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Harborfields High School senior Kaitlynn Carrion and junior Mikee Tepley, are honored at the Harborfields Central School District’s March 20 board of education meeting for their unprecedented success this season on the girls wrestling team. Photo courtesy of Harborfields Central School District

Harborfields High School athletic and robotics achievements were recognized at the district’s March 20 board of education meeting, beginning with Harborfields High School senior Kaitlynn Carrion and junior Mikee Tepley, who were honored for their unprecedented success this season on the girls  wrestling team.

“Girls wrestling is rapidly growing in popularity nationwide, and Harborfields has embraced this trend by competing in girls wrestling for the past two years alongside other local high schools as a combined Town of Huntington team,” Athletic Director Rob Franco said. “Kaitlynn and Mikee stood out among the 1,300 wrestlers who competed in New York State this winter. Their exceptional performance earned them the opportunity to represent Suffolk County at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Girls State Invitational, where they showcased their skills with commendable results. Mikee’s achievement of placing fifth marks a significant milestone for Harborfields wrestling, being the first female from Harborfields to place in such an event. As girls wrestling becomes a fully sanctioned sport in New York next season, we equally anticipate Mikee’s continued success in her senior year and extend our congratulations to Kaitlynn on her remarkable career. We’d also like to extend our congratulations and gratitude to their coaches for their dedication and support in guiding the team to such remarkable achievements.”

Next up for recognition were two members of Harborfields boys varsity swimming team, Patrick O’Brien and Liam O’Hanlon for their performances at the state championships. The pair won All-State honors in the 200-yard medley relay, and O’Hanlon earned All-State honors in the 400-yard freestyle relay.

Lastly, the high school’s Hydrofluoric Robotics senior team – consisting of McKenzie Coleman, Joseph Costa, Jack Gilfedder, Norene Miraglia and Emily Prieto – were recognized for their achievements at the Long Island FIRST Tech Challenge Qualifier Tournament, where they garnered awards, including the Inspire Award, highlighting the embodiment of the challenge and the spirit of the competition. Their success continued at the FIRST Tech Challenge Long Island Championships on March 3, where they clinched another award for their innovative thinking. 

“We commend their dedication and excellence in representing Harborfields,” Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Danielle DeLorenzo said.

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File photo

Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian in Central Islip on April 6.

Stacy Worlds was walking westbound across Carleton Avenue, between Earle Street and Elmore Street, when she was struck by a 2008 Hyundai Sonata traveling southbound on Carleton Avenue at approximately 9 p.m. World, 51, of Central Islip, was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore where she was pronounced dead.

The driver of Hyundai, Jose Claros, 59, of Bay Shore, was not injured. The vehicle was impounded for a safety check.

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352.

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Slyvia Zhao, Selden Middle School eighth-grade student. Photo courtesy MCCSD

Selden Middle School announced Sylvia Zhao, an 8th-grade student, as a recipient of the Long Island History Day special award for outstanding junior entry on radio or television history for her documentary, titled The Magic Behind the Music: How Guitar Pedals Changed Sound Forever.

“On behalf of Selden Middle School, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sylvia for her well-deserved recognition,” said Andrew Bennett, Principal of Selden Middle School. “Her dedication to historical inquiry and her ability to convey complex narratives with clarity and creativity are truly commendable. A huge thank you goes out to Sylvia’s National History Day Advisor, Ms. Lisa Cook, for her guidance and support throughout this journey.”

Sylvia’s remarkable achievement comes after competing against students from across Long Island. Her documentary has garnered widespread acclaim for its exploration of the impact of guitar pedals on the evolution of music. 

Sponsored by 90.3 WHPC, the Voice of NCC, Sylvia’s entry stood out for its depth of research and compelling storytelling. Through her documentary, Sylvia delves into the transformative effects of guitar pedals, shedding light on how these devices have shaped the soundscapes of various music genres over the years. Her research not only highlights the technological advancements in music production but also underscores the profound cultural and artistic implications of these innovations.

For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.

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Pixabay photo

County Urges Residents to Take Necessary Safety Measures

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced on April 5 that Suffolk County Parks will be open and available for residents to enhance their viewing experience of the upcoming solar eclipse. The rare occurrence is expected to take place on Monday, April 8 beginning at approximately 2:10 p.m. with the maximum eclipse hitting in the range of 3:15-3:30 p.m.

