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TBR Staff

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

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Danny Cappiello's Eagle Scout Project. Photo from Robert DeStefano
Massimo Olson's Eagle Scout Project. Photo from Robert DeStefano
João Ferreira's Eagle Scout project. Photo from Robert DeStefano
Ethan Matz's Eagle Scout Project. Photo from Robert DeStefano
Spencer Aron in front of his Big Adirondack Chair Eagle Scout Project with Port Jefferson-Terryville Chamber President Jennifer Dzvonar at the Train Car Park. Photo from Facebook

By Robert DeStefano

You don’t have to walk too far along the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail before you notice an Eagle Scout project. Maybe it’s a bench, or perhaps some bat houses. Look closely and you might see the modest plaque that names the Eagle who led each project.

In fact, all around us, local Scouts deliver valuable service projects benefiting various local organizations and our residents at-large. In recent months, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing several of these wonderful implementations of community service in Port Jefferson Station.

Outside Boyle Road Elementary School, João Ferreira’s Eagle Scout project created an outdoor workspace for students and local organizations that use the facility. The concrete work table is roughly 14’ x 6’, offering space large enough for an elementary class to spend time learning in an outdoor classroom. His project complements existing benches in the same space, an earlier Eagle Scout project led by Jordan Roche.

Over at Comsewogue High School, Ethan Matz organized a renovation to room 123, the Courtroom classroom. His Eagle Scout project returned the space to a style reminiscent of its décor a generation ago. Comsewogue alumni may recall the courtroom that served as the classroom for now-retired educator Mr. William Bodkin. The return to that style looks fantastic, and echoes the uniquely American history taught over the years.

At the Comsewogue Community Garden, many volunteers, including several local scouting organizations, have invested time to resurrect the garden. Their efforts have been bearing fruit for a couple of seasons now. With community volunteers regularly working the vegetation, the need for more storage space was addressed through another local Eagle Scout project. Danny Cappiello project-managed the development of a new storage shed at the back of the site. At roughly 100 sq. ft., the additional storage space invites plenty of helping hands who are growing vegetables that help feed others in our community. Volunteers helping volunteers; how wonderful is that?!

Not all Eagle projects are visible in the public, but the value they provide matters to the organizations they support. Within the courtyard at John F. Kennedy Middle School, Massimo Olson has led the charge to build composting bins. The compost from these bins will help feed Jackie’s Garden (in memory of Mrs. Jacqueline Rella, wife of late Superintendent Dr. Joseph Rella), and will provide nutrients for the work of the middle school’s Greenagers club, which recently planted several young trees near the bleachers to share the athletic fields.

Most recently, Spencer Aron unveiled his Eagle Scout Project, a big Adirondack chair painted in red, white and blue for all to enjoy, at the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce’s tree lighting event at the Train Car Park.

Failure to mention how these projects are funded would be an oversight. Scouts working on their Eagle rank are required to project-manage a community service project. That includes not only planning and building, but also fundraising. This is where our wonderful community comes in. When you make a donation or attend an Eagle Scout fundraising event such as hosted by generous local restaurants, this is where your contribution goes. It enables our local youth to execute projects that give back in our local community. It lets them know that our neighbors care and support the service they do as they grow. 

So, in thanking them for their work, we also thank you for supporting them on their Trail to Eagle: a rank only about 6% of Scouts earn, nationwide. An investment in them is an investment in a future that will undoubtedly inspire future leaders in our community!

If you’re interested in signing your child up for Scouting, please feel welcome to contact me at [email protected] and I’ll help you get connected with information and the Pack or Troop in your area.

Author Robert DeStefano is an Assistant Scoutmaster with Scouting America (BSA) Troop 354 and serves as trustee for the Comsewgoue School District Board of Education.

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By Rabbi Joshua Gray

Rabbi Joshua Gray

Chanukah is definitely not the “Jewish Christmas,” but the first of our eight nights does happen to coincide with Christmas day this year! 

Did you know that we actually begin celebrating Chanukah on the 25th every year? The 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, that is. Each year, we tell the story of the Syrian-Greek King Antiochus IV, and how his soldiers raided Jerusalem, desecrating the Holy Temple in the process. Antiochus outlawed Judaism and its rituals, and affixed idols and altars upon its holiest spaces. 

