CLOSE
Authors Posts by TBR Staff

TBR Staff

4829 POSTS 0 COMMENTS
TBR News Media covers everything happening on the North Shore of Suffolk County from Cold Spring Harbor to Wading River.

by -
0 517
Robert Higgins

Robert “Bob” Higgins passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Jan. 4, 2025. He was 89.

Higgins was born to John and Mabel Higgins on April 2, 1935. He and his eight siblings were raised in Yonkers.

He attended Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers and graduated from Fordham University in 1959. It was there he met his beloved wife, Joan, whom he was married to for 60 years. He is now reunited with her in eternal rest. He will be greatly missed by his children, Laura, Brian, and Jeanine; his grandchildren Brian and Tyler Lombardi; and his siblings Mary, Joe, and Margaret. He was predeceased by his siblings John, Catherine, Nora, and Alice.

Higgins’ 89 years were well-lived and hard-working. He spent over 30 years working for Equitable Life Insurance in New York City, as well as several years with Cigna and New York Life before retiring. He rode the Long Island Railroad every day and often spoke of the friendships he had forged with fellow commuters. He regularly met several of them for lunch long after his retirement.

He served 40 years in the United States Navy Reserve, achieving the rank of commander before retiring in 1995. In 1973, he was briefly called into active duty for Operation Homecoming, where he debriefed prisoner of war repatriates following the Vietnam War.

Following his duty, he was recommended for a promotion. He was a true patriot with a generous heart.

Higgins enjoyed traveling with his family and friends and often took cruises to Bermuda and the Caribbean. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and did research to locate relatives from his family tree in Ireland, traveling abroad to meet many of them. He applied for and was approved for Irish citizenship.

He enjoyed playing golf with his neighborhood buddies, loved a good lobster or steak dinner, and frequently asked to visit Orem’s Diner or treat his grandsons to hibachi.He never wanted anyone to worry about him, always asked if you needed any money and was sure you would hit traffic, wherever you were headed, no matter the time of day. He was a quintessential sports couch potato—if there was a game on TV, he was watching it. A die-hard Jets fan, he was a season-ticket holder for over 60 years. It was his family’s dream to see a Super Bowl win alongside him.

by -
0 558
Eric Botticelli

Prepared by the Botticelli family

On Dec. 17, 2024, Eric Botticelli died. He was a son, brother, friend, musician, and a brilliant mind.

Eric’s flame burned out far too soon, leaving his loved ones with hearts heavy with sorrow but also overflowing with love and gratitude for the time they shared with him. Eric was born on Sept. 22, 1984, and from the moment he entered the world, it was clear he was something special. Even as a young child, he had a sensitivity and curiosity that set him apart. He saw beauty in the smallest things. On walks through a park as a young boy, he would often stop to pick tiny flowers for his mother, a gesture that captured the depth of his kindness and thoughtfulness.

Music was a defining part of Eric’s life. Just before his third birthday, he began playing the violin at the local Suzuki School. His love for music grew alongside him as he progressed from performances in grade school concerts to joining the NYU Orchestra in 2002.

To watch Eric play the violin was to witness the purest form of expression. It wasn’t just notes on a page; it was a glimpse into his soul. Eric’s talents didn’t stop there. Academically, he was a force to be reckoned with: He excelled in mathematics and science and earned a full scholarship to New York University as a computer science major.

However, Eric was never one to be confined to a single path. He had a deep appreciation for the arts. Literature, music, and painting enriched his world just as much as equations and algorithms. Eric was a man of contrasts and harmony. He was as analytical as he was creative, as logical as he was tenderhearted. He left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him, whether through his music, his intellect, or his gentle spirit.

Today, his friends and family grieve his sudden passing but also celebrate the life he lived—a life that was vibrant, meaningful, and beautiful. His loved ones find solace in memories of Eric: his bright eyes, his music, his laughter, and the countless ways he touched their lives.

Eric is survived by his parents, Paul and Louise Botticelli; his brothers, Damon and Brian; his three nephews, Axel, Hiro, and Nathan; and his niece, Ella.

If you would like to share your memories, thoughts, feelings, or pictures of Eric on a Kudoboard, please send a request to 631-987-4817, and a link will be sent back to you. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on Saturday,  Jan. 18, 2025, at 2 p.m.  at the Setauket Presbyterian Church located at 5 Caroline Ave., East Setauket.

by -
0 595
METRO photo

By Karen Anderson

The journey to become an American citizen begins by meeting general requirements. You must be 18 or older to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and be a lawful permanent resident (have a “Green Card”). You must prove continuous permanent residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen, and have lived at least 3 months in your state of residence. 

