Arts & Lifestyles - November 19, 2020

ARTS & LIFESTYLES TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA NOVEMBER 19, 2020

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Sweetbriar Nature Center Offers Wildlife Experiences â—‰ B13

PAGE B2 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Menopause raises a lot of questions.

A lot of “what ifs?”

You deserve a healthcare partner who understands that. At Stony Brook Medicine Women’s Health, we’re here with the answers you need. And we’re ready to provide safe, expert care with a highly advanced, comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique health needs facing women.

When you have questions, we’re listening.

(631) 444-4686 womenshealth.stonybrookmedicine.edu

Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 20080220H

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Stony Brook Medicine Women’s Health

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B3

PLAIN TALK

A time for renewed hope

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is once again upon us and the holiday season is fast approaching. This time of year is a time to give thanks. With all that has happened, with all the senseless loss of life because of the pandemic, we are reminded in the midst of all of that how blessed we are.

Our human landscape has changed so dramatically this past year. However, it

BY FR. FRANCIS has reminded me even PIZZARELLI more profoundly that all life is sacred, all life is fragile and we need to be so much more attentive to each other. We need to focus on all the things that bring us together rather than the things that separate us. This holiday season should be about building new bridges and not new walls.

With the election season behind us, we have an opportunity to begin a new chapter in our American journey; an opportunity to reclaim our soul as a nation, heal our wounds, stand together and celebrate all that makes us great. We are a tenacious people, diverse but extremely talented and gifted.

In the midst of all this chaos, I have continually been humbled and inspired with the random acts of kindness and compassion from ordinary people in our neighborhoods. On their own initiative, countless student groups have done extraordinary things for the poor and homeless in our larger community. The doctors, nurses, first responders and all of the support staff in our hospitals have been courageous and heroic in their response to the virus. They are a living example of what commitment to public service and community is all about.

We have an incredible opportunity to stand in solidarity with each other and work

METRO photo

to make a better tomorrow or we can feed the divisive rhetoric that has become infectious and remain complicit by our silence.

This Thanksgiving will be my 41st Thanksgiving in Port Jefferson. I am forever grateful for these past 41 years. I have seen a community of tremendous diversity and talent stand with each other through good times and bad, always looking to build upon the goodness and kindness in our midst.

This experience has inspired me to stay the course and to do my best to help make our community a better place. Every day I see miracles of hope and transformation take place because of the collaborative spirit to reach out to the most vulnerable and broken among us.

As we celebrate the holiday season, no matter what our faith tradition, let this be a time for renewed hope, a time for compassion and renewed understanding, a time for realizing that each and every one of us, no matter where we’re from or what we do, have the power to make a difference that really does count.

May we all be blessed and renewed during the holiday season.

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

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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!

In this edition Medical Compass ................................. B5 Movie Review .......................................B11 Photo of the Week ................................ B9 Plain Talk .................................................. B3 Power of 3 .............................................B18 Religious Directory .......................B19-20 Shelter Pet ..............................................B22 SBU Sports .............................................B21

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

• Developmental Assessments • Benign Bone Tumors

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Attorney at Law ....................................B10 Book Reviews ................................B7, B23 Calendar .................................................B16 Cooking Cove .......................................B15 Crossword Puzzle .................................. B6 Eye on Medicine...................................B12 Horoscopes ............................................B15 Kids Korner.............................................B22

• Limb Deformity

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PAGE B4 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 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.

We treat each patient as an individual.

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

Is disease reversal possible?

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

David Dunaief, M.D.

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

Benefits of Our Approach: Treat/reverse the causes of disease, not just symptoms Minimize or eliminate dependence on medications Reduce pain and inflammation Improve weight management, and more

Read more common questions and answers on medicalcompassmd.com.

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

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

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“Dr. Dunaief is a knowledgeable, dedicated and compassionate Integrative Medicine clinician, researcher and speaker.”

– Joel Fuhrman, M.D., author of six New York Times best sellers, including Eat to Live.

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

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B5

MEDICAL COMPASS

Can you exercise off that holiday meal?

NEWS AROUND TOWN

Diet choices trump exercise for weight loss

To quash guilt about Thanksgiving meal indiscretions, many of us will resolve to exercise to burn off the calories from this seismic meal and the smaller, calorically dense aftershock meals, whether with a vigorous family football game or with a more modest walk.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, exercise without dietary changes may not actually help many

By David people lose weight, Dunaief, M.D. no matter what the intensity or the duration (1). If it does help, it may only modestly reduce fat mass and weight for the majority of people. However, it may be helpful with weight maintenance. Ultimately, it may be more important to reconsider what you are eating than to succumb to the rationalization that you can eat with abandon during the holidays and work it off later.

Don’t give up on exercise just yet, though.

There is very good news: Exercise does have beneficial effects on a wide range of conditions, including chronic kidney disease, cognitive decline, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, fatigue, insomnia and depression.

Let’s look at the evidence.

Exercise for weight loss

The well-known weight-loss paradigm is that when more calories are burned than consumed, we will tip the scale in favor of weight loss.

The greater the negative balance with exercise, the greater the loss. However, study results say otherwise. They show that in premenopausal women there was neither weight nor fat loss from exercise (2). This involved 81 women over a short duration, 12 weeks. All of the women were overweight to obese, although there was great variability in weight.

However, more than two-thirds of the women (55) gained a mean of 1 kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, of fat mass by the end of the study.

There were a few who gained 10 pounds of predominantly fat. A fair amount of variability was seen among the participants, ranging from significant weight loss to substantial weight gain. These women were told to exercise at the American College of Sports Medicine’s optimal level of intensity (3). This is to walk 30 minutes on a treadmill three times a week at 70 percent VO2max — maximum oxygen consumption during exercise — or, in other words, a moderately intense pace.

Stacy Davidson

Holiday Donation Drive

Image from METRO

The good news is that the women were in better aerobic shape by the end of the study.

Also, women who had lost weight at the four-week mark were more likely to continue to do so by the end of the study. This was a preliminary study, so no definitive conclusions can be made.

Other studies have shown modest weight loss. For instance, in a meta-analysis involving 14 randomized controlled trials, results showed that there was a disappointing amount of weight loss with exercise alone (4). In six months, patients lost a mean of 1.6 kilograms, or 3.5 pounds, and at 12 months, participants lost 1.7 kilograms, or about 3.75 pounds.

Exercise and weight maintenance

However, exercise may be valuable in weight maintenance, according to observational studies. Premenopausal women who exercised at least 30 minutes a day were significantly less likely to regain lost weight (5). When exercise was added to diet, women were able to maintain 30 percent more weight loss than with diet alone after a year in a prospective study (6).

Exercise and disease

As just one example of exercise’s impact on disease, let’s look at chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects 15 percent, or one in seven, adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (7).

Trial results showed that walking regularly could reduce the risk of kidney replacement therapy and death in patients who have moderate to severe CKD, stages 3-5 (8). Yes, this includes stage 3, which most likely is asymptomatic.

There was a 21 percent reduction in the risk of kidney replacement therapy and a 33 percent reduction in the risk of death when walkers were compared to non-walkers.

Walking had an impressive impact; results were based on a dose-response curve. In other words, the more frequently patients walked during the week, the better the probability of preventing complications. Those who walked between one and two times per week had 17 and 19 percent reductions in death and kidney replacement therapy, respectively, while those who walked at least seven times per week saw 44 and 59 percent reductions in death and kidney replacement. These are substantial results. The authors concluded that the effectiveness of walking on CKD was independent of kidney function, age or other diseases.

Therefore, while it is important to enjoy the holidays, remember that food choices will have the greatest impact on our weight and body composition. However, exercise can help maintain weight loss and is extremely beneficial for preventing progression of chronic diseases, such as CKD. So, by all means, exercise during the holidays, but also focus on more nutrient-dense foods. At a minimum, strike a balance rather than eating purely calorically dense foods. You won’t be able to exercise them away.

References:

(1) uptodate.com. (2) J Strength Cond Res. Online Oct. 28, 2014. (3) ACSM.org.

(4) Am J Med. 2011;124(8):747. (5) Obesity (Silver Spring). 2010;18(1):167. (6) Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1997;21(10):941.

(7) cdc.gov. (8) Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2014 Jul;9(7):1183-1189.

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.

Calling all Santa's and Hanukah Harry's or those who just want to help make a difference this holiday season! For over fifteen years, Stacy from Stacy's Finds/ Pattern Finders in Port Jefferson has been part of a group of everyday people that answer the direct clothing needs and toy requests of 9,000 of Long Island’s less fortunate children living in homeless shelters, temporary foster care, Child Protective Services and domestic violence safe houses every year — and the numbers are still growing. This year especially, the expectation is of more children in need and fewer people being able to help. Last year her group answered the needs of fifty of the children.

