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Elizabeth Hashagen of News12 Long Island, who delivered the keynote address, at left. Tammy Severino, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, to her left. Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County recently honored 55 Girl Scouts at its annual Gold Award Dinner & Ceremony on at the Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown, for identifying an issue they care about and leading a team to create lasting impact in their communities—and beyond. The Gold Award is the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting.

Gold Award Girl Scouts address issues they’re passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond. To earn a Gold Award, each recipient must complete two Senior or Ambassador Journeys or their Girl Scout Silver Award before beginning their Gold Award project. To meet the Girl Scout Gold Award requirements, each candidate must complete at least 80 hours toward their project.

“Our Gold Award Girl Scouts are leaders in their community who are making measurable and sustainable change while still in high school said Tammy Severino, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “As they take action to transform their world, they gain tangible, real-world skills and a civic-minded awareness that sets them apart from their peers. 96% of Gold Award Girl Scouts say their experience inspired their ongoing commitment to service or volunteering. Our Gold Award Girl Scouts are discovering they have the power to create the future they want for themselves and others, and we are proud and honored by their achievements.”

Among the awardees:

Sophia Aurrecoechea – Islip Terrace

Giuliana Avella – Port Jefferson Station

Sara Bally – Miller Place

Elliot Baravarian – East Northport

Emma Barbo – Greenlawn

Eva Barbo – Greenlawn

Gianna Beck – North Babylon

Madison Calvanese – Setauket

Isabella Caracci – Stony Brook

Molly Caufield – Sound Beach

Marissa Cilibrasi – Ronkonkoma

Megan Condolff – Centerport

Nina Cottone – Setauket

Ellie Crowley – Huntington

Ava D’Angelo – Commack

Olivia Davis – Patchogue

Alessandra De Stefano – Commack

Emma Dean-Stahl – West Sayville

Mya DeClue – Smithtown

Anna DiBiase – Smithtown

Alexis Ebanks – Centerport

Sophie Epstein – Nesconset

Charlotte Farrugia – Selden

Jasmine Farrugia – Selden

Jailyn Fasano – Commack

Lillian Fleischer – Centerport

Julia Furer – Dix Hills

Grace Goetz – Greenlawn

Kristin Krause – Nesconset

Kayden Laucella – Stony Brook

Lauren Limongelli – West Babylon

Olivia LoBue – Huntington

Ruth Joy Mahnken – Ridge

Callie McLean – Mattituck

Jenna Mehlinger – Smithtown

Gabrielle Mitchell – Nesconset

Isabella Muccio – Port Jefferson Station

Brianna Naumann – St. James

Danika Riccio – Bayshore

Paige Rizzo – West Babylon

Elizabeth Ryan – Medford

Regan Sayers – Smithtown

Lily Scarth – East Setauket

Nicole Schrock – Cold Spring Harbor

Adelina Scott – Westhampton

Caroline Severino – Nesconset

Kinley Simmons – Miller Place

Samantha Simson – Commack

Victoria Starkey – Smithtown

Emma Travaglia – West Sayville

Kristin Tveter – Bayport

Adria Vargas – Sayville

Olivia Vigliotti – Ronkonkoma

Amanda Woods – Bayport

Cassidy Yates – West Babylon

Details about each Girl Scout’s project were shared with the audience in a print and digital yearbook, here. A video about their achievements, also shared at the event, is here.

The event was memorialized online with a photo booth of fun photos, here.

About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us. Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County onFacebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

 

Above, the vehicle being impounded after the owner, Matthew Serritella, 21, of Coram, was arrested for Reckless Driving and Unlawful Fleeing from Police last night.

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on June 27 and impounded his vehicle in Coram after he fled from police who were initiating a traffic stop for reckless driving last week in Ronkonkoma.

Members of the Street Takeover Task Force attempted to pull over a 2004 Infinity sedan that was speeding at 130 miles per hour, without headlights on, on the Eastbound Long Island Expressway, on June 22 at approximately 11 p.m. The driver fled, taking Exit 61 southbound on Patchogue Holbrook Road. The Street Takeover Task Force located the vehicle at the driver’s residence on Sandpiper Lane in Coram last night at approximately 7:50 p.m.

The driver, Matthew Serritella, 21, was arrested for Reckless Driving and Unlawful Fleeing from Police and was issued 13 summonses. The vehicle was impounded. Serritella is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on July 17.

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Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that seriously
injured a woman in Commack on June 28.

Cindy Membreno-Reyes was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe on the entrance ramp between Express
Drive North and Exit 53 when her vehicle left the road and overturned at 8:50 a.m.

Membreno-Reyes, 35, of Brentwood, was transported by Commack Volunteer Ambulance to South
Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore for treatment of serious injuries.