The general filing fee is $765. There can be other fees depending on the applicants situation. Applicants who have served in the military can have the fee waived. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (www.uscis.gov) has more information on other requirements and documentation needed. 

This can be a difficult process to wade through and sometimes requires the services of an immigration lawyer, which can add an enormous expense and burden.

USCIS officers interview applicants to test their ability to read, write, speak and understand English. During the interview the applicants are asked personal questions about their background. The speaking test consists of photographs of everyday activities. The applicant must explain what is happening in the photos. Their knowledge of U.S. history and government is also tested. USCIS provides materials to study and prepare for the test. There are vocabulary lists focusing on history and civics topics. The civics test will have 10 questions taken from the list of 100 study  questions, such as: What is the supreme law of the land?, or Who wrote The Declaration of Independence? The applicant must answer six out of 10 questions correctly. 

The Naturalization Ceremony is the last joyous step. It’s the culmination of a long and difficult process filled with red tape, bureaucracy, hard work and determination. The pandemic caused a backlog of applications with the shutdowns and shuttered immigration offices. But now large ceremonies at parks, arenas and courthouses are making a comeback.Each month hundreds of immigrants from many countries across the world take the Oath of Allegiance — giving up allegiance to their country of origin, promising to defend and protect the United States and its Constitution against all enemies, bear arms on behalf of the U.S. and perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by law. 

Most immigrants come to America with the hope of achieving the American dream for themselves and their families. The judges presiding over the ceremonies often relate stories of immigrant ancestors who took a similar journey and made it possible for them to attain their own dreams. All Americans can relate to this and understand how challenging and life changing an experience that is. 

The applicants are reminded that once they take the oath they are American citizens with all the rights, responsibilities, freedoms and privileges of every American. The happy smiles of the new citizens, and the friends and family members there to support and celebrate with them, makes it an inspiring occasion. 

The League of Women Voters often attends these ceremonies to welcome the new citizens and assist them in registering to vote. This is a privilege and responsibility the new citizens cherish, as all Americans should. The League works diligently to register all eligible citizens and provides information to educate voters. Getting out the vote is a priority as the League believes everyone should make their voice heard. Voting is an American right (and responsibility) envied around the world. The League works to help voters understand and make an informed choice in the voting booth. 

Last September 17 was Constitution Day, Citizenship Day and National Voter Registration Day. The Smithtown League and Five Towns College collaborated to register students. All students were quizzed about the Constitution and tried to answer basic civics questions that aspiring citizens are asked (and could win food or candy for participating!). The League also provided information about early voting and propositions appearing on the ballot. It was a great day to celebrate our democracy with enthusiastic young people who we hope will be responsible voters and civically engaged as adults.

Karen Anderson is a member of the leadership team of the Smithtown League of Women Voters, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, visit https//my.lwv.org/new-york/suffolk-county.

by -
0 894
METRO photo

As winter enters it’s peak, drivers should be ever-conscious of the dangers the season poises to drivers and pedestrians.

The short winter days provide limited sunlight and therefore, limited visibility to drivers returning home during rush hour. With the sun setting at the early time, most people drive home from work in the hazy twilight. The early sunset often means that many are forced to drive towards the intolerable glare of the sun, blinding drivers who forgot their sunglasses.

Flurries crowd the window and accumulate on the ground. In the following days thirty degree weather is projected after last weeks hiatus of slightly warmer temperatures. Snow is in the forecast.

During times like these, it is imperative that we practice defensive driving. This means putting our blinkers on the ensure others can see our vehicles (even if there is next car is far away, remember, it is illegal to switch lanes without using your blinker), cleaning the frost off our cars so that it doesn’t blend in with the surroundings, and pumping the break and testing the acceleration on icy days. After snow, the roads are full of salt, moisture, and black ice–all of which affect the traction of the tires on the road.

In neighborhoods, folks who walk their dogs after getting home from work have to do so in the diminishing sunlight. We need to be cautious. As eager as we may be to get home, we must resist the urge to press the accelerator a little more as we round the bend to our homes. Sidewalks are not ubiquitous and dogs aren’t always well-behaved and walking calmly next to their owner. Pedestrians, wear bright, reflective colors, carry flashlights, and to the extent possible, walk on quiet streets.

The dangers to public safety from cold, early, snowy days are, of course, paramount, but the dangers to the state of our vehicles is not to be ignored. To save yourself hundreds in repairs, we must ensure that our vehicle is in top condition.

•Check the tire pressure. The cold weather can cause the air to contract and result in under-inflated tires.

•Clean the exhaust. Condensation build-up can cause the exhaust system to rust.