Stacy will have actual letters from the children with their clothing sizes, requirements, and toy requests. You can purchase one item, or fulfill the needs of a child's entire clothing and toy wish list.

You may also drop off any children's new clothing and new toys or gift cards for donations at the shop at 128 East Main Street Port Jefferson. Feel free to call Stacy at the shop with any questions at 631-928-5158.

Free Breast Cancer Screenings

Did you know? Mather Hospital’s Fortunato Breast Health Center in Port Jefferson has partnered with the Suffolk Cancer Services Program to provide free breast cancer screenings to individuals who qualify. The Cancer Services Program (CSP) provides breast cancer screenings to women age 40 and older without health insurance in Suffolk. If any follow-up testing is needed, the CSP will provide those tests too. If cancer is found, CSP will help enroll people who are eligible in the NYS Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program for full Medicaid coverage during treatment. Patients can find out if they are eligible for free screenings by calling 631476-2771.

PAGE B6 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 2020

To All My Clients, Colleagues & Friends, In these unprecedented times of division, turmoil and fear, I sincerely hope Thanksgiving provides an opportunity for us all to reach out to those in need, comfort those who have experienced loss and renew our efforts to work toward our common goals.

Even if we may not be able to celebrate with family and friends, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on the many blessings we may otherwise take for granted.

I am truly grateful to be part of this wonderfully diverse, caring and supportive community.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Stay well and stay safe.

Best wishes, Linda M. Toga

Law Offices of

LINDA M. TOGA

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

631.444.5605

linda@lmtogalaw.com • www.lmtogalaw.com ©170496

SUDOKU PUZZLE

:

CROSSWORD PUZZLE THEME:

Doctor's Orders CLUES ACROSS 1. "Back to the Future" antagonist 5. Government Printing Office 8. Frugal driver's acronym 11. 1952 Olympics site 12. Afghanistan's neighbor 13. Letter-shaped girder 15. Wing-shaped 16. Narcotics agent, for short 17. Call it quits 18. *One way to improve health 20. She played a TV genie 21. Cunning 22. Golfer's goal 23. "Kiss the Cook" garment, pl.

26. Keyboard instrument 30. Prefix for before 31. Greek god's libation 34. Door-stopping wedge 35. Full of meaning 37. Fleur-de-___ 38. Do penance 39. Type of parrot 40. *Ask for procaine when at this office 42. *Unavoidable risk factor for many diseases 43. Rock grinding 45. *Take a spoonful of sugar to avoid this taste 47. Genetic info carrier 48. Aqua-lung 50. Criticism 52. *Annual ____ 55. Fill with spirits 56. First rate 57. Purl partner 59. Vandalized a car 60. Coconut fiber 61. Bulgarian money 62. Filling station filler 63. More of the same 64. Water carrier

Answers to last week’s puzzle:

Happy Thanksgiving

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. Feathery scarf 2. ____ of Man 3. Linseed 4. Do without 5. Last Supper cup 6. Break down or analyze 7. Fairy-tale beginning 8. Internet share-able 9. Stepping stone to gain 10. Greenwich time 12. *Use a scalpel 13. Like the Vitruvian Man 14. *Stay in bed 19. *Take antihistamines to avoid this kind of nose 22. A pop 23. *Eat one a day?

24. Rap sheet listing 25. So out it's in 26. *Worn until a bone heals 27. Piglet 28. Lightly color 29. Different spelling of emir 32. Horsefly 33. "Wizard of Oz" man 36. *Increase fluid intake 38. Elsewhere, in a courtroom 40. *____ test 41. Maltreater 44. Tattooed 46. Gridiron position 48. Record a movie 49. Diogenes, e.g.

50. ____ market 51. Big name in chips 52. Show worry 53. All over again 54. In real-time 55. *It checks your heart health 58. Road crew supply * 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

BOOK REVIEW Vance Locke murals at Setauket School come to life in new book by historian Beverly C. Tyler

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B7

REVIEWED BY JEFFREY SANZEL

History Close at Hand has published the noteworthy and informative Setauket and Brookhaven History, a book that relates its story through the murals of Old Field artist Vance Locke (1913-1977). Commissioned by philanthropists Ward and Dorothy Melville as a gift to the community, the murals, completed in 1952, adorn the walls of the Setauket School’s Woodhull Auditorium.

Beverly C. Tyler’s prose is crisp and his materials are well-chosen, clearly explaining the content of the murals. Throughout, he posits questions to the reader which will prompt further exploration. He often indicates where the reader can see the referenced locations and offers additional resources. He has selected quotes from the late historian William B. Minuse to further develop the narrative. Tyler touches on Locke’s process of conceptualizing and painting as well as his revising to get the correct representations.

One of the first ideas in the book — and a powerful one — is an explanation of Indigenous Culture. Tyler’s recognition bears repeating: We call the native people who were the first humans to live here Native Americans or American Indians. A more accurate description might be Indigenous People.

Everyone else who came, beginning with the English settlers are immigrants. It is important for me (personally) to say, “I wish to acknowledge that I am sitting on the land of the Setalcott Indigenous People in Setauket and I pay respect to the Setalcott people whose land is where I live.”

The murals, along with archaeological studies, have helped piece together the evolution of the changing lives on Long Island. Tyler presents how and when the facts were discovered. The murals progress through time, highlighting farming and millwork, the blacksmith and the shipwright.

There is the cutting of ice and the mercantile and the purchase of land. The last is appropriately followed by an explanation that the Setalcotts did not share the same view of land ownership proffered by the English settlers.

The book is about craft and skills, commerce and community. Short anecdotes woven into the chronicle’s fabric augment the comprehensive facts and general text.

Author Beverly C. Tyler

The ease of Tyler’s writing belies the hundreds of research hours that undoubtedly went into [the book’s] creation.

For example, there is a quick account of the Daisy that sunk from a leak created by beans swelled by seawater, bursting the ship’s hull.

Often, there is the intersection of work and communal gatherings, represented by the uniquely American general store. With each section of the mural, Tyler gives background on the various aspects of day-to-day existence as well its historical relevance. The aspects of general life are enhanced with specific sketches and personal histories that surround a particular topic. Many of the names will be familiar to Long Island denizens.

The most extended section deals with Setauket’s place in the Revolutionary War — especially George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring which was based in Setauket. In many ways, the first half of the book is building to this, allowing for context of the events.

Tyler uses both primary and secondary sources to enrich his telling of the story, shedding light on the challenges and sacrifices, the humanity and the intrigue. It is appropriately thorough but equally succinct.

In addition to reprinting the murals in vivid color, there are photos of artifacts as well as the current sites and artifacts, reprints of period maps and documents, and stills

of historical recreations. The plethora of illustrations are well-chosen for their interest and variety, and they effectively supplement the text.

Setauket and Brookhaven History is a slender book that is rich in detail and will hold the interest of readers of all ages. The ease of Tyler’s writing belies the hundreds of research hours that undoubtedly went into its creation. This edifying work is ideal to be read aloud and discussed. It will certainly stimulate thought and conversation both in the family and the classroom.

“Murals tell a story, sometimes more than one. Could there be more than one story in this mural?” Tyler gives us a good deal to observe, a great deal to read, and even more to think about it.

Author Beverly C. Tyler is the historian for the Three Village Historical Society and conducts walking tours and field trips as Revolutionary War farmer and spy Abraham Woodhull. He has appeared on the History Channel’s Histories Mysteries production Spies of the Revolutionary War and writes a local history column for TBR News Media’s Village Times Herald.

Pick up a signed copy of Setauket and Brookhaven History and meet the author at the upcoming outdoor Holiday Market at the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket on Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The book will also be available at the Three Village Historical Society’s online gift shop at www.TVHS.org in January 2021.

PAGE B8 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 2020

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NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B9

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

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.

FALL COLORS Fred Drewes snapped this beautiful fall scene in his hometown of Mount Sinai on Nov. 10.

He writes, ‘Mt. Sinai Coram Road was a painters palette of fall colors and a joy to see. Driving down Shore Road, Mt. Sinai Coram Road and Old Post Road from 'up street' have always created a sense of peace as I’ve drive to Mt. Sinai Harbor. This is particularly true at this time of the year. I automatically slow down and soak in the colors and tones of the road side.’

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

Wishing you serenity and good health,

Nancy F. Solomon, LCSW, P.C. 47 Route 25A Setauket, NY 11733 631-941-0400

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PAGE B10 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 2020

ATTORNEY AT LAW

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the decedent had the requisite capacity to sign a will: (1) the decedent understood the nature and consequences of executing a will, (2) the decedent knew the nature and extent of his or her property, and (3) the decedent knew the natural objects of his or her bounty and his or her relations with them.

