Yearly Archives: 2024

The new sign marking St. John’s historic cemetery. Photo by Lauren Feldman

By Lauren Feldman

St. John’s Episcopal Church of Huntington unveiled the new sign fronting its cemetery on Sunday, Sept. 8. The unveiling was accompanied by a lecture on the complex history of both St. John’s and the cemetery grounds, provided by local historians and preservationists.

Locals will note that the cemetery, located across from Huntington Hospital, is more than a stone’s throw from the church’s current location on the corner of Main Street and Prospect Street. 

They may also find it odd that the church located next to these grounds is not, in fact, St. John’s, but the Bethel AME Church, which represents an entirely different congregation.

Joel Snodgrass discusses preservation and restoration plans for the cemetery. Photo by Lauren Feldman

Historians Toby Kissam and Robert Hughes were on-site to explain the strange location of the cemetery grounds. 

The church building today is the third one in the congregation’s history, erected at the beginning of the 20th century on land donated by Cornelia Prime. The first services were held in the new church on Pentecost, 1907. A new parish hall was built, and the church was consecrated in 1917.

The cemetery itself marks the grounds of the original church site. In the 1740s, the Rev. Samuel Seabury Sr. of St. George’s paid a visit to Huntington, where he found a small group of like-minded people. By the following year, enough settlers in the area were invested in forming their own parish. 

A small church building was erected a little north of the Village Green, located along Park Avenue on the north side of Route 25A. 

Throughout the Revolutionary War, Kissam said, there were no permanent ministers at the church, as Long Island was a region of divided loyalties. While there were many Tories loyal to the king, Huntington was a town of patriot sympathizers and no minister associated with the official church dared settle in the area. 

Following the war, the church struggled to reorganize, and after five decades the original building was in a state of extreme disrepair. 

By the 1860s, the vestry was debating whether to rebuild on the existing grounds or move elsewhere. The location of the church was perceived as inconvenient for most people to attend, consequently lowering attendance and enfeebling the church. But in spite of these disadvantages, the church was rebuilt on the original site.

Then in 1905 a fire destroyed the church’s building, and the church was rebuilt at its new (current) location, with the land provided by Prime. 

And so it came to be that the church and its cemetery were separated across town. With the new sign in place, as well as inviting members of both the congregation and the village, the clergy of St. John’s hopes to continue to raise awareness for the ongoing efforts of the church to restore these sacred grounds.

Architectural conserver Joel Snodgrass walked visitors through the plans for preserving and restoring the grounds at St. John’s. The process will include bringing in professional landscapers to clear out the severe overgrowth of the grounds, as well as repairing and replacing some of the damaged ancient stones. 

The unveiling of the cemetery sign comes at a pivotal time for the parish, which will be celebrating its 280th anniversary in 2025. Plans are underway to host and fundraise for a series of events in celebration of the longevity of the congregation. This information will soon be available on the parish’s website. 

By Kimberly Phyfe

Three Village Historical Society launched its first annual Culper Spy 5K on Sunday, Sept. 8. It’s the first annual because there are already plans in the works to bring this wonderful community event back next year.

Margo Arceri of Tri-Spy Tours is the brainchild behind Culper Spy Day, which just celebrated its tenth year. As she stated in her welcome address, “It takes a village, sometimes three!” She remarked that “this community has truly embraced the Culper Spy Ring story that reaches all ages. I look forward to Culper Spy Weekend next September with the 5K becoming a huge part of the celebration of our rich history.”

The festivities began on the TVHS lawn with a stretch and warm up from Real Deal Fitness with bagels and coffee donated by David Prestia of Bagel Express.

As families gathered, 17 children participated in a fun run to Ridgeway Avenue and return. Back at the starting line on North Country Road, 309 racers got ready to run through the Old Setauket Historic District. The route headed north past the Setauket Neighborhood House where volunteers stationed a water stop, through Frank Melville Park, across Main Street by Patriots Rock, around Caroline Church and back to the historical society headquarters.

