Pictured (left to right) are Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Councilman Neil Manzella; Salvatore Campo (Ms. Fogal’s father); Theresa Fogal; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Supervisor Dan Panico; Councilman Neil Foley; Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig; Councilman Michael Loguercio and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle. Photo from Town of Brookhaven
At the February 13 Town of Brookhaven Board Meeting, Councilwoman Jane Bonner recognized Rocky Point School District bus driver, Theresa Fogal, for safely maneuvering her bus full of students as it was sliding downhill during a recent snowstorm. By staying calm, Ms. Fogal guided the bus down the steep, icy hill and kept it upright and moving forward. No one was injured during the incident and all the children arrived home, safe and sound.
Councilwoman Bonner praised Ms. Fogal for her heroism and presented her with a Town Board Proclamation. To watch the video of the incident, please go to https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XqJh_YPrans.
Pictured from left, are Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Councilman Neil Manzella; Salvatore Campo (Ms. Fogal’s father); Theresa Fogal; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Supervisor Dan Panico; Councilman Neil Foley; Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig; Councilman Michael Loguercio and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle.
Port Jefferson Middle School production of 'Imaginary'
Port Jefferson Middle School production of 'Imaginary'
Port Jefferson Middle School production of 'Imaginary'
Port Jefferson Middle School production of 'Imaginary'
Port Jefferson Middle School production of 'Imaginary'
Port Jefferson Middle School recently presented Imaginary, an enchanting new musical that explores the magic of childhood, the power of imagination, and the journey of growing up. This exciting production, from Jan/ 31 to Feb. 2, was the New York premiere of the musical and captivated audiences with its heartfelt storyline and talented performers.
Featuring catchy tunes and touching ballads, Imaginary follows a young protagonist as they navigate a mystery at their new school—why are all these students acting like zombies? To save the day they must learn to harness the power of friendship and imagination. As the story unfolds, the audience is reminded of the importance of nurturing creativity and connection in a world that often emphasizes the pursuit of perfect grades instead.
“The themes of Imaginary resonate deeply with children and adults alike,” said Christine Creighton and Laurel Ormiston, the directors of the musical. “It’s a story about holding onto the magic of your imagination while embracing the changes that come with growing up. We were incredibly proud to bring this inspiring production to the stage for the first time in New York, and to be able to give that unique opportunity for both cast and audience to experience something brand new.”
The cast, comprised of Port Jefferson Middle School students, showcased their months of dedicated work by delivering joyful, expressive performances. “We could not be more proud of these students. For many, this was their first show, and we hope that this was the start of their journey here with our phenomenal Royals’ performing arts community,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, the Port Jefferson Director of Music and Fine Arts.
The musical was also brought to life through exquisite lighting, props, costumes, and beautifully crafted sets which were the result of generous efforts by both parent volunteers and Port Jefferson staff. “Our students and families have been one of the best to work with because of their enthusiasm, teamwork, and talent,” noted Creighton.
The Port Jefferson Middle School community came together to enjoy this extraordinary event, with many students, teachers, and families attending the performances. The success of Imaginary marks another milestone in the school’s long history of producing high-quality theatrical productions.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole a PlayStation 5 from a Middle Island store this month.
A man allegedly stole a PlayStation 5, valued at $449, from Walmart, located at 750 Middle Country Road, on February 14 at 8:10 p.m.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man and two women who allegedly stole merchandise from a South Setauket store this month.
A man and two women allegedly stole home products from Target, located at 255 Pond Path, on February 8 at approximately 5:55 p.m.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise from a Middle Island store.
A man allegedly stole approximately $300 worth of electronics from Walmart, 750 Middle Country Road, on February 9 at 5:37 p.m.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
'Bike Vessel' will kick off the series in Port Jefferson on Feb. 27. Photo courtesy of Independent Lens
Watch the film & join the conversation
Independent Lens has announced the launch of the new season of Indie Lens Pop-Up, the long-running screening series that brings people together for community-driven conversations around its thought-provoking documentaries. The free event series will include in-person screenings in more than 100 cities across the U.S. including Port Jefferson, Stony Brook, Centereach and Selden, thanks to a partnership with The Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council (GPJAC).
