With the Memorial Day weekend behind us, it’s time to enjoy outdoor get-togethers such as barbecues and lazy days on the beach. Unfortunately, this time of year also means more drivers under the influence on our roads and more inexperienced ones, too.
When attending a party, it’s pretty simple. If you plan on drinking alcohol or ingesting other substances that can impair your senses, make sure you have a plan. There is no excuse for driving under the influence. Once upon a time, someone who planned on drinking needed to have a designated driver, plan to sleep over at the place where they were partying or call a taxi. Sometimes many partiers found themselves with a designated person who decided they would have a little fun, too. Or, with no room to sleep at the house where the party was held or a taxi that never showed up, they then got behind the wheel of a car and took off. Nowadays, with phone apps to order car services such as Uber or Lyft, there’s no excuse for driving under the influence of any substance.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019, 10,142 people lost their lives due to drunk-driving crashes in the U.S. That’s 10,142 lives that were lost unnecessarily. But there is even more to watch out for on the road during those hot months besides drunk drivers.
Memorial Day to Labor Day has become known as the “100 deadliest days” of the year as the teen driver death rate increases. According to AAA, from the unofficial start of summer to its unofficial end, there are “more fatal crashes per day, on average, involving teen drivers compared to the rest of the year.”
A study by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found more than 7,000 teens died in such crashes from 2010-19 in the U.S. In New York state, during the same period, 473 teen drivers died in car crashes. Risk factors include teens lack of driving skills and experiences behind the wheel and the unstructured time that summer brings with kids out of school and not having as many activities such as sports and clubs. There are also other risk factors such as texting while driving, running red lights, driving aggressively and not wearing a seat belt.
What can one do when they’re traveling the roads besides watching out for drivers who are weaving in or out or running red lights? The best thing is to set an example of good driving habits on the road, especially when young people are in the passenger seats, which means cinching that seat belt, no texting or talking on the phone, no eating or drinking while steering.
And to play a part in keeping impaired drivers off the road, of course, when you’re hosting a party, make arrangements for your guests who will be indulging themselves.
The summertime should be time for fun, not for tears. Let’s keep the roads in our community safe, not only for the next few months but all year long. It just takes making a few wise decisions.
Huntington Blue Devils celebrate their victory over the Northport Tigers on Thursday, May 27. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Huntington catcher Dylan Schnitzer blocks a ball in the dirt. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Huntington Relief Pitcher Alex Bellissimo recorded the final two outs in Blue Devil win vs. Northport. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport C/3B Richard Kershow rounding third base and heading home. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Pitcher Joe Gonzales. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Pitcher Joe Gonzales. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport Designated Hitter William Deriso. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport catcher Mike Catrone gets a face full of smoke. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Huntington Pitcher Palmer O’Beirne fires a pitch against Northport. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Outfielder Dan Thomson of Northport. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Lefthander Palmer O’Beirne struck out nine Northport Tigers in the win. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Huntington Pitcher Palmer O’Beirne fires a pitch against Northport. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Palmer O'Beirne taking a cut against Northport. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Shortstop Chris Segreti of Huntington. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Huntington Blue Devil Kyle Colleluori. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Northport reliever Matt Mosher was effective in relief against Huntington. Photo by Steven Zaitz
By Steven Zaitz
The Houdinis of Huntington pulled off yet another escape — and it was the bullpen that wrote the final act.
The Blue Devils fended off a wild seventh inning comeback attempt by the Northport Tigers and won by a score of 4-3, May 27 in Huntington. Devils starting pitcher Palmer O’Beirne was brilliant again, going 6 1/3 innings and striking out nine. Closer Alex Bellissimo got the last two outs with the bases loaded to end the game.
“That last inning was definitely a lot of pressure, for sure,” the senior Bellissimo said. “But the whole time I was thinking that I’ve got to close it out for Palmer because he pitched a great game. I just stayed relaxed and tried to execute my pitches.”
While Bellissimo was relaxing, everyone else in attendance was on the edge of their seats — in the dugouts and in the stands. As the afternoon settled into early dusk, the other extra-curricular activities around the Huntington High School Athletic Complex had ended.Lacrosse players, cheerleaders and other members of the student body began to buzz around the ballfield to watch these two fiery rivals play this seventh and deciding inning. They were in for a treat.