These sites were once farmlands, battlefields and home to Revolutionary War heroes which made the run “powerful and emotional — you really feel the deep sense of pride in our history when you’re out there,” one runner commented.

As head of the Three Village Dads Foundation, David Tracy posted that 3V Dads were “honored to be the finish line sponsor of the inaugural Culper Spy 5K hosted by the Three Village Historical Society. What a great turnout, beautiful day and awesome route. Looking forward to next year’s event!”

Mari Irizarry, director of TVHS said, “We are beyond thrilled by the incredible energy and overwhelming support we saw throughout the Three Village community for our inaugural 5K race. All proceeds from the run support The Dominick Crawford Barn Education and History Center.”

Irizarry added, “This event was made possible through the remarkable efforts of Sean Grossman, who approached us with this idea at just 14 years old. Sean, now 15, brought together a dedicated committee, secured the expertise of the Strong Island Running Club and led every meeting with maturity and focus. We are incredibly proud of Sean and his commitment to both our organization and the community.”

Strong Island Running Club had a giant finish line to welcome back and celebrate the racers, also capture their times and images. The most senior competitor, Rolf Sternglanz won a medal at 85 years old for completing the course in 44 minutes, 35 seconds.

The top-placed runners were:

Male

1.   Blake Weaver       17:10

2.   Felipe Garcia        17:30

3.   Lucas Sweeney     18:16

Female

 6.  Jane Radke             19:49

 8.  Anjali Narayan       20:32

10. Margaret Kennedy  21:29

A full list of all placed runners and sponsors can be found at www.tvhs.org or click here.

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Stock photo

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that seriously
injured a teenage pedestrian in Lake Ronkonkoma on Sept. 12.

Barbara Wild was driving a 2024 Volkswagen SUV on Smith Road, near Cenacle Road, when the vehicle struck a 14-year-old boy who was rollerblading in the roadway, at approximately 4:30 p.m. The teenager was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital in critical condition. Wild, 56, of Nesconset, was not injured. The Volkswagen was impounded for a safety check.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652.

Former state assemblyman, Steve Englebright (D-Setauket,) displaying a map of the Setauket area, as he addresses the crowd on Monday night. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

On Monday night, Sept. 9, the Three Village Civic Association held a community forum, to discuss future plans for the revitalization of East Setauket Pond Park.

Through the years, the park has become dilapidated, as overgrown vegetation and broken fencing have taken over the aesthetic of a park that is an instantly recognizable staple of the Three Village community.

“When I started working for the town, and found myself in the enviable position of taking the baton and being able to move this project along, the thing that really struck me was because, as [civic president] Charlie [Tramontana] said, this is a generational project that will have an impact on this community for 50, 100 or more years,” said Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook).

“So, I started a process to try to get as many voices as possible involved, so that we could really make this a project that is of the community, for the community. I’m going to be listening carefully, and taking notes [tonight],” he added.

Kornreich’s comments were followed by statements from Suffolk County legislator and former state assemblyman, Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), who discussed the historical and natural significance of Setauket Harbor, emphasizing its historical place in the development of our nation. Englebright continued by explaining how the first colonial settlers of this area founded on the ideals of freedom, tolerance and religious freedom.

The rest of the meeting was run by Farmingdale State College architectural professor, and board member, Joe Betz, who shared some tentative planning ideas for the space.

One key concern Betz expressed was creating a “sense of place,” which the park currently lacks. He feels that it is important to create a park which draws the eye, and does not get lost in the commotion of 25A. The park would encompass an area from the Brewster House to the war memorial, including the proposed relocation of the Roe Tavern. There would be views across Setauket Harbor.

Additionally, East Setauket Automotive’s lease will expire at the end of July 2025, which creates possibilities, Betz said. “That’s a big chunk of land, and it’s in the heart of, essentially, what this park center is. So, when that comes up, what do you do with this vacant building?” He suggested the impressive facade of the building could be retained, with the rest of the premises converted into a pavilion for parkgoers. 

Betz continued his presentation with graphics he and his students had created, which show potential park designs. He discussed, possibly, crafting the pond farther back from 25A.

