Arts & Lifestyles - September 24, 2020

ARTS & LIFESTYLES TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

Singer/songwriter Johnny Cuomo releases new children's book ■ B21

INSIDE: Photo of the Week B12 • Antebellum reviewed B13 • Highlights from Smithtown Historical Society's Heritage Country Fair B15

PAGE B2 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

Living Your Best Life with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) OUR EXPERT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS Roger Fan, MD Director Complex Arrhythmia Ablation Program Heart Rhythm Center Stony Brook University Heart Institute

September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month and Stony Brook heart rhythm specialist Roger Fan, MD, offers a variety of tools here to help you live your best life with AFib — the most common heart rhythm disorder.

And, looking beyond September, Stony Brook’s compassionate and experienced AFib healthcare team is available year-round to help navigate through any uncertainty and answer any, and all, questions you may have.

What should I know about atrial fibrillation?

What AFib is. Atrial fibrillation or AFib is an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke and heart failure. In fact, with AFib, there’s a five times greater risk of suffering a stroke.

The symptoms. Symptoms often include palpitations (racing or fluttering heartbeat), shortness of breath, chest discomfort, lightheadedness and extreme fatigue. About 10 percent of patients with AFib experience no symptoms at all, though, and are diagnosed only when the disorder is detected during an unrelated office visit.

The risk factors. Most at-risk are those with an underlying heart condition, family history, high blood pressure, obesity or chronic condition such as thyroid disease, sleep apnea or diabetes. Add to the mix, also, being over 60 years old.

How do I lead a full and active life with AFib? Eat heart-healthy. When making out your grocery list, opt for a diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, skinless poultry and fish, nuts and legumes. Limit the usual suspects… saturated and trans fats, sodium, red meats, and sugary foods and beverages. Talk to your doctor about eating foods high in vitamin K such as leafy greens, which can interfere with the effectiveness of blood thinning medication. If you are obese, a weight loss of just 10 percent can decrease symptoms of AFib. Channel your inner Rocky Balboa. Safe, effective and enjoyable exercise like walking and cycling can help you drop pounds, control cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, lift your spirits and make your heart stronger. If you aren’t used to regular exercise or are over 60, talk to your doctor first.

Listen to your body. Know your “Big 3” numbers — cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Getting more active, losing weight and making smart food choices can help get your numbers into a healthy range. Tell your doctor about any new symptoms or if your treatment isn’t working for you.

Rein in stress. Anger and anxiety can cause an uptick in heart rate and make AFib worse. Look for ways to relax whether it’s walking, spending time with friends and family, meditation or yoga. Sometimes hearing from others can be a good way to relieve stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you may want to consider joining a support group like the American Heart ® Association’s My AFib Experience .

FREE HEART HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT Take our free heart health risk assessment at stonybrookmedicine.edu/hearthealth For an appointment with one of our cardiology experts, call (631) 44-HEART (444-3278).

Be smart about coffee, alcohol and smoking.

Cut back on or avoid caffeine and alcohol. These can act as stimulants and affect your heart rate. If you smoke, you know the drill by now… quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you need help quitting, talk to your healthcare team.

Get enough ZZZZ’s. Up to half of those with AFib don’t sleep well due to sleep apnea — multiple mini-awakenings caused by irregular breathing. If you aren’t getting six to eight hours a night, let your doctor know.

Learn more.

If you’re experiencing rhythm disorder symptoms, you likely have many questions.

Our heart rhythm specialists work closely with your referring physician to ensure the quality, ease and safety of your Stony Brook experience.

For an in-person or telehealth appointment, please call (631) 44-HEART (444-3278).

For more information, visit heart.stonybrookmedicine.edu.

This article is intended to be general and/or educational in nature.

Always consult your healthcare professional for help, diagnosis, guidance and treatment. Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 20080216H

162207

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B3

PLAIN TALK

Challenges can become opportunities transformation. There are so many life lessons to be learned, if we have the courage to take the blinders off and listen.

We will never return to the life we once knew before the pandemic. However, we have an opportunity to create a new tomorrow that is rich with opportunity and possibility that can be life-giving, if we have the courage to live differently.

There are so many life lessons to be learned. This pandemic has brought families together. People are talking and connecting in ways that were never imagined. Many of us have had to rearrange our priorities. A growing number of people have become more other-centered than self-centered. I have witnessed countless random acts of kindness that have changed people’s lives.

It has been refreshing to listen to the next generation of leaders talk about making tomorrow’s America better and stronger, more inclusive and respectful; a place where diversity and difference are seen as a blessing and not a curse.

The America that my students speak about is an America filled with promise and opportunity for all, grounded in a respect for the dignity of every human person. It is an America that will not tolerate hateful rhetoric; that will respect people’s right to peacefully protest injustice and give voice to the voiceless.

It is an America that empowers every citizen to dream dreams and believes those dreams can come true.

Fr. Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.

All Solar Companies Offer Savings.

It’s Our Approach That Sets Us Apart.

We Always: – Discuss Your Goals – Provide Great Financing Options – Design a Custom System – Exceed Industry Standards We Never: – Pressure You – Take Shortcuts on Your Install – Recommend a Leased System – Use Subcontractors

No Money Out of Pocket & Low Interest Payment Plans Available Today!

©170379

School has just begun. In our county, we have a wide range of educational opportunities and experiences. Each school district is attempting to respond responsibly to all families and their children. That is a very complex and challenging dynamic because every school community is so vastly different.

It continues to amaze me that very simple and basic

BY FR. FRANCIS practices that are PIZZARELLI evidence-based are so complicated to embrace for a number of people in our midst. We have allowed our destructive political rhetoric to impair our common sense and basic efforts to support some very basic common-sense practices that protect all of us.

My college students both on campus and online are an inspiration. They are open and insightful. They are hungering to learn and genuinely make a positive contribution to our community that will make a profound difference in the future.

This pandemic is a powerful opportunity for us to draw closer together.

It’s an opportunity to build new bridges of understanding and compassion. It’s an opportunity to challenge the bigotry and hatred that has become so infectious.

These are challenging times. We can look at these challenges as burdens that are burying us under or we can see them as opportunities for change and

Designing & Installing Custom Solar Energy Systems for Over 35 Years!

Sunshine Plus Solar Corp.

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1982 Licensed & Insured 631-422-3500 | www.sunshineplussolar.com

CLASSIC CAR SHOW Saturday, October 3rd • 10 am - 3 pm

rain date 10/10

Help for Macular Degeneration

and Low Vision Due to Glaucoma, Stroke, etc.

©162311

Metz Low Vision Consulting 82 N. Country Rd., Setauket, NY

(631) 941-2012

Hrs. by Appt.

Presented by: Mother Teresa Council K of C., Setauket, NY

In this edition Movie Review .......................................B13 Nature Matters ....................................B11 Photo of the Week ..............................B12 Plain Talk .................................................. B3 Power of 3 .........................................B9-10 Religious Directory .......................B18-19 Shelter Pet ..............................................B20 SBU Sports .............................................B23

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

Pre-Registered $15 • At The Gate $20 All Cars Must Be Registered Fire Extinguishers Mandatory Spectators $5 Donation • Children Under 12 Free ALL RECEIPTS GO TO SUPPORT COUNCIL YOUTH & OTHER CHARITIES Make Payable to: Mother Teresa Council K of C P.O. Box 290, East Setauket, NY 11733 • Info Jim Parkinson (631) 675-0738 St. James RC Church; Diocese of Rockville Centre; & Council 12006, K of C are not liable for any damage to vehicles & equipment brought onto the property at this event

©170373

Attorney at Law ...................................... B5 Book Review .........................................B21 Calendar ...........................................B16-17 Cooking Cove .......................................B14 Crossword Puzzle .................................. B8 Horoscopes ............................................B13 Kids Korner.............................................B20 Medical Compass ................................. B7

ALL YEARS CARS & TRUCKS

St. James RC Church Parking Lot (Ridgeway Ave. Entrance) 429 Route 25A Setauket

PAGE B4 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

LIGHTHOUSE LANDING

­

­ ­ ­ ­ ­

©170361

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B5

ATTORNEY AT LAW

Why you need a living will

Making medical decisions for a loved one is extremely difficult, but making end of life decisions for someone is legally impossible without proof of his or her wishes. In New York, nobody may make end of life decisions for another — such as to forgo life sustaining treatments which only serve to artificially prolong one’s life — unless there is “clear and convincing” evidence of that person’s medical wishes.

A Living Will document is the standard manner in which BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ. that burden is met.

A Living Will is part of a trio of “advanced directives,” which include a health care proxy and durable power of attorney, that help people plan for incapacity. Although you may name an agent to make medical decisions for you under a Health Care Proxy, that person cannot use his or her own judgment to reject life prolonging medical treatment for you — even if you are in a vegetative state with no hope of recovery.

The agent must provide sufficient proof of whether you would want cardiac resuscitation, mechanical respiration, artificial nutrition and hydration, antibiotics, blood, kidney dialysis, surgery or invasive diagnostic tests. A Living Will document specifically states what medical actions should be taken if you are in a terminal state with no reasonable hope of recovery and cannot communicate your wishes. Without it, your family members may end up in court offering testimony of why you would not have wanted to be kept alive if your quality of life was so poor. A video, a letter, a

?

Facebook post — any such evidence could meet the “clear and convincing” burden.

A standard living will refuses all life-sustaining procedures if such measures only serve to artificially prolong one’s life. Such treatments are limited to making the patient comfortable and maximizing pain relief. However, this is not a requirement. A Living Will can and should be tailored to an individual’s specific needs and beliefs, even if it means that person wants all life-sustaining measures to be taken.

Before executing a Living Will, you should consider what medical treatments are to be administered and under what medical conditions. Additionally, a Living Will can state your preference to be kept at home, if possible, rather than in a hospital.

It is important that when deciding who will act as a health care agent, you choose an individual who not only understands your wishes but is also willing to carry them out. Religious beliefs, for example, may prevent someone from “pulling the plug” even though you specifically instruct your agent to do so. A loved one may have a hard time carrying out your wishes for emotional reasons.

Before appointing an agent, you should have a discussion with them to ensure they understand your treatment plan and agree to follow same. If you cannot find an agent to carry out your wishes, the living will can be filed with your doctor or the hospital so that it is on record and provides instructions to your attending physician.

As you can see, a Living Will is a crucial estate planning document that all individuals should have in place. It is important to discuss your wishes with an Estate Planning attorney to ensure that your preferences will be carried out are legally valid.

Nancy Burner, Esq. practices elder law and estate planning from her East Setauket office.

Need Solutions Social icon

Circle

Only use blue and/or white.

170443

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

Photo from TOB

Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve reopens Sept. 28

Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro has announced that the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve will reopen to the public on Monday, Sept. 28.

Brookhaven residents are required to make free, online reservations at www.

BrookhavenNY.gov/Ecology to book a visit to the Animal Preserve. Only Town of Brookhaven residents with reservations and proof of residency will be permitted to enter for now; masks are required, as well. COVID-19 safety precautions, limited admissions and social distancing measures will be in place to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff.

The Animal Preserve will be open Monday through Friday with eight sessions available for reservations each

day: 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. The Animal Preserve will be closed for cleaning and sanitizing in between the morning and afternoon sessions.

The Information Center and greenhouses will not be open; access to bathrooms will be available. The Animal Preserve will be open from the main entrance through the Eagle exhibit. Animals available for viewing at this time include alpaca, Arctic fox, Bald eagle, bobcat, Boer goats, buffalo, coatimundi, hybrid fox, hybrid wolves, llama, mini pigs, Nubian goats, other goats, pine marten, prairie dogs, rabbits, red fox, red tail hawk, and skunk.

The Ecology Site is located at 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville. For more information, call 631-758-9664.

Live Webinar: What is Elder Law? Thursday, October 1st at 2:00 pm Check out burnerlaw.com for monthly webinar topics and to register.

Elder Law, Trusts & Estates, Real Estate, Special Needs Planning EAST SETAUKET • WESTHAMPTON BEACH • MANHATTAN

(631) 941-3434 • burnerlaw.com Paid Attorney Advertising

PAGE B6 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

EXCITING UPDATE:

Two of my research studies were recently published by the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine showing that my whole food plant based LIFE diet reduces inflammation, the root of many chronic diseases.

HELPING YOU NAVIGATE TO OPTIMAL HEALTH

David Dunaief, M.D. Integrative Medicine

• A Whole Body Approach •

We Are Accepting

NEW PATIENTS

I am open for In-Person Appointments, taking all necessary precautions with masks, meticulous disinfecting, and air purifiers with HEPA filters.

