Arts & Lifestyles - December 7, 2017

ARTS&LIFESTYLES TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA • DECEMBER 7, 2017

it's electrifying!

Three Village Electric Light Parade returns B13

Also: Holiday Magic at the Vanderbilt B11 • LISCA celebrates 50 years B15 • ‘Out of Thin Air’ reviewed B20 • Photos from WMHO Holiday Festival B26

Wrap Up The Year With Our 2017 SPECIAL SEASONAL FEATURES! People Of The Year Hark the Herald Our Last Minute Shopping Guide Published: December 21 Deadline December 14

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PAGE B2 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

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DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B3

ASK THE VETERINARIAN

The many health benefits of pet ownership

We are open 7 days a week for all your pet needs!

Wishing all our Countryside companions the happiest and healthiest of holidays!

We would like to extend our genuine appreciation for your continued patronage.

BY MATTHEW KEARNS, DVM

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In this edition: Ask the Vet ..................................... B3 Book Review ................................B20 Calendar ................................. B18-19 Cooking Cove...............................B16 Crossword Puzzle ........................ B7 Gardening .....................................B17 Legally Speaking.........................B10

Medical Compass ........................ B9 Parents and Kids ................. B25-27 Photo of the Week .....................B10 Power of Three .............................. B5 Religious Directory ............ B21-23 SBU Sports ...................................B24 Sudoku ............................................. B7

EMAIL YOUR LEISURE, HEALTH, BUSINESS AND CALENDAR NOTICES TO: LEISURE@TBRNEWSPAPERS.COM.

Looking for that perfect gift for your furry family member?

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A third study focused on comparing human social support and pet attachment I had a classmate in veterinary school support in combatting depression in geriwho simply described his cat as “good for atric patients. What they found was there the head.” What he meant by that state- was no relationship between human social ment was when the stress of classes and support and depression, but there was a studying became too much he could al- significant positive influence in pet attachways count on his cat to ease the burden. ment and depressed mood.

Now, we can move on to the body. StudWell, science is backing up this claim.

Having a pet in your life can be good for ies both in the United States and abroad have concluded that just sharing your life the head and the body.

Let’s start with the head. How do we with a pet significantly reduces the risk of know that interacting with a pet reduces cardiovascular disease, such as a heart atstress? Well, a recent study revealed that just tack or stroke, reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and lowers chothe act of petting somelesterol. In addition, thing reduces stress. This owning a pet motivates study put individuals in us to exercise more. a stressed state and then The national physical offered them a rabbit, a activity guidelines recturtle, a toy rabbit or a ommend 150 minutes toy turtle. of moderate exercise per Those individuals week, but a Centers for who petted a real rabDisease Control and Prebit or turtle showed a vention analysis states significant reduction in only about 50 percent of stress compared to those Americans get that total. that petted a toy rabbit Studies have shown that In contrast to this or toy turtle. having a pet in your life data, research shows Other studies have revealed that people significantly reduces the that dog owners walk an average of 22 minwith significant mental risk of cardiovascular utes more per day. Not illness such as bipolar disease. only do dog owners exdisease and schizophreercise more, but also the nia benefit from pet ownership. Many people with significant type of exercise is healthier. The type of exmental illness live at home and do not ercise is described as at a moderate pace, reach out to the health care system and which refers to getting the heart rate up.

This holiday season consider a pet as a see their social circles shrink. Pet ownership decreases the loneliness and feelings gift for yourself. Consider it a New Year’s resolution, as well as a gift. of isolation that come with that.

Thank you to all the readers who enOne schizophrenic in an article I read stated that he was able to keep the voic- joy this column. I would like to also thank es in his head at bay by concentrating on Heidi Sutton, editor of the Arts & Lifestyle the singing of his birds. Another study section, as well as all the staff at the Times observed the act of walking or grooming Beacon Record News Media for another a horse has been successful in reducing great year.

Dr. Kearns practices veterinary medicine depression, anxiety and the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in both sur- from his Port Jefferson office and is pictured with his son Matthew and his dog Jasmine. vivors of childhood abuse and veterans.

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PAGE B4 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B5

KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS

SBU’s Israel Kleinberg designs device for earlier cavity detection

Harnessing the Technology of our Research Giants

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

Weekly horoscopes SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, it may take a little time to get used to a new relationship or job.

After a few weeks or months, you can sort out what works and what needs some extra effort.

BY DANIEL DUNAIEF What if dentists could see developing cavities earlier?

What if, once they discovered these potential problems, they could help their patients protect their teeth and avoid fillings? And, to top it off, what if they could do this without exposing their patients to radiation from X-rays?

That’s exactly what Israel Kleinberg, a longtime Stony Brook University dental researcher and the founding director of the Division of Translational Oral Biology at SBU, recently developed. Called the electronic cavity detector, this new tool was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The device monitors mineral loss in enamel of molars and premolars. Powered by a battery, the handheld ECD uses electrical conductance to diagnose and monitor lesions.

Tooth enamel does not conduct a signal. A lesion or crack in the enamel, however, will allow the ECD to record an early indication of a developing cavity.

“The ECD can detect lesions that are microscopic and [detect them] much sooner than X-rays,” Kleinberg explained in an email. Other research has shown that “X-rays are not very effective for diagnosing incipient enamel caries [cavities], though the technique is very useful for diagnosing deeper lesions.”

‘It’s a painless way to monitor teeth.

There’s no radiation [involved].’

— Mitch Goldberg Ortek Therapeutics, a small company based in Roslyn Heights, supported the research to develop the technology over the last 10 years. Ortek is developing plans to commercialize the ECD, which could be available at a neighborhood dentist’s office by the middle of next year.

Mitch Goldberg, the president of Ortek, said the response to a positive reading on the ECD will depend on the dental practitioner.

A very low conductance number could suggest a dentist pay further attention to the specific tooth. It might also lead a dentist to suggest improving oral care, brushing better or prescribing a fluoride rinse, among other options.

“If the number is higher, the dentist will decide the appropriate treatment option, which could include minimally invasive procedures,” Goldberg said.

Goldberg, whose firm invested over $1 million in the work, is excited about the prospects for the ECD, for which Ortek filed and received a patent and then went through the FDA approval process.

“It’s a painless” way to monitor teeth, Goldberg said. “There’s no radiation [involved].”

To be sure, he said the ECD won’t replace X-rays, particularly for teeth that already have a crown or other dental work or that are already known to have cracks or fissures.

Still, Goldberg said this device could help monitor back teeth, where tiny lesions would not be causing a patient pain.

The examination itself will require a short exam by either a hygienist or a dentist, who can put a probe in the bottom of a groove and gently move it along the tooth.

Any dental professional could be “trained on this in about 15 minutes,” Goldberg said. “They do similar types of work when they are probing and cleaning” teeth. Practitioners would likely understand the approach quickly, he said.

To operate the device, a dentist places a lip hook in the patient’s mouth. The dentist then puts a cotton roll between the tooth and the cheek, then air dries the tooth, Kleinberg explained in an email. The dentist lightly touches the tooth with the ECD probe and testing is completed in seconds.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, expanding your horizons comes easily when you have close friends who invite you along on all of their adventures. This could prove to be a week with lots of inspiration.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Photo from SBU

Above, Israel Kleinberg, right, with Mitch Goldberg, president of Ortek Therapeutics; below, the Electronic Cavity Detector

Kleinberg, who has been developing this device for 14 years, suggested that the most common potential causes of false readings might be failure to dry the surface and operator error. The researcher developed this product with Stony Brook University Research Assistants Robi Chatterjee and Fred Confessore.

The partnership with Stony Brook has been a “win-win” for Ortek. Indeed, Kleinberg also developed a product called BasicBites.

The chewable BasicBites provide a pH environment that supports healthy bacteria in the mouth. At the same time, BasicBites makes it harder for the bacteria that eats sugars and produces acids that wear away minerals on teeth to survive.

BasicBites make it tough for the acid-producing bacteria to eat food leftovers stuck between or around teeth.

Kleinberg, who has been with Stony Brook for 44 years, still works full time and shows no signs of slowing down.

The researcher is the founding chairman of the Department of Oral Biology and Pathology. He stepped down from that position in 2009.

Goldberg said he speaks with Kleinberg several times a week and calls his partner in cavity fighting an “inspiration,” adding that Kleinberg is considered the grandfather of oral biology.

Goldberg said he has a great sense of satisfaction when he goes to a pharmacy.

“I take a glance at some of the products on store shelves that came out of Stony Brook and Ortek and it does give me tremendous pride,” he said.

Goldberg said he can’t disclose the market size for the ECD. He added that there are over 100,000 general dentists in the country who treat people of all ages. “There’s a tremendous opportunity for us,” he said, suggesting that dentists could check for any signs of early tooth decay before putting on a sealant.

Taking a similar approach to the BasicBites work, Kleinberg, with support from Ortek, is also researching skin-related technology for fighting MRSA-related infections and body odor. Goldberg said unwelcome bacteria often contribute to unpleasant smells that come off the skin.

Ortek is also promoting the growth of healthy bacteria that reduce those scents.

While still in the early stages of development, Kleinberg has “developed a patented cutaneous or skin microbiome technology that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria while crowding out harmful microbes,” Goldberg said.

By exploring the microbiome, Kleinberg can promote the growth of better bacteria in the feet and under the arms.

Mending fences can take a while, but you have the opportunity for some real healing this week, Aquarius. Explore all of your options to get closer to someone.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

You are in an enviable position this week, Pisces. Your finances are in good order, your circle of friends has expanded and you are happy at work.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you are giving off serious relationship vibes this week, and others are sure to take notice. If you have a partner, you can strengthen the bond. If not, a good match is in sight.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you may hit the employment jackpot this week. Those résumés you have been putting out or that promotion you were vying for will be worth the effort.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, the best thing you can do to rekindle a friendship is to spend some time with this person reconnecting. Enjoy a dinner for two or involve yourselves in another activity.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Those around you know the way to Cancer’s heart is definitely through his or her stomach. Plan an entertaining night out enjoying the newest restaurant in town.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, receiving compliments from others certainly provides an ego boost. But you may want something more substantial from a relationship this week.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, this week you may be tempted to put off some of your more challenging projects at work and focus on yourself.

It’s okay to have some “me” time.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, a huge turning point in your relationship is ahead. Communication will help forge a deeper connection between the two of you.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, the best ways to get what you want are to share your desires with others. They may have some solutions you’ve overlooked and can be sources of inspiration.

Send your community news to leisure@tbrnewspapers.com.

PAGE B6 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

eye on medicine

Above, Stony Brook Medicine’s Puerto Rico medical relief team

Photo from SBU

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Improving health care at home and beyond

As the holidays arrive, our thoughts Puerto Rico. Most were stationed in the city turn to giving — and giving back to those of Manatí, while the rest went to the city of who need our help. Stony Brook Medicine’s Fajardo and then to the U.S. Navy hospital Puerto Rico medical relief team did just that, ship USNS Comfort. They worked closely spending two weeks on the devastated is- with military personnel, federal agencies land to treat patients and give a much-need- and the people of Puerto Rico. They saw ed break to health care workers there. more than 2,000 patients and helped local We got word, after Category 5 Hurricane health care workers get some rest and get Maria swept through, of the conditions in back on their feet.

Our team returned Puerto Rico. Pharmacies home in November to were in ruins. Patients cheers and hugs from with chronic illnesses who their co-workers and needed to see their primaloved ones who met ry care physicians could them at Stony Brook Uninot get appointments. versity Hospital. Despite Health care professionals the hardships and long couldn’t tend to their own hours, they spoke of the families, nor repair their deeply fulfilling experidamaged homes, because ences they had in Puerto their services were needed Rico. Their trip embodied around the clock. the reasons why people Relief efforts for those choose a career in health in Puerto Rico took on care in the first place — many forms. In my role as to be of service and to chair of the Greater New provide excellent care.

York Hospital AssociaStony Brook Medition board of directors, I served as part of an orga- BY Kenneth KAuShAnSKY, MD cine’s mission is to deliver world-class, compassionnization that teamed up with the Healthcare Association of New York ate care to patients and families. And someState to establish the New York Healthcare’s times that mission extends well beyond our Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Fund to as- own four walls. We are making a difference, sist hospitals, health care workers and their not only here at home but in communities families in Puerto Rico. The fund is a vehicle around the world.

