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Yearly Archives: 2024

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A scene from 'The Watchers'. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

By Jeffrey Sanzel

Author A.M. Shine set his 2022 Gothic horror The Watchers in his native Ireland. The debut novel dealt with an uncharted forest that ensnares people within its woods. At the heart of the mystery is folklore dealing with fairies best known as changelings, malign shapeshifters studying their captive human quarry. 

Ishana Night Shyamalan (daughter of auteur M. Night Shyamalan, who produced) directs and pens her first film, having only worked on episodes of the television series Servant (for which her father was showrunner) and directed the second unit on the films Old and Knock at the Cabin (her father’s films). Additionally, she collaborates with her older sister, the R&B singer-songwriter Saleka, on the latter’s music videos. Her first solo outing has distinctly mixed results. 

A scene from ‘The Watchers’. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

First seen vaping in the pet shop where she works, Mina (Dakota Fanning), an American artist living in Galway, leads a disconnected life. Sent to deliver a parrot to a zoo, Mina finds herself trapped in the forest along with Ciara (Georgina Campbell), Daniel (Oliver Finnegan), and the self-appointed leader, Madeline (Olwen Fouéré). 

They live in a cement structure with a two-way mirror that prevents the inhabitants from seeing out into the night. They have dubbed this strange dwelling the Coop. Here, they are surrounded by the nocturnal Watchers. With shades of Black Mirror, Shyamalan manages to crank up the atmosphere and “creep” factor before losing steam. She wisely eschews jump-out scares, but she fails to explore the claustrophobic nature of the Coop’s dwellers as well as the conversely frightening sense of being completely exposed by the ceiling-to-floor window. 

Eventually, the four discover an underground bunker in the Coop that leads to explanations of their entrapment and the nature of the ancient entities that hold them prisoner.

Shyamalan goes to great lengths to establish Mina’s lack of identity, a theme that will play throughout the film. Sometimes a bit heavy-handed, the definition of self and self-reflection are given less-than-subtle imagery but do not hamper the story’s progression. In the novel, Madeline explains the creatures: “What do they look like?” [Mina] asked. “Like us, I suppose,” Madeline replied calmly. “But they’re not like us. They’re leaner and they’re longer, and I won’t describe their faces to you. I couldn’t, to be honest, even if I tried.” 

The film gets faster to the concept that the Watchers take on the visages of the people they study. (“Even when wearing the mask of man, still they are monsters to the eye,” writes Shine.)

As in the book, the film builds to a climactic twist. Here, Shyamalan slightly improves the source material, creating an extra layer in the reveal. Unlike the novel, she finds closure, where the book leaves off on a cliffhanger. (The book’s sequel, Stay in the Light, drops on October 2024.) Additionally, while hewing closely to the general plot and tone, she adds more background and clarification to the dark world of the fairies and their connection to the contemporary world. 

Fanning is a solid, grounded actor and leads the cast as best she can. Her performance is honest and introspective, and she never crosses the line into Scream Queen. Campbell is given less to play but is equally believable as the woman waiting for her husband to return. Finnegan’s Daniel has more spark than Shine’s sketch, which serves the actor but undermines the character’s doubts and frailties. 

As Madeline, Fouéré has the most interesting role and finds a slow-burn ferocity. Unfortunately, Shyamalan stripped most of Madeline’s most interesting aspects—a woman whose “silence was like a sleeping dragon.” Oddly, Shyamalan makes the quartet more resourceful, lowering the danger/struggle quotient.

Filmed on location, Eli Arenson’s cinematography contrasts city and forest and embraces some beautiful Irish vistas. Ferdia Murphy’s production design ranges from the gritty to the pastoral. As for the monsters themselves, they are adequate if little seen. Sadly, where the film succeeds least is Shyamalan’s strained dialogue, which is leaden and predictable and serves neither cast nor plot. 

In the universe of horror movies, The Watchers is a minor and easily forgotten entry. Not a failure on a large scale, but certainly one to be consumed (or not) and forgotten, the film marks the beginning—or ending—of a second-generation cinematic voice.

Rated PG-13, the film is now playing in local theaters.