I am also still offering Zoom and phone appointments.

Reversing, Preventing & Treating Chronic Disease and Managing Weight by Connecting Conventional Medicine with Lifestyle Modifications Our Philosophy is simple.

We believe wellness is derived through nutritional medicine and lifestyle interventions that prevent and treat chronic diseases.

Medications have their place - and in some cases can be lifesaving.

However, there’s no medication without side effects. The goal should be to limit the need for medications - or minimize the number of medications you take on a regular basis.

You are not limited by your genes.

Fortunately, most diseases are based primarily on epigenetics, which are environmental influences, and not on genetics. Epigenetics literally means above or around the gene. In epigenetics, lifestyle choices impact gene expression. Just because your first degree relatives may have had a disease, you are not predestined to follow suit.

We are specialists who will partner with your primary care physician.

A standard medical education does not integrate enough nutritional medicine and other lifestyle interventions. We bridge that gap.

We use evidence-based medicine to guide our decision-making.

The amount of research related to nutrition and other lifestyle issues continues to grow rapidly, with many studies showing significant beneficial effects on health.

Preventing and Reversing Chronic Conditions and Diseases Including:

Is disease reversal possible?

Absolutely! Study evidence has found this to be true, and many of our patients have experienced reversal of diabetes, autoimmune disorders, migraines, and cardiovascular disease, just to mention a few. In many cases, because of their exceptional results, our patients have been able to reduce or eliminate their medications.

High Blood Pressure • High Cholesterol/Triglycerides

Read more common questions and answers on medicalcompassmd.com.

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

47 Route 25A, Setauket NY

NE W L OC AT ION!

41 Clark Street, Brooklyn, NY 631.675.2888 718.924.2655 drdunaief@medicalcompassmd.com • Visit our website www.medicalcompassmd.com

©145973

Clinician, Researcher, Author and Speaker Dr. Dunaief was also recently published in The New York Times and appeared on NBC, News 12 Long Island and News 12 Brooklyn.

We treat each patient as an individual.

We will work with you to develop a plan that allows you to take a proactive role in managing your own health. The health outcomes are worth the effort.

Dr. Dunaief has written over 2,000 medical research articles that have been published in Times Beacon Record Newspapers.

(Next to Capital One Bank & Across From Convenience Drive-thru)

David Dunaief, M.D.

Heart Disease • Stroke • Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 Obesity • Diverticular Disease • Irritable Bowel Syndrome Fibromyalgia • Alzheimer’s Disease • Dementia Parkinson’s Disease • Depression and Mood Disorder Menopause • Asthma • Allergies Macular Degeneration • Uveitis/Scleritis • Optic Neuritis Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease “Since working with Dr. Dunaief, I have been able to reverse my cardiovascular disease. I substantially decreased plaque buildup in my neck arteries. My cardiologist was really impressed that he could no longer find inflammation associated with the disease.

I am also excited that my cholesterol improved and was able to stop my medication. “ – J.M.

Dr. Dunaief builds a customized plan for each patient - he knows that “no body is the same.”

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B7

MEDICAL COMPASS

Osteoarthritis approaches

Focus on reducing pain and improving mobility Osteoarthritis has been diagnosed in over 54 million Americans, with 43.5 percent of them reporting symptoms that limit their activities and significantly impact their quality of life (1). Historically, the disorder was thought to be solely a wearand-tear degeneration of the joint(s).

However, Osteoarthritis (OA) also involves inflammation with the release of cytokines and prostaglandins — inflammatory factors — which cause joint

By David destruction and pain (2).

Dunaief, M.D. The joints most commonly affected include the ankle, knee, hip, spine and hand. OA may affect joints asymmetrically, meaning that it affects a joint on only one side of the body.

Mainstays of treatment include analgesics and COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex). Common analgesics used are acetaminophen and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve). A benefit of NSAIDs is that they have anti-inflammatory effects.

Meanwhile, COX-2 inhibitors may also improve joint mobility.

There are adverse effects with NSAIDs, including increased gastrointestinal (or GI) bleed and, with long-term use, an increase in cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, with the elderly being most susceptible.

Neither medication type, however, structurally modifies the joints. In other words, they may not slow OA’s progression nor rebuild cartilage or the joint space as a whole. Are there therapies that can accomplish these feats and, if so, what are they? We will look at hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin, and lifestyle modifications such as exercise and weight loss.

Chondroitin sulfate beneficial for hand OA

The results with the use of glucosamine and chondroitin have been mixed, depending on the joints affected. In the FACTS trial, a randomized controlled trial, chondroitin sulfate by itself showed significant improvement in pain and function with OA of the hand (3). The dose of chondroitin used in the study was 800 mg once a day. The patients, all of whom were symptomatic at the trial’s start, also saw the duration of their morning stiffness shorten.

There was also a modest reduction in structural damage of hand joints after three months, compared to placebo. The benefit was seen with prescription chondroitin sulfate, so

a drug injected into the joint for the treatment of OA (6). Viscosupplementation involves a combination of hyaluronic acid types that act as a shock absorber and lubricant for the joints.

Some of the studies did show a clinical benefit.

However, the authors believe that adverse local events, which occurred in 30 to 50 percent of patients, and serious adverse events, with 14 trials showing a 41 percent increased risk, outweigh the benefits. Since there are mixed results with the trials, it is best to discuss this option with your physician.

Impact of weight loss and exercise

Losing weight may prevent cartilage loss in the knee. Stock photo

over-the-counter supplements may not work the same way. Patients were allowed to use acetaminophen, and there was no change in dose or frequency throughout the trial.

Crystalline glucosamine sulfate

In knee OA, crystalline glucosamine sulfate showed reduction in pain and improvement in functioning in a randomized controlled trial (4).

When assessed by radiologic findings, it also slowed the progression of structural damage to the knee joint. In other words, the therapy may have disease-modifying effects over the long term. The glucosamine formulation may work by inhibiting inflammatory factors such as NF-kB. The trial used 1500 mg of prescription crystalline glucosamine sulfate over a three-year period. Again, it’s not clear whether an over-thecounter supplement works the same way.

Glucosamine and/or chondroitin for knee OA

In a meta-analysis (group of 10 studies), glucosamine, chondroitin or the combination did not show beneficial effects — reduced pain or mobility changes — in patients when compared to placebo (5). It was not clear whether supplemental or prescription-level therapies were used in each trial — or whether that makes a difference. This study was published prior to the crystalline glucosamine sulfate trial of the knee, discussed above, which did show statistical significance.

There is not much downside to using glucosamine and/or chondroitin for OA patients. However, use caution if taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) like Coumadin, since glucosamine has anticoagulant effects.

Also, those with shellfish allergies should not use glucosamine. If there is no effect within three months, it is unlikely that glucosamine and/or chondroitin are beneficial.

Hyaluronic acid

In a meta-analysis (a group of 89 trials), the risks outweighed the benefit of hyaluronic acid,

Obesity treatment with a weight-loss program actually has potential disease-modifying affects with OA (7). It may prevent cartilage loss in the medial aspect of the knee. The good news is that, even with as little as a seven percent weight loss in the obese patient, these results were still observed. The study’s average weight loss was nine to 10 pounds, and results were seen on a dose-response curve — the greater the weight loss, the thicker the knee cartilage.

Writing in The New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. David Felson observed there is an inverse relationship between the amount of muscle-strengthening exercise, especially of the quadriceps, and the amount of pain experienced in the knee joint. It is very important to do nonimpact exercises such as leg raises, squats, swimming, bicycling and on elliptical machines.

Fortunately, there are a number of options to prevent, treat and potentially modify the effects of OA. With weight loss in the obese patient, quality of life can dramatically increased.

Glucosamine and/or chondroitin may be of benefit, depending on the joints affected. The benefits are potential improvements in pain, mobility and structural-modifying effects, which are worth the risk for many patients.

When taking glucosamine and/or chondroitin in supplement form, ConsumerLab.com may be a good source for finding a supplement where you get the dose claimed on the box. I would also use formulations in the trials that showed results, even in supplement form.

References:

(1) MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2017 Mar 10;66(9):246-253. (2) Rheumatology.

2011;50(12):2157-2165. (3) Arthritis Rheum. 2011 Nov;63(11):3383-91. (4) Ther Adv Musculoskel Dis. 2012;4(3):167-180. (5) BMJ. 2010;341:c4675.

(6) Ann Intern Med. 2012;157(3):180-191. (7) Ann Rheum Dis. 2012;71(1):26-32.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com.

NEWS AROUND TOWN

Giant Pumpkin Patch comes to town

From Sunday, Sept. 27 to Saturday, Oct. 31, St Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 29 Brooksite Drive, Smithtown will be selling pumpkins of all sizes at its giant pumpkin patch! Hours are Mondays through Fridays from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Pick the best for carving, decorating or painting.

Masks are required with social distancing.

Questions? Call 631-265-4520.

Craft Fair heads to Smithtown

Save the date! Just in time for the holidays the Smithtown Historical Society, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown hosts a Christmas in October Village Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair will feature photography, wood crafts, organic soaps, handmade soy candles, fine art, holiday decor, personalized ornaments, jewelry and much more. Free admission. Face covering and social distancing required. Questions?

Call 631-846-1459.

Urban Air to reopen Sept. 26

Urban Air Adventure Park, 3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove will reopen for business on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m., more than six months after it voluntarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with new cleaning and health protocols, creating a fun and safe indoor play experience for kids and families. The 48,000 sq. ft. indoor Adventure Park will include the Urban Air Sky Rider Indoor Coaster, a winding track that has young thrill-seekers flying along 30 feet in the air. For more information, call 631-861-4125.

Fall Line Dance

Join Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach for a Fall Line Dance fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. with members from Skip and Country Rhythms Line Dancing. Enjoy refreshments, 50/50 and raffle baskets. $25 per person. Purchase tickets online at www.hobbsfarm.info. For more information, text Ann at 631-774-1556.

Free mobile flu shots/blood drive

St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, 50 Route 25A, Smithtown offers free mobile flu shots to the community on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All CDC and NYS DOH COVID-19 guidelines and protocols will be followed and flu shots will be delivered to individuals in their cars. Call 631-870-3444 to scehdule an appointment.

In addition, the hospital will host a blood drive on Monday, Sept. 28 and Tuesday, Sept.

29 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the lower level conference rooms. To make an appointment, call 800-933-BLOOD. Send your events to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com

PAGE B8 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

Matthew Wagner MD Pediatric/Young Adult Orthopedic Surgery Surgical and Non-Surgical Management of: • Fractures • Sports Injuries • Pediatric Hand & Foot Surgery • Scoliosis Accepting Nearly All Insurances!

• Limb Deformity • Developmental Assessments • Benign Bone Tumors

Port Jefferson Station & Commack ©167118

631.371.8034

MatthewWagnerMD.com

SUDOKU

PUZZLE

:

CROSSWORD PUZZLE THEME:

CLUES ACROSS 1. Worry 6. Fleur-de-____ 9. One of Egyptian christians 13. Nary a soul 14. Dot-com address 15. Pretend, two words 16. Flogger’s tool 17. Romanian money 18. Dostoyevsky’s masterpiece, with The 19. *Royal Brewery in Munich, a.k.a. ____ M¸nchen 21. *Original Oktoberfest location 23. Tree juice 24. Cathedral part 25. Lysergic acid derivative, acr.

28. Children’s author Roald 30. Bivouac 35. Heroic poem 37. Taro or cocoyam, technically 39. Relish tastebuds’ sensation 40. Russian governmental agency 41. Musketeers’ weapons 43. Presidential “No!” 44. Make corrections 46. Kind of palm 47. A in B.A. 48. Indian Ocean’s saltwater inlet 50. Carvey or Plato 52. “Sesame Street” watcher 53. One-horse carriage 55. Sunday newspaper inserts 57. *Kind of Oktoberfest band 60. *Salty snack 64. Meltable abode 65. Go wrong 67. Sore spot 68. African prairie 69. “Wheel of Fortune” vowel request 70. All-season ones, on a car 71. Affirmatives 72. Beaver’s construction 73. Noise of contempt

Answers to last week’s puzzle: Movie Titles

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

Answers to last week’s SUDOKU:

CLUES DOWN 1. Egyptian hieroglyph for “life” 2. “You’re not allowed!” to a baby 3. Mistake 4. Spurns 5. Between triad and pentad 6. Comic strip Moppet 7. Anger management issue 8. Economic crisis 9. Ghana monetary unit 10. Ear-related 11. Tubby little cubby 12. Ted Turner’s TV acronym 15. Bedding and towels 20. Lickety-split 22. Wear and tear 24. “So soon?”

