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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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From left, Michael Tessler and best friend Jonathan Rabeno check out the sights and sounds of Hollywood. Photo from Michael Tessler

By Michael Tessler

Michael Tessler

Adulting is hard. This is a fact the universe likes to remind me of time and time again. Just when you think you’ve mastered it … BAM! you discover that you can’t buy a used, off-brand Roomba online and expect it to work for more than a week (it is now a glorified doorstop that makes me look way more successful than I am). 

Seriously though, every time I begin to feel comfortable adulting, I receive an absurd reminder that I am totally unequipped to cope with the actual stresses of figuring out what the heck an IRS 1095-A form is.

In the chaos of this transition, there are some victories. Both of my apartment’s fire alarms are incredibly sensitive and wail at the slightest inkling that I’m frying up turkey bacon. Using my adulting skills (and The Force) I’ve repurposed my replica Luke Skywalker lightsaber and have placed it in the living room so we can easily shut off the fire alarm, which would otherwise require a ladder. These small victories keep me going until the existential dread kicks in … this moment may be the nearest I will ever get to being an actual Jedi, but it is better than nothing.

During my ongoing efforts to embrace and tackle adulthood, I made a leap of faith by hosting not just one of my friends but three of them at the same time. In my mind, I was opening a sleepaway camp complete with preplanned activities, snack times and lots of sugar-free popsicles. When opening a sleepaway camp for your friends, be wary … they’ll probably want to actually do vacation things.

After you move across the country twice, it can be pretty difficult to maintain long-distance friendships. We as people tend to evolve and grow apart when placed far away from one another and/or while going through major life changes. Living in Los Angeles, work tends to get in the way of just about everything else. The extraordinary cost of living makes it hard to find time to take care of yourself let alone be there for others. Work, relationships, dreaded time zones … all can easily become excuses to disconnect. For me though, the greater the distance the more I begin to see which friendships matter and which don’t.

Best friends are the individuals you can go without seeing for months or even years and pick up right where you left off. They’re the ones who see your potential when you cannot. They know me better than I know myself. So thank you to my friends, the ones who have guided me on my path and inspired me through their own successes and comebacks. My friends are all pretty unique. Each occupies a special place in my heart. Their combined chemistry can be exhausting sometimes but also wildly entertaining (except if you’re our Uber driver in which case I’m so sorry).

Port Jefferson is just about as small as a small town can be. What’s most impressive about this community is, despite its smallness, the friendships made during the Port Jeff chapter of my life have proven to be the most lasting and most meaningful. I’m saying this because at present I’ve got three of my best friends in the world squeezed into my Hollywood apartment occupying an air mattress, my mattress and the couch, respectively. (So sorry to my roommate Andrew.) It’s not quite summer camp, but it sure is fun being back with the gang.

We’re about to head to Venice Beach. My best friend Jon and I have committed to wearing matching cat swimsuits. That should hopefully distract the rest of my friends from the $85 parking ticket they already got and the fact that I only own three blankets and there’s four people here. But hey, at least we’re together!

Catch Open Mike on a monthly basis in TBR News Media’s Arts & Lifestyles.

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Stony Brook University Hospital plans to launch two mobile emergency room units in the spring designed to treat stroke patients.
Lifesaving service for the community

By Ernest J. Baptiste

Ernest Baptiste

According to a study in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke, when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked, nearly two million brain cells are lost for each minute that passes, making stroke one of the most time-sensitive diagnoses in medicine. The faster blood flow can be restored to the brain, the more likely that a person will have a full recovery.

That said, Suffolk County residents now have one more reason to look to Stony Brook Medicine for the highest level of care for both ischemic stroke (when a clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain) and hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding within the brain tissue).   

This month we are launching Long Island’s first mobile stroke unit program — a revolutionary pre-hospital program designed to provide specialized, lifesaving care to people within the critical moments of stroke before they even get to the hospital.

While new to Long Island, mobile stroke units have successfully reduced stroke disability and have improved survival rates in other major metropolitan areas across the country. Stony Brook Medicine is collaborating with over 40 emergency medical service (EMS) agencies throughout Suffolk County to provide this lifesaving, time-sensitive care.