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

Diya John

The Middle Country Central School District has announced the top students of the Class of 2025 at Newfield High School, Diya John and Jashandeep (Jash) Singh are the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Diya John

Newfield High School Valedictorian Diya John will complete her senior year with more than 50 college credits and the status of AP Scholar with Distinction. She was also selected as the winner of the Principal’s Leadership Scholarship awarded by the Suffolk County High School Principal’s Association.

In addition to her exceptional academic record, Diya is a member of the District’s Legislative Outreach Community Committee, Glamour Galz, Mock Trial Team, Dr. Gerold’s Leadership Club and the National Quill & Scroll Honor Society. In addition, she’s an active member of Newfield’s newspaper The Quadrangle, a member of the Foreign Language Honor Society, National Honor Society president, and General Organization president.

“As President of the Newfield National Honor Society, Diya is a natural leader and role model to her peers,” said Diana Cook, the district’s Library Media Specialist and National Honor Society advisor. “She is diligent, detail oriented, and truly cares about the success of her club.  Diya is always willing to help others and goes the extra mile to make sure her fellow officers and club members will be successful in everything they do from event planning, to fundraising, to volunteer work for the community.  She is the true example of a model student; always willing to help others, and always with a smile.” 

Outside of school, Diya is a volunteer teen book reviewer for the Middle Country Public Library, an art and book buddy, a member of the library’s teen advisory council and a youth volunteer with the American Red Cross’s Disaster and Humanitarian Relief efforts. She also crochets in her spare time and donates her creations to causes throughout Long Island.

This fall, Diya will study psychology at Stony Brook University as a member of the WISE program, an honors program for students pursuing STEM majors and careers. Her plans also include attending medical school with a goal of following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a psychiatrist.

Jashandeep (Jash) Singh

Newfield High School Salutatorian Jashandeep (Jash) Singh graduated with the rank of AP Scholar with Distinction. He is a member of the Newfield High School Pit Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, has twice been an all-county viola player, and has earned the Varsity music award for outstanding musical achievement. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Mock Trial Team, Foreign Language Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society. and has earned the rank of AP Scholar with Distinction.

“Jash embodies all of the characteristics set forth by our chapter: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character,” said Ms. Cook. “He especially fits the ‘character’ trait by being a model student, an example to his peers, and an all-around nice guy who is a pleasure to be around.  Jash is always willing to help at community events and represents our school and our chapter with pride.” 

Outside of Newfield High School, Jash is a volunteer at Mather Hospital and Middle Country Public Library as a Green Teen, where he creates crafts for children, plans events and takes care of the library garden. Jash also partakes in Sewa, of selfless service, at his Sikh temple by serving food every Sunday to his congregation.

In the fall, Jash will study biology at Stony Brook University. He plans on attending medical school with a goal of becoming a general surgeon or working in internal medicine.

Photo courtesy of WMHO

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) announced on June 23 that it has retained an engineering firm, Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers (MRCE), and work has begun on taking borings of Harbor Road to determine its composition. This process entails drilling down every five feet until reaching 50 feet, inserting a four-inch wide hollow tube, and pulling out samples of soil from three separate locations. 

An engineer will analyze data from the borings. Once that information is gathered, hydraulic data (rainfall, road runoff, the existing water in the pond) will then be analyzed. This process will take approximately two to four months. 

The board of trustees feels the frustration of the community regarding the issue of Harbor Road, and we have initiated this work to secure on an accelerated basis the critical information needed to repair or replace Harbor Road. After signing the contract with MRCE on February 12, the first step of this multi-tiered process was conducting a survey of the grist mill and providing a subsequent report. Once the data collection and analysis are complete, three design concepts will be provided. 

The organization hopes to at that point share all the pertinent details with the county, towns, and village. They realize that the matter requires a comprehensive approach that prevents this disaster from recurring in the future. 

METRO photo

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services in conjunction with the Town of Brookhaven will offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter located at 300 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven. Although the clinic is available to all Suffolk County residents, the quantity of vaccine is limited and available only while supplies last. All dogs must be on leashes and all cats and ferrets must be in carriers.

New York State and Suffolk County laws require that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinating pets not only provides protection for the animals but also acts as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people.

“Take the time to protect your beloved pets against rabies. They give us so much joy and love and deserve to be kept safe,” said County Executive Ed Romaine. For more information, call 631-451-6950.

Whether gifted, grown in a garden, or admired in nature, flowers delight us with their natural beauty. In a floral tribute, the Smithtown Township Arts Council will present The Language of Flowers, a juried exhibit at Mills Pond Gallery in St. James from June 28 to July 25. 

The prospectus called for artists to “unleash their creativity and share their artistic interpretations of flowers … art that captures the spirit of blossoms or conveys personal emotions or narratives, or simply captures the captivating beauty of flowers.” The response was overwhelming.

