BLAZE OF GLORY
John Dielman was in the right place at the right time when he captured this incredible sunset at West Meadow Beach in East Setauket on Sept. 13.
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Brookhaven history to be celebrated at the annual Brookhaven Country Fair
New for 2024… Medieval Gathering, Demonstrations, Re-enactments and more!
Mark your calendars! The Town of Brookhaven’s Country Fair returns to the historic Longwood Estate located on Longwood Road and Smith Road in Ridge on Sept. 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy traditional crafts, vendors, colonial cooking, Revolutionary War and Civil War re-enactments, music by the Ed Travers Band, a medieval gathering, vintage apron show, house museum tours, and children’s activities.
Admission is $5 per person. Children under 12 are free and will receive a “Passport to the Past.” Parking is free with a complimentary shuttle from the Longwood Junior High School. Leashed and well-behaved pets are welcomed. Longwood Estate is located at the corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road in Ridge. Held rain or shine. For more information, call 631-924-1820.
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The Longwood Estate was passed down through the generations dating back prior to 1817. In 1973, developer Wilbur Breslin and Herbert Carmel purchased the property for commercial and industrial development. Brookhaven Town officials and area residents strongly opposed the plan and in 1974, Breslin and Carmel donated the manor house and 35 acres of land to the Town of Brookhaven. During its two-hundred-year history, the house knew fallow periods and a notable 60-year Golden Age of love, family, and bustling activity. The estate now is the host to various activities for the residents to enjoy. For more information about the Longwood Estate, visit www.brookhavenny.gov.
Uncovering the secrets of Brookhaven’s past in a new video series
Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle has launched his “Talking History with the Town Clerk” video series, which features an in-depth tour of the Davis Meeting House, located in Coram.
This house served as the former clerk’s office during the early days of the Town of Brookhaven. The debut video features insights from town Historian Barbara Russell, who provides historical context about the landmark.
Constructed in the 1750s, the Davis House was owned for over 250 years by direct male descendants of Foulk Davis, who settled in Southampton in 1642. Historian Davis Erhardt identifies Elijah Davis (1727-1802) as the likely original owner, who operated the house as a tavern-inn.
By the 1790s, the house became the seat of the Town of Brookhaven government, for over 80 years. In the mid-1800s, it served as a temperance house and by 1890, it transitioned to a private residence.
The Brookhaven Town Board officially designated the Davis House as a landmark on April 15, 1986, recognizing its historical significance. It was named a New York State landmark in 2000 and a National Landmark in 2001.
Significant restoration work was completed in September 2012, including roof replacement, masonry repairs and the reconstruction of a timber-framed front porch. These efforts were part of a broader initiative to preserve the building’s historical character. Today, the Davis House functions as a vibrant community center, hosting various local events and programs.
The Davis Meeting House, located at 263 Middle Country Road in Coram, offers historical tours every second Sunday of the month. For more information, call 631-804-2256.
Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus begins rehearsals for holiday season
By Lauren Feldman
The Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus held its first rehearsal for the 2024 holiday season on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in East Northport.
The chorus aims to entertain audiences with high-quality choral performances, while affirming the contributions of Long Island’s LGBT+ community. Programs include challenging contemporary music, and performances of an ambitious, traditional repertoire alongside music from various world cultures.
The chorus affirms, by example and through song, the worth and dignity of a cross-section of the diverse population that is reflective of Long Island and the nation as a whole.
Christian Cederstrom, chorus treasurer and member of the baritone section, joined the group around eight or nine years ago. “This group is so special because it really is the culmination of a brotherhood coming together to create something beautiful. The people are here for that shared mission,” he said.
“You never know what someone’s life is like,” he added. “Being able to retreat into a safe space, especially a queer safe space, makes it all the more lifesaving. It’s a means of survival for some people, and even having that one or two hours a week where they can just be is so important. The climate out in the world is so dog eat dog, but here it’s about creation and beauty.”
Michael Conley, a tenor 1 and founding member of the LIGMC over 17 years ago, said the chorus holds a lot of value as an LGBT+ space on Long Island. “We’re in the shadow of New York City. And yes, we have Fire Island, we have the village, but Long Island is a conservative place. So it’s nice to have these spaces where we can come together. And then by practicing and having something really special, we’re able to go out and share it with others.”
Practices are led this year by Jeanette Cooper, artistic director and accompanist of the LIGMC. Cooper will also lead the chorus through its concert series, as she has for the past few years. She is looking forward to an exciting season, the first half of which is themed after the joy of singing and the second half around Christmas.
