Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
By Toni-Elena Gallo
Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society held its 15th annual Music Fest on Saturday, Aug. 31. The event takes place each year between Huntington Bay and Lloyd Harbor and brings together lovers of the sea and lovers of rock ’n’ roll.
In 1985 the lighthouse was scheduled for demolition, but the nonprofit HLPS took it over and has worked to preserve and restore it ever since.
A variety of bands, ranging in genre from reggae to classic rock, played from 11 a.m. to dusk, at the top of Huntington Lighthouse, a historical landmark that has existed in its current incarnation since 1912, and housed the families of keepers from the 19th- to the early 20th century.
The unique design of this festival — it is only accessible by taking a boat for about a 10-minute ride out of Huntington Harbor — adds to the excitement it generates among boaters.
“We’ve got 1,500-plus boats here from Connecticut, New Jersey, Westchester, Rhode Island. They come from all over the place,” said Pam Setchell, president of the preservation society. “There is no music fest, anywhere in the world, that is performed on top of a working lighthouse. That’s the ace in the hole. As long as my roof is in good shape, we’re good,” she said with a laugh.
The Next Level, one of the festival’s acts, was thrilled to be back performing for the third time.
“It is awesome. We love playing here,” said Althea, the group’s lead singer.
And, to top off the day of festivities, lights illuminate the small lighthouse as dusk approaches, creating a colorful spectacle.
The festival was free to attend, and all proceeds from the 50/50 raffle went toward lighthouse restoration.
It’s hard to believe that another school year has begun. I’ve started teaching again at Suffolk County Community College (SCCC). I have 35 extraordinary young men and women in my Introduction to Sociology class. That same week I started back at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service. I teach second-year students clinical practice. They inspire me to keep coming back because of their passion, compassion, and commitment to wanting to truly make a difference in the world. I’ve been taking the 6:09 a.m.train from Ronkonkoma every Tuesday morning for 21 years. I look forward to it.
In the first week of September, I return to St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue. I will be teaching social science and social work to undergraduates.
Since the pandemic, I have observed a number of things with all of my students, no matter what the school or their level. In general, their capacity for concentration seems to be clearly impaired. I find a growing number of students more anxious and more distracted. The most disturbing observation is how many students are obsessed with their cell phones.
Recently, I asked my 35 college coeds at SCCC if they would be willing to freely surrender their cell phones at the beginning of each class. There were three or four students who volunteered and said they would be willing. The request ended with a very powerful conversation regarding cell phones. Their self-awareness and their honesty were most impressive.
Many college coeds are beginning to see the damage that cell phone obsession and dependency is causing. I think we need to continue the conversation and confront this issue because of the tremendous impact it is having on the next generation of students.
It is no secret that mental health among our students is a real concern. Many school districts and our larger community have increased their social work and mental health staff. We need to continue to address with outrage that many still attack mental health and substance use disorders with disdain.
As the new school year begins, I would encourage all our local schools, pre-K through 12th grade, to prohibit cell phone possession and use on all school grounds. On the high school level, I think there are creative ways to keep cell phones out of instructional settings and allow students to have access to them at the end of the school day.
We no longer can ignore the evidence-based research that underscores how negatively cell phone access 24 hours a day is impacting on our youth. Hopefully, our school communities including parents, will have the courage to take this issue seriously and to acknowledge how this is impacting on our youth’s mental health.
Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.
Labor Day is a time for families to come together and savor the final moments of summer. It’s one day when adults don’t have to think about working and kids don’t have to worry about the impending first day of school. So, this Labor Day, TBR News Media asked beachgoers at Lake Ronkonkoma how they were enjoying their day off.
Bruno.
Jenny, Corona
Jenny spent the day relaxing in the sand at Lake Ronkonkoma. She sunbathed, while watching her parents try their hand at catching some bass, pumpkinseed and perch. “We definitely take them home to eat. They’re delicious!” she shared. The family was very happy that Lake Ronkonkoma County Park was not too crowded. They were accompanied by their adorable dog, Bruno.
Katherine, Plainview
Katherine, Josephine and Michael.
Katherine and her mother Josephine were looking for something different to do with Katherine’s young son, Michael. So, when “most things weren’t open,” the family decided to head to the lake and have a picnic. “Our dog, Rocky, is enjoying nature and Michael won’t keep his shoes on,” laughed Katherine
James, Ronkonkoma
James and his dog, Jake.
James’ furry companion, Jake, loved every minute of ripping up his sand-riddled soccer ball. James was joined by family — including a little one who “loves Labor Day” — as they spent their day enjoying the sunshine and breeze.
Ava, East Meadow
Ava and her family.
Ava arrived with her husband and three kids to embark on a day of fishing. Equipped with their rods and beach chairs, the family was eager to give it a shot.
Diana, Ronkonkoma
From left to right: Diana’s friend. her son and Diana.