“Using oil, acrylic, alcohol ink, colored pencil, dye-sublimation photographic print, fused glass, gouache, graphite, ink, mixed media, oil, pastel, pen & ink, photography, pyrography and watercolor, 84 artists  have found astonishing ways to portray the delicacy of flowers whether represented in realism, impressionism or abstraction,” said Allison Cruz, Executive Director of the Smithtown Township Arts Council and Mills Pond Gallery. 

“No matter the style, we are sure gallery visitors will enjoy this bouquet of original works,” she added.

Exhibiting artists include Ross Barbera, Shain Bard, Ron Becker, Mireille Belajonas, Kusuma Bheemineni, Matt Bodkin, Hayley Brennan, Joyce Bressler, Kevin Casey, Carol Ceraso, Tobi Cohen, Bernice Corbin, Jane Corrarino, Denise Cousins, JoAnn Dumas, Paul Edelson, Ellen Ferrigno, Elizabeth Fusco, Arlene Gernon, Maureen Ginipro, Theresa Graff, Alexandra Guma, Linda Hartman, Scott Hartman, Karen Jakubowski, Sally Anne Keller, James Kelson, Kathee Shaff Kelson, Angelica Kempa, Samantha Kenny, Megan Kenny, Lynn Kinsella, Julianna Kirk, Elizabeth Kisseleff, Lynn Larrison, Peter Leeds, Syndee Levy, Patricia Lind-Gonzalez, Patricia Luppino, Jackie Mallon, Diane Maniscalco, Adriena Masi, Liz Jorg Masi, Kathleen McArdle, Bonnie McLoughlin Stiegler, Frederic Mendelsohn, Avrel Menkes, Felecia Montfort, Gail Neuman, Loretta Oberheim, Josephine Parlagreco, Sharon Pearsall, Eva Pere, Sean Pollock, Lauren Prochera, Bernice Rausch, Catherine Rezin, Sandra Riddle, Khrystyne Robillard-Smith, Robert Roehrig, Jessica Rybak, Lori Scarlatos, Lisa Scrima-Castelli, Hillary Serota Needle, Stephen Shannon, Mike Stanko, Maddy Stare, Judy Stone, Betty Ann Tedeschi, Ashley Thorbjornsen, Susan Toplitz, Robert Tuska, Diane Van Velsor, Joseph Weinreb, Patty Yantz, Steven Zaluski, Theodora Zavala and Tianzhou Zhao.

The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, June 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to meet the exhibiting artists and enjoy the beautiful art. 

The Mills Pond Gallery is located at 660 Route 25A in St. James. Regular gallery hours are Wednesdays to  Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission to the gallery is always free. For more information or directions, call 631-862-6575, or visit www.millspondgallery.org.

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Suffolk County Police arrested a man on June 26 for allegedly selling a tobacco product to an underage person during a compliance check at a Huntington business.

In response to numerous community complaints, Second Precinct Investigative Unit officers conducted
an investigation into the sale of tobacco and vape products to underage people at 12 businesses. One
business was found not to be in compliance with the law.

Muhammad Janjua, an employee of Huntington Mart, located at 276 East Jericho Turnpike, was charged
with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree, a misdemeanor. Janjua, 45, of Selden, was released
on a Field Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later
date.

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Suffolk County Police have shut down a massage parlor that was operating with the former tenant’s smoke
shop signage in Centereach.

In response to community complaints, the Suffolk County Police Department’s Human Trafficking
Investigations Unit conducted an operation at 2505 Middle County Road on June 24. While the new
business was still utilizing the former business name “Puff and Pass,” detectives found evidence of a
commercial sex operation. The business, Facial Waxing Salon, opened in January 2025.

The Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement assisted, and the location was closed
after being deemed unsafe for occupancy.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this location is urged to contact the
Human Trafficking Investigations Unit at 631-854-7512.

On the final day of the New York State Assembly’s 2025 session, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s bill A8560A, the “Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act,” passed. The justification section of the bill reads as follows:
The expansion and modernization of public rail infrastructure in Suffolk County is essential to addressing the region’s long-term transportation needs. This legislation facilitates such development by directing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to grant a permanent access and construction easement to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The easement will allow the MTA to and utilize a portion of DOT-owned land currently designated as the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway for the potential development of a railyard, thereby enhancing the capacity, efficiency, and connectivity of public transit in the region. The easement is also necessary to further New York State’s green transit goals, better allowing for the electrification of the LIRR’s Port Jefferson branch.To ensure that this easement does not interfere with existing transportation priorities, the bill expressly preserves the DOT’s retained rights to carry out any future realignment of New York State Route 25A, including through the construction of a bridge over the Greenway. It further mandates cooperation between the DOT and the MTA to enable both projects to proceed concurrently without operational conflict. By establishing clear terms for coexistence and requiring timely execution of the easement agreement, the legislation provides a structured legal framework that advances public transit objectives while maintaining the integrity of state infrastructure planning.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “I became aware of the importance of this project when I was serving as a Port Jefferson Village Trustee. I was compelled to serve from a higher office in part to help overcome bureaucratic stalemates like this one. The economic, environmental, and community benefits of this project can not be understated and I am very proud to have introduced, sponsored, and passed this legislation that delivers a key solution to moving forward with the modernization and electrification of the Port Jefferson LIRR line.”

