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AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28, to Sunday, July 6. This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019.

“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons, and July Fourth falling on a Friday creates a long weekend that many are taking advantage of,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week.” 

By car: AAA projects a record 61.6 million people will travel by car, 1.3 million more road travelers and a 2.2% increase compared to last year.

Last July Fourth week, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls for issues including dead batteries and flat tires. AAA recommends getting routine vehicle maintenance ahead of your trip and packing an emergency kit. Especially over the busy holiday weekend, AAA urges drivers to watch for stopped vehicles and Slow Down, Move Over for emergency responders.

For travelers renting cars, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Thursday, July 3, is expected to be the busiest day to pick up vehicles.

By air: The number of people traveling by air is also projected to set a record. AAA expects 5.84 million travelers will fly to their destinations, a 1.4% increase over the previous record set last year.

Round-trip domestic flights cost 4% more than last year, according to AAA data on what travelers paid when they booked their July Fourth trips. When booking last-minute flights for summer trips, consider flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the best deals.

By other modes: AAA projects 4.78 million people will travel by bus, train or cruise, a 7.4% increase from last year. Cruising is leading this category, particularly at this time of year, when Alaska cruise season is in full swing.

AAA’s Top Independence Day Destinations

The top holiday destinations listed below are based on AAA booking data for the Independence Day travel period. Cruises, beaches and fireworks are the main motivators for travelers heading to these cities. Alaska cruises are in peak season, Florida and Hawaii are in high demand for their resorts and attractions, and New York and Boston host two of the most popular fireworks shows in the nation.

 

DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL
Orlando, Florida Vancouver, Canada
Seattle Rome
New York City Paris
Anchorage, Alaska London
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Barcelona, Spain
Honolulu Dublin
Denver Amsterdam
Miami Calgary, Canada
Boston Athens, Greece
Atlanta Lisbon, Portugal

 

Best & Worst Times to Drive

Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, are expected to be the busiest days on the road, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights. With afternoon hours predicted to be the most congested, drivers are encouraged to hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst anticipated traffic.

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
Date Worst Travel Time Best Travel Time
Saturday, June 28 12-5 p.m. Before 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 29 2-4 p.m. Before 11 a.m.
Monday, June 30 2-6 p.m. Before 12 p.m.
Tuesday, July 1 3-6 p.m. Before 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2 12-9 p.m. Before 12 p.m.
Thursday, July 3 2-6 p.m. Before 12 p.m.
Friday, July 4 12-7 p.m. Before 12 p.m.
Saturday, July 5 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Before 11 a.m.
Sunday, July 6 12-6 p.m. Before 11 a.m.

SOURCE: INRIX

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing nearly 6.8 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

 

 

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Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal in a scene from 'Materialists.' Photo courtesy of A24

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

Writer-director Celine Song’s feature debut, Past Lives (2024), was an exquisite and near-perfect exploration of the time and space that exist between people, even when they are inches apart. Spanning just over two decades, the film lived in its visceral silences and often awkward but wholly recognizable exchanges. It builds to a painful but tacit triangle, simultaneously satisfying and melancholy. 

Song crafted the film around issues of Korean versus Korean American (or Canadian) culture, discovering what is kept and what must be left behind. Past Lives garnered universal accolades and received over forty well-deserved awards. It received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

From left, Chris Evans, Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal star in ‘Materialists’. Photo courtesy of A24

In her sophomore offering, Materialists, Song tells the story of Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a former actor who now works for Adore, a New York City-based matchmaking service. At the outset, the plot appears simple, with Lucy deciding between her ex, the actor John (Chris Evans), and the wealthy financier, Harry (Pedro Pascal), whom she meets at the wedding of her ninth fruitful match. Harry, the brother of the groom, begins actively courting Lucy, taking her on expensive, high-end dates. Meanwhile, the chance encounter with John, who is a cater-waiter at the wedding, causes Lucy to reflect on her current choices.