Middle Country Public Library’s Centereach branch will screen ‘Free for All: The Public Library’ on April 11. Photo courtesy of Independent Lens
Through its roster of five documentary projects, Indie Lens Pop-Up will ignite conversations on a range of topics, including a Cambodian American basketball prodigy, the American institution of public libraries, and the history of funk music. This season’s topics also aim to expand perspectives through deeply personal stories, like what it means to live with Alzheimer’s disease and the bond between father and son. The screenings, which are approximately 60 minutes long, will be followed by impactful post-screening activities ranging from panel discussions to performances.
Each film will eventually make its television debut on PBS and will be available to stream on the PBS app.
Since its inception in 2005, more than 7,200 Indie Lens Pop-Up events have brought an estimated 430,000 participants together to discuss issues that impact local communities.
“We’re so excited to continue these Indie Lens Pop-Up screenings that not only advance independent stories, but continue to bring together local communities across the U.S.,” said Beatriz Castillo, senior director of engagement operations at Independent Television Service (ITVS), the production arm of PBS which produces Independent Lens.
“The Greater Port Jefferson – Northern Brookhaven Arts Council (GPJAC) is delighted to join the Indie Lens Pop-Up program as screening partner. We welcome the chance to support these award-winning films while having the opportunity to craft impactful activities with our venue and community partners such as the Middle Country Public Library, the First United Methodist Church and the Long Island Museum,” said Kelly DeVine, Board Member and Chair of film programming at GPJAC
“Supporting independent artists and filmmakers is at the center of our work,” added Allan Varela, Chair of the GPJAC. “And getting to collaborate with our community partners to raise up their work is icing on the cake.”
The Indie Lens Pop-Up 2024-2025 lineup includes the following documentaries:
‘Bike Vessel’
■ Bike Vessel by Eric D. Seals will be screened at the First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. In this portrait of familial love, father Donnie Seals Sr. undergoes a transformation after several medical crises and, at age 70, embarks on a long-distance cycling trip with his son.
A panel discussing the health, social and infrastructure issues raised by the film with a cardiologist, a representative from a safe transportation organization and a librarian from Port Jefferson Free Library will follow. Register here.
‘Home Court’
■ Home Court by Erica Tanamachi heads to the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook on Tuesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. The film traces the ascent of Ashley Chea, a Cambodian American basketball prodigy whose life intensifies amid recruitment, injury, and triumph throughout her high school career.
The screening will be followed by a panel of SBU and local high school athletes and coaches discussing the challenges of transitioning from high school to college as a female and Cambodian American athlete.
‘Free for All: The Public Library’
■ Free for All: The Public Library by Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor will be screened at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach on Friday, April 11 at 6 p.m. The documentary tells the story of the U.S. public library system—a simple idea that shaped a nation and the quiet revolutionaries who made it happen.
The event will be followed by a “library fair” where MCPL representatives across the library’s departments show all the ways libraries serve their communities.
‘We Want the Funk’
■ We Want the Funk by Stanley Nelson will be screened at Middle Country Public Library, 575 Middle Country Road, Selden on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. The documentary is a syncopated voyage through the history of funk music, from early roots to 1970s urban funk and beyond and will be followed by a short live funk music band performance and discussion on how the genre is still influential today.
‘Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s’
■ Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s by Anna Moot-Levin and Laura Green will be screened at the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook on Tuesday, June 3 at 7 p.m. The documentary explores how three families confront the challenges of Alzheimer’s, focusing on how the disease transforms identities and relationships and will be incorporated into a full program of dementia events with speakers and resources.
To register for these free documentaries, please visit www.gpjac.org or click here.
From left, Linda Lugo accepts her award from Sylvia Ryndock, NYSAR 2025 Awards Committee Chair. Photo courtesy of New York State Association of REALTORS®
The New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) honored Linda Lugo of Huntington with the 2024 Community Service Award for her dedication and commitment to animal rescue in Long Island during the association’s “Opportunity Awaits” Mid-Winter Business Meetings at the Crowne Plaza Albany–Desmond Hotel in Albany from Feb. 3 to 6.
The NYSAR Community Service Award recognizes REALTORS’® community involvement supporting initiatives aimed at a community’s youth, improving the quality of education, quality of life for older Americans, homelessness prevention, as well as efforts following natural disasters and other community needs.