All of us at Stony Brook Medicine are so for New York’s hospital community to show its support for frontline caregivers and their extremely proud of our Puerto Rico relief families who have suffered significant losses. team. The work they did was heroic, generI’m proud how Stony Brook Medicine also ous in the extreme and so worthwhile. Our responded to this human health crisis. As thanks also go to their families and to their part of a 78-member relief team of person- Stony Brook colleagues who stepped up to nel from hospitals around the region, Stony cover extra shifts while the team was away.

Having heard many of their experiences, Brook organized a team of health care professionals that was deployed to Puerto Rico. I cannot say enough about the team memThey signed on to spend two weeks living bers and their devotion. I know they have and working 12-hour days in less-than-ideal returned much better for the experience and conditions, with widespread shortages of are now safely back to continue their efforts to improve the health of our patients. food, water and electricity.

Our 23 care providers — three physiDr. Kenneth Kaushansky serves as dean of cians, two nurse practitioners, nine nurses, the School of Medicine and senior vice presifour paramedics, four nursing assistants and dent of Health Sciences at State University of one pharmacist — split up after arriving in New York at Stony Brook.

DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B7

Crossword Puzzle

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9. Spans of time 10. Not a word?

11. Type of Christmas lights 13. Helen in France 14. Type of deadly flu 19. LamÈ or serge 22. “____’s the word” 23. *Like Bing Crosby’s Christmas 24. Packers’ quarterback 25. Like Hitler’s Reich 26. Reject 27. Olden day calculators 28. The whole amount 29. *Henry F. Potter in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” e.g.

32. Oration station 33. *Will Ferrell’s 2003 role 36. *Based on “A Christmas Carol,” 1988 38. Port city in Japan 40. Ribonucleic acid 41. Affected or pretentious 44. Part of eye containing iris, pl.

46. Unwellness 48. Trees producing caffeine-containing nuts 49. Like a duel in France, usually 50. Smoke plus fog 51. At this point 52. Antonym of love 53. Unwritten exam 54. Number of baseball fielders 55. Dutch cheese 56. Edible tuber *Theme related clue.

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1. Big ____ at 7-Eleven 5. Plays for pay 8. Not counterfeit 12. Largest continent 13. Field worker 14. Eagle’s nest 15. Shade-loving plant 16. River in Bohemia 17. Choice or delicious dish 18. *Vince Vaughn’s title role, 2007 20. Research facil.

21. “Colorful” announcement 22. Humor magazine 23. Sherlock Holmes’ esteemed friend 26. Wedge-shaped 30. “Fat chance!”

31. Ancient liturgical hymn 34. Jet black 35. Like Bushmills’ whiskey 37. *”Jingle ____ the Way,” 1996 38. Speak like Pericles 39. Cleopatra’s necklace 40. They’re often bolt action 42. Tucker of “Modern Family” 43. Football play, pl 45. *Nicholas Cage’s “The ____ Man,” 2000 47. Egg cells 48. “The Metamorphosis” author 50. Nursery rhyme old woman’s home 52. *Kevin McCallister’s story, 1990 56. Opposite end of alpha 57. “It’s beginning to look ____ ____ like Christmas...”

58. Like desert climate 59. Apple leftovers 60. Container weight 61. *”Trappd in Paradise” with Jon Lovitz and ____ Carvey 62. Matured 63. “C’____ la vie!”

64. Big Bang’s original matter

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sudoku puzzle

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 puzzle:

PAGE B8 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

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

Feel Concerned You’re Locked Into Your Genes?

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

This was accomplished in a little over 3 months.

Coincidentally I was able to reduce my overall cholesterol from 250 to 177 with a much improved LDL/HDL ratio in 4 months.

In addition I lost over 30 lbs and went from 24% body fat to 17.7%. I have some good days but mostly great days and I’m very happy with the results and look forward to even more improvement in the future.

—D.L., age 64

“My pain has subsided considerably. But, I must tell you that I don’t think I would have made it this far without your help. I was a mess when I first saw you, but you gave me a new sense of strength, new knowledge about nutrition and just a better regard for myself.” ~ Nurse Practitioner/ IBS and ulcerative colitis sufferer, age 62

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

“…just wanted to share the…great news – I passed my fitness test and achieved my highest score ever! Thank you for all your support and help. You know how important this was for me.

I’m so pleased with the results.” ~ Military Surgeon, age 43

You Can Change, At Any Age!

David M. Dunaief, M.D. is an internist specializing in Integrative Medicine.

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David M. Dunaief, M.D. Clinician, Author and Speaker 

Preventing and Reversing These Conditions and Diseases: Diverticular Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome Fibromyalgia Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia Parkinson’s Disease Depression and Mood Disorder Menopause Asthma Allergies Macular Degeneration Uveitis/Scleritis Optic Neuritis Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease  Trained with

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DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B9

medical compass

Reducing diabetes risk with whole fruit

NEWS AROUND TOWN 4

Added sugar increases risk of many diseases

We should all reduce the amount of added sugar we consume because of its negative effects on our health. It is recommended that we get no more than 10 percent of our diet from added sugars (1).

However, approximately 14 percent of our diet is from added sugars alone (2).

Is all sugar bad for us? The answer is not straightforward. It really depends on the source, and when I mention source, my meaning may surprise you.

We know that white, processed sugar is bad. But I am constantly asked: Which sugar source is better — honey, agave, raw sugar, brown sugar or maple syrup? None are really good for us; they all raise the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in our blood.

Forty-seven percent of our added sugar intake comes from processed food, while 39 percent comes from sweetened beverages, according to the most

By David recent report from Dunaief, M.D. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2). Sweetened beverages are defined as soft drinks, sports and energy drinks and fruit drinks. Even 100 percent fruit juice can raise our glucose levels. Don’t be deceived because it says it’s natural and doesn’t include “added” sugar.

These sugars increase the risk of, and may exacerbate, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and obesity. This is such a significant problem that municipal legislatures have considered adding warning labels to sweetened drinks (3).

However, I did say that sugar’s source impacts its effect. Most fruits have beneficial effects in preventing disease, including diabetes, and do not raise sugar levels, even in patients with diabetes. It is a myth that whole fruit raises your sugar levels. However, dried fruits, fruit juice and fruit concentrate do raise your sugar levels. Note that sugar extracted from fruit has an effect similar to that of sugar added to foods and sweetened beverages.

Let’s look at the evidence.

Heart disease When we think of sugar’s effects, heart disease is not usually the first disease that comes to mind. However, results from a 20-year study of 31,000 U.S. adults showed that, when comparing those who consumed the least amount of added sugar (less than 10 percent of calories daily) with those who consumed 10 to 25 percent and those who consumed more than 25 percent of daily calories from sugar, there were significant increases in risk of death from heart disease (4). The added sugar was from foods and sweetened beverages, not from fruit and fruit juices.

This was not just an increased risk of heart disease but an increased risk of cardiovascular death. This is a wake-up call to rein in our sugar consumption.

A recent study found that at least two servings of blueberries per week were shown to reduce the risk of diabetes by 23 percent.

Obesity and weight gain Does soda increase obesity risk? An assessment published in PLoS One, a highly respected, peer-reviewed journal, showed that it depends whether studies were funded by the beverage industry or had no ties to any lobbying groups (5). Study results were mirror images of each other: Studies not affiliated with the industry show that soda may increase obesity risk, while studies funded by the beverage industry show there may not be any association.

In studies without beverage industry funding, greater than 80 percent (10 of 12) showed associations between sugary drinks and increased weight or obesity, whereas with the beverage industryfunded studies, greater than 80 percent of them did not show this result (5 of 6). The moral of the story is that patients must be diligent in understanding studies’ funding and, if the results sound odd, they probably are. If this is the case, make sure to ask your doctor about the studies’ findings.

Not all studies are equally well designed.

Diabetes and the benefits of fruit Diabetes requires the patient to limit or avoid fruit altogether. Correct? This may not be true. Several studies may help change the long-standing, commonly held paradigm that fruit should be restricted in patients with diabetes and to prevent development of diabetes.

One study found that whole fruit may reduce the risk of diabetes by reducing inflammation and reducing insulin resistance (6). Specifically, results demonstrated a reduction in the inflammatory biomarker hsCRP. Ultimately, this may result in better glucose control. A potential reason for these impressive results may be the high levels of flavonoids, specifically anthocyanins and

flavones. Flavonoids, as a class, are phytochemicals (plant nutrients) that provide pigment to fruits and vegetables and may have substantial antioxidant activities. Substances that are high in these two flavonoids include red grapes, berries, tea and wine.

Another study, a meta-analysis that looked at three large studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study, NHS II, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, showed that those who consumed the highest amount of anthocyanins were likely to experience a 15 percent reduction in the development of type 2 diabetes (7).

Researchers compared those in the highest quintile of anthocyanin consumption with those in the lowest quintile.

Specifically, at least two servings of blueberries per week were shown to reduce the risk of diabetes by 23 percent, and at least five servings of apples and pears per week were also shown to reduce the risk by 23 percent. These were compared to those who consumed less than one serving per month. This is a small amount of fruit for a significant reduction.

From the same three studies, it was also shown that grapes, bananas and grapefruit reduce the risk of diabetes, while fruit juice and cantaloupe may increase risk (8).

In still another diabetes study, involving those who were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the risk of increasing glucose levels was no greater in those who consumed more than two servings of fruit per day compared to those who consumed fewer than two servings per day (9).

The properties of flavonoids, for example, those found in whole fruit, may also result in anticancer and anticardiovascular disease properties, the opposite of added sugars (10).

Chronic disease incidence and complications from these diseases have skyrocketed in the last several decades. Therefore, any modifiable risk factor should be utilized to decrease our risk. By keeping added sugar to a minimum in our diets, we could make great strides in the fight to maintain our quality of life as we age.

We don’t have to avoid sugar completely; we still can satiate a sweet tooth by eating ripe fruits. Our access to fruit, even offseason, has expanded considerably. The most amazing thing is that fruit may actually reduce the risk of diabetes, something for years we thought might exacerbate it.

References:

(1) 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. (2) cdc.gov. (3) reuters.com. (4) JAMA Intern Med. online Feb 03, 2014. (5) PLoS Med. 2013 Dec;10(12):e1001578. (6) J Nutr. 2014 Feb;144(2):202-208. (7) Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Apr;95(4):925-933. (8) BMJ. online Aug 29, 2013. (9) Nutr J. published online March 5, 2013. (10) Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2004 Summer;59(3):113-122.

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

Photo from Whaling Museum

Ugly Sweater Party

It’s Ugly Sweater season! As part of its Harbor Nights series, the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor will host an Ugly Sweater Party on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your boring plain sweatshirt or sweater and join artist-in-residence Liz Fusco as she shows you how to turn it into a fun “ugly” sweater during this whaley great night of fun, food and adult beverages. Tickets are $15 in advance, $25 at the door. For more information, call 631-367-3418.

Pet Gift Ideas

Animal Health and Wellness, now located at 150 Main Street, Setauket, is pleased to offer convenient late night and weekend hours for comprehensive veterinary care for the holidays and all year round.

Don’t forget a professional dental cleaning — it’s important to your pet’s overall health. Gift Certificates are available. www.animalhealthandwellness.com

Open auditions

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will hold an open cast call for its upcoming production of “Working: The Musical” on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Seeking one African-American actress and three actors (any ethnicity). All must be strong singeractors (20s to 30s) who will play multiple roles in this ensemble musical. Prepare 32 bars from the song of your choice; bring sheet music in the proper key; accompanist provided. Readings from the script. Rehearsals to begin the week of Jan. 14, 2018.

Please bring picture/resume. Performances will be held from Feb. 24 through March 24.

For further information and full details, visit www.theatrethree.com/auditions.html.

Adult moonlight stroll

Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park will host an adult moonlight stroll on Dec. 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. Take a leisurely stroll through the park’s woodlands and shoreline. Along the way, enjoy activities and discover how your night senses compare to those of nocturnal animals. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 631-581-1072.

Caumsett hike

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a one-mile walk through the park on Dec. 10 from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. to learn how to identify the subtle signs animals leave behind. Adults only. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 631-423-1770.

Flute concert

Huntington Public Library, 338 Main St., Huntington will welcome Flutissimo! in concert on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. Flutists Lauren Ausubel, Claudia Beeby, Leslie Strait and Jerene Weitman will entertain with “A Winter Bouquet.” Free and open to all. To register, call 631-427-5165.

