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Yearly Archives: 2025

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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.

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Police car. Stock photo

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a man in Lake Ronkonkoma on Jan. 25.

Joseph McKeegan was driving a 2007 BMW 335 sedan westbound on Portion Road from the intersection of Ronkonkoma Avenue, when he lost control of the vehicle, which crossed over the eastbound lanes, left the roadway, and crashed into a utility pole at 2:36 a.m.

McKeegan, 20, of Holbrook, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The vehicle was impounded for a safety check.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to contact the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452.

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File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested two men for robbing a Yaphank gas station at gunpoint on Jan. 24.

Marion Maupin and Raiquan Davis robbed an employee of Shell, 482 Sills Road, at approximately 7:30 a.m. The two were located by officers a short time later on Wilson Avenue in Coram. The gun used in the robbery was recovered.

Sixth Squad detectives charged Maupin, 32, of Altoona, PA, and Davis, 27, of Medford, with Robbery 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm 3rd Degree. Maupin was additionally charged with Criminal Use of a Firearm 1st Degree.

The pair will be held overnight at the Sixth Precinct for arraignment on January 25 at First District Court in Central Islip.

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Photo courtesy of RMHC NYM

Andrew Reid, 19, who transformed his family’s East Northport home into a holiday lighted winter wonderland with over 500 restored holiday decorations, along with his mother, Christine, presented a check for $16,023.20 in donations raised by visitors to their holiday light display to representatives from Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro on Jan. 15.

The size of the donation was kept a surprise by Andrew right up until the moment the check was presented. 

“I was blown away, I had no idea it was going to be that large,” said Matt Campo, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro. “I told the family we work so hard to raise every dollar. For someone to come and hand us more than $16,000 is just amazing.” 

What began as a passion for refurbishing discarded holiday decorations grew into an annual tradition for Andrew and his family, with more than 500 decorations covering nearly every inch of Andrew’s home, yard, and even his car. His display was chronicled by media across New York and nationally. Andrew’s “Misfit Island” Christmas display was also voted the winner of Newsday’s “Holiday Lights” contest, with a prize of $1,000, which will be part of the donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro. 

“I surprised myself as well. It was a lot of work, a lot of standing in front of the house collecting donations,” said Andrew, who says he begins setting up his display in August every year. “Ronald McDonald House is a very good organization to support and it’s local, so the money will stay here.” 

The money donated will go toward the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last year and construction will begin in the spring with plans to open in 2027.

Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro provides comfort and support to families of children undergoing medical treatment. Funds raised through Andrew’s light display will directly benefit the new 24/7 care facility at Stony Brook Hospital, ensuring families can stay close to their sick or injured children.

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Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

Stony Brook men’s basketball fell, 79-54, to Campbell on Jan. 23 at Stony Brook Arena. Ben Wight eclipsed 1,000 career points in the setback, finishing with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Stony Brook and Campbell traded baskets over the opening eight minutes of action before the Camels took full control of the contest.

The Seawolves trailed 13-11 before allowing 11 straight points and falling behind, 24-13 at the 8:59 mark of the first half.

Stony Brook trimmed the deficit to nine points, but were outscored 17-4 over the final seven-plus minutes of the half and trailed 41-19 heading into the locker room.

The Camels maintained a sizable advantage for the entirety of the second half, shooting 64 percent from the floor over the final 20 minutes of action.

Campbell led by as many as 27 points during the second half and the smallest margin between the two sides during the second stanza was 17 points.

“Give Campbell credit, they were good early. We have had a hard time versus pressure all year and Collin picked up two quick fouls. We had 10 turnovers in our first 26 possessions; we cannot overcome those numbers,” head coach Geno Ford said. “We have a big Children’s Hospital game Saturday and we desperately need to play better.”

The team stays on the Island, hosting North Carolina A&T for the seventh annual Stony Brook Children’s Hospital Game on Jan. 25. Tip-off is scheduled for noon from Stony Brook Arena, with the contest airing live on SNY and streaming on FloCollege.

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Stock photo

Attention job seekers! South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station will host a Job Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join them to learn about hundreds of job opportunities from Suffolk County companies looking for local talent!

Presented by Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center, the event will feature representatives from a host of companies including Catholic Charities, Express Employment Pros, Cold Spring Harbor Labs, CAM Staffing, Suffolk 311, Huntington Coach, Schivo Medical and more!

No pre-registration required. Bring your resume and dress for success. For more information, call 631–853-6600.

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Raquel Fernandez

By Sabrina Artusa

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce honors two local business owners as members of the year, Raquel Fernandez and Risa Kluger.

