Quogue Community Notes, January 21

The surprise flakes that flew on Sunday afternoon announced that winter may have finally arrived in earnest, and the frigid temperatures predicted for this week might serve to prove the point.That said, At Quaquanantuck falls into the camp that hopes the forecast for a significant snowfall at the end of this week is either completely inaccurate or at least monumentally overblown.

The Quogue Library has an informative and important program on the schedule for Saturday, January 23, at 2 p.m. In “Medical Ethics for Patients: How Knowledge About Ethics and Patient Rights Can Help You Optimize Your Health Care,” the Rev. Michael Vetrano, pastor of Sacred Hearts Church in Southampton, will discuss the advantages of patients having a better understanding of this aspect of modern medicine.

Physicians are required to study the ethical and social issues related to the practice of medicine in order to enhance their understanding of patient rights, autonomy and compassionate care. In Saturday’s program, Rev. Vetrano will examine the growing body of real world knowledge suggesting that patients should be better educated about their own rights and responsibilities and about how to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals.

An instructor at Stony Brook University School of Medicine for more than 15 years, Rev. Vetrano holds a doctorate in medical ethics from Fordham University and is currently the director of the Stony Brook medical school’s ethics and humanities courses. Call the library at 653-4224 if you plan to attend.

Today, Thursday, launches the second week of the Hampton Theatre Company production of Theresa Rebeck’s “Dead Accounts,” which runs through Sunday, January 31, with performances on Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m.

An interesting feature of tonight’s performance is that it will be followed by a talkback with members of the cast and the director, who will answer questions and discuss some of the issues addressed in the play.

Audiences for the first four performances last weekend have been spreading some very positive buzz about this production, calling it both funny and thought provoking.

The play tells the story of Jack Leonard, a native son of Cincinnati, Ohio, who makes a surprise visit to his home after toiling in high finance in New York. His sister Lorna, now living at home, and his mother, Barbara, are both concerned about the absence of Jack’s wife, Jenny, and how Jack came to be in possession of a phenomenal amount of money.

To reserve tickets, visit www.hamptontheatre.org, or call OvationTix at 1-866-811-4111.

Can’t beat the Quogue Wildlife Refuge for creative fundraising. For exhibit A, At Quaquanantuck offers the “Paint Party LI” scheduled in the Nature Center on Friday, January 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. Artist Melissa Digiose will guide participants through the creation of a beautiful work of art in this lovely fundraiser for the refuge.

For a $50 donation, participants will receive a 16-by-20-inch canvas, all art supplies needed, professional instruction, one glass of wine, and tasty snacks. Coffee and tea will also be available. Reservations are required (653-4771) and payment must be made at time of reservation.

The night after the Paint Party, on Saturday, January 23 (provided the snow holds off and the sky is clear), the QWR will host the next Full Moon Night Hike, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

During the 90-minute walk through the forest up to North Pond and back, adults and families with children age 11 and up will look and listen for nocturnal creatures and undertake some night vision activities under the light of the moon.

This program is free for Wildlife Refuge members. Reservations are required though (653-4771), at least 24 hours in advance, along with payment of the $5 fee for members and $10 fee for non-members.

The Knights of Columbus of Hampton Bays will be holding a Blood Drive on Sunday, January 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 31 East Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays.

Whether or not you have a new year’s resolution to support the idea, January is the perfect month to get started connecting with the Earth and connecting with yourself—mind, body and spirit—via the one-hour gentle yoga class in the main room of the Nature Center at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.

Offered on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., this yoga program for all fitness levels is taught by Amy Hess, a certified yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance. The fee is $12 per class, and students must bring their own mats. Walk-ins are welcome, but payment with preregistration is encouraged. Call the refuge at 653-4771 for more information.