PAGE B10 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

photo of the week

legally speaking

Giving the gift of education

In my opinion, the best way to defray the cost of Joe’s college education is to THE FACTS: I would like to help de- open a 529 plan. Many states, including fray the cost of college for my grandson, New York, offer such plans that allow for Joe. My daughter and son-in-law are not tax exempt growth on investments so long in a position to pay full tuition, room and as distributions from the accounts are used board. I don’t want them or Joe to borrow to pay qualified college expenses. Contributions to a 529 plan are subject to gift for his education. tax; but, the law allows contributions up to THE QUESTION: What is the best way $70,000 to be made in one year as long as to help out without hurting Joe’s chances the person funding the plan files a gift tax return and applies the contribution over a of receiving needs-based financial aid? five-year period.

If you open a 529 plan, you could deTHE ANSWER: Although there are a number of ways to defray the cost of Joe’s cide how the funds in the account will be invested and to change the beneficiary education, including giving in the event Joe decides not him money, giving money to to attend college. You could your daughter and son-in-law also remove funds from the or paying the college directly, account for noncollege exfor many people the best way penses although such a withto assist with college expensdrawal will result in a penalty es is to set up a Section 529 and tax liability.

College Savings Plan (a “529 Although the income on plan”) with Joe as the benthe investments in the plan eficiary. Your various options will be considered Joe’s inare discussed below. come, increasing the amount If you want to simply gift he will be expected to conmoney to Joe for his educatribute to his education, it is tion, you can give him up to only assessed at 50 percent $14,000 per year without inas opposed to other income curring any gift tax. HowevThe best way to that is assessed at 100 perer, when the college reviews his financial aid application defray the cost of a cent so the negative impact reduced. and determines how much college education is is greatly In some states you can Joe should contribute toward his education, they will take to open a 529 plan. avoid the negative impact of increasing Joe’s income if any gifts you have given him you transfer the 529 plan to into consideration. Since students are expected to contribute approximately 20 per- your daughter before Joe applies for aid. cent of their savings to their education, the Unfortunately, this option is not available more you give to Joe directly, the less aid in New York where transfers are prohibited unless the account owner dies or there he will receive.

If you decide to give money for Joe’s is a court order. For this reason, it may college expenses directly to your daughter make more sense if you simply contriband son-in-law, you can gift each of them ute funds to a 529 plan opened by your $14,000 for a total of $28,000 per year. daughter.

Regardless of the method you decide to Clearly you can make a larger annual contribution to Joe’s education this way; but, use to defray the cost of Joe’s education, like the funds gifted to Joe, the funds you it is worth noting that gifts made to Joe gift to your daughter and son-in-law will or his parents after January of Joe’s junior be taken into consideration when calculat- year of college should not have any impact ing any financial aid that may be award- on his ability to get financial aid. That is ed to Joe. The negative impact of gifting because by then Joe will have already filed funds to his parents rather than to Joe will his aid application for his senior year.

Before you make a decision about how be less than the impact of gifts made directly to Joe because his parents are only to help Joe and his parents pay for his colexpected to contribute about 6 percent of lege education, you should not only look at all the options available to you but you their assets to his education.

Paying the college Joe attends directly should discuss with an estate planning atis an option that avoids any potential gift torney how Joe’s college education should tax issues on gifts exceeding the $14,000 be addressed in your estate plan. You don’t annual limit. Paying the college directly want your estate plan to jeopardize whatwould allow you to make larger contribu- ever steps you may take during your lifetions annually to his education; but, this time to benefit Joe. Linda M. Toga provides personalized sermethod is not recommended since the money paid directly to the college will be vice and peace of mind to her clients in the considered as income to Joe. Like gifts to areas of estate planning and administration, Joe, payments to the college will adversely real estate, marital agreements and litigation impact the amount of aid Joe may receive. out of her Setauket office.

By linda M. toga, Esq.

A SENSE OF PLACE this photo, taken on dec. 1, shows a view of the thompson House on north Country Road in setauket. over 300 years old, the five-room saltbox farmhouse is listed on the national Register of Historic Places. Photo by Heidi Sutton

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

Holiday party for wildlife

149451

Celebrate the holiday season with a wildlife party at Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. Activities will include seasonal crafts in Sweetbriar’s Wonderland Workshop and a holiday ornament scavenger hunt while enjoying festive music. $10 per child. For additonal information, call 631-979-6344.

DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B11

COMMUNITY

Creating holiday magic in the Vanderbilt mansion

T

Interior designers, garden clubs deck the elegant halls

he Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s holiday centerpiece is the mansion of William and Rosamond Vanderbilt, decorated each year by local designers and garden clubs. Their creative touch brings additional charm and magic to the spectacular, 24-room, Spanish-Revival house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors can see the captivating results from now through January. The decorators create magic in the rooms with lighted trees, boughs, ornaments, wreaths, ribbons, garlands and elegantly wrapped faux gifts.

Decorating the mansion this year were the Asharoken, Dix Hills, Centerport, Honey Hills, Nathan Hale and Three Village (Old Field, Setauket and Stony Brook) garden clubs; Harbor Homestead & Co. Design of Centerport; and gardeners from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.

Stephanie Gress, the museum’s director of curatorial affairs, said “Most of these garden clubs and designers have been decorating the mansion for more than 20 seasons. “We look forward to seeing them each year, and to how they use their creative skills to bring elegant holiday charm to the house.”

Gress and the curatorial staff decorated the Windsor Guest Room, Breakfast Hallway, Lancaster Room and Northport Porch.

Christine Lagana and a group of friends from the Dix Hills Garden Club decorated the large tree in the mansion library and placed gifts beneath it.

They also added garland and ornaments as well as white poinsettias and red ribbons to the mantelpiece over the large fireplace and artful groups of large, mirrored ornaments on side tables.

Mary Schlotter and her daughter, Krishtia McCord — who operate the Centerport design firm Harbor Homestead & Co. — decorated Rosamond Vanderbilt’s mirrored dressing room and the arcade

A WORK OF ART Above, designers Mary Schlotter and Krishtia McCord put finishing touches on a Christmas dress they created for Rosamond Vanderbilt’s dressing room Vanderbilt Museum photo that connects the nursery wing with the front entrance of the mansion. They decorated a live tree in the Sundial Garden off the arcade and hung icicles and silversprayed vines, harvested locally, from the arcade ceiling beams.

For Mrs. Vanderbilt’s dressing room, using a dress-form mannequin, they created a skirt with green boughs. “Our

friend, dress designer Lorri Kessler-Toth of Couture Creations, created a fitted turquoise-blue velvet cover for the dressform torso,” Schlotter said. “We added a necklace of chandelier crystals and a pendant and embellished the skirt with teal ornaments, champagne ribbon and filigreed poinsettia leaves. This is a dressing room, so we created a Christmas dress.”

Schlotter and McCord added chandelier crystals and champagne poinsettia leaves to the bough that decorates the mantelpiece on the marble fireplace. The crystals on the mantel complement those that hang from the sconces in the mirrored, hexagonal dressing room.

The Asharoken Garden Club, returning after many years, decorated Mrs. Vanderbilt’s bedroom with colors that reflect her love of pearls, Gress said, including copper, cream and gold.

The Centerport club embellished the guest room of Sonja Henie (three-time Olympic skating champion, movie star, and family friend) and William Vanderbilt’s bedroom. The wreaths, garlands and large golden ornaments in Mr. Vanderbilt’s room were highlighted by pots of elegant red amaryllis, a stunning seasonal flower. They also placed garland and tall, thin trees, hung with ornaments, on the mantelpiece.

The Nathan Hale club, which decorated the Organ Room, clipped old-fashioned candles with brass holders and wax-catchers on the branches of the tree.

Members added garland and cherubs to the carved mantelpiece and placed arrangements of gold-sprayed pine cones and scallop and whelk shells on tables.

In the Portuguese Sitting Room, in the original wing of the mansion, the Honey Hill club placed Tiffany packages beneath the tree and added small holiday touches around the room. The Cornell Cooperative Extension gardeners worked outside, adding flourishes to the mansion windows with live wreaths, trimmed with flowers, fruits and ribbons.

“These generous volunteers use their time and talent to create an atmosphere of charming holiday grandeur and sophisticated living,” said Lance Reinheimer, executive director of the Vanderbilt Museum.

“We’re grateful to them for bringing magic to this historic house.”

Visiting the Vanderbilt Museum Now that the Vanderbilt mansion and its halls are decked elegantly for the season, the public is invited to see the home at its most magical time.

Guided tours of the decorated Vanderbilt mansion continue each Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday at 12:30, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. — and on Tuesday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Dec. 30. (Visitors pay the general admission fee plus $6 per person for a tour.)

Special Twilight Tours will be given for two days only: Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 27 and 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for students and seniors (62 and older) and $5 for children 12 and under.

The Vanderbilt Museum and Reichert Planetarium will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 26 to 30 and will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum is located at 180 Little Neck Road in Centerport. For more information, call 631-854-5579 or visit www. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

PAGE B12 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

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DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B13

COVER STORY

Three Village holiday parade takes on historic twist

By Rita J. Egan Forget the elves! This year Santa will get a little help from members of the Culper Spy Ring when the Three Village Holiday Electric Light Parade makes its way through the streets of East Setauket on Dec. 10.

The grand marshals of this year’s parade will be the patriots that made up George Washington’s Long Island spy ring — portrayed by residents including Three Village Historical Society Historian Beverly C. Tyler as Abraham Woodhull. The grand marshals will lead the annual local favorite featuring floats and vehicles adorned with electric lights mixing the area’s historic roots with modern merriment.

Insurance agent Billy Williams took over the reigns of the parade after its cancellation in 2015. As a volunteer with the Setauket Fire Department, he heard the committee ran into some glitches that year, and while it was too late to do anything at the time, he and others joined forces to light the way for the procession in 2016.

In addition to Williams, the parade committee includes Cheryl Davey, Andrew Galambos, Michael Owen, Denise Williams, Sharon Philbrick, Andrea Allen, Scott Sanders, Julie Watterson, Carmine Inserra, Dawn Viola and Laura Mastriano.

“We picked up the pieces and put the parade back together,” Williams said, adding that he was happy when the group was able to organize the parade again this year, and that Davey and Owen, who both worked on

Below and on the cover, photos from a previous Electric Light Parade.

Photos by Greg Catalano

the event in the past, offered to continue to help. Williams and other committee members had fond memories of bringing their children to the parade every year, and he participated in it as a volunteer firefighter. “It’s good for the community; it’s good for everybody. So we said let’s try to organize it and give it another go, and that’s what we did.”

Davey, who has been coordinating the parade for approximately seven years, said she was thrilled when it got a reboot in 2016.

“I was hoping that if it went away for a year, maybe people would miss it and realize how special an event it is for the entire community,”

she said. “I was hoping that there would be a public outcry — “bring back the parade” — and there was. And then, everybody stepped forward and said they could help. We put together a wonderful committee of amazing people who have great ideas and great networking contacts, and they rolled up their sleeves and went right to work.”

Galambos, who has attended the parade for more than a decade, said he was also delighted to see it revived last year. He said the parade is an opportunity for residents to experience something special for the holidays right in their neighborhood and for local groups

and businesses to work together, adding “The parade really is a collaboration of the entire town, and all the various organizations.”

Galambos said he is looking forward to this year’s grand marshals and thinks it’s a wonderful way to educate residents, especially young ones, about the local history, adding “This parade is something that is very special because it is a celebration that is uniquely us.”

Williams and Galambos said attendees can look forward to seeing floats from the Three Village Central School District and the participation of Scout troops and various businesses from the area, including Shine Dance Studios.

Both said cheerleaders, pep squad members, athletes and Wolfie from Stony Brook University will also be marching, and the parade will feature the Family Residences and Essential Enterprises Players Drum Corps, which is composed of musicians with special needs.

Participants will begin lining up at 3:30 p.m. at the Village Green by Emma S. Clark Memorial Library. For Davey, this is her favorite part of the entire event.

“When they all start showing up with their floats, you’re just overwhelmed with Christmas spirit,” Davey said.

The Three Village Kiwanis Club will present the Three Village Electric Holiday Parade Dec. 10 starting at 5 p.m. The procession heads south on Main Street, turning left on Route 25A and ends at the Kiwanis Park next to Se-Port Deli. After the parade, Santa will be available to hear children’s wishes in the park’s gazebo. For more information, visit www.3vholidayparade.com.

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PAGE B14 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

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DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B15

FEATURE STORY

LiSCA performed at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi during a concert tour of italy. Photo by Candice Foley

LISCA celebrates 50 years of song with special concert

This year’s LiSCA concert is in honor of the group’s late conductor, gregg Smith, pictured above. Photo from LISCA

By Kevin Redding A Stony Brook University-born singing ensemble is celebrating its 50th anniversary on a high note.