If a will is the product of undue influence, it will not be admitted to probate. A will may be invalidated on the ground of undue influence if there was: (1) motive, (2) opportunity, and (3) the actual exercise of undue influence. The influence exercised must rise to a level of coercion that restrains the free will and independent action in a forceful way. The inquiry into whether a will is a product of undue influence is fact specific and involves the examination of the decedent and his or her circumstances, the will and its procurement, and the person alleged to have exercised the undue influence.

If it is determined that any of these grounds exist, then the Surrogate’s Court would refuse to admit the will to probate. The result of the denial of probate would be that the decedent’s next of kin would inherit the estate under the laws of intestacy or the beneficiaries of the decedent’s prior will would inherit.

It is difficult — but not impossible — to contest a will. The requirements of due execution and testamentary capacity are easily achieved by presumptions that are obtained through attorney supervised will signings. Undue influence is not easily demonstrated and generally takes a thorough investigation to uncover significant facts. These matters are usually complicated both factually and procedurally, and the assistance of an experienced estate litigation attorney is essential.

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

Holiday Gift & Toy Drive-Thru comes to St. James

Due to Thanksgiving Holiday

~ For Thursday, November 26 Issue: Leisure Section – Wednesday, November 18 News Sections – Thursday, November 19 Classifieds – Monday, November 23 • Noon ~ For Thursday, December 3 Issue: All Sections – Leisure & News Wednesday, November 25 by 3 pm Classifieds – Tuesday, December 1 • Noon

In order for a person to contest a last will and testament (“will”) in New York, he or she must have legal grounds; a reason based in the law that the will is invalid and should not be admitted to probate.

Admitting a will to probate means that the BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ. executor named in the will is appointed by the Surrogate’s Court. The executor then distributes the decedent’s assets as dictated by the will. The most common grounds for challenging a will are improper execution, lack of testamentary capacity, and undue influence.

Having grounds for contesting a will takes more than simply disliking the terms of the will or being unhappy with its distribution.

A will must be properly executed to be valid.

The requirements for the proper execution of a will are as follows: (1) the will must be signed at the end thereof, (2) the will must have been signed in the presence of two witnesses, (3) the decedent must have declared the document to be his or her will, and (4) the witnesses must have signed the will as witnesses at the request of the deceased.

When an attorney supervises the execution, the will is entitled to a presumption that it was properly executed — known as the presumption of due execution. Wills prepared from online DIY services and executed without an attorney do not enjoy this presumption.

The decedent must have also possessed testamentary capacity when he or she signed the will. The Surrogate’s Court looks at the following three factors to determine whether

Save the date! The St. James Fire Department Engine Company #1 will be spearheading a St. James Community Holiday Gift & Toy Drive-Thru at Gyrodyne/Flowerfield on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6 from 12 to 4 p.m.

Visitors will enter via the Gyrodyne entrance on Route 25A. Admission is free but please bring an unwrapped toy or gift card to donate.

Santa will be there on a Fire Engine (aka sleigh) to allow for parents to snap a photo of “the Big Guy” with their children, socially distanced of course! There will be live holiday music playing throughout the day, courtesy of Celebrate St. James and funded by a grant from the Suffolk County Department of Parks, and a mailbox in which kids can mail their letters to Santa.

All proceeds will be distributed by the Smithtown Township Emergency Food Pantry to families and children in our community so every child will have a happy holiday. (CDC COVID guidelines will be followed.)

For more information or questions, email engine1toydrive@ gmail.com.

Images from METRO

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B11

MOVIE REVIEW

COMMUNITY NEWS

Kajillionaire explores the importance of human connection

Holiday Gift Raffle

REVIEWED BY JEFFREY SANZEL

Currently streaming on demand, Kajillionaire is either a very bleak comedy or a humorously edgy drama. Both disturbing and honest, it is a measured film, taking its time, but it never loses the tension that is introduced from its very first moments.

Credit for this goes to the clear vision and masterful creativity of writer-director Miranda July who is working with a company of perfectly cast actors.

Kajillionaire is the story of a family of con artists living a hand-to-mouth existence in California. Robert and Theresa Dyne (Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger) and their twenty-six-year-old daughter, Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood), are petty criminals with an emphasis on petty.

Robert states flatly that he doesn’t want to be a “kajillionaire” — he’s very happy to just “skim.” Their crimes are predominantly minor, such as stealing from post office boxes or returning stolen goods. They perk-up at the possibility of the daughter earning $20 for covering a girl’s court-ordered attendance at a child-rearing class. They are minimalists in every sense of the word. Currently, they are three months behind on their rent — a $500 a-month office space connected to a soap factory that leaks bubbles into the living space at least once a day.

Kajillionaire is not an easy film to watch. Its edge is as sharp as a scalpel.

They are a codependent trio but are completely disconnected. Old Dolio is treated as an equal partner — she gets one third of the take — but strangely not as family. There is no sense of there ever having been parental guidance, interpersonal relationships, or love.

Compared to the Dynes, the Kim family of Parasite are the Cleavers.

Everything changes when Old Dolio comes up with a scam that involves lost luggage, insurance, and a trip to New York.

On the return flight, the parents are seated

Richard Jenkins, Debra Winger and Evan Rachel Wood in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Focus Features

with a gregarious young woman, Melanie (Gina Rodriguez), who they befriend and then enlist to aid them. Robert and Theresa take to her and begin treating Melanie as a daughter. The true dysfunction of this turns much darker as the film progresses, building up to a particularly uncomfortable encounter centered around a hot tub.

Melanie, an optician’s assistant, is drawn to the family’s off-beat existence and proposes a job that involves finagling antiques out of her elderly clients. In one of the most powerful scenes in the film, a bedridden, dying man (Michael Twaine) asks them to make the sounds of a family. In a hideous lampoon of normalcy, they create idle chatter, underscored with the rattling of silverware and the playing of the piano.

In the meantime, Old Dolio becomes both intrigued by and jealous of Melanie. What starts off adversarial shifts to something almost undefinable, all hinging on a single word: “Hon.” What ensues is both uplifting and devastating as Old Dolio becomes aware of her family’s emotional bankruptcy. The climax is both surprising and inevitable.

To be sure, the Dynes are not the colorful cons of Hollywood movies. These are cheaters of the lowest sort, alternating between a sort of manic assuredness and twitchy doubt, second guessing their choices in a life that is a perpetual scrabble. There are also bursts of paranoia that derail them, resulting in flashes of anger. In addition to the minor rip-offs, they are entering contests under various names, winning things that they can never use. They are the definition of survival at its meanest, dragging through their days.

This near-deadness is most pronounced in the neglected and, ultimately, emotionally starved and abused daughter.

Jenkins is an odd mixture of alpha and bumbler, a destructive father from hell. And

yet seemingly, he is unaware that he is being anything other than kind. He wears so many masks, it is impossible to tell which is the true Robert. It is a detailed performance that bears re-watching.

Winger, practically unrecognizable as Theresa, is the almost fanatically committed wife whose child is nothing more than an appendage. She sees Old Dolio as utilitarian — someone who works with the family.

She believes that her daughter is incapable of feeling so invests not even the slightest warmth into their dealings. It is a chilling, understated performance.

Rodriguez brings both charm and reality to Melanie. She makes Melanie incredibly present, a wonderful contrast with the others’ absence. She manages to imbue every moment as an opportunity for growth. While easily engaged, she is not a fool. The light of kindness radiates in Rodriguez’s Melanie. “Most happiness comes from like, dumb things,” she says, while making Old Dolio pancakes, part of a strange agreement that drives the latter part of the film. She understands the joy in even the smallest kindnesses.

But, if it is anyone’s film, it belongs to Evan Rachel Wood. Her ability to portray the pain of the emotionally stunted Old Dolio permeates every moment. She is both incredibly graceful and agonizingly awkward.

Her face during the faux family scene for the dying man is a study in heartbreak. Even in her complete stillness, she projects a lifetime of confusion and disappointment.

The film is her journey to the awareness of her dangerous addiction to her family.

Kajillionaire is not an easy film to watch.

Its edge is as sharp as a scalpel. It is a portrait of an incomplete family at its ugliest. And yet, underneath it all, July finds light and hope in a dark and disturbing world.

In lieu of its annual Holiday Gift Fair, The Farmingville Residents Association has launched an online Holiday Gift Raffle at RallyUp. Take a chance to win some wonderful gifts for the holiday season at https://farmingvilleresidentsassociation. rallyup.com/fraholidaygifts2020 through Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. Drawing will be held on Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will help to support the FRA and the work that they continue to do in the community.

For additional information, email fra23@ optonline.net or call 631-260-7411.

Wreath Making Workshop

The Smithtown Historical Society (SHS) will host a free Wreath Making Workshop at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown on Friday, Nov. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Get creative and ready your wreath for the holidays!