Each mobile stroke unit is a mobile emergency room with a full crew of first responders, brain imaging equipment and medications. The units also have telehealth capability to Stony Brook University Hospital, which allows our physicians at the hospital to communicate in real time with the crew and patient, and immediately check for a blocked vessel or bleeding in the brain. This helps to markedly accelerate the time needed to make an accurate stroke diagnosis.

The first responders onboard the mobile stroke unit can then begin administering time-sensitive, advanced stroke treatments while the person is en route to the nearest hospital that can provide them with the appropriate level of care. 

The units are in operation seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., which is the window of time when most stroke calls are received in Suffolk County.

One is strategically stationed at a base station located off of the Long Island Expressway at Exit 57. The other, which will be launched soon, will be stationed similarly off of Exit 68. These locations were chosen for easy east-west and north-south access. The team will take calls within a 10-mile radius of each base, which includes about 40 different communities.

Ernest J. Baptiste is chief executive officer of Stony Brook University Hospital.

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Comsewogue senior attack TJ Heyder fights for a loose ball against Hauppauge April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior attack TJ Heyder splits the pipes for the score defeating Hauppauge 17-4 at home in a Div II matchup April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior attack TJ Heyder charges the crease where the Warriors defeated visiting Hauppauge 17-4 in a Div II matchup April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior attack Sean Kennedy fires at the cage for one of his three goals against Hauppauge in a 17-4 victory April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Sean Kennedy uncorks a ripper at the cage against Hauppauge in a 17-4 Warrior victory April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Hauppauge sophomore attack Riley Henselder drives on senior defenseman Anthony Contino in a Div II matchup April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue junior attack Matthew Krieg passes behind the net against Hauppauge in a 17-4 Warrior win April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue’s Matt Sparhuber draws a crowd 15 yards from the cage where the Warriors defeated visiting Hauppauge 17-4 in a Div II matchup April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior midfielder Matt Beck, left, gets checked by Hauppauge’s Andrew Sellitto in a 17-4 Warrior win April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Hauppauge sophomore midfielder Kieran Thomas charges towards the crease against Comsewogue in a Div II matchup April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Hauppauge sophomore midfielder Kieran Thomas charges towards the crease against Comsewogue in a Div II matchup April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue attack Jake Deacy checks Hauppauge defenseman Sean Searmon April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Hauppauge keeper Ryan Stienhardt, right, challenges Jake Deacy for a loose ball behind the cage in a Div II matchup April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore attack Jake Deacy fires at Hauppauge’s goalie Ryan Stienhardt April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Hauppauge sophomore attack Austin Faber passes to the cutter against Comsewogue in a Div II matchup April 2. Photo by Bill Landon
Hauppauge sophomore attack Andrew Sellitto passes the ball against Comsewogue in a Div II matchup April 2. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

The Warriors continued their winning ways defeating Hauppauge, 17-4, at home in a Div II matchup April 2. 

The victory extends Comsewogue’s winning streak to four in a row with a record of 4-0 in league, 4-1 overall. Senior attack T.J. Heyder tallied five assists and two goals, and Sean Kennedy recorded three goals and three assists for the Warriors. Senior Chris Wolfe stretched the net three times and Jake Deacy split the pipes twice.

Hauppauge’s Riley Henselder had one goal along with an assist, and Andrew Sellitto, Dylan Sas and Andrew Maiorini also scored.

Comsewogue hits the road on April 6 against Kings Park while Hauppauge retakes the field hosting Harborfields April 4. Game times are scheduled for 10 a.m and 4:30 p.m. respectively. 