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Road repair after a burst sewage line in East Setauket poured an estimated 350,000 gallons of partially treated water into Setauket Harbor. Photo by George Hoffman

By Mallie Jane Kim

A river of water ran down the steep hill of Gnarled Hollow Road when Sotiria Everett arrived home from work June 4. The water appeared to be coming from under the street at the top of the slope, she said, adding she had to move cones and navigate around Suffolk County Water Authority trucks to reach her driveway.

“It was a disruption for us, obviously,” she said, noting the water to their house was off until about 10:30 p.m. that night. “The other concern is the damage it’s doing now in Setauket Harbor.”

A broken pipe spewed about 350,000 gallons of mostly treated wastewater over about 4.5 hours from the corner of Harbor Hill Road and Gnarled Hollow Road, according to a New York State sewage pollution alert. The water, which hadn’t yet gone through the final step of disinfection, followed surface streets to pour into Setauket Harbor, near Setauket Pond Park.

The place where the effluent entered the tidal harbor is the slowest to flush out and get diluted into the Long Island Sound because of its tucked-back location, according to George Hoffman of the Setauket Harbor Task Force.

The high-pressure pipe that burst originated from a sewer facility that processes wastewater from Stony Brook University and surrounding neighborhoods. It was mostly treated but lacked the final disinfection step, which takes place in Port Jefferson before the treated water is pumped out into Port Jefferson Harbor, a method water quality advocates say is outdated.

“If you were building it now, you wouldn’t be allowed to outfall sewage into the middle of the harbor,” Hoffman said. “We’ve learned so much since then about nitrogen in the harbor.”

Too much nitrogen in area waters leads to various issues, including dangerous bacteria and algae blooms.

But water quality isn’t the only concern with piping effluent into the harbor, according to County Legislator Steve Englebright, D-Setauket.

“There are two broad themes that emerge when we talk about groundwater on Long Island,” Englebright said. “One is quality of water, and the other is quantity of water—this is a little of both.”

Suffolk County draws water from a single-source aquifer, and if more water from that source is pumped into the harbors than is recharged by rain, the aquifer starts to drain.

Coincidentally, that same week, Suffolk County legislators met about modernizing area sewage lines, including the one in question that runs from Stony Brook University to Port Jefferson, according to Englebright.

The group heard a presentation about the possibility of using processed sewage to water athletic fields and other green spaces on Stony Brook University’s campus, as well as St. George’s Golf and Country Club next door. Englebright pointed to Riverhead’s Indian Island Golf Course, which has been watering with effluent since 2016, as a model for this method.

In addition to helping recharge the aquifer, this method obviates the need to buy nitrogen to fertilize the grass since the cleaned wastewater already contains it.

The county is currently working out its budget, according to Englebright, and though he said it’s unclear whether such updates will make it into the budget as a capital improvement this year, he’s glad it is at least on the table.

“The sewer break underlined the urgency and reinforced the timeliness of some of these conversations,” he said. “It is important for us to reassess.”

After the spill, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services warned residents to take precautions when recreating in Setauket or Port Jefferson harbors and closed several area beaches, including Little Bay, Grantland, Bayview, Indian Field, and Bayberry Cove. The county lifted its advisory June 10, after testing showed bacteria was within “acceptable limits” for all areas except Indian Field Beach, which remained closed.

Englebright said the high-pressure pipe may have burst at that point because it takes a turn to be nearly vertical, accommodating the steep grade of the street. “That’s where the pressure was concentrated,” he said.

Regardless of why it happened, area resident Everett hopes it won’t happen again. The bottom of the steep road, she said, is often flooded enough from rainy weather.

“The area is always prone to flooding, and you add that it’s not from Mother Nature, not from rain,” she said. “Any way that could be prevented would be ideal.”

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Trustee candidates Kyle Hill, Marie Parziale, and Xena Ugrinsky sit before the audience at the Meet the Candidates event on Tuesday, June 11. Photo by Aidan Johnson

By Aidan Johnson

The Port Jefferson Village trustee candidates — Xena Ugrinsky, Kyle Hill, and Marie Parziale — participated in a meet-the-candidates night at the Village Center June 11. The event was sponsored by the local chamber of commerce and the civic association. Two of the candidates will be elected, replacing Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay and trustee Drew Biondo.

