Yearly Archives: 2025

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A Column Promoting a More Earth-Friendly Lifestyle

By John L. Turner

John Turner

If you’re like most homeowners much of the mail you receive is unsolicited and of no interest, what we typically refer to as junk mail. Not surprisingly, much of it is never opened or read (about 44% according to one website) and gets tossed — hopefully in the recycling bin. Americans receive,  and dispose of, about 3 million tons of junk mail every year. Especially notorious are catalogs offering various products  — gifts, clothing, etc. — since they use much more paper than what is contained in a mere solicitation letter offering you a new product you don’t want.   

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive such as services which eliminate or reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive. Some charge a small fee to process your request. One such service highlighted by the United States Postal Service is: DMAchoice, Consumer Preferences, P.O. Box 900, Cos Cob, CT 06807. 

If you want to opt out of unsolicited credit card and insurance company offers, call toll free 1-888-567-8688 or visit optoutprescreen.com. Also, if you don’t want Valpak coupons go to valpak.com/remove-address to unsubscribe. Lastly, download the phone app PaperKarma that helps you to unsubscribe from unwanted mail.

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.

 

By Bill Landon

In an eight-team cheer competition at Eastport South Manor High School Saturday afternoon, Ward Melville was the class of the field in the coed cheer division. The Patriots, the 2024 NYSPHSAA state champion edged out Walt Whitman, the third place finisher, with a cumulative score of 86.35 points and East Islip, the runner up, with 87 points to capture top honors with a score of 90.65.

Ward Melville retakes the mat Feb. 15 for the Suffolk County Championship final at Sachem East High school with an eye on the 2025 NYSPHSAA championship on March 8.

— Photos by Bill Landon

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Photo from SCPD

Second update on Feb. 3: Detectives believe the vehicle that struck and killed a pedestrian on Nesconset Highway in Lake Grove on February 1 is a 2006 to 2007 dark gray Honda Accord. See photo attached.

Update on Feb. 2: Sampada Aduulla, 24, of Lake Grove, has been identified as the woman killed in a hit-and-run crash while crossing Nesconset Highway in Lake Grove on February 1.

Below is the original press release:

Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives are investigating a hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian in Lake Grove on Feb. 1.

A woman was crossing Nesconset Highway, near Hallock Road, when she was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound at 6:20 a.m. that fled the scene. The woman, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to contact the Major Case Unit at 631-852-
6555 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

Police car stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a Selden man on Feb. 2 for having allegedly burglarized nine businesses between November 2024 and today.

Sixth Precinct officers responded to a 911 call reporting a burglary at Subway, located at 668 Middle Country Road in Selden at 9:49 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found the front glass window of the business had been broken and cash had been stolen from the register and coins from a donation jar. Following an investigation by Sixth Squad detectives, Michael Parise was identified and located a short time later on Middle Country Road in Coram at 11:07 a.m.

Parise has been identified as the man who has allegedly committed nine similar burglaries and one attempted burglary since November 2024. In all instances, he entered the business by breaking an exterior door or window and stole cash. In addition to the incident today, he was charged with Burglary 3rd Degree for the following incidents:

  • Subway, located at 2350 Route 347, Stony Brook, reported at approximately 5 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2024
  • Ssambap Korean BBQ, located at 2350 Route 347, Stony Brook, reported at 6:26 a.m. on Dec. 16, 2024
  • Orangetheory Fitness, located at 2306 Route 347, Stony Brook, reported at 10:59 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2024
  • Hype Cut and Color Bar, located at 159 Terry Road, Smithtown, reported at 9:32 a.m. on Dec. 27, 2024
  • Tainos Café and Lounge, located at 24 Middle Country Road, Coram, reported at 4 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2024
  • Bagel Café of Stony Brook, located at 2310 Route 347, Stony Brook, reported at 7:28 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2025
  • Kimochi Bubble Tea, located at 237 Middle Country Road, Selden, reported at 9:45 a.m. on Jan. 31
  • Middle Country Animal Hospital, located at 644D Middle Country Road, Selden, reported at 8:13 a.m. on Feb. 2, 2025

Parise was additionally charged with one count of Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree for an incident at Peking Chinese Kitchen, located at 640 Middle Country Road, Selden, during which he damaged a door to the restaurant but failed to gain entry on February 2, and Petit Larceny for stealing money from a donation box at McDonald’s, located at 2324 Route 347, Stony Brook, on December 26, 2024.