25. *____hosen 26. Sea foam 27. Like United States Capitol 29. *Flower used in beer-making 31. Spanish sparkling wine 32. Deflect 33. *”O’zapft is!” or “It’s tapped!”

34. *Cheers!

36. Without, ‡ Paris 38. Start of something big?

42. Echo sounder 45. Joseph Stalin was one 49. “Eureka!”

51. Experts 54. In the lead 56. *Beer garden mug 57. Curved molding 58. Paella pot 59. ‘60s British teenagers 60. “Hunger Games” sister 61. Goose egg 62. Second to last word in a fairytale 63. Just in case 64. Woody creeper 66. Biochemistry acr. * 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

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B9

KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS Harnessing the Technology of our Research Giants

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

CSHL’s Lucas Cheadle explores how nurture affects mouse brain development

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

One of the newest additions to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s neuroscience program, Lucas Cheadle, who is an assistant professor, is exploring the early environmental factors at a molecular level that shape the neurological development of the mouse visual system.

While nature and nurture combine to produce the individuals each life form becomes, Cheadle is focused on the ways nurture, specifically, shapes the pathways in the brain that affect the development of sight.

Microglia are an unlikely player in this environmentally-triggered development, as doctors and researchers previously saw these cells primarily as participants in neurinflammation.

That is not the case anymore, with Cheadle and other scientists demonstrating over the past decade or so that microglia play important parts in the healthy brain. Cheadle, specifically, has demonstrated that these cells play a role in experience-dependent circuit development.

Indeed, the process of circuit refinement in the developing brain, which Cheadle describe as being among the “most complex structures in the known universe,” is akin to a room full of half-full boxes, which represent synaptic connections between neurons.

The brain begins with numerous little boxes that make the room difficult to navigate. As the brain consolidates the important items into a smaller number of larger boxes and removes the smaller boxes, the room becomes more manageable.

This is consistent with what Cheadle has seen during refinement. A smaller number of synapses become stronger and are maintained, while others are removed. This promotes the

efficiency and precision of neural processing, he explained.

When the contents of some of those boxes disappear, however, the result can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, in which a person struggles to find memories that may have been unwittingly cleared out.

Cheadle, who most recently was a post doctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School, is exploring the way microglia shape the connections between the eyes and the brain between when a mouse is born and when it reaches one month of age.

His work has shown that microglial cells are required for the sensory-dependent phase of visual circuit development. Disrupting signals between microglia and neurons affects synapse elimination, akin to removing the smaller boxes, which is important for circuit function.

Indeed, prior to work Cheadle and others have done in recent years with these cells in the brain, researchers thought microglia in the brain were quiescent, or inactive, after birth, except for their role in brain injury, disease pathology and neuroinflammation.

Until the first week of life, microglia engulf and then digest synaptic connections between some neurons, in a process called phagocytosis. During the sensory-dependent phase of refinement in the third week after birth, which Cheadle demonstrated in a paper published this month in the journal Neuron, microglia stop phagocytosis and rely on cytokines to break down synapses.

The cytokine pathway Cheadle discovered, called TWEAK, which is a ligand expressed by microglia, and Fn14, a receptor expressed by neurons, becomes active between eye opening, which is around two weeks, and peaks at about four weeks old.

Lucas Cheadle Photo from CSHL

When mice don’t have exposure to important visual stimuli during this critical period, the circuit has too many synaptic connections, which reduces the effectiveness of the developing visual system.

While Cheadle is working on visual development, specifically, he is interested in the broader implications of this work in the context of the environmental signals that affect the development of the brain.

In that broader context, the processes involved in autism and schizophrenia could reflect a period in which individuals have an overabundance of synapses that weren’t sufficiently pruned and refined.

Despite the fact that researchers hypothesized that synaptic pruning may lead to these disorders decades ago, they still have a limited awareness of whether and how this might happen. Studying the way microglia contribute to healthy circuit development could provide important clues about these processes.

Some epidemiological evidence points to the linkage between immune activity and neurodevelopmental disorders. In 1918 and 1919, during the Spanish Flu pandemic, children born during that period had a higher incidence of an autism or schizophrenia later in life.

Other evidence shows an interaction between immune activation and neurodevelopmental dysfunction, including the genetic loci associated with such disorders and increased inflammatory markers in the blood and brains of people with such disorders. “There’s really no question that there is a link,” Cheadle explained. “The nature of the link is still poorly understood.”

While earlier epidemiological data raises questions about the current pandemic, it doesn’t provide a definitive answer because

“we still don’t quite understand what the nuanced molecular factors are that link the immune activation to the increase in disease prevalence,” Cheadle suggested.

“There’s a real chance that having COVID during pregnancy may impact the development of the offsprings’ nervous systems as has been seen in other infections,” Cheadle wrote. “While it is not the current priority of COVID research, it certainly warrants studying.”

Cheadle hopes to understand the “underlying principals of disorders” he said.

A resident of Huntington, Cheadle lives five minutes from the lab. He plans to rent for now because he didn’t want to start a new lab and move into a new house at the same time.

Cheadle has hired a technician and is in the process of hiring another. A post doctoral scientist will join his lab in November.

Early on in his life, Cheadle said he was fascinated with the interface between the world and biology. He wanted to understand how human brains interpret the information that comes from our senses. Everything culminated, professionally, in his interest in neurobiological mechanisms.

Currently, Cheadle is also interested in the looming behavior of mice. In the field, when mice see a bird that is flying slowly overhead, they are more likely to make a mad dash for safety, running into weeds or for cover from a tree. When the bird, however, is flying too rapidly, the mice freeze.

“I’m intrigued to find out whether the dichotomy of fight or flight could be shifted by the function of microglia,” he said. “I like to understand something at a functional level and dissect it to a molecular level.”

POWER OF 3 continued on page B10

PAGE B10 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

CSHL’s Lucas Cheadle hopes to inspire other Native Americans to join STEM

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

In joining Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Lucas Cheadle has continued his professional and personal journey far from his birthplace in Ada, Oklahoma.

Then again, his travels, which included graduate work in New Haven at Yale University and, most recently, post doctoral research in Boston at Harvard Medical School, wasn’t nearly as arduous or life threatening as the forced trip his ancestors had to take.

In 1837, Cheadle’s great, great, great grandparents had to travel from Pontotoc, Mississippi to southern Indian Territory, which is now near Tishomingo, Oklahoma as a part of the Trail of Tears. Native American tribes, including members of Cheadle’s family who are Chickasaw, cleared out of their lands to make way for Caucasian settlers.

Proud of his biracial heritage, which includes Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Cherokee lineages, Cheadle hopes to make his mark professionally in

his studies of the development of the brain (see article on page B). At the same time, he hopes to explore ways to encourage other members of the Chickasaw tribe to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

One of three sons of a mixed Chickasaw father named Robert Cheadle and a Caucasian mother named Cheryl, Cheadle would eventually like to provide the kind of internship opportunities through his own lab that he had during his high school years.

Indeed, during the summer of his junior year, Cheadle did a health care internship, in which he shadowed different types of physicians. He watched active surgeries and observed a psychiatrist during patient visits.

After that summer, Cheadle thought he might become a psychiatrist as well because he knew he was interested in the study of the brain.

Down the road, Cheadle envisions having one or two people learn as interns in the lab during the summer.

Longer term, Cheadle hopes other

Taken around 1890, the photo above includes Lucas Cheadle’s great, great grandparents Martin Van Buren Cheadle and his wife Mary Vera with their children, from left, Overton, Ellis, Lurena and Thomas (who is Cheadle’s great grandfather).

investigators might also pitch in to provide additional scientific opportunities for more Native American high school students.

Growing up in Oklahoma, Cheadle never felt he stood out as a member of the Chickasaw tribe or as a biracial student.

His father, Robert, was active with the tribe, serving as a tribal judge and then as a legislative attorney for the Chickasaw. His grandfather, Overton Martin Cheadle, was a legislator.

Fall Festival at THE SHOPPES

Through their commitment to the Chickasaw, Cheadle felt a similar responsibility to give back to the tribe.

“It was an incredibly important part of their professional lives and it was a passion” to help others, he said. “I’m driven by that spirit.”

His father took people in who had nowhere to go. In a few cases, people he put up robbed the family. Even after they robbed him, Cheadle’s father took them back. When Robert Cheadle died earlier this year, one of the people

whom Cheadle supported helped out with his funeral arrangements.

Driven to accomplish his mission as a scientist, Lucas Cheadle feels he can reach out to help high school students and others interested in science during his research journey.

“The better I can do, the more I can help,” Cheadle said. He hopes to “open doors for other people.”

With some of these efforts to encourage STEM participation among Native Americans, Cheadle hopes to collaborate with John Herrington, a Chickasaw astronaut who took a Native American flute into space during one of his missions. “It would be wonderful to discuss this” with Herrington, “if he has time for me,” said Cheadle.

In modern times, the Chickasaw tribe has made “good strides” in being successful. One challenge to that success, however, is that it has included assimilation.“The main goal is to hold onto the heritage as much as we can,” said Cheadle.

As for now, he plans to honor his heritage in his lab by “working hard to create a safe, respectful environment where people’s unique backgrounds and characteristics are supported and embraced. I try to create a space where diversity can thrive.”

Every Weekend Sat & Sun ~ 9am - 6pm Sept. 26 - Nov. 1

FARMERS MARKET with LIVE LOBSTERS, Pumpkins Patch & Mums

CRAFT VENDORS

Free Bounce House and more!

Visit our ALL NEW POP-UP

Bakery & Candy Shoppe

171446

The Shoppes at East Wind 5768 Rt 25A Wading River, NY 11792

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B11

NATURE MATTERS The coyotes are coming ...

the coyotes are here.

BY JOHN L. TURNER

I

n March of 1995 wildlife officials began a fascinating ecological experiment in Yellowstone National Park, one that is still playing out today twenty-five years later. For in that month they released fourteen grey wolves in the park. Wolves were, as recently as 75 years before, a key ecological component of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem but hatred and prejudice toward predators at the time resulted in their extermination.

With wolves eliminated from the park, elk populations flourished. Their abundance wasn’t such a good thing for the park’s vegetation though, especially in the richer, low-lying areas along rivers, creeks, and other wetlands where they overgrazed the vegetation, destroying habitat and creating erosion problems.

The situation quickly changed with the reintroduction of the wolf and for the past two and a half decades wolves have fundamentally reshaped the park’s ecosystem, causing a series of expected, and a few unexpected, changes.

Elk became both less abundant due to predation and more dispersed in an effort to avoid wolves, allowing riverside forests of cottonwood and aspen to become reestablished. The return of these forests set the stage for beavers to increase. It also meant the growth of more berry producing plants which grizzly bears favored. Coyotes decreased as a direct result of wolf predation and less coyotes meant more foxes which, in turn, affected the abundance of birds, rabbits and other small mammals.

Changes in these species affected other plants due to changes in their grazing and eating intensity of leaves, fruits, and seeds. All of these ripple effects, created by restoring wolves to their rightful place in the Yellowstone ecosystem, underscores the brilliance in John Muir’s famous quote: “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.”

Well, let’s fast forward to the present and focus locally for we have a similar ecological experiment involving the appearance of an apex predator unfolding before us — but its not Grey wolves and a western National Park but the Eastern coyote and the land mass we call Long Island, the last place in the continental United States the coyote was absent from.

The first evidence of coyotes appearing on Long Island happened on June 24, 2013, in Bridgehampton on the South Fork.

A potato farmer, working in one of his fields, spotted an animal that looked like a German Shepherd but it wasn’t any breed of domestic dog, nor was it a red or gray fox. He was able to snap a photograph and a review by experts confirmed it as an Eastern coyote, the first that had ever been sighted on Long Island.

Since then there have been several other conclusive sightings of coyotes in a few places and then, most notably, a breeding pair (and subsequent family) set up a territory near LaGuardia Airport.

Unfortunately, people began to feed them.