Introductions

Ugrinsky, who has lived in Port Jefferson for 12 years, said she feels “a deep connection to the [maritime] culture.” She has been an “active participant” in the trustee meetings over the past two years, led the election task force, sits on the budget and finance committee, and chairs the Port Jeff Power Plant Working Group. For three decades, she has had a career in finance, technology and the energy sector.

Parziale, who has lived in Port Jefferson for 29 years, works as the senior alumni career coach at Stony Brook University. She described her “superpower” as “connecting with people, seeing the best in them, and linking them with opportunities.” She also said that to solve Port Jefferson’s problems, “we need a long-term strategic plan and we must be part of the process,” and emphasized “the ability for our leaders to bring stakeholders and experts together to find solutions.”

Hill, who grew up in Farmingville and currently lives in Port Jefferson with his partner, said that he’s “been coming down to Port Jeff ever since I had my learner’s permit.” After finishing his master’s at Stony Brook University, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked on Capitol Hill for 10 years, “advancing mostly bipartisan policy projects.” He is a volunteer EMT with the Port Jefferson EMS and served on Port Jefferson’s election task force, where they “recommended leaving the term lengths at two years and also recommended adding term limits to the mayor’s office.”

Issues facing Port Jefferson

Parziale wants to hear “more of what the solutions are that the school district’s coming up with and have them present them to us.” She also sees flooding as a major issue, as well as the East Beach bluff, saying that a vote on the project was needed before continuing to phase two, and it was necessary to figure out why phase one did not work.

Hill believes that flooding is a main issue, especially in terms of the firehouse due to “incidents where they can’t get their trucks out” and having their equipment damaged. He also believes the bluff is “a true disaster waiting to happen,” saying he was the first candidate to call for a referendum on the future of bluff spending.

Ugrinsky said, “We can’t fix the school district’s problems,” but the trustees can help by solving the power plant’s problems, “which delivers revenue to the schools.” She additionally cited flooding as a main issue, saying that “we have a lot of residents who have experience in this area or problems that have already been solved.” She agrees that a referendum for the bluff is needed, and said that development was a main issue: “We really need to figure out how we preserve our maritime culture.”

Maryhaven property

Parziale said that Beechwood Homes is in discussion over the Maryhaven property, but nothing has been finalized. However, she would like to see starter homes built there “so that we have something that’s affordable for our young people,” adding that this could attract families with students.

Hill said that preserving the “historic nature of Port Jeff” is the most ideal choice, adding that “it would be great if we had seniors condos in just that building.” He also said that St. Charles is not “being the best neighbor in maintaining that property,” as he’s been hearing that the area has break-ins. He noted that the area is already zoned for housing, and it is only a board issue if there’s a zone change.

Ugrinsky said that it was important that any residences would be tax-paying residents, and that the developer does a traffic, water and sewer assessment before breaking ground.

Environment and development

Hill wants to “preserve every inch of open space that we have left in this village,” which can also be done by partnering with the hospitals to preserve their open space as well, and “encourage them not to just make more parking lots, but to find other solutions.” He said that there wasn’t much of a choice but to preserve open space, because the more space gets blacktopped over, the fewer places there are for the flooding to go.

Ugrinsky agreed that preserving the green space is necessary to help soak up the water. She also said that evaluation of the underground springs is needed, noting that some of the pipes underground “are too skinny for the volume of the water that’s going through, nor have they been cleaned in decades.” She added, “We need to develop smartly, with foot traffic, where stores can be put.”

Parziale said that the environment and development need to have a “very delicate balance between the two.” She is also for as much green space as possible, and for smart development, saying, “We need to work closely with our developers so that they’re giving back some of that space, and they’re doing the right thing with the property in all ways, including traffic, water, sewer and green space for people that are living in those spaces.”

Fiscal responsibility

Hill said that it was important to come up with ways to offset resident taxes, “and that’s making sure that our commercial areas are thriving, and taking advantage of things like metered parking,” which he said brings in the most revenue to the village after taxes. He said it was important to bring in revenue from more than just the residents, which would help to have “a more successful village, and people are going to want to be here.”