A famous group of Jews known widely as the Maccabees led the resistance against this tyranny. The story is famous for its underdog component; the small group of Maccabees were able to defeat the large and powerful Syrian-Greek army. The word “Chanukah” means “dedication,” and signifies the rededication of the Holy Temple in Judea (Israel) following these arduous battles. In fact, the Maccabee victory established the first Jewish monarchy to rule in Israel since the Babylonian exile occurred hundred of years prior. 

The second Book of Maccabees, a book that exists outside of the Jewish Bible, claimed that the eight days of Chanukah were actually something of a “make-up” festival. Due to the restrictions of Syrian-Greek rule, the Jews had missed being able to celebrate the eight-day festival of Sukkot. The widely-known story of the miraculous oil actually came much later! 

Today, Chanukah has transformed from a military story into a more spiritual one. It tells of a miracle wherein one day’s worth of oil, used to light the Temple’s “ner tamid” (eternal light), lasted for eight days. We symbolize this miracle with the lighting of a special kind of menorah called a “Chanukiyah,” which has nine branches as opposed to the seven on a typical menorah. 

We also acknowledge our resistance against Hellenization and assimilation, characteristics that have kept the Jewish people for thousands of years. Just as the oil did not burn down against all odds, we celebrate the sustenance and light of our traditions; alive and thriving in the face of so many historical challenges.

While rich with history and tradition for all sensibilities, can we look at Chanukah a bit differently this year? In the midst of so much unrest in the Middle East, and in the wake of a tumultuous election season in our own country, don’t we all need a little bit of light to shine on us and our loved ones and friends? It is a mitzvah (good deed) to display your Chanukiyah in a place where it is easily seen by others. A window is a popular place. 

How can we put our own inner lights on display for all to see and feel this holiday season? Can we “rededicate” ourselves to loving our neighbor, accepting our differences, and realizing that our community is so much richer when we approach challenges “b’yachad,” which means “together,” or “as one?” 

So, no, Chanukah is not the “Jewish Christmas,” but we do celebrate as one this year! Consider attending a menorah lighting in your community, or reach out to your neighbors who might pray and think a bit differently from you. When we allow our individual lights to shine upon one another, we all benefit from the warmth of a united flame. I wish all of you a healthy and happy holiday season, and as we say in our tradition: Chag Urim Sameach — A Happy Festival of Lights!

The author is the Rabbi at Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook.

 

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File photo by Raymond Janis

A call for transparency and accountability in village leadership

I’m writing this opinion piece in response to a recently published opinion piece by former (appointed) trustee Drew Biondo [TBR News Media. Nov. 21]. In this instance, it’s important to recognize that this opinion is clearly a biased one in support of the very same mayor that appointed Mr. Biondo to the short-lived position he held in this village. It is commendable that he defends the actions of his mayoral friend.

However, there is a very shocking lack of accountability in this opinion. Is this not the same trustee that stood on a village soapbox passionately speaking of the importance of ethics and transparency? This same mayor unethically misled members of the current trustee board when discussing the very incident that sparked this change. Misled enough so that 3 of the 4 board members publicly said so. Frankly, an emergency meeting was called by the mayor and all trustees were not truthfully informed of the timeline that led to this emergency meeting. That is not to be ignored or glossed over.

While the complicated issue of guns can be debated for months, the unethical lack of transparency and honesty cannot.

Keith Ottendorfer

Resident and Admin of Healthy Conversations in Port Jefferson

Examining Governor Hochul’s proposed inflation refund

Governor Hochul’s $3 billion proposed inflation refund to taxpayers funded out of a surplus of excess tax revenue is nothing more than a preelection bribe to grease the wheels of her upcoming 2026 reelection campaign. Offering those with income under $150,000, $300 comes to $25 monthly over one year. Offering joint filers with income under $300,000 dollars, $500 comes to $41.66 monthly over one year,  

There are better alternatives such as reducing the state sales tax, using the funds as a down payment toward reducing Albany’s $423.4 billion long term debt, which represents $21,700 per citizen, or help fill the $33 billion shortfall in the MTA’s proposed $68 billion, 2025-2029 Capital Plan.

Larry Penner

Great Neck

A call for action on battery storage zoning

This is a call to our hires — to those with jobs we provide through taxes and elections at Brookhaven Town.