She is glad to return for another series after a break following the chorus’ summer series. Of all her hats to culminate a season, Cooper said she enjoys working directly with the members of the chorus most. “My favorite part of them is them. Because they are a group of wonderful men. No matter who joins us, they seem to fit right in. They are a delight, they are the reason I come back every week.”
The partnership with St. Paul’s has been ongoing for four years, and members of both the church and chorus have celebrated its success. Cederstrom said, “I’ve been very thankful to be housed by different churches in the community who have been really affirming to the queer community. St. Paul’s of East Northport has been very supportive of our mission here, and I’m very thankful that we are able to have a safe queer space to create music.”
Cederstrom’s father, Bob Cederstrom, has served as an associate pastor at St. Paul’s for 18 years. He said it has been a blessing to house the chorus over the last few years. “This is a very generous congregation, who opened their doors and welcomed [the chorus], and they’ve been here now for four years. They’re a blessing to have here. And we’re blessed to have them.”
For the elder Cederstrom, welcoming the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus is simply following his faith. “Jesus welcomed everybody. He didn’t say ‘but’ or ‘if’ or ‘maybe.’ Everybody is welcome. … This is a wonderful, inviting congregation here.”
The group will continue practicing weekly at St. Paul’s. Rehearsals will lead up to the Sunday, Oct. 27, afternoon fall cabaret and concerts in December.
Interested singers can follow LIGMC on Instagram and Facebook or email LIGMC’s board of directors at [email protected] for more information.
Middle Country Public Library presents Music Under the Stars concert Sept. 19
The MCPL Music Under the Stars summer concert series will take its final bow when The Men of Soul take the stage on Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m., at Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd. in Centereach. A dynamic Soul and R&B cover band, this talented ensemble transports audiences back in time with their electrifying renditions of classic hits from iconic soul bands of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning provided an Omnibus grant to Middle Country Public Library to support the Music Under the Stars summer concert series. Sponsored by Legislator Nick Caracappa, this year’s event featured 1980s cover band Guilty Pleasures and Country and Bluegrass band The Longhorns.
This outdoor concert is free and open to all – just bring your lawn chairs and dress for the weather. Food trucks All American Wontons and Jeff’s Jolly Ice Cream will have snacks available for purchase.
For more information, please call Middle Country Public Library at 631-585-9393.
SBU selects Christopher Martin as Associate VP for Campus Planning, Design & Construction
Stony Brook University has announced the hiring of Christopher Martin as the new associate vice president for Campus Planning, Design & Construction. He will report to William Herrmann, vice president for facilities & services. In this role, Martin will lead the operation and management of all campus construction activities including planning, capital budgeting, architecture, design, engineering, and construction management.
Martin joins Stony Brook with over 35 years of professional experience, most recently serving in a dual capacity as vice president for integrated real estate & facilities and assistant vice president for facilities infrastructure, projects & compliance at MedStar Health System in Maryland, an organization he’s been a part of for eight years.
Prior to this role, the Nesconset resident held design and construction related roles at Northwell Health, the North Shore LIJ Health System, Gazetten Contracting, and Beth Israel Medical Center. He is a registered architect, and a member of the American Institute of Architects as well as the American Society for Health Care Engineering.
“Christopher brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in his previous roles,” said William Herrmann. “In addition to his professional skills, Christopher possesses a range of personal strengths that make him an ideal fit for this role. He has successfully led high-performing teams towards achieving organizational goals, strategically planned to align resources with objectives and fostered collaborative environments where individuals are empowered to excel.”
“I am excited about the opportunity to join Stony Brook University and am eager to help bring innovative ideas and drive positive change within the university, including the Health Sciences Center and the Southampton Campus,” said Martin. “I look forward to joining the team to collaborate on our planning, design and construction.”
Stonebridge Nighthawk Watch returns to Setauket
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
It’s that time of year again! Four Harbors Audubon Society invites the community to join them for their 8th annual Stone Bridge Nighthawk Watch at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket every evening through Oct. 6, from 5:30 p.m. until dusk.
The group will be tallying migrating Common Nighthawks to better understand nighthawk population trends. Join them at the Stone Bridge to witness nighthawks as they pass over during their migratory journey to their wintering grounds in Brazil and Argentina. Bring binoculars. Visit www.4has.org for further details.
