A person on site during demolition of a derelict property in Rocky Point called police about an explosive discovery Oct. 31 when workers excavating the property uncovered a bag of grenades, some of them still live.
On Halloween, Police said a person on site of the demolition called 911 at 10:07 a.m. to report a bag of grenades found at a zombie house on King Road. The house was already abandoned and had been knocked down. A bag with five grenades were found by workers during excavation. Three were still live, police said.
The house is just one of many derelict properties the Town of Brookhaven is contracting to demolish. Brookhaven Spokesperson Jack Krieger said the site is being handled by Bayport-based Panzner Construction. He said the town was unaware who placed the call to police.
Police said Emergency Service Section officers removed the grenades, with the three live ones to be detonated offsite.
Ed Romaine (R) and Will Ferraro (D) are looking for town residents’ votes come Nov. 5. Photos by Rita J. Egan
The race for Town of Brookhaven supervisor sees one candidate with years of electoral experience facing a young newcomer who says he’s representing those in town who have been ignored by government the past several years.
Seven-year town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) is facing Democratic challenger, first-time candidate and Selden political activist Will Ferraro. While the incumbent cites his efforts over the past seven years, including his work on getting control of Brookhaven’s budget and the push toward clean energy, Ferraro is pushing hard on recycling and trash issues, as well as keeping young people on Long Island.
Romaine said the town has made huge strides toward clean energy in the past several years, including incorporating wind and solar technology at Town Hall in Farmingville.
“You had a year, a year and a half, where that market had been collapsing and the town just waited.”
— Will Ferraro
Recently, a new offshore wind project, Sunrise Wind, has plans to create an offshore wind farm off Montauk, and plans to have a home base in Port Jefferson Harbor. Romaine claimed he had been a big proponent of that project and will have a large impact on it going forward.
“I’m not a proponent of fossil fuel,” Romaine said.
Ferraro criticized the town’s movement on the Caithness II plant, which has since stalled, though Romaine said he had voted against the plant.
More eyes have turned toward Brookhaven’s waste management and recycling since the market crashed in 2018, leading the town’s recycling contractor, Green Stream Recycling, to void its contract. Brookhaven has switched from single-stream to dual-stream recycling and has asked residents to drop glass off at 21 points in the town instead of picking it up at curbside.
The Democratic challenger criticized the supervisor for not seeing the writing on the wall when it came to the recycling market and single-stream recycling.
“Where I find problem is that [the Town] waited and tried running out 20-plus year contract with Green Stream,” Ferraro said. “You had a year, a year and a half, where that market had been collapsing and the town just waited.”
He advised the town should look into a pay-as-you-throw program, which would lessen the cost of people’s trash bill for those who turn out less trash. He said he would cap the cost of people’s bills to where it currently sits at $350, enticing people to throw out less. He added he would want to return to glass pickup once every two weeks or once a month.
Romaine said such a program might work in the long term, but believed it would lead to illegal dumping, which he added was already a huge problem in Brookhaven.
The town’s landfill has long been a hot spot for controversy. The landfill currently only accepts ash and construction debris. All garbage is taken to a plant outside of town, while the ash is returned to the landfill. Current plans see Brookhaven capping the landfill by 2024. Romaine said closing the location will be a net loss for the town but suspects they will not take a large hit. Otherwise, Brookhaven, along with other townships that dump their ash at the Brookhaven landfill, still needs to decide where that trash will go once the last landfill on Long Island is closed.
“This is not a Brookhaven problem, this is a regional problem,” Romaine said.
People around the landfill have long complained about the odor from it, and many claim they have experienced negative health effects from living close to it. Ferraro criticized the town for not doing more to research what could be causing such effects or doing air testing during an odor event and called for an air quality task force for the area.
Romaine said a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does testing every day, and they have no research that qualitates the landfill has resulted in these negative health effects at the nearby school district.