The Long Island Symphonic Choral Association (LISCA), formed in 1968, will take to St. James Roman Catholic Church in Setauket on Dec. 8 for its most grandiose performance yet. The nonprofit group, made up of roughly 70 diverse members ranging in age from early 20s to 80 who have put on concerts around the world, will deliver a program of works by Igor Stravinsky and Arvo Part, to name a few, in honor of its late, great founder Gregg Smith, an internationally renowned choral conductor and composer who died last year.

“We designed this to reflect the many different kinds of things we have sung over the 50 years of our existence,” said Norma Watson, a member since the group formed.

“The mission has always been to present excellent performances of not frequently heard music. We’ve done premieres of great modern composers and sang the pieces of Renaissance masters. It’s been fun to go back and sing these songs again. I’ll never get tired of singing with this group. ”

Among the highlights of the upcoming concert, which will run about an hour and a half and culminate in a giant meet-andgreet reception in the church’s downstairs, are “Heilig” (Holy) by Felix Mendelssohn, “O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen, “Ave Maria, “Pater Noster” and “Russian Credo” by Stravinsky, and the Long Island premiere of “A Mary Trilogy” composed by Smith himself.

Smith, who died of a heart attack at 84 in July 2016, served as LISCA’s conductor from 1968 until 2005. The mantle was then passed over to Thomas Schmidt, who conducted through 2016. Since January, the group has been led by 32-year-old Eric Stewart, a composer-in-residence at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New York City and conductor of the Tzu Chi Youth Chamber Orchestra on Long Island whose own work was recognized and encouraged by Smith.

As a Stony Brook University student and member of the University Community Chorus in the late 1960s, Watson met Smith when he arrived as director of choral music. Soon after being hired, the conductor — who established new standards of professional choral singing with the Gregg Smith Singers, a group founded in 1955 and famous for showcasing the music of contemporary American composers and not doing “the usual sort of choral programs,” as Smith told The New York Times in 1977 — changed the name of the college’s choir to LISCA to broaden the group’s ambitions and welcome collaborations with symphony orchestras.

“We weren’t really singing challenging stuff initially,” Watson said of the choir before Smith came on board. “What made me want to sing were the ambition he had to make us a really great choir and sing interesting pieces we weren’t used to singing.”

One of the group’s first concerts revolved around a major piece by Stravinsky, a composer Smith knew well who was

in attendance to see their performance.

Smith’s other acquaintances included Dave Brubeck and Elliott Carter, now legendary composers who watched the choir sing their charts. They have performed concerts in Spain, France, England, Ireland and Iceland.

“Gregg had such an exciting and unpredictable approach,” said Joe Dyro, the president of LISCA and a singer in the bass section since 1980. “He had a brilliant way of making things turn out right for the performance, helping us singers blend. I feel very honored to be part of a group that has such a large legacy.”

Dyro said he was singing while waiting to pay at a restaurant at the Smith Haven Mall when he got a tap on the shoulder from a member of LISCA, who extended an invite to join the group.

“I’m humbled because I know that many of the singers in the group are much better musicians and much more learned. I’m trying my best to keep up with the rest of the crowd,” Dyro said, laughing. “And Eric is a young, exciting conductor who, I think, is going to bring new vitality to the choir.”

Sidonie Morrison, a soprano in the choir since 1981, also spoke highly of LISCA’s new leader. “He’s very enthusiastic and fun to work with. We’re looking forward to a different kind of concert with him,” he said.

It will be an especially poignant night for Stewart, who made his LISCA debut when he conducted the group’s May concert. He points to Smith as the first person to seriously look at his original compositions when he first moved to New York City in 2010. Smith was so taken by the young musician’s work that he made sure to perform it with a professional ensemble.

“It’s because of him that I saw how amazing a choral ensemble could sound,” Stewart said. “He really opened up a whole new mode of expression for me as a composer and

LiSCA’s new conductor, eric Stewart Photo from LISCA

meant a lot to me on my path to becoming a professional musician. It’s truly an honor to pay tribute to him and his contributions with LISCA, with whom I’m extremely impressed.

Some of these pieces are quite difficult and they’ve been able to take on the challenge.

I’m quite excited about it.”

The concert begins at 8 p.m. at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 429 Route 25A in Setauket on Friday, Dec. 8. Tickets, which are available at the door and at www/lisca.org, are $25 adults, $20 for seniors, and free for students. For further information, please call 631-751-2743.

PROGRAM: Felix Mendelssohn: “Heilig” (Holy) for double choir Arvo Part: “Magnificat” Giovanni Gabrieli: “Beata es Virgo,” “Jubilate Deo” and “O Magnum Mysterium” for double chorus and brass Morten Lauridsen: “O Magnum Mysterium” Gustav Holst: “Christmas Day” and “In the Bleak Midwinter” Igor Stravinsky: “Ave Maria,” “Pater Noster” and “Russian Credo” Gregg Smith: “A Mary Trilogy” and “Alleluia: Vom Himmel Hoch”

PAGE B16 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

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You don’t have to be Jewish to love latkes — those crispy pancakes or fritters made most often from grated potatoes and fried in oil to symbolize the cleansing and rededication of the temple in Jerusalem after it was defiled by the Syrians some 21 centuries ago.

The Maccabees had only enough oil to light the menorah for one day, but miraculously it lasted for eight days.

Aside from this tradition, here’s the thing you must remember about latkes: They must be thin and crisp. In order to achieve that you must first coarsely grate the potatoes and any other vegetables in the recipe, then squeeze those grated veggies as dry as possible and discard the liquid that accumulates. You can add a little flour or matzo meal to the mixture, but that’s optional. A thin coating of oil in the skillet is sufficient for frying them.

While potatoes are by far the most traditional and popular ingredient, nowadays other vegetables such as sweet potatoes and zucchini have made their way into the customary Hanukkah fare. Follow the preparation procedure faithfully and create your own latkes.

And you’d better make a lot, because they go fast before they even make it to the table!

Zucchini-Carrot Latkes YIELD: Makes 2 dozen pancakes INGREDIENTS:

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Drain, press and squeeze the grated vegetables to remove as much moisture as possible. Place in a medium bowl and add the cheese, parsley, flour, eggs, salt and pepper and garlic and mix thoroughly. In a large skillet, heat about ¼-inch of oil (just enough to coat the bottom of the pan). Using a large cooking spoon or your hands, scoop mixture

and shape into patties; drop gently into hot oil and press with back of spoon to flatten.

Over medium-high heat, fry, turning once, until both sides are crispy and golden brown.

Drain on several layers of paper towels and press more paper towels on top. Serve with tomato sauce or sour cream.

Sweet Potato-Apple Latkes YIELD: Makes 16 pancakes INGREDIENTS: • 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and grated • 1 apple, peeled, cored and grated • ½ cup flour • 2 teaspoons sugar • 2 teaspoons brown sugar • 1 teaspoon baking powder • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste • 2 large eggs, beaten • Approximately ½ cup milk • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger • Oil for frying DIRECTIONS: Coarsely grate the sweet potatoes and apple over a medium bowl. Drain, press and squeeze to eliminate as much moisture as possible. In another medium bowl, thoroughly mix the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and pepper.

Add the eggs and milk, a few tablespoons at a time, until the batter is stiff and moist but not runny. Add potatoes and apple and mix.

Heat ¼ inch of oil in a skillet just to the point of barely smoking. Gently drop the batter in two-tablespoon measures and flatten with the back of the spoon. Fry, turning once, until both sides are golden, about 3 minutes each side. Drain on paper towels and pat tops with more paper towels. Serve hot with applesauce, maple syrup, honey or cranberry sauce.

DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B17

THE GARDEN JOURNAL

A sense of place: Land, sea and weather

Identifying the forces that shape Long Island’s landscape

By JoAnn CAnino After the fall cleanup and the flower beds are prepared for winter, there isn’t much that has to be done, unless Mother Nature reminds us who is in control.

Thomas Jefferson began his record of the weather in 1776 while in Philadelphia attending a session of the Continental Congress. Wherever he was living, he collected weather and other data in order to compare it to the weather in his gardens at Monticello. He noted the arrival of bluebirds, blackbirds and robins; when he heard frogs for the first time; and the exact date the weeping willow began to leaf.

He diligently noted when the last killing frost occurred, the amount of rainfall, the severity of the winds and the range in temperature. On June 13, 1791, Jefferson traveled to Long Island as secretary of state under President George Washington, along with his friend and neighbor, James Madison. They rode across the island on horseback with William Floyd (notable as one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence). One can only imagine what Long Island looked like to them. In fact, we can read the journals and letters of these early travelers to our island to find out.

Long Island was created about 20,000 years ago when the hills and plains were formed by huge glaciers.

In 1670 Daniel Denton (1626-1703) recorded observations while traveling across Long Island. He wrote of “mulberries, persimmons, plums, grapes, strawberries in such abundance in June that the Fields and Woods are ‘died’ red.

Groves gleaming in spring with the white bloom of dogwood, glowing in fall with liquid amber and with sassafras and the yellow light of the smooth shafted tulip tree. An innumerable multitude of delightful flowers not only pleasing the eye, but smell … that it may be perceived at sea” (A Brief Description of New-York formerly called New-Netherlands [1670] London, England).

Pine, spruce and fir boughs were placed over doors and windows as symbols of everlasting life.

Early settlers discovered the Hempstead Plains. “Towards the middle of LongIsland lyeth a plain 16 miles long, 4 broad, upon which plain grows very fine grass that make exceedingly good hay and is very good pasture for sheep or other ‘cattel’; where you should find neither stick nor stone to hinder the horse heels,” Denton noted. Colonial settlers used it as common pasturage for their sheep and cattle.

Long Island was created about 20,000 years ago when the hills and plains were formed by huge glaciers. Shifting seas, pounding waves and severe weather continue to shape the landscape.

From New York Harbor to Montauk Point, Long Island is 118 miles long. Situated between Long Island Sound to our north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, it is separated from the mainland by the East River, actually considered to be a tidal strait. At its widest, the island is 23 miles.

Its highest point, at an elevation of 400.9 feet above sea level, is near Melville at Jayne’s Hill (also called West Hills).

Appreciating the shape of the land and its proximity to the sea, we can begin to understand the forces that shape the landscape today. Kettle lakes like Lake Ronkonkoma were formed when massive boulders of ice melted in the sandy soil and were

filled by rising groundwater. Following the glacier, forests grew. Hemlocks and spruce trees gave way to pines and the great oaks.

Woods of chestnuts and hickory trees flourished. Swamp lands filled with Atlantic white cedars and red maples. Lush bushes of blueberries, cranberries and huckleberries grew in abundance. The freshwater streams were laden with trout.

Today, less than 80 acres survive of the 60,000 acres that comprised the Hempstead Plains. Nineteen acres are part of Nassau Community College and 60 acres of the Hempstead Plains Preserve are protected by the Nassau County Department of Recreation and Parks.

All around Long Island, natural processes are reshaping the shoreline and the interior. Wind, tides and changing sea levels are eroding the coast, wearing away protective dunes. At the mouth of the Nissequogue River in Smithtown, the salt marshes that protected the freshwater wetlands have almost disappeared because of storm erosion and rising sea levels. On the south shore, the barrier islands are losing about 1 to 2 feet of oceanfront each year.

Northeast winds moving west across the coast push large amounts of sand.

We derive a sense of place from these natural elements that shape the environ-

ment in which we live. But in many ways we have lost our connection to the land that sustained the early settlers. We tend our gardens and lawns, dropping weed killer and fertilizers that leach into our fragile underground water supply. We ignore the destruction of natural places.

This month as we tune in to Earth’s eternal rhythms on Dec. 21, the winter solstice marks the beginning of our winter. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin, solstitium, which means the sun stands still. Actually, the sun is exactly over the Tropic of Capricorn. Because of the Earth’s tilt, our hemisphere is leaning farthest away from the sun.

It is the shortest day of the year. Winter ends on the March equinox, which is derived from the Latin for equal night and day. After Dec. 21, the sun starts moving northward again and spring will be on its way.

Plants and trees that remained green all year have had a special meaning for people in winter. Pine, spruce and fir boughs were placed over doors and windows as symbols of everlasting life. Early Romans marked the solstice with a feast in honor of the god of agriculture, Saturn.

Today we “deck the halls with boughs of holly” and mistletoe as the early Christians did. Holly wreaths were given as gifts. The Pennsylvania German settlements in 1747 had community trees often decorated with apples, nuts and marzipan cookies. The Christmas tree tradition of placing lighted trees in town squares began with the invention of electricity, allowing the glow to continue into the dark night. Festive homes, all decked out with holly, mistletoe and the evergreen tree offer a warm welcome inside.