Whether it’s to adorn your entry or be an entry in the SHS's Heritage Country Christmas’ Community Wreath Contest, this is the perfect opportunity to meet up with others, share ideas & supplies, and piece together a winning wreath! Learn the tricks of the trade from master crafter Joan Harris. She will be on hand to assist and inspire you as you work to assemble your masterpiece. You bring the wreath & ribbons. Reservations required by calling 631-265-6768.

Share the Warmth Drive

This has been a particularly trying year for so many. As such, Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will host a Share the Warmth Drive this holiday season to bring some compassion and positivity to the end of 2020.

The staff will be collection new mittens, scarves, hats, gloves and socks from Nov. 23 to Jan. 3. The donation box will be located in the library’s lobby and items will be quarantined before being distributed to local charities. All are encouraged to donated (residents and non-residents) and all size items are welcome. For more info, call 631-941-4080.

PAGE B12 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 2020

EYE ON MEDICINE

A life well lived: Christopher K. Pendergast

W

hen Christopher K. Pendergast was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease, he was told he had three years to live. He lived 28 years instead. And what a 28 years they were.

Chris, who died on Oct. 14 at age 71, went on to found the ALS Ride for Life in 1997, raising over $10 million for ALS research.

The Center for ALS at Stony Brook Medicine now bears his name. And along the way, he met with everyone from U.S. Presidents to legislators to the manager of the New York Yankees. It was all part of his unending quest to help others.

"I want to make a difference,” said the elementary schoolteacher from Miller Place.

“I want the extra few years I have to count for something."

Did he ever.

Chris knew what he was up against. He disdained the term “survivor,” because he knew he would not survive. Instead, he preferred saying that he had lived with ALS for “X” number of years.

On the day he died, his family issued a media statement, saying, "Our dad, despite all odds, lived life just how he wanted until his last morning. He fought ALS bravely for 28 years and dedicated 23 of those years raising awareness and funds for ALS. He touched so many lives but at the end of the day, he was just ‘our dad’ who happened to do remarkable things.”

It wasn’t just by happenstance.

Over the course of 28 years, Chris advocated for patients with ALS, driven to raise funds for ALS research, awareness and

Chris Pendergast at an ALS Ride for Life event

patient care through the Ride for Life. He met with other patients with ALS privately and offered them his insights and his friendship for the difficult journey that he knew lay ahead.

Although a quadriplegic, on a ventilator, and using an eye-gaze computer to communicate, Chris remained active with the Ride in his final days.

“Chris taught us much about the range of possibilities of individuals with ALS, about humanity, and the art of what is possible,” said Kenneth Kaushansky, MD, Senior Vice President, Health Sciences, and Dean, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. “His legacy as a

?

trailblazing ALS advocate through the Ride for Life organization and his work at Stony Brook will last for generations to come.”

Based on his work, Chris received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the ALS Association. The ALS Center at Stony Brook Medicine was renamed the Stony Brook Neuromuscular Disease and Christopher Pendergast ALS Center of Excellence in his honor.

“We are proud to have known Chris as a friend, colleague and warrior against ALS,” Dr. Kaushansky said. “We will continue to work to find a cure for ALS, in honor of his life and vision.”

— STONY BROOK MEDICINE

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NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B13

COVER STORY

Sweetbriar Nature Center offers a wildlife experience of a lifetime

BY TARA MAE

S

omething wild is coming to Smithtown. Sweetbriar Nature Center now offers A Wildlife Experience, a unique program offering one hour private guided tours that grant unprecedented access to its buildings, operations, and animals.

Located at 62 Eckernkamp Drive, the nonprofit organization provides natural science education and native wildlife rehabilitation services for the community.

The personal tours will allow participants to see the center's recently renovated wildlife rehabilitation area, now called the Steven Goldman clinic, which is usually off limits to visitors.

“It’s an experience that you’re not going to get anywhere else," said Veronica Sayers, Sweetbriar's program coordinator. "It’s not very often that you can see how a wildlife rehab works. You don’t normally get this experience unless you’re in the field."

Attendees will also be able to explore parts of the main building, which houses some of Sweetbriar’s permanent residents and is generally open for self-guided excursions.

Guests will be able to observe the animals and meet a few of Sweetbriar’s regular ambassadors like Cali, an imprinted Baltimore oriole; Marguerite, an imprinted blue jay; Nugget, a screech owl; and Tulip, an opossum.

The tours give insight into more than the lives of the animals; they delve into the backgrounds of Sweetbriar and the Blydenburgh family, on whose estate the center and preserve now exist. Guides are able to supply greater historical context as well as details about the architecture of the structures and grounds, according to Janine Bendicksen, Sweetbriar's curator and wildlife rehabilitation director, who came up with the initial idea.

One of four staff members, Ms. Bendicksen noted that she, her coworkers, and the dedicated team of volunteers are constantly brainstorming for ways to keep Sweetbriar operational in the time of COVID-19. The private tours are a way to raise money and benefit the community Sweetbriar serves. “Instead of just asking for money and donations, we are giving back,” she explained.

During the pandemic, Sweetbriar, like many organizations, has had to completely reimagine how it functions. At the peak of the lockdown, the employees were looking after approximately 100 animals by themselves, without the assistance

Participants to A Wildlife Experience will be able to meet, clockwise from top left, a blue jay, opossom, screech owl and Baltimore oriole up close and personal. Photos courtesy of Sweetbriar Nature Center

of volunteers, according to Ms. Sayers.

In this time of emotional turmoil and economic uncertainty, Sweetbriar has sought to create new ways of connecting with the public and supporting the animals in its care.

As sources of revenue shrunk, animals in need of help were being brought to the center at a higher rate than in years past.

“Many rehab centers are experiencing this,” said Ms. Bendicksen. Since the beginning of 2020, the center has treated more than 2,000 animals.

Sweetbriar Nature Center administers comprehensive rehabilitation to wildlife and generates much of its funding from community engagement and outreach programs. Located on 54 acres of diverse woodland, garden, wetland, and field habitats, the center's grounds are open year-round to the public, free of charge.

Since the onset of the pandemic it has been unable to host the events and activities it normally offers, on which Sweetbriar largely relies to support its animals and endeavors.

A Wildlife Experience is available to parties of up to six people by appointment only for $104. People may register and pay the fee online at www.sweetbriarnc.org/ animal-encounters. After you purchase your ticket, Sweetbriar will email you to set up a date or they can send you a gift card to book at a later time. Please give them at least 3 days to respond after you’ve purchased your ticket. The tours are maskmandated and photos are encouraged.

For more information, please call 631979-6344.

PAGE B14 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Buttercup’s Dairy Store, Inc. Southeast Corner of Boyle Road and Old Town Road Port Jefferson Station, NY 631-928-4607 www.buttercupdairy.com Like us on facebook!

Regular Hours: Monday - Sunday 8 am – 6 pm EXTENDED Thanksgiving Holiday Hours: Monday, Nov. 23, 8 am – 9 pm; Tuesday, Nov. 24, 8 am – 9 pm; Wednesday, Nov. 25, 7 am – 7 pm; Thursday, Thanksgiving Day-CLOSED; Friday – Sunday 8 am – 6 pm

“I’m in the mooooood for pie” pie”

Speedy Cow’s amazement at the hundreds of pies ready to go for Thanksgiving!

Owner: The Smith Family Background: In the 1930s the current family purchased a working dairy farm called Buttercup Dairy. Four generations later, through cows, glass bottles and home delivery milkmen, the farm has evolved into its current format with its emphasis on freshness and value. A typical surburban story...from cow barn to processing plant to home delivery, to small drive through dairy store in 1971. In 1975 the cow barn was converted into the current store and housed a few basic essentials. As the neighborhood grew so did the store’s inventory and selection into the everyday market it is today.

Notes about the business: Buttercup’s Dairy Store is best described as an “everyday” store. The store serves families in the neighborhood by providing enough groceries and supplies to fill in between big supermarket store shopping trips. Items that can be found at Buttercup’s Dairy include: ■ Pies – over 50 varieties for Thanksgiving! We bake non-stop so you can just stop in Monday, November 23- Wednesday, November 25 for your favorites.

■ Catering – for your holiday gatherings and parties – cold cut platters, heroes, wraps and an assortment of cold salads.

■ Full Deli –including a large selection of Boar’s Head products. Offering a variety of precut, prewrapped cold cuts for quick pick up and a call in service that will have your deli order prepared and waiting for you to collect on your way home.

■ Dairy items such as milk, eggs, bacon, juices, cheese, butter and ice cream.

■ Full bakery with a large selection of freshly made rolls, breads, muffins, bagels, pies, cookies, cakes, etc.

■ Fresh produce including locally grown fruits and vegetables.

■ Grocery items including canned goods, paper goods, freezer items, baking supplies.