The matchmaker-who-can’t-find-love is an old and well-worn trope seen in innumerable rom-coms and television shows. Along with Christmas movies, the clichéd setup ranks high as a Hallmark staple. The idea is generic, much like a painting of a bowl of fruit. But therein lies the difference. A million miles exist between a freshman art student’s first-time rendering and Picasso’s vision—whether realistic or cubist. And the same could be said of Song’s Materialists, a riveting delve into not just marriage but skewed expectations of a modern world.

The story remains basic, but the storytelling is rich, layered, and unflinching. The eloquent Lucy easily sells her work as a blend of fantasy and business. The several sequences in which she negotiates with clients reveal her insight, yet her personal absence from the feelings she keeps suppressed. She promotes the idea that these desperate people seek “a nursing home partner and a grave buddy”—that they want partners for the long run. Whether she believes this or not is a matter that comes in and out of focus. For her and agency, a “successful” marriage reduces to a deal. For herself, she admits that her priority is for a rich man. The fact that she states this almost tongue-in-cheek is even more powerful. (The source of this drive is shown in an ugly breakup scene with John on their fifth anniversary.)

The film is basically three-handed. It follows Lucy’s new romance with Harry and her conflicted feelings for John. What they offer is clearly contrasted with Harry’s twelve-million-dollar penthouse and John’s appalling eight-hundred and fifty-dollar rent-controlled apartment, shared with two roommates, one of whom would put a pig to shame. But the differences are not nearly as simple as that.

While Lucy struggles with her personal path, her client, Sophie, in whom she has invested many hours and setups, is assaulted on a first date. The horrific incident forces Lucy to confront her motivations, complicity, and responsibility. 

Dakota Johnson and Chris Evans in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of A24

Song has constructed a highly literate script, witty and insightful, but allowing the characters to each speak in their own voices. She evokes exceptionally dimensional performances from her three leads. 

Dakota Johnson is flawless in creating someone who is both formidable and fragile, self-deluding and self-aware. She presents herself as a woman who puts on a strong, active front, but is plagued by issues regarding the true meaning of value. She is the heart of the film and never misses a beat. 

Chris Evans’ John is literally and figuratively a mess. Slightly rough around the edges, his John is earnest, genuine, and kind, but the manchild common to those chasing a dream that seems out of reach.

Pedro Pascal makes Harry more than just a foil for the central romance. He brings sweetness and a desire to make the best of his life, even if he is unaware of what he truly wants and needs. A late film revelation only serves to further his unspoken doubts.

Materialists is a more-than-worthy follow-up to Past Lives. Both films are shot in a desaturated world (almost as if light and joy are synonymous); they live in the painful pauses, unusual and erratic rhythms, and the ability to show truth with raw honesty and an occasional splash of humor. Materialists mines the situation, exposing the cynicism but eventually landing on a well-earned note of hope. While not a thriller, Song maintains a breathtaking and unflagging intensity. With Materialists, the filmmaker—the artist—this unique talent—has once again found a tale that will resonate with audiences long after the screen goes black.

Rated R, the film is now playing in local theaters. 

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The new addition to the Setauket Fire Department's 9/11 memorial. Photo by Sara Bally
A scene from the Setauket Fire Department 9/11 memorial ceremony on June 14. Photo by Serena Carpino
A scene from the Setauket Fire Department 9/11 memorial ceremony on June 14. Photo by Serena Carpino
A scene from the Setauket Fire Department 9/11 memorial ceremony on June 14. Photo by Serena Carpino
Sara Bally and Paul DiBiase Photos courtesy Sara Bally
Photo by Sara Bally
The Setauket Fire Department's 9/11 memorial with the new additions.

By Serena Carpino

On Saturday, June 14, the Setauket Fire Department held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the latest expansion of their 9/11 memorial, located at Station 3 on Nicolls Road. The memorial now includes the names of the first responders who passed away due to the health conditions caused by toxins at ground zero. This latest addition to the memorial was led by Girl Scout Sara Bally of Troop 227 as a part of her Gold Award project.