This time between the winter solstice and the spring equinox can be useful journal time to review the seasons that have passed.

Take time to note all the activities and projects in our gardens as well as in our individual journeys. For many of us our gardens are sacred spaces of peace and renewal. While the garden sleeps, we can still take time to meditate on the riches of the Earth and to celebrate the new beginnings of an abundant and prosperous New Year.

JoAnn Canino is an avid journal writer and gardener and a member of the Three Village Garden Club.

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PAGE B18 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

TimeS

Thursday 7 Holiday Light Show

Smith Point County Park, William Floyd Parkway, Shirley will hold its annual Holiday Light Show tonight and every night through Dec. 30 starting at 5 p.m. Drive through a seaside trail filled with light displays and holiday vignettes. $20 per car. Buy tickets at the gate (credit card only). For more information, call 543-6622 or visit www.holidaylightshow.org.

SCCC Winter Concerts

... and dates dec. 7 to dec. 14, 2017

Join Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Road, Selden for its annual Winter Concerts today and Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. The concerts, which are free and open to the public, will be held in the Islip Arts Building’s Shea Theatre. Tickets are not required. For more information, call 451-4346.

Join Huntington Hospital, 270 Park Ave., Huntington for a Holiday Spectacular event from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy singing, dancing, music, refreshments, face painting, arts and crafts and a petting zoo. Free. Call Kirk at 470-5203 for more info.

SCCC Winter Concerts

Christmas Concert

See Dec. 7 listing.

Holiday Spectacular fundraiser

Rorie Kelly in concert

As part of its Winter Tide Concert series, the Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson will welcome Rorie Kelly & the Triceritones (indi-rock-folk) in concert at 7 p.m. Free. Call 802-2160 for further information.

Miles to Dayton in concert

Grounds & Sounds Café at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket will welcome Miles to Dayton in concert at 9 p.m. Preceded by an open mic at 8 p.m. $12.50 per person at www.groundsandsounds.org or at the door. Questions? Call 751-0297.

LISCA Holiday Concert

Join the Long Island Symphonic Choral Association (LISCA) in celebrating its 50th anniversary with a holiday concert at St. James R.C. Church, 429 Route 25A, Setauket at 8 p.m.

Conducted by Eric Stewart, the program will include works by Bach, Stravinsky, Mendelssohn and more. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors, free for students. For tickets and additional information, call 751-2743 or 941-9431 or visit www.lisca.org. See story on page B15.

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

Hauppauge Public Library, 601 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 100, Hauppauge will host an afternoon of International Folk Dancing from 2 to 4 p.m. All are welcome. No partner is needed. Free. For additional details, call 8964751 or 979-1600.

Huntington Holiday Spectacular

Friday 8

Stony Brook Christian Assembly, 400 Nicolls Road, East Setauket invites the community to come visit and enjoy the Living Nativity today and Dec. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. from the comfort of your car. New this year — a walk-through option, weather permitting. Free. Call 689-1127 for further details.

International Folk Dancing

Celebrate the season with a Holiday Magic concert at the North Shore Public Library, 250 Route 25A, Shoreham at 2 p.m. Featuring pianist Alexander Wu, soprano Ashley Bell and flutist Laura Falzon, the program will include classical, jazz, folk and contemporary holiday classics. Free and open to all. Call 929-4488.

Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington will welcome authors Jeannie Moon and Jennifer Gracen who will be speaking and signing copies of their romance novels, "Then Came You" (Moon) and "Between You and Me" (Gracen), at 7 p.m. Call 271-1442.

Living Nativity

Come visit the Terryville Union Hall Museum, 358 Terryville Road, Terryville for the holidays!

An open house, hosted by the Cumsewogue Historical Society, will be held today and Dec. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Enjoy good company, refreshments and a holiday house display inside the museum, filled with memorabilia and poster-sized images of historic Port Jefferson Station, Echo and Terryville. Call 928-7622 for more info.

Holiday Magic concert

Book signing

The Town of Brookhaven will present a Holiday Spectacular at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 17. Walk through a winter wonderland of lighted, festive displays before visiting Santa in his workshop for photos. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. $5 per person, children 3 and under are free. Proceeds will go directly to feed and care the more than 100 animals residing at the Ecology Site. Call 451-TOWN for more information.

Holiday open house

CLASSICAL STRINGS Ridotto, concerts with a touch of theater, will present The Satirist's Ire featuring Gabrielius Alekna on violin, above, and Justina Auskelyte on piano at the Huntington Jewish Center on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. Photo from Margaretha Maimone

Northport Chorale Holiday Concert Christmas Fair Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport will host a Holiday Concert by the Northport Chorale at 8 p.m. The program will include seasonal favorites with a special appearance by the Northport Community Band.

Tickets, sold at the door, are $15 adults, $12 seniors, $10 students. For additional information, call Debi at 223-3789.

Friday Night Face Off

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

Saturday 9 Holiday Spectacular fundraiser See Dec. 8 listing.

Living Nativity See Dec. 8 listing.

Flea Market/Craft Fair

VFW Post 4927 Ladies Auxiliary, 31 Horseblock Road, Centereach will host a Flea Market/Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 50 vendors featuring holiday gifts for the whole family.

Free admission. For further information, call Susan at 516-521-2259.

Craft & Gift Fair

A Craft & Gift Fair with over 100 vendors will be held at Smithtown High School East, 10 School St., St. James today and Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Santa will be in the house for photos! Free admission. For info, call 846-1459.

Join St. James Episcopal Church, 490 North Country Road, St. James for its Christmas Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handmade crafts and decorations, a large selection of gently used Dickens Village collectibles, ornaments and baked goods. Books 'N' Things will also be open. Questions? Call 584-5560.

Holiday Boutique

Deepwells Mansion, Route 25A and Moriches Road, St. James will hold its annual Holiday Boutique today and Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Art, stained and painted glass, jewelry, handmade soaps, candles, marionettes, dolls, Christmas ornaments, holiday cards and more.

Admission is $5. Questions? Call 563-8551.

Poetry reading

All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook will host a poetry reading from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Gladys Henderson, the featured poets will be Dan Kerr and Herb Wahlstein. An open reading will follow. For more information, please call 655-7798.

Festival of Trees and Lights

Sachem North Father’s Club will hold its annual Festival of Trees and Lights at Sachem North High School, today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring lots of holiday vendors, food, entertainment and free photos with Santa. Admission is $2, $1 for students. Call Glen at 848-4855 for more info.

Historic house tours

The Rocky Point Historical Society will hold guided tours of the Noah Hallock Homestead (c. 1721), 172 Hallock Landing Road, Rocky Point every Saturday through December from 1 to 3 p.m. The Homestead Gift Shop is now open for holiday shopping and unique collectibles. For further information, call 744-1776.

Join All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook for a Christmas concert with Peter Griggs at 6 p.m. The concert, titled Music for an Old English Christmas, will feature traditional music for the holiday season including wassailing songs, Morris dances and ballads.

Free. Questions? Call 655-7798.

Holiday Classical Concert

St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 30 Brooksite Drive, Smithtown will welcome the Long Island Baroque Ensemble in concert at 7:30 p.m. The group will present its Holiday Classical Concert, Make We Joy! Admission is $30 adults, $15 students, free for children 10 and under. For more information, visit www.libaroque.org or call 212-222-5795.

Eagles tribute

Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will welcome back Eagles tribute band Desert Highway for a special Christmas concert at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Sunday 10 Holiday Spectacular fundraiser See Dec. 8 listing.

Living Nativity See Dec. 8 listing.

Craft & Gift Fair See Dec. 9 listing.

Holiday Boutique See Dec. 9 listing.

Festival of Trees and Lights See Dec. 9 listing.

Holiday Craft workshop

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook will host two holiday workshops today. Create jewelry with Nancy Golder at 11 a.m. and/or make a holiday botanical arrangement with the North Shore Garden Club at 2 p.m. $25 per workshop, $45 for both workshops. To register, call 751-0066, ext. 212.

DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B19

Heckscher Holiday Open House

Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington will host a Holiday Open House from noon to 4 p.m. Families are invited to drop in and celebrate the holiday season. Tour the museum’s latest exhibition and enjoy art activities, live music and refreshments. Free admission.

Questions? Call 351-3250.

Holiday fundraiser

Ward Melville High School’s Habitat for Humanity Club will hold a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity at the Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket from noon to 3 p.m. with lots of vendors selling gift and holiday-themed items. Call 631-751-5131 for more info.

Deck the Halls Holiday Tour

The Northport Historical Society will host its Deck the Halls Holiday Tour from noon to 4 p.m. The annual self-guided tour of homes and businesses decorated for the holidays features music, sweet treats and surprises along the way. Tickets are $35, $30 members. To order, call 757-9859 or visit www.northporthistorical. org.

Ellis Paul in concert

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook will welcome back singer/songwriter Ellis Paul in concert in the Carriage Museum’s Gillespie Room at 3 p.m. Paul will celebrate the holiday season with new songs as well as favorites from his recent album, "Chasing Beauty." Tickets in advance (through Dec. 8) are $25 at www.sundaystreet.org; tickets at the door are $30 (cash only). For more information, call 632-1093 or 751-0066.

Messiah Sing-Along

Stony Brook University’s Department of Music invites the community to a Messiah Sing-Along in the Staller Center for the Arts Recital Hall at 3 p.m. Featuring members of the University Orchestra with guest conductors and solo vocalists. Free admission. Bring your own score or purchase at the door. For additional details, call 632-7330.

Ridotto concert

Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington will present a Ridotto concert, The Satirist’s Ire, at 4 p.m. Musicians Justina Auskelyte (piano) and Gabrielius Alekna (violin) perform music by Cesar Franck, Saint-Saens and Faure.

Margaretha Maimone adds a colorful narration. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $12 students. To order, call 385-0373.

Electric Holiday Parade

Tuesday 12

Theater

Book signing

‘This Isn’t Helping’

Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington will welcome writer and painter, Bruno Ribeiro, who will be speaking about and signing copies of his narrative poetry book, "The Book of All Lovers," at 7 p.m. Call 271-1442.

Wednesday 13 International folk dancing

RJO Intermediate School, located at the corner of Church Street and Old Dock Road, Kings Park will host an evening of international and Israeli folk dancing every Wednesday (when school is in session) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $9 fee. Questions? Call Linda at 269-6894.

Stimson Showstoppers in concert Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington will welcome choral ensemble, the Stimson Middle School Showstoppers, in concert at 7 p.m. Program will include traditional and contemporary choral selections, holiday pop, and features solo and duo performances with piano and ukulele accompaniment. Free. Call 271-1442.

Thursday 14 Behind the Curtain

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will present Behind the Curtain: "A Christmas Carol" at 5 p.m. Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel will guide you through the history of the story, its many adaptations and the journey of the theater’s 33 years of presenting "A Christmas Carol." $30 per person includes a buffet dinner. Tickets for the 7 p.m. performance may be purchased separately. For more info, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Culper Spy Ring lecture

Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport will present Spies! The Story of Long Island's Culper Spy Ring at 7 p.m. Historian Beverly C. Tyler will be your guide in reliving the story of Long Island's Setauket-based Culper Spy Ring through the use of photographs, maps and documents from the Three Village Historical Society's archives. Discover the names of the patriot spies who assisted Gen. George Washingon. Free and all are welcome.

Call 261-6930 for more info.

The Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St., Port Jefferson will present solo show "This Isn’t Helping" starring Jude Treder-Wolff on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door. Call 928-6529.

‘Good’

Five Towns College Theatre Arts, 305 North Service Road, Dix Hills will present a production of C.P. Taylor’s "Good" on Dec. 9 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors and students. To order, call 656-2148.

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’

SoLuna Studio, 659 Old Willets Path in Hauppauge, will present the beloved holiday classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas" from Dec. 8 through Dec. 23, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance at www.SoLunaStudioNY.eventbrite. com are $15 for general admission, $10 for children under age 10. At the door, tickets are $5 more. For more information, call 761-6602 or visit www.SoLunaStudioNY.com.

‘The Christmas Dollar’

Trinity Lutheran Church, Rocky Point will present a production of "The Christmas Dollar" on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 1 and 7 p.m. Directed

by Ken Krapf. $5 per person, $10 per family suggested donation. Advance reservations required by emailing TheChristmasDollar@hotmail.com.

'Oliver!'

Join the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown for a rousing production of "Oliver!" through Jan. 21, 2018.