In 2023, the Suffolk County Landbank Corporation and the MTA entered into a contract to transfer a portion of the site to the MTA for $10—a strategic move to support LIRR modernization. In early June 2025, Assemblywoman Kassay gathered with elected officials at all levels of government, government agencies, and community organizations to call upon New York State to resolve the ongoing bureaucratic impasse. A disagreement between these two state agencies threatened to derail a critical component of the community-backed redevelopment plan.

Following this press conference, the DOT reached out to Assemblywoman Kassay to discuss the “Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act”. In a race against the clock, with the Assembly and Senate session concluding mid-June, Assemblywoman Kassay worked swiftly to move the bill along with the DOT, MTA, Assembly Speaker Heastie, Governor Hochul’s staff, Senator Anthony Palumbo, Senator Monica Martinez, and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and county staff.

This bipartisan coalition is driven by the regional and state-wide significance of the redevelopment of the Lawrence Aviation site. The Port Jefferson Branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which serves approximately 30% of Suffolk County’s population—including faculty and students at SUNY Stony Brook, the county’s largest employer—has long needed modernization. According to the American Public Transportation Association, every $1 invested in public transportation yields a $5 economic return.

In Albany, various legislation and policies have been adopted in an effort to reduce carbon emissions throughout New York. Since taking office in January, Assemblywoman Kassay has highlighted the importance of this local opportunity to ensure future electrification of the Port Jefferson Branch, shifting its trains off of diesel fuel. transformative investments in regional transit infrastructure, improvements to service on one of Suffolk County’s most heavily used diesel rail lines, and relief from traffic congestion by offering better commuter rail options for residents.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “As a freshman member in the New York State legislature, I applaud the groups and individuals who have worked tirelessly for over a decade to clean up the former Lawrence Aviation Industries (LAI) site in Port Jefferson Station and engage the community in a vision and plan for its future. I  join Suffolk County government officials and the county’s Department of Economic Development and Planning in their work to prioritize public input over profit in the reimagining of the former superfund site.”

“For many years two state agencies ─ the Department of Transportation and the Long Island Rail Road ─ have not been able to agree to accept Suffolk County’s generous offer of land that would eliminate the dangerous at-grade rail crossing on New York State Route 25A in Upper Port and eliminate unhealthy locomotive fumes by relocating the terminus of the railroad and ultimately enabling its electrification. Although this inaction has paralyzed regional transportation planning and suppressed the economic vitality of every community served by the North Line, Assemblywoman Kassay’s legislation appears to have turned the corner on this morass. Her problem-solving skill is a breakthrough that has profound positive potential to improve the quality of life and health of everyone who lives here.” Suffolk County Legislator Steven C. Englebright (D-Setauket)

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, “The passage of this legislation is critically important for Suffolk County residents and would remove an obstacle in our efforts to make Lawrence Aviation a transportation hub for our region. The redevelopment of this site is the key to electrifying lines to eastern Suffolk and will ensure a more reliable and cleaner transportation system, helping to reduce traffic congestion, especially in the busy summer months. I am proud of our work in getting this bill through the legislature and the continued efforts of the local community to move this project forward.”

“This legislation is a significant public victory,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “This is the best $10 the government has ever spent. The easement will allow us to modernize the LIRR, reduce truck traffic, and reduce harmful air pollution. We are extremely appreciative of Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Senator Anthony Palumbo for their hard work and dedication in getting it through the legislature. Now, we need the Governor to sign the bill so we can meet our transportation challenges for the future.”

Carmine Inserra, President of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce shared, “The Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act (A8560A) passing is a huge win for the north shore of Long Island! It paves the way for cleaner, more frequent transportation for all communities along the MTA’s Port Jefferson Branch. It will also offer better public access to the Three Village Historic area and New York State’s flagship university, SUNY Stony Brook (which is also the largest employer on Long Island). Thank you to all the local governmental officials and both business & civic leaders for your support!  We appreciate everyone working together on something that benefits us all!”

Assemblywoman Kassay will continue working with fellow stakeholders and her colleagues in Albany to finalize the easement agreement, and clear the path for the modernization and electrification of the Port Jefferson LIRR line—ensuring that the full potential of the former Lawrence Aviation site can be realized in the service of public benefit and regional progress.