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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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Photo courtesy Peter Gollon
By Peter Gollon

I commend this newspaper for its thorough and balanced Sept. 14 and Sept. 21 articles on the proposed conversion of the Long Island Power Authority into a fully municipal utility that would directly operate the electrical transmission and distribution system that it has owned for decades.

LIPA, which is the country’s third largest municipal utility, is legally required now to outsource its operation to another entity. Right now that is PSEG Long Island. Before that, it was National Grid.

LIPA’s staff of 60 experienced utility professionals supervises PSEGLI’s performance according to metrics taking 207 pages to outline. Each year, LIPA pays PSEGLI $80 million for just 18 executives to plan and direct the 2,500-line call center and other workers whose pay is provided by LIPA. That’s more than $4 million for each PSEGLI-supplied executive.

There is considerable overlap between the top PSEGLI staff and the LIPA staff that supervises and grades PSEGLI’s performance. Both the Legislative Commission on the Future of the Long Island Power Authority and LIPA agree that if LIPA hired a dozen more staffers, it could run the system itself, dispensing with PSEGLI’s management and saving about $75 million each year.

This savings would be real, even if PSEGLI were doing a good job. But it hasn’t been. Their performance in storm restoration after Tropical Storm Isaias in 2020 was so bad, and their reports on the causes of the failure of the outage management system were so dishonest, that LIPA considered PSEGLI to be in default of their contract.

Beyond PSEGLI’s shortcomings, the problem is the structure of the unique and convoluted “hybrid” system itself. Besides the extra cost, the inefficiency of this two-headed structure is why LIPA is the only large municipal utility in the country to be operated this way.

As a LIPA trustee for five years, I saw the difficulties, delays and expense that this structure results in. For example, it required three months and a resolution voted by the LIPA Board directing PSEGLI to develop and implement an accurate and modern asset management system for the billions of dollars of LIPA-owned assets before PSEGLI would take such action.

The delays and inefficiency of this management structure do not show up as a specific dollar cost in LIPA’s budget, but they are there and impede LIPA’s adaptation to the new reality of stronger storms and a faster transition to a renewable energy system.

LIPA needs the simple, common municipal utility structure recommended by the state’s Legislative Commission. The Board of Trustees should be reorganized so some trustees are appointed by both Suffolk and Nassau County executives, rather than now where all the trustees are appointed by the state’s political leadership in Albany.

Locally appointed trustees should give LIPA needed credibility with its Long Island customer base and might make it more responsive to local concerns. In recent years, there has been significant hostility resulting from inadequate understanding by both PSEGLI and LIPA of the impact of changes in tariffs, and from the location and details of new facilities or even just taller and thicker poles.

Finally, one trustee should be named by the union — IBEW Local 1049 — representing the utility’s workforce to ensure that their interests are represented at the highest level.

The legal structure in which the workforce is actually housed is critical. Their transfer from PSEGLI to LIPA must be done in a way that continues their employment under federal labor jurisdiction and preserves their well-earned pension rights. Any proposal that might put them under weaker state labor jurisdiction and possibly jeopardize their pensions has no chance of passing the Legislature, nor should it.

Long Islanders should support this once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix a broken utility structure.

The writer served on the Long Island Power Authority Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2021.

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A biker enjoys a section of the Greenway Trail.

Generations ago, the pioneers of suburbia planned our region with one mode of transportation in mind. Cars.

Our forebears, led by urban planner Robert Moses from the 1920s onward, developed our region around the automobile, viewing the car as the mechanical embodiment of core American values: individualism, autonomy, freedom and progress.

To accommodate their automotive aspirations, they built elaborate networks of roads and bridges, connecting every home to every school, supermarket, shopping mall and office park along a continuous stretch of pavement.

Generations later, we now know this thinking was profoundly short sighted. Modern realities of endless traffic congestion painfully extinguish yesterday’s fantasies of limitless open road.

Today, we exist in a decidedly auto-focused, auto-dependent context whereby every essential activity in our lives is mediated by — and requires access to — a motor vehicle.

While cars are indisputably an important component of our transportation ecosystem, they cannot be the only mode of transportation available to us.

Many seniors or people with disabilities cannot operate a car. Young people entering the workforce often cannot afford the high costs of car ownership and maintenance. It should come as no surprise that these demographics are fleeing our region in droves.

A recent AAA report estimates the average annual cost of car ownership is now over $12,000 per year — up more than 13% from last year. For our residents, cars represent a growing liability, disrupting our finances and hindering our quality of life.