Ugrinsky said that “every municipality in the United States is dealing with declining revenues and increasing costs while trying to serve their populations.” She said that the village should look at the contracts it has in place, and that “there may be volume buying opportunities that people just have not had the time to look at.” She added that they should “stop bonds happening to us and really get the population involved with how we’re going to spend.”

Parziale said that she agreed with Ugrinsky on this topic.

The election is on Tuesday, June 18. Voting will take place at the Village Center from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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Amy Tyler School of Dance students perform a ballet to Handel's Water Music during a recital in 2009.
2010 show Holidaze - "The Chase"
2016 show Lazydaze - "Better Do it Right"
Amy Tyler Worrell and husband John Worrell) in their first production of The Nutcracker in 1992 - Sugarplum & Cavalier.
Costumes for this year's show Glorydaze "Jet Set" with (front) Cassidy Worrell, Vivian O'Brien, Madison Testa, Ryan Worrell and Abigail Nam-senior.

By Rita J. Egan

The owners of one Port Jefferson dance school will take their final bows on June 14 and 15 at their annual recital.

In October, Amy Tyler-Worrell and John Worrell, owners of Amy Tyler School of Dance, announced that the dance studio would close permanently at the end of the school year. Tyler-Worrell operated the business for 36 years.

“The hardest thing was telling the kids,” the dance teacher said.

The business owner, who has been dancing since she was 6, bought the school in 1988 from her dance teacher, Karen Fitzgerald. Two years later, she met Worrell, and in the third year of the school, he began teaching and assisting with the technical side. In 1992, they launched their annual production of The Nutcracker.

Through the years, Amy Tyler School of Dance has moved twice: once from its first location by Theatre Three in Port Jefferson to farther north on Main Street, where the cigar store is today, and finally to its current location on Reeves Road. 

The couple juggled their responsibilities at the dance studio with raising three children. All three have been involved with the studio. While 24-year-old Ryan is a dance teacher, 20-year-old Jack, a sound engineer, helps with sound and lights at the recitals. The couple’s youngest, Cassidy, 17, who has been dancing since she was 3 and performing in the recitals, will be attending Temple University this fall. Ryan will continue to teach dance at another school, according to his mother.

“Everybody’s in a transition period,” Tyler-Worrell said.

The turning point

Tyler-Worrell and her husband witnessed the business change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the lockdowns that began in March 2020, the school offered Zoom classes for half price. Tyler-Worrell said most students took the virtual classes, and some insisted on paying full price for them.

“Some people were working from home and still earning the same salary, and some were struggling,” she said. “We tried to balance it out and make it work for everybody.”

Tyler-Worrell said that the students were happy when they could dance in the studio again.

“It was so wonderful to see,” she said. “We could have just said this is it for us. We stuck it out, and the kids really needed it at the time. I’m really glad we did it.”

However, she added that studio attendance was cut by a third after the lockdowns. When the doors opened again, many students were uncomfortable dancing with masks and in squares six feet apart. The recital that year was held virtually, and The Nutcracker performance was canceled in 2020. In 2021, the school owners had a stage built on their property and held their recitals outdoors for the last three years.

“Things didn’t go back to how they used to, and being in it for 36 years, we thought this was the time,” Tyler-Worrell said.

Lasting memories

Tyler-Worrell and her husband have countless memories due to the school, and she said the one good thing that came of the difficult decision was hearing from former students, many of whom will perform in this year’s recital.

She said several former dancers have formed longstanding friendships, attending important events in each other’s lives, such as weddings and showers.

“They’re still supporting each other into their adult life so that makes me feel really good about what we created,” she said.

Tyler-Worrell added that the teachers taught technique and the importance of community. She said that while a small percentage of students become dancers, “hopefully, the skills they learn carry them into other things.”

Sara Barasch is one of the former students who fondly remembers the school and the skills she acquired. She started dancing in kindergarten in 1988 and continued until 2001. She said there was a point when she was at the studio practically every day of the week.

“It’s the end of an era,” Barasch said, “It’s something I took for granted, because I thought it would always be there.”

She hasn’t danced much for the last 20 years, but as an agent who books clients with performing arts venues across North America, she said her experience with dance comes in handy since many clients are dance companies.