The ceremony was a special time for first responders, family members and other community members to remember and reflect on the heroic actions of the victims of 9/11. Speakers at the service also highlighted the importance of honoring the victims who died later due to their exposure to chemicals and harmful debris. 

At the beginning of the service, they remarked on the necessity of the memorial’s expansion to include these first responders. Setauket Fire Department Chief Charles Regulinski said, “We affirm what we have always known: that the sacrifices are no less significant, their courage no less profound. They are heroes in every sense of the word. This space, these names etched into stone, is not just a place to mourn. It’s a place to remember. A place to learn.”

Bally, whose stepfather, Paul DiBiase, has been a member of the department for 34 years, also commented on the necessity of the memorial. She noted, “This memorial is more than just a collection of names. It’s a permanent reminder of the bravery, sacrifice and enduring legacy of those who selflessly served our community.” Bally, who has been a member of the Girl Scouts for 13 years, first had the idea to expand the memorial when she and DiBiase ran the Tunnels to Towers 4k. 

“It’s crucial to me that these individuals, who continued to suffer and ultimately sacrificed their lives in the aftermath of that day, receive the recognition and honor they so rightly deserve alongside those lost on 9/11 itself,” she said. 

Thus, planning for the memorial’s expansion began. In addition to meeting with the fire department and local businesses, Bally and her team fundraised with a spaghetti dinner. As an aspiring art teacher, Bally was particular about the design, as she wanted the expansion to be symbolic and intentional. Ultimately, she decided to surround the existing memorial with pillars of stone. The names of all of the first responders from the tri-state area who lost their lives due to 9/11-related illnesses were to be etched into the pillars. These names were read aloud at the ceremony on Saturday. 

The near two-year-long process has since inspired several Boy Scouts from local troops to further contribute to the memorial. Plans have already been made to add benches, water features and turf to the space. 

Several local politicians were also present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Suffolk County Legislator Steve Engelbright (D-Setauket), Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico (R) and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook). 

In his speech, Engelbright noted that county leaders had “hoped when [they] dedicated this memorial that the young people of this community would carry forward [and continue to ensure that] what happened on 9/11 would not be forgotten.” He also thanked the Scouts who contributed to the memorial for bringing everyone together. 

To conclude the ceremony, speakers again underscored the sacrifices of the first responders and the necessity of coming together in remembrance. “We will continue to honor [the fallen],” Regulinski said. “Not just in stone and ceremony, but with action, compassion and remembrance. May this standing memorial be a place of peace, pride and enduring respect for all those we’ve lost and all those who continue to carry their legacy.”

The expansion of the memorial was made possible with the help of several local organizations, including O Sole Mio Italian Restaurant, Olde Towne Gardens and the Three Village Dads. The list of benefactors is continuing to grow. 

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Joe-Pye weed
A Column Promoting a More Earth-Friendly Lifestyle

By John L. Turner

John Turner

An emerging and growing aspect at environmental sustainability has been the embrace by many homeowners to implement a number of positive practices in and around their homes to help wildlife. Perhaps foremost is the idea of landscaping with native plants to support pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies while also being attractive to the human eye. 

Responding to this growing trend of using native plants in residential landscapes,  a number of Long Island based nurseries and other sources have begun to offer a wide variety of native species.  One outstanding source for native plants is the Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI, www.linpi.org), located at the Sisters of Saint Joseph property at 1725 Brentwood Road in Brentwood; it offers a wide variety of attractive native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses for purchase, including more than forty species from which to select.

Joe-Pye weed

These are not only native species but plants which were grown from seeds collected from native species growing here on Long Island, known as our local ‘ecotype.’ These include numerous trees and shrubs such as eastern red cedar, northern bayberry, sumac, and beach plum; wildflowers like milkweeds, asters, Maryland golden-aster, Joe-pye weed, several bush clovers, common evening primrose, and prickly pear cactus, and grasses like little bluestem, purple top, and deer tongue.    