Adapting to human presence because of the feeding they became more visible and some neighbors began to view them as a

safety threat. They were able to convince example, in addition to preying on feral staff from the federal Department of cats (and pet cats as mentioned before) that Agriculture’s “Wildlife Services” Program have a devastating impact on backyard birds (an agency that despite its innocuous and small mammals, coyotes eat roadkill sounding name kills wildlife as its main thereby helping to clean up roadsides. They mission) to exterminate the family (save also prey on white-tailed deer fawns which one fortunate individual that escaped). may help to reduce their current unhealthy This was a setback but through population levels or at least slow down the subsequent colonization attempts the wily growth in deer populations. coyote has established itself in northwestern The current density of deer is having Long Island where several breeding pairs an adverse impact to Long Island forests now exist. These occurrences, and past by eating native plants to such an extent efforts, suggest that it’s but a matter of that many forest trees are unable to replace time before coyotes extend themselves, causing forests The first evidence of to lose their understory their hold here and fully colonize Long Island. As coyotes appearing on and overall diversity. One they do, their presence will specific example is the loss likely have far reaching Long Island happened of our native orchids such as impacts to both human and pink ladies slippers which on June 24, 2013, in natural communities, as have become increasingly coyotes are likely to cause Bridgehampton on the rare due to deer browsing. ecological effects that will Coyotes also prey on South Fork. ripple through the natural rabbits, opossums, reptile communities on Long Island and the wildlife and bird eggs (including the eggs of the species that make them up, not unlike what ubiquitous Canada Goose), and a variety wolves caused at Yellowstone, although of berries. Notably, they eat numerous obviously involving different species. rodents, the reduction of which may be Though generally shy and retiring and positive in reducing the number of whitetypically avoiding direct contact with footed mice that play a fundamental role humans, coyotes will, nevertheless, establish in the transmission of the Lyme’s disease territories adjacent to, and within, suburban spirochete. developments. This fact suggests Long Some studies have documented that Islanders should change some behavioral coyotes often displace fox in shared habitat habits to minimize adverse interactions. so one of the ecological effects scientists For example, coyotes are known to prey will look out for is the long-term impact of on pet and feral cats and small dogs in coyotes on fox populations. There will be urban and suburban communities, so it is interest in assessing their impact on other imperative that pet owners remain diligent mammals, such as prey like woodchucks and aware. Releasing a pet cat outside to and mammalian competitors like raccoon “do its business” (a bad idea because of the and fox. ecological damage cats cause by preying on We’re not sure of these ecological birds and small mammals) in areas where outcomes and how precisely these coyotes occur can put the cat’s life in peril. ecological effects will unfold; such is the Letting small dogs out into the backyard unpredictability and complexity of the unattended for the same reason may result natural world. Perhaps coyotes will have in the same outcome. no impact in reducing deer numbers, no There are a few strategies that can be role in assisting in the recovery of Long employed to reduce the likelihood of Island’s forests, displacing foxes, or play no coyotes visiting your yard in the first place. part in affecting Lyme’s disease. But like These include keeping pet dishes empty the wolves of Yellowstone National Park, outside and securing household garbage. coyotes by their mere presence, as part of Another potential source of conflict the Long Island environment, WILL have between humans and coyotes involves an ecological impact and, likely, a broad livestock and other domestic animals, and significant one at that. although this is not likely to become a major The coyotes have begun the experiment issue here given the relatively few sheep, and naturalists and ecologists look forward goats, and pigs. In view of the popularity of to seeing how it plays out both for their sake chickens though, predation might become and for the two and four-legged occupants an issue, so those who have free ranging who live here. chickens might want to consider another A resident of Setauket, John Turner is strategy like indoor enclosures, within conservation chair of the Four Harbors which the birds can safely spend the night. Audubon Society, author of “Exploring the Coyotes have a highly varied diet and Other Island: A Seasonal Nature Guide to some of these diet items can be viewed Long Island” and president of Alula Birding favorably from a human perspective. For & Natural History Tours.

PAGE B12 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

LATE SUMMER BLOOMS

Port Jefferson Village Gardener Caran Markson captured this colorful scene of one of her own gardens in Mount Sinai overflowing with orange Zinnias, white Dahlias and pink 4 O'Clocks on Sept. 13.

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

Truly Enjoy Nature’s Beauty

Clicquot Sunday make it a

#SUNDAYFUNDAYMIRABELLEGARDEN

S UND AY B RU NC H FRO M 1 1 A M - 3 P M

Add a Bottle of Veuve Clicquot or our Garden Party Mimosas

Brunch Menu Featuring: Avocado Toast Benedict • Grilled Steak and Organic Egg • Lobster Roll and more!

150 Main Street • Stony Brook • mirabelletavern.com

170351

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED 631.751.0555

547 Lake Avenue St. James, NY 11780

C R E AT I V E L A N D S C A P I NG

DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION • MAINTENANCE

Established 1960 rjkgardens.com

631.862.7056 rjkgardens.com ©145502

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B13

MOVIE REVIEW

Horoscopes of the week

Antebellum revisits the horrors of slavery REVIEWED BY JEFFREY SANZEL

A

ntebellum, the new psychological horror film, opens with a William Faulkner epigraph: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

This immediately segues into a bucolic image of a plantation in the Confederate south. The sky is a vivid blue and the grass a verdant green. It is a rich and welcoming landscape, contrasting with an ominous soundtrack of soaring strings. And, like a twisted version of Colonial Williamsburg, this bright backdrop enhances the ugly and chilling murder of a runaway slave.

The horror of life on this plantation is seen through the eyes of a slave named Eden.

Commandeered by the Confederate army, the slaves are not allowed to speak, are constantly tortured, and the women are sexually abused.

It is a savage and sadistic portrayal. There is a feeling that this is presented as a distortion to the soft-sell of Gone with the Wind.

About forty minutes in, a ringing cell phone shifts the entire narrative. Eden wakes up, and it is revealed at that she is actually Dr. Veronica Henley, a sociologist and activist, living with her loving husband and daughter in a well-appointed, if sterile, townhouse in present time. Henley flies to New Orleans to promote her new book, Shedding the Coping Persona. Following a dinner with friends, she is abducted and is next seen [spoiler alert] back on the plantation, where she once again is shown fighting for her life.

Antebellum is a twisty thriller in the vein of M. Night Shyamalan, where things are not what they seem. The remainder of the film is watching Veronica/Eden struggle from captive to victor. It is unflinching in its violence and viciousness which is certainly not inappropriate but sometimes feels voyeuristic.

Writer-directors Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz had a great concept and have directed the film with high style, leaning

Janelle Monáe as Eden in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate

into this not-quite-real world. Initially, the slow unwinding of the mystery is highly effective.

They present an intriguing premise and drive it with relentless tension. For a good part of the film, there is anticipation with the promise of revelation: a horrifying puzzle that will disclose its solution in due course.

However, the dialogue is stilted and the character development wanting. We never know who these people are; both victims and perpetrators are reduced to types rather than fully realized human beings. Given that Antebellum is offered as part of the horror genre, this would almost be acceptable.

However, the film strives to be more. It is trying to make a statement about then and now — about the “unresolved past wreaking havoc on the present.” In this area, it doesn’t quite land. There are nods to the continuing social divide and the subtler forms of racism — a rude concierge, a bad table at a restaurant — but we’re never sure if this is part of the nightmare scenario or the social commentary.

Maybe they are suggesting it is both but the lack of clarity muddles the point. There is also a great deal of heavy-handed symbolism that feels very film-school-clever.

Perhaps its biggest flaw is the unsatisfying conclusion. The ending fails to explain what has really happened. The absence of the who and the how make for an ambivalent collapse of the story and serves neither the social argument nor the narrative.

The radiant Janelle Monáe (Moonlight, Hidden Figures, Harriet) anchors the film as Veronica/Eden. Her extraordinary ability makes both worlds believable and present.

She navigates the pitfalls, and there is never a wasted gesture. Her performance is a tribute to the economy of good acting, and she makes some of the more dramatic excesses real.

Gabourey Sidibe (best known for her exceptional, award-winning performance in Precious), as Veronica’s gal-pal Dawn, has a vivacity that would seem more at home in a rom-com. However, she infuses her screen time with a much needed energy. Jena Malone (Contact, The Hunger Games series) plays the over-the-top antagonist with great style, but it all feels rather James Bond villain.

Robert Aramayo, as Veronica’s husband, Daniel, is a warm and likable helpmate but he is barely in the movie. As for the rest of the cast, it is composed of slaves and soldiers who are not developed beyond standard tropes. An example is Tongayi Chirisa who makes the most of his few moments, but his story is left in the periphery, and we are never allowed to see who he really is.

Pedro Luque’s cinematography shifts from the lush plantation to the harsh, stark whites of the townhouse, to the murky city night, and back to the plantation. His strong, if on-the-nose, visuals successfully enhance the overall disconnect.

It is inevitable that comparisons with Jordan Peele's Get Out and Us are going to be made.

With those films, the creators skillfully blended horror with social awareness. They told their stories well and that clarity helped to further the commentary without sacrificing the artistry.

Ultimately, Antebellum had the potential to transcend genre — but potential unfulfilled.

Rated R, Antebellum is now on demand.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you may need to retreat from the spotlight for a little bit and nurture yourself. This can only be done in the privacy and comfort of your home base.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, being positive can help you attract money, love, luck and quality company. Make mindful and positive choices and others will soon gravitate toward you.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, your financial future could be greatly improved with a lucrative job that seems to be coming your way. This opportunity can enable you to indulge in some luxury.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, this is a big week for you that is marked by major planetary energy. This could translate into a boost in your love life or another positive change.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, with all of the time you have been spending at home lately, you may want to consider a remodeling project. Embrace your inner interior designer.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Start speaking with people who share your values, Pisces. You can expand your group of friends and make some lifelong relationships.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Professional prospects are excellent this week, Aries. You have all the bargaining power you need to ask for a raise or to land a job if you are ready to change companies.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, a dilemma confronts you and your romantic partner this week. Approach it straightforward as a team and the problem will soon be solved.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, money may be more plentiful for you this week for a variety of reasons. Rather than spending it freely, invest these funds wisely and enjoy a rainy day in the future.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 The support of a friend or loved one can help you overcome a setback, Cancer. This heartfelt bond will only strengthen as this person helps you along.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, if you focus on positive energy, a stronger and healthier version of yourself is possible.

It won’t happen overnight, but expect some changes soon enough.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Your artistic side is just waiting to pop out, Virgo.

The universe has gifted you with nimble and capable hands and you’re apt to create things that inspire others.

PAGE B14 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

COOKING COVE

Ratatouille: The season's potpourri of veggies

Return the rest of the vegetables to the pan and, stirring frequently but gently, simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add basil, salt and pepper.

Giselle Renouard’s Ratatouille

BY BARBARA BELTRAMI Although many of us fondly think of Ratatouille as the Disney movie with the eponymous cute little rat, it is actually a French vegetable stew of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, peppers and fresh herbs that originated in Provence. It’s the best way I know of to enjoy late summer’s bounty all together in delicious mouthfuls of garden goodness. As with most regional dishes, each cook has her own adamant way of preparing her ratatouille.

Because it’s one of my favorite veggie dishes, whenever I’ve visited France, I’ve managed to come home with another recipe for ratatouille.

Please note that these first two very traditional recipes call for cooking each veggie separately; that’s what makes them so colorful and preserves their distinct flavor and texture. The third recipe is a spin off of ratatouille, but equally savory.

All recipes can be served hot, warm, at room temperature or cold. I think ratatouille goes well with almost anything!

YIELD: Makes 4 servings INGREDIENTS: • 1 pound eggplant, sliced into 1/2” rounds • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste • Olive oil • 1 pound zucchini, diced • 1 pound mixed red and green bell peppers, cored, seeded and thinly sliced • 1/2 pound onions, finely chopped • 1 1/2 pounds fresh tomatoes, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced • 1/2 teaspoon sugar • Handful flat leaf parsley, finely chopped • Leaves from several sprigs thyme • Leaves from one large sprig basil, julienned DIRECTIONS:

Mme. Marie Ouvrard’s Ratatouille

Place eggplant in a colander, sprinkle with salt and let drain 30 minutes. Pat dry and cut again into small chunks. In large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil; add eggplant, stir occasionally and when brown on all sides remove and drain on paper towels. Add a little more oil and cook the zucchini just until soft; remove and drain. Next, add a little more oil, if needed, and cook peppers; remove them when tender; add onions, cook until soft but not brown, then add tomatoes, garlic, sugar, parsley and thyme and simmer for about 30 minutes.

YIELD: Makes 6 servings INGREDIENTS: • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 red bell pepper, seeded, cored and diced • 1 1/2 pounds small zucchini, cut into 1/2” cubes • 3/4 pound eggplant, cut into 1/2” cubes • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves • 5 medium tomatoes, diced • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil DIRECTIONS:

In large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat; add onions and garlic and, stirring often, sauté, for a minute or two until onion softens and garlic releases its aroma. Stir in red pepper and cook over medium heat, 4 to 5 minutes, until soft.

Add zucchini and eggplant and simmer briefly. If mixture starts to stick to pan, add a little more oil or hot water. Stir in thyme and tomatoes; season with salt and pepper; simmer until all vegetables are soft but not mushy, about 5 minutes. Just before serving, add basil.