I urge the board to get to work. Create an appropriate zone for siting battery storage facilities so we can expand our use of alternative energy.

At best, the lack of action in creating zones for battery storage far from folks and forests, conveys a lack of insight. At worst, and I hope this is not the case, the lack of movement is deliberate, setting residents against applicants.

Whatever your challenges, kindly set them aside as your assignment is due.

Joan Nickeson

Terryville

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Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon

From this weekend’s Three Village Historical Society’s 45th annual Candlelight House Tour, to the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival, we live in an area of rich history and culture.

The quaint holiday atmosphere of villages like Huntington and Stony Brook take us back to a more simple time and place — one of one-horse towns, one story buildings and one community spirit.

The North Shore of Suffolk County has a cozy charm coupled with not only rich historical background, but the cutting edge of modern-day living. Take for example Stony Brook University. Located 20 miles or less from all of TBR’s coverage areas, it is a world-class university, brimming with state-of-the-art scientific research, a diverse student body and cultural heritage. With the musical performances, various film screenings and varied organizations, which the university provides, as a result, the residents of Stony Brook have a portal to some of the most intriguing cultural presentations around.

With a home as unique as Suffolk’s North Shore, our residents appear to have a sense of community that is unlike a major city. We are able to boast a sense of connection that is only possible in a small town. Just walking down the street, one is greeted with warmth. A possible run in with a friend from a dedicated civic association can happen.

So don’t write off the suburbs too quickly.

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Ronald L. Gerry

*This article has been updated to reflect the correct dates for the service. We regret the error.

Prepared by Kara Hahn

Ronald L. Gerry of Ocoee, FL (formerly of Stony Brook) passed away peacefully on December 7. He was 81. Family, volunteer firefighting and love of home, community and country defined his life which was rich in purpose and deep in connection.

Volunteer firefighting was a core foundation of Ron’s identity. He was a Life-Member, Ex-Captain of Engine Company No. 1 and former Vice President of the Stony Brook Fire Department. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, his calling was to volunteer to protect his community as a firefighter. He joined the East Rockaway Fire Department as a teenager. When he and his wife Pam moved to Stony Brook Village in 1968, he immediately joined the Department. He quickly signed up for the Company’s Softball Team and rose in the ranks of the Department to Captain in 1978 – 1988. So committed to volunteering, that when his career brought him frequently to his company’s office in the Philadelphia suburbs, Ron rented an apartment so he could join a Fire Department there. As a result, he was a member of the West Whiteland/ Exton Fire Department in Exton, Pennsylvania from 1993-1995.  

Firefighting dominated his life both as a volunteer and as an advocate. Through founding and leading the Long Island Association of Firemen’s Benevolent Associations, as Vice President of the Central North Shore Volunteer Firemen’s Association and memberships in the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Fire Departments’ Long Island Legislative Committee and the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Emerald Society. among others, Ron advocated for firefighters and their families.

In his professional career as an insurance broker, Ron had over 30 years of sales and management experience in the health, life and property insurance industries holding various positions from sales manager to Vice-President in the New York Life, Prudential Life, American International Group, Aetna and Mandeville Financial Services companies.  Firefighting found its way into his work as well. He learned arson investigation to be a part of the Aetna Arson Task Force and after establishing his own insurance agency, the Florian Agency, Inc., Ron carved a niche in offering life insurance products to professional firefighters in the FDNY. After the devastating terrorist attacks on 9-11-01, Ron attended dozens of funerals of his clients who had perished in the collapse of the World Trade Center and their families were forever grateful for the salesman who had convinced them to invest in coverage.

Ron was a proud Patriot, his love of Country was another pillar of his identity. The Gerry family legacy of service dates back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence where the family boasts of ancestor Elbridge Gerry, American Founding Father as signer of this document that led to the founding of the Nation. Ron followed in his father’s footsteps in the U.S. Army serving overseas in the defense of Europe from 1965-1967 as a Combat Engineer where he built bridges and other structures, studied atomic demolitions and munitions to become an explosives and demolitions specialist.