Three weeks prior to this game, Huntington stunned Northport with four runs in their final turn at bat to turn a 4-2 deficit into a 6-4 victory. Northport was looking for a little payback.
But O’Beirne, a junior, was perfect through three innings in this rematch and had given up only three hits and a run through six. He came out for the seventh inning having thrown 95 pitches and immediately showed signs of fatigue by giving up a single to Richard Kershow to start the inning. He had struck Kershow out twice before.
“I got two strikes on him and tried to finish him off with a curve,” the 6-foot-3-inch fireballer said. “I left it up a little bit and he was able to get it into right field for a hit. I wish I stuck with my fastball there.”
After getting sophomore Owen Johansen to fly out to right, Tiger first baseman Joe Gonzales lined a double to right center, bringing the potential tying run to the plate and knocking O’Beirne, tired or not, out of the game, as he reached his pitch count maximum of 105.
“I would have liked to have been out there to finish the game,” O’Beirne said. “I was counting pitches in my head instead of focusing on getting the batters out.”
So O’Beirne, who was named after Baltimore Oriole pitching great Jim Palmer, moved over to first base and his teammate Bellissimo was called upon to put out a smoldering fire — and things were about to get even hotter.
Northport shortstop Ray Moreno drove in Kershow with a single to right. Speedy leftfielder Tom Tini, who saved two runs the previous inning with a spinning circus catch, legged out an infield hit on a very close play at first base. Gonzales came in to score on Tini’s hit and Huntington’s lead was suddenly just a single run.
Right fielder Rocco Stola drew a walk, loading the bases and more importantly, putting the potential tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position with only one out.
Northport catcher Mike Catrone stepped up to the plate.He had driven in a run with a well-struck liner in the previous inning but was thrown out trying to stretch his hit into a double. But Bellissimo got him to pop out to third and the Devils were one out away from victory — the late spring daylight now fading as the drama came to its crescendo.
Number three hitter and centerfielder Dan Thompson was the last hope for Northport.
“Getting that pop out was huge and took some of the pressure off,” Bellissimo said. “But I still had one more out to get.”
With two strikes, Thomson smoked a humpback liner to straightaway center field.The pinging sound of aluminum on rawhide set off alarm bells over the now-hushed diamond. Centerfielder Kyle Colleluori, who seems to find a way to contribute every time he steps on a baseball field, ranged over a few steps to his left to snag the liner before it could find the grass. Ballgame over. Blue Devils win.
“Off the bat, I thought it was hit pretty good and maybe they just took the lead,” said the relieved reliever Bellissimo. “But I turned around and saw that Kyle was there, as he always is. What a great win!”
With the victory, Huntington and Northport, along with Bay Shore and Connetquot, sit atop the League II standings and are scrambling to best each other for playoff seeding.
“In our league, almost anyone can beat anyone,” O’Beirne said. “There are no guarantees.”
If these two teams meet again, it will be in the League II playoffs, and if recent history is any indication, there is one thing that can be guaranteed — that game will have another seventh inning storybook ending.
Amongst the Middle Country Public Library’s many historical artifacts are a few that explain just how far the area has come from its pastoral roots. The picture and story below comes courtesy of a collaborative effort among the librarian staff.
Photo from MC Library
The junction of Boyle and Middle Country Roads in Selden was the setting for this early 1940s winter view of the homestead of Wendell Shipman Still (1896-1954) and his wife, Pauline Dare Still (1895-1950). They were married on March 29, 1920 and raised two daughters, Maybelle and Lucille in this home.
Wendell served in the U.S. Navy during World War I, and after receiving an honorable discharge in 1919, he returned to Long Island and purchased a truck farm in Selden. Still grew vegetables and raised poultry as a source of income.
By the 1940s, his poultry plant had the capacity to raise 250,000 chickens per year. He was a successful businessman, establishing Wendell Still Enterprises. Later, Still became a wholesale gasoline distributor and retailer of fuel oil and kerosene, as well as marketing various products, including different types of feed and commercial fertilizer.
Wendell was a very civic-minded citizen and a member of the American legion, the Selden Volunteer Fire Department, and the Port Jefferson Yacht Club. He also served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Selden Public School District.