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Mount Sinai senior Julia Golino drives the ball to right in a 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai freshman Samantha Stolfi rips one deep in a Mustang 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai freshman Samantha Stolfi fields the bunt and throws to 1st in a Mustang 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai freshman Mackenzie Celauro scores a run besting John Glenn 14-1 April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai freshman Samantha Stolfi fields the bunt and throws to 1st in a Mustang 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai freshman Mackenzie Celauro scores a run besting John Glenn 14-1 April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai sophomore, then freshman Mackenzie Celauro slides home in game last year. File photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai freshman Mackenzie Celauro rips one deep defeating John Glenn in a 14-1 victory April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior Julia Golino just as dangerous at the plate a she is from the mound drives the ball deep in a 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior Julia Golino drives the ball to right in a 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior Julia Golino went the distance allowing only 1 run while fanning 12 in a 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior Julia Golino drives the ball to right in a 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai catcher Ilexa Skulnick takes the pitch in a 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior Holly McNair crosses the plate for a run defeating John Glenn 14-1 at home April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior Holly McNair drives a double straight away in a 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior Holly McNair slides home in a 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai sophomore Alaina Reilly makes the play at 2nd base in a 14-1 trouncing over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai sophomore Alaina Reilly makes the play at 2nd base in a 14-1 trouncing over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai sophomore Alaina Reilly slides safely into 3rd in a 14-1 trouncing over visiting John Glenn April 1st. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai sophomore Alaina Reilly rips one to right field in a 14-1 trouncing over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai sophomore Adriana Nardi fires to 1st base for the out in a 14-1 victory over visiting John Glenn April 1. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

It shouldn’t surprise anyone when the Mount Sinai Mustangs girls softball team, who made it to the final four last season in the Class A state championship round, trounced visiting John Glenn, 14-1, halting play after just five innings.

Mount Sinai senior Holly McNair, a standout in the Mustangs’ Long Island championship basketball team, went three for four and drove in three runs. Senior Ilexa Skulnick plated two runners and senior pitcher Julia Golino went the distance allowing one run along with 12 strikeouts. The Mustangs have allowed only two runs through three games in this early season letting their bats do the talking by putting up 56 runs.

The Mustangs retake the field when they travel to take on crosstown rival Miller Place April 4. 1st pitch is set for 4 p.m.

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Jeff Carlson, assistant superintendent for business services, discusses the proposed 2019-20 school district budget. Photo by Andrea Paldy

By Andrea Paldy

Three Village is set to stay within the 2.53 percent cap on the tax levy increase.

Jeff Carlson, assistant superintendent for business services, made the announcement March 27 as he previewed the 2019-20 Three Village Central School District budget during its board meeting.

Based on numbers released Monday in the state budget, Three Village will receive about $34.7 million in state aid, not including funding for capital projects. The amount is $287,000 above last year’s aid package and $175,000 more than estimated in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) proposal in January, Carlson said.

Among the district’s biggest expenses are retirement costs, which will decrease by about $1.2 million, and health insurance, which will increase by about 2 percent, the assistant superintendent said. Nevertheless, the district will not have to cut programs or staffing to stay within the cap, he said.

Decisions on programs and services will be based on enrollment and student need, and in coming weeks, the administration will meet with building principals to assess course requests and enrollment, Carlson said.

Next year, for the first time, the district will offer its free prekindergarten program — currently housed at Nassakeag Elementary — at each of its five elementary schools. Morning and afternoon sessions, taught by Three Village teachers, will meet for two and a half hours five days a week. This will be at no additional cost to the district, officials have said.

To supplement the program, the district will add a tuition-based, half-day prekindergarten enrichment program. The “fully self-sustaining” extended day will offer enrichment in STEM, art, music and movement during morning and afternoon sessions. Carlson said that there are already 100 students enrolled for the up to 200 spots across the district. Tuition — $500 a month — will also cover the cost of building age-appropriate playgrounds at each of the schools, he said.

The board is scheduled to adopt next year’s budget at the April 10 meeting. Three Village residents will vote on the budget May 21, at the district’s secondary schools. Residents zoned for Arrowhead, Minnesauke and Nassakeag elementary schools will vote at Ward Melville High School. Those zoned for Mount Elementary, will vote at R.C. Murphy Jr. High School, while Setauket-zoned residents will vote at P.J. Gelinas Jr. High School.

New principal

Minnesauke principal Brian Biscari was appointed principal of R.C. Murphy Jr. High School. His appointment is effective July 1. Biscari will take over for Richard Pulaski, who has been serving as interim principal since Vincent Vizzo retired Feb 1. Vizzo, who was Murphy’s principal for 14 years, had worked in the district for 34 years. The district is interviewing candidates to head Minnesauke, where Biscari has served as principal since 2011, when he joined the school district.

Regeneron scholars

In other news, representatives from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals presented certificates to Ward Melville’s four Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars — the most from any Long Island high school. The honorees were Kelsey Ge, Maya Peña-Lobel, Megan Specht and Elizabeth Wang.