Ron in his younger years was a decorated athlete across many sports.  A star running back for the East Rockaway Rocks High School football team, Ron was Captain of the Track Team in his junior and senior years and still holds the ERHS record for the 50 yard hurdles. He won the state title in 1962 for the Long Jump, jumping 21 feet, 6.25 inches. ERHS Football teammate Mike Jacobs said, “It was often noted by spectators and other players that Ron ran and jumped like a gazelle, powerful yet graceful. He was an incredibly natural athlete who also worked diligently and dedicatedly to improve every time he hit the field.”

Ron was a well-known family-man. His love of his family was his most prominent attribute. He married his high school sweetheart, Pam Stevenson, a cheerleader who he met during his time playing football at ERHS.  Ron was a devoted father to four remarkable children and an adoring grandfather to his ten grandchildren. He was a proud and guiding presence in the lives of his children. His daughter Kara, a Suffolk County Legislator, often credited her father for inspiring her commitment to public service and her belief in the power of community. Kevin, a high school and college soccer star turned successful financial advisor, spoke often of his father’s influence in shaping his discipline and drive, values that led to his professional success not to mention his commitment to volunteer firefighting and EMT service. Kristin, a skilled CPA, carried forward Ron’s attention to detail and steadfast work ethic, building a life of accomplishment and integrity. Kurt, an attorney and high school and college lacrosse standout, reflected on his father, saying, “He built a climber on Christmas Eve in our living room so I would have a surprise on Christmas morning and then disassembled it and rebuilt it in our backyard when springtime came. I now strive to create those kinds of fun and memorable experiences for my own boys. I just sometimes wish I didn’t follow in his footsteps as a perennial heartbroken Mets fan.”

Beyond his role as a father, Ron embraced his role as a grandfather with boundless enthusiasm and pride. Whether attending sports games, school plays, or simply sharing quiet moments, his love and wisdom became the foundation of lasting memories for his grandchildren. Known for his kind smile and steady presence, Ron’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Ronald was admired not only for his devotion to his family but also for his deep-rooted values. He believed in hard work and the transformative power of kindness. Friends and neighbors alike remember Ron for his quiet generosity, always offering a helping hand or thoughtful advice when needed.

“Working in the fire department with his son Kevin, who’s the same age as me, I looked up to him. Ron was legendary. He stole the other team’s playbook in terms of being an extraordinary firefighter, but he also did that in life,” said Sean Lynch, a volunteer firefighter who worked alongside Ron, as well.

Ron’s life was a testament to the enduring strength of family. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the personal and professional achievements of his children, but also in the love, guidance, and values he imparted to his grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Though he will be deeply missed, Ronald L. Gerry’s impact will remain indelibly etched in the hearts of those who loved him. His spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives he helped shape and the family he held so dear. Ron is pre-deceased by his father Clarance, his mother Maud and his brothers Harold and Jack and is survived by his wife Pam, daughters Kara Hahn (Christopher) and Kristin Ruffini (Mike) both of Setauket, sons Kevin (Jennifer) of Winter Garden, FL and Kurt (Casey) of New Hope, NJ as well as grandchildren Karina Gerry, Tyler and Samantha Ruffini, Hope Hahn, Kevin, Andrew, Kate, Nicholas, Carter and Eli Gerry.

Services will be held at Bryant Funeral Home, 411 Old Town Road in East Setauket on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again on Friday, Dec. 20  from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery at 53  Hollow Road in Stony Brook.

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Photo by Raymond Janis

Not a rebuttal

Stefanie Werner’s letter, “Missing the Boat: A Rebuttal to the Three Village Start-Time Debate” [Village Times Herald,  Nov. 28], raises questions about her understanding of the term “rebuttal.” A rebuttal requires more than simply using dismissive terms like “lackluster,” “inane,” “nonsense,” “so-called,” “half-cocked” and “fantasy.” If Ms. Werner has objective evidence contradicting the extensive, peer-reviewed research supporting the benefits of later school start times, she should present it — perhaps even publish it.

In any case, she seems to have misunderstood a key point: research does clearly demonstrate that even a 30-minute delay in start times yields measurable benefits. So the planned 35-minute shift from 7:05 to 7:40 qualifies. If we fully followed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of an 8:30 a.m. or later start, we would likely see even greater positive effects.

What remains open to good-faith debate is whether the proven benefits to students’ health and academic performance outweigh the financial costs — estimated at less than 0.5% of the district’s budget, according to the BOE — and other trade-offs. Perhaps they don’t. But Ms. Werner should address these trade-offs with honesty, presenting accurate data on potential impacts to class sizes, electives and other logistical concerns.