LINPI’s website also contains a helpful plant database that can guide you toward certain species depending on the homeowner’s sun and soil tolerance and other aspects like bloom season, attractiveness to butterflies and birds, or deer resistance.    

Planting native species that support wildlife has never been easier and is a great way to pay our debt to insects that help to sustain human society.

A resident of Setauket, author John L. Turner is a naturalist, conservation co-chair of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, and Conservation Policy Advocate for the Seatuck Environmental Association.

 

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By Luciana Hayes

This Father’s Day locals reflect on the special moments they shared with their fathers throughout their lives. 

TBR News Media asked community members, “What is your favorite memory with your father?”

Andrew Handel

Andrew recalls one on one breakfast with his dad before school. He referred to it as a “kind of special treat” that he cherishes to this day.

Katie Heuzey, Huntington

Katie’s favorite memory with her father was going out to her favorite restaurant, Pancho Villas in Huntington. She remembers her usual order, a burrito with melted cheese, like it was yesterday.

Jeremy Flint, East Setauket

Jeremy shares that his best memory with his father was when he and his brother helped their dad build a shed and clubhouse in their backyard. But the best part was when they got to sign their names next to their hand prints in the cement. Jeremy reflects by saying, “It stuck with me from the time I was a little kid.”

Mary Mantia, Holbrook

Mary remembers the hugs she shared with her father more than anything else. She describes the memories by noting, “He wasn’t a lovable man, but every once in a while we would listen to some music and he would give me a hug and it was just really nice.”

Josette Bianchi, East Setauket

Josette’s fondest memories with her father were Saturday morning hikes at Webster Park in Webster, New York. She recalls there being a tree that fell across a creek and she would treat the tree like a balance beam as she embraced her inner gymnast. She later mentioned, “My dad always encouraged me to try new things and to take chances and not just with that, but in life in general.”

Sevilla Lebowitz, East Setauket

Sevilla’s favorite memories with her father are the weekend beach trips. She recalls learning to fish, swimming, and a lot of unforgettable memories in the sand.

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Kindergartner Athena Corso. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/BNL
First grader John Jantzen. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/BNL
Second grader Christopher Calvanese. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/BNL
Third grader Erios Pikramenos. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/BNL
Fourth grader Lyla Drucker. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/BNL
Fifth grader Taran Sathish Kumar
Sixth grader Luke Dinsman. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/BNL

The annual Elementary Science Fair Competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory on June 7 showcased a range of hypotheses students set out to test by following the scientific method.

Students presented questions inspired by their everyday lives, their interests, and timely topics in science. This year’s project titles included, “Alexa, Do my Homework!” “Does Taylor Swift Help Make my Dog Less Anxious?” “How Does the Air Pressure of a Soccer Ball Affect how far it Travels When Kicked?” and “Words Matter: How Encouragement Affects Performance.”

Brookhaven Lab scientists and local teachers volunteered to judge 258 projects and award the top spots and honorable mentions for each grade level, from kindergarten to sixth grade. The competition also included a Judges’ Choice award for creative questions.

“Our Elementary Science Fair is all about celebrating students’ first steps in STEM and providing positive memories that will inspire them as they consider future career paths,” said Daniel Trieu, competition co-coordinator and educational programs representative with Brookhaven Lab’s Office of Workforce Development and Science Education (WDSE). WDSE provides educational opportunities that highlight the Lab’s research initiatives, preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers.

A number of projects pulled in family and friends, including four-legged ones. Kindergarten student Savanna Stidd of Riley Avenue Elementary School wondered, “Am I really my dog’s best friend?” and found that her pup named Penny ran to her the fastest when called over. Her favorite part of the process? “I got to play with my dog,” she said.