Parise, 49, of Selden was held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and was scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on February 3.

Joe Caskey (Elvis Presley) in a scene from 'Heartbreak Hotel,' Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater

By Rita J. Egan

Ninety years after Elvis’s birth, his music still resonates with rock ‘n’ roll fans. Currently, at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, the cast of the biographical musical Heartbreak Hotel are presenting a production overflowing with talent to celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s legacy and music.

With book by Sean Cercone and David Abbinanti, Heartbreak Hotel is based on a concept by Floyd Mutrux, one of the co-writers of Million Dollar Quartet. The musical shares Elvis’s journey from his younger days to the singer’s comeback television special in 1968. The production offers nostalgia for older fans and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll history for younger audiences. 

The fast-paced production, which has been performed in regional theaters across the United States but never on Broadway, encompasses more than 40 of the singer’s hits, including “That’s All Right,” “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” For the Northport stage, Engeman’s director and choreographer, Paul Stancato, has created an energetic and engaging show.

As the musical opens, we see Elvis Presley mentally preparing for The Comeback Special in 1968. He receives a visit from his younger self, who advises that maybe the answers aren’t in the future but in the past. Throughout the musical, the audience witnesses the singer’s rise to fame and flashbacks to his younger days and humble beginnings. His love for Gospel music and the sounds of Beale Street in Memphis, where his family moved to from Tupelo, Mississippi, when he was a young teen, are beautifully commemorated. 

When touching on the singer’s setbacks, the production handles it gracefully by giving enough details but not diving too deep, keeping the musical as upbeat as possible despite some of the downsides of his career.

Joe Caskey, as Elvis, understands the assignment. He embraces the confidence, moves and voice of the King without coming across as a campy impersonator. His vocals are strong, whether belting out “Jailhouse Rock” or serenading baby daughter Lisa Marie with a tearjerking “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Caskey’s acting abilities are center stage during Act II, especially earlier in the act when it’s apparent that the weight of Elvis’s career and the responsibilities that come with it — including keeping his staff employed — are weighing heavily on him.

Spencer Chase is impressive as a young Elvis Presley. Like Caskey, the teenager has a confidence that one can imagine even young Elvis having. At the same time, he possesses the enthusiasm of a boy falling in love with music. 

Pamela Bob, as Gladys Presley, is ideal as the loving mother, and her and Chase’s singing of “Peace in the Valley” is heartwarming. 

Michel Vasquez plays Priscilla Presley and seamlessly transitions from the young woman exuding enthusiasm for her new love to the frustrated wife vying for his attention as he is distracted by other women.

Sara Rose is delightful as Elvis’s first girlfriend, Dixie. The actress shines even more later in the musical when she plays actress, singer and dancer Ann-Margaret. Rose’s powerful dance moves also take center stage during other numbers.

William Thomas Evans, as Col. Tom Parker, captures the sleaziness of Elvis’s manager. Matthew Schatz is perfect as Sam Phillips, demonstrating the record producer’s stress earlier in the musical and later his enthusiasm in promoting Elvis’s music to DJs. Playing another Phillips is Jeff Gallup, who as DJ Dewy Phillips captures the era’s energy. Hailey Aviva, as Sam Philips’ secretary, Marion Keisker, also adds to the vibrancy of the production. Matt Allen plays both Vernon Presley and Frank Sinatra and is fun to watch playing Sinatra, emulating the crooner’s mannerisms and accent.

Audiences should be prepared for toe-tapping even before the Elvis hits begin with “Welcome to Beale St.” sung by Troy Valjean Rucker, Tarik Ziegler, Lena Richard, Danielle McKnight, Chase and the ensemble. A few scenes later, Ziegler is a scene stealer as Reverend Brewster during the number “This Train is Bound for Glory.”