John Hover

East Setauket

New Yorkers need expanded access to creative arts therapy, a vital treatment in mental health care

Mental health issues are not one-size-fits-all and neither should be the design of their treatment.  Due to a multitude of unique cultures and life experiences, the availability of a variety of approaches is required to meet the mental health needs of New Yorkers. Take the case of my patient, “Rose.”

Rose survived a horrific automobile accident. Afterward, she struggled with physical pain, anxiety and fear. As a licensed creative arts therapist (LCAT) and music therapist at a Long Island hospital, I worked with Rose to help her cope through her recovery. Rose was additionally impaired by a word retrieval problem caused by her traumatic injury, but she soon discovered she could convey her thoughts and feelings eloquently through the language of music. During individual music therapy sessions, she learned tools to reduce her anxiety and process her emotions. In collaborative sessions with her physical therapist, Rose experienced the priming effect of music and its ability to promote steadiness and motivation. Her explanation of how music therapy integrated the healing of her mind and body was clear: “the music held the pain for me.” And then her music therapy treatment had to stop.

 Due to current New York State law, Medicaid insurance would not cover Rose’s therapy with an LCAT once discharged from the hospital. However, a new bill (A9018/S8715) has been presented to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) that seeks to amend the law, permitting LCATs, like other licensed mental health practitioners, to bill Medicaid directly for mental health services to Medicaid patients. 

 LCATs are master’s and doctoral-level licensed mental health professionals trained in clinical psychotherapy and a specific arts discipline (music, dance/movement, drama and art therapy).  LCATs offer unique, evidence-based techniques to foster healing and recovery. Rooted in the world of images and sound, creative arts therapies tend to be less reliant on verbal interchanges, opening a dimension to self-expression and emotional exploration to those who may have difficulty with talk therapy. Far from one-size-fits-all, these interventions are individualized and tap into the patient’s potential to create, develop and change.  Research studies highlight creative arts therapy as a low-risk, high-benefit category of intervention. 

In my work, I have seen people, seemingly broken, rise through the ashes of their pain and trauma, empowered by a piece of music that speaks their truth like nothing else could.  Whatever the medium, engaging in the creative process in a therapeutic context can be transformative. Rose, and others on Medicaid, should not be deprived of this treatment opportunity. I call upon Gov. Hochul to sign the Medicaid bill and expand access to these life changing therapies.

Ilene “Lee” Berger Morris lives and works on Long Island, and is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist.

Ilene “Lee” B. Morris, MM, LCAT, MT-BC

Neurologic Music Therapist

Member of the American Music Therapy Assoc.

Member of The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy

In response to “Clarifying Roles: Code Officers don’t need firearms

Mr. Drew Biondo has written a very well composed letter to the Editor advocating that Village Code Officers do not need firearms. He is technically correct. Their primary job is “code enforcement.”

The question I raise is: are Village Constables Parking Meter Readers or are they an aide to the local police? My experience indicates that they are the invaluable eyes and ears for the local police. They are usually the first on the scene when an unfortunate accident or crime occurs.

Yes, they are “Peace Officers”, and I value their role in Belle Terre and especially in Port Jefferson which has many transient visitors.

Now, if you want “Meter Readers” issuing parking tickets, etc., then take away their firearms. Take away their uniforms too. Do you think that an armed criminal differentiates between a Constable or a SCPD Officer? Who is going to apply for your Constabulary positions. Not a retired SCPD Officer when you tell them to leave their personal firearms at home.

We don’t live in Rural Vermont. We have an active and fun community. Let’s keep it that way. I believe we had a shooting on Main Street last year. I was shocked! But this happened in Port Jefferson! Two nights ago in Belle Terre, a car with 3 kids under the age of 23, smashed into a tree on Cliff Road. The car exploded into flames. The Belle Terre Constabulary were on the scene within 2 minutes to pull the kids out of the car to save their lives. The Constables are trained professionals, and they saved 3 lives. They are not Meter Readers and respond more as trained first responders.

The local residents and I have always respected the Port Jefferson Constabulary. In my professional opinion, if it is not broken, why fix it. These constables provide a valuable service to the residents and to the community.