Lucie Durand’s Ratatouille

YIELD: Makes 4 servings INGREDIENTS: • Nonstick cooking spray • 2 large onions, sliced thin • 2 pounds eggplant sliced 1/2” thick • 2 orange or yellow bell peppers • 2 red bell peppers • 4 large tomatoes, cut into 1/2 slices • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste • 8 garlic cloves, halved • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoons minced flat leaf parsley • 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil leaves DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray bottom and sides of a casserole with nonstick cooking spray. Make a layer using half each of the onion rings, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, thyme, salt and pepper and garlic in that order. Repeat and drizzle with olive oil. Place in oven and bake about 50 to 60 minutes, until bubbling and tender. Occasionally, using the back of a wooden spoon, press down on the vegetables to make sure they are cooking evenly. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley and basil before serving.

OPEN EVERY DAY – 7 DAYS A WEEK 8 am-6 pm OUR SAFETY PROCEDURES ARE STILL IN PLACE

We are open for regular shopping between these hours with a few changes in our operation.

We are limiting the amount of people inside the store at one time. During a busy time you may be asked to wait for someone to come out before going inside. We are not allowing walk up service at the deli counter, we are instead asking you to call your order in allowing up to one hour in advance. The order will be waiting for you when you arrive, this way there are no lines forming for deli service. We also still slice our deli express line fresh every day, allowing for quick grab and go service. We are requiring face masks while inside the store to keep our customers and employees safe.

FALL IS HERE AND MUMS AND PUMPKINS ARE IN!!

We Have Pumpkin Pies & Pumpkin Muffins -THIS WEEK’S SPECIALSNew Crop New York Fall Apples and Apple Cider

©163424

PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY

(Corner of Boyle Road & Old Town Road)

631–928–4607 • buttercupdairy.com BACK TO SCHOOL MEANS BACK TO SCHEDULES STAY ON TRACK WITH BUTTERCUP’S DELI EXPRESS Pre sliced cold cuts and pre made sandwiches

SALES RUN 9/23-9/29

THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS

Entenmann’s Loaf Cakes $1.99 - all loaf varieties Breakstone’s 8 oz. Butter 2/$5 - salt or sweet/whipped or stick Florida’s Natural Orange Juice $2.99 - 52 oz. varieties Italian Village Ravioli 2/$3 - 13 oz. varieties

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B15

STEPPING BACK IN TIME

The Smithtown Historical Society presented its annual Heritage Country Fair this past Sunday. Attendees bought tickets for two-hour time slots, and each slot was limited to 50 people. The society adhered to COVID-19 regulations and masks and social distancing were required to take part in the day’s events.

While the historic homes on the grounds were not open for tours this year, Civil War reenactors from the 30th

Virginia Infantry, 9th Virginia Historical Society and 88th New York State Volunteers Regiment along with volunteers in costumes were spread out through the property to relay a bit of history.

Alpha Axes were on hand for some ax throwing; Long Island Traditional Music Association (LITMA) performed a Contra Dance; the band Strummin' and Drummin' performed; the Island Long Riders put on a cowboy shooting show; Paul Henry sang and played guitar;

spinning and weaving demonstrations were held by Spinning Study Group of Long Island; the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presented a children's performance of “Moana Jr.” and more.

Guests were also able to enjoy food from Belgiorno Family Mobile Wood Fired Pizza and Up In Smoke BBQ and visit vendor booths including Kathlyn Spins, Genie’s Treasures, League of Women Voters, Angela O’Connell Wreaths and Owl’s Feather Designs.

Photos by Rita J. Egan

PAGE B16 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

Thursday 24 Virtual Lunch & Learn

Huntington Historical Society presents a virtual Lunch & Learn event titled Hidden Historic Houses of Huntington at noon.

Enjoy your own lunch from home as HHS Trustee Toby Kissam and town historian Robert C. Hughes discuss the stories behind some of the historic houses found throughout the Town of Huntington. Free but registration is required by visiting www. huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Times ... and dates Sept. 24 to Oct. 1, 2020

Stone Bridge Nighthawk Watch

Four Harbors Audubon Society continues its annual Stone Bridge Nighthawk Watch at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket tonight from 5:30 p.m. to dusk through Oct. 6. Volunteers welcome.

Take part in a census which is used to estimate Common Nighthawk migratory numbers each year and to better understand nighthawk population trends. Visit www.4has.org for more information.

Poetry Reading with Bri Onishea

Join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a Lantern-Light Walk from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Experience the marsh and beach through a lantern lit walk! Enjoy the scenery and the cool autumn wind blowing through your hair. Masks are mandatory. Bring water and bug spray if you like. $4 cash per person.

Registration is required by calling 581-1072.

Saturday 26

Vanderbilt Movie Night

Virtual Trivia Night!

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

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its outdoor movie night series with a screening of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” starring Jim Carrey today and Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Admission for those who sit in their cars is $40 per carload, $34 for members. Bring lawn chairs and sit outside: admission is $30 per carload, $24 for members.

Feel free to bring a blanket and arrive at 6:30 p.m. to picnic on the lawn. Snacks and ice cream will be available for purchase. Tickets for this fundraising event are available online only at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. No tickets will be sold at the gate. Questions? Call 854-5579.

Lantern-Light Walk

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts continues its 25th annual Stony Brook Film Festival virtually with a screening of “Those Who Remained,” a lyrical story of the healing process of Holocaust survivors through the eyes of a young girl in postWorld War II Hungary. (In Hungarian with subtitles) at 7 p.m. Preceded by the short film, “Sticker” (In Macedonian with subtitles.) An all-access pass is available for $60; individual tickets are also available for $6. Visit www. stonybrookfilmfestival.com or call 632-2787 for further details.

All Souls Church in Stony Brook will host a Native American Drumming meditation session at the church rectory, 5 Mill Pond Road, from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer Ric Statler, the free program seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Masks will be required and social distanced maintained. Free. Please call 655-7798 for more information.

Vanderbilt Movie Night

Northport Arts Coalition’s Poets in Port has gone virtual! Join them tonight at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom with featured poet Sharon Anderson followed by an open mic. Free. For more information, email Linda at libearyn@gmail.com.

Stony Brook Film Festival

Native American Drumming

Get your popcorn ready! The Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove hosts a drive-in movie screening of “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” (2019) at 7:15 p.m. Rated PG. $40 per car; followed by “Dumb and Dumber” (1994) starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels at 10:30 p.m. Rated PG-13. $30 per car. Order online only at www.movielotdrivein.com.

Poets in Port

The Walt Whitman Historic Birthplace in Huntington Station presents a virtual poetry reading with Bri Onishea at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. $5 suggested donation. Pre-register at www.waltwhitman.org.

Test your knowledge during the Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor’s Trivia Night at 7 p.m. and compete virtually against others in topics of history, science, art, film, literature, geography, pop culture, maritime themes, and more! Diverse questions for everyone. Free to play. Register at www. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Movie night at Smith Haven Mall

See Sept. 25 listing.

Handcrafted@Hallockville UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Sweetbriar Nature Center heads to Stony Brook and Setauket for special family friendly events on Saturday, Sept. 26. See details in calendar. Photo courtesy of Sweetbriar Nature Center

Birding with the Fish Guy

Comsewogue Public Library in Port Jefferson Station presents a virtual program, Birding with the Fish Guy, at 7 p.m. Take a look at the sea’s feathered friends with Chris Paparo in this multi-media presentation.

Find out what Long Island birds can be observed close to the shore, and details about wading birds, waterfowl, and raptors.

Open to all. Free. Visit www.cplib.org/aonline-programming/ for information on how to participate in this online program.

Questions? Call 928-1212 and ask for Adult Services.

Friday 25

Farmer's and Maker's Market

Gallery North, 91 North Country Road, Setauket hosts a Farmer’s and Maker’s Market of local artists and artisans alongside the Three Village Artisan Farmer’s Market from 3 to 7 pm. to showcase the works of local, Long Island artists and makers. Along the campus at Gallery North one will find hand-crafted works from a variety of artists in a range of categories including fine art, photography, ceramics and pottery, wood work, jewelry, glassware, and more. For more information, call 751-2676 or visit www.gallerynorth.org.

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead presents Handcrafted@ Hallockville, an outdoor event highlighting craft artisans and vendors, today and Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit with craft and artisan vendors selling locally handmade items; enjoy craft demonstrations and displays including rug hooking, basketweaving, quilting, woodcarving, decoy carving, woodworking; a Long Island Potato Exhibit and Historic Transportation Exhibit; farm animals and more. Masks are required. $20 per car. Call 698-5292 or visit www. hallockville.com.

Vanderbilt Walk and Talk Tours

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport holds a guided Walk and Talk Tour today and Sept. 27 at noon and 1:30 p.m. Tour the Vanderbilt Estate grounds and gardens during this hour long tour. Held

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B17 rain or shine. Tickets are $8 adults, $7 seniors/ students, $6 children ages 5 and older. Visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org to order.

Monday 28

Sweetbriar visits Reboli Center

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown continues its Drive In Movie Night series with a screening of “Back to the Future” from 7 to 8 p.m. Cars are parked on a first come, first serve basis. Gates open at 6 p.m. $15 suggested donation per car. Tickets must be purchased online only through www.eventbrite. com. Snack packs will be available for purchase online as well. Questions? Call 265-6768.

In perfect harmony with its current exhibit, Wild and Wonderful by Vicki Sawyer, the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook welcomes the staff of Sweetbriar Nature Center and some of its resident animals including owls for an outdoor nature talk from 2 to 3 p.m. Rain date is Sept. 27. Free.

To make a reservation, call 751-7707 or email reboliprograms@gmail.com.

Sweetbriar Raptor Sketch Night

Join Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket for a special Raptor Sketch Night from 3 to 5 p.m. Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown will bring over birds of prey for a workshop that will bring nature lovers and artists together for a unique evening of sketching and learning. $40 per person, $60 for a family of four includes all materials. To register, visit www.gallerynorth.org/thestudio.

For more info, call 751-2676.

Virtual Artist Encounter

Gallery North in Setauket presents a Virtual Artist Encounter with Frances Campani at 4 p.m. The artist will join participants from her studio via Zoom to discuss her work and creative process. Followed by a Q&A. Free.

Visit www.gallerynorth.org to register. For more info, call 751-2676.

Movie night at Smith Haven Mall

The Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove hosts a drive-in movie screening of “Batman” starring Michael Keaton (1989) at 7:15 p.m. Rated PG-13. $40 per car; followed by “Batman” starring Adam West (1966) at 10:30 p.m. Rated PG. $30 per car. Buy tickets for both films for $55. Order online only at www.movielotdrivein.com.

‘Keeping Up with the Steins’

Temple Beth Chai, 870 Townline Road, Hauppauge hosts a special outdoor screening of “Keeping Up with the Steins” at 8 p.m.

Gates open at 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $25 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance. For further information, call Penny at 631-7245807 or email bethchai@optonline.net.

Sunday 27

Handcrafted@Hallockville See Sept. 26 listing.

Vanderbilt Walk and Talk Tours See Sept. 26 listing.

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson continues its Off-Stage/On-Line series of short plays at 7 p.m. with “Mama’s Birthday” by Scott Mullen and starring Suzie Dunn, Lauren Gobes, Ray Gobes, Jr. and Ginger Dalton. The series is directed by Theatre Three’s Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel with technical production by Tim Haggerty and Eric J. Hughes. Free. Visit www.theatrethree.com.

Tuesday 29

An Afternoon with Bev Tyler

Jefferson’s Ferry life plan community celebrates South Setauket’s famous 19th century seafaring woman, Mary Swift Jones, with a special presentation by writer, historian and descendant of Jones, Beverly C. Tyler titled “A Voyage to China & Japan” via Zoom at 1 p.m. Just after Admiral Perry opened South Street Seaport to trade in 1858, Jones and her husband, Captain Benjamin Jones, embarked on a three-year voyage to China and Japan. Through letters, artifacts and journals, Tyler regales the audience with tales of their adventure. Free. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link by calling 650-2600 or by visiting www.Jeffersonsferry.org/events.

Port Jefferson Documentary Series

The Port Jefferson Documentary Series continues with a special online screening of “Oliver Sacks: His Own Life.” In 2015 after completing his memoir, the writer and neurologist Oliver Sacks learned that the rare form of cancer for which he had been treated seven years earlier had returned, and that he had only a few months to live. One month later, he sat down with the producers for a series of marathon filmed interviews in his apartment in New York. Tickets are $12 and you may buy them anytime between 9/29 and 10/3. A link to watch the insightful “specially-recordedfor-PJDS” Q&A with director Ric Burns will also be included with your purchase. Visit www. kinomarquee.com.

