Yearly Archives: 2025

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who allegedly stole merchandise from a South Setauket store in December.

A man allegedly stole allergy medication from Target, located at 265 Pond Path, at approximately 9:30 a.m. on December 15. The merchandise was valued at approximately $315.

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.

Hand-drawn renderings of two of the seven sampled molars from Australopithecus (StW-148 and StW-47), illustrative of teeth frequently exposed to plant eating. Credit: Dom Jack, MPIC

Study published in Science identifies Australopithecus as a plant eater, narrowing the scope on when regular animal consumption increased and brains grew.

 An international team of researchers including Dominic Stratford, PhD, of Stony Brook University and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, have discovered that an ancient human ancestor found in deposits at the Sterkfontein Caves, Australopithecus, which lived more than three million years ago in South Africa, primarily ate plant-based foods. The finding, published in the journal Science, stems from an analysis of tooth enamel from seven Australopithecus fossils and is significant because the emergence of meat eating is thought to be a key driver of a large increase in brain size seen in later hominins.

Every human behavior, from abstract thought to the development of complex technology, is a result of the evolution of the brain. According to evolutionary scientists, meat consumption is a primary driver of many aspects of the evolution of our own genus, Homo, including brain size. When hominins started to exploit and consume highly nutritious animal products is a major question in human evolution studies because it represents a turning point in our evolution. However, direct evidence of when meat eating emerged among our earliest ancestors, and how its consumption developed through time, has remained elusive to scientists.

The research team included investigators from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC) in Germany and the University of Witwatersrand. They analyzed stable nitrogen isotope data (15N/14N) from tooth enamel of Australopithecus fossils found in the caves, an area known for its rich collection of early hominin fossils.

The ratio of stable nitrogen isotopes accumulated in animals’ tissues has been used to understand its trophic position – place in the food chain – for many years. An enrichment of 15N is generally indicative of a higher position in the food chain and consumption of animal tissue. Conventionally, bone collagen or dentin are sampled to attain enough nitrogen isotopes for analysis. But these tissues typically decay relatively rapidly, limiting the application of nitrogen isotope analysis to about 300,000 years.

The recent development of more sensitive analytical techniques that can measure less nitrogen provided the opportunity to sample enamel, the hardest tissue of the mammalian body that also traps Nitrogen stable isotopes while it is forming. Enamel can potentially preserve the isotopic fingerprint of an animal’s diet for millions of years.

According to Stratford, an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Stony Brook University, and Director of Research at the Sterkfontein Caves, and his colleagues, this advancement in nitrogen isotope analysis enabled the researchers to obtain the first direct evidence of the diet of ancient hominin fossils and explore when meat eating started, the behavior that set hominins on a new evolutionary path.

They compared the isotopic data from those fossils with tooth samples of other coexisting animals at the time, such as monkeys, antelopes, hyenas, jackals and big cats. The comparison revealed that while its possible Australopithecus occasionally consumed meat, its primary diet was plant-based.

In fact, the isotopic data showed the hominin ate more like a herbivore than a carnivore. One interpretation of this result, explains Stratford, is that changes in behavior known to occur in Australopithecus may not be a result of an increase in meat consumption. It may also suggest that regular meat eating had not yet emerged as a behavior in a hominin this old, implying that it occurred only later in time, or in a different geographic area.

“Overall, this work provides clear evidence that Australopithecus in South Africa did not eat significant amounts of meat three million years ago, and it represents a huge step in extending our ability to better understand diets and trophic level of all animals back into the scale of millions of years,” adds Stratford.

 

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Arson Section detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the person who set fire to a car parked in Central Islip in November.A person set fire to a vehicle that was parked on Cypress Street on November 22 at approximately 1:45 a.m. The person fled the scene on foot. Detectives are asking any neighbors with video to contact the Arson Section or Crime Stoppers.

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For video of this incident, go to YouTube.com/scpdtv
and Click on Wanted for Central Islip Arson CC24C071129.

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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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 and women who allegedly stole merchandise from a Selden store in December.

A man and two women allegedly stole baby products from Walgreens, located at 655 Middle Country Road, on December 30 at approximately 11:10 p.m.

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.