“Having the background as a dancer and knowing what it’s like physically and emotionally, it helps to provide a lot of perspective,” Barasch said. 

She added she was happy to drive from Queens to rehearsals to participate in the recital’s alumni dance, and she has kept in touch with a few of her former fellow Amy Tyler School of Dance students.

Barasch credited the school with helping her gain independence as she would go buy lunch at the local deli by herself when it was located on Main Street. Additionally, the Worrells would provide students with an opportunity to work at the front desk or help clean to earn money, and she said she cleaned at the dance school more than she did at home.

“I can’t imagine Port Jefferson without the studio,” Barasch said.

For Kai Sherman, who has taken the adult ballet class at the school for the past 10 years, she said the studio helped her become familiar with the community when she moved to Long Island at the age of 32. She added she feels fortunate to have found the Worrells.

“It’s just been amazing to have them as my ballet teachers,” she said.

Sherman is grateful that in addition to adult ballet she was able to take pointe classes at the school where she has danced with the Worrells’ daughter and other young dancers.

“To see those girls go through their high school years and to see how much they’re improving and working on dance but also their schooling, you just have these proud moments,” she said.

As the recital approaches, Sherman said, the memories won’t be sad ones.

“There are all these beautiful, wonderful memories and that’s what we’re going to take away from it,” Sherman said. “And having to end on the recital is just even better because then you’re just going out on such a high note.”

The last dance

Titled “Glorydaze,” Tyler-Worrell said this year’s recital will include songs from past years with new choreography and will feature current and former students as well as the school’s famous chase scene. After the recital being held outdoors the last few years, she said she’s pleased that it will be held in an auditorium for the last performance.

“We’re doing our final one inside at J.F.K. (Middle School) and kind of trying to go out with a bang,” Tyler-Worrell said.

Amy Tyler School of Dance’s recital will take place at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Boulevard, Port Jefferson Station, on Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, June 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com (search for school’s name) and at the door.

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From left, Mike De Caro, Alvin Hall, Saro Varjabedian at The People's Film Festival. Photo courtesy of WMHO
Filming for the documentary took place at the Three Village Inn on Feb. 18, 2022. Photo courtesy of WMHO

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) has revealed that the documentary Driving the Green Book, which features the historic Three Village Inn in Stony Brook, has won ‘Best Documentary’ at The People’s Film Festival in Harlem. The announcement was made in a press release on June 11.

On February 18, 2022, WMHO had the distinct pleasure of hosting filmmakers Saro Varjabedian, Mike De Caro, and Alvin Hall at the Three Village Inn. They discussed the Inn’s mention in the Green Book, an annual guidebook for African American travelers during segregation, highlighting safe and welcoming establishments across the nation.

In Driving the Green Book, WMHO President Gloria Rocchio explores the connection between the Green Book and the Three Village Inn, which was owned by philanthropist and businessman Ward Melville. She also delves into the history of the Dogwood Hollow Music Festivals in Stony Brook, which featured legendary African-American performers such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie from 1955 to 1970.

“WMHO is honored to have contributed to a project that sheds light on an important part of American history,” read the release.

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The cast of 'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater

By Julianne Mosher

The colorful pages of Dr. Seuss’ stories come to life on the John W. Engeman’s stage for their latest children’s theater production, and their rendition of Seussical the Musical is one for the books. 

Directed by Danny Meglio, the story follows the plot of “Horton Hears a Who,” with Horton (Patrick McCowen), the elephant, speaking to Jojo (Sophie Achee and Finn Brown) — the smallest Who in Whoville. Jojo and his community live on a speck of dust on a clover that Horton lovingly carries throughout the show.

The elephant’s big ears allow him to hear the chitter chatter of the people on the clover, while the rest of the jungle thinks poor Horton is crazy, constantly ridiculing him. On top of that, Horton gets tricked into egg-sitting for the sassy, popular Mayzie (Jillian Sharpe), who abandons her egg to go party in Florida. But luckily, he has the support of his friend Gertrude (Natalie Sues), especially when he gets bullied by the Wickersham Brothers (Daniel Bishop, Terrence Sheldon and Will Logan) and Sour Kangaroo (Christina Cotignola). The Bird Girls (Michelle Shapiro, Nicki Winzelberg and Ally Clancy) are a three-piece ensemble who help tell the story through song and great harmonies throughout each number.