What makes this musical so unique is the actors playing instruments right on stage instead of an orchestra. The technique makes one feel as if they are actually at a live performance, especially during the closing act, when Caskey is in full concert mode. While several of the actors play instruments, Noah Berry, Chris Coffey and Luke Surretsky, as Elvis’s band members, are on stage most of the show and easily juggle acting and playing instruments.

The show’s cast and crew have gone above and beyond to produce a show that honors the musical legacy that Elvis left behind. During the cold, dark winter months, the Engeman’s Heartbreak Hotel is a shining star, just like the legend the musical honors.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main Street, Northport, presents Heartbreak Hotel through March 2. Tickets start at $82. For more information, call 631-261-2900 or visit engemantheater.com. 

St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, 50 Route 25A, Smithtown will have the Catholic Health Community Health and Outreach Mobile Bus in its main parking lot on Friday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to offer free health screenings and flu vaccinations for adults 18 years and older.

Each screening will include a brief cardiac history, blood pressure screening, BMI screening, simple blood test for cholesterol and glucose, health education, referrals as needed, resources for those without insurance and a free flu vaccination (senior dose available.) For more information, please call 631-469-0989.

Stony Brook men’s lacrosse has unveiled its schedule for the 2025 season. The Seawolves open the regular season with road tests at Rutgers and North Carolina and will play six games at LaValle Stadium.

The Seawolves open season number six under head coach Anthony Gilardi on February 8 at Rutgers. The Seawolves and Scarlet Knights meet for the fourth straight season, with Stony Brook in search of their seventh overall win over Rutgers and its first since 2020.

Stony Brook returns to action the following weekend, hitting the road to face a pair of North Carolina based opponents. The Seawolves visit Chapel Hill to pair off with UNC on February 14 and then stay in state to face Queens College on February 16. The Seawolves and Tar Heels meet for the second straight season and Stony Brook searches for its first-ever win over UNC.

The Seawolves host Sacred Heart on February 22 in the 2025 home opener at LaValle Stadium. Stony Brook topped Sacred Heart on the road in last year’s season opener. Stony Brook welcomes Iona to LaValle in the first-ever meeting between the two programs on February 25.

Stony Brook concludes non-conference play against in-state foes Manhattan (March 1) and Binghamton (March 8), before opening CAA play in the 15th installment of the Battle of Long Island against Hofstra on March 15. The Seawolves face defending CAA Champion Towson on the road on March 22 before returning home for the conference opener on March 29 against Fairfield.

The Seawolves face Delaware (April 5) and Drexel (April 19) on the road and host Monmouth (April 12) and Hampton (April 26) to conclude the final month of the regular season. The 2025 CAA Tournament begins on May 1.

Alumni and current students perform and pack the house to celebrate popular Rocky Point Music Teacher

Students, former students, colleagues, friends and family of Rocky Point Elementary Music Teacher and Department Chairperson Craig Knapp packed the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEOHF) recently to honor the 2024 ‘Educator of Note’ winner. The ceremony was held at LIMEHOF’s museum location in Stony Brook at 97 Main Street. The event featured three musical performances by current and former students, live and video recorded speeches from colleagues and students, a video presentation about Knapp’s career and a special citation presentation by New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. 

“The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame is thrilled to honor Craig Knapp with the ‘Educator of Note’ Award and to recognize his extraordinary dedication, innovation, and profound impact on countless students and on music education in our community,” said LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham, who manages LIMEHOF’s education programs. 

“I am absolutely honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame as the 2024 recipient of their ‘Educator of Note,’ said Knapp. “To be included on the list of past honorees—many of whom I have worked with collaboratively in a variety of music education organizations, committees, conferences, and initiatives—is both gratifying and humbling. I am very proud that I carved out a successful career in a rather unconventional and unique way.” 

The event was emceed by LIMEHOF Educational Committee Member Mike Rodgers who is also director of music and performing arts in the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District. Live speakers included Music Department Chair from Rocky Point School District Amy Schecher, 5th Grade Student Emma Wurm, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York (MYO) Dr. Anthea Jackson, New York State Assemblywomen Jodi Giglio. There were also recorded messages from colleagues including MYO Concert Choir Director Dr. Doreen Fryling.  