•Lift the wiper blades upwards off the windshield when it snows so they don’t break. Wipe down the rubber lining of the car door so the rigid rubber doesn’t make it difficult to open in freezing temperatures.

•Let the oil circulate. Oil gets thicker in colder temperatures, so we need to be conscious of allowing time for the oil to warm up or switch to oil with a lower viscosity for the winter.

Enjoy the sight of snow-lined trees and slowly descending flakes, but we should not let the precautions slip from our mind. Drive safely.

by -
0 2236
1 of 11
From left, Deb Rosengard, TVHS Director Mari Irizarry and Michael Rosengard. Photo by Karen Curtiss
A row of markers and research binders on display for homeowners. Photo from TVHS
Historic House Marker reception at the Setauket Neighborhood House. Photo from TVHS
New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, TVHS Director Mari Irizarry, TVHS Exhibits Coordinator Scott Ferrara, President of Three Village Dads Foundation David Tracy, and President of the TVHS board Greg Philipps. Photo from TVHS
Jean Benner of Benner's Farm reads about her historic home. Photo from TVHS
TVHS Director Mari Irizarry with Exhibits Coordinator Scott Ferrara. Photo from TVHS
Historic House Marker reception at the Setauket Neighborhood House. Photo from TVHS
Michael Rosengard with two of his house markers. Photo from TVHS
New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, TVHS Director Mari Irizarry and Old Field Village Trustee Rebecca Van Der Bogart. Photo courtesy of TVHS
Brookhaven Town historian Barbara Russell with homeowner Karin Ryon
Three Village Community Trust President Herb Mones, homeowner Michael Rosengard, TVHS Research Fellow Kayleigh Smith, Collections and TVHS Exhibits Coordinator Scott Ferrara. Photo courtesy of TVHS
Historic House Marker Reception brings the past to life

The Setauket Neighborhood House was abuzz with excitement on Thursday, December 12th, as over 80 guests gathered for the Historic House Marker Reception, an evening dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of the Three Village community’s historical homes. Hosted by the Three Village Historical Society + Museum (TVHS), the event highlighted the culmination of months of meticulous research and community collaboration.

Guests enjoyed a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by delicious snacks provided by Druthers Coffee and a celebratory champagne toast courtesy of Hamlet Wines & Liquors. This festive gathering marked a momentous occasion for homeowners who had eagerly anticipated this event for months.

Under the expert guidance of Scott Ferrara, the Society’s Collections and Exhibits Coordinator, and the tireless efforts of Research Fellow Kayleigh Smith, who was assisted by a dedicated team of volunteers that included Bev and Barbara Tyler and Melissa Murnane-Hendrickson, the evening was the result of five months of dedicated research. Smith created in-depth research packages for 50 homeowners across the Three Village area, uncovering the stories behind their homes and the people who once resided there.

“It was like Christmas morning,” said Mari Irizarry, Director of the Three Village Historical Society. “I loved looking around the room and seeing these homeowners with their noses buried in their binders, excitedly learning about the rich history of the house they call home.”

The sense of pride and wonder was palpable as homeowners delved into their binders, each meticulously crafted to reveal the unique narrative of their property. For many, it was an emotional journey into the past, offering a deeper connection to the community they cherish.

Several of the 50 newly-minted historical house markers have already been installed on houses and businesses throughout the Three Village area. Approved applications for local historical significance spanned the entire district: Dyers Neck (5), East Setauket (11), Old Field (5), Poquott (2), Setauket (15), South Setauket (1), Stony Brook (9), and Strong’s Neck (2).

“At the Three Village Historical Society, we hold a steadfast belief: our community is our museum. The homeowners who preserve and care for these magnificent historical structures are the stewards of our shared history. Events like the Historic House Marker Reception shines a light on the importance of these homes and the stories they tell, fostering a collective appreciation for the legacy of the Three Village area,” said Irizarry.

“The evening served as a reminder of the power of history to bring people together, forging connections between past and present. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, board, volunteers, and supporters, the Historic House Marker Reception was not only a success but a testament to the enduring spirit of our community. Here’s to celebrating our history—one home at a time!” she said.

If you’re interested in placing a historic house marker on your home, please stay tuned. The application will open for 2025 in February at www.tvhs.org.

by -
0 587
File photo by Raymond Janis

LIRR funding shortfall

LIRR commuters should be concerned about insufficient funds being programmed to bring bridges, viaducts, tunnels and other basic infrastructure that are in poor or marginal condition up to a state of good repair in the proposed MTA $68.4 billion 2025-2029 Five Year Capital Plan.  This also applies to Metro North Rail Road and NYC Transit.  It is questionable if $600 million is sufficient funding for LIRR critical infrastructure projects under the proposed next Five Year Capital Plan. Can this eliminate the growing backlog of critical infrastructure repair.  Too many critical capital assets remain in daily service beyond their anticipated useful life. There is still a $33 billion shortfall to fully fund the proposed upcoming Five Year Capital Plan.