Wednesday 30 JayCee Driesen in concert

Comsewogue Public Library in Port Jefferson Station hosts a virtual concert by JayCee Driesen at 7 p.m. Titled Music of the Divas, the performance will include songs of your favorite divas including Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Cher, Judy Garland, and more performed by JayCee Driesen. Open to all. Free. Visit www.cplib.org/a-onlineprogramming/ for information on how to participate in this online program. Questions?

Call 631-928-1212 and ask for Adult Services.

‘Audition! (virtually?)’

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson continues its Off-Stage/On-Line series of short plays at 7 p.m. with “Audition (virtually?)” by Kevin C. Groppe and starring Michael Mandato, Kyle Imperatore and Megan Doyle. The series is

Anything But Silent event

Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington presents a free live stream screening of “Our Hospitality” (1923) starring Buster Keaton at 7 p.m. with piano accompaniment by Ben Model. The Hatfields & McCoys feud is the basis for one of Keaton’s most successful efforts at bringing dramatic weight and visual complexity to his comedy without sacrificing the laughs. After heading out west to claim his inheritance, the family’s homestead, New Yorker Willie McKay (Keaton) falls for Virginia Canfield.

When she invites him home for dinner, he finds himself in the parlor of the Canfields, the McKays’ sworn enemy in a longstanding feud.

Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org to register.

Thursday 1

What is Elder Law? webinar

Burner Law Group hosts a free virtual webinar titled What is Elder Law? at 2 p.m. Join them via Zoom as they discuss the specific issues facing us as we age and how to protect yourself by putting together a plan of action in case of incapacity that affords you the greatest autonomy and dignity. Visit www. burnerlawgroup.com/webinars/ to register.

W

hat percentage of your year’s sales do you make during the end-of-year holiday season?

You know you have to advertise, but where? Now, more than any other time, you need a very special place for your advertising...

Time For Giving Free Gift Catal og

Home for the Holidays

T ime For Giving

Stony Brook Film Festival

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts continues its 25th annual Stony Brook Film Festival virtually with a screening of “Of Love and Lies” (in French and English with subtitles). Preceded by the short film “Generation Lockdown.” An allaccess pass is available for $60; individual tickets are also available for $6. Visit www. stonybrookfilmfestival.com or call 632-2787 for further details.

Vendors wanted

DePasquale Enterprises will hold a “Christmas in October” Village Craft Fair on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society on Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 11. Artists, crafters, food artisans and gift vendors wanted. For an application, visit www.depasmarket.com.

Preferred Promotions seeks vendors for its annual Deepwells Holiday Boutique in St. James on Dec. 7 and 8 and again from Dec. 14 to 15. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 563-8551.

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

TIME S BEAC ON RECO RD NEW S MED IA

• • NOVE MBER 28, 2019

THE EXCLUS IVE FREE FERRY PUBLICATION

Our Guide to Hometown Holiday Shopping Reaching the North Shore readers.

PUBLISHED Nov. 26, 2020 DEADLINE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

For All Your Holiday Advertising CALL 631–751–7744 NOW! TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA

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

©170842

‘Mama’s Birthday’

Drive In Movie Night

directed by Theatre Three’s Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel with technical production by Tim Haggerty and Eric J. Hughes. Free. Visit www.theatrethree.com.

PAGE B18 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

Religious D irectory

Byzantine Catholic

RESURRECTION BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH

38 Mayflower Avenue, Smithtown NY 11787 631–759–6083 resurrectionsmithtown@gmail.com www.resurrectionsmithtown.org FATHER VLADYSLAV BUDASH, ADMINISTRATOR DEACON ROBERT KNAPP JOSEPH S. DURKO, CANTOR Divine Liturgy: Saturdays 4:45 pm Sunday Liturgy: 10 am For Weekday and Holy Day Schedule: See website or phone for information Sunday School Sundays at 9:15 am A Catholic Church of the Eastern Rite under the Eparchy of Passaic.

Catholic ST. GERARD MAJELLA ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

300 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station 631–473–2900 www.stgmajella.org REV. GREGORY RANNAZZISI, PASTOR Summer Schedule 2020 Mass: Saturday 5 pm only mass Sunday 8 am, 10 am & 12 pm Weekday Mass: 9 am Confessions: Saturday 3:45-4:45 pm Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 am - 4:30 pm Thrift Shop: Monday-Thursday 10 am - 4 pm Baptism and Wedding arrangements can be made by calling the Parish Office

INFANT JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

©170325

110 Myrtle Ave., Port Jefferson, NY 11777 631-473-0165 • Fax 631-331-8094 www.www.infantjesus.org REVEREND PATRICK M. RIEGGER, PASTOR ASSOCIATES: REV. FRANCIS LASRADO & REV. ROLANDO TICLLASUCA To schedule Baptisms and Weddings, Please call the Rectory Confessions: Saturdays 12:30-1:15 pm in the Lower Church Religious Ed.: 631– 928-0447 Parish Outreach: 631–331-6145 Weekly Masses: 6:50 and 9 am in the Church, 12 pm in the Chapel* Weekend Masses: Saturday at 5 pm in the Church, 5:15 pm in the Chapel,* Sunday at 7:30 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm in the Church and at 8:30 am, 10 am, and 11:30 am (Family Mass) in the Chapel* Spanish Masses: Sunday at 8:45 am and Wednesday at 6 pm in the Church *Held at the Infant Jesus Chapel at St. Charles Hospital

ST. JAMES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 429 Rt. 25A, Setauket, NY 11733 Phone: 631–941–4141 • Fax: 631–751–6607 Parish Office email: parish@stjamessetauket.org www.stjamessetauket.org REV. JAMES-PATRICK MANNION, PASTOR REV. ROBERT SCHECKENBACK, ASSOCIATE PASTOR REV. JOHN FITZGERALD, IN RESIDENCE REV. MIKE S. EZEATU, SBU HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN, IN RESIDENCE

MRS. LOUISE DICARLO, FAITH FORMATION DIRECTOR OFFICE: 631-941-4141 X 328 MRS. KATHY VAETH, OUTREACH DIRECTOR/COORDINATOR OFFICE: 631941-4141 X 313 Office Hours:Mon.-Fri. 9am - 4pm; Sat. 9am - 2pm Weekday Masses: Monday to Saturday at 8am Weekend Masses: Saturday (Vigil) 5pm (Youth) Sunday 8am & 9:30 (Family) 11:30am (Choir) re-starting in Oct. BAPTISMS: Contact the Office at the end of the third month of pregnancy to set a date.

MATRIMONY: Contact the Office at least nine months before desired date to set a date.

RECONCILIATION: Saturdays 4 - 4:45pm or by Appointment ANOINTING OF THE SICK: by request.

BEREAVEMENT: 631-941-4141 x 341 OUR DAILY BREAD: Sunday Soup Kitchen 3 pm, closed... reopening TBD FOOD PANTRY OPEN: Wednesdays 12 noon to 2 pm and Sundays 2 pm to 3 pm MISSION STATEMENT We, the Catholic community of the Tree Village area, formed as the Body of Christ through the waters of Baptism, are a pilgrim community journeying toward the fullness of the Kingdom of God, guided by the Holy Spirit, nourished by the Eucharist and formed by the Gospel. We strive to respond the Jesus’ invitation: to be faithful and fruitful disciples; to be Good Samaritan to (our) neighbor and enemy; stewards of and for God’s creation and living witnesses of Faith, Hope and Charity...so that in Jesus’ name, we may be a welcoming community, respectful of life in all its diversities.

ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

75 New York Avenue, Sound Beach, N.Y. 11789 Parish Office: 631-744-8566; FAX 631-744-8611 Parish Website: www.stlouisdm.org Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs.: 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday: 9 am to 8 pm; Friday: 9 am to 4 pm; Saturday: 9 am to 1 pm; Closed on Sunday Mission Statement: To proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ’s love through our active involvement as a parish family in works of Charity, Faith, Worship, Justice and Mercy. ALL ARE WELCOME! No matter what your present status is in the Catholic Church. No matter your family situation. No matter your practice of faith. No matter your personal history, age or background. YOU are invited, respected and loved at St. Louis de Montfort.

REV. MSGR. CHRISTOPHER J. HELLER, PASTOR REV. ALPHONSUS IGBOKWE, ASSOCIATE PASTOR REV. MSGR. DONALD HANSON, IN RESIDENCE REV. FRANCIS PIZZARELLI, S.M.M., PARISH ASSISTANT REV. HENRY VAS, PARISH ASSISTANT Weekday Masses: Monday through Friday: 8:30 am in the Chapel Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil: 5 pm Sunday: 7:30 am; 9:00 am; 10:30 am; 12 noon.

Baptisms: Most Sundays at 1:30 pm.

Please contact Parish Office for an appointment.

Reconciliation: Sat.: 4-4:45 pm or by appointment.

Anointing of the Sick: by request.

Holy Matrimony: Contact Parish Office at least six months in advance of desired date.

Religious Education: Contact 631-744-9515 Parish Outreach: Contact 631-209-0325 Our Lady of Wisdom Regional School: Contact 631-473-1211.

Catholic Traditional Latin Mass ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Society of Saint Pius X 900 Horseblock Road, Farmingville, NY 11738 631–736–6515 • sspxlongisland.com Sunday Masses at 7 am and 9 am

Congregational MT. SINAI CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai • 631–473–1582 www.msucc.org • REV. DR. PHILIP HOBSON Take care of yourselves, wash your hands, wear your mask, check on your neighbors.

Grace and Peace, Rev. Phil Worship with us online! Sundays at 10 am (or anytime) on Facebook and YouTube.

Episcopal ALL SOULS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

“Our little historic church on the hill” across from the Stony Brook Duck Pond Visit our website www.allsouls–stonybrook.org or call 631-655-7798 allsoulsepiscopalchurch@verizon.net 8 am service will be Virtual 9:30 am service will be outdoors at the Rectory 5 Mill Pond Rd., Stony Brook; parking end of rd. at Parish House This is a small eclectic Episcopal congregation that has a personal touch. We welcome all regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey. Walk with us.

CAROLINE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SETAUKET

THE REV. CN. DR. RICHARD D. VISCONTI, RECTOR 1 Dyke Road on the Village Green, Setauket Web site: www.carolinechurch.net email: office@carolinechurch.net • 631–941–4245 Our worship services have resumed with the following schedule: Saturday evening at 5pm: Evening Prayer Sunday morning: 8am Morning Prayer; 9:30 am Morning Prayer with music.

A Eucharistic Healing Service will be held on Thursdays at noon.

Church School Classes now forming; please call the office to register Let God walk with you as part of our familyfriendly community

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

127 Barnum Ave., Port Jefferson • 631–473–0273 email: ccoffice@christchurchportjeff.org www.christchurchportjeff.org Church office hours: Tues. - Fri. 9am - 12pm FATHER ANTHONY DILORENZO: PRIEST–IN–CHARGE Check for upcoming information concerning the celebration of Holy Eucharist. For information please call the church office during office hours.

GOD BLESS YOU. Father Anthony DiLorenzo It is the mission of the people of Christ Church to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and to make his love known to all through our lives and ministry. We at Christ Church are a joyful, welcoming community. Wherever you are in your journey of life we want to be part of it.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH

490 North Country Road, St. James, NY 11780 631-584-5560 www.stjamesstjames.org Parish Office email: stjameschurchnyoffice@gmail.com THE REV. IAN C. WETMORE, RECTOR Sunday in-person worship: 8 am Morning Prayer: Rite I (this service is also streamed on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/ SaintJamesSt.James.NY) 9:30 am Morning Prayer: Rite II-outdoors in the shade in good weather, otherwise indoors Monday-Friday, 8:30 am: Morning Prayer: Rite I In keeping with our Bishop’s guidelines, duration of our services is 30-40 minutes.

Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the entrance.

Please call the church office for information about pastoral care and other church-related activities.

Where is God calling us?

To grow in faith through Scripture and prayer, To build relationships in Christ, To serve one another and the world.

Evangelical THREE VILLAGE CHURCH

To Know Christ and To Make Him Known 322 Main Street, East Setauket www.3vc.org • 631-941–3670 LEAD PASTOR JOSH MOODY Sunday Worship Services are durrently suspended until further notice. Please join us virtually and get connected by visiting www.3vc.org.

– Your 3VC church family Join Us As We Celebrate 60 Years Of Proclaiming The Good News Of Jesus Christ!

