Community Corner

Weird News: Flash Mob Hits the Mall; Local Wine Made Into Frozen Treat

Some stories are downright strange. Here's our wrap-up from around northern Suffolk and the East End.

As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to inspiring tales of community brotherhood. But some stories are just plain weird. Here are some of the stranger headlines from the past seven days.

Musical Flash Mob Takes Over Smith Haven Mall
Local high school students put on a concert for shoppers at the Smith Haven Mall last week, but there was one twist — they didn't know it was coming.

The scene started with Commack High School music director Shane Helfner and one lonely drummer. Then, two clarinet players joined her, pulling their instruments out of their decoy shopping bags. Soon after, the horns came in. Then, the flutes, saxophones, trombones and even a bassoon. Within a few minutes, all eyes were on the group of about 20 students, giving an impromptu performance of Maurice Ravel's "Bolero."

Sorbet With a Kick
Shoppers who headed to Tanger Outlets in Riverhead last Saturday for the Food Truck Derby event were able to stop by the Empire State Cellars tasting room — and sample Frosae Wine Sorbae, the original frozen dessert created with wine.  
Frosae has locked in the alcohol and taste of wine into three varieties: a Royal Red, an Elegant White and a Chocolate Merlot.  Each has less than a 5 percent alcohol content and are meant for those older than 21.  

All varieties are currently on sale at the Empire State Wine Cellars in individual servings.  

North Fork wines were used to create the sorbet: Peconic Bay wines were used to create a customized blend of Frosae; Raphael Vineyard is also onboard, not only selling Frosae Wine Sorbae — their reds, whites and chocolate merlots are produced using their proprietary blend of fine wines.


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