Hiking and biking trails are a possible remedy to our transit woes. While creating valuable recreational opportunities, these amenities fulfill an even greater need by opening an alternative to our cars.

For example, the North Shore Rail Trail extends from Mount Sinai to Wading River, running parallel with state Route 25A. For nearby residents, the trail facilitates access to every storefront, parkland and local institution along that highly trafficked corridor — without an automobile.

Unlike the road, that confines us to the interior of our cars, the trail places us outdoors and in relation with nature. Trails restore that vital connection to the land severed long ago through auto-focused regional planning.

The time is now to expand and interconnect our existing trails. Like our roads, we must connect every community on Long Island along one continuous greenway.

The North Shore Rail Trail and the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway are separated by just over a mile. Planning must commence now to link these trails together. 

But we cannot stop there. We must plan and construct new hiking and biking routes, introducing these trails to communities currently without them.

Unlike past decision-making, our plans for new trails must be done purposefully. Greenways should not be limited to parks and open spaces — they must also extend into our neighborhoods, our commercial districts and our schools.

Still, an integrated transportation network must account for all modes of transport — private and public. A more agile and efficient bus system is in order. We call upon Suffolk County Transit officials to explore shorter buses that can better maneuver and adapt to meet the needs of riders.

Our commuters require faster, more frequent rail service. The electrification of the Port Jefferson Branch of the Long Island Rail Road would satisfy this end. We call upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, U.S. Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY1) and our New York State delegation to advance this plan more aggressively.

With creative thinking, community-based planning and bold vision, we can revolutionize our transit network, rectifying decades-old faults and counteracting our regional decline. Together, let us blaze new trails ahead. Suffolk County’s new GEAR Up program is a step in the right direction.

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Peter X. Carolyn

Peter Xavier Carolan of Mendham, New Jersey, formerly of New York City and Northport, passed on Thursday, Sept. 14. He had recently celebrated his 75th birthday and 39th wedding anniversary.

Born on Aug. 23, 1948, in Brooklyn to Peter and Margaret (Pace) Carolan, the young Peter grew up in Northport and attended Northport High School, graduating in 1966. He then graduated from Niagara University in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in travel, trade and transportation. In 1975, Peter completed his master’s in business administration from the NYU Stern School of Business.

Prior to and while completing his master’s, Peter worked for American Express in the Park Avenue, New York City office. He later moved to Citibank until 1979, when he left to commit full time to his growing import-export business, Real Torino. A workaholic by nature, for 40-plus years, Peter successfully managed multiple companies importing breadsticks (grissini), pasta and other Italian food products nationwide.

In addition to his many personal accomplishments, his greatest joy was celebrating the successes of his children. In recent years, his five grandchildren always put a smile on his face. His generosity and loyalty were omnipresent, and he would do anything to help someone he considered family or a close friend.

Loving husband of 39 years to Elena (Bibini) Carolan, he was the devoted father of Peter G. (Katelyn), Monica (Brett), Sofia and Ellie and beloved grandfather and “Pop Pop” to Mia, Carter, Kirsa, Luce and Aurelia. He is survived by siblings Leonard (Christine) Carolan, Margaret (Len) Modelewski and Frances (John) Marino.

He reposed at Nolan Funeral Home, in Northport, on Sunday, Sept. 17. 

A Catholic funeral Mass was celebrated on Sept. 18, at Saint Philip Neri Church in Northport. Interment followed in the parish cemetery in East Northport.

Donations in lieu of flowers in Peter’s memory may be made to The Peck School, 247 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960.

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John Smith. Photo courtesy Larry Campbell

It’s with great sadness that the family and friends of John Smith announce his passing on Sept. 1 at the age of 79 years.

John is remembered by his son Sean Smith, niece Anne-Marie Rodriguez de Killeen, and grandnephews Fox Hudson Killeen, Brody and Theo Rodriguez, as well as a collection of the best friends ever.

He is predeceased by his nephew Matthew Rodriguez, sisters Bernadette and Isabel Smith, and parents Harry Smith from East Setauket and Kathleen (Duffy) Smith from County Mayo, Ireland.

John was an intelligent, characterful, loyal and generous man who was passionate about the great loves of his life: politics and service, East Setauket and the Three Village community in which he was born and raised, beloved dog Montana, and dearest friend (and predeceased) George Rehn, the Poncho to his Cisco.

