ALL 6 TIMES BEACON RECOR D N E W S PA P E R S

•

ALL ABOARD! The TMB Model Train Club will hold an Open House on Jan. 7 and 8.

Programs

Next Issue February 2, 2017

Hands-On Art

DEADLINE JANUARY 19

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook will present a program for children in grades K through 4, Hands-On Art, on Jan. 5 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Inspiration is all around us. Learn the elements of art using different materials to create your own masterpiece to take home. $10 per class, $8 members. To register, call 751-0066, ext. 212.

FOR DETAILS CALL NOW

Featuring HEALTH & FINANCE FORUMS For 2017

by Local Experts!

(631) 751–7744 TBR NEWSMEDIA

Love My Pet

We Invite You To Send Your Pet Photos To: art@tbrnewspapers.com

We also welcome your 30 second pet videos!

Include your name, pet’s name and town • by Jan. 12th, 2017

Featuring Pets on The North Shore on February 9, 2017 Our cute, lovable and unusual pets are our pride and joy.

We’ll feature our readers’ pet photos in the Leisure Section of all 6 weekly newspapers.

The Village TIMES HERALD The TIMES of Smithtown The Port TIMES RECORD The Village BEACON RECORD The TIMES of Middle Country The TIMES of Huntington, Northport & East Northport

Call your representative at 631–751–7744 for details now!

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA ©153579

185 Route 25A • PO Box 707 • Setauket, NY 11733 (631) 751–7744 • www.tbrnewsmedia.com

Let’s Create Together ©153607

185 Route 25A • Setauket, NY 11733

Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket will present an art class, Let’s Create Together, on Jan. 7 from 9 to 10 a.m.

For ages 2 to 6 with a parent or caregiver.

With instructor Larissa Grass. $25 per class includes materials. To register, call 751-2676 or visit www.gallerynorth.org.

ArtVentures

Gallery North, 90 N. Country Road, Setauket will hold an ArtVentures class on Jan. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages 7 to 12.

Students will create a landscape painting using tints and shades. Taught by Larissa Grass. $30 per class, includes materials. Pop-ins welcome. To register, call 751-2676.

Color Chromatography

The Maritime Explorium will offer a drop-in program, Color Chromatography, on Jan. 7 and 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. Break colors down to their chemical component for a peak inside at what makes a color a color. $5 per person.

For further information, call 331-3277 or visit www.maritimeexplorium.org.

TMB Model Train Show

Love trains? The TMB Model Train Club, located at 120 Schmitt Blvd., Farmingdale will present a train show on Jan. 7 and 8 from noon to 4 p.m. featuring eight train sets running on six tracks. Free admission. Call 516-660-8099 or visit www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com for more information.

Trout Birthday Party

Join the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor as it celebrates the birth of its baby trout on Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. Professional staff will be available to answer questions. Enjoy refreshments and birthday cake! Admission is $6 adults, $4 children and seniors, children under 3 and members free. Call 516-6926768 or visit www.cshfishhatchery.org.

Tiny Tots: Nature Discoveries

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown will present a Tiny Tots program for ages 3 to 5 titled Snowflakes Keep Falling on My Head! on Jan. 12 from 10 to 11 a.m. $3 per child. Advance registration required by calling 265-1054.

Hands-On History

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook will present Hands-On History for grades K through 4 on Jan. 12 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. $10 per class, $8 members. To register, call 751-0066, ext. 212.

Theater ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will present “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” on Jan. 7 at 3 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. and Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. Performed entirely by students of the John W. Engeman Studio of the Performing Arts. Tickets are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Shrek The Musical Jr.’

Everyone’s favorite ogre will be starring in “Shrek the Musical Jr.” at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown from Jan. 21 to Feb. 26 with shows daily from Feb. 20 to 26 for Presidents’ Week. (All youth cast) All seats are $15. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www. smithtownpac.org.

‘The Three Little Pigs’

Three independent pigs, two lost mice and one rappin’ wolf equal a fun-filled musical production of “The Three Little Pigs” at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Jan. 21 to Feb. 4. Tickets are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Annie Jr.’

The irrepressible comic strip heroine Annie takes the stage at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown from March 18 to April 15. Shows will be held on Saturdays at 11 a.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Shows daily from April 10 to 14 at 1 p.m. (All youth cast) Tickets are $15. To order, call 7243700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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

JANUARY 05, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B27

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201 Old Town Road, East Setauket, NY 11733 (631) 751–1154 www.laurelhillschool.org

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PAGE B28 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 05, 2017

BOOK REVIEW

‘A Little Rees Specht Cultivates Kindness’

By Richard E. Specht Jr.

Children’s Book Reviewed by Rita J. Egan When Richard Specht lost his son Richard Edwin-Ehmer (Rees) in a tragic drowning accident in 2012, he asked his aunt for advice on how to deal with the insurmountable pain. Having lost two children of her own, she told him he could let the pain consume him, or he could transcend it and find something to keep the darkness at bay. When he and his wife Samantha discovered that those who offered help during their time of need wouldn’t allow the couple to do anything in return for them, the Spechts decided to take the aunt’s advice to heart.

The couple began performing small acts of kindness for others and set out on a mission to honor their son by making the world a better place. Their efforts soon turned into the ReesSpecht Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes the importance of compassion and respect. The foundation has become known for its ReesSpecht Life cards that are used by those who perform random acts of kindness to pass on to the receiver in hopes that they will turn around and also carry out a kind act.

The success of the foundation inspired Richard to leave teaching in 2015 and travel to schools with his presentation Cultivate Kindness. His hope is to teach youngsters the importance of compassion and deliver an important anti-bullying message to them as well.