“Health to me is the most important thing,” Romaine said. “If we knew there was something, we would have stopped.”
Recent years have shown people, both young and old, moving off the Island due to high property taxes. While both candidates agreed the majority of taxes come from the local school districts, Ferraro said the most important thing is to attract industries that provide jobs, while working on town infrastructure to get people to those jobs. He suggested that Brookhaven should look into some sort of limited public transportation system, similar to Huntington’s Area Rapid Transit system.
“Health to me is the most important thing.”
— Ed Romaine
He agreed with Romaine on a lack of multifamily housing but said some residents are being heard more than others.
“A lot of NIMBY [not in my backyard] is being pandered to,” the challenger said. “A lot of their concerns are valid, some are not … We need a comprehensive approach. It’s one thing to have $1,800 rent, but when you talk about transportation costs, other factors than just rent that play into that.”
Romaine said he and fellow council members have done a good job in securing large industries to the town, such as Amneal Pharmaceuticals, which brought a facility to Yaphank with several hundred jobs earlier this year. He added the Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency has been key in bringing jobs like these to the area. He also cited intent to lessen the cost of gas and electricity by allowing the town to purchase those resources on behalf of its residents through a Community Choice Aggregation program.
Ferraro said many of those jobs created through the IDA were temporary construction jobs. Though some residents have complained about some of the tax breaks some of these developments have received, such as the Engel Burman-owned senior facility currently going up in Mount Sinai for only providing around 50 full-time employees after the facilities finally open. Romaine agreed that the IDA should avoid multifamily housing unless its “affordable.” He said he was opposed to the IDA giving tax breaks to the Heatherwood apartment complex in Port Jefferson Station and South Setauket, which were ultimately rejected.
Steven and Wayne Rampone Jr. hold images of the Ford dealership when they opened the Route 347 location. Photo By Leah Chiappino
By Leah Chiappino
With a vintage Ford planted in the showroom, the Ramp Ford Dealership in Port Jefferson Station evokes a feeling of nostalgia right as you walk in. Founded in 1944 by Alfred Rampone, the dealership is celebrating 75 years in business. As the oldest family-owned Ford dealership in Suffolk County, it has seen four generations of Rampone family ownership. Currently, Steven and Wayne Rampone Jr., are partners along with their father, Wayne Rampone Sr.
Alfred Rampone during the original founding of the dealership. Photos by Leah Chiappino
“I guess you could say [the business] is in my blood,” Wayne Rampone Jr. said.
The story goes that Alfred worked as a sales representative for Chevrolet, who denied his request to open his own dealership. However, when he reached out to Ford they came through on his request. They offered him a spot in Quogue or Port Jefferson. He chose the latter to make it easier to commute from his New Hyde Park home.
Originally, the dealership was located in lower Port Jefferson village at what is now the Chase Bank building. It operated with a handful of vehicles with a single salesperson and mechanic. The Rampones expanded to their current location on Route 347 in the mid-1960s. Today, they employ 45 people, who call themselves the “Ramp family,” and sell both vehicles and parts, as well as service vehicles.
Rampone Jr. says their business model has remained the same all this time.
“We are a customer-focused and customer-centered dealership,” he said. “We take pride in me being able to say we are a family-owned business and we literally treat our customers like family. When they walk in the door, we know them by name. We take care of each other.” He added their bond with the community has been instrumental to their success.
As part of their business model, owners said the dealership attempts to give back to the community in place of traditional advertising. They sponsor Little League teams, contribute to church organizations, and are deeply involved with Hope House Ministries.
“We spend a lot of time, a lot of money, and a lot of energy in the community,” Rampone Jr. said. “We believe if we give back to the community, they will give back to us.”
County Executive Steve Bellone, Legis. Sarah Anker and Assemblyman Steve Englebright were on hand for the ground-breaking ceremony of the North Shore Rail Trail project Oct. 25. Photos by Kyle Barr
On the freshly mowed grass of a right of way in Miller Place, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) held up a yellowing booklet and from it unfurled a map of Long Island. The booklet was from 1972, and the map showed plans for a trail along the North Shore from Wading River to Mount Sinai.