Photo from MC Library
Pauline (Dare) Still was a lifelong resident of Selden. She attended public school in there and continued her education at the Patchogue High School. Pauline graduated from Cortland State Teachers College in 1916 and taught in both the Selden and Centereach schools for a period of 12 years. In this charming 1896 photograph, baby Pauline sits with her parents, Samuel and Henrietta (Wicks) Dare.
Pauline was very active in church, civic and local affairs, serving in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Selden American Legion, the Ladies’ Aid Society of the Coram Trinity, National Society of Daughters of the Union 1861-1865, Order of the Eastern Star and the Coram and Selden Community Clubs.
She also was one of the founders of the Farmingville Reunion Association and was instrumental in obtaining the Bald Hill School House when it was to be removed in 1929. The Greek Revival Style School House had served the community continuously from 1850 until 1929. Today, the Farmingville Historical society runs educational, recreational and virtual events in the School House and on the property.
Samuel Dare, Age 16. This image was donated to the library’s collection by Samuel Dare’s great grandson and area resident, Larry Grignon.
Pauline’s father, Samuel Dare (1847-1913) was a Civil War veteran who enlisted in the Union army in 1863 at the age of 16. Samuel was part of the 165th Regiment, 2d Duryea Zouaves, (an elite fighting force) which was a division of the NY Volunteer Infantry. In this portrait, Samuel is dressed a Zouave uniform which included woolen trousers, shirt, waistband, jacket, and traditional tasseled hat.
Samuel was a lifelong member of Selden, active in community affairs, and member of a fraternal organization called the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). This group was comprised of members of the Union Army, Navy and Marines who fought in the U. S. Civil War. He was a prominent member of the Selden community for many years, serving as a member of the Brookhaven Board of Trustees, serving as its president from 1894-1897.
As COVID hit and stay-at-home orders began, alcohol sales and consumption skyrocketed.Nielsen reported a 54% increase in national sales of alcohol for the week ending March 21, 2020, compared with the year prior; online sales increased 262% from 2019. In several national surveys, more than half of adult respondents said that they were drinking more frequently — often daily — and many said that they were having more drinks at each sitting, with about a third engaging in potentially dangerous binge drinking.
The jump in alcohol use was largest among women and not surprisingly, people of all ages cited increased stress, anxiety and grief coupled with increased alcohol availability and boredom as contributing factors.
As the world returns to “normal” and day drinking memes on social media begin to fade, some of those who have become accustomed to a 3 p.m. drink or who have increased the number of glasses of wine or beer they consume with dinner will have a hard time going back.
How do you know if you’re drinking too much?
According to the federal government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. This definition refers to the amount consumed on any single day and is not intended as an average over several days. The Dietary Guidelines, however, also say that people who don’t usually drink alcohol shouldn’t take that as a green light to start.
The Dietary Guidelines define a one alcoholic drink equivalent as containing 14 g (0.6 fl oz) of pure alcohol, which includes 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol), 5 fluid ounces of wine (12% alcohol), or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits (40% alcohol).
In comparison to moderate alcohol consumption, high-risk drinking is the consumption of four or more drinks on any day or eight or more drinks per week for women and five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more drinks per week for men. Binge drinking is the consumption within about two hours of four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men.
Excessive alcohol consumption, which includes binge drinking, high-risk drinking, and any drinking by pregnant women or those under 21 years of age comes with significant risks. Excessive drinking increases the risk of many chronic diseases and violence and, over time, can impair short- and long-term cognitive function. Binge drinking is associated with a wide range of health and social problems, including sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancy, accidental injuries, and violent crime.
As scary as all that can be, there’s a ton of help available both in our local communities and online, where trained professionals can help you assess your drinking and if need be, help you come up with strategies to cut-back or quit. At FCA, we operate two state licensed outpatient treatment centers, two recovery centers and recovery coaching (Call 516-746-0350 or visit FCALI.org). LICADD runs a 24-hour assessment and referral hotline at 631-979-1700 as does Response at 631-751-7500 and Project Hope at 1-844-863-9314.