'Reverie' by Adam Lowenbein

The Flecker Gallery on the Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Campus, 533 College Road, Selden has announced its first exhibition of the semester, DAYLIGHT by acclaimed artist Adam Lowenbein. This captivating exhibition will open on Thursday, February 6, with a reception and artist talk from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Southampton Building of the Ammerman Campus. The show will run through March 6, 2025.

DAYLIGHT features a series of large-scale works that are both visually stunning and thought-provoking. Lowenbein’s art transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, using unrestrained color and layered textures to create pieces that are at once beautiful and unsettling. His paintings stretch moments in time, inviting viewers into a world where tension and anticipation hover in the air, blurring the lines between clarity and unease. This exhibition offers audiences an opportunity to explore the hidden layers of the familiar, uncovering an unexpected underbelly within everyday environments.

Adam Lowenbein is an artist whose work has been celebrated both nationally and internationally. Based on Long Island, and Fort Lauderdale, FL, Lowenbein holds a BFA in painting from The Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in painting from Indiana University, where he attended on a fellowship. His impressive career includes grants to attend the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and the Vermont Studio Center, as well as a year as a Core Fellow at The Glassell School, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

This exhibition and artist talk present a unique opportunity for the public to engage with Lowenbein’s remarkable work and gain insight into his creative process. Don’t miss the chance to experience DAYLIGHT at the Flecker Gallery this semester.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (and by appointment).

For more information, please contact the Flecker Gallery at 631-451-4093.

Global Language Reads ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of PJCC
Global Language Reads ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Kornreich’s office

It was a great turnout for the ribbon cutting of new Port Jefferson Village business Global Language Reads at 402 Main Street on Jan. 15. 

Hosted by the Greater Chamber of Commerce, the event was attended by Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, former New York State Senator Ken LaValle, Port Jefferson Village Trustees Kyle Hill and Robert Juliano, PJCC President Stuart Vincent, Third Vice President Douglas Quattrock, family and friends who came out to congratulate owner Caterina Lemos-Cunha and wish her the best of luck in her new venture.  

“I’m excited to welcome Global Language Reads to our community. This new bookstore offers a unique collection of books in multiple languages, providing an opportunity for locals and visitors to explore stories from around the world,” said Councilmember Kornreich. 

“Global Language Reads is a wonderful addition to our town, celebrating diversity and encouraging cultural exchange. I can’t wait to see this new business thrive and contribute to the cultural fabric of Port Jefferson. Be sure to take advantage of the variety of exciting activities they host! From movie and game nights, to engaging book clubs, to the science society and debate club for young adults, there’s something for everyone,” he added.

For more information, visit www.glrbooks.com.

By Beverly C. Tyler

A few years ago, on the eve of the celebration of Martin Luther King’s birthday, my wife and I watched the DVD movie “Amazing Grace,” based on the story of how a few dedicated men and women in England, at the beginning of the 19th century, ended the British slave trade. As dramatic as the story was, I was equally impressed by one of the special features, a tour of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. One of their on-line exhibits notes, “The transatlantic slave trade was the largest forced migration of people…which brought millions of Africans to America.” 

One of the main concerns of the Freedom Center is that around the world, “there are estimated 21 million to 45 million people trapped in some form of slavery today… more than at any other time in human history.” A film, special feature or website is no substitute for an actual visit to the Freedom Center and other museums and historical societies that tell stories of our history, culture, diversity and the challenges we face.

There is a darker side to the diversity of our community. It has many facets, including stories of our enslaved people and our community’s part in the slave trade. One story begins here in East Setauket, along Shore Road, overlooking Setauket Harbor.    

Joseph Rowland built the  schooner-yacht “Wanderer” in 1857 for Colonel John D. Johnson, a member of the New York Yacht Club and a wealthy sugar planter from New Orleans. Johnson raced the schooner and won every race until the yacht club disallowed “Wanderer’s” participation due to her size and speed. Angered, Johnson and “Wanderer” left New York in late spring 1858 for a tour of the south, including Charleston and Savannah. At every port “Wanderer” was widely acclaimed.  

During that tour Johnson sold “Wanderer” to William C. Corey and soon after she appeared in Port Jefferson. She was fitted out for the slave trade, probably at the yard of J.J. Harris. With installation of large water tanks and the appearance of the schooner “Charter Oak” outside the harbor with more supplies for “Wanderer”, S.S. Norton, surveyor of the port, became suspicious and notified federal officials in New York. The revenue cutter “Harriet Lane” intercepted “Wanderer” off Old Field Point and took her in tow to New York over Corey’s loud protests.