He envisions a larger field area and a bandstand for summer concerts, as well as the pavilion.

Betz, also, discussed designing infrastructure with a more European, “English landscape” look which is something he asked community members to consider.

While nothing is set in stone, Betz implored the community to keep having conversations with local officials, as this will, ultimately, define the image of the Three Village community, and he hopes it will be enjoyed by the community, and tourists alike, for future generations.

To access Monday night’s presentation, which contains two different design approaches and detailed information on tentative plans for the park,  please visit the link below.

Portfolio | Setauket Pond Park (betzja.wixsite.com)

The next civic meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 7, at the Setauket Firehouse on Route 25A, and begin at 7:30 p.m.

Pixabay photo

By Karen Anderson

Having worked for the Board of Elections on Election Day for almost 20 years, I have done the training and seen the efforts for keeping our elections safe and secure. The general public needs to know what goes into making our voting systems work to give them confidence in the system.

All poll workers must go through training each year. This refreshes memories and introduces any changes and new procedures for each election year. They work as a bipartisan team through every aspect of the election. There is a great deal of paperwork involved in opening and closing the polls.

All election equipment is tested by the Board of Elections before the election to be sure it meets security standards and that the machines are accurately counting ballots. There are security seals on all vulnerable parts of the machines that could be opened. These seals must be checked and recorded to prove that the machines were not compromised. An opening tape is printed to assure that no votes were cast before the polls opened. This tape must read zero votes ensuring that the machines are ready for the public to begin voting. All the paperwork must be signed or initialed by a bipartisan team.

If any voters are not found in the data base at check-in or another question comes up about their ability to vote they may not vote on the machines. They are not turned away. They may still vote. They are directed to the Coordinator to vote by affidavit. The Coordinator gives them a letter from the Board of Elections explaining why they are getting an affidavit ballot. They are given an envelope to fill out. It’s similar to a voter registration form. Once it is completed, the information is checked on the poll pad. A receipt is generated and the voter receives an affidavit ballot to fill out by hand. 

The completed ballot is put in the envelope by the voter. The voter seals the envelope and a bipartisan team initials the envelope. All affidavit ballot envelopes are sealed in a secure pouch which goes to the Board of Elections at the end of the night along with all the other ballots. The Board of Elections checks these ballots to ensure that  the voter is eligible to cast a ballot in the election. The voter receives a letter from the Board stating whether or not the vote was considered valid and counted.

When the polls close, more paperwork needs to be done. Every ballot that was used that day must be accounted for. Sometimes voters make a mistake and ask for a new ballot. Voters get 3 chances to mark their ballot. Any ballot that is spoiled is put in another pouch to be turned in at the end of the day. Each election district must account for every ballot used that day by their district. Then the Coordinator does accounting for the ballots used in all districts at that polling location. Once again the seals on the machines must be checked and recorded. As with everything else, all paperwork is signed or initialed by a bipartisan team. 

The closing poll process takes 30 minutes or more. Everything is packed securely, sealed and returned to the local Board of Elections. Everything is rechecked, reviewed and audited by the local Board of Elections, which then sends the results to the State Board of Elections. The State conducts another review before finally certifying the results. At all levels, a bipartisan panel does the work of certifying the election results. The State stores all paper ballots and other records for 2 years following the election. The ballot storage box is stored in a secure location.

Poll workers do their best to ensure that our elections are safe and secure. They take their responsibilities seriously, believe in our elections and cherish our democracy and the right to vote. They hope all eligible voters come out to make their voices heard. Voting is the right of every American. It is a privilege envied by many people over the world. And it is every citizen’s responsibility.

VOTE!

Karen Anderson is a member of the leadership team of the League of Women Voters of Smithtown a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, visit https//my.lwv.org/new-york/suffolk-county.

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Owners Frank Zheng and his wife Jackie Chen. Photo by Jenna Zaza

By Jenna Zaza

Frank Zheng and his wife Jackie Chen finally fulfilled their long-awaited dream of opening a family-owned Asian market when they strung the Grand Opening banner across the quaint storefront windows nearly two months ago. 