Some students combined science and art, exploring how different types of music play into plant growth, whether music affects the way we draw, and which conditions contribute to the perfect place to hang their paintings. Others asked questions about food, including a project that tested which substance best mummified apples — complete with a life-size display prop mummy — and another that investigated why a student’s favorite ice cream flavor, chocolate, melts quickly in the summer.

Overall, the Science Fair is a chance to highlight students’ curiosity about the scientific process.

“My favorite part about being at the Science Fair is looking at my Science Fair project and seeing how hard I worked for it,” said Elijah David, a third grader from Coram Elementary School who conducted an experiment to see which liquids dissolved different types of candy the fastest. 

Students who earned first place in their grade level received medals and ribbons, along with banners to hang at their school to recognize the achievement. All participants received a ribbon in recognition of having won their grade-level competition at their school. Brookhaven Lab and Teachers Federal Credit Union sponsored the competition.

Science Fair awards

The following students earned first place in their grade level: 

◆ Kindergartner Athena Corso, Lincoln  Avenue Elementary School in Sayville for  “Don’t Wake a Sleeping Baby.”

◆ First grader John Jantzen, Sunrise Drive Elementary School in Sayville for “Electromagnet Avenue.”

◆ Second grader Christopher Calvanese, Pines Elementary School in Smithtown for “Monkey Bars or Ouchy Scars: Which playground surface absorbs the most impact?” 

◆ Third grader Erios Pikramenos, Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School in Rocky Point for “Lami vs. Eddy.”

◆ Fourth grader Lyla Drucker, Tamarac Elementary in Holtsville for “Upcycled Seed Paper.” 

◆ Fifth grader Taran Sathish Kumar, Pines Elementary School in Smithtown for “Waste to Blaze: Which Eco-Briquette Burns the Best.” 

◆ Sixth grader Luke Dinsman, Northport Middle School in Northport for “Defeating Drought: Can Hydrogels Help?” 

Judges’ choice

Kindergarten: Nate Doherty, Miller Avenue School in Shoreham

First Grade: Jack Gottesman, Tamarac Elementary School in Holtsville

Second Grade: Indie Crooke, Hampton Bays Elementary School in Hampton Bays

Third Grade: Colton Christian, Dayton Avenue School in Manorville

Fourth Grade: Mabel Gross, Dayton Avenue School in Manorville

Fifth Grade: Morgan Proscia, Sunrise Drive Elementary School in Sayville

Honorable mentions

Kindergarten: Arjun Yelika, Laurel Hill School in East Setauket; Savanna Stidd, Riley Avenue Elementary School in Calverton; and Peyton Lauten, Frank J. Carasiti Elementary in Rocky Point

First Grade: Grady McHugh, Pines Elementary School in Smithtown; and Cecilia Singh, Edna Louise Spear Elementary in Port Jefferson

Second Grade: Maggie Ruddick, Ridge Elementary School in Ridge; Rudhvin Maheshkumar, Bretton Woods Elementary School in Hauppauge; and Nathan Kenny, Hiawatha Elementary in Lake Ronkonkoma

Third Grade: Emilia Rutigliano, Tamarac Elementary in Holtsville; Adalynn Bishop, Raynor Country Day School in Speonk; George Miyagishi, Park View Elementary School in Kings Park; Christopher Powell, Fifth Avenue School in East Northport; and Siena Roseto, Cutchogue East Elementary School in Cutchogue.

Fourth Grade: Kate Unterstein, Cutchogue East Elementary School in Cutchogue; Myles Savage, RCK Elementary School in Islip Terrace; Lily Argyros, Bretton Woods Elementary School in Hauppauge; Vincent Calvanese, Pines Elementary School in Smithtown; and Ruby Tafflock, Ocean Avenue School in Northport. 

Fifth Grade: Sofia Balcells, Raynor Country Day School in Speonk; and Ashleigh Bruno, Northport Middle School in Northport.