“Suffolk County is home to thousands of acres of pristine parkland throughout the region, providing our residents from western Suffolk to the east end with a unique and scenic opportunity to experience the upcoming solar eclipse,” said Romaine.  “I encourage the public to take advantage of the various amenities our County has to offer in a safe and enjoyable manner.”

The following parks will be open free to residents with the following amenities and viewing options:

  • Smith Point County Park, Shirley: offers unique spot for beachfront eclipse viewing, allowing visitors to watch from either the parking lot or while sitting in the sand along the shore.
  • Gardiner Park, Bayshore: has a large open field that is perfect for an eclipse picnic.
  • Raynor Park, Lake Ronkonkoma: offers open space by the soccer fields.
  • Southaven County Park, Yaphank: access to a large ballfield that is perfect for looking skyward.
  • West Hills County Park, Huntington: has a viewing field by the picnic areas and dog park.
  • Montauk County Park, Montauk: allows residents to experience the eclipse from the Eastern most point of Suffolk County.

The region is outside the path of totality, which means that viewers will see about 90% coverage.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services reminds residents that there is no time during the eclipse when it is safe to look at the sun with the naked eye. Proper eye protection must be worn throughout the eclipse.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, looking at the sun without proper eye protection for even a short time can harm your eyes and risk permanently damaging your retina. Sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not enough to protect your vision if you look at the sun. Homemade filters will not protect your eyes.

To safely watch the eclipse, residents are advised to wear eclipse glasses with certified solar filters or hand-held solar viewers made by a reputable company.

In addition, do not use solar eclipse glasses to look through cameras, binoculars or telescopes – these devices concentrate the sun’s rays and damage the solar filter, allowing the sun’s rays to damage the retina.

For a listing of reputable companies and guidance on using eclipse glasses, visit the American Astronomical Society website: https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters.

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Lefferts Tide Mill and Preserve

An old gristmill in Huntington has a new name. 

The not-for-profit organization entrusted with the preservation of the mill and the adjoining bird sanctuary is now known as Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve. Previously called Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill Sanctuary, the shorter, simpler name still conveys the group’s dual mission of preserving the most complete 18th-century tide mill in the country and its mill pond, which has become a sanctuary for a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve is an 18th-century treasure. A state-of-the-art machine when it was built between 1794 and 1797, it ceased operating in the 1870s when more efficient steam-powered mills elsewhere supplanted its older technology. Harnessing the power of the tides, by the 1860s, the mill was producing 4,000 bushels of wheat, 500 bushels of corn and 300 bushels of feed, according to the 1860 U.S. census. 

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve board of directors partners with the Huntington Historical Society to provide tours of the mill, which is accessible to the public by boat. Proposed tour dates for this year are: June 10, June 21, July 8, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 19, Sept. 9, Sept. 16, Oct. 4 and Oct. 18. 

Since taking ownership of the mill from The Nature Conservancy in 2019, Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve has secured funding through foundation grants and public donations to undertake a $300,000 stabilization of the dam and structural repairs to the mill building, including re-supporting its 18th-century wooden gears and installing a new wood shingle roof. To see a 12-minute video of the repairs, go to: www.huntingtontidemill.org/millrenovation. Currently, contractors are working to install a new timber bulkhead to protect the mill’s stone foundation from waves and ice. An earlier timber bulkhead was constructed in 1983 and has reached the end of its lifespan. 

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve’s mission also includes maintaining the preserve as a sanctuary for native and migratory waterfowl and as an important contributor to the biodiversity of the surrounding area. 

For more information, contact Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano at [email protected].

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Repairs of the patio/base for the new flagpole underway. Photo courtesy PJS/T Chamber of Commerce

Thanks to the generosity of StoneGate Landscape Construction and J.M. Troffa Hardscape, Mason & Building Supply, both of East Setauket, the repair of the patio/base for the new flagpole has begun. 

On Oct. 11, 2023, a car accident caused serious damage to the flagpole located at the community corner at the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce antique train car. The flagpole needed to be removed for repair. The removal, damage to the site, repair of the pole and landscaping falls squarely on the chamber of commerce. The insurance will not cover even a quarter of the tens of thousands of dollars needed.

The chamber has created a community restoration project for the flagpole corner. It has organized a fundraiser, selling large paver bricks that can be inscribed. Residents, individual organizations and businesses can easily participate, as the PJS/T Civic Association members have voted to do so.