Consider yourself at home with Lionel Bart's classic musical based on Charles Dickens' novel, "Oliver Twist," with some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to hit the stage. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children under 12. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

'Annie'

Leapin' Lizards! The irrepressible comic strip heroine Annie takes center stage at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport through Dec. 31 in one of the world's best loved family musicals. Featuring such unforgettable songs as "It's the Hard Knock Life," "Easy Street," "New Deal for Christmas" and the eternal anthem of optimism, "Tomorrow." Tickets range from $73 to $78. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Holiday tribute show

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization's Educational & Cultural Center, 97P Main St., Stony Brook will present a St. George Living History production: Linda Ronstadt and Olivia Newton-John musical holiday tribute show through Jan. 10. Tickets are $48 adults, $45 seniors and children ages 14 and younger.

Includes lunch, tea and dessert. For schedule, visit www.wmho.org. To order, call 689-5888.

Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' The Minstrel Players will present three performances of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" on Dec. 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. at Houghton Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport Village. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors, children under 12 and groups of 10 or more. Reservations required by calling 516-557-1207.

'Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol'

From Dec. 8 to 17, the Carriage House Players will present Tom Mula's "Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol," the well-known Dickens' tale told from a different perspective, at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Carriage House Theater, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. This riotously funny and touching evening of theater proves redemption is possible for anyone. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children. To order, call 516-557-1207.

‘Broadway Bound’

Five Towns College, 305 North Service Road, Dix Hills will present a production of "Broadway Bound," the best of Broadway revivals, on Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. To order, call 656-2148 or visit www.ftc.edu/ftcpac.

Film ‘Churchill’

East Northport Public Library, 185 Larkfield Road, East Northport will screen "Churchill" on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Starring Brian Cox. Rated PG. Free and open to all. Call 261-2313.

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will screen "Battle of the Sexes" on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. Starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell. Rated PG13. Tickets are $10 adults, $7 students, seniors and children, $5 SBU students. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

‘Wind River’

Beatles tribute concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will screen "Wind River" on Dec. 8 at 9 p.m. Starring Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen. Rated R. Tickets are $10 adults, $7 students, seniors and children, $5 SBU students. To order, call 6322787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

The Liverpool Shuffle, a Beatles tribute band, returns to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for its eighth performance in the Reichert Planetarium from 7 to 9 p.m. Program will feature early Beatles hits and music from the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band era, accompanied by Richard Tancredi on keyboard. Tickets are $20 adults online, $25 at the door, $15 children ages 5 to 15, children under 5 free. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

No events listed for this day.

Celebrate the season with Long Island's own holiday tradition, the 34th annual production of "A Christmas Carol," at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson through Dec. 30. Follow miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Battle of the Sexes’

The Three Village Electric Holiday Parade returns to Main Street in Setauket starting at 5 p.m. kicking off at Setauket Elementary School, down Main Street and ends at Kiwanis Park next to Se-Port Deli with a tree lighting ceremony with Santa, Rudolph and Frosty.

Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with Rudolph and Frosty. Free. Questions? Call 675-9550 or visit www.3vholidayparade.com. See story on page B13.

Monday 11

'A Christmas Carol'

A CHANCE FOR REDEMPTION You know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, but what about his infamous partner, Jacob Marley? The Carriage House Players presents the hilarious production of 'Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol' starring Nicole Intravia and Jimmy O'Neill, above, at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum from Dec. 8 to 17. Photo from Evan Donnellan

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

PAGE B20 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

book review

‘Out of Thin Air’

By David Bouchier

Essays Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

P

ublic radio personality and prolific author David Bouchier has gathered 122 essays in his newest collection, the charming “Out of Thin Air.” Divided into seven loose themes covering such topics as technology, politics and travel, Bouchier covers many of the same ideas but always from a different angle. As they are based on his wellknown radio commentaries, each essay is a clever gem, rarely more than two pages, and makes for insightful and entertaining reading.

In the Preface, Bouchier defines an essay as “the writer talking to you, one on one, about something that he or Above, author David Bouchier; right, the cover of Bouchier’s she finds interesting, annoy- latest book In his longest essay, “The Ghost in the ing, bewildering, or funny.”

This definitive statement guides the entire Machine,” Bouchier makes the valid point work. As we wend our way through his expe- that computers have rid us of the need for riences, it is as if he is sitting across from us memory. With instant access, we have disover a lively coffee. He is articulate and witty connected from ourselves and no actually and, even when he is at his most hyperbolic, living is done. We have become a society that survives in a virtual existence. While there is a sincerity that comes through.

Bouchier’s first essay, “Waiting for the he is going to the extreme to make his End” appropriately deals with just that — point, there is a reality in his argument the end of the world. He clearly gives us a that demands we look inward.

“From Hardware to Software” is a laughsense of his life’s view and what will come in the ensuing pages: “The future is virgin out-loud equation of old-fashioned hardware territory, and any pessimist can claim it.” stores with the heroic doctors of television When writing of a cinematic look at the drama with the dramatic of-course-it-canapocalypse: “The movie was two hours and be-saved. It reflects on a time when probthirty-eight minutes long. The actual end of lems had solutions and mourns the loss of the world needs to be snappier than that, these kinder bastions of help and support or we will lose interest (average adult at- and knowledge. In the same vein, the author tention span: twenty minutes).” We now writes a paean to the joy of the manual typeknow who Bouchier is and can proceed in writer, gone the same way is these shops.

What helps enrich the pieces is that the full knowledge that we will laugh and Bouchier is incredibly be inspired in turns or, just well-read and knowledgeas often, simultaneously.

Clever word play is able in a wide range of Much of the book is topics — literature (novtaken up with issues of powerful and Bouchier’s els in particular), art and modern technology and succinctness is an science to name a few. He the disenfranchisement of arrow to the center, his encourages the reader to people of an earlier genembrace science — even eration. What separates dissections as swift and if you don’t understand Bouchier from the usual accurate as a scalpel. it. He praises continuing curmudgeonly wheezes is that he has — albeit sometimes reluc- education but never laments that educatantly — embraced not just the power tion is wasted on the young. It gives a vast of these changes but their necessity. Not scope for interpretation and reference that that he doesn’t take many pointed and enriches the depth of his exploration.

As stated, many subjects overlap (notably highly amusing shots at our slavish addiction to all things computer centric; he cellphones, computers and other contemporails against them but still sees their value. rary gadgetry), but he manages to mine a “We are never alone unless the battery different perspective with each vignette: He runs out.” He is not so much technophobic finds a singular awareness to highlight.

The topics that are covered are plentibut “techno-wary.” Of cellphones, “I talk, therefore I am” is followed by his taking it ful. The author’s thoughts touch on ideas a step further that this form of communi- from “selective forgetting” (a wonderfully cation brings us closer to each other and accurate concept) to the danger of the smiley face. He pursues the danger of teachyet isolates us from the world.

ing fake history and the repercussions on young (and older) minds. Here, like so many places in his writing, he shifts easily from his acerbic and pithy quips to important concepts such as learning from history, not just ingest it.

Bouchier’s take on the opposite of procrastination — “pre-crastination” — is amusing and not a little disturbing; he finds that people who rush into things are not giving the proper thought. This leads to a siting of truly dangerous things that should give people pause: “double bacon cheeseburgers with fries, international wars, and marriage.” Even when taking aim at easy targets, his perceptions are both fresh and refreshing. Ultimately, in “We’ll Do This Later,” somehow he makes a strong case for procrastination. He is also adept at looking at two sides of a situation.

In “The Way We Were,” the author starts out with a pointedly ambivalent view of reunions but then comes to a much more introspective conclusion, finding the worth in the event. It is not just that he finds the two views but he is able to perceive multiple awarenesses.

“Worth Preserving” is a timely solution for maintaining historical sites. What is fascinating is that at first it seems like he is being tongue-in-cheek — and he might possibly be — but the concepts of preservation and accessibility are sound. It is this blend of humor and understanding that fuel his writing.

And yet, Bouchier’s take on nostalgia comes at the discussion from a different standpoint: “Every nation has its own tales of a glorious past that never existed.” He gives Downton Abbey as a prime example that the truth is much darker below stairs.

Basically, the good old days that are glorified by film, television and novels never existed.

He laments the bookless bookstores that have become clothing emporiums — most notably university bookstores where books are screens “to goggle or Google at.”

Clever word play is powerful and his succinctness is an arrow to the center, his dissections as swift and accurate as a scalpel.

“Losing stuff, like losing weight, is a lost cause.” We have too many things — we are saturated as “willing prisoners” of our acquisitions. Again, he turns his accusations inward and finds the positive in what has become a negative cliché — he finds the value in “stuff” as a connection to who we are related to from where we’ve come.

The author’s thoughts about wedding extravagance are really an exploration of marriage in the short and long term, calling to task the reality that in the modern age being average and fitting in trumps being Mozart. In the age of driverless cars, perhaps it is not the vehicles that should be recalled but the drivers themselves. In a flip on red-light cameras, he makes the case to reward good drivers for correct behavior.

BOOK REVIEW continued on page B23

DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B21

Religious ASSEMBLIES OF GOD STONY BROOK CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Connecting to God, Each Other and the World

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

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

BYZANTINE CATHOLIC RESURRECTION BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH

38 Mayflower Avenue, Smithtown NY 11787 631–759–6083 resurrectionsmithtown@gmail.com www.resurrectionsmithtown.org Father Tyler A. Strand, Administrator, Joseph S. Durko, Cantor Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 10:30 am Holy Days: See website or phone for information Sunday School Sundays at 9:15 am Adult Faith Formation/Bible Study: Mondays at 7:00 pm.

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

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

www.stgmajella.org All are Welcome to Begin Again. Come Pray With Us. Rev. Jerry DiSpigno, Pastor Office of Christian Formation • (631) 928–2550 We celebrate Eucharist Saturday evening 5 pm, Sunday 7:30, 9 and 11 am Weekday Mass Monday–Friday 9 am We celebrate Baptism Third weekend of each month during any of our weekend Masses We celebrate Marriage Arrangements can be made at the church with our Pastor or Deacon We celebrate Reconciliation Confession is celebrated on Saturdays from 4–5 pm We celebrate You! Visit Our Thrift Shop Mon. – Fri. 10 am–4 pm + Sat. 10 am–2 pm

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

©155234

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

D irectory CATHOLIC

ST. JAMES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 429 Rt. 25A, Setauket, NY 11733 Phone/Fax: (631) 941–4141 Parish Office email: parish@stjamessetauket.org Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 am - 2 pm

Mission Statement: Beloved daughters and sons of the Catholic parish of St. James, formed as the Body of Christ through the waters of Baptism, are a pilgrim community on Camiño-toward the fullness of the Kingdom of God, guided by the Holy Spirit. Our response to Jesus’ invitation to be faithful and fruitful disciples requires us to be nurtured by the Eucharist and formed by the Gospel’s call to be a Good Samaritan to neighbor and enemy. That in Jesus’ name we may be a welcoming community respectful of life in all its diversities and beauty; stewards of and for God’s creation; and witnesses to Faith, Hope and Charity.

Rev. James-Patrick Mannion, Pastor Rev. Gerald Cestare, Associate Pastor Rev. Jon Fitzgerald, In Residence Weekday Masses: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday 8:00am, 9:30 am (family), 11:30 am (choir), 6:00 pm (Youth) Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Baptisms: Contact the Office at the end of the third month (pregnancy) to set date Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00 – 4:45 pm or by appointment Anointing Of The Sick: by request Holy Matrimony: contact the office at least 9 months before desired date Bereavement: (631) 941-4141 x 341 Faith Formation Office: (631) 941-4141 x 328 Outreach: (631) 941-4141 x 333 Our Lady of Wisdom Regional School: (631) 473-1211 Our Daily Bread Sunday Soup Kitchen 3 pm

CONGREGATIONAL MT. SINAI CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

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

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

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

We are an Open and Affirming Congregation.

EPISCOPAL

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

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

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

EPISCOPAL

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

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

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

Weekday Holy Eucharist’s: Thursday 12:00 pm and first Friday of the month 7:30 pm (rotating: call Parish Office for location.)

Youth, Music and Service Programs offered.

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

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

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

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

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

EVANGELICAL INTERNATIONAL BAPTIST CHURCH Loving God • Loving Others • Sharing the Gospel

1266 N. Country Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790 (631) 689-7660 • www.internationalbaptistsb.org Pastor Hank Kistler Sunday Worship 11 am Thursday Small Groups 7 pm

THREE VILLAGE CHURCH Knowing Christ...Making Him Known

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

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

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

PAGE B22 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

Religious GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION

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

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

JEWISH

CHABAD AT STONY BROOK

JEWISH

YOUNG ISRAEL OF CORAM

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

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

“The Eternal Flame-The Eternal Light” weekly Channel 20 at 10 a.m.