Following retirement in 2010 from the Suffolk County Department of Labor, John joined the county Department of Health Services as an inventory manager for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program. He was instrumental in their Point of Dispensing activities, making sure staff had the proper equipment and supplies for vaccination clinics and exercises, playing a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 7 at the Infant Jesus R.C. Church, 110 Myrtle Ave., Port Jefferson. This will be followed by a small memorial celebration at the VFW Hall in East Setauket. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate on John’s behalf to the RSVP Animal Welfare & Rescue Group: rsvpinc.org/donations/donate-now.

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Photo by Samantha Rut

By Samantha Rutt

Amid the start of a new academic year, Stony Brook University will host a program during National Hazing Prevention Week.

This annual program takes place during the last full week of September, designed to raise awareness, educate students and promote hazing prevention.

Member of Theta Phi Alpha, an SBU-recognized sorority, Samantha Navarro, explained her experience with the event.

“During this week, Theta Phi Alpha members, as well as other sororities and fraternities on campus, come together to attend and support events that foster and educate hazing prevention.”

Hazing, often characterized by dangerous initiation rituals and activities, has long plagued college campuses, leading to injuries, psychological trauma and, in tragic cases, even death.

Per New York State hazing laws, a person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when he/she intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, including, but not limited to, making physical contact with or requiring the physical activity of such other person, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury. 

Hazing in the first degree is a class A misdemeanor.

“Hazing is not tolerated at Stony Brook,” SBU officials said. “The university has set in place policies and procedures to prevent hazing, including a comprehensive prevention program.”

The NHPW Committee hosts weeklong events featuring various presentations, campaigns, competitions and a documentary screening.

“Through the specific events during this week, as well as efforts taken on by every member, we put 100% of our efforts into fostering and promoting a positive and inclusive chapter that promotes against hazing,” Navarro said.

During NHPW, all executive board members and active fraternity and sorority community members must complete a one-hour awareness course, providing them with further education on recognizing, reporting and preventing hazing. 

“Ongoing training and development with student leaders is pivotal in promoting a hazing-free campus,” university officials said. “Continuing the conversations around hazing prevention and the impact of hazing on a university encourages students to stay informed and ahead of hazing national and state policies.”

To aid in the fight against hazing, Stony Brook University offers a prevention pledge, asking those who sign to advocate for the prevention of all hazing-related behaviors.

SBU officials indicated that being found guilty of hazing or violating university policy may result in organizational conduct proceedings, sanctions, corrective action and/or a change in organizational status.

In these cases, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards receives, investigates and resolves alleged violations of the Code of Student Responsibility involving nonacademic misconduct by students. Disciplinary actions depend on the severity of the incident, in adherence with university policy.

Annual reporting conducted by the university and Fraternity and Sorority Life Community Scorecards show a considerable improvement and decrease in actionable hazing cases. 

Student Engagement and Activities and Fraternity and Sorority Life tracks conduct of university-affiliated organizations, observing that the numbers of actionable cases have significantly decreased compared to previous years due to prevention efforts and a culture change in students.

“Hazing is detrimental in any context, and it has no place in Theta Phi Alpha or Stony Brook University,” Navarro said.

Students can report hazing through a variety of means. If emergent, students are urged to report immediately to law enforcement, whether by contacting University Police — 333 on campus phones or 631-632-3333 or by dialing 9-1-1.

Students can also file an incident report to any campus faculty, staff, or administrator, or follow Stony Brook’s Good Samaritan Policy.

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The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library. File photo by Elyse Sutton

By Nasrin Zahed

The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library held its annual budget vote on Wednesday, Sept. 20, with the Three Village community overwhelmingly supporting the measure, 437-74.

The proposed budget plan outlines continued expenses, such as employee salaries and mandated benefits, while highlighting the library’s plans to expand resources to the community and become a more central local hub.

The proposed $5,726,582 fiscal year budget is $88,526 more than the previous years, with a 1.57% tax levy increase.

Lisa DeVerna, the library’s marketing communications manager, expressed the library’s delight at the public support. “We were very pleased with the outcome,” she said in an email. “Eighty-six percent of voters supported the budget, which is comparable to years past.”

DeVerna outlined some of the big projects the library brought to fruition this year, such as the completed construction project to improve the flow of the main reading room.

“We now have a better delineation between the quiet and lively areas,” DeVerna said, offering more structure to the layout of the space and allowing patrons to enjoy public events and activities without infringing on the sanctity of the popular study spot.

The communications manager expanded on the library’s current café project, which is still under construction, giving assurances that the space would be open to the public soon.