When talking to children in grades K to 2, he uses the first book he has written, “A Little Rees Specht Cultivates Kindness.” Specht said he encountered many road blocks when he first approached publishers, but he eventually self-published it in 2014. The result of his determination is the heartwarming story of a little boy who performs one kind act that plants a seed that cultivates a chain reaction of compassion in his community. Complemented with vibrant illustrations by Adam D. Smith, the book is one that will teach children a valuable lesson in a delightful way and even inspire adults to stop and lend a helping hand.

To date the book, which is sold exclusively through the foundation, has sold over 10,000 copies and all proceeds go to fund the nonprofit’s scholarship fund. Recently, Specht answered a few questions about the book via email.

The main character in “A Little Rees Specht Cultivates Kindness” is based on your son who died tragically. How do you describe Rees to people?

This is a tough question because we only had 22 months with Rees. What 22-monthold isn’t sweet, loving, mischievous and full of energy? Rees was all of these things with every new day revealing a little more about him to us. When I wrote the book, I

took those qualities I saw in him and tried to project what I felt Rees would be when he reached the age of the character in my book. The Rees in the book is the manifestation of the little boy I always envisioned him to be.

The book is an

extension of your ReesSpecht Life movement.

What does your organization do and how did it start?

The formation of the ReesSpecht Life Foundation is very similar to the concept of the book: It started with a little idea, a seed that kept growing with each kind act my family and I received in the wake of Rees’ death. My wife and I wanted to repay those acts of kindness, and no one would let us. We felt this obligation to do more than simply say “thank you” and grew frustrated that no one would let us pay them back. So, instead of paying people back, we decided to “pay it forward.”

The idea was to do 500 random acts of kindness and give each recipient a “ReesSpecht Life” card that had Rees’ caricature on the front and a little about his story on the back. We didn’t expect that once people received the cards they would want their own. Before we knew it, people were ordering cards from us, and we very quickly went through those 500 cards. That was almost four years ago.

Today, we have distributed 395,000 cards to every continent on Earth. In addition to the cards, the foundation now provides $1,000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors who show a commitment to kindness, grants for teachers to incorporate kindness into their lessons, meals and sundries for families suffering hardship, and we perform school assemblies to grades K to 12 to remind students of the importance of kindness.

Images from Richard E. Specht Jr.

Left, the late Rees Specht; above the cover of Richard E. Specht’s children’s book We were devastated by this, and difficult journey. Their particular stories in I struggled with how I could come the book are actually based on their real life up with a new logo that so per- personalities and interests. For instance, the fectly fit our mission like the “Su- reason Kaylee is dressed similar to Dorothy perman Rees” picture did. Then, from “The Wizard of Oz” is because that out of the blue, the idea hit me: was her favorite movie. The same holds true Rees loved tractors. It was one of for each of the children in the book. the very few words he could use, and every time he saw one he would Is this your first book? How long did get excited and yell out “TRAKTA!!!” it take to develop?

So, I realized that should be the focus.

The new logo was developed with Rees Yes, this is the first book I have ever writriding a tractor called Trakta, and the back- ten. I actually wrote the outline for the story story just flowed from there. Rees, driving on over the course of several nights while on Trakta, would cultivate kindness just like a a family vacation in Berlin, Germany. When farmer cultivates his crop. People responded we got home, I started writing the actuso positively to the new logo that I realized al book right away. It took me about two there was something more there and I wrote months to get the story completed. Since I the outline of a story focusing on Rees who couldn’t draw, I wrote the book more like discovers that kindness, just like the seeds he a novel, describing every scene as well as plants, can only grow if you do the things the dialogue. Once that was completed, I necessary to cultivate it. The book takes this handed off the book to my illustrator Adam, idea that every kind act we do helps that who took my descriptions and turned them “seed of kindness” grow. As the story pro- into the pictures you see in the book. All in gresses, we witness each kind act causing all, the process took about 10 months from that seed to grow. concept to our first printed copy.

You use the book in your K to 2 presentations. What kind of feedback have you gotten from the children about the book?

The book is the backbone of our K to 2 presentations. I actually learned how to do 2D animation and developed an animated version of the book with sound effects that I use. When I present it, the children in the audience get to follow along as each kind act helps the seed of kindness to grow. There is nothing like hearing 200 5- to 8-year-olds exclaiming in unison, “grow seed grow!” Children seem to love it as they get to see that seed grow with each kind act.

What made you decide to write the book, and how would you describe it In the book, Rees encounters other to those who haven’t read it yet? children. Are they based on people Believe it or not, the idea for the story ac- that were in his life? tually came about because of a problem we had with our original logo for the foundation. The first 20,000 cards we printed had a picture of Rees dressed like Superman on the front. We were informed that using the image of Superman, regardless of who was in the costume, was a trademark infringement and could cause legal issues.

Actually, the children in the book are indeed based off of real children, but they are not children Rees knew in his lifetime — but I hope he knows them now. All of the children in the book are actually based off the real life child-angels from parents who shared our pain and helped us through this

Do you plan to write any more books in the future?

Originally, I had no concrete plans for any sequels. That changed when I got a call from a pair of Hollywood producers who got a copy of the book and asked me if I was interested in turning the ideas from the book into an animated series. They asked me if I had ideas for further stories, and I told them, “Of course!” They asked me if I could send them those ideas, and I got right to work developing a series of stories that build on the original premise of the first book.

Before I knew it, I had around 14 stories that would serve as the outline for the TV series, as well as my books. As of now, I have two more books completely written, and I am getting ready to send them to Adam for illustration. In addition to those two books, I just completed the script for the pilot episode of the TV series, which is its own, stand-alone, story.

For more information about “A Little Rees Specht Cultivates Kindness,” the ReesSpecht Life Foundation, and its school programs, visit www.reesspechtlife.com or www.cultivatekindness.org.