■ Quick & Easy Section - a great selection of ready to heat & eat foods and prepared fast foods geared to make dinners that are quick, easy & delicious.

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS PERFECT FOR PIE SHOPPING! Monday 8 am - 9 pm Tuesday 8 am - 9 pm Wednesday 7 am - 7 pm

It’s Pie Time!!

Our Own Fresh Baked In Store Pies Over 30 Varieties & Sizes to Choose From It’s Worth Coming in Just For the Smell!!

CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY ©163432

OUR SAFETY PROCEDURES ARE STILL IN PLACE We are open for regular shopping between these hours with a few changes in our operation.

PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY (Corner of Boyle Road & Old Town Road) 631–928–4607 • buttercupdairy.com THE HOLIDAYS ARE APPROACHING FAST...

SAVE TIME WITH BUTTERCUP’S Pre sliced cold cuts and pre made sandwiches Check out our heat and eat dinner options

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.

©170490

Business Profile

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B15

COOKING COVE

Recipes and tips for a small Thanksgiving

BY BARBARA BELTRAMI I read someplace (don’t ask me where) some tips for this Thanksgiving when, if we follow the advice of experts on the pandemic, we should by all means celebrate the holiday but avoid large gatherings indoors and do a small intimate dinner with our immediate families and, in some cases, close friends or neighbors who we are sure are not contagious.

Difficult as it may be to forgo the usual groaning board feast, safety should be our primary consideration so that next year we can comfortably gather as we’ve always done. To make the day more celebratory and enjoyable we should first set a festive table.

Even the smallest turkey may be too large so roasting a turkey breast or even a chicken might make more sense. The plethora of side dishes should be down-scaled so that it includes everyone’s favorite, of course, and dessert, rather than being an assortment of pies, could be individual tarts.

I’m taking a guess at what are likely to be everyone’s favorite dishes and giving you a little twist on each one. The rest is up to you.

Have a happy healthy and thankful holiday!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Chives

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings INGREDIENTS: • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, pared and quartered • Salt to taste • 1/2 -2/3 cup half and half, heated • 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter • Freshly ground white pepper to taste • 1/2 cup snipped chives DIRECTIONS:

Place potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with cold water; add salt and over high heat, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until fork tender but not mushy, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and return to pan, then reduce heat to low and cook, tossing frequently, another two minutes to dry the potatoes out. Place them in a large bowl and using a ricer, food mill or masher, puree them.

(Do not use a food processor or you will end up with a gluey mess!) Gradually stir in half and half and butter; add pepper and chives and stir again. Set aside to keep warm. Serve with turkey gravy and all the fixings.

Sausage and Walnut Cornbread Stuffing

YIELD: Makes about 5 cups INGREDIENTS: • 4 cups cornbread stuffing mix • 1 pound sausage meat, crumbled and browned • 1 large onion, diced and browned • 1 sprig fresh sage, finely chopped • 8 ounces unsalted butter, melted

METRO photo

• 1/2 cup-1 cup hot chicken broth • 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste DIRECTIONS:

Place all ingredients in a large bowl and toss thoroughly to combine. When mixture is at room temperature, place in a greased casserole or cavity of turkey which is also at room temperature, just before cooking, no sooner.

Bake in 375 F oven for 45 minutes or until top is crispy if in casserole; if in turkey cavity, remove and serve with turkey and fixings.

Candied Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Pears

YIELD: Makes 4 to 6 servings INGREDIENTS: • 4 small-medium sweet potatoes, pared and quartered, lengthwise • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste • 2 large Granny Smith apples, pared, cored and quartered lengthwise • 2 medium Bosc pears, pared, cored and quartered lengthwise

• 3/4 cup brown sugar • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Place and space sweet potatoes in large shallow baking pan; season with salt and pepper. Place apples and pears in between sweet potatoes; sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and dot with butter. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until tender and brown on top.

Serve with turkey and fixings.

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

Let's give thanks and help ones in need.

Bryant Funeral Home is hosting their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Please bring nonperishable food to the funeral home located at 411 Old Town Road, E. Setauket, from now till Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every 5 items you bring will earn you a chance to win one of three raffle prizes. All food collected will be donated to the local food pantries located at St. James RC Church in Setauket, Infant Jesus RC Church in Port Jefferson and St. Gerard Majella Church in Port Jefferson Station. Questions? Call 631-473-0082.

Horoscopes of the week SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 The planets may activate your subconscious mind which could play out in your dreams. Try to pay attention to your dreams this week and log the important details.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Restlessness might be consuming you, Sagittarius. You may be tempted to get outside more often or plan a getaway, but unfortunately tasks at home and at work dominate.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Of course you may want to get everything correct on the first attempt, Capricorn. But that does not always happen. Keep trying because practice makes perfect.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 You may be feeling a little blue, Aquarius. Make a few minor changes to shake things up. A little change may be all you need to get over the blues.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Increased pressures at work may strain your nerves a bit, Pisces. Time with your spouse, children and/or friends can help.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, creative energies may be high this week.

You will have to find a way to channel them into something productive at work. Many ideas will come your way.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Emotionally you should be feeling quite well this week, Taurus. It could be a perfect time for spending moments with a sweetheart or relaxing with the kids.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 The week ahead certainly will not be boring, Gemini. The adventurous side of you wants to take some risks and try something that is normally off-limits. Move ahead slowly.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 It is important to let others have their moments to shine, Cancer. This week, give others their due time, and do not interrupt when someone is offering his or her opinion.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, at some point this week you may find yourself involved in a project that has piqued your interest for some time. As long as it doesn’t consume all of your energy, it can be productive.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Use extra care with your words, Virgo. Some people may not pick up on your sense of humor. There’s a possibility that people may take things personally.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, this week you may find yourself in the perfect position to meet the right person. This person can be a love interest or a new friend.

Invite him or her in with open arms.

PAGE B16 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Times ... and dates

Thursday 19 Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton kicks off tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. and continues on Nov. 20 and 21 from 5 to 10 p.m., and Nov. 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. Runs through Dec. 30. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! Tickets can be bought online at www.riverheadlightshow. com for $23 or $25 at the gate.

Nov. 19 to Nov. 26, 2020

Deck the Halls Virtual Reception

Gallery North in Setauket invites the community to join them for a virtual reception via Zoom in conversation about their annual group exhibition, Deck the Halls, featuring small original works for holiday giving from 6 to 8 p.m. To register, visit www.gallerynorth. org. For more info, call 751-2676.

Stony Brook Film Festival

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts continues its 25th annual Stony Brook Film Festival virtually at 7 p.m. with a screening of the short film Forêt Noire (A judge orders the re-enactment of a crime scene to shed light on some inconsistencies in a murder case. (In French with subtitles) followed by the feature film Relativity (In German 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.

Heckscher Curator Conversations

Join Heckscher Museum Curator Dr. Karli Wurzelbacher as she leads virtual discussions with select Long Island Biennial artists from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Artists Deborah Buck, Paul Farinacci, Holly Hunt and Danielle Livoti will bring their unique perspective, experience, and ideas, ensuring a thought-provoking dialogue.

Conversations will center around different themes including abstraction, landscape, materials and processes and end with a Q&A session. $5 fee, free for members. Registration required by visiting www.hecksher.org.

Gregorian Chant at All Souls

All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook hosts a Gregorian Chant/Music of Taizé from 8 to 9 p.m., providing a time for quiet meditation to clear the mind and rest the soul. The historic chapel will be lit with candles and alive with the mystical sounds of Gregorian chant and Songs of Taizé. This is a unique opportunity for reflection and/or silent prayer for people of all faiths (or no faith) searching for a spiritual connection in their lives. Masks required and social distancing will apply. For more information, please call 516-607-9111. * All numbers are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.

Holiday Light Show See Nov. 19.

Open House at the LIM See Nov. 20 listing.

Fathom Events presents ‘Annie’

AMC Stony Brook 17, 2196 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook presents a screening of Annie (1982) today at noon and 4 p.m., courtesy of Fathom Events. Based on one of the most popular comic strips of all time and adapted from the smash Broadway musical. The sun is coming out on this special event that includes exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies. Order tickets at www.fathomevents.com.

‘Stress for Success ...’

Virtual Family Trivia Night

Join the Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor for a virtual Family Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Adults and kids are invited to test your knowledge in all things Thanksgiving!

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

Sunday 22

HOLIDAY MAGIC Suffolk County’s largest drive-through light show opens in Calverton on Nov. 19.

Friday 20

Holiday Light Show See Nov. 19.