Kim DeCristofaro, a representative from the company and a parent of Ward Melville graduates, thanked Three Village on behalf of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for “continuing to provide opportunities for students to pursue scientific research.”

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The approved $175.5 billion 2019-20 New York State budget Monday brought some good and bad news for Long Islanders.

That bit of good news came in the form of up to $4 billion over five years for the Long Island Rail Road, making the possibility of improvements to the mass-transit system more promising than ever. However, we believe Long Islanders will need to keep an eye on these funds and make sure they are used for the improvements that mean the most to them.

From everyday commuters to city day-trippers, many can attest that a ride on the train is no picnic, and the transportation system is in desperate need of improvements. From overpacked train cars during rush hours to numerous delays, many Long Islanders opt to take their vehicles into the city instead of dealing with noisy, dirty trains.

A new congestion pricing program in Manhattan will enable LIRR to receive 10 percent of the revenue generated, which will allow funds to be used for capital improvement projects for trains and stations. The program, which will go into effect by 2021, will implement tolls for vehicles passing through Manhattan at 60th Street, with exclusions including FDR Drive, West Side Highway and Battery Park underpass.

While legislators have plenty of ideas for the LIRR, including more ADA compliant stations, electrified rails and more train cars — so when there is a problem with a car a replacement is available — this is the time for residents to speak up and let their concerns be heard. Not only do we urge our readers to notify their legislators with what they would like to see improved on the LIRR, we also appeal to the Metropolitan Transit Authority to hold public forums to allow passengers to air their grievances. With the amount of money being pumped into this, it cannot be squandered.

On the municipalities side of the budget, however, it’s not all good news. Long Island will see less in local aid and road repair funding. Multiple Brookhaven town officials have sent us opinions and letters about this loss. The town is losing $1.8 million in local aid and almost another $700,000 in road repair funding, a 15 percent decrease in its state highway aid.

The permanent 2 percent property tax cap, we hope will allow more Long Islanders to remain here, and not only survive but also thrive. However, it doesn’t compensate for the recent federal capping of SALT deductions, which has meant that many people were unable to claim their entire property tax on their federal taxes. Cost-of-living issues on Long Island are no joke, and while there is certainly a fair amount of political hand-wringing over budgets, more needs to be done on the state’s side to bring down the cost of living. The additional $1 billion in school aid helps, any loss in local funding does not.

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Sophomore midfielder Summer Agostino passes to teammate Courtney Quinn a 9th grader in the Patriots 17-12 victory over Smithtown East at home March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Senior attack Sophia DeNicola rips a shot at the cage for Smithtown East March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East goalie Sandy Thervil makes the save against Ward Melville March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior Lexi Reinhardt rips a shot on goal against Smithtown East at home March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior Lexi Reinhardt gets checked by two Smithtown defenders in the Patriots 17-12 win at home March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior Lexi Reinhardt looks for an open cutter against Smithtown East at home March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior Lexi Reinhardt cuts inside in the Patriots 17-12 victory over Smithtown East at home March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior Lexi Reinhardt fires at the cage in the Patriots 17-12 victory over Smithtown East at home March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville junior Kristin Quinn rips a shot on goal in the Patriot 17-12 victory over visiting Smithtown East March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East senior defender Kelsey O’Hare brings the ball out against Ward Melville March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville junior Julia Fabiano looks to pass inside against Smithtown East at home March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East senior attack Isabella Costa sets up the play against Ward Melville March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East senior attack Isabella Costa takes a shot at the pipes against Ward Melville March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East senior midfielder Gabrielle Schneider passes the ball against Ward Melville March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East senior Gabriella Schneider gets mugged in a game against Ward Melville March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville sophomore Emma Elmen shoots from close range against Smithtown East at home March 29.. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior Courtney Carollo looks for a cutter in the Patriots 17-12 victory over Smithtown East at home March 29.. Photo by Bill Landon
Senior midfielder Courtney Carollo fires at the cage scoring 1 of her 4 goals for the Patriots March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East celebrates after scoring a goal against Ward Melville March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville celebrates after scoring a goal against Smithtown East March 29. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown East sophomore Alayna Costa draws a crowd against Ward Melville March 29. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

After the Ward Melville girls lacrosse team dominated the first half of the game outscoring Smithtown East by eight goals, the Bulls regrouped for the second half and drew within four goals twice before the Patriots dropped the hammer to put the game away, 17-12, at home March 29.