Ted Lucki

Former Belle Terre Mayor

An open letter to Port Jefferson Station/Terryville residents and neighboring communities

 The Port Jefferson Station /Terryville Civic Association would like to remind everyone of a very important meeting next week about a significant proposal impacting our community and others like ours nearby. We are hopeful of having as many of our residents and concerned neighbors attend our Civic Association meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m. at the Comsewogue Public Library.

We will hear a presentation from Recall Strategies who represent New Leaf Energy, Inc. New Leaf Energy is a renewable energy developer proposing to build an 8-10 MW Battery Energy Storage System at 1577 NYS Rt. 112 in Port Jefferson Station. This proposed site is nearly adjacent to the Sagamore Hills Condominium Complex on Rt. 112 in Port Jefferson Station and very proximate to Comsewogue High School.

This relatively new technology for an energy center for lithium-ion battery storage has stimulated a lot of discussion and some controversy in our area so it is important that all community members be informed. In turn, we need to ensure our collective voices and views are heard by our elected officials in Brookhaven Town who have the responsibility for overseeing any activity of this nature at that location. We strongly encourage all our Civic members, residents and neighboring friends to attend this meeting. Please pass this meeting’s topic to any of your neighbors, family and friends that live in or near Port Jefferson Station/Terryville.

As I wrote in last week’s issue (see “Community Call to Action,”.Port Times Record, Dec. 5), this is not the only Lithium Battery Storage Facility proposed nearby. Savion Energy is looking to build a 350 MW Lithium Battery Storage Facility in Setauket on the border of Port Jefferson Station, at the Chip-It All site on Sheep Pasture Road. This may be the largest facility proposed on Long Island, The health and safety of the shared resources with our neighbors in the Three Villages and Port Jeff Village should provide the impetus for mutual consideration of the benefits and/or risks associated with this use which seems poised to proliferate throughout the region of our Town. To paraphrase our namesake, Thomas Jefferson, “the best defense of democracy is an informed citizenry.” Let’s stand up for democracy and show up on December 17th to continue together to safeguard the quality of life in our area by participating and staying informed!

 Ira Costell, President

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association

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Harriet W. Cotroneo

Prepared by Anne Owen

Harriet W. Cotroneo, a longtime resident of Port Jefferson, died peacefully at her home in Setauket on Nov. 8, 2024. She was 103.

Born in Queens, Harriet moved to Port Jefferson as a teenager where she met her future husband Anthony “Tony” Cotroneo. The couple married in 1940 and made their home on Liberty Avenue, raising their daughter Anne and living there for many years.

In the late 1930s, Harriet began working as a telephone operator at the New York Telephone Company building on Main Street in Port Jefferson. After its closing, she became an information operator for AT&T, first in Smithtown and later in Patchogue. Following her husband’s death in 1978, Harriet continued working part time for the Comsewogue School District well into her 80s.

Harriet enjoyed reading, baking, traveling and spending time with her many friends. She especially loved luncheons, outings and holidays with her family. An animal lover, she found great joy and companionship in her dogs. Her optimism, determination and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures contributed to her long fulfilling life.

She is survived by her daughter Anne; son-in-law Michael; nephew Richard Butera; niece Concetta Butera and many friends. Interment was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Coram.

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Kayleigh Smith Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

By Kimberly Phyfe

The Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) is proud to announce Kayleigh Smith as their 2024 Research Fellow.

TVHS embarked on the ambitious Historical House Marker program earlier this year, expanding well beyond the original scope of the first markers by the Society at its founding. Six decades on, this new iteration of the program re-imagined the parameters for what qualifies as a historic home in our community.

So how could they pull off researching the 60+ homes that applied to see which would receive a marker? That’s where Kayleigh Smith comes in.

Kayleigh Smith Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

Smith recently graduated from Stony Brook University where her “major in anthropology has fueled my aspiration to work in an environment that both preserves historical heritage and actively engages and inspires the public. The Three Village Historical Society exemplifies this mission, making it an ideal environment for applying my skills and furthering my professional growth.”

Always eager to dive deeply into the rich tapestry of cultural diversity, Smith was seeking a meaningful volunteer opportunity in the TVHS archives. Exhibits & Collections Coordinator, Scott Ferrara, recognized what a talented researcher Smith is, and recommended an extended project for her.