Open House at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. 1200 Route

25A, Stony Brook. Features a state of the art carriage museum, art museum, one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, barn, garden sculptures and herb garden. To help ensure public safety and limited capacity, visitors must register for museum admission online in advance. Timed admission will be available from noon to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Admission is free for the remainder of the 2020 year. Visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Drive In Movie Night

Movie Lot Drive In hosts a drive-in movie screening of Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) at 7:30 p.m. Rated PG. Followed by a screening of Jurassic Park (1993) at 10:30 p.m. Rated PG-13. $30 per car per movie/$50 double feature. New location! Lido Stone Works, 300 Burman Blvd. in Calverton. Order online only at www.movielotdrivein.com.

Saturday 21 Holiday Light Show See Nov. 19.

Open House at the LIM See Nov. 20 listing.

Brookhaven Polar Plunge

The Town of Brookhaven and Special Olympics of New York host the 11th annual Polar Plunge:

Freezin’ for a Reason at Cedar Beach, 200 Harbor Road, Mt. Sinai at 9 a.m. Help raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics New York by asking your friends, family, co-workers, etc. to support you in taking the PLUNGE! Then, take a dip or slow crawl into the chilly waters of the Long Island Sound. All registrants must surpass the fundraising goal of $150 to participate. For more information, visit www.brookhavenny. gov/PolarPlunge2020 or call 458-4078.

Museum Shop open

Just in time for holiday shopping, the museum shop at the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport will be open today and every Saturday through Dec. 19 from 1 to 4:30 p.m..

Come on in and shop for antique and vintage items such as jewelry, china, and glassware alone with sweatshirts, books, maps, and posters. For more information, call 757-9859.

Family Lantern Walk

Join the staff at Caleb Smith State Park, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown for a Family Lantern Walk through the park from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a fun evening of walking through the park with only a lantern to guide the way. They even have small lanterns for the young children to carry! Lanterns are provided, but you may bring your own.

Masks are mandatory. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 265-1054.

Drive In Movie Night

This holiday, discover your inner elf! Movie Lot Drive In hosts a drive-in movie screening of Elf (2003) at 7 p.m. Rated PG. $30 per car.

Followed by a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) at 9:30 p.m. Rated R. $40 per car. New location! Lido Stone Works, 300 Burman Blvd. in Calverton. Order online only at www.movielotdrivein.com.

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson continues its Off-Stage/On-Line series of short plays at 7 p.m. with Stress for Success at Our Lady of the Bleeding Heart, Mind, and Spirit — Once Reformed by Terence Patrick Hughes at 7 p.m. 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.

Monday 23

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday 24

Travel Tuesday: Provence

Comsewogue Public Library in Port Jefferson Station presents a virtual Travel Tuesday program on Provence at 2 p.m. Enjoy a 30-minute video from the Savvy Sightseer featuring cultural tidbits about this French region. 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.

Wednesday 25 No events listed for this day.

Thursday 26

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.

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B17

Rich Walker

Tom Manuel, second from left, with The Jazz Loft's Equity Brass Brand

WMHO hosts virtual party fundraiser to restore a community treasure

Elisa DiStefano

BY HEIDI SUTTON

L

ast Thursday, Nov. 12, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) hosted a New Beginnings Virtual Party fundraiser to benefit the restoration and maintenance of a very special place — the T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park aka the Stony Brook Duck Pond. Located along Main Street in Stony Brook Village adjacent to the Grist Mill, the charming park has been enjoyed by countless families over the years.

This past summer Tropical Storm Isaias ripped through the park and uprooted over a dozen trees. There was also major damage to the park’s Braille engraved handrails, the borders maintaining the gardens and the walkways along the pond.

The 90 minute live Zoom event was hosted by Richard Wiese, President of The Explorer’s Club in NYC and host of PBS’s Born to Explore and co-host of Weekends with Yankee.

Now living in Connecticut, Wiese grew up in Head of the Harbor and has always had a special connection to the park. “I just have so many fond memories of the Mill Pond.

The more I travel around the world, the more I see how special and unique the Stony Brook area is. I can actually say that the Village of Stony Brook may be even prettier than it was in the 1960s when I first became familiar with it,” he said.

The fun evening included an appearance by award-winning reporter and News 12 host of Road Trip Close to Home, Elisa DiStefano; and host of Fox Nation: Celebrate America and five-time New York Times bestselling author, including George Washington’s Secret Six, Brian Kilmeade. The event also featured performances by Tom Manuel and The Jazz

The T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park in Stony Brook suffered extensive wind damage during Tropical Storm Isaias on Aug. 4. Photo by Rita J. Egan

Loft’s Equity Brass Band; America’s Got Talent finalist, Sal “the Voice” Valentinetti; and comedian Rich Walker.

DiStefano, who grew up in Hauppauge, visited the park right after the storm and covered the story for News 12. “Stony Brook Village I grew up going to as a treat … Because of the extensive damage [from the storm] it looked like a war zone that day but meeting Gloria Rocchio [President of the WMHO] and her team and seeing their positivity, there was no doubt in my mind that they would do everything they could to restore the area to what it was before,” she said.

Kilmeade, who hosted the evening’s interactive history challenge, “A History

Mystery,” lauded Rocchio and the WMHO for keeping the past and Ward Melville’s vision alive. “You can go to [Stony Brook Village] and you really think you’ve gone back 200 years … during the holidays it looks like a movie set. I believe that’s what Ward Melville wanted. He wanted everyone to remember what it was like. While we move forward with progress we can still go back in time.”

The virtual party was the perfect instrument to introduce the WMHO’s New Beginnings online auction to raise money for this wonderful cause. Available through Dec. 16, it features items starting at $50 and covers everything from travel, fashion, art,

Sal Valentinetti antiques, food and wine, health and wellness and unique experiences. Generously donated auction items include a private four-person fishing charter, a family portrait session, a military tank ride, dinner for 4 aboard a superyacht, pizza every month for a year, a golf outing for four, an exclusive champagne toast and drinks for six at the Explorer’s Club with Richard Wiese, a trip to Barbados and much, much more.

The New Beginnings Online Auction is as easy as eBay with free registration to bid on the auction items. You will be notified if someone outbids you and you can bid again and again. The successful bidder’s card will not be charged until the last day of the auction — at midnight on Dec. 16, giving guests plenty of time to compete for a good cause.

100% of the funds generated from this event will support the restoration and maintenance of the T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park.

To register for the New Beginnings Online Auction, please visit wmho.org/ the-ward-melville-heritage-organization/ virtualbenefit/. For more information, please call 631-751-2244.

PAGE B18 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 2020

KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS

BNL’s Vanessa Sanders explores arsenic isotopes for therapeutics and diagnostic Harnessing the Technology of our Research Giants

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF

If doctors could somehow stick numerous miniature flashlights in human bodies and see beneficial or harmful reactions, they would be able to diagnose and treat people who came into their offices.

That’s what Vanessa Sanders, Assistant Scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, is working to develop, although instead of using a flashlight, she and her colleagues are using radioisotopes of elements like arsenic. Yes, arsenic, the same element at the center of numerous murder mysteries, has helpful properties and, at low enough concentrations, doesn’t present health threats or problems.

Arsenic 72 is useful in the field of theranostics, which, as the name suggests, is a combination of therapeutics and diagnostics.

Isotopes “allow us to observe visual defects and through using these radioactive agents, we can also observe the functionality of organs,” Sanders explained in an email. These agents can assist in diagnosing people, which can inform the treatment for patients.

What makes arsenic 72 and other radioisotopes helpful is that they have a longer half-life than other isotopes, like fluorine 18, which only lasts for several minutes before it decays.

Arsenic-72 has a half life of 26 hours, which matches with the life of an antibody, which circulates through bodies, searching for targets for the immune system. The combination of arsenic-72 and arsenic-77 allows the former to act as a diagnostic agent and the later as a therapeutic partner.

By attaching this radioisotope to antibodies of interest, scientists and doctors can use the decay of the element as a homing device. Using Positron Emission Tomography,

Vanessa Sanders

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

Photo from BNL

‘There are so many good things that come out of radioisotopes ... There are so many promising advantages.’

— VANESSA SANDERS

agents allow for the reconstruction of images based on the location of detected events.

“When you want to use an antibody as a target for imaging, you want an isotope that will be able to ride with the antibody and accumulate at an area of interest,” Sanders said.

A radiochemist, Sanders is working to develop systems that help researchers and doctors diagnose the extent of problems, while also tracking progress in fighting against diseases. She is working to produce arsenic-72 through the decay of selenium-72.

Using the Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer, scientists produce selenium-72. They then create a generator system where the selenium 72 is absorbed onto a solid substrate.

As it decays, the solid substrate is washed to obtain arsenic-72.

Sanders is hoping to create a device that researchers could ship to clinical institutions where institutions could use arsenic-72 in further applications.

The system BNL is creating is a research and development project.

Sanders and her colleagues are working to optimize the process of producing selenium-72 and evaluating how well the selenium, which has a half life of eight days, is retained and how much they can load onto generators.