Ward Melville senior Courtney Carollo led the way with four goals and three assists, 10th grader Summer Agostino, followed with three goals and two assists, and senior Lexi Reinhardt had an assist and found the cage four times. Also pictured above center, two Patriots celebrate a score against the Bulls.

Smithtown East senior midfielder Gabrielle Schneider topped the charts for the Bulls with three assists and two goals, sophomore Alayna Costa split the pipes four times, and her older sister Isabella Costa had two assists and two goals.

As of April 1, the win puts the Patriots at 1-1, and the loss drops Smithtown East 2-1 in Division I.

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Mad Dog junior attack Thomas Stock flushes out from behind the cage looking for a cutter in a Middle Country one-goal victory over visiting Huntington March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington freshman attack Robbie Smith scrambles for a loose ball against Middle Country on the road March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington freshman attack Robbie Smith clears the ball against the Mad Dogs March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Middle Country defenseman RJ Smith goes coast to coast to bury his shot on goal in a Middle Country one-goal victory over visiting Huntington March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Middle Country defenseman RJ Smith pushes up-field in a Middle Country one-goal victory over visiting Huntington March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington senior attack Pat Durand rips one at the cage against Middle Country March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington senior attack Pat Durand rips one at the cage for the score against Middle Country March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington senior attack Pat Durand (L) circles out from behind the net against Middle Country March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington junior attack Nick Mattio drives towards the crease against Middle Country March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington sophomore midfielder Liam Hassett brings the ball out against Middle Country March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington senior attack Jordan McCoy looks for a cutter March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington senior attack Jordan McCoy #3 flushes out from behind the cage March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington senior attack Jordan McCoy #3 flushes out from behind net pursued by Middle Country defenseman Brian Lake March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Middle Country senior attack Jacob Hyman flicks the ball inside in a Middle Country one-goal victory over visiting Huntington March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington sophomore midfielder Jack Krisch pushes up-field against Middle Country’s Anthony Cabral March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington sophomore midfielder Jack Krisch scoops up a loose ball against the Mad Dogs on the road March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Middle Country’s Erik Worsoe #4 celebrates a goal scored by teammate Kaleb Pullis #2 in a Mad Dog one-goal victory over visiting Huntington March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington junior midfielder Cole Pillion wins another possession at faceoff against Middle Country March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington’s Cole Pillion takes off from the X against Middle Country March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington junior midfielder Cole Pillion takes possession at a faceoff against Middle Country March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Middle Country defenseman Brian Lake clears the ball up-field in a Middle Country one-goal victory over visiting Huntington March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Middle Country midfielder Anthony Cabral passes on the wing in a Mad Dog one-goal victory over visiting Huntington March 28. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington goalie Aidan McDonald with one of his 4 saves on the road against Middle Country March 28. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

The Middle Country boys lacrosse team trailed by one goal against the visiting Huntington Blue Devils going into the fourth quarter, but the Mad Dogs managed to retie the game 9 all. With one minute left in regulation, Middle Country’s Kaleb Pullis answered the call when he blasted a shot that stretched the net for the game winner defeating the Blue Devils, 10-9, March 28.

It was Pullis’ second goal of the day where Middle Country attack Thomas Stock stood atop the leaderboard with three goals and three assists. Matthew Robbert and Jacob Hyman both scored twice, and the long stickman RJ Smith went coast to coast earlier in the game for his goal.

The win, as of April 1, extends the Mad Dogs winning ways to 4-0 in Suffolk Division 1 where the Blue Devils drop to 1-2.