The chamber’s director of operations, Barbara Ransome, said that while the chamber does not typically award the honor to two members, she felt that it was necessary to recognize both Kluger and Fernandez for their service to the Port Jefferson community. 

“They are very good business people. They take pride in the services they provide,” Ransome said.  

Fernandez and Kluger are businesswomen, but their identities as community members inform how they lead their businesses, Century 21/Icon and SERVPRO, respectively. Their obligation to their community is inextricable from their role as entrepreneurs, which is evident through the work they do with the chamber of commerce. 

Raquel Fernandez

Fernandez, who serves on the chamber’s executive board as the second vice president, believes a foundation of trust helps elevate the mutually beneficial relationship between consumers and herself. 

“I feel as a business owner you have to get involved so the community can identify with the brand and what you bring to the community and what you’re doing,” she said. “I wanted to create a culture that I could be proud of and really have a sense of family and loyalty —all the essence of all the things that I value.”

Serving in the chamber is “second nature” to Fernandez. “If I had something to tell myself 20 years ago, I would say join the chamber. Organically you are meeting the other business owners, networking, exchanging ideas, getting to know each other, and it becomes really cool that you get to support other businesses,” she said.

Ransome said Fernandez always does “the best she possible can” to assist the chamber, whether it is volunteering at the dragon boat festival, which is one of Fernandez’s favorite events, or sponsoring the events. “She has been very consistent and we are very appreciative,” Ransome said. 

Risa Kluger

Kluger directs her damage restoration business, SERVPRO, with the collegial mindset of a person helping her neighbors. 

“It’s a big responsibility, I feel, to set a standard to show people that you are an honest business person not only as a business but to the community,” she said. 

“From the very beginning she was there to help,” Ransome said of Kluger. “If I call and ask her to do anything, she’s there. It’s not only her, but she gets her entire family involved.”

Indeed, Kluger said that while she tries to always make time for chamber events, her busy schedule sometimes means she has to send representatives to support her.

“I felt the involvement was important to show a presence in the community; so you are not just there to earn money in the community, but to help and get involved,” Kluger said.  

Kluger also serves on the board of the Long Island Insurance Community, where she helps raise money for various charities, including the nonprofit United Way of Long Island. 

Ransome mentioned a specific instance that encapsulates Kluger’s dependability and generosity: After noticing roof damage on one of the chamber’s buildings, Kluger immediately had it repaired, without Ransome asking. 

Fernandez, too, finds fulfillment in using her business to help others. She runs a successful internship program, which has led past interns to pursue careers at major companies such as Amazon and J.P. Morgan. 

“To be able to be a part … [of] that and help them a lot along the way … that kind of drives me,” Fernandez said.  

Earning member of the year means a lot to both Kluger and Fernandez, who have worked hard to make their businesses successful while also staying true to their consumers.  

“Our industry is cyclic and you go through these ups and downs but you have to know how to weather the middle,” Fernandez said. “And then you realize you have been doing it for all these years and that in itself is a huge accomplishment.”

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Ward Melville’s Chase Phillips @ 101 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s Chase Phillips @ 101 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s Kyle Yannucciello @ 108 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s Kyle Yannucciello @ 108 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s Jaden Baron @ 116 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s Jaden Baron @ 116 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue's Vincent Susinno competes @ 124 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue's Cole Mendola competes @ 138 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue's Cole Mendola competes @ 138 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s Lorenzo Gamez @ 160 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s Lorenzo Gamez @ 160 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s Colin Spatz @ 170 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s Colin Spatz @ 170 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue's Berkay Ciftcikal competes @ 215 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue’s Tristin-Xaier Bailey competes @ 285 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue’s Tristin-Xaier Bailey competes @ 285 lbs. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

There was non-stop wrestling action at Comsewogue High School in another edition of the Comsewogue Warrior Duals, where five different teams competed on four separate mats Saturday, Jan. 18. 

The Patriots of Ward Melville won their first three bouts in the opening pool with Chase Phillips pinning his opponent in 50 seconds in the 101lbs weight class. Teammates Kyle Yannucciello at 108lbs and Jaden Baron at 116lbs both won their matches by technical falls. At 170lbs Colin Spatz won his match 12-5.

Comsewogue shined in the heavier weight classes where Berkay Ciftcikal at 215lbs pinned his opponent in 1:31 and Tristan Bailey made short work of his opponent with a pin in 50 seconds at 285lbs.