Safety, state of good repair, reliable on time performance with a minimum of service disruptions at a fair price should be a higher priority than system expansion projects.  The $7.7 billion Second Avenue Subway Phase 2, $5.5 billion Queens Brooklyn Light Rail Inter Boro Express and $3.1 billion Metro North Bronx East Penn Station Access projects all need to be put on hold.  Funding for all three would be better spent on critical infrastructure projects benefiting over 4 million NYC Transit subway, 200,000 plus LIRR and 200,000 plus Metro North daily commuters.  MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and MTA Board members have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the interests of riders and taxpayers.

Larry Penner

Great Neck

Keep those letters coming…

Congratulations to my fellow 2024 Letter to the Editor writers.  Surveys reveal that “Letters To The Editor” is one of the most widely read and popular sections of newspapers.   

Most newspapers will print letters submitted by any writer regardless of where they live so long as the topic is relevant to readers.  

It helps to have a snappy introduction, good hook, be timely, precise, have an interesting or different viewpoint to increase your odds of publication. Papers welcome letters commenting on their own editorials, articles or previously published letters to the editor.

I’m grateful that TBR News Media affords both me and my fellow letter writers the opportunity to express our views, as well as differing opinions on issues of the day.  

Please join me along with your neighbors in reading TBR News Media.  Patronize their advertisers; they provide the revenues necessary to keep them in business. This helps pay to provide space for your favorite or not so favorite letter writers.

Larry Penner

Long Time Reader 

and Frequent Letter Writer

Great Neck

Armed guards aren’t the answer

As has become the norm in the Three Village Central School District members of the community have discovered a cause to champion that needn’t be raised.  Now that the start time phenomenon has become a budget-contingent coming attraction, armed guards in our schools are the latest call to action.  A knee-jerk reaction to an unfortunate, yet thankfully harmless, incident at Ward Melville High School this past fall, has been the demand to arm our security guards.  The reasoning behind this charge is the all too familiar claim that “the only way to fight a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.”

Decades of research by the highest and most well-trained law enforcement agencies in the country have debunked this “theory” and proven that many times the presence of armed guards in school settings has invited and/or intensified the violence committed.  Anyone with recollection of the atrocities in Uvalde and Parkland knows firsthand that armed security did nothing to deter the perpetrator and no lives were saved.  As a mother and an educator there is nothing more important than safety in school buildings and I would never begrudge any parent the feeling of security when a child is in an academic setting.  However, there are myriad other approaches to avoiding threats to our children today and they do not include arming security guards. 

The pushback will of course be the previously noted adage about fighting a bad guy with a good guy gun, especially since many of the guards are former law enforcement officers.  None of the crusaders of this battle are willing to note the fact that we are actually very lucky.  Long Island has fortuitously been spared any instances of mass gun violence in our schools.  And the one scary instance that Three Village experienced was handled responsibly and transparently.  Yes, a gun entered our high school.  Yes, there was a chance something horrific could have occurred, but it didn’t.  The true concern is that a weapon came through the doors.  The best defense against a repeat situation is a system of detection (and not metal detectors) not an addition of guns.  

At this juncture we need to trust that our district security experts have the best interests of our children at heart and will continue to keep them safe.  Guns in and/or around our schools is not the answer.

Stefanie Werner

East Setauket

The opinions of columnists and letter writers are their own. They do not speak for the newspaper.

WRITE TO US … AND KEEP IT LOCAL We welcome your letters, especially those responding to our local coverage, replying to other letter writers’ comments and speaking mainly to local themes. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style, good taste and uncivil language. They will also be published on our website. We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include an address and phone number for confirmation. 

Email letters to: [email protected] or mail them to TBR News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733

 

by -
0 670
Audra Weiss

Prepared by the Weiss family

Audra Weiss, 57, a resident of Mill Valley, California, passed away on Dec. 31, 2024, with her husband and children by her side. The wife of Jim Weiss and mother of Ethan, 23, and Emily, 20, Audra was a quiet yet powerful force who walked through life exuding grace, strength and class.

As the matriarch and CEO of the Weiss family, Audra will be sorely missed by family, friends, neighbors and her community at large. She was a devoted “Mama Bear,” loyal friend and passionate advocate for those who suffered, especially those living with cancer.