On Oct. 25, little less than 50 years since the first county planner, Lee Koppelman, drew up those plans, officials finally put the first ceremonial shovel in the ground for the 10-mile rails-to-trails project, now dubbed North Shore Rail Trail.
Construction is set to begin in early November.
“This site will become a premier destination for hiking and biking,” the county exec said.
County officials were joined by town, state and town representatives, various civic leaders, along with hiking and biking enthusiasts to dig the first ceremonial dirt piles and pop the cork on a bottle of champagne.
Officials said construction will start in Mount Sinai and continue through to Wading River. County Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) said building it could take close to two years to complete. Officials had an expected finish date for fall 2021. The trail will not officially open until the entire project is completed, Anker said.
Local and state officials break ground on the North Shore Rail Trail project Oct.25. Photos by Kyle Barr
Some area residents are unhappy with the new trail, including several whose homes abut the right of way where the trail will extend through. Rocky Point resident Gary Savickas, who has long been a vocal opponent of the new trail, said his property currently overlooks the fence in his backyard which borders the right of way, and walkers will be able to look directly into his yard.
Anker said the county is planning to work with Rocky Point Civic Association in gathering together funds to address barriers and other measures to help with privacy concerns, but there is no word of when that funding will come.
The current 3-mile Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail has entered its 10th year, and Herb Mones, Three Village Civic Association trustee and active member of the Friends of the Greenway, said many of the complaints he has heard with the new trail are ones he heard during the Setauket trail’s development.
“Now when I walk on the greenway, those very same people will walk up to me and shake my hand,” he said. “The attitude changes, but the attitudes are a result of not having enough of these recreation corridors for people to appreciate.”
For those who enjoy hiking and biking, the tune is much different. Elyse Buchman, who owns Stony Brookside Bed & Bike Inn in Stony Brook along with husband Marty, said she knows many who will use the trail. On Oct. 13, she and several hundred people from all over the Northeast raised money for the New York Bicycling Coalition, but some who wanted to come to that event didn’t, with many bikers having qualms about riding on roads as congested as some on the North Shore.
“This is a destination, this is for our long-distance riders who want to get to the North Fork, and get there safely,” Elyse Buchman added.
The $8.82 million trail is being funded through federal and state grants, along with Suffolk County funds. The trail was finally confirmed with Bellone signing legislation last year.
Though there are likely people who will want to use both the North Shore Rail Trail and Greenway Trail, they will have a 1-mile stretch between their two end points with several roads in between. The county exec said they are currently creating an interconnected hiking and biking plan, with a general idea to make Suffolk a regional destination for hiking and biking. Included in that plan is a scheme to connect the two ends of the separate trails, though he added there is no definite plan to do so.
*Update: Police said they found Luke Bowen unharmed.
Original story:
Suffolk County Police have issued a silver alert for a missing Port Jefferson man who they said is schizophrenic, suffers from seizures and may be in need of medication.
Luke Bowen, 62, was discharged from Southside Hospital Oct. 29. He was last seen in the lobby waiting for a taxi and did not return to his residence, located at 136 North Country Road.
Bowen is white, 5 feet 9 inches tall and 160 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a navy blue sweatshirt and black sneakers.
Police are asking anyone with information about Bowen’s location to call the 6th Squad at 631-854-8652 or 911.