Corey glibly talked himself free and “Wanderer” was allowed to leave for Charleston, SC where the real owner Charles Augustus Lafayette Lamar surfaced. Lamar, staying in the background because of his previous connection with slavers, obtained customs clearance for her. They completed fitting out for the slave trade and sailed for Africa. 

Slavers were rigged to outrun the slave squadrons of Great Britain and America, both of which were trying to stop the now illegal slave trade. On the west coast of Africa, “Wanderer” took aboard some 600 enslaved Africans and sailed for America. They were laid down side by side alternating head and feet, chained wrist to ankle, and kept there for days without sanitation. 

On the evening of November 28, 1858, “Wanderer” landed 465 Africans on Jekyll Island, Georgia. The rest had died during the voyage and were unceremoniously tossed over the side. Most of the Africans suffered from diarrhea, dietary deficiencies and skin diseases. They were sick, tired, needed rest, care and good food to recover, but had to be dispersed as soon as possible to avoid Federal questions about their status. A camp was set up and Dr. Robert  Hazelhurst, married to the sister of John and Henry DuBignon, owners of Jekyll Island, checked every African and none died in his care. 

“Wanderer” was seized by Federal authorities, but the Africans, now on Georgia soil, a slave state, had been quickly sold at auction. There was outrage in the U.S. Congress but little, if anything, was done, less than two years before the start of the Civil War.

The real story of “Wanderer” is about the enslaved African people who survived and thrived. Cilucangy, (SIL-U-CANNY) who learned basket weaving from his mother was taken from field work when his talent was recognized. Ward Lee, his American slave name, and his wife and many of their descendants lived their lives in Aiken County, SC not too far from where he was first enslaved. They raised four children and many of their descendants moved north settling in New York and on Long Island. These included 87-year-old Ocea Lee-Barnes, a resident of Hempstead, Long Island when she was interviewed in 2008 at a “Wanderer” survivor reunion on Jekyll Island. Cilucangy told his story in 1908 to an anthropologist from the University of Chicago. He dreamed of returning to Africa and died ten years later without fulfilling his dream.

  As of March 2024, the state of Georgia has identified at least 67 of the 409 captive men, women and children who were illegally smuggled aboard “Wanderer.” Cilucangy’s sons moved north, grandson William moved to Brooklyn. In the 1980s, his great-great granddaughters were named the Doublemint Gum Twins. Today the family includes teachers, lawyers, and guidance professionals. Margaret Higgins, another great-granddaughter of Cilucangy, lived in Nassau County and her grandson is named Alexander Cilucangy Valenti.

Many enslaved Africans from “Wanderer” remained in the coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia with a number being sold to plantations and individuals around Brunswick, Georgia and Jekyll Island. From December 1858 until the start of the Civil War, newspapers followed the destinies of some “Wanderer” enslaved Africans who were discovered in all the states of the lower south. Partly as a result of enslaved Africans landing on Jekyll Island, the Buchanan administration (1857-1861) strengthened the African squadron by adding steamers of war and permitting closer co-operation with the British. 

In 1861, “Wanderer” was seized by the federal government and used as a Civil War gunboat. She was credited  with capturing four prizes. After the war the U.S. Navy sold her to private owners who ran her aground on Cape Maisi, east of Cuba, on January 21, 1871 and she was a total loss.  “The Last Slave Ships – New York and the end of the middle Passage,” a 2020 book by John Harris, tells the story of New York City’s extensive involvement in the slave trade. 

Extensive research on shipbuilding in the Three Village area and Suffolk County was conducted over many decades by local writer and historian William B. Minuse (1908-2002). His research on “Wanderer” included a trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia where he was able to photograph items such as the mess kettle used to feed the enslaved Africans after they arrived on Jekyll Island.

Author Beverly C. Tyler is Three Village Historical Society historian and author of books available from the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Rd., Setauket. Tel: 631-751-3730. http://WWW.TVHS.org

Stock photo

The Suffolk County Water Authority will host the next installment of its WaterTalk series of educational forums in collaboration with the Three Village Civic Association on Monday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m at the Setauket Fire Department, located at 190 Main Street In Setauket. This event provides an opportunity for residents to learn more and ask questions about their drinking water.