Stony Asian Mart has reopened its doors as Zheng’s Asian Market to a bright, healthy future under new ownership. “We previously owned a Chinese restaurant for 14 years but we got tired of it, too much work,” Zheng said. “We were always thinking of opening a market and then we found this place and it was the perfect chance so — boom — we got it.”

Located across the street from the Long Island Rail Road Stony Brook station at 1087 North Country Road,  the market is an ideal spot for Stony Brook University students and faculty as well as hospital staff, according to Zheng. The small store carries a diverse range of products from medicinal and cosmetics to beverages and frozen foods. 

“There is no Asian market that is easy for students. We got food that is easy to cook, ones that you can microwave for 15 minutes. We are serving Stony Brook,” Chen said. 

Their goal to service the Stony Brook demographic is clear in their pricing. Dry snacks prices such as the popular Korean choco pie typically stay under $10, and Chinese fruit cakes only around $4 and bags of PopCorners are $1. Frozen buns, shumai and dumplings are around $5.75 and a 5-pack of instant noodles, a college staple, averages $7. But quality is not compromised for quality, Chen assures.

“I order from the number one big [importer] for Asian food, the quality is good, and bigger companies have guaranteed return policies if there are any issues,” Chen said. “It’s good for me and good for my customers. I don’t ever worry.”

Zheng’s Asian Market currently offers a 10% discount for Stony Brook University students and faculty. It also offers delivery for orders within a 3-mile radius of the university’s campus exceeding $35 with no extra fee. 

“There is all the stuff here you would find in Flushing and it’s cheaper,” said Sophia Shi, freshman political science major at Stony Brook University. “It’s also a hundred times cleaner than the stores in Flushing. I can see why a lot of people are liking the mart.” 

After purchasing the building, the owners fixed up the mini-mart by repainting it. However, the rebuilding process doesn’t stop there. Zheng’s Asian Market is proving to be a refreshing and much-needed change, according to students. 

“The old one was dark, like the lights weren’t on. I thought it was closed at first,” said John Choi, a junior majoring in biology. “I think [the new owners] made a lot of new improvements. The selection is pretty good too and I like the student discount.” 

It’s not only the power couple who are behind this business but also their children who are helping promote the new improved market by posting on the Stony Brook Reddit and hanging flyers on campus, according to Chen. 

“Stony Brook [University] is like a small city because there are a lot of people working there, and living there, hopefully more people know about us,” Zheng said. “We will check it out and see how it goes.”

In winter months, they plan to stock frozen meats and fish in hopes to appeal to hot-pot fanatics, Zheng said. They are also thinking of possibly extending their figurines and plushie stock depending on customer interest.

“When I come in here, I feel like I am back in my hometown,” said Susan Sun, a freshman psychology major. “The staff are so friendly and they should try to do more promotions. As long as people come to see it for the first time, they’ll keep coming back.”

For the new owners, service is one of their most important business pillars aside from price and quality. Zheng’s Asian Market aims to serve the Stony Brook residents’ food and high-quality service, welcoming them like family. 

“We are not big money seekers, not a million-dollar business,” Zheng said. “We just want to pay the [bills] and have fun with the people. We’ll take care of the community.” 

Jenna Zaza is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom.

By Ava Himmelsbach

This past Saturday, Sept. 7, the Port Jefferson Yacht Club and Village of Port Jefferson held their annual Village Cup Regatta to raise money and awareness for Mather’s Palliative Medicine Program and the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Anyone interested was allowed to be a crew member on the sailboats, with no experience required.

The event included multiple activities throughout the day, with two main parts: a parade followed by a race. The parade ran from the outer harbor on the west across to the waterfront on the east. In the race, participants from the Village of Port Jefferson and Mather Hospital competed as part of the Village Cup Charity Fundraiser.

The parade allowed teams to circle the port on their boats, all of which were decorated with flags and banners, and wave to the large crowd of guests as a prelude to the race. Families gathered on the docks to view the parade, which was managed by Port Jefferson Yacht Club staff and accompanied by bagpiper Marty Sexton. The parade lasted about 45 minutes and helped the sailors adjust to sporadic wind patterns throughout the day.