Shabbat Morning Services 9 a.m. Free Membership. No building fund. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Shabbat and Holiday Services followed by hot buffet. Adult Education Institute for men and women. Internationally prominent Lecturers and Torah Classes. Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

Kaballah Classes. Jewish Holiday Institute. Tutorials for all ages.

FREE TUITION FOR HEBREW SCHOOL PUT MEANING IN YOUR LIFE (631) 698-3939 Member, National Council of Young Israel.

All welcome regardless of knowledge or observance level.

“Judaism with a smile”

LUTHERAN–ELCA

Current location: 821 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND ANCHOR NURSERY SCHOOL

Future site: East side of Nicolls Rd, North of Rte 347 –Next to Fire Dept.

(631) 585–0521 • (800) My–Torah • www.ChabadSB.com Rabbi Chaim & Rivkie Grossbaum Rabbi Motti & Chaya Grossbaum Rabbi Sholom B. & Chanie Cohen Membership Free •Weekday, Shabbat & Holiday Services Highly acclaimed Torah Tots Preschool • Afternoon Hebrew School Camp Gan Israel • Judaica Publishing Department • Lectures and Seminars • Living Legacy Holiday Programs Jewish Learning Institute Friendship Circle for Special Needs Children • The CTeen Network N’shei Chabad Women’s Club • Cyberspace Library www.ChabadSB.com Chabad at Stony Brook University – Rabbi Adam & Esther Stein

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 David Katz Cantor Marcey Wagner 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 ©155293

D irectory

46 Dare Road, Selden (631) 732-2511 Emergency number (516) 848-5386

Rev. Dr. Richard O. Hill, Pastor email: hopelutheran@msn.com • website: www.hopeluth.com Holy Communion is celebrated every week Saturdays at 5 pm, Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 am Service of Prayers for Healing on the first weeked of each month at all services Children and Youth Ministries Sparklers (3-11) Saturdays 5 pm • Sunday School (ages 3-11) 9:30 am Kids’ Club (ages 4-10) Wednesdays 4:15 pm Teen Ministry (ages 11-16) Saturdays 3 pm

ST. PAULS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 309 Patchogue Road, Port Jefferson Station (631) 473–2236

Rev. Paul A. Downing, Pastor email: pastorpauldowning@yahoo.com • pastor’s cell: 347–423–3623 Services: Sundays-8:30 and 10:30 am—Holy Communion Sunday School during 10:30 service Bible and Bagels 9:30 am on Sundays Wednesday Night — 7:30 pm Intimate Holy Communion Friday Morning 10:30 am—Power of Prayer Hour Join us for any service-all are welcome We are celebrating 100 years in Port Jefferson Station

LUTHERAN-LCMS

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

Rev. Charles Bell- Pastor We welcome all to join us for worship & Fellowship Sunday Worship Services 8:15 am, 9:30 am, 11 am Sunday School at 9:30 am We have a NYS Certified Preschool & Day Care Mid Week Advent Worship Services: Tuesdays, December 12th and 19th at 6:15 pm Wednesdays, December 13th and 20th at 11 am Christmas Worship Services: Christmas Eve December 24th Sunday Worship Service on Christmas Eve at 10 am 5:30 pm (Family Candlelight Service) 8 pm (Traditional Candlelight Service) Christmas Day, December 25th 10 am (with Holy Communion) New Year’s Eve, December 31st 10 am (with Holy Communion)

METHODIST BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

33 Christian Ave/ PO2117, E. Setauket NY 11733 (631) 941–3581 Rev. Gregory L. Leonard–Pastor Sunday Worship 10:30 am • Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Lectionary Reading and Prayer Wed. 12 noon Gospel Choir Tues. 8 pm Praise Choir and Youth Choir 3rd and 4th Fri. 6:30 pm

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Welcome to our church!

We invite you to Worship with us!

Come check us out! Jeans are okay!

Open Table Communion 1st Sunday every month.

603 Main Street, Port Jefferson Church Office- (631) 473–0517 Rev. Sandra J. Moore - Pastor Sunday Worship - 9:30 am (summer), 10:00 am (September) Children’s Sunday School - Sept. to June (Sunday School sign up form on Web) Email- 1stumc@optonline.net Web- http://www.pjfumc.org

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

Rev. Steven kim, Pastor

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

STONY BROOK COMMUNITY CHURCH UNITED METHODIST

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

Renewing, Restoring, Reviving for the 21st Century!

To be listed in the Religious Directory, please call 631–751–7663 Religious Directory continued on next page

DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B23

RELIGION

BOOK REVIEW Continued from page B20

The selfie as “a sudden plague of pathological vanity” is extreme — but not inaccurate, flying in the face of the cliché of a picture being worth a thousand words. The “Look at me, I’m here, I exist” is no more than a “flicker across the consciousness leaving no trace. They’re not worth a thousand words, they replace a thousand words.”

There is a great deal of strong advice in Bouchier’s writings. In “A Good Long Read,” he meditates on the transition from reading long books to embracing a series of books. This is a healthy and helpful suggestion to readers of desire but limited time.

An extended section on politics in the book should be made required reading in every school (and home, for that matter).

The author’s view on the American system can be summed up in his observation that we have hundreds of choices for cereal but only two for president. He writes about the true heroes of our times and times past as well as a fascinating connection between clowns, Halloween and Election Day. A discussion of a universal draft — men, woman, all ages an socioeconomic backgrounds — ultimately hints at broader ideas. He does the same thing with a darkly comic advocation of making everyone in the world an American.

In his section on travel, Bouchier opens up with “Escape Attempts,” which hints at deeper themes — going from trips to war to marriage and children.

He makes profound statements about the power of inner life, of reading versus travel. He points

out that “to” is often less important than “from.” Style of travel from point of view as well as the unnecessary obsession with souvenirs all encourage us to look not just in the mirror but within ourselves.

The essay “The Business of America” is the smartest and most accurate assessment of the lack of values in our constant pursuit of meetings.

In the “Right to Arm Bears,” Bouchier proposes leveling the hunting playing field by providing animals with guns.

“Philosophy in the Slow Lane” meditates on life in the Long Island Expressway traffic jams, comparing it to the classic audio novels (Twain, Melville) he listens to when caught in the given congestion of our daily lives. All pithy statements; all with great truths beneath.

The best summation of Bouchier’s work would be in his own words: “What makes us different from bees and lemmings is that we can and do break away from the herd, and think our separate thoughts. We are bees with a perspective on the hive, which allows us to evolve and to create.

It also gives us a headache.”

Thank you, Mr. Bouchier for the reminder of all the former.

And your tag to this thought reminds us never to take ourselves too seriously.

‘Out of Thin Air’ is available online at www.amazon.com.

Meet author David Bouchier at the Third Friday event at the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook on Friday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Bouchier will discuss his 25 years on public radio. The event is free.

A Hanukkah lesson we can all share

By RaBBi aaRon Benson

You’re as likely to hear someone bemoaning the commercialization of the holidays as you are to hear someone wish you happy ones. As we enter this festive season, it can be a challenge to properly “get in the spirit” to think of the blessings and good things we have when at the same time we hear constantly the calls around us that we need more of this or that.

For Jews, there is one way in which the holiday of Hanukkah is supposed to be “commercialized” — or at least “advertised.” Jewish tradition decrees the Hanukkah menorah, the nine-branched candelabra by which we mark the holiday using its central candle to light an additional new candle each night of the eight-day holiday, should be placed in a prominent place so that others can see it. Therefore, you will often see menorah displays in front of synagogues or in the windows of Jews’ home, and in Israel, one will often see menorahs displayed in small glass boxes outside of people’s homes.

The lights of the menorah are meant to remind us of three things. First, they are to be a light in the darkness of winter. Second, they are to remind us of the lights of the seven-branched menorah that was a decoration in the Holy Temple in ancient times, and third, they remind us of the story of Hanukkah, when in the 2nd century BCE the Jews defeated the Greek occupiers of their country and, as tradition would have it, a single vial of pure oil was discovered and lasted for eight days while additional oil was prepared

Religious

PRESBYTERIAN

SETAUKET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

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

Rev. Mary, Barrett Speers, pastor

Join us Sundays in worship at 9:30 am Church School (PreK-6th Grade) at 9:45 am Adult Christian Education Classes and Service Opportunities Outreach Ministries: Open Door Exchange Ministry: Furnishing homes...Finding hope www.facebook.com/welcomefriendssoupkitchen Welcome Friends Soup Kitchen Prep Site: tfolliero@yahoo.com All are welcome to join this vibrant community of worship, music (voice and bell choirs), mission (local, national and international), and fellowship. Call the church office or visit our website for current information on church activities. SPC is a More Light Presbyterian Church and part of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians working toward a church as generous and just as God’s grace. ©155255

File photo

Rabbi aaron Benson to be used in the temple.

Incidentally, this is where the name of the holiday originates as the word “Hanukkah” means “rededication.”

However, it was not just lighting the menorah that was considered sufficient for celebrating the holiday. Our ancient sages decreed that the miracle of Hanukkah must be “advertised,” it must be put on display and shared with others so that the hard-won blessing of religious freedom and tolerance the holiday commemorates could be experienced by all people.

This is a Hanukkah lesson we can all share. We are all blessed to live in a country in which our religious differences are protected and in fact we believe that these and all our many differences are what make the United States such a wonderful country. Let us be proud then, when we see the many lights of this holiday season, for all of them, whether Hanukkah lights or not, communicate the message of Hanukkah — the message of our religious freedom.

The author is the rabbi at the North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station.

D irectory

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP AT STONY BROOK

380 Nicolls Road • between Rte 347 & Rte 25A (631) 751–0297 • www.uufsb.org • office@uufsb.org Rev. Margaret H. Allen (minister@uufsb.org) Sunday Service: 10:30 am

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

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

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF HUNTINGTON

109 Brown’s Road, Huntington, NY 11743 631–427–9547 • www.uufh.org Rev. G. Jude Geiger, Minister (minister@uufh.org)

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

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

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

UNITY

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

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

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

Wednesday Night Prayer Service 7:30 p.m.

Sign Language Interpreter at Sunday Service

PAGE B24 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

SBU SPORTSWEEK DEC. 7 – DEC. 13, 2017

TOMORROW IS FRIDAY – WEAR RED ON CAMPUS!

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

Men’s hoops drops close game at LIU Brooklyn The Stony Brook men’s basketball team was unable to close it out at LIU Brooklyn, as the game came down to the final minutes, with the Seawolves falling 75-71 Dec. 4. Junior Jaron Cornish led the way with 15 points as Stony Brook moves to 3-6 on the year and LIU Brooklyn to 4-6.

Cornish made it back-to-back games scoring in double figures.

“I thought tonight we played hard, but missed too many layups and free throws,” Stony Brook head coach Jeff Boals said.

“We got the ball where we wanted to offensively, but weren’t able to capitalize.”

The Seawolves jumped out to a 14-5 lead, forcing LIU Brooklyn to call an early timeout. An 11-2 run for the Blackbirds between media timeouts tied things up at 16-all midway through the first half, but Stony Brook did not give up its advantage.

LIU Brooklyn’s Joel Hernandez made a 3-pointer with under eight minutes until halftime for Stony Brook to tie the game once more, but the Seawolves quickly took back the lead and were able to make it 38-24 heading into the break.

Play remained close to open the second half, but LIU Brooklyn hit back-to-back shots to take its first lead.

The two teams traded buckets, keeping the difference within a possession until the

midway point before a three from senior Bryan Sekunda in transition gave Stony Brook a one-point lead with 3:06 to play.

The Blackbirds quickly evened things up with a free throw and were able to regain a lead they would not give up.

“Our zone was effective in the second half and we cut it to one with a chance to tie at the end, and unfortunately missed it,” Boals said. “We need to learn from this game and get ready for Thursday.”

Football season comes to a close in second round of FCS playoffs The Stony Brook football team’s season came to an end Dec. 2 in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Division I football championship with a 26-7 loss at No. 1 seeded and top-ranked James Madison University.

The Seawolves (10-3, 7-1 Colonial Athletic Association) reached the FCS playoffs with a 9-2 regular season and equaled the most wins in school history.

The Dukes (12-0, 8-0 CAA) advanced to next week’s quarterfinal and moved one step closer to defending their national title.

“Congratulations to JMU,” Stony Brook head coach Chuck Priore said. “Obviously, they are a good football team. When you win that many games in a row, you are a great football team.”