Smithtown East girls soccer drops home opener to Northport
By Steven Zaitz
Eleven months ago, a loose ball trickled between Smithtown East superstar striker, Olivia Bozzo, and Northport goalkeeper Kaleigh Howard. At the time both teams were fighting for Suffolk County playoff position.
In an attempt to smother the ball before the hard-charging Bozzo could gain control and fire, Howard raced out her box aggressively, and dove on top of it like it was a pin-pulled hand grenade. As Howard lay on the ground Bozzo, one of the top scorers in Suffolk County in 2023, tried to pull up, but rolled into the vulnerable goalkeeper.
The home Northport fans cheered Howard’s aggressive play, which prevented a Bozzo goal, but they did not realize that Bozzo’s cleat had ripped open the skin on Howard’s scalp, causing the sophomore to gush blood. She was rushed to the emergency room where she had several sutures stapled into her head.
After the game resumed, Bozzo, then a junior, scored two goals, and the Red Bulls won 3-0.
Shocking to all, Howard was back in the nets a week later.
Shocking to none, was the sight of Howard and her numberless, aqua blue jersey standing between the pipes, when the early-morning game started in St. James, this past Saturday.
From the looks of it, she hasn’t changed her style one bit, as Howard made 10 saves against Smithtown East, in Northport’s 1-0 victory. The Lady Tigers improved their overall record to 2-1 and 1-0 in League 4 play. Smithtown East drops to 0-2 and 0-1 in the league on the young season.
Howard, or KK, as she is known around Suffolk County athletic circles, was marauding in and out of her penalty area, cutting off attacks before they started, directing her defense and controlling the game. Throughout the game, she implored her troops to keep up their intensity.
“I want to win every game, but yeah, I wanted this one a little more,” said Howard, a junior and two-year starter.
Under chalky gray skies, Northport’s Finnley Wickard, a sophomore who is, also, a highly-decorated long-distance track star, scored the game’s only goal, and second of the season, in the sixth minute after corralling the rebound of a Charlotte Radigan free kick. Smithtown East keeper Sophia McCord made a lunging save, but batted the ball to senior captain Sammy DeNisco, who made a crisp pass to Wickard in the middle, who tapped it in.
“I was really excited when that ball went in,” said Wickard. “This was a really big game for our team, and we wanted to start off our [intraleague]season with a win, so it was great to get that early goal.”
Smithtown East, who played eventual state champion, Ward Melville, in the Suffolk County finals last year, has dropped its first two games. The first, a non-league match against Smithtown West on Sept. 5, and this game — both by a score of 1-0. Bulls Coach, Julie Hereth, who stepped away from coaching for two seasons, after having a daughter, is encouraged, despite her team’s slow start.
“I’m proud of our team,” said Hereth. “We obviously would have loved a different result, and Northport is a great team. Both teams battled hard, and we need to keep working hard, having fun and, then, find ways to finish our opportunities.
As for Bozzo, the two-time All-Suffolk performer is working her way back from two, off-season surgeries — the second of which was just two months ago — played approximately half of this game. She wasn’t thinking about any bad blood between the two teams, and is focused on her team and her recovery.
“I’m eager to play, but also a bit cautious, not wanting to push myself too hard, too soon,” said the senior and third-year captain, Bozzo. “It feels great to be back as I’m reclaiming a part of me that I had lost during the recovery, and I woudn’t want to do anything else but be back out on the field with my best friends.”
But, Bozzo made little headway against Northport on Saturday. With the defender by committee group of Radigan, Lily Nye, Ella Cancro, and Hallie Gilmartin, who was playing in place of injured star fullback Morgan Shirley, the frustration to score for Bozzo and Smithtown East simmered to a gradual crescendo throughout the match. The frustration spilled over into what became a contentious battle of both soccer and trash talk, as East became more and more desperate to equalize, and Northport determined to keep them out.
And, it was Howard who had the last say in every instance.
In the 33rd minute, the junior who also excels in lacrosse, slid out on one knee to stop senior striker Lindsay Delgado on a semi-breakaway, getting her two oversized goalkeeper gloves to stop six’s run. With nine minutes left in the game, Bulls sophomore forward, Juliana Ganderillas, gained control in Northport’s end, and moved towards Howard’s net. With Radigan chasing Ganderillas, the keeper, again, charged out and batted the ball away, to preserve the skinny lead. East was awarded a corner kick, and after a very uncordial jostling for position by both teams, the crosser was headed out of danger by Wickard.