Sixth Grade: William Zeiger, Peconic Community School in Cutchogue; and Colette Breig, William T. Rogers Middle School in Kings Park.

Science Fair Expo

While the project showcase was underway, science fair participants and their families also visited the Science Fair Expo, which featured information about Brookhaven Lab, science demonstrations, and hands-on activities related to physics, nanoscale science, and more.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. For more info, visit science.energy.gov.

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New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will host a Sand Castle Contest at Sunken Meadow State Park, Field #1, 1 Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park on Tuesdays, June 24,  July 15, and August 19. 

Each week, prizes will be awarded for the best sculptors and castles in several categories. T-shirts will be provided by the Natural Heritage Trust. 

Sand sculptors may use sand, water, and any other natural materials native to the beach. Registration is held at 9:30 a.m. at the Main Beach Boardwalk, build time is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., judging is at 10:30 a.m. and an awards ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. A $10 vehicle use fee will be in effect. For further information, call 631-269-4333, ext. 0.

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How to Navigate WhatsApp Channels with Confidence

For years, TBR News Media has kept readers across Long Island informed about important issues, events, and stories that matter most to local communities. As digital communication continues to evolve, many of us are expanding how we consume news and information. WhatsApp, originally known as a private messaging app, has quietly become a popular tool for public broadcasting through a feature known as WhatsApp Channels.

What Are WhatsApp Channels

WhatsApp Channels are a relatively new way for individuals, media outlets, organizations, and even small businesses to share updates with the public. Unlike traditional WhatsApp group chats, channels are one-way communication streams where administrators post updates and followers simply view them. This makes channels ideal for news, announcements, tips, and even promotional content.

However, as the number of channels continues to grow, finding the right ones has become a real challenge. Users frequently ask questions like: Which channels are worth following? Are these channels active? Can I trust the information being shared?

The Difficulty of Finding Reliable Channels

WhatsApp itself does not offer much assistance in browsing or verifying channels. There is no built-in search engine, no rating system, and no official verification badge to distinguish between high-quality and low-effort channels. That means users often rely on word of mouth, external lists, or trial and error when exploring channels.

Tools That Help Discover Relevant WhatsApp Channels

Fortunately, there are third-party tools that help make the process of discovering useful and trusted channels much easier. One such tool is wapeek, a platform designed to index and organize publicly available WhatsApp Channels by category, hashtag, popularity, and content activity.

Using whatsapp channels on wapeek, users can browse through hundreds of channels that cover a variety of topics such as news, finance, education, technology, entertainment, sports, and more. The platform displays subscriber numbers, recent posts, and related channels to help users decide which ones might be worth following. Instead of clicking on random links or joining inactive groups, people can preview content before subscribing. This alone adds a layer of trust and convenience that the WhatsApp app itself does not offer yet.

Why This Matters for Local Communities

For readers who rely on timely information, especially in local communities like ours, curated channels can be an additional source of important updates. Imagine receiving school closures, local election reminders, weather alerts, or community board updates directly on WhatsApp. It is fast, accessible, and fits the way people are already using their phones every day.

As more organizations and publishers begin to embrace WhatsApp Channels, having a clear method to discover and evaluate them is essential. With tools like wapeek, users can take control of their digital information sources and connect to topics that truly matter to them.

Stay informed. Stay selective. Make the most of your time online by following channels that provide real value.

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Pixabay photo

 By Bob Lipinski

Bob Lipinski

Fish stews, soups, and chowders are a popular and integral part of the cuisine in many coastal regions worldwide. These flavorful and substantial dishes have been enjoyed for centuries, featuring a diverse selection of seafood as the primary ingredient. Common additions include potatoes, tomatoes, various vegetables, onions, and other complementary components.