After 26 straight JMU points in the first half, and a scoreless third, Stony Brook got on the scoreboard when quarterback Joe Carbone and wide receiver Harrison Jackson connected on a 37-yard pass.

The point-after attempt by kicker Nick Courtney was good. The drive was seven plays for 68 yards.

Stony Brook gained 311 yards of total offense on 69 plays. JMU had 304 yards of

total offense on 73 plays. The Seawolves had the ball for 29:29 minutes of the game.

Carbone passed for 207 yards, and Jackson caught 124 of them. With Carbone’s 23rd touchdown of the season, the junior passed Timm Schroeder (1994) for third place in passing touchdowns in a single season at Stony Brook. Carbone also finished the season with 2,470 yards, the for second most in a season at Stony Brook, behind T.J. Moriarty’s 2,495 yards in 2004.

Running back Stacey Bedell gained 59 yards on 11 carries. He finished his career at Stony Brook with 562 carries (third most in school history), 2,954 yards (third most in school history) and 31 touchdowns (second most in school history).

Linebacker Noah McGinty collected 13 tackles, while defensive backs Gavin Heslop and Tyrice Beverette had 10 stops each.

“I thought we played hard to the final whistle,” Priore said. “The game was closer than the scoreboard in terms of how things went on the field, but we didn’t perform up to our capabilities. We were excited about being here and we are excited about preparing for next year.”

Photos from SBU

Jaron Cornish, above, and Junior Saintel, above left, were top scorers for Stony Brook in a close loss to LIU Brooklyn Dec. 4.

Senior Junior Saintel gave the Seawolves a spark in the first half, scoring 11 of his 13 points in the opening quarter.

Sekunda knocked down four threes in the

game to add 12 points off the bench.

The Seawolves remain on the road this week, taking on Columbia University today, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.

Stony Brook volleyball concludes season in NCAA opening round The Stony Brook volleyball team was unable to get by University of Nebraska in the opening round of the NCAA tournament, falling in three sets at the Devany Center Dec. 1. Junior McKyla Brooks and Sophomore Maria Poole led the Seawolves in the match with five kills apiece. The Seawolves finished the 2017 season with an 18-12 overall record.

“To have the opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament for the first time is an amazing experience,” Stony Brook head coach Kristin Belzung said. “Obviously I would have loved to see a different result, but Nebraska is a heck of a team. Offensively they had a great night. We tried to do as much as we could to dig balls, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.”

Nebraska used a steady push throughout the opening set to maintain the lead throughout. Stony Brook never allowed a long run but was unable to get anything going offensively, falling 25-10.

The Huskers jumped out to a 5-0 lead to start the second set, but Poole was able to break up the early run with a pair of

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kills. Brooks broke up a pair of late 3-point runs to try and get the Seawolves back in it, but the difference was too much as they dropped the second set 25-14.

Stony Brook kept things close early in the third, but five straight points by the Huskers broke the 4-all tie and forced the Seawolves to use their first timeout. The run ended at nine straight points before a service error by the Huskers broke it up. Nebraska continued to pull away and closed out the match with a 25-12 win.

This was the first NCAA appearance in program history after the Seawolves claimed their first America East Championship.

Stony Brook’s 18 wins this season were the most by the Seawolves since the 2007 season (24).

Sophomore LeAnne Sakowicz finished her sophomore season with 1,251 assists, ranking her ninth on Stony Brook’s singleseason charts.

Freshman Kiani Kerstetter tallied 547 digs in her collegiate debut, which is good for second on the Seawolves’ single-season list.

DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B25

KIDS KORNER

Gingerbread House Craft

Longwood Estate, located at the corner of Smith and Longwood roads in Ridge, will host a Gingerbread House Craft on Dec. 13 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Children ages 2 to 6 are invited to make a simple gingerbread house for the holidays. $10 per child. Preregistration required by calling 924-1820.

Sea Shell Ornament Workshop

As part of its Our Little Fishies pre-K program series, the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor will hold a Sea Shell Ornament Workshop on Dec. 14 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Come meet the resident hermit crab, explore different shells, enjoy story time and make a beautiful shell ornament. $12 adult/tot pair includes a snack. To register, call 367-3418.

Brrr! Winter Is Coming!

File photo

Santa Claus will be in his workshop in Port Jefferson for photos on Dec. 9.

Programs Hands on Art

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook will present a Hands on Art program for students in grades K through 4 on Dec. 7 (Responding to the Natural World) and Jan. 11 (Artists in Our Backyard) from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. $10 per class, $8 members.

Advance registration required by calling 7510066, ext. 212.

Santa’s Workshop in Port Jeff

Santa and his elves have set up shop at Drowned Meadow Cottage, corner of Barnum Avenue and West Broadway, Port Jefferson for the holidays!

Come visit them and tour the workshop on Dec. 9 from noon to 4 p.m. and take a photo with Santa. Free. Call 473-4724.

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown will hold a Tiny Tots program titled Brrr! Winter Is Coming! on Dec. 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. This is a special time for parent and child to discover the wonders of the natural world together. For ages 3 to 5. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 265-1054.

Hands on History

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook will hold a program for children in grades K through 4, Hands on History, on Dec. 14 (Mapping the Storm) and Jan. 18 (Sleigh Bells Ring) from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Visit a different gallery each month and explore history, making the past come alive. $10 per class, $8 for members. Preregistration required by calling 751-0066, ext. 212.

Theater ‘Frosty’

Santa Claus returns to the historic St. James General Store, 516 Moriches Road, St. James to meet with children and hear their wishes on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. through Dec. 23. Free. Don’t forget your camera to capture the perfect holiday card photo. For more information, call 854-3740.

He’s back! The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will present “Frosty” through Dec. 31. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow.

Jenny calls on all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! Tickets are $15. To order, call 2612900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Let’s Celebrate Light!

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

Santa visits St. James General Store

Maritime Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson will present a drop-in program titled Let’s Celebrate Light! on Dec. 9 and 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. Explore patterns while creating a luminary to light your path. $5 per person. Call 331-3277 or visit www.maritimeexplorium.org.

Victorian Holiday Party

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor invites families to its Ye Olde Victorian Holiday Party on Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ring in the holidays with a Victorian-style celebration! Dip a candle and make lots of other beautiful crafts to take home while listening to live sea shanties. $15 per child, $5 adults. For more info, call 367-3418.

Family Fun Day

Celebrate the winter holiday season with Four Harbors Audubon Society as it hosts a Family Fun Day at the Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket on Dec. 10 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Create a clamshell or bird feeder ornament or make a tic-tac-toe game as a gift. Take part in a nature walk a 2 or 3 p.m., meet a surprise live feathered friend and enjoy cookies and a warm cup of cider. Free and open to all! For additional information, email fourharborsheron@ gmail.com.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will present the holiday favorite, “Barnaby Saves Christmas,” through Dec. 30. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all their friends as they learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah and the holiday season. All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www. theatrethree.com.

‘Rapunzel’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for the musical, “Rapunzel: The Untold Story,” from Jan. 20 to Feb. 24 with a sensorysensitive performance on Jan. 21 at 11 a.m.

Ever wonder what really happened in the legend of the lass with the long, long hair? Here is a hilarious yarn of a kindly and mixed-up witch who helps straighten out a rather confused family. You won’t want to miss this story! Tickets are $10 per person. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘The Lion King’

The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will present Disney’s “The Lion King Experience” Junior Edition from Feb. 10 to 24. The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle … and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale. All seats are $15. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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

-ShElTER PET Of ThE wEEK

MEET ZARA!

What a beautiful name this little girl has! Meaning ‘princess’ in Russian and ‘star’ or ‘flower’ in Arabic, Zara is a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix who was just rescued from a high kill shelter in Texas and is safe now at Kent Animal Shelter.

Although she’s only been there a short time, she is a favorite among the volunteers who have fallen in love with her sweet and friendly disposition and her beautiful brown eyes.

By the time she is adopted, Zara will be spayed, microchipped and up to date on all her vaccines.

Wouldn’t she be a lovely addition to your family for the holidays?

Kent Animal Shelter is located at 2259 River Road in Calverton. For more information on Zara and other adoptable pets at Kent, please call 631727-5731 or visit www. kentanimalshelter.com.

Photo courtesy of Kent Animal Shelter

Seiskaya Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ returns to the Staller Center The Seiskaya Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” a perennial holiday favorite on Long Island, returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts for a six-performance run from Friday, December 15 to Monday, December 18.

This classical ballet rendition has earned praise from critics and audiences alike. Hailed in its 1995 debut as Long Island’s most lavish “Nutcracker,” the Seiskaya Ballet production of the classic holiday ballet is a truly international collaboration, choreographed by world-renowned Russian-born choreographer Valia Seiskaya. Newsday called the production “enchanting” and the New York Times praised it as “lavish.”

This year’s cast will be led by guest artist Nick Coppula, formerly with the Pittsburgh Ballet, who will play the role of Cavalier, and Seiskaya’s award-winning principal dancers Jenna Lee, Diana Atoian and Brianna Jimenez along Guest artist Nick Coppula with first soloists Max Lippman, Jamie Bergold, Amber with partner Seiskaya Ballet principal dancer Jenna Lee Donnelly, Graciela Carrero-Sagona and Lara Caraiani. of Kings Park in the elegant Performances will be held on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., Sugar Plum Pas de Deux.

Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17 at 1 and 6 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 adults, $34 children and seniors, and $30 for groups of 20 or more; on sale now at the Staller Center Box Office at 631-632-ARTS and at www.nutcrackerballet.com. (Box office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and one hour prior to all performances. Online seat selection is available for all shows.) ©154189

PAGE B26 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

Puppets on Parade On Dec. 3, legends and spies from history such as Culper Spy Ring members Major Benjamin Tallmadge and Caleb Brewster, prominent shipbuilder Jonas Smith and philanthropists Ward and Dorothy Melville joined Stony Brook and neighboring residents to ring in the holiday season.

The village’s 38th annual holiday festival featured the historic characters in giant puppet form, created by Processional Arts Workshop, during the event’s Puppets

Processional led by The Jazz Loft owner Tom Manuel and his band.

Santa was on hand to hear all the children’s’ wishes and take photos.

Additional activities at the event organized by The Ward Melville Heritage Organization included live music with WALK Radio, a performance by Roseland School of Dance, carolers, a holiday train display at the Cultural Center and Wiggs Optician’s holiday windows.

— Rita J. Egan

Photos by Heidi sutton

DECEMBER 07, 2017 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B27

KIDS TIMES

From left, Kayleen Everitt and son, students Heather Quiggle, Sophie Blumenthal and teacher Monica Consalvo DICKENSIAN POETS Three students from Port Jefferson Middle School, Heather Quiggle, Hugo Onghal and Sophie Blumenthal, under the direction of teacher Monica Consalvo, were invited to read their poetry to kick off Port Jefferson’s 22nd annual Charles Dickens Festival last Saturday morning.

The poems were read in front of the Village Center with Mayor Margot Garant and Dickens Festival volunteers in attendance.

Winter in Port Jefferson

By Heather Quiggle, Grade 8 Port Jefferson Middle School

Port Jefferson is crowded The Dickens Festival is here!!

Visitors in town looking for cheer Fun at the Village Center The joy of Christmas all around People gathering all around to hear the music The cookie walk comes to the church across from Theatre 3 Carolers come and sing for the residents Fun is all around Port Jefferson is a great and fun place to be in the winter time

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Feelings At A Fire

By Hugo Onghal, Grade 8 Port Jefferson Middle School

As I stand around the fire …

My face is rosy red.

My eyes are lit by a vibrant display of reds and oranges.

My body is comforted by a gentle warmth.

My ears resonate with the satisfying crackles of logs.

My heart fills with the passionate roaring fire.

My nose inhales the smoky air.

My hands shake as I hold my marshmallow stick.

My mouth waters at smells of marshmallows.

My mind is calm and relaxed.

A Magical Night

By Sophie Blumenthal, Grade 7 Port Jefferson Middle School

Hot chocolate and gingerbread sweet in house Santa runs quickly, as swift as a mouse He gobbles up the goodies as quick as can be And fills up stockings, 1, 2, 3!

The children are sleeping, anxious to see Their new gifts from Santa, what could they be?

Even the parents get on with the fun As excited and joyous as their crazy young son!

Three little feet run down the steps The parents say “are you ready?” they say yes!

The girls got dolls, the boy, chess They all felt happy, no stress!

The children and parents opened their gifts And of course they were lovely and great But the magic is not in the gifts they agreed The real magic of Christmas is family indeed!

PAGE B28 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • DECEMBER 07, 2017

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