“It’s important that we engage directly with our customers and the local business communities across Suffolk County,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “Partnering directly with the Three Village Civic Association gives us an opportunity to meet with customers who we may not be able to reach otherwise. We appreciate the civic and their leadership for their collaboration.”

“We are delighted to welcome the Suffolk County Water Authority to our upcoming Three Village Civic Association meeting,” said Charlie Tramontana, Three Village Civic Association President. “This valuable opportunity will provide our community with crucial insights into the vital role the SCWA plays in ensuring the safety and reliability of our water supply. We encourage all residents to attend and learn more about this essential service.”

The WaterTalk series features a panel of experts who will discuss essential topics such as the quality of drinking water, infrastructure improvements made by SCWA to enhance water service and quality, and the importance of conservation. During the event, attendees can also ask questions and interact with SCWA officials. SCWA hopes attendees leave with increased knowledge about their water and greater confidence in the product delivered to their homes.

Residents who are interested in attending the WaterTalk event can RSVP by emailing [email protected] by Monday, January 29.

About SCWA:

The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.

 

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook women’s basketball team got a 26-point performance from the bench on the way to a 62-46 win over the Northeastern Huskies at home on Jan. 24.

Chloe Oliver led the Seawolves (9-9, CAA 4-3) with 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Zaida Gonzalez notched nine points, four assists, and two rebounds. Shamarla King and Janay Brantley both recorded eight points to help Stony Brook to their fourth conference victory of the season.

Stony Brook took advantage of fantastic ball movement in Friday’s game, piling up 18 assists on 25 made field goals. Individually, Breauna Ware was on top of the dish list for the Seawolves with five assists.

Stony Brook’s defense held Northeastern to only 35.8 percent shooting from the field, including 20 percent from beyond the arc. The Seawolves’ defense was disruptive causing 21 turnovers from the Huskies.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After playing to a 5-5 tie early in the game, Stony Brook went on a 9-0 run with 4:07 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Gonzalez, to take a 14-5 lead, a score that would hold for the rest of the period.

Stony Brook kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 5-0 run starting at the 1:43 mark in the second period to increase its lead to 25-19, a score that would hold until halftime. Stony Brook forced seven Northeastern turnovers in the period.

Stony Brook continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 9-0 run to expand its lead further to 34-24 with 5:55 to go in the third. Before the third period was over, the Seawolves added six points to that lead and entered the fourth quarter with a 46-30 edge. Stony Brook played well near the basket, scoring 14 of its 21 points in the paint.

Stony Brook kept its lead intact before going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Dallysshya Moreno’s layup, to grow the lead to 53-32 with 8:31 to go in the contest. The Huskies narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Seawolves still cruised the rest of the way for the 62-46 win. Stony Brook fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 16 points.

STATS AND NOTES

·      Chloe Oliver led the Seawolves with a team-high 10 points, adding four rebounds and a pair of assists.
·      Stony Brook put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 72 percent of made field goals.
·      The Seawolves had a stellar day defensively, holding Northeastern to 35.8 percent from the field and 20 percent from beyond the arc on 20 attempts.
·      The Stony Brook bench came alive by scoring 28 points to its scoring output.
·      The Seawolves forced 21 Northeastern turnovers while committing only 11 on the other end.
·      Stony Brook is 8-7 all-time against Northeastern in a series dating back to 2002.

QUOTES FROM THE SEAWOLVES

Up next, the team  stays on their home court to take on Campbell on Sunday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. for National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Coverage is set to be available on FloCollege.

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Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Police arrested a man for criminal possession of multiple weapons in Melville on Jan. 24.

Probation officers were responding to a residence on Chateau Drive, when they discovered illegal weapons at the house, and requested assistance from police, at approximately 6:30 p.m. Second Precinct patrol officers and Second Squad detectives responded to assist with the investigation.

During the investigation, police seized three assault rifles, two rifles, and one level three body armor, as well as other firearm components: a large amount of ammunition, including three large capacity magazines; and plastic molds for ghost guns. Robert Ehlich was arrested at 8:19 p.m.

Second Squad detectives charged Ehlich, 41, with seven counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, and Unlawful Purchase of Body Armor.

Ehlich is being held overnight at the Third Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on January 25.