The main distinctions between fish soup and fish stew are liquid content and regional naming. Fish soup generally has a thin, brothy base that is lightly colored. Fish stew is a thicker, heartier dish with larger chunks of fish and less liquid than soup. Some examples of stew are bouillabaisse, brodetto, Cacciucco, Caldeirada, Cioppino, Ciuppin, waterzooi, zarzuela, and Zuppa di Pesce.

The word “chowder” originally referred to a large cooking pot or “chaudière” (cauldron) in French. Fish chowder traditionally has a thicker, richer consistency and includes larger pieces of fish, potatoes, vegetables, and salt pork.

Manhattan clam chowder is a brothy, tomato-based soup featuring clams, potatoes, and various vegetables. Manhattan chowder gets its name from a cookbook, “Soups and Sauces” by Virginia Elliott and Robert Jones (1934), although tomato-based clam chowder recipes existed before. The soup has little to do with New York City’s most popular borough and no one knows for sure why or when the name was given.

New England clam chowder is known for its hearty, creamy base, made with milk or cream, and often thickened with potatoes and a roux, introduced in New England by French, Nova Scotian, or British settlers in the 1700s.

Other states making their version of clam chowder include Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.

Some wines that pair well with these offerings are: 

Lamberti Prosecco “Extra Dry,” DOC, Veneto, Italy. Aromatic and fruity with hints of chamomile, pears, and ginger; flavors of apples, citrus and melon. Pair with bouillabaisse and New England Clam Chowder.

2023 Bolla Soave “Classico,” DOC, Veneto, Italy. Apple, pear, and honeysuckle aromas with flavors of peach, and melon, with a slightly bitter-almond aftertaste. Pair with brodetto and Cioppino.

2023 Bread & Butter Chardonnay, California. Aroma of tropical fruit and buttered toast with hints of vanilla, oak, almonds, and pears. Pair with Cioppino and New England Clam Chowder.

2023 Bread & Butter Pinot Noir, California. Did anyone say spicy cherry, red currant, and raspberry! Notes of tea, bay leaf, cinnamon, and plums. Pair with bouillabaisse and Manhattan Clam Chowder.

2023 Bread & Butter Cabernet Sauvignon, California. Bouquet of black currant, raspberry, and oak with hints of chocolate-cherry, and spices. Pair with Cacciucco and Cioppino.

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR [email protected].

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The redesigned and fully stocked food pantry. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On June 7, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined community members, volunteers, and local faith leaders to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Food Pantry at St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church in Shoreham. 

The event began with a special blessing of the newly renovated space by the Rev. Jenn Pilat, followed by the pantry’s first official “self-shop” session, marking a significant milestone in the church’s mission to combat food insecurity with dignity and compassion, according to a press release.

Pictured from left are the Rev. Jenn Pilat, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, and Deacon Richard Ohlsen. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner’s office

Councilwoman Bonner presented Rev. Pilat and the St. Anselm’s community with an official Certificate of Congratulations from the Town of Brookhaven, honoring their commitment to service “The re-opening of this pantry represents the best of what can happen when a community comes together to lift each other up,” said Bonner. “This is a space built on generosity, respect, and a shared dedication to ensuring that no one goes hungry.”

The food pantry, located at 4 Woodville Road in the lower parking lot of the church, has been redesigned into a spacious and welcoming “self-shop” model. With new refrigeration and freezer units, the pantry can now offer fresh produce, dairy, frozen meats, and shelf-stable items, giving clients the opportunity to shop for food with greater autonomy. 

The transformation was made possible through generous grant funding from Episcopal Ministries of Long Island and the dedicated work of volunteers who collectively contributed over 700 hours annually to keep the pantry running. Lay leaders Michael Solomito, Chuck and Donna LaSalla, Deacon Rich Ohlsen, and the Rev. Jenn Pilat were instrumental in reimagining the space, inspired by visits to other local food pantries.

The pantry serves residents from Shoreham, Wading River, Rocky Point, and Longwood, and currently operates every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit www.stanselmsofshoreham.org/ or call 631-744-7730.

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