Despite overcast weather and sudden rain, sailors and guests had a great time, creating memories of a lasting tradition likely to continue in years to come. Rain began shortly after the parade and continued lightly for a couple of hours. Fortunately, the showers did not interfere with the race, and sailors proceeded as planned.

Port Jefferson Yacht Club Village Cup Regatta Committee member Dianna Stackow managed the setup process for the post-race gathering. “We are here to set up for the party that happens after the race,” she said. “They have speeches, raffles, food, wine, beer; Ralph Macchio will be here, and some government representation.” The party began around 3:30 p.m., welcoming guests and participants as they finished the race and celebrated another year of the tradition. “This is our 15th year, and we are going to break $1 million [in donations]. We’re very proud because we’re such a small club, so it’s such a large thing for us to do. It’s just such a good feeling, all around, everyone, our little club, you know, close together, and it’s nice to see what we accomplish.”

After an exhilarating race, participants, families, and guests gathered at a party in the Port Jefferson Village Center to celebrate their efforts and the successful fundraising brought by this year’s regatta. Celebrity ambassador Ralph Macchio has supported the regatta — along with the two programs funded by it — for the last 10 years. He was present at the event this weekend, along with many returnees who have helped uphold this tradition for the past decade and a half.

The friendly competition ended with the Village of Port Jefferson team winning.

World Trade Center worker. Photo courtesy Steven Spak

By Daniel Dunaief

Sean Clouston takes some time to reflect each year around this time.

Sean Clouston

 

A professor in the Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine in the Program in Public Health at Stony Brook University, Clouston studies the long term implications of the exposure and experiences of first responders after the attacks on the World Trade Center.

Clouston, who published research this summer that chronicled the higher rates of dementia among first responders in the years after the attack, spoke exclusively with the Times Beacon Record Newspapers about the work he does and the interactions he’s had with people who were in harm’s way in the days and weeks after the terrorist attacks.

Each September 11th is a “quiet day,” Clouston said, as he takes time to remember those lost  and reflect on those who are continuing to deal with the health consequences of being there.

Clouston recalls thinking about how the attacks shaped the way he thought about what he should be doing with his life.

In the work he’s done in monitoring the role of long-duration exposures at the World Trade Center on neurological health of responders to the events following the Sept. 11 attacks, Clouston has interacted with survivors, spouses, and families, receiving regular updates.

“It’s a pretty big part of my everyday social network,” Clouston said.

He’s heard numerous stories from a day in which the comfortable, clear air provided an incongruous backdrop for the mass murders. He has heard about people who were blown out of the buiding amid a combustible blast and about how difficult it is to put out a cesium fire.

“There were definitelly so many different stories that speak to me,” Clouston said.

As someone who studies the outcomes of severe or early life challenges, Clouston is aware of how the traumatic events of that day reoccur for so many people, as they reexperience the moments that sometimes haunt their dreams and that can continue to affect them physically and cognitively.

People generally consider post traumatic stress as a “fairly short condition” where someone has it “immediately after an event and it kind of goes away,” Clouston said.

For first responders, however, “that’s not true. They are dealing with it for years or decades after the traumatic event.”

Indeed, first responders not only feel the effects of the physical and emotional trauma, but the experience affects their body chemistry and “changes how their immune system reacts.”

Researchers can see how it “wears away at the body over the years and over the decades,’ Clouston added.

The study of post traumatic stress allows him to focus on and understand the link between the mind and the body.

How can people help?

Clouston suggested that people who want to help first responders need to start by recognizing the specific challenges each person may be facing.

“What you do depends a lot on who the person is and what they remember and what they’re struggling with,” said Clouston.

Sept. 11th each year can be a hard time, as people confront painful memories.

People can help others by “being available to listen,” he suggested. Try to understand “why it affects them and how.”

Therapists can help, as can doctor-prescribed medications.

First responders may feel angry, which people don’t always anticipate feeling.