Written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the show is narrated by the Cat in the Hat (the incredibly talented Jae Hughes) whose mischievous ways will make the entire audience laugh. 

Acting as Jojo’s guide, the Cat helps the young dreamer maneuver through all the different scenes he imagines with special mention to the big dance number, “It’s Possible (McElligot’s Pool).” And that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of a synopsis — you’ll have to see the rest for yourself.

Meant to appeal to young children, with many families in attendance, this musical is really made for all. Grandparents, parents and babysitters alike smiled along as each scene presented a new musical score sung by this professional cast. They effortlessly danced along with choreography by Jillian Sharpe in the most colorful costumes and wigs led by Laura McGauley. 

Anyone who has read Dr. Seuss’ other childhood tales (like “Green Eggs and Ham,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket”) knows that the famous author’s art is truly out of this world and the team at the Engeman Theater and scenic designer Orion Forte did a great job portraying that with funky Seuss-like trees in the jungle of Nool. 

Seussical the Musical is a fun play that explores themes of identity, individuality, creativity, loyalty and community. Kids will leave the energetic production knowing the importance of being unique, standing up for one’s beliefs and that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” 

So, get your tickets now, fill up on some green eggs and ham and head over to the Engeman Theater for a fun trip into the creative mind of Dr. Seuss. Meet the cast after the show for photos and autographs.

The John W, Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Seussical the Musical on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through June 30. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole a package from a Commack home last month.

A man allegedly stole a package containing four cellphones, valued at $3,000, from the front porch of a Weeping Cherry Lane home on May 29 at approximately 3:10 p.m. The man fled in a waiting white Mercedes-Benz.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Just released! Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole from a Port Jefferson Station store in April.

A man allegedly stole four handbags, from TJ Maxx, located at 5125 Nesconset Highway on April 9 at approximately 2:50 p.m. The items were valued at approximately $440.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Kona Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

By Heidi Sutton

This Father’s Day, go ahead and shower dad with some love straight off the grill. You can make the day even more memorable by sharing the experience together. Grilled skewers keep the whole family happy and come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick and healthy meals without the hassle. Serve with a side salad and rice for a satisfying feast.

Kona Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

Recipe courtesy of Perdue Farms

Kona Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

YIELD: Makes 4 skewers

INGREDIENTS: 

1 can (6 ounces) pineapple juice

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 lime, zest and juice only

1 tablespoon sugar

1 package diced chicken breast

1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into 16 chunks

1 large red bell pepper, cut into 16 chunks

4 metal skewers or 8 wooden skewers (12″)

DIRECTIONS:

In bowl, whisk pineapple juice, vegetable oil, lime juice and zest, and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add diced chicken breast, cover and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes. Thread alternating pieces of chicken, pineapple and red bell pepper onto skewers. Discard remaining marinade. Heat lightly greased grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill kebabs 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until chicken feels firm to touch and a meat thermometer inserted in the center reaches 165 F. Remove kebabs from grill, rest 2-3 minutes and serve.

Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers

Recipe courtesy of Family Features

Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers

YIELD: Makes 4 skewers

INGREDIENTS: 

1 pound small potatoes

1 bunch broccoli

12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 1/2 lemons, juice only

3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In large, microwave-safe bowl, microwave potatoes on high 5 minutes. Chop broccoli into large pieces. Add broccoli and shrimp to bowl once potatoes are steamed. Add lemon juice, thyme and olive oil; evenly coat potatoes, shrimp and broccoli. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Build skewers and grill 10-15 minutes on medium-high heat, until shrimp is cooked through.

Note: If using wooden skewers, soak in water 30 minutes to keep skewers from burning on grill. If using metal skewers, remember chicken will cook faster because metal will conduct heat and cook chicken cubes from inside along with grill heat cooking chicken from outside.