Patrons enjoyed Halloween at the Tesla Center Oct.19. Photo by David Luces
Patrons enjoyed Halloween at the Tesla Center Oct.19. Photo by David Luces
Patrons enjoyed Halloween at the Tesla Center Oct.19. Photo by David Luces
Patrons enjoyed Halloween at the Tesla Center Oct.19. Photo by David Luces
Patrons enjoyed Halloween at the Tesla Center Oct.19. Photo by David Luces
Patrons enjoyed Halloween at the Tesla Center Oct.19. Photo by David Luces
Patrons enjoyed Halloween at the Tesla Center Oct.19. Photo by David Luces
Patrons enjoyed Halloween at the Tesla Center Oct.19. Photo by David Luces
Patrons enjoyed Halloween at the Tesla Center Oct.19. Photo by David Luces
The Tesla Science Center put up some spooky lighting Oct. 19 to celebrate Halloween at Wardenclyffe. Young people dressed up in costume to witness the center’s usual displays of science from famed inventor Nikola Tesla, but now in period costume. Children participated in crafts, costume and jack-o-lantern contests and watched Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween on a projected screen from the front lawn.
Photography, art, science and several other classes do projects at and around the garden. Photo from Andrew Harris
Since the beginning of the school year, students have been gathering in the courtyard at Comsewogue High School on their off periods.
Comsewogue students gather for festivities at the ‘Town Square.’ Photo from Andrew Harris
“Dr. [Joe] Rella always thought of our Rotunda as our town hall, and now we’ve expanded on his dream, by developing a Town Square,” said Superintendent Jennifer Quinn.
The space started with “Jackie’s Garden” a few years ago after the untimely passing of Rella’s wife, Jackie. Her passing left the school broken hearted, said special education teacher Andrew Harris, making them want to reach out. Harris suggested the idea, and “Dr. Quinn looked at me and said it was a beautiful idea, but asked me if I was sure I wanted to commit … because you know what happens to gardens?”
Harris knew exactly what she meant, having seen several gardens start-up and then eventually fall by the wayside. He promised her that for as long as he is a teacher at Comsewogue, he would make sure to maintain the garden.
The next thing the school knew, Boy Scouts from the High School stepped up and did their Eagle Scout projects to benefit the garden. Joey Rizzo, a junior, built several raised beds. He even created a barrier to protect the garden from other activities. Now-graduate Christian Freda built a raised bed for a student who uses a wheelchair, going further to design and build a bench that has wheelchair access. Last year, James Mantione, a junior, built a trellis that became the backdrop of many senior pictures at graduation.
“These are amazing students who are doing wonderful things for our school,” said principal Mike Mosca. “These projects took up a lot of their own time and efforts while they developed great leadership skills. By next year, don’t be surprised to see grapes, eggplant, or even zucchini, growing from the trellis.”
Soon, community members and businesses asked to pitch in. Rich Crandle, from 4 Corners Produce in Port Jefferson Station, donated many of the flowers, plants and decorations for every holiday, which Harris called extremely generous.
“Ann Marie’s Farm Stand, Agway, and landscapers Chris Friedl, Tommy Deacy and Steve Long are a phone call away and will stop what they are doing just to help out clearing things or delivering soil and mulch,” said Joe Coniglione, assistant superintendent.
Joe Rella, Jennifer Quinn and Joe Coniglione during the naming of ‘Jackie’s Garden. Photo from Andrew Harris
The Whole Foods Foundation gave the district a $2,000 grant for the garden, which allowed the garden to expand.
Recently, the school added a sunflower farm in the middle as a result of a class project.
“This year, students gather by the beautiful sunflowers at every lunch period, it’s quite beautiful,” said a senior posing for pictures with friends.
According to Rella, sunflowers were Jackie’s favorite.
“Our life skills class took that idea and ran with it,” said Joe Dimino, who helped with the project-based initiative.
The students planned, researched and set up the garden, watching it flourish. Harris said that they weren’t quite ready to plant after mid-May, but then the unexpected passing of one of the district students occurred.
“I told the students that I really didn’t have a good explanation, but I did know that this year we could plant and dedicate the sunflowers to Jackson, the young middle school student who lost his battle to cancer,” Harris said. “We all got out there and got to work to focus ourselves on something positive in his memory. The students were so proud of their efforts to get it done in time.”