Greek Orthodox CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION

430 Sheep Pasture Rd., Port Jefferson 11777 Tel: 631-473-0894 • Fax: 631-928-5131 www.kimisis.org • goc.assumption@gmail.com REV. DEMETRIOS N. CALOGREDES, PROTOPRESBYTER Sunday Services: Orthros 8:30 Am - Divine Liturgy 10 Am Services Conducted In Both Greek & English* Books Available To Follow In English* Sunday Catechism School, 10 Am - 11 Am* Greek Language School, Tuesdays 5 Pm - 8 Pm* Bible Study & Adult Catechism Classes Available* Golden Age & Youth Groups Banquet Hall Available For Rental* For Information Please Call Church Office* Adjustments to services will be made according to CDC and NYState DOH COVID-19 guidelines. Please call Church office for updates.

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

Continued on next page •

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B19

Jewish

Religious D irectory

VILLAGE CHABAD

Center for Jewish Life & Learning “Judaism With A Smile” 360 Nicolls Road, East Setauket Next To Fire Dept.

631-585–0521 • www.MyVillageChabad.com RABBI CHAIM & RIVKIE GROSSBAUM RABBI MOTTI & CHAYA GROSSBAUM RABBI SHOLOM B. & CHANIE COHEN Membership Free Weekday, Shabbat & Holiday Services Highly Acclaimed Torah Tots Preschool Afternoon Hebrew School Camp Gan Israel • Judaica Publishing Department Lectures And Seminars Living Legacy Holiday Programs Jewish Learning Institute Friendship Circle For Special Needs Children The Cteen Network N’shei Chabad Women’s Club • Cyberspace Library Chabad At Stony Brook University – Rabbi Adam & Esther Stein

TEMPLE ISAIAH (REFORM)

1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751–8518 • www.tisbny.org A Warm And Caring Intergenerational Community Dedicated To Learning, Prayer, Social Action, And Friendship.

Member Union For Reform Judaism RABBI PAUL SIDLOFSKY CANTOR INTERN EMILY HOOLIHAN EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR RABBI MICHAEL S. CHURGEL, RJE RABBI EMERITUS STEPHEN A. KAROL RABBI EMERITUS ADAM D. FISHER CANTOR EMERITUS MICHAEL F. TRACHTENBERG Sabbath Services Friday 7:30 pm And Saturday 10 am Religious School • Monthly Family Service Monthly Tot • Shabbat Youth Groups • Senior Club Adult Education Sisterhood Brotherhood • Book Club-More

Lutheran–ELCA HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND ANCHOR NURSERY SCHOOL

©170326

46 Dare Road, Selden 631-732-2511 Emergency Number 516-848-5386 REV. DR. RICHARD O. HILL, PASTOR ERIC FARET, VICAR Email: office@hopelutheran.com Website: www.hopeluth.com We have worship services for a limited size congregation on Saturdays at 5 p.m.

Call the church to reserve a place.

We also offer two Parking Lot services on Sundays at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and we are livecasting these worship services as well. The service can be accessed in the three ways on the Homepage of our website: www.hopeluth.com. A link is also posted there. Links are also posted on our Facebook “Friends who like Hope Lutheran Church” group. The YouTube channel we use is “Rev Dr Richard O. Hill,” where the service and other items are available.

We have a live Zoom Bible Study on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 and a Hymn Sing event on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. All are welcome.

We have a “Hope’s Kids” Facebook group for children to use.

Our Food Pantry is open to everyone on Thursdays from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. for picking up food.

Also, donations can be made from 11 a.m.-noon or by making arrangements by leaving a message on the church answering service.

Offerings to support our ministry can be made at church services and through our website’s “Share God’s Mission” page.

In any emergency, call the pastor at 516-848-5386.

ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

309 Patchogue Road, Port Jefferson Station 631-473-2236 REV. PAUL A. DOWNING PASTOR E-mail: Pastorpauldowning@yahoo.com Pastor’s cell: 347–423–3623 (voice or text) www.StPaulsLCPJS.org facebook.com/stpaulselca St. Paul’s reopened for live worship services on Sunday, September 6. We will have one morning service in the sanctuary at 9:30 am. This service is limited to 20 people. Please call the church to us know you are coming. There will be an overflow room. We will also have a live service in our parking lot on Sunday evening at 5 pm. This service is limited to 50 people. Bring your own lawn chair. If weather is questionable, call the church for updated information on the answering machine. The Sunday morning service will be broadcast on Facebook.com/StPaulsELCA and StPaulsLCPJS.org.

We will follow the CDC Guidelines on social distancing and mask wearing. If you have questions, call, text or email Pastor Paul. All or our other activities each week will continue on Zoom.

We continue to serve the Port Jefferson Community Now in our 102nd year

Lutheran–LCMS MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH

Messiah Preschool & Day Care 465 Pond Path, East Setauket 631-751–1775 • www.messiahny.com PASTOR NILS NIEMEIER ASSOCIATE PASTOR STEVE UNGER We are thrilled to announce we are open for worship in the church. Two services at 9 am & 10:30 am. Space is limited so please go to our website (www.messiahny. com) to register or call the church office (631-7511775). See our website for the procedures we will have in place. For those who are not comfortable with going to church, you can still watch the service online. Go to our website.

We, as a church, are here for you and if you are in need, please call us.

Our Pastors are available and you are welcome to call the church to speak to them.

May God keep you safe and shine His light and love upon you.

Methodist BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

33 Christian Ave/ PO 2117, E. Setauket NY 11733 REV. GREGORY L. LEONARD–PASTOR • 631-941–3581 Sunday Worship: 10:30 Am Adult Sunday School 9:30 Am Lectionary Reading And Prayer: Wed. 12 Noon Gospel Choir: Tues. 8 Pm Praise Choir And Youth Choir 3rd And 4th Fri. 6:30 Pm

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

ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

532 Moriches Road, St. James 11780-1316 REV. PRINCE DONKOR, PASTOR 631-584-5340 All are Welcome We have opened our doors once again. 10 am. We ask that all who enter, please wear a mask. Thank you all and God Bless you.

SETAUKET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

160 Main Street, Corner Of 25A And Main Street East Setauket • 631–941–4167 REV. STEVEN KIM, PASTOR www.setauketumc.org • sumcny@aol.com Adult Bible Study: 9am Sunday Worship Service & Church School: 10 am Holy Communion 1st Sunday Of Month Mary Martha Circle (Women’s Ministry) Monthly On 2nd Tuesday At 1pm No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here!

Presbyterian FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PORT JEFFERSON

107 South/Main Streets • (631) 473-0147 We are an accepting and caring people who invite you to share in the journey of faith with us.

THE REV. DR. RICHARD GRAUGH Email: office@pjpres.org Website: www.pjpres.org Sunday Worship Service-10 am (Childcare Provided) Christian Education-Sunday School: 10:15 am Coffee and Fellowship 11:15 am Bible Study: Tuesday 3 pm Holy Communion 1st Sunday of the Month Meal Provided by Welcome Friends every Friday at 6 pm Call the church office or visit our website for current activities and events.

NYS Certified Preschool and Daycare The purpose of First Presbyterian Church of Port Jefferson is, with God’s help, to share the joy and good news of Jesus Christ with the congregation, visitors and the community at large; to provide comfort to those in need and hope to those in despair; and to seek justice for all God’s people.

SETAUKET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5 Caroline Avenue ~ On the Village Green 631- 941-4271 Celebrating and Sharing the love of God since 1660.

THE REV. KATE JONES CALONE, INTERIM PASTOR THE REV. ASHLEY MCFAUL-ERWIN, COMMUNITY OUTREACH PASTOR Prayer service 8:30 am (Outside, byo chair) Our creative Worship Service at 9:30 am streamed from our website: Setauketpresbyterian.org Sunday School via Zoom Sundays at 10:30 am Adult Interest groups via Zoom.

Youth Group for grades 7-12 via Zoom, (Open to the community) Bell Choir returns! All ringers welcome Our Outreach Programs are Continuing!

Setauket Presbyterian Pre-School, ages 2-5 www.setauketpreschool.org Open Door Exchange (furniture ministry) opendoorexchange.org 631-751-0176 For all program information visit our website for Zoom links, email the church office: Setauketpresbyterian@verizon.net • Follow us on FB

Quakers RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS

4 Friends Way, St. James 631–928-2768 • www.cbquakers.org We gather in silent worship seeking God • the Inner Light • Spirit. We are guided by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. Weekly coffee and fellowship, monthly discussions, Religious Education for children.

During this time when we are asked not to gather together physically, we are gathering online for worship.

Please see our website (www.consciencebayquakers.org) for information about joining in. All are welcome.

Unitarian Universalist UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP AT STONY BROOK

380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket, NY 11733 631–751–0297 www.uufsb.org • office@uufsb.org REV. MARGARET H. ALLEN (minister@uufsb.org) We are a religious community that seeks diversity, individual spiritual growth, social and economic justice.

Sunday Service: 10:30 am – visit www.uufsb.org for the weekly link to our online services while we cannot gather in person Children’s Sunday Religious Education Classes resume in the fall.

Our website also offers information about other activities we are currently holding online, such as our Humanist Discussion Group and meditative & wellness arts classes

Would You Like to Join Our Religious Directory?

For More Information Please Call 631-331-1154

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

PAGE B20 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

SHELTER PET OF THE WEEK

KIDS KORNER

MEET TYSON! This week's shelter pet is sweet Tyson who arrived at the Smithtown Animal Shelter when his dad fell ill and could no longer care for him.

Tyson is young and energetic, he loves meeting new people and playing with any toy! He does not enjoy other animals and should be the only pet in the home. Because of his energy level, he should only be with older children. He would love an active lifestyle or a big yard.

This handsome boy is neutered, microchipped and up to date on all his vaccines.

If you are interested in meeting Tyson, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in the shelter’s Meet and Greet Room. The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown.

For more information, please call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.

Catch an outdoor screening of ‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’’ at the Vanderbilt Museum this weekend.

Programs Maritime Myths

Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

Explore sailors’ special folklore, myths, and traditions inspired by life at sea during the Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor’s virtual workshop, Maritime Myths, on Sept.

25 at 4 p.m. Learn how to create your own paper ship craft using materials found at home. Free to participate, $5 suggested donation appreciated. To register, visit www. cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418.

Colonial Crafts

CAMP SETAUKET at

WORLD GYM

“Celebrating our 31st Year!”

THANK YOU For Nominating Us Best Gym/Fitness Center!

“The Most Family-Friendly Fitness Center on the North Shore!”

• Tennis Lessons • First Strokes Swim School

Your Child Will Never Be Bored This Summer!

4 Exciting Camps To Choose From!

Large Outdoor And Indoor Space For Numerous Sports & Activities.

New Enormous Carnival Bouncer!

Sports Camp (Ages 7 - 12) • Instruction & Competition • Soccer • Volleyball • Softball • Basketball and more Theatre Arts Camp (Ages 7 - 12) • Singing • Dancing • Acting • Stage & Costume Design • Casting for Performances General Camp (Ages 3 - 12) • Arts & Crafts • Hands on Science • Interactive Games • Recreational Sports Tennis Academy (Ages 4 - 18) • 1/2 Day • Full Day • Advanced Training • 9 Indoor, 7 Outdoor Har-Tru Courts C.I.T. Training (Ages 13 - 15) • Counselors in Training • Learn Leadership Skills • Enjoy the Activities • Special Reduced Rate Swimming is included in all camps!

All camps provide: Snacks, Drinks, Lunch & a T-Shirt

©161255

Discounts for Siblings and World Gym Members!

348 Mark Tree Road, East Setauket 631-751-6100 www.WorldGymSetauket.com

Less than 5 minutes from SBU Campus, 800’ north of Rte. 347

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, Setauket hosts a Colonial Crafts workshop for kids ages 7 to 12 on Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. Go back in time to learn about the colonial era. Learn how to build toys from this past time, and do some fun crafts too without a TV! $40 per child. To register, call 689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Film

‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its movie night series with a screening of “Mr.

Popper’s Penguins” starring Jim Carrey on Sept. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. Admission for those who sit in their cars is $40 per carload, $34 for members. Bring lawn chairs and sit outside: admission is $30 per carload, $24 for members. Come early, bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds at 6:30 p.m. Snacks and ice cream will be available for purchase.

Tickets for this fundraising event are available online only at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

No tickets will be sold at the gate. Questions?

Call 854-5579.

Theater

‘Spookley the Square Pumpkin’

In partnership with the Smithtown Historical Society (SHS), the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents a performance of “Spookley the Square Pumpkin: The Musical,” the story of a square pumpkin living in a round pumpkin patch, in the open air outdoor space behind the SHS’s Roseneath Cottage, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown on Oct. 10, 12, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31 at 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

All seats are $18 at www. smithtownpac.org.