If you wish to help, contact the PJS/T Chamber of Commerce for an order form: telephone 631-821-1313, or email [email protected] or visit the website at pjstchamber.com.

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Travis Dickson

Travis Dickson Pleaded Guilty in February to Driving 119 mph With a Revoked License and While Impaired by Alcohol and Marijuana

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 6 that Travis Dickson, 32, of Brooklyn, was sentenced to 4.5 to 13.5 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in February to driving his vehicle at an extremely high rate of speed on the Long Island Expressway and crashing into the back of another vehicle, killing a 9-year-old boy.

“As this case clearly illustrates, drunk and drug-impaired drivers are a danger to our communities and often times cause collisions which turn fatal for innocent victims,” said District Attorney Tierney. “A child lost their life because of the selfish actions of the defendant. I hope that this prison sentence brings some small degree of solace to the victim’s family who are undoubtedly still grieving his loss.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on August 22, 2022, at approximately 1:49 a.m., Dickson drove a 2018 BMW 540i westbound on the Long Island Expressway at 119 mph, while he was impaired by a combination of alcohol and marijuana. Dickson then struck the back of a 2019 Toyota Corolla, making no attempt to use the vehicle’s brakes prior to the impact. Inside the Toyota was a 9-year-old child restrained in a booster seat, and his father, the driver.

The child was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was listed in critical condition due to the injuries sustained from the crash. The victim’s father was also taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. On August 24, 2022, doctors declared the child brain-dead, and he was ultimately removed from life support after arrangements were made to donate his organs.

Following the crash, Dickson exhibited signs of intoxication, made admissions to smoking marijuana, and law enforcement found marijuana on his person. A sample of Dickson’s blood drawn approximately three hours after the crash revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .14% and the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana. Law enforcement also determined that Dickson’s New York State driver’s license was revoked at the time he was driving the BMW.

On February 9, 2024, Dickson pleaded guilty to the following charges before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz:

  •   Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  •   Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   Assault in the Third Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While Impaired by the Combined Influence ofAlcohol and a Drug, an Unclassified misdemeanor;
  •   Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor; and
  •   Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, an Unclassifiedmisdemeanor.

    On April 5, 2024, Justice Horowitz sentenced Dickson to 4.5 to 13.5 years in prison. The People recommended that Dickson be sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed under the law. Dickson was represented by Douglas Rankin, Esq.

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Photo from SCPD
Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on April 5 for drag racing in West Babylon.

First Precinct Crime Section officers responded to multiple calls of vehicles and motorcycles drag racing
in West Babylon, at approximately 10 p.m. Officers observed several vehicles shutting down a section
of roadway to traffic on Edison Avenue at Dale Street, allowing a motorcyclist to drag race and do
burnouts in the roadway. After observing the unlawful stunt behavior, officers took the motorcycle
operator into custody without incident.

Antonino Mangogna, 30, of Manorville, was charged with alleged Unlawful Stunt Behavior, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and several vehicle and traffic law violations. The motorcycle was impounded.

Mangogna was issued a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in
Central Islip on a later date.

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File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on April 5 for allegedly exchanging child sexual abuse material through the Internet.

Following an investigation, detectives from the Digital Forensics Unit, along with officers from the Suffolk County Police Canine Section and Seventh Precinct, and agents from Homeland Security executed a search warrant at home of Brian Kazmierowski in Middle Island on March 28.

Detectives arrested Kazmierowski at his home at 6:15 p.m. on April 5 for allegedly exchanging material using a peer-to-peer file sharing system.

Kazmierowski, 35, was charged with Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class E Felony and Promoting the Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class D Felony.

The investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Digital Forensics Unit at (631) 852-6279.

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Photo from Smithtown Senior Citizens Department
Photo from Smithtown Senior Citizens Department
Photo from Smithtown Senior Citizens Department
Photo from Smithtown Senior Citizens Department

The Town of Smithtown Senior Citizen Center will celebrate 35 years of providing nutritious meals to senior residents this Spring. To mark the occasion, Senior Center members, volunteers and staff will commemorate the anniversary with a pre-lunch soiree on April 26 at 11 a.m.. Members who RSVP will enjoy light fare and celebrations prior to sitting down for a nutritional lunch.