Harris described an amazing thing that started to happen. Students, teachers, clubs and administrators started to “plug-in” various projects at and around the garden. This Halloween, the district plans to conduct a hay ride for the kids who visit for the annual Trick or Treat Streets.Shane Goldberg, who teaches advanced science classes, planted vegetables.
“For a bit, our sprinkler system wasn’t reaching the plants, so one of the AP students designed and implemented a system to keep the soil and plants hydrated,” Goldberg said. “It was the perfect idea and solution to a real-life problem.”
For the past several years, the school’s food service department has served special meals that were designed by and even prepared with the help of Heather Rand’s English Language Learner classes at the middle school. Rand and her classes developed their own “Jackie’s Garden’” at the middle school.
“The amazing thing to see was that these kids enjoyed their hands-on experience while learning a whole new language as well as science,” said John F. Kennedy Middle School Principal Mike Fama.
The ELL teacher said new English language learners were excited and passionate about the garden.
“It became the ideal way to teach science and English because all the students could relate to what we were doing,” said Rand.
In the first year of the garden, Charlotte Johnson, who teaches drama and chorus, serenaded Rella and his family as well as the whole district during an evening where staff, students and families participated.
“There wasn’t a dry eye out there,” Harris recalled one of the parents saying. “It was quite emotional.”
Many Comsewogue students have used the garden for public projects. Photo from Andrew Harris
On a daily basis, the school sees students from art, photography, ELA and more using the garden to do their projects. Outside, on a crisp fall day, both Rand and Natalie Rubenstein’s classes were busy measuring plant length and looking into microscopes all while recording data into their science notebooks.
In many ways, the garden has become the focal point of the school and district. Students can be seen doing fundraisers and other activities, some to raise awareness of what is going on around them locally and even internationally. On one occasion, students displayed pride flags, sold cancer awareness shirts, all while sharing space with recruiters from the armed forces. On another table, they were collecting for Comsewogue graduates who are currently serving in the military.
“We are a tight community, and we want those men and women serving to know that we remember them,” said Michelle Mortorano, head of the Parent Teacher Student Association. “Some of the elementary students will be putting hand-written letters inside the boxes we send to show how much they care.”
Soon, the district will display holiday decorations, celebrating the district and community. The rotunda is currently being renovated by art students working on an intricate mosaic that people will see as they enter the school.
“The mosaic in combination with our kind and welcoming attitude — makes this place one of the best places on Earth to walk into,” Harris said.
Harris described a scene at the garden, where a few students were doing their homework in the garden on picnic tables surrounded by baskets of flowers.
“One student looked up and said growing up in this school district and community was one of the best experiences of her life,” he said.
Information for this article supplied by Andrew Harris, Michelle Lautato and Comsewogue High School students.
Port Jeff currently looking at more than 10 zombie homes
The Town of Brookhaven and Port Jefferson village have launched numerous intermincipal agreements over the past year. File Photos
A new intermunicipal agreement between the village and town could mean more zombie homes in Port Jeff may have a larger target on their heads.
The boarded-up house at 49 Sheep Pasture Road. Photo by Kyle Barr
At its Oct. 3 meeting, the Brookhaven Town board voted unanimously to enter into an intermunicipal agreement to let town workers assist, if requested, with demolition projects and then dispose of the waste at the town’s landfill in Brookhaven hamlet.
Under the agreement, Port Jefferson would pay the expenses of inspecting the property, demolition and carting away the debris.
In previous meetings, the village identified little more than 10 zombie homes in the village boundaries. These colloquially named “zombie homes” are derelict houses that have slowly started to degrade where the owner is absent. The village’s Zombie Task Force, run by the constabulary, goes weekly to these houses to check in, looking to see if there are vagrants or squatters at the premises and checking for other illicit activity.
Mayor Margot Garant said this will mean shearing costs for the village.