“I thought today’s event was absolutely beautiful particularly the students were the highlight of it,” said Rodgers. “Not only to see the work that was done but the reflection from the students themselves.” 

Current and former students honored Knapp with special musical performances. Rocky Point Students Serena Carley and Olna Carley, MYO Treble Choir students Nate Drinkwater and Andrew Nagle. Former student now Deer Park Music Teacher Grace Donofrio sang Georges Bizet’s Carmen accompanied by pianist Sara Ruggerio. 

“Mr. Knapp is one of the most inspiring people and most deserving people of this kind of award,” said Donofrio. “He inspires me to be a music teacher, and I hope that I can be half of him one day as I learn and grow and continue in my career.” 

Former student Julia Brandow traveled in from out of town, driving for over five hours to honor Knapp. 

“Once he told me this was happening, I had to come… it was like no question, Brandow said. “He has done so much for us. The least I could do was be here today for him. Music is the biggest thing in my life and he 100% is the foundation for that.”

Music Teacher Desiree DeMelfi (herself a 2019 LIMEHOF Scholarship recipient) also spoke. She had nominated Craig and was mentored by him when she started her music teaching career. 

“Craig has always wanted me to be the best music teacher and course director I could be,” said DeMelfi. “The impact of a true educator and mentor is evident from my story alone. Craig saw an opportunity to guide a young student from the same town he grew up in. He acted as a leader and decided to give me the best student teaching experience possible.” 

 With an impressive career that spans 27 years on Long Island, Craig Knapp is the 18th music teacher to be recognized by LIMEHOF since the ‘Educator of Note’ Award was established in 2007. This award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate a commitment to music education, play an active role in the community, and have a significant influence on the lives of music students of all backgrounds and abilities. 

Craig Knapp is the director of the Nassau and Suffolk Treble Choirs of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, Elementary Classroom Music Specialist and Choral Director in the Rocky Point Public School District, former Adjunct Assistant Professor at Hofstra University, former Director of the Early Childhood Community Music Program at Stony Brook University, music educator, guest conductor, clinician, folk dance leader and author. He says of all his accomplishments, the most significant honor to him is the lasting influence he has had on his students. 

“I have the luckiest job in the world as I get to wake up every Monday morning and make music with incredible children,” Knapp said. “Of all that I have achieved—more important than any accolades I could receive, books I could publish, guest conducting opportunities I could receive, invitations to present at professional development conferences, or performances I direct—my greatest accomplishment, and what I’m most proud of, is that students still come to visit me decades later to tell me that I was their favorite teacher and to thank me for the positive impact I had on their life. What could be better than that?”

For more information about the LIMEHOF ‘Educator of Note’ Award, visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org/educator-of-note/

Smithtown Township Arts Council has announced that the works of Saint James artist Josephine Puccio will be on view at Apple Bank of Smithtown, 91 Route 111, Smithtown from Feb. 5 to April 3.

From a very young age, Puccio loved art. Growing up in Brooklyn, her family would visit her grandparents in the country (now known as Howard Beach). The artist fell  in love with the beauty of the trees, flowers and natural landscape and at age 7 she begged her parents to buy her crayons and paper so she could draw what she saw.

“Till this day I can sit for hours upon hours and paint what I see in hopes of bringing to everyone the beauty, excitement and love for nature that I feel in my heart!” said Puccio.

The artist moved to Florida for eight years, returning to Long Island in 2022. Before her move, she was an award-winning artist exhibiting her work and winning many prizes at galleries across the island from East Hampton to East Meadow having exhibited at Guild Hall, Suburban Art League, Wet Paints Studio Group among many others. Happy to return to the Art scene on Long Island, Puccio continues to exhibit her art and win prizes!

The exhibition, part of the Arts Council’s Outreach Gallery Program, may be viewed during regular banking hours Monday -Thursday 9 am – 4 pm; Friday 9 am – 6 pm; Saturday 9 am – 1 pm.