“We want [arsenic 72] in a form that can easily go into future formulations,” Sanders said. “When

we rinse it off that column, we hope to quickly use it and attach it to biomolecules, antibodies or proteins and use it in a biological system.”

With the increasing prevalence of personalized approaches to diseases, Sanders explained that the goal with these diagnostic tools is to differentiate the specific subtype.

A person with pancreatic cancer, for example, might present a specific target in high yield, while another patient might have the same stage cancer without the same high yield target.

“We want to have different varieties or different options of these diagnostic tools to be able to tailor it to the individual patient,” explained Sanders.

Cathy Cutler, Director of the Medical Isotope Program at BNL, said the isotopes Sanders is working on “have a lot of promise” and are “novel.” She described Sanders as “very organized” and “very much a go-getter.”

Cutler said the department feels “very lucky to get her and have her in the program.”

In her group, Sanders explained that she and her colleagues are eager to develop as many radioisotopes as possible to attach them to

biomolecules, which will enable them to evaluate disease models under different scenarios. Other researchers are working with arsenic-77, which acts as a therapeutic agent because it emits a different particle.

Scientists are working on a combination of radioisotopes that can incorporate diagnostic and therapeutic particles. When the arsenic 77 destroys the cells by breaking the DNA genetic code, researchers could still observe a reduction in a tumor size. Depending on the disease type and the receptor targeted, scientists could notice a change by observing less signal.

Sanders is working on attaching several radioisotopes to biomolecules and evaluating them to see how well they are produced and separated.

“We make sure [the isotope] attaches to the thing it’s supposed to stick to” such as an antibody, she said.

A resident of Sound Beach, Sanders grew up in Cocoa, which is in central Florida. When she was younger, she wanted to be a trauma surgeon, but she transitioned to radioisotopes when she was in college at Florida Memorial University. “I liked the problem solving aspect of chemistry,” she said. While she works with cancer, she said she would like

to investigate neurological diseases as well.

Sanders, who has been living on Long Island since 2017 when she started her post doctoral work at BNL, enjoys the quieter, suburban similarities between the island and her earlier life in Florida.

At six feet, one and a half inches tall, Sanders enjoys playing center on basketball teams and, prior to the pandemic, had been part of several adult leagues in the city and on Long Island, including Ladies Who Hoop and LI Hoops. She is also involved in a sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, that contributes to community service efforts.

Sanders and her fiancee Joshua Morancie, who works in IT support, had planned to get married in July.

They set a new date in the same month next year. If the pandemic continues to derail their party plans next year, the couple plan to wed in a smaller ceremony.

As for radioisotopes, Sanders hopes people become inspired by the opportunities radioisotopes provide for science and medicine.

“There are so many good things that come out of radioisotopes,” Sanders said. “There are so many promising advantages.”

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B19

Religious D irectory

Byzantine Catholic

RESURRECTION BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

Catholic ST. GERARD MAJELLA ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

INFANT JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

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 Three Village area, formed as the Body of Christ through the waters of Baptism, are a pilgrim community journeying toward the fullness of the Kingdom of God, guided by the Holy Spirit, nourished by the Eucharist and formed by the Gospel. We strive to respond the Jesus’ invitation: to be faithful and fruitful disciples; to be Good Samaritan to (our) neighbor and enemy; stewards of and for God’s creation and living witnesses of Faith, Hope and Charity...so that in Jesus’ name, we may be a welcoming community, respectful of life in all its diversities.

ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

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

Baptisms: Most Sundays at 1:30 pm.

Please contact Parish Office for an appointment.

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

Anointing of the Sick: by request.

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

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

Catholic Traditional Latin Mass ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

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

Congregational MT. SINAI CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

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

Episcopal ALL SOULS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

“Our little historic church on the hill” across from the Stony Brook Duck Pond Visit our website www.allsouls–stonybrook.org or call 631-655-7798 allsoulsepiscopalchurch@verizon.net 8 am service will be Virtual 9:30 am service will be outdoors at the Rectory 5 Mill Pond Rd., Stony Brook; parking end of road at Parish House 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 Please join us for our 8:00 and 10:00 Sunday Eucharists and our 10:00 Wednesday Eucharist in our chapel.

Please wear masks.

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

Evangelical THREE VILLAGE CHURCH

To Know Christ and To Make Him Known 322 Main Street, East Setauket www.3vc.org • 631-941–3670 LEAD PASTOR JOSH MOODY Sunday Worship Services, 9:15 am and 11 am. You may now join us in person or virtually every Sunday.

Please get connected by vising www.3vc.org to find out more about our in person and virtual services.

–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.

Jewish 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

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

Continued on next page •

PAGE B20 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Religious D irectory

Jewish

NORTH SHORE JEWISH CENTER

385 Old Town Rd., Port Jefferson Station 631-928–3737 • www.northshorejewishcenter.org RABBI AARON BENSON • CANTOR DANIEL KRAMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARCIE PLATKIN PRINCIPAL HEATHER WELKES YOUTH DIRECTOR JEN SCHWARTZ Services: Friday At 8 Pm; Saturday At 9:15 am Daily Morning And Evening Minyan- Call For Times.

Tot Shabbat • Family Services • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Seniors’ Club Youth Group • Continuing Ed • Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Judaica Shop Food Pantry • Lecture Series • Jewish Film Series NSJC JEWISH LEARNING CENTER RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Innovative Curriculum And Programming For Children Ages 5-13 Imagine A Synagogue That Feels Like Home!

Come Connect With Us On Your Jewish Journey.

Member United Synagogue Of Conservative Judaism

TEMPLE ISAIAH (REFORM)

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

©170694

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

Call the church to reserve a place.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

309 Patchogue Road, Port Jefferson Station 631-473-2236 REV. PAUL A. DOWNING PASTOR E-mail: Pastorpauldowning@yahoo.com Pastor’s cell: 347–423–3623 (voice or text) www.StPaulsLCPJS.org facebook.com/stpaulselca St. Paul’s will be continuing our live worship services on Sundays. We will have one morning service in the sanctuary at 9:30 am. This service is limited to 20 people. Please call the church to let us know you are coming. There will be an overflow room.

We will also have a live service in our parking lot on Sunday afternoon at 12:30 pm. This service is limited to 50 people. Bring your own lawn chair. If weather is questionable, call the church for updated information on the answering machine. We will also be broadcasting this service over FM radio. Stay in your car and still participate in the live service. The Sunday morning service will be broadcast on Facebook.com/ StPaulsELCA and StPaulsLCPJS.org. We will follow the CDC Guidelines on social distancing and mask wearing. If you have questions, call, text or email Pastor Paul. All or our other activities each week will continue on Zoom.

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

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

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 & 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 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 and 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.

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B21

SBU SPORTSWEEK TOMORROW IS FRIDAY – WEAR RED ON CAMPUS!

NOV. 19 TO NOV. 25, 2020

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Women’s soccer team volunteers at Sunshine Prevention Center

Stony Brook Athletics’ Life Skills department introduced the women’s soccer team to the Sunshine Prevention Center for Youth & Families in Port Jefferson Station last spring. Since then, the student-athletes from the reigning America East champions have forged a bond with the organization and have continued to volunteer.

The team’s latest contribution came Nov. 14, when the student-athletes returned to the Port Jefferson Station nonprofit organization to assist with painting wood pallets with the American flag to decorate the facility.

Other volunteers helped rake leaves from the complex. The grounds originally were donated to the center by the Town of Brookhaven.

Sunshine Prevention Center for Youth & Families offers ongoing programs for children, teens and parents that focus on building social skills and educating everyone in the family and community in order to prevent substance use and abuse.

The Sunshine Alternative Education Center is an alternative high school

program, which enrolls high-risk teens in need of extra help and small-group tutoring during the school year to complete their studies.

“We really enjoyed the first time we came here,” junior back Spencer Wirkkala said. “So we kept in contact.”

Dr. Carol Carter, who founded the center three decades ago after her family was touched by addiction, greeted the women’s soccer student-athletes and explained the organization’s mission. Carter then assigned the team to the painting duty.

During previous visits, the studentathletes have helped paint signs, build figurines and landscape.

“It’s amazing. We couldn’t do it without them,” Carter said. “They help all throughout the year in different ways. We have interns here from Stony Brook. We have these groups that come in. They’ve done raking. They’ve done things in the house. We’re a very small nonprofit. We don’t get a lot of funding to be able to take care of the property and things like that. It’s so helpful.”

Jill Unkenholz joined women’s soccer teammates to paint pallets at the Sunshine Prevention Center last Saturday morning.

Payton Shumpert signs with men’s basketball

The Seawolves men’s basketball program added another versatile wing to its program as Payton Shumpert officially signed with the Seawolves on Nov. 13.