For over a decade, Lugo, a member of the Long Island Board of REALTORS®, has been instrumental in helping displaced animals across Long Island and beyond, find homes. Her journey began just after Superstorm Sandy when Long Island was devastated and many people, and their pets, were without homes. Lugo helped care for pets that were left behind or unable to be reunited with their owners. In less than a year, Lugo helped care for over 400 dogs.
Since then, Lugo started “Animal Response and Rescue Coalition,” a non-profit organization which helps teach first responders how to work with animals during a disaster. She has also fostered over 40 dogs in her own home, working with Proud Rescuers of Puerto Rico, who help abandoned dogs and cats find their forever homes in the United States.
“I am honored to receive this award because it helps to bring greater awareness to what is happening to dogs, cats, and other animals in places like Puerto Rico,” said Lugo. “I thank the Awards Committee from the bottom of my heart for this award. It means the world to me!”
Along with an inscribed award, a grant of $1,500 will also be made in Lugo’s name to a charity of her choice.
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff’s office.
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff’s office.
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff’s office.
On Friday, Feb. 14 Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. recognized Brooke DiPalma and Jaimie DiPalma as the recipients of the Community Leadership Award for their extraordinary dedication to mental health awareness and suicide prevention through P.S. I Love You Day.
On April 23, 2010, Brooke and Jaimie experienced an unimaginable loss when their father, Joseph DiPalma, died by suicide. In the wake of their grief, they turned their pain into a powerful movement for change. Inspired by their father’s final words, “I love you,” Brooke, with the support of her family and high school community, founded P.S. I Love You Day. Held annually on the second Friday of February, the initiative encourages people to wear purple as a sign of unity against bullying, a commitment to ending depression and a message of hope for suicide prevention.
P.S. I Love You Day has grown into a nationwide movement, fostering conversations about mental health and spreading kindness in schools, workplaces and communities. Through their efforts, Brooke and Jaimie have provided a platform for support and awareness, reminding individuals that they are never alone.
Each month, Sheriff Toulon presents the Community Leadership Award to recognize Suffolk County residents who go above and beyond to better their communities and provide support to those in need.
Diet and exercise are the first line of defense for those living with diabetes. Stock photo
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and the Department of Health Services invite residents who are at risk of developing type-2 diabetes to participate in the Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program. The program is based off of the National Diabetes Prevention Program that supports moderate behavioral changes and incorporates healthy eating and physical activity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 98 million American adults — more than 1 in 3 — are at risk for diabetes.
“We want our residents to be healthy and live fulfilling lives,” said Romaine. “We encourage all adult residents to take a one-minute risk survey to learn if they are at risk for prediabetes. Through educational programming and preventative measures, we are here to help you reduce your risk.”
“Diabetes puts the body at risk for many serious health conditions,” said Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner. “The good news is that moderate changes in lifestyle can help restore blood sugar to normal levels and result in significant health benefits.”
The Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program has received “full plus” recognition from the CDC, meeting the agency’s highest standards. To date, 440 Suffolk County residents have successfully completed the program.
Residents are encouraged to take the one-minute risk test at www.doihaveprediabetes.org and are invited to attend informational sessions at:
— Smithtown Public Library, 148 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset on Feb. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
— Brookhaven Free Library, 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven on Wednesday, March 12 from noon to 1 p.m.
— Center Moriches Public Library, 235 Main Street, Center Moriches on March 19 from noon to 1 p.m.
— Patchogue/Medford Library, 54-60 East Main Street, Patchogue on March 28 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will welcome back Anthony Marinello, owner of Dropseed Native Landscapes Native Plant Nursery and a bird-habitat specialist, to speak on supporting native backyard songbirds on Sunday, February 23, from 11 a.m. to noon.
Songbirds add beauty and delight to our world. Backyard bird watching and feeding is a cherished tradition for many who appreciate our feathered friends. Marinello will give a presentation on how to support common backyard songbirds with native plants, bird feeders, and other habitat elements. Afterward, participants will make pinecone feeders.
Marinello is a New York State Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional as well as a Certified National Audubon Habitat and Ecosystems Land Professional.
Beth Laxer-Limmer, Director of Education, said, “The Museum is excited to have Anthony Marinello back to share his knowledge of native birds and plants and how we can create a backyard ecosystem for songbirds.”
For adults and children 10 and up. Participating children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
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