The library is also revamping the Children’s Department by adding new toys and play sets. “These projects are helping make the library even more of a community center than it was before, inviting those to come and stay for a while and meeting the different needs of our various constituents,” DeVerna said.

The library will also go beyond Setauket residence by purchasing museum passes for patrons to borrow out through their unique Library of Things collection.

Passes to the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog in Manhattan, as well as the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, are currently available. The Library of Things also lets patrons sign out many items such as cameras, telescopes, projectors and more.

DeVerna shared how library staff are working toward catering to community youth by developing a separate Teen Services Department. The separation has “allowed us to build more robust programming, particularly year-round volunteer opportunities for teens, who are always looking for more community service hours,” DeVerna said.

With hopes of redesigning the layout and flow of the Children’s Library and increasing investments into existing programs, DeVerna outlined that “in general, we are concentrating on programming next year and have increased the budget of the program by $15,000.” Yet, the budget keeps flowing as DeVerna emphasized that the library is also looking to widen adult opportunities.

“For adults, we’re expanding the scope of our technology classes in 2024, including an advanced Excel class and more of an emphasis on the Cricut cutting machine due to the demand for such programming,” she said. 

As the library has typically catered to classes at the beginner level, this allows patrons to refine and expand on the basics that they have already learned.

With the budget’s passage, Emma S. Clark Memorial Library leaders aim for the library to remain a staple of the Three Village area through its new programs, spaces and interests for its neighbors.

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Photo from The Stony Brook School

By Samantha Rutt

Following adjournment from the previous Town of Brookhaven Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, The Stony Brook School’s application for expansion was approved Wednesday, Sept. 20, with some modifications.

Amid public scrutiny, the school altered its plans to expand, eliminating the proposed indoor practice facility.

“We want to be good neighbors, we really do,” Joshua Crane, head of The Stony Brook School, said. “The idea that just because we can, didn’t really sit well with us. So when we came up with the idea of this new building, we proposed it out in a particular portion of our campus — that ultimately would have an impact on neighbors from a height and size perspective.”

The boarding and day school’s original plan included the construction of three new buildings on the campus, including a sizable indoor practice facility, reaching a height of 46 feet and a floor area ratio of 35,000 square feet, along with a new dormitory building and STEM building. 

Leading up to Wednesday’s meeting, nearby residents voiced concern about the school’s plan, alleging it would decrease property values and increase traffic.

“Local real estate agents suggest my property value will decrease … especially if there is a huge metal building constructed in what is basically my backyard,” said Stony Brook resident Jenny Lorenzen.

Several residents attended Wednesday’s ZBA meeting, hoping the school would uphold its promise to do away with the indoor practice facility. At the meeting, the prep school’s lawyer, Eric J. Russo, had a sidebar conversation with neighborhood representatives, promising to uphold the updated plans.

Crane spoke about the updated plan for constructing a facility to adequately house the school’s program needs.

“We’ve gone back to the drawing board, and we’re looking at a different area of campus,” he said. “That will basically give us about a third of the size that we had originally proposed but still meet our program needs because athletics is becoming more and more important here.”

Residents’ primary concerns were consistent with the size of the proposed sports facility and the addition of entry and exit routes that could add traffic to existing narrow roadways in the neighborhood.

“Bottom line is I do not want this project to affect our neighborhood roads,” said Anne Ryan, a Stony Road resident for over 40 years. “I understand the need to update the campus, but it should not affect our peaceful neighborhood.”

Following the outcome, former opponents of the project expressed their relief. “I am thankful,” Lorenzen said of the newly updated plans. “I am hopeful for the continuation of tranquility and peace in our lovely Stony Brook neighborhood.”

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A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin
A scene from Irish Night 2023 Friday, Sept. 22, in Kings Park. Photo by Michael Scro/Media Origin

By Michael Scro

The Leo P. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum held its Irish Night 2023 on Friday, Sept. 22, at the RJO Middle School auditorium, featuring a lively performance by musician Ed Ryan and Irish step dancing by the Mulvihill-Lynch Irish Dancers.

Hosted by Kevin Johnston, chair of Kings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and representative of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, he welcomed the audience of about 40 to 50 people — many donning Irish clothing.

Ryan played a powerful and entertaining set of Irish songs from “Whisky In The Jar,” “The Black Velvet Band,” “When New York Was Irish,” “Big Strong Man To The Town I Love So Well,” “Danny Boy” and “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra (That’s An Irish Lullaby).” 