There are also a number of free or low-cost addiction recovery smartphone apps that give consumers 24/7 access to self-help and tracking tools, 12-step programs, motivational tools, and reminders. Sober Grid, SoberTool, Nomo, WEconnect, rTribe, and 24 Hours a Day are just a few of the popular resources. Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs have meetings online, along with a host of other online sobriety support groups. Of these, Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART), Loosid, LifeRing, Club Soda, Women for Sobriety, and Tempest are among the top-rated.
Emerging from COVID and returning to normal is going to look different for everyone. If it’s proving to be challenging for you or someone you love, pick up the phone, fire up your computer and reach out for help today. You are not alone.
Dr. Reynolds is the President/CEO of Family and Children’s Association (FCA), one of Long Island’s oldest and largest nonprofits providing addiction prevention, treatment and recovery services.
We are proud to present our second Times Beacon Record News Media Artist Coloring Book contest winners. Our intentions for the coloring book and contest was to offer our local art community grand exposure by fostering appreciation for the arts, as well as providing an enriching cultural experience for our audience.
We are grateful to Bank of America as our Coloring Book partner, to all the artists who contributed a beautiful gallery of sketches and to our coloring contest participants who submitted beautifully colored drawings, as well as our voters. Look for the winner’s colored masterpieces in select Bank of America financial centers.To see the rest of the contestant’s entries, visit our TBR Facebook page: facebook.com/tbrbewsmedia and check out the photo galleries.
Congratulations to all our winners!
Category 1: Ages 5-12
Winner
Mia Radi
COLORIST
Mia Radi, 5, Suffolk County
‘Nova’ by Marlene Bezich
1. What did you think of the coloring book?
“It Looked Beautiful.”
2. Why did you select this drawing to color?
“I chose to color the doggie because my Nanny and Poppy have a doggie. Her name is Cali.”
3. What are your other hobbies?
“I like to play with Anthony. I love to play with my Mommy. I like to do Art.”
Marlene Bezich with her dog Nova
ARTIST
Marlene Bezich, Port Jefferson
‘Nova’
1. What did you like about the winning colorist’s submission?
“First of all for a five year old her color understanding is amazing!!!Color is very important to me in my artwork, I love Mia’s color choices!She has successfully juxtapositioned complimentary colors to create a delight to the eye!!!!Under further examination I feel that wrapping Nova in an orange background gives Nova’s spirit a feeling of love and warmth.Her blue face indications “true blue” loyalty, and her green chest a sign of rebirth!I noticed she stayed well between the lines displaying a very organized personality!!! Her family should be truly proud of her!!!!”
2. What was your inspiration for the drawing?
“Nova is my sister’s dog who they rescued from the Brookhaven Town Shelter.She is the sweetest most loyal companion anyone could want.Her markings are stunning, so as an animal lover I just had to capture her!Hopefully this should be an example of the many wonderful dogs and cats available for adoption!They deserve a chance too!!”
3. What did you think of the coloring book?
“I loved the coloring book!!! So many different subjects and styles!!! I’m so proud to be among the many talented artists who participated.A Big THANK YOU for including us!!!!!!!”
4. What are your other hobbies?
“I love gardening and cooking!”
Runner Up
Junior Rivas
COLORIST
Junior Rivas, 11, Central Islip
‘KAMAHAMEHA!!!’ by Clara Heller
Why did you select this drawing to color?
“Out of all the pictures to choose from, this was my favorite because I like Dragon Ball Z and Goku.”
ARTIST
Clara Heller, Port Jefferson
‘KAMAHAMEHA!!!’
What was your inspiration for the drawing?
“I grew up drawing, and I grew up watching Toonami, especially Dragon Ball Z. I stopped drawing regularly as I got older, but when the pandemic hit and I suddenly had all this free time, I thought I’d give it another try. And what better subject than that of my favorite childhood anime! I’m just happy other people appreciate Goku as much as I do!”
Category 2: Ages 13-19
Winner
Rebecca Fear
COLORIST
Rebecca Fear, 19, South Setauket
‘Nature’s Healing Spirit’ by Iris Rosenhagen
1. What did you think of the coloring book?
“ I loved this coloring book because it included some beautiful pieces from different talented artists that brought a lot of positivity to me during this past year.”