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File photo by Raymond Janis

Skyler Johnson, a progressive vision for New York State Assembly

The November 2024 election is one that will determine the direction our country is headed in, whether we will value environmental protection, reproductive rights and a New York state where everyone can thrive. This doesn’t only apply to the top of the ticket, but down ballot as well. State and local government is where policies are enacted that deeply impact our day to day lives. It is for that reason that I am so excited to support Skyler Johnson for Assembly.

Skyler is exactly the kind of candidate I want to see in office — he stands unequivocally for economic, environmental and social progress in New York state. I know this because I have seen him show up time and again on the issues that impact New Yorkers. Skyler has joined striking autoworkers in picket lines at South Shore Kia in Copiague and striking health care workers at Cold Spring Hills rehabilitation facility in Woodbury. His advocacy has earned him the endorsement of the local 1199SEIU. He has stood with the North Bellport community calling for the closure and remediation of the Brookhaven landfill. He serves as a board member at Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic and is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Empire State Votes. Skyler has also been endorsed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and Equality NY. I know that when Skyler goes to Albany, he will protect our workforce, our environment, LGBTQ+ rights and our reproductive freedom.

On a deeply personal note, Skyler and I are both congregation members at Temple Beth Emeth in Mount Sinai, where Skyler serves on the board. In a time where antisemitism is on the rise, I deeply appreciate his leadership in our local Jewish community, and am grateful to share this space with Skyler and his family.

Skyler’s record stands in stark contrast with our current Assemblyman Ed Flood [R-Port Jefferson], who has voted against the Equal Rights Amendment ballot initiative, against fully funding our public schools and against environmental legislation. After being represented by former Assemblyman Steve Englebright [D-Setauket] for decades, I look forward to this seat returning to a community champion like Skyler.

Actions speak louder than words. And I have seen Skyler in action, on the moral side of the issues that matter, time and again. I look forward to sending Skyler to Albany, and to being represented by him.

Shoshana Hershkowitz

South Setauket

Three Village Meals on Wheels celebrates 40 years 

On Aug. 22, 1983, 13 clients received meals for the first time from Three Village Meals on Wheels using eight volunteers. Forty years later, more than 65 clients are receiving meals and 50-plus volunteers are delivering the meals. 

Meals on Wheels began when some local community members saw a need for a meal program in the Three Village area. They hoped to get the program government sponsored. That provision came with specific age requirements for our clients so the idea for a privately sponsored program was discussed.

A meeting in Setauket was held with 40 people in attendance. Spearheading this plan was Adelaide Silkworth who was the director of the Suffolk County Office for the Aging. After an overview of the Town of Huntington’s privately sponsored, home delivery meal program was presented, several organizations volunteered their services for fundraising, seed money, printing and public relations.

Next a steering committee was established and the first meeting took place at the Stony Brook Community Church where the office continues to reside. 

Soon the organization had a chair, secretary, dietary coordinator, screening nurses and a coordinator of volunteers. The group soon became known as Three Village Meals on Wheels. 

A state grant sponsored by Sen. James Lack [R-District 2] got the program off the ground and a month later, the staff of the Office for the Aging met with administrators from St. Charles Hospital and John T. Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson. Both hospitals were on board to provide meals for 20 to 25 people. 

The program today fluctuates in number of clients but continues delivering meals to an ever-growing population of homebound frail, elderly, convalescent and handicapped people who need support to retain their independence. A great organization was born 40 years ago and continues to thrive today with the help of a once-a-year fund drive, generous donations and varying grants to enable this program to remain independent. If you know someone who would benefit from this service, would like to donate or volunteer, call the office 631-689-7070. 

Diane Melidosian 

Stony Brook 

Three Village MOW Board Member

Vote for Ugrinsky’s proven leadership

Our village needs a proven leader, someone who will work tirelessly to protect and enhance our community. Xena Ugrinsky is that person. Xena and I work together on the village’s Budget & Finance Committee and I have been impressed with both her financial expertise and her work ethic. She will bring the best thinking from the private sector to ensure our scarce tax dollars are spent judiciously.

Xena’s resume is also impressive, with over 30 years of corporate and financial management experience. She has the know-how to help craft workable solutions to some of our most pressing issues, including the bluff erosion, the occasional flooding of our downtown and the potential loss of significant revenue from the power plant. Xena will champion making the plant a state-of-the art energy facility that will preserve not only the village’s tax base but the school district, too.