Born and raised in Coram, New York, Audra graduated from the Whitman School at Syracuse University and forged a career in healthcare communications. She met her husband Jim through a mutual friend and found they had been living parallel lives. He also went to Syracuse and worked in the same field, but they had never met. Like When Harry Met Sally, they built a strong friendship that led to an unbreakably strong marriage of nearly 25 years.

She knew from the start that she would happily trade in her stellar professional career for a lifelong role in motherhood. She welcomed Ethan and Emily into the world and devoted herself to her calling.

Audra’s intellect and brilliance shone in the backdrop of Jim’s entrepreneurial quest to build a leading global communications firm. As an advisor and confidante, Audra made her mark on the business that would become Real Chemistry. To her, success was a vehicle to do good—giving back through the Weiss Family Office.

When she was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, she turned her journey into advocacy, crossing paths with The Dempsey Center and recently joining their board. She was a staunch ally who always demonstrated kindness, courage, integrity and care.

Even in the later stages of her disease, she prioritized others—especially those who had recently received a cancer diagnosis. In her words: “No one can do this alone.” Selfless to the end, Audra was committed to sharing her wisdom about the cancer journey and her vision for providing free holistic medical care to patients in need.

Audra will be remembered by her family, friends, colleagues and her Syracuse Color War crew as a brave warrior who believed, with every part of her being, that she could defy the odds. For two years, she did, until the burden of her disease became too great.

In addition to her husband and children, Audra is survived by her parents, Ronni and Mark Nass; her brother, Eric Nass, and his wife, Lisa; her uncle and aunt, Steve and Honey Schwartz; her brother-in-law, Harry Weiss; and sisters-in-law, Beth Weiss and Cindy Weiss. She also leaves her longtime furry companion, Kona.

Services were held at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco. Donations in Audra’s memory can be made to The Dempsey Center, Family Reach, Hope Lodge and the Cancer Research Institute.

by -
0 742

Henry John Romanowski of South Setauket and formerly of Mattituck, passed away on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. He was 78 years old.

Henry was born on March 14, 1946 in Riverhead, NY to Rose and Henry Romanowski. After high school, he took on the family business of Romanowski Farms. From there he would eventually go to work as a farm operator for Delea Sod Farms for 37 years.

Henry is survived by his fiancé Linda McGlynn of South Setauket, NY; children Kevin Romanowski (Paige) of Mattituck, Henry Romanowski Jr. of Laurel and Stacey Matyas of Rhode Island, and grandchildren Peter and Ryan.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 11th at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held following the mass at Polish Hall in Riverhead from 12-3:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mattituck Lions Club would be appreciated.

DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck is serving the family.

by -
0 376
METRO photo

Stress is a part of life. In small doses, stress can have a positive effect. But when stress is chronic, it can take its toll on the body and mind. Stress can make people irritable and cause them to lash out at others. Stress also can contribute to high blood pressure and adversely affect sleep. When confronting chronic stress, individuals may have to take action to find relief. These stress-busting strategies can help.

• Engage in physical activity. The Mayo Clinic says any form of exercise can help relieve stress. Physical activity boosts chemicals in the brain and endorphins that help a person feel good. Exercise also can refocus attention so a person is not preoccupied with a stressful thought or situation.

• Listen to music. Music can be calming and serve as a distraction from stressful feelings. Simply listening to music can be a quick fix for a stressful situation and a bad mood.

• Review your lifestyle. It’s easy to take on too much, but doing so can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, says the Mental Health Foundation. Prioritizing some things over others and delegating when possible can tame stress.

• Practice mindfulness. Breathing and mindfulness exercises can be practiced anywhere. Research has shown that mindfulness can reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. Deep breathing and being in a quiet moment when stress peaks may help to reduce stress.

• Step away for a few minutes. If possible, step away from a stressful situation, whether it is a difficult project at work or a loud room with a lot of activity going on. Many people find commuting stressful. Changing the route to one that avoids busy roads, even if it takes a bit longer to get from point A to point B, might help.

• Talk it out. Sometimes connecting with others and sharing experiences can help to relieve stress. Keeping feelings in and fixating on a situation may exacerbate feelings of stress. Social situations that encourage talking and laughing can lighten a person’s mental load, says the Mayo Clinic.

• Don’t turn to substances. Alcohol and drugs may temporarily relieve stress, but this approach can lead to addiction and even worsen the physical and mental toll stress takes on the body.

Stress is a part of life, but finding ways to manage chronic stress is vital to long-term health.

Source: MetroCreative Connection

Prev1...131415...483Next Page 14 of 483
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©