Preparations are currently underway as staff members mark the 35th anniversary of providing nutritious meals to local senior citizen residents. The Smithtown Senior Citizen Center will also recognize its caterer; Zan’s Kosher Deli in Lake Grove for dedicating 20 years of service to the program.

“They say nothing brings people together quite like a good meal. That especially rings true for the nutrition programs… For nearly 45 years the senior center has been a gathering place where friendships are forged and our wisest generation can find the support, resources and tools they need to maintain their independence at home longer. None of this would be remotely possible or successful without the magnificent staff and volunteers who treat our members like family. This program is invaluable to our community and I look forward to celebrating the milestone together with our center community in April,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.

Smithtown Senior Citizens Department will acknowledge four and a half decades in operation, fostering a positive environment of friendship, support and independence since the opening of the center.  The primary emphasis of the day’s festivities will celebrate 35 years of the nutrition program, promoting vital social interactions to enrich senior residents’ lives, encouraging health and well-being. Recognition will also be paid to a remarkable staff and dedicated volunteers, who ensure the growth and effectiveness of nutrition programming at the center.

“What a pleasure it is to be an integral part of the lives of our extraordinary seniors. Our senior community possesses a wealth of wisdom and life experience, not to mention a sense of humor! I am very proud of the profound impact the programs we offer here at the senior center have had on the lives of our seniors. These wonderful nutrition programs would not exist and be as successful without the outstanding efforts made by invaluable staff, volunteers, and of course, Zan’s! It is a great joy to celebrate these milestones together and take time to reflect on all the good work that’s been done throughout the years. We look forward to many more years of success and continuing to find new and productive ways to service the senior community of Smithtown,” said Doreen Perrino, Program Director, Senior Citizens Department.

The nutrition program known as the Congregate Lunch Program (weekday lunch) presently serves approximately 175 seniors weekly. Aside from essential nutritional benefits, this service offers a special habitat for residents to engage in conversation, camaraderie and laughter over a nourishing meal daily. Residents ages 60 and over are invited to participate in this social setting.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday 11:45 a.m. Registration for this program is on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in person at 9:30 a.m.

Another amenity available to center members is the grab and go lunch, which serves approximately 125 seniors. Typically, these residents are either participating in other activities the center offers during lunch or simply stop in with confidence that each meal provided at the Smithtown Senior Citizen Center is carefully selected and consists of one third the current recommended dietary allowance for the 60 plus age group.

Additionally the Smithtown Senior Center is in its 25th year of serving Home Delivered Meals, also referred to as Meals on Wheels. This program currently serves approximately 60 to 70 qualifying senior citizens, some disabled, frail or have little to no support. There are 65 devoted volunteers who deliver meals to these residents person to person, which in addition to serving meals, lends as a comforting and consistent friendly face on a daily basis.

Additional Information About the Nutrition Program: Persons with self-declared incomes at or above 185% of the federal poverty level are encouraged to make a contribution equal to the actual cost of the meal. A suggested meal contribution of $2.25 is recommended. Any contributions made are confidential. Funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the New York State Office for the Aging, Suffolk County Office for the Aging, and the Town of Smithtown. The monthly lunch menu can be found in print at the Senior Center or on the town website athttps://www.smithtownny.gov/193/Senior-Citizens-Department

How To Join the Smithtown Senior Center: Smithtown residents, ages 60 years and older can join (no fee is required) by filling out a brief application on-site, along with proof of residency such as a driver’s license. A membership card and welcome packet will be provided, along with a tour of the facility by a Senior Center Club Leader. The welcome packet includes a current calendar of activities, classes, and events, as well as brochures for services and amenities available exclusively for members.

The Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center offers a wide array of activities, clubs and programming geared towards improving quality of life for residents, ages 60 years or older. Every day, the center offers a full schedule of arts, fitness, and wellness programming. Members can choose to join a variety of clubs, from gardening, quilting and book clubs to one of seven social clubs, featuring Casino & Theater outings, luncheons, parties, community advocacy and volunteer opportunities. In addition to a wealth of entertaining programming, the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department offers a variety of at home maintenance and repairs services.

The Senior Center is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (July & August Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) Lunch is served daily. Transportation is also available for members. For questions or additional information, please call  (631) 360-7616 or for Transportation: (631) 265-8811.

Eugene Cannataro Senior Center is located at 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown, NY 11787

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