Her proficiency in project management will be invaluable for our public works infrastructure and enable her to keep a close eye on capital expenditures, so we don’t overpay or end up with excessive change-order requests. Port Jefferson needs someone with Xena’s experience on the board. That’s why I’m voting for Xena Ugrinsky for village trustee on June 18. 

William Gatta 

Port Jefferson

 Member of Budget & Finance Committee

Looking forward with Ugrinsky and Parziale

As mayor, I’d like to first express my gratitude, on behalf of the Village of Port Jefferson, to outgoing trustees Drew Biondo and Rebecca Kassay for all their hard work over the past year. We had a very successful year and while we didn’t always agree and tough questions were brought forward, ultimately this board was effective and efficient making unanimous decisions on all but one or two issues.

Now we have to look toward the future, and who best to step up and into these two open trustee seats. I commend the three candidates who have stepped up and put themselves out there for public scrutiny and mudslinging.

That said, my votes are going to Xena Ugrinsky and Marie Parziale (Johs).

Why? Because they are the two most qualified candidates. Their respective resumes are diverse and jam-packed with relevant experience. Each has worked directly in the areas in which they are committed to contribute as village trustees. Xena brings her project management skills, years of work in the finance and energy sectors, and more recently her entrepreneurial activity in alternative energy generation. She currently chairs the village Power Plant Working Group and is a member of the village Budget & Finance Committee, and she chaired the Port Jefferson election review committee to its conclusion.

Marie has been rolling up her sleeves as a volunteer in Port Jefferson for years — at Harborfront Park, the Village Center and the Children’s Maritime Museum (now the Explorium) — while her children were young and going through Port Jefferson schools. She then pursued an advanced degree in social work and now, as senior alumni career coach at Stony Brook University, she is connecting students and alumni to careers with businesses locally, throughout Long Island and beyond, forging relationships that she can build upon further to benefit our community as a village trustee.

They are both fully engaged and ingrained in our community and both will hit the ground running. It would be my honor to work with each of them on this new board because while I did become mayor with the help of a rubber stamp, we do not need that trait in a board. This administration respects diversity of thought, intellect, and encourages debate and dialogue to get to the right decisions for village residents, and I’m confident that’s what Xena and Marie will bring to the table. 

Lauren Sheprow

Mayor of Port Jefferson Village

Social media is not a reliable source

Has the Port Times Record now resorted to regurgitating Facebook posts under the guise of “reporting”?

In the June 6 edition, the article “Incident in Port Jefferson Village exposes communication failures” is almost entirely composed of one such Facebook post. 

Were there no other sides to the story? The article states, “Seeking clarity and answers, an email was sent to village officials on May 31.” Was this request sent by the newspaper? Did the reporter attempt to contact the police department for the details of the stabbing and learn their view of whether this event constituted a threat to the community warranting an alert? Did the reporter attempt to call the mayor or trustees to get clarification and advise them that a story was being prepared for publication? 

I don’t view social media posts as a reliable source of news events and expect more from the Port Times Record.

Robert J. Nicols

Port Jefferson

The art of deception

In the chessboard of political strategy, concern is often a pawn masquerading as a queen. It’s a Trojan horse, cloaked in the guise of public interest, yet filled with the soldiers of self-serving agendas. This duplicity is the essence of a political dirty trick, where genuine worry is feigned to serve a darker purpose.

These maneuvers are designed to deceive, to cast a shadow of doubt or to rally support through manufactured sincerity. The public, often unaware of the machinations behind the scenes, may be swayed by these displays of false concern.

Yet, in the long run, such tactics can backfire. When the veil is lifted, and the true intentions are revealed, the architects of these deceptions may find themselves facing the very scrutiny they sought to avoid.

Trust, once broken, is not easily mended.

Authenticity is the currency of real change, and without it, political gambits are but empty gestures.

Drew Biondo

Trustee

Port Jefferson Village

Editor’s note: As per TBR policy, we do not publish endorsements the week immediately before elections as it does not allow time for rebuttals. Letters of endorsement can be found on our website, tbrnewsmedia.com, under “Letters”, which is available 24/7. Thank you for your continued readership.

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