“There was a lot of talk on both sides, especially in the second half,” said Howard, who notched her second consecutive shutout. “But I’m not going to change my style and I’m not afraid of someone running at me. I play very aggressively when the situation calls for it, and try to not let anyone get behind me.”
To do that, Howard will do what she always does and play how she always plays—by charging forward.
9th annual Harbor Jazz Festival in Stony Brook kicks off Sept. 18
The Jazz Loft, located along the charming Stony Brook waterfront and nearby historic village, presents the 9th annual Harbor Jazz Festival from Sept. 18 to 21. The four celebratory days of Jazz will feature internationally-known acts, including vocalist Pete Caldera and the Sinatra Project Sextet; the Ray Anderson Group; Akiko Tsuruga Organ Quartet; Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet; Bill Crow Trio and Mala Waldron Quartet along with a parade with the Equity Brass band through Stony Brook Village.
“The year’s 9th Annual Harbor Jazz Festival line-up promises to deliver an extraordinary experience and unique opportunity to hear performances from some of the finest Jazz artists in the world,” said Tom Manuel, founder and president of The Jazz Loft. “Many of the acts booked for this year’s festival perform at some of New York’s top venues and clubs. It’s amazing for our Long Island community that this years’ festival brings them all right here in our own backyard.”
Much of the festival will take place outdoors on two stages overlooking Stony Brook Harbor, as well inside The Jazz Loft at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook.
This year’s outdoor concerts on September 21 will take place throughout the day on two stages: one on the Jazz Loft’s front lawn, and the second location across the street on the Stony Brook Village Green. All concerts on Saturday are free to the public. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket. Shows for Sept. 18 through Sept. 20 are ticketed events.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The Jazz Loft
Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. — Opening reception & jam session with the Keenan Zach Trio. All tickets are $10.
Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. — The Bad Little Big Band, featuring guest artist trumpeter Joe Magnarelli. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children ages 5 and up.
Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. — The Sinatra Project with vocalist Pete Caldera backed by The Sinatra Sextet. Tickets are $40.
Sept. 21 from noon to 8 p.m.
Village Green Stage
Traditional Jazz Parade with Equity Brass Band at noon; Ray Anderson Group at 1 p.m.; Akiko Tsuruga Organ Quartet at 4 p.m.; and Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet at 7 p.m. Free.
Jazz Loft Lawn Stage
Bill Crow Trio at 3 p.m.; Mala Waldron Quartet at 6 p.m. Free.
In the case of rain, all events will be held inside The Jazz Loft.
For more information, call 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.
This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s Harvest Times supplement on Sept. 12.
Harbor Day celebrates the beauty of Stony Brook Harbor
By Rita J. Egan
Hundreds visited Long Beach in Nissequogue on Saturday, Sept. 7, to satisfy their curiosity about Stony Brook Harbor and the waterway’s inhabitants.
The villages of Head of the Harbor and Nissequogue, along with The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor, partnered to host Harbor Day at the Long Beach boat launch with Stony Brook Harbor as its background. Last year, the event returned after a 15-year hiatus.
Nissequogue Mayor Richard Smith presented Peter Scully, Suffolk’s former deputy county executive, with The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor Lifetime Achievement Award. “There is no better candidate,” Smith said.
The mayor congratulated Scully, who resides in Stony Brook and grew up in St. James, on his longtime commitment to improving the health of local waterways, including his work with nitrogen remediation during his tenure with the county.
Upon accepting the award, Scully, dubbed Suffolk’s “water czar” when he was deputy county executive, said he didn’t consider himself a water champion but someone who had been in the right place at the right time on many occasions “working with a lot of outstanding elected officials.”
Environmentalist John Turner, of Setauket and the Four Harbors Audubon Society, accepted the Dr. Larry Swanson Environmental Award from Head of the Harbor Mayor Michael Utvesky.
“Name any endangered part of nature on Long Island, and John L. Turner will be there to help preserve it,” Utevsky said.
Turner said he was honored to accept the same recognition as the 2023 recipient, Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket), and the award that bears Swanson’s name.
“I knew Larry and had a great deal of respect for him,” Turner said.
In addition to the awards ceremony, attendees enjoyed various activities including live music, a talk by historian Vivian Nicholson-Mueller about harbor life in the 1860s and a dunk tank. Representatives from Four Harbors Audubon Society, Sweetbriar Nature Center, Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons and more were on hand with educational activities and to answer questions about Stony Brook Harbor and its aquatic animals.
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