2. Why did you select this drawing to color?
“I chose the piece Nature’s Healing Spirit because during this past year it’s important for everyone to find something to heal themselves during these difficult times. Through this coloring page I was able to use many vibrant colors and intricate detail. Coloring is relaxing for me and helped me heal during a stressful time. While coloring this page I had my newly adopted dog on my lap, which was also calming for me.”
3. What are your other hobbies?
“My other hobbies are singing, dancing, coloring, drawing, acting and volunteering.”
Iris Rosenhagen
ARTIST
Iris Rosenhagen, Selden
‘Nature’s Healing Spirit’
1. What did you like about the winning colorist’s submission?
“I love Rebecca’s use of jewel tones. The colors that she used and her out of the box thinking for how to apply them are very much how I envisioned it had I colored it.”
2. What was your inspiration for the drawing?
“The subject of my drawing was inspired by this past year. Everyone has faced many challenges and fortunately nature has been an incredibly therapeutic outlet for healing.”
3. What did you think of the coloring book?
“Everyone’s art is just so beautiful, and I’m honored to be a part of it. In addition to Mother Nature being one of the best healers, so is art, and it’s wonderful that the community had this opportunity to experience and create art together.”
4. What are your other hobbies?
“Some of my other hobbies include yoga, holistic healing, vegan cooking, eco-activism, birding, and hiking.”
Runner Up
COLORIST
Ella Psaltos, 16, Port Washington
‘Let’s Clean Up!’ by Bina Firestone
Why did you select this drawing to color?
“I chose that image because it reminded me of an old cartoon.”
ARTIST
Bina Firestone, Port Jefferson Station
‘Let’s Clean Up!’
What was your inspiration for the drawing?
“The drawing was from a watercolor I had recently completed. I had wanted to create a winter scene, but something different than a pristine and peaceful landscape. I started out with the idea of sending a snowplow through a residential neighborhood. Then I remembered how, after a snow, all the neighbors would emerge from their homes, and the street would become a hive of activity, so I added the people to the scene.”
Category 3: Ages 20+
Winner
COLORIST
Hedi Flickstein, Coram
‘Lily’ by Christopher Reisman
1. What did you think of the coloring book?
“It was very good. I wish more of the drawings had white space to color.”
2. Why did you select this drawing to color?
“It was a very beautiful rendition of the picture.I wanted to add things like eyeshadow, lipstick and nail polish.She needed some beautification.”
3. What are your other hobbies?
“Senior groups, school related groups, Legislative groups, groups that help the handicapped.”
Christopher Reisman
ARTIST
Christopher Reisman, Shoreham
‘Lily’
1. What did you like about the winning colorist’s submission?
“I love theway the artist took Lily to a new look and dressed her up a bit. Fabulous!”
2. What was your inspiration for the drawing?
“My inspiration for the drawing came from a picture in the New York Times Magazine section several years ago. I fell in love with the pose and the mystique of the lady. I added the flowers and Lily was born.”
3. What did you think of the coloring book?
“I think the coloringbook gives a wonderful view of fine art by Long Island artists. I think this should be very inspiring to a lot of people. What a great way to add more beauty into the world, which the world really needs.”
4. What are your other hobbies?
“My other hobbies are making music, sewing and gardening and taking care of our wonderful magic sanctuary every day. Actually my sewing is more than a hobby. It is a great creativejoyful experience for me to design and make one of a kind wearable art. I love it.”
Runner Up
COLORIST
Evelyn Rose, 78, Smithtown
‘Nature’s Healing Spirit’ by Iris Rosenhagen
Why did you select this drawing to color?
“She was very whimsical!”
ARTIST
Iris Rosenhagen
‘Nature’s Healing Spirit’
What was your inspiration for the drawing?
“In addition to being inspired by nature, I was inspired by the future colorists.I love the idea of someone interacting with my art.The opportunity of two creative energies coming together is so motivating to me.”
And there’s more!Six Long Island nonprofits, chosen by the winners & artists,will share $10,000 in community funding from Bank of America.
The incomparable Sophia Bica of Northport. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Recently, three student-athletes from Northport High School shared their experiences with playing sports during the pandemic.
Emma Blanco
Emma Blanco, senior
Four weeks and only eight games — that is all the Northport Lady Tigers got this season.