“Kayleigh’s work with archival management and research has been profound,” said Ferrara. “She quickly picked up on local historical geography and the many genealogical connections between families in the Three Village community. Kayleigh’s efforts particularly shined through the organization of the Society’s archival collections and the navigation of our extensive collections in support of the Historic House Marker Program. Going forward, the lessons learned from Kayleigh’s efforts and the successes she’s had will lay the framework for future historical house research,” he said.

The Historic House Marker program has been years in the making and six long months of in depth compilation of more than fifty research packets for approved home owners. The binders are full to the brim of deed histories, genealogy, newspaper articles, photographs, drawings, and anything Smith could find related to each property and the generations of residents.

“While my research is deeply fulfilling, it is the opportunity to connect with people and share my findings that truly underscores the value of my work,” Smith shared. 

Special events such as Culper Spy Day, the Spirits Graveyard Tour, and the Candlelight House Tour have given Smith additional insight into why TVHS is treasured by the community. 

“Participating in these events and engaging with the community on a personal level instills deep reverence for the significance of this research,” she said.

Funding for this new position was made possible by the generous support of long-time Society Member, Fred Bryant. In 2023, the Three Village Historical Society renamed one of their annual awards in his honor. The newly titled Fred E. Bryant Community Award is “in appreciation of valuable contributions to the advancement of the quality of life in the Three Villages and the fostering of pride in the rich historical heritage of our homes and lands.”

For 2024, the first recipients of the Bryant Community Award were Joe and Laura Troffa. Bryant graciously attached a significant donation to his new award, to be made in honor of the Troffas. Thus, the Bryant/Troffa Research Fellowship was created, and the Society is able to bring on exceptional talent such as Smith to fill the role.

“It was an incredible honor and complete surprise to be awarded the first Fred Bryant Community Service Award” stated Laura Troffa. “Joe and I, like Fred, share a mutual passion for preserving the history of this amazing community.”

Smith said that she is “grateful for the Bryant/Troffa Fellowship because it represents the next stepping stone in my career path. I have long aspired to work in a museum setting — curating exhibits and making meaningful discoveries that resonate with people. This Fellowship has validated that my skills transcend the confines of the classroom and can be effectively utilized in dynamic settings, where I engage with historical, community, and personal narratives on a daily basis.”

The Troffas moved to Setauket in the 1970’s and “we knew it was a very special place,” said Laura. 

“We became avid supporters of the TVHS to learn more about the historical buildings and the events that took place in our community dating back to the Revolutionary War. From that day forward,  we’ve had the pleasure of sponsoring the Annual Candlelight Tour, as well as contributing to various projects that helped preserve and enrich many of the Society’s historical buildings that we all cherish!”

The Troffas “are so excited to hear Kayleigh’s hard work has been instrumental in the success of the upcoming Historic House Marker celebration! Our collections and archives are so important and integral to promoting education within our community!”

Author Kimberly Phyfe is the  Community Engagement Manager at the Three Village Historical Society in Setauket.

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METRO photo

News can be one of the most important and constant aspects of every American’s life. It can permeate our every waking moment, from the televisions in waiting rooms, our phones’ constant push notifications and the reposting of articles all over our social media feeds.

Unfortunately, many Americans are discouraged by the negative news which surrounds us. They feel the polarization of the political parties, constant coverage of crime and oftentimes dark undercurrents that are aspects of the news. Some try to hide from current events for the sake of their own wellbeing. In fact, up to 43% of Americans avoid the news, in some form, according to this year’s Reuters Institute Digital News Report.

That is why we are pleased to share that this week’s newspaper is full of good news — something most people will happily welcome. It is always wonderful to revel in the holiday season and all of its elements, and that is precisely why happy news can be especially satisfying this time of year.

From the honoring of our Suffolk County veterans, to The Steam Room restaurant’s philanthropy this Thanksgiving, to wonderful spectacles of holiday cheer out of Huntington and Port Jeff, our communities have come together to provide each other with bits of joy, in our complicated world.

TBR brings the spirit of community to our readers’ doorsteps every week, and will always share with you the merry, along with the hard-hitting. We are proud of our communities and enjoy showing them off during this complex political climate. 

Thank you for your readership and support.

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