“Tremendous savings for us, because we can just call it in and schedule it, instead of going out to bid and doing everything like that,” she said. “If it works out, it will be great.”
Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) said the agreement will mean the town’s engineers that usually inspect these derelict houses, Hauppauge-based Cashin Spinelli & Ferretti, will inspect homes in Port Jefferson upon request and report to the village. Then, depending on the decision by the board after a public hearing, a vote to demolish will mean either Brookhaven employees will demolish the home, or a private company will be contracted in the case where asbestos is on the premises. The area will be cleared, and debris taken to the town landfill. The village will then have to put a lien on the property for any unpaid taxes and for the cost of demolition.
Costs range on average from $25,000 to $40,000, depending on the size and type of home being demolished, according to the supervisor.
“It helps reduce the overall cost of government.”
— Ed Romaine
Romaine said this is just one deal in a long line of 35 intermunicipal agreements between the Brookhaven and smaller municipalities such as Port Jefferson Village for close to a year. The town has made these deals as part of a $20M Municipal Consolidation and Efficiency grant from New York State. Other agreements have included plowing snow in the Village of Shoreham and completing road repairs in the Village of Patchogue.
“We have contracts and things of that nature that they can benefit from, and we’re happy to help with that,” he said. “It helps reduce the overall cost of government.”
Recently the village announced it would be working on two zombie homes, one on Sheep Pasture Road and another at Nadia Court. The former was soon found to be a nearly 300-year-old historic structure, and the village has promised not to touch the property while local historians and New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) work to find ways to preserve it, though the difficulty comes from the owner, Jericho-based Tab Suffolk Acquisitions, not responding to any calls or having a set location.
While the village has not made any move on the property, other than to continue to board it up and monitor for vagrancy, Garant said the village is not willing to pick up the tab for any restoration, citing the costs associated with fixing up the Drowned Meadow House.
“Until you find a full-time [caretaker] for [the house], it’s going to be a big challenge,” she said.
This is just one in a line of intermunicipal agreements between the village and town. Earlier this year the town and village announced a new intermunicipal agreement to consolidate property tax collections. The village has also worked out an agreement over salt and sand between the two municipalities.
The article that appeared in the Oct. 24 edition of the Port Times Record inaccurately reported the number of zombie homes in Port Jeff. We regret the error.
Shoreham-Wading River senior Co-Captain Sara Hobbes pushes up the sideline at home against John Glenn Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Senior Co-Captain Sara Hobbes throws in for the Wildcats at home against John Glenn Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Senior Co-Captain Sara Hobbes with the header for the Wildcats at home against John Glenn. Bill Landon photo
Senior Maura Ginley with a clearing shot up-field for the Wildcats in a home game against John Glenn Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Senior defender Maura Ginley passes inside for Shoreham-Wading River in a Div. II matchup against visiting John Glenn Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Shoreham-Wading River freshman Madison Bergen battles mid-field in a home game against John Glenn. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River freshman Madison Bergen settles the ball in a home game against John Glenn. Photo by Bill Landon
Sophomore Co-Captain Maddie Joannou takes flight for the Wildcats at home against John Glenn Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Shoreham-Wading River junior Lydia Radonavitch #26 battles mid-field in a home game against John Glenn. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River junior Lydia Radonavitch re-directs in a home game against John Glenn. Photo by Bill Landon
Junior Co-Captain Lakin Ciampo looks to pass for the Wildcats at home against John Glenn Oct. 24. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River freshman defender Jessica Nastasi pushes up-field in a home game against John Glenn. Photo by Bill Landon
Senior Co-Captain Gianna Cacciola settles the ball for the Wildcats at home against John Glenn Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Senior Gianna Cacciola drives mid-field for the Wildcats at home against John Glenn. Photo by Bill Landon