Compared to the four months that we usually get for a basketball season, you can definitely say that this year was something different. The Covid-19 pandemic was something that no one saw coming, and it hit everyone hard. Last year, our season was cut short right before we were about to play the Long Island Girls Championship game. This year we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to get on the court again after so much uncertainty about resuming high school sports. COVID-19 was something that no high school sport had ever experienced, and as the winter season was the first that could play, we were the guinea pigs. The masks, social distancing, weekly testing and contact tracing was new territory for everyone.
In the past, we would have been practicing and playing in both summer and fall leagues. These programs not only help us grow as a team skills wise, but give us more time to bond as teammates.
Luckily, all the girls who returned this year had played on the varsity team last year or had been pulled up from the junior varsity team for playoffs in 2020. I knew from the first practice that all the girls were excited, motivated, and ready to get on the court again, and we were determined to make the best of the short season that we were given.
The uncertainty that surrounded the season was definitely stressful. Hearing about other teams that could not play because they were in quarantine after a teammate tested positive — we knew that the season could be taken away just as fast as it started.The optimistic and positive attitude that our team had from the beginning was so crucial to our team’s success. We all knew how important it was to follow the guidelines so that everyone stayed healthy during the season.
Due to COVID restrictions, fans were not allowed at any of our games. We ran a fundraiser that allowed all of our families and fans to purchase cardboard cutouts that would be placed in the stands during all of our home games.It was nice to look out into the stands and see familiar faces, but it did not come close to comparing to the roaring crowds that were in the stands the previous year. Our team filled the void by keeping a positive attitude on and off the court. Although this was not the season that everyone had hoped for, it was an unforgettable experience that will go down in Northport Lady Tiger history.
I am so grateful that I had the chance to lead the team as co-captain and to play as a Northport Lady Tiger one last time before graduating in both basketball and field hockey. I will always look back on my years as a Lady Tiger with the fondest of memories.
Emma Blanco plays girls basketball and was captain in 2021 and was part of the 2020 Suffolk County Championship team. She was named All League II in 2021 and Suffolk County All-Academic team with an average over 100.
She also plays field hockey and was part of the Suffolk County and Long Island Championship team in 2021.
Sophia Yearwood
Sophia Yearwood, junior
Having an opportunity to play in the 2021 season gave us hope and relief. As a team we all began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was proud to be on the court with teammates who demonstrated such resilience and determination. We had to accept a new reality which was having less time to sharpen our skills, prepare, and bond as a team for this season.
We did face some adversity, as we had injuries, quarantines and losses that could have and should have been wins. However, we relied on one another to keep us strong and focused, while continuing to develop as a team. Our coaches emphasize the importance of teamwork and encouraged us to inspire and motivate each other.
I remember the day of our first game this season. I think we were all so excited that it was in fact happening when there had been so much doubt. I remember proudly putting on my uniform and walking into the gym.It was such a great feeling to see all my teammates dressed in their uniforms as well ready to play! I could feel the energy, anticipation and emotion that filled the room. It actually felt like we were all returning home after being away for way too long.
Sophia Yearwood plays on the girls basketball team and was part of the 2020 Suffolk County Championship team and a three-year starter, All County in 2020 and 2021 and on Newsday’s Top 100 players on Long Island. She is also a starter for the varsity volleyball team.
Sophia Bica
Sophia Bica, junior
The best word I could use to describe playing sports during the pandemic is ‘differen.t’
Every team had to adjust to the new rules made by the state such as getting tested before games and wearing masks as we played. I think the toughest thing teams had to deal with was the testing because it would take a lot of time out of the day.Also, if the team that you played had somebody with a positive COVID-19 test, your team would get quarantined too.
I can confidently say that everybody involved was more than willing to do all of these things just so we could have a season. Although a couple of teams only played one or two games, my teams were fortunate enough to play full seasons although it was very different from what we are used to. But all of the girls, players and coaches, on every team, came together to make the most of it.
Sophia Bica plays on the girls basketball team. She is a three-year starter, All County in 2020 and 2021 and on Newsday’s Top 100 players on Long Island. She was a Suffolk County Basketball Champion in 2020. She is captain of the field hockey team that won both Suffolk County and Long Island Championships in 2021 and was this year’s Suffolk County Player of the Year for field hockey as well as First Team All Long Island and All New York State.