In his research, Clouston focuses less on day-to-day changes and more on how their exposure and experience affects them in the longer term.

First responders can become physically weaker and slower, as they are less able to lift weights.

Cognitively, the effect of the experience has also been significant.

Earlier this year, Clouston published a paper in which he found an “enormous difference” between people with minimal exposure to dust and other particulates at the World Trade Center site compared to those who were more heavily exposed, he said.

“The incidence of dementia is building on prior work showing that the longer you were on site, the more likely responders were to have slowed down cognitive function in general,” he added.

Future questions

Clouston and his colleagues are hoping to understand what disease is affecting first responders. They are unsure whether it’s a form of dementia related to other conditions or whether it’s unique to this group and this exposure.

They are hoping to explore whether people who were on site have anything in their blood that is a measure of exposure, such as chemicals or metals.

First responders don’t all need care now, but one of the goals of the research is to make sure scientists and doctors are “on top of what is really happening” as they prepare to provide any necessary help in future years.

People develop diseases when three things occur: a noxious or toxic element or viral particle exists, they are exposed to it, and people are vulnerable to its effects.

Researchers are working to understand the level of exposure and different levels of vulnerability.

Clouston also highlighted the connection between the immune system and tau proteins, which can trigger dementia in Alzheimer’s and which can spread throughout the brain.

Researchers have been exploring how some immune systems might spread these proteins, while other immune systems trigger a slower spread and, potentially, fewer and less severe symptoms.

In theory, scientists could learn from the immune system that causes a slower spread, although “we’re years away from doing anything like that,” he said.

Alternatiely, researchers and pharmaceutical companies are working on ways to remove these proteins.

“You can fight fires in two ways,” he said.

Stony Brook has been considering “those ideas. To get there, we have to first understand excatly where are we and what is the problem,” he said. “That’s where we really are for the next couple of years.”

As for his interaction with first responders, Clouston has been inspired by the way the first responder community has rallied around people who are struggling with physical and cognitive challenges.

He recalled a firefighter who was struggling with age-related conditions.

“His fellow firefighters came together and built in some lifts and ramps to help him and his spouse get around the house and use the bathroom,” he said. “Moments like that are really touching.”

Photo from Stony Brook University

Stony Brook Cancer Center’s CancerWise Café returns to SBU’s Charles B. Wang Center, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cancer Center experts will discuss the latest advances in screening, prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of several types of cancer, along with educational displays, community organization resource tables and lunch.

The event including lunch is free but registration is required by Sept. 22. To RSVP, visit stonybrook.info/cafe2024 or click here.

 

 

The Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will host an inaugural Fall Festival on Sunday, September 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25, Wading River. This highly anticipated event, sponsored by East Wind, promises a day full of family-friendly fun and local celebration, rain or shine.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of The Shoppes at East Wind, this exciting festival will feature a variety of activities for all ages. Attendees can groove to the lively tunes of SouthBound, a popular local country band, and join in energetic line dancing sessions. For those with an appetite, a selection of mouth-watering food trucks will be on hand, offering a variety of delicious options to satisfy any craving.

Shoppers can explore a diverse array of vendors showcasing distinctive products, from handcrafted goods to artisanal treats. Kids will have a blast bouncing around in the bounce house, ride the carousel ($) and engaging in a range of interactive crafts and activities designed to spark creativity and fun.

“This Fall Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the season,” said Phil King, a representative of the Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited to offer a day packed with entertainment, delicious food, and opportunities to support local businesses. It’s going to be a memorable event for families and friends alike.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, September 29th, 2024
  • Time: 11 AM – 5 PM (Rain or Shine)
  • Location: The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River, NY
  • Admission: Free

Whether you’re looking to relax, have fun, or support local vendors, the Fall Festival has something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join them for a day of community spirit and celebration!

For more information, visit https://www.wadingrivershorehamchamber.com/

About the Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce:
The Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering a vibrant business community and enhancing the cultural well-being of our communities. Through events, advocacy, and community engagement, the Chamber works to support local businesses and enrich the local experience.