Senior Co-Captain Gianna Cacciola re-directs for the Wildcats at home against John Glenn. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River senior mid-fielder Elizabeth Shields out maneuvers a defender at home against John Glenn. The SWR Wildcats would win their first title crown last year, but won't have another chance to play until January, 2021. File photo by Bill Landon
Wildcats celebrate after a goal in a Div. II matchup against visiting John Glenn Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Wildcats celebrate after a goal in a Div. II matchup against visiting John Glenn Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Brooke Langella heads the ball for the Wildcats in a Div. II matchup against visiting John Glenn. Bill Landon photo
Ashley Borriello on the move for the Wildcats in a home game against John Glenn. Photo by Bill Landon
Ashley Borriello settles the ball for the Wildcats in a home game against John Glenn. Photo by Bill Landon
Striker Ashley Borriello passes up-field for the Wildcats in a home game against John Glenn Oct. 24. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River junior Ashley Borriello pushes up field in a Div. II matchup against visiting John Glenn Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Shoreham-Wading River senior goalie Alison Devall (pink headband) on a Glenn corner kick Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Shoreham-Wading River senior goalie Alison Devall with a save in a Div. II matchup against visiting John Glenn Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Shoreham-Wading River senior goalie Alison Devall clears the ball in a Div. II matchup against visiting John Glenn Oct. 24. Bill Landon photo
Goals are hard to come by in soccer, and one was all it took for Shoreham-Wading River when 9thgrader Graceann Leonard crossed to junior Ashley Borriello who buried her shot minutes into the second half. John Glenn was unable to answer and the Wildcats won 1-0 Oct. 24 as they conclude their regular season at 11-1-2, one game behind Div. II leader Hills West.
The win bodes well for the Wildcats as they’ll play the opening round of the playoffs at home Oct. 29. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
This post was amended Oct. 28 to reflect new start times for the first playoff game for the wildcats.
Passerbys accept free flowers as part of the Society for American Florists Petal It Forward campaign from Flowers on Broadway. Photo by Kyle Barr
On a busy Wednesday morning, as people moved in between the parking lot and Planet Fitness along Route 25A in Rocky Point, two young women held fistfuls of flowers, arms outstretched.
Carmen Pettus from Sunshine Barre Studio accepts flowers from Li Guo. Photo by Kyle Barr
As part of the trade association Society of American Florists’ Petal It Forward campaign, Rocky Point flower shop Flowers on Broadway looked to make people’s early day commutes a little more colorful.
Taylor Wagner and Li Guo, who both work for Flowers on Broadway, handed out bouquets to those passing by. Some looked confused at them as they presented the flowers, others questioned if the pair wanted anything for the flower arrangements. They were free, they said, and would get two so they could pass one onto the next person they see.
One man offered a bouquet said, “I don’t do flowers,” while others, like Carmen Pettus, the owner of SunShine Barre Studio in Rocky Point, said the flowers “made my day.”
Wagner, a junior designer at the flower shop, said she’s often surprised how many people seem estranged by the thought of free flowers.
“We went to the Blue Grass concert last weekend, and we were handing out flowers, and most of the guys said, ‘No, I don’t want flowers,’ while a lot of the women said, ‘Oh yes, flowers,’ she said, laughing to herself. “It’s amazing, it’s just a bunch of daisies guys.”
Passerbys accept free flowers as part of the Society for American Florists Petal It Forward campaign from Flowers on Broadway. Photo by Kyle Barr
Over the course of the day, the duo stopped at three places, the RP Planet Fitness, outside the Pompei Pizza in Rocky Point and by Branchineli’s Pizzaria in Miller Place. By the end of the day, they had given out 300 bouquets to around 150 people.
Stephanie Navas, the owner of Flowers on Broadway, learned about the yearly event being put on by the flower society the past several years.
“We wanted to give back to the community that’s supported us all these years with a small act to brighten their day,” Navas said. “Through the positive effect of flowers, we hope to make someone’s day special, and provide a much-needed moment of calm amidst the hectic pace of life.”
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