In observance of Memorial Day, the office of TBR News Media will be closed today, Monday, May 31. Thank you to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it.
It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”
Town of Brookhaven residents gathered on Tuesday morning to honor Glen “Doc” Moody Jr., an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who passed away April 8, 2020 at just 39 years old.
The town renamed Groveland Park Boulevard and 7th Street in Sound Beach after the heroic Marine.
The Moody family embraced each other as the street sign — which read “HM2 Glen ‘Doc’ Moody” — was revealed to the community. They were also presented with a proclamation by Councilwoman, Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) stating May 25 will be declared as “Glen ‘Doc’ Moody Day” in the Town of Brookhaven.
The new sign is located adjacent to the Moody household.
“Growing up, Glen was really into GI Joes and guns,” said Glen’s brother George Moody. “So, there’s a lot of memories growing up in this home with him.”
Photo by Kimberly Brown
Joined by Navy personnel, veterans, police officers and firefighters, Moody was largely recognized by fellow war heroes and the community for the sacrifices he had made for his country.
After serving as an FMF Corpsman with the United States Marines for six years, Moody, of Miller Place, returned home unaware he was about to face one of his toughest battles yet, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Although Moody suffered from his disorder, Moody’s family highlighted the positive influence he created by being an active member of the community.
“He started working with the Lt. Michael Murphy Sea Cadets. He would dress in fatigues and pack up all his equipment,” George said. “Something about it just lit him up to get out there and help these kids, teach them what he knows, and instill confidence and pride in them.”
In efforts to aid Moody with his disorder, his family reached out to the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation in California, which trains service dogs for veterans and first responders. With the support of the community, the Moody family was able to fundraise for a service dog named Independence.
Moody had also been involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and led the Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Team.
“This is what Glen always wanted to do, to help others and back our country up. That’s really what he was all about,” George added.
Bonner said the late veteran was a tremendous advocate in speaking about PTSD.
“Even though Glen is gone from this Earth, his legacy and advocacy continue to live on and bring awareness and help to those suffering with PTSD,” she said.
TBR News Media talked to Moody in 2015 about a fundraiser he hosted at Napper Tandy’s in Miller Place. The event was aimed to raise PTSD awareness and raise money to help veterans afford and obtain a PTSD service dog.
“I’m not the only guy [suffering] — I know I’m not,” Moody said at the time. “When I talk to veterans, they say the same thing. We need more awareness and that’s what I’m doing.”
Gerard Romano of Port Jefferson Station snapped this photo at Satterly Landing Park in Mount Sinai on May 20. He writes, ‘This image struck me as interesting in the fact that I have never observed a pair of mute swans nesting.
State Sen. Mario Mattera speaks at the May 21 press conference. Photo by Julianne Mosher
Last week, May 21, dozens of people from all walks of life gathered in front of the state office in Hauppauge to talk about how New York needs to fix its roadways.
Spearheaded by county Legislator Nick Caracappa (R-Selden), he had a bipartisan group of local and state representatives, as well as advocates for the safety of drivers, riders and walkers.
The idea behind the press conference was to demand that Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) fund more money toward fixing our roadways.
Ironically enough, that morning, a $30.6 million investment for resurface and repair projects was granted for Long Island state roads.
But the meeting was still relevant.
We heard the stories of motorcyclists, bike riders and people who choose to walk alongside state-run roads. They said how terrifying it is to navigate through the craters within the streets that are otherwise called potholes.
They are dangerous, and we applaud the legislator for standing his ground demanding more. We all complain that the roads are terrible around here — some towns are better than others because they have jurisdiction over their lanes. But when it comes to state roads — roads like Route 25 which drives completely through our newspapers’ coverage area, the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State Parkway — not only is it scary when you unintentionally hit a pothole, but it can be damaging to our vehicles.
Is New York State going to pay us back for the blown-out tires we’ve gotten driving to work? Are they going to repair our dented rims?
No, they won’t. But the least the state can do is continuously fix up the large holes that sink into the blacktop.
We know that it’s hard to keep up with. We know a lot of work goes into it. But after Friday’s conference, we know that there are many of us who want our major roadways to be safe.
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