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Smithtown West senior midfielder Taylor Mennella drives towards midfield in a steady rain on the road against Huntington in their league opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West senior midfielder Taylor Mennella looks for an open player in a steady rain on the road against Huntington in their league opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West celebrates after one of their ten goals against Huntington on the road in their season opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Freshman midfielder Samantha Jones passes towards the sideline for Smithtown West on the road against Huntington in their season opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Freshman midfielder Samantha Jones looks towards the sideline for Smithtown West on the road against Huntington in their season opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West senior Regan Kielmeyer draws against Huntington’s Notre Dame bound Abby Maichin in both teams league opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West senior Regan Kielmeyer sets up the play against Huntington in their season opening victory March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West senior Regan Kielmeyer pushes up field in a steady rain on the road against Huntington in their season opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Nicholle Marshall a Smithtown West junior clears the ball against Huntington in their season opener on the road March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Cornell commit junior midfielder Marissa Stafford passes in the Blue Devil’s league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington junior Lena Annunziata clears the ball up field in the Blue Devil’s league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Senior attack Lauren Coletti crosses midfield in wet conditions on the road against Huntington in their season opening victory March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington sophomore Jordan Forte crosses midfield in the Blue Devil’s league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Midfielder Holly Wright pushes the ball up field for Huntington in their league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington junior Holly Wright crosses midfield in the Blue Devil’s league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington sophomore attack Charlotte Maggio passes up-top in the Blue Devil’s league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West sophomore attack Olivia Riportella looks for the open cutter in a steady rain on the road against Huntington in their league opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

Smithtown West’s girls lacrosse had the upper hand in the first half March 21 as Huntington was unable to overcome a deficit in the final 25 minutes of play. The Bulls notched their first league victory of the early season downing the Blue Devils 10-4 on the road. 

Senior Regan Kielmeyer led the way in scoring for Smithtown West with a pair of goals and five assists with teammates and fellow seniors Lauren Coletti and Taylor Mennella netting three goals each.

On the Blue Devils’ side, junior Abby Malchin, senior Maire Brown, senior Paige Lennon and sophomore Charlotte Maggio each scored a goal apiece for Huntington.

The Huntington girls lacrosse team is took the ield again at home against Farmingdale March 25, and will soon take be taking the long road to Riverhead March 29. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

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It’s spring, and at this time of the year, as the ground thaws and the trees and flowers begin to bud, grass finally grows again. Grass — notorious grass.

Long Island’s suburbia is covered with manicured lawns, acres of it. According to a 2015 study conducted by NASA and several Colorado and Montana state universities, lawns take up over 63,000 square miles of land in the United States. It is the largest single crop in the country.

The tranquility of our suburban landscape will soon be filled with the screams and revving of lawn mowers and weed whackers as thousands groom their grass to a perfect 3 inches in height.

What are we doing? Why have we all agreed that 3-inch, cut grass should be the norm for American lawns? Why has this become the norm?

One could assume it’s a status symbol, as it was historically for English and French aristocracy, who were looking to emulate the green rolling hills found in Renaissance art.

But actually, when Europeans brought their grass to America, the proliferation of the product became popular only in the last century, when grass became a utilitarian way to create uniformity.

Here’s the rub: Grass, used as American lawns, creates acres of useless plants. An American homeowner will, on average, spend 70 hours a year cutting grass. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated U.S. homeowners use 7 billion gallons of water each year irrigating their lawns. While we on Long Island have less of an issue with the prospect of running out of water, so much of our water bills ends up being pumped onto pointless grass.

That grass is cut short before it begins to seed, so we fertilize and water the lawn to make sure it doesn’t die. Normally, small creatures or insects could feed on the seed. Instead, these landscapes have become arid land or a dew collection system.

The larger problem, more than merely being a waste of time, keeping a suburban lawn provides practically no assistance to the larger ecosystem. In a 2018 TBR News Media article, beekeepers called these landscapes “green deserts” because pollinating insects have no interaction with them. Lawns take up valuable space that could be used for plants that bear fruit or flower. Just think, a pound of honey takes about 2 million flower visits, and with bee colonies declining at a record rate, we need more pollinating plants, not less.

Well, what can one do?

Most neighborhoods certainly expect a green lawn. So, instead of spending time mowing and caring for lawns, try planting some relatively low maintenance, beautifying shrubs or ornamental grasses or beds of clover and moss.

If Long Island is the prototypical suburbia, perhaps it can also be the place that starts a small revolution and upends the green grass tyranny that has held American homeowners for too long. Maybe it will also stop the annoying buzz of lawn mowers reverberating throughout the North Shore.

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