Between songs, he told a variety of age-old Irish jokes, bringing about laughter from the audience and also gave historical background and reference to many of the songs he belted out with his acoustic guitar.

The Mulvihill-Lynch dancers provided a precise and professional level of dancing that wowed the audience from start to finish. Clapping along to the Irish music, the crowd cheered loudly after each dance.

Johnston thanked Ryan and the dancers, and noted that the dance studio was started about 40 years ago by Gerry Mulvihill. Among those in attendance were Debbie Lynch-Webber who ran the dance group and was a student of the founder, as well as Maureen Hanley who was also a former student.

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Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
By Aidan Johnson

Despite not having any dragon boat racing, the 9th annual Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival was filled with excitement and fun from start to finish Saturday, Sept. 16.

It was deemed early in the day unsafe to hold the boat racing due to rough water conditions in the wake of Hurricane Lee. The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, the organization that hosts this annual tradition, opted for a tug-of-war competition between the dragon boat teams.

“We wanted to kind of create a competitive activity that the teams would embrace,” Barbara Ransome, the chamber’s director of operations, explained. After one of her team partners suggested the tug-of-war, Peter Murphy of Sea Tow Port Jefferson provided the festival with a 40-foot cord to use.

“As you can see, it was great fun and lots of competition,” Ransome added.

Denise Yazak, who was part of Brookhaven National Lab’s Crave the Wave team, took part in the competition. While she was disappointed that she could not serve her role as drummer — who helps keep the paddlers in rhythm and synchronicity, matching the drumbeat with the strokes of the front paddlers — she said she still had a great experience.

“It’s such a cool community-building event, and it’s great to connect with new people, see old friends,” Yazak said. “So even with the weather, it was still an amazing time.”

Vendors set up throughout the day in Port Jeff’s Harborfront Park. The festival also included performances such as karate demonstrations and a showcase from Taiko Tides, a traditional Japanese drumming group from Stony Brook University.

“It’s always exciting to come,” said Louis Truong, a member of Taiko Tides. “They’re always welcoming to us.”

Port Jefferson Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay said she was inspired by the number of individuals who turned out and the many different walks of life gathered for the same purpose.

“This festival, in particular, is a beautiful opportunity to build community bridges and celebrate the vibrancy of diversity,” Kassay said in a statement.

“The resilience and adaptability of festival-goers was inspiring as well, as they seamlessly shifted their competitive spirits from dragon boat races to tug-of-war competitions,” she added.

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A scene from the 43rd annual Greenlawn Pickle Festival, hosted by the Greenlawn/Centerport Historical Association. Photo by Nasrin Zahed
Scene from the 43rd annual Greenlawn Pickle Festival, hosted by the Greenlawn/Centerport Historical Association. Photo by Nasrin Zahed
Scene from the 43rd annual Greenlawn Pickle Festival, hosted by the Greenlawn/Centerport Historical Association. Photo by Nasrin Zahed

By Nasrin Zahed

Saturday, Sept. 16, marked the 43rd annual Greenlawn Pickle Festival, and the streets leading into the John Gardiner Farm, located at 900 Park Ave. in Huntington, were overflowing with visitors.

Hosted by the Greenlawn/Centerport Historical Association, Long Islanders had the opportunity to partake in the historic event. In honor of the once-flourishing pickle industry from 1880 to 1920, the festival is a chance for locals to look back on history and enjoy a classic pickle.

The site of the event was once a 600-acre farmscape run by the late Alexander Gardiner. Considered one of the leading farmers in the Huntington area, he was well known for introducing pickles as a cash crop, earning himself the title of “pickle pioneer.”

With parking along street sides and neighboring lots, patrons were welcomed into the farm for a small fee of $5 for nonmembers, $4 for members and children under 12 entered free.

Awaiting guests within the event were fun-filled activities such as hayrides, an antique car show, fried pickles, live music, a craft fair with over 30 vendors, pickle history displays, lollipop train rides, a farmers market, a corn maze, wine sampling and more pickles than one could imagine.

The event’s popularity seemed to spike this year as the space filled up quickly with community members wishing to join in on the pickle festivities — at times with hundreds waiting outside the entrance.

By midafternoon, the event had reached overcapacity, leaving volunteer members to explain to the hundreds outside that they were only permitted entry once people had left the festival. Also, by this time, many food vendors had run out of products for sale.

For festival-goers inside the entry lines, every activity began to feel like an impossible feat. With each line seemingly taking over an hour to reach the end, it was a true testament to the devotion of pickle lovers.

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