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

Thank You

to those risking their lives and keeping us safe and supplied During these difficult times, tips to reduce anxiety:

• Practice deep breathing and relaxation • Meditate • Connect with friends and family by telephone or online • Use visualization & guided imagery • Exercise, try to take a walk • Distract yourself by setting small goals • Mindfulness

REMEMBER TO KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCING AND THAT THIS WILL END

If you would like a confidential, compassionate professional person to talk to,I am a psychotherapist working with adults, couples and families who are dealing with anxiety, depression, bereavement and trauma.Wishing you serenity and good health,

Nancy F. Solomon, LCSW, P.C.

47 Route 25A, E. Setauket, NY 11733 • 631-941-0400

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B21

BOOK REVIEW

Johnny Cuomo teaches children about compassion - and bugs - with Katy Didn’t

Children’s Book

J

Reviewed by Melissa Arnold

ohnny Cuomo has worn a lot of hats over the years. He’s a musician, storyteller, nature lover, teacher, husband, father, and each role has had a profound impact on his life. The 46-year-old Mount Sinai resident is full of stories and lessons he’s learned while working with all kinds of children.

Most recently, he’s been focused on how important it is to treat others with compassion in his new book, Katy Didn’t.

When a new bug arrives at school, the other bugs won’t accept him — that is, except for Katy the katydid, whose kindness makes all the difference. The book shares a powerful message within an easy-to-grasp and vividly illustrated story. It’s also a great read for young bug lovers, who will be thrilled with the variety of insect characters.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Cuomo about his latest venture.

Did you grow up on Long Island? What was your childhood like?

Yes, I grew up in Stony Brook. Interestingly, when I was a kid I was more interested in sports, like skateboarding, wrestling, and martial arts. I was also very interested in making music, which is a major part of my life today. My artistic interests were focused mainly on singing and playing instruments.

Did you always dream of being a writer?

Not quite. I’ve been able to do a lot of traveling throughout my life, and one of my favorite things is to learn about the folk tales of different places and cultures. I also got to work closely with Native American children on a reservation in California for two summers when I was in my early twenties, and that was very formative for me. Working with those children was what led me to go back to school.

What did you choose to study?

I got my undergraduate degree in education from Dowling College, and then I went on to do a Master’s in history at Stony Brook University.

So how did you start writing?

As a songwriter, I tend to write a tune and then think about lyrics that could go with it.

That process forces me to write mini stories.

Many years ago, I actually wrote a short story

called Moonglow, something I’m still proud of. It gave me a foray into the publishing world. I also put together a CD sharing some original folk tales that I had written, based on the stories and cultures of the people I’d lived with.

Where did the idea for ‘Katy Didn’t’ come from?

Even after I began teaching, I was still really grounded in nature. I’m an avid birdwatcher and the natural world is a daily part of my life.

If you’ve ever seen or heard a katydid during the summers here on Long Island, you know they have a very rhythmic chirping. Some people even say it sounds like a repetition of, “katy-did, katy-didn’t, katy-did, katy-didn’t.” I always thought that was clever, and one day I started to wonder if I could work that into a story for kids — that Katy didn’t do something hurtful, even when everyone else was doing it.

I ended up having a dream about some of the characters and storyline. I created about 95% of the framework for the story within a week of that dream.

Tell me a bit about the illustrator. How did you find one another?

A good friend of mine has a brother named Benjamin Lowery who is an artist.

We became friendly about 10 years ago.

I got lucky — it turned out that Ben was working on his portfolio and was looking for stories to illustrate. He heard that I was putting this new story together and asked if he could be a part of it. It was really exciting that we both found something we needed in each other and the timing was perfect. I gave him general themes, and then he sent me sketches. He had an amazing sense of knowing what we needed. When I saw the first full-color picture he created, I said, “This is fantastic — just go for it!” We’ve really enjoyed this process and looking out for each other.

How did you publish the book? Did you pursue self-publishing or find an agent?

It was a touch-and-go process. We had an agent for a while, but it didn’t work out, and we sent it to some publishers, but that didn’t work out either. They gave great feedback, but it wasn’t quite what they were looking for. Finally, we connected with Peter Pauper

Press, and they said they were going to share the book at their board meeting because they had a great feeling about it. A few days later, they sent us an email that said, “Katy did it!”

It was great. They’ve been a really wonderful, straightforward company to work with. The deadline was just before all the pandemic shutdowns began, so we were very fortunate to get it published when we did.

Is there a recommended age group?

Kids from age 3 to age 8 will get different things from the book, whether that’s their interest in bugs, early reading, or the message about how to treat people. It’s worth noting that the bugs in the book are drawn in a cute, but scientifically correct way, so there are so many things you can teach and do with it.

What message do you want kids to take away from reading your book?

I want kids to know that whenever they go somewhere new, there will always be a person out there ready to welcome them.

You may face struggles and tough times, but there will always be at least one person willing to help you through it and support you with a positive outlook, even if everyone else is ignoring or teasing you. It’s also an encouragement to be that person for others, whether you’re visiting the park, at someone’s house or meeting someone from a different town.

Katy Didn’t is available at many online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Target. For more about the book, visit www.facebook.com/katydidntbook or www. johnnycuomo.com. Teachers and librarians are welcome to contact Cuomo for information about online or in-person educational events by emailing jcuomo2209@aol.com.

Book Revue in Huntington will welcome Johnny Cuomo and Benjamin Lowery at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 for a free, online event featuring readings, music, conversation and more. Registration is required by visiting www. bookrevue.com or by calling 631-271-1442.

PAGE B22 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

ACCEPTED HERE • Ancient Ginger St. James

• Applebee’s Lake Grove

• Arby’s Wolfie Wallet is the easy, safe and convenient way for the more than 35,000 Stony Brook University students, faculty and staff to make purchases at local shops or on campus using their Stony Brook ID card.

Centereach

• Bagel Express Setauket

• Barito Port Jefferson

• Buffalo Wild Wings Centereach and Miller Place

• Burger King Stony Brook

• Cabo Fresh Stony Brook

• CVS Pharmacy Port Jefferson Station and Setauket

Specials and discounts are available at some stores.

Check our website for weekly updates.

If you are a merchant and would like to participate in the Wolfie Wallet program, visit us at

stonybrook.edu/wolfiewallet

• Domino’s Pizza Stony Brook

• Domo Sushi Setauket

• Fratelli’s Stony Brook

• Friendly’s Stony Brook

• Greek To-Go! Stony Brook

• The Greene Turtle Smithtown

• Jamba

Stony Brook

• L.I. Bagel Cafe Stony Brook

• Luigi’s Pizzeria Setauket

• Margaritas Cafe

Port Jefferson Station

• O Sole Mio Stony Brook

• Pumpernickle’s Deli Setauket

• Shake Shack Lake Grove

• The Steam Room Port Jefferson

• Stop & Shop

Centereach and Setauket

• Strathmore Bagels Stony Brook

Wolfie Wallet cannot be used for the purchase of alcohol, tobacco or gift cards.

Participating merchants as of 9/15/20. Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 20080175

162208

SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B23

SBU SPORTSWEEK TOMORROW IS FRIDAY – WEAR RED ON CAMPUS!

SEPT. 24 TO SEPT. 30, 2020

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Connetquot football teammates Cole Bunicci, Drew Guttieri join Seawolves

High school teammates and longtime friends Cole Bunicci and Drew Guttieri simultaneously signed letters of intent last December to join the Stony Brook football team. Now, the Connetquot High School products are going through their first college football fall together, still teammates and now roommates as well.

“We’re in this together,” said Bunicci, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound tight end with the Seawolves. “It’s nice to have someone with you as you get started in a new chapter in your life.”

“We’re always on the same page.

We know each other’s tendencies, and what we do and don’t like. It’s good to do something new with someone you already know,” said

Cole Bunicci

the 6-1, 195-pound Guttieri: As a senior at Connetquot, Guttieri earned the Boomer Esiason Award as Suffolk

County’s top quarterback after passing for 2,106 yards and 21 touchdowns. Bunicci was named the county’s top receiver after tallying 864 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2019. Both used the term “unorthodox” to describe their first college football fall.

The Seawolves, along with the rest of CAA Football and the bulk of programs throughout the country, postponed their seasons until the spring.

Stony Brook football studentathletes are working out in small pods inside Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium. Bunicci and Guttieri’s group entirely is composed of freshmen. So the duo — and the rest of the newcomers in their pod — have not yet meshed with their upperclassmen teammates.

Drew Guttieri

Their group recently advanced from workouts strictly designed to improve fitness to football instruction. “It’s definitely weird

not being with the whole team,” Guttieri said. “But we weren’t here when everything was normal. It’s all we’re used to.”

“It’s a little unorthodox considering we’re just with the freshmen,” added Bunicci. “But it’s obviously nice to get back out on the field for training again.”

Bunicci will major in business management, while Guttieri has not yet declared his major. So the two, who have been teammates since PAL football as first-graders, are taking entirely different classes.

They did room together during their official visit to Stony Brook University. But now they’re side by side nearly 24/7.

Not that they’re driving each other crazy. “No, not yet,” Bunicci quipped.

Photos from SB Athletics

Leah Burden follows parents’ footsteps to Stony Brook Athletics Fourteen years ago, Leah Burden attended the ceremony as her father was enshrined in the Rita and Kurt Eppenstein Athletics Hall of Fame at Stony Brook.

Now, she also is a Seawolf.

A sophomore on the Stony Brook women’s basketball team, Leah had been attending football and basketball games with her family on campus for as long as she can recall.

“It was always in the back of my head that this is where I’d want to go,” said Leah, a two-time basketball all-state selection at Carle Place High School in Nassau County.

Her father Bob starred on the football and baseball teams of the late 1980s. And her mother Ann Marie competed on the cross country team as well as in club gymnastics after transferring to Stony Brook from St. John’s.

“We’re very honored to have Leah follow in our footsteps,” Bob said. “We are so proud of her. We know she made the right decision in choosing Stony Brook for its academic excellence and exceptional athletic programs.”

Leah, a 5-foot-7 guard, made her collegiate debut last season at Hofstra on Nov. 13. She appeared in five games in 201920 as the Seawolves produced a programrecord 28 wins.

That continued the winning ways she enjoyed at Carle Place. Her high school team earned Class B county titles all five years she played on varsity. The Horned Frogs also won three Long Island championships and earned two state tournament berths.

Leah suggested the decision to attend Stony Brook, where she is majoring in health science with an eye toward a nursing career, was independent of her parents’ ties to the school. But she could not help but be swayed by the visits to sporting events with her three sisters while growing up.

Bob isn’t exactly shy about his pride for his alma mater, either. “He is not quiet about it. He loves talking about it all the time,” Leah said. “We call him, ‘The HOFer’ — the Hall of Famer. He loves it. He’s very proud of everything he did.”

Bob’s collegiate accomplishments include being a Pizza Hut All-American third-team

and Liberty Football Conference first-team selection as a senior in 1989 in football. He still ranks second in career field goals in program history. He also was team MVP. He fondly recalls the football team defeating nationally ranked Fordham, 3-0, during his junior year. “No one except the guys on the team and our coaches thought we had a chance, but we physically manhandled them,” Bob recalled. “I believe they didn’t even cross the 50-yard line.

There’s nothing better in sports than when you’re shaking hands with an opponent after a game and they have no idea what just hit them. It’s a very proud moment.”

Bob’s favorite Stony Brook story, however, may be meeting Leah’s mother on campus.

“The cross country team would run around the track that circled the football field where we practiced,” Bob said. “She would catch my eye as she warmed up and sometimes see me staring at her, which was a little embarrassing. A few weeks into the season I worked up enough courage to finally ask her out. Four kids and 32 years later, she’s still catching my eye.”

Leah Burden

“Also, as college kids often do, we made an impulse decision to adopt a dog together during our senior year. I lived off campus so it made perfect sense — not really. Let’s just say, with nowhere else to go, my sister was the proud new owner of a 1-year-old puppy.”

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

PAGE B24 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

Bringing the community together in the fight against breast cancer Join us as we kick off Paint Port Pink during the month of October, raising awareness about breast cancer.

Participate in our events: - Free HealthyU webinar series on navigating a breast cancer diagnosis - Free breast cancer screening program for the underinsured - Ladies Night In virtual gathering - Mask-querade contest - Pink Your Pumpkin contest Go to paintportpink.org for a complete list of community partners and events or call (631) 476-2723 Proceeds benefit the Fortunato Breast Health Center Fund for Uninsured and Underinsured.

paintportpink.org Photo: 2019 Paint Port Pink

167107