The Ward Melville grapplers are back in action Saturday Feb. 1 at the North Fork Invitational at Mattituck High School. The Warriors retake the mat Jan. 25 at Harborfields High School in the Steven Mally Memorial Tournament both matches begin at 9:00 a.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon

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Project Manager Camille Warner from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority presents information about lithium-ion batteries as the panel listens. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico (R) held a community forum to discuss battery energy storage systems on Tuesday, Jan 21 at Suffolk County Community College in Selden.

The forum featured a panel of professionals including an energy storage safety specialist, a deputy town attorney, a Stony Brook University professor and a chief fire marshal. 

Two battery energy storage facilities are proposed in Setauket by the Shell Group company Savion Energy. One facility is already being built in Patchogue.

The batteries

The forum began with a presentation by Camille Warner, project manager of a clean energy siting team for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Lithium-ion batteries are intended to hold energy, thus increasing the resilience of the grid by “provisioning essential resources” such as solar or wind energy. When renewable energy isn’t available, like when it is cloudy or windless, the batteries would release the energy stored, therefore prolonging the amount of energy we are able to derive from renewable resources. 

Lithium-ion batteries “store the most energy per unit weight or volume of any other battery system,” Warner said. To add, the batteries can help supplement energy during peak hours or when grid prices are high.

One system is proposed for a lot off Sheep Pasture Road and another is proposed between Parsonage and Old Town roads. 

Moss landing fires

A 350-kilowatt facility in Moss Landing, California. started a fire on Jan. 16. It was extinguished by Monday, Jan. 20. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it necessitated the evacuation of residents.

“At Moss Landing there was just open racks in an open building which had no fire breaks in between. We also know that the system was designed in 2017…The codes were not mature…the codes have gotten so much more mature,” Paul Rogers, an energy storage specialist for Energy Safety Response Group and a former New York City Fire Department Lieutenant, said.

He also mentioned that the Moss Landing BESS did not go through any large-scale fire testing. It is a current standard to test the failure of a BESS. 

The BESS systems proposed in Setauket will not be operated in a designated-use building, so the scale of any possible fire would not reach the level of the one in Moss Landing. The Brookhaven systems are compartmentalized. 

While residents were evacuated during the fire, testing has not revealed dangerous levels of hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, particulates or carbon monoxide. 

Chief Fire Marshal Christopher Mehrman said that it is doubtful an evacuation would be needed if the Brookhaven systems were to ever catch fire as it isn’t likely the fire would ever escape the property. 

When Panico asked what radius from a fire would experience diminished, and potentially harmful air quality, Mehrman said: “There is no defined radius. There are many factors that play into it – wind, time of day … whether there is a weather inversion that is keeping [the gasses] close to the ground or it is just flying up and going away.” 

Safety measures

The Energy Safety Response Group has worked with the state to refine the code. 

Precautions include a specific plan in case of failure. Experts must be present within four hours of a fire to help the fire department and should be available over the phone immediately.

“Someone who will take responsibility and start the decommissioning process should a fire take place … so the fire department can be relieved,” said Rogers.

Rogers also said that in addition to the National Fired Protection Agency’s compressed gasses and cryogenic fluids code, the state plans to add extra mandatory safety measures in preparing for and preventing BESS fires.  

Annual training will be provided to fire departments, annual inspections of the systems will take place, and the BESS will be peer reviewed by a third party before and after being built, paid for by the developing company. “This is not in NFPA 55. We went above and beyond the gold standard as far as I am concerned,” Rogers said. 

Rogers also said his group provides thorough, site-specific training to fire departments. In the case of a fire, the fire department is advised to let the module burn itself out and to use water to prevent the spread to other racks. 

“Limit the spread of the fire. That is the whole goal of this … we want to keep it within the box,” Rogers said. 

Explosions caused by thermal runaway are unlikely, according to Mehrman, who said, “Vapors burn off rather than lead to an explosion. We have not seen any battery storage facility fire that has failed beyond the perimeter.”

 Other concerns

Deputy Town Attorney Beth Reilly addressed legal questions as they pertained to the town code. 

In accordance with the town code, which dictates that noise levels cannot exceed 65 decibels at the property line from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 50 decibels after 10 p.m., the site will include buffers and vegetation to limit noise.

Panico, in response to financial queries, said the company “will pay taxes in accord with any other development” and “this is in no way being done with anything related to the landfill.”

Both Setauket sites are zoned appropriately, so the systems are permitted in those areas, despite their proximity to residential areas.  

Panico acknowledged the relevance of battery energy storage systems by appreciating the benefits of renewable energy in the fight against climate change. “There is a value from harnessing power from the wind and the sun,” he said. 

Councilmembers Jonathon Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), Neil Manzella (R-Selden), and Neil Foley (R-Patchogue) were also among those in attendance.

To view the forum, please use this link:

 

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