The former Jamesville Dewitt and Woodstock Academy star will join Stony Brook starting with the 2021-22 campaign and adds a plethora of talents to the program.

Son of former Syracuse star Preston, Shumpert (in photo with basketball) averaged nearly 23 points per game in his final season with Jamesville Dewitt, leading them to the Section III title game. He also garnered fourth-team AllState honors in his final campaign with the Central New York power and was named twice to the All-CNY teams by Syracuse.com.

His fourth-team selection after his senior campaign was the highest of any Section III player that season and will join fellow CNY native Frankie Policelli when Stony Brook begins its 21-22 season.

Photos courtesy of SBU Athleticscs

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

PAGE B22 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 2020

SHELTER PET OF THE WEEK

KIDS KORNER

MEET BETTY!

This week's shelter pet is Betty, a 9-year-old pit bull mix waiting at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Betty has a sweet and loving nature, and needs to be in an adult only home with no other pets. She loves to cuddle and sleep.

Betty’s history is unknown, but this loving dog does need someone that is experienced with the breed and can manager her significant arthritis.

She is spayed, microchipped and up to date on her vaccines.

If you are interested in meeting Betty, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in the shelter’s Meet and Greet Room.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown.

Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the weekend. For more information, please call 631-360-7575 or visit www. smithtownanimalshelter.com.

From left, Lorelai Mucciolo, Evan Donnellan and Jae Hughes rejoin the cast of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Smithtown Historical Society for the holidays. Photo from SPAC

Programs

Virtual Family Trivia Night

Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

The Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor hosts a virtual Family Trivia Night on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. Adults and kids are invited to test your knowledge in all things Thanksgiving!

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

Build-A-Boat

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

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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

Join the Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor for a ‘Fun Friday’ workshop, Build-ABoat, on Nov. 20 at 4:30 p.m. From pilgrims on the Mayflower to whalers on whaleships, find out about life at sea. Learn about the parts of a ship before designing your very own paper boat craft. You’ll need a piece of paper and markers or crayons to decorate.

Free. $5 donation appreciated. Register at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Toddler Time

Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington offers a socially distant Toddler Time every Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. where kids can do crafts, listen to stories, and sing and dance. Join them on Nov. 21 for storytime with Nana Carol. Free but registration is required by calling 271-1442.

In-Person Autumnal Crafts

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor invites children to enjoy fall-inspired self-serve crafts in the museum workshop every weekend in November. Free with admission! Call 367-3418.

Family Lantern Walk

Join the staff at Caleb Smith State Park, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown for a Family Lantern Walk through the park on Nov. 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a fun evening of walking through the park with

only a lantern to guide the way. They even have small lanterns for the young children to carry! Lanterns are provided, but you may bring your own. Masks are mandatory. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 265-1054.

Vanderbilt Planetarium Show

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum's Reichert Planetarium presents One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure on Nov. 21 and 22 at 11 a.m.

Elmo and Big Bird live in the United States and Hu Hu Zhu lives far away in China, but they discovered that they see the same stars at night. For ages 2 to 8. Tickets, which include admission to the museum and access to the grounds, are $13 for children, $16 adults, $15 seniors. To order, visit www. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Theater

‘’Twas the Night Before Xmas’

The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents an outdoor performance of Ken Ludwig’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Smithtown Historical Society’s Roseneath Cottage, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown on Nov. 27 to 29, Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20 and 24 at 11 a.m. Join a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl on a quest to find out why Santa missed their house last year. A joyful tribute to the holiday season! Tickets are $18 per person. Masks are mandatory.

Stay after for photo opportunities with Santa at his workshop for $7 per family (5 person maximum). For schedule and to order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B23

BOOK REVIEW

Nesconset teen releases second young adult novel, She Remembers

REVIEWED BY MELISSA ARNOLD

Some of us have spent 2020 learning to make sourdough bread from scratch, catching up on TV, or working on our post-quarantine figures. Fourteen-year-old Ariana Glaser, on the other hand, has been putting the finishing touches on her newest novel.

The Smithtown High School East freshman published her first major story three years ago, when she was just 11 years old. Now, she’s back with She Remembers, a compelling story for teen readers about life after death, second chances, and family ties.

The book was released on Nov. 16.

What was your childhood like? Were you very creative?

I was always a very avid reader — my mom would say I’d read books in my crib.

When I was in 2nd grade, I wrote a book that was around 15 or 20 pages. It was called Fairies, Fairies, Fairies, and each page was about a different fairy. Obviously my writing style has changed a lot since then, but my second grade teacher really inspired me by saying there was a [distinct literary] voice in my writing, and that made me think, “Hey, maybe I’m not too bad at this!” I also do a lot of drawing and theater on the side.

What kinds of books do you like to read? Which authors inspire you?

I love all genres of fiction, but I really enjoy dystopian stories. My favorite books right now are a series called The Selection by Kiera Cass. I’m also really inspired by Lois Lowry — her book Number the Stars has been a favorite of mine for a very long time.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

In 4th or 5th grade, I completed my first novella, and I knew it was something I wanted to continue doing for as long as I could, to perfect my skills.

How did your family respond?

My parents and grandparents were always the first to hear about my ideas, and they were huge supporters from the beginning.

And the reality is that none of this would have been possible without their support and encouragement, not just practically but emotionally, too.

When did you write your first book? How did you go about getting published?

It was called The World I Never Knew. I finished writing it at the end of 6th grade after working on it off and on for about two

Ariana Glaser years. We waited about a year after it was finished, and then we found Kindle Direct Publishing (from Amazon). I wasn’t looking for it to be a best-seller or anything, but I wanted to be able to say that I published my first book when I was 12.

How did it feel seeing your name in print for the first time?

It was a weird feeling! We were waiting for the mailman to deliver my copy of [my first book], and when he came, we were there to meet him and everyone was excited. The mailman said to my dad, “Oh, did she get a book she wanted?” and he said, “No, she wrote this book.” It was surreal to hear that and to hold my book for the first time.

Did you publish this book the same way?

No. We submitted She Remembers to traditional publishers. I got a lot of rejections simply because of my age — most places won’t accept a manuscript if you’re under 18 — and I also didn’t have a literary agent. But I didn’t want to sit around and wait to turn 18 when I had good stories that were ready now. Someone on Facebook recommended Foundations Publishing, and when I sent it to them, they said the story had potential and they’d be happy to have me on their team.

Tell us a bit about She Remembers.

When I was younger, I was very into American Girl dolls, and I joined an online community for others who liked them. One of the girls I met through that community was named Bella, and she was very popular.

She also had cancer and ended up passing

away. That had a big impact on me, and in 2019 I started to write She Remembers, about a girl who dies of cancer. She gets a chance to live another life, and discovers that she still has memories of her old life and family.

How do you find the time to balance writing, school and your social life?

You know, time management is always something that I struggle with. I have a lot of extracurriculars that take a lot of work, so in the course of a week I can spend hours on stage, dancing or singing. And then there’s all of my homework, spending time with my friends, and trying to write in the middle of all that. But every student struggles with that, even when they’re not a writer. I try to take advantage of pockets of free time, even if it’s 20 minutes at lunch or at night.

Is there a message you want people to take away from reading this novel?

It’s all about hope — the main character, Amber, comes to realize that good things can come out of bad experiences. We might not know what happens after death, but it’s important to have hope and to keep the memories of the people we’ve lost alive.

Is there a recommended age group?

There’s a range, from 12-year-olds looking for a character they can look up to, all the way up to 18 or even older readers who just enjoy a unique, interesting story.

Do you have any upcoming events?

It’s been tough with the pandemic, but we’re talking with Barnes & Noble about having some kind of event, whether that’s a virtual meet-and-greet, something in person, or just a table with books and information about me.

What’s next for you? Are you planning to write more books?

I actually finished writing my third book during quarantine. I have so much more to say, and the good thing about writing is if one book doesn’t go over well, you can keep writing. You never know when you’re going to have a big moment. I’d love to make the New York Times Best Seller List!

She Remembers and other works by Ariana Glaser is available on Amazon.com or your favorite online bookseller. Keep up with Ariana on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok @ ArianaNGlaser.

PAGE B24 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Stony Brook Proud.

Stony Brook Strong.

The unprecedented global pandemic has forever changed how we live. During this challenging time, Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine are collaborating to create innovative ways to serve our community.

We’ve manufactured and delivered hand sanitizer and thousands of face shields to caregivers on our front lines. And our response teams have collected thousands of comfort-care items, protective personal equipment and other vital donations for our healthcare teams working tirelessly around the clock to fight the coronavirus.

A crisis can tear a community apart, but for Stony Brook it has made us stronger. Together we stand Stony Brook Strong.

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#StonyBrookStrong Stony Brook University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 20031605