Diana was with her two children, and was joined by her best friend, and her son. She said that they “were having a phenomenal day” at Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park, as they took photos near the water. “My son has autism and loves being at the lake. It makes him very happy,” said Diana’s friend.
Emily Augulis, Bohemia
Emily Augulis and her mom, Milynn.
Emily shared that she spent her Saturday in Sag Harbor, with her mother, Milynn. Together, they perused the shops, chatted and admired some of the luxury boats docked in Sag Harbor Bay. “It was a really beautiful way to spend Labor Day Weekend, and [Sag Harbor] is such a nice town,” Emily said.
Maddie Pittigher, San Diego
Maddie with her snorkel.
Maddie spent this Labor Day in San Diego, as she prepares to start her computational biology, doctoral program, in the coming weeks. But, her family provided us with a few thoughts her daughter relayed, about spending her first holiday across the coast. She snorkeled and took in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.“I had such a beautiful time at the beach. It was a great day to just relax, take time for myself and think about the sacrifices of those who work every day.” Maddie said that if she were back home on the Island, “she would be eating burgers and hot dogs” in her family’s backyard.
Port Jefferson Village Hall. File photo by Heidi Sutton
By Peter Sloniewsky
The Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees met on Aug. 28 to hear testimony from the public and vote on a number of resolutions.
At the beginning of the meeting, the trustees heard the accounts of a number of people involved in the Citizens Commission on Erosion. Those present reported that they had voted, 9-2, in support of a Coastal Technologies pilot program. This program would contribute to reforestation along the East Beach Bluff at a cost of $27,560, as well as begin permanent infrastructure construction with the installation of 580 cliff-stabilizer devices.
Photo captured from the BOT meeting’s livestream. Courtesy Inc. Village of Port Jefferson YouTube page
Both Mayor Lauren Sheprow and trustee Kyle Hill spoke against rushing into the agreement before there was a unanimous vote to table. Sheprow said, “We can’t approve this without understanding what the cost of installation will be,” and also stated that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was in the process of revising the village’s permit for work along the bluffs. Hill had other concerns. “It would be helpful to know … what is the metric for success in the pilot program?” he asked. He did display confidence that he “can get to yes,” but wanted more specifics on the project as a prerequisite.
The chairperson of the Citizens Commission spoke against the resolution at the beginning of the meeting for two reasons: First, he felt it required an all-village referendum and, second, the village should wait for an update from the Federal Emergency Management Agency due to the “change of scope in work on existing plans.” Another meeting member was concerned about the perceived vagueness of the proposal, asking, “Is this going to be reviewed by perhaps someone with contracting experience and clean it up?” and describing it as “extraordinarily loose and vague.”
Not all of those present agreed. Another member of the commission described the gradual destruction of the bluff as a “domino effect,” and that, while this pilot program wouldn’t be the “overall solution,” he thought “the majority felt that it was worth a trial.” He dissented from the chairperson’s idea of a referendum because he thought previous actions taken by the trustees had been successful — specifically, he referenced the upland wall built under Mayor Margot Garant’s tenure, and because time was an important factor.
In addition to the unanimous tabling of the Long Island-based Coastal Technologies proposal, the Board of Trustees approved some other initiatives: clearing streets for the Sept. 27 homecoming parade and for the Oktober Harvest Festival, as well as accepting appointments to and resignations from various village boards. The board also enacted some proposals to support village landscaping and content creation, briefly discussed the future of the power plant as a renewable energy plant, and rejected proposals for sidewalk repair and concession operations.
The Board of Trustees will meet for a work session on Sept. 11 before a formal public meeting on Sept. 25.
The Three Village Civic Association is hosting a community forum on Monday, September 9 at 7:30 pm at the Setauket Firehouse, 190 Main Street, Setauket to discuss future plans for Setauket Harbor Park.
The current small park in downtown Setauket, which is easily recognizable with its Kiwanis metal bridge spanning the pond, is about to expand with the Town’s recent acquisition of the East Setauket Automotive property.The Town and the Three Village community now have a unique opportunity to create a park that helps to define and revitalize our downtown area.
There will be several speakers at Monday night’s meeting to discuss the park’s redevelopment. Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright, who as the former New York State Assemblyman provided funding to expand and improve the park, will be on hand to share his thoughts on the parkland.
And Joseph Betz, a local architect, professor and former chair of the Department of Architecture & Construction Management at Farmingdale State College, SUNY, will discuss conceptual design solutions to foster a sense of place and community at this site. Professor Betz will also examine the existing architectural and historical characteristics of the Setauket community, as well as other public spaces in the Three Village area, to help foster an understanding of a successful plan for the park’s redevelopment.
Town of Brookhaven Councilmmember Jonathan Kornreich will be in attendance to explain the importance of the park to the future of the Three Village community and his role in creating a new public space for all residents.
The meeting is open to the public and attendance is encouraged to help the civic association and local elected officials to develop plans for the new, expanded harborside park.
From left to right: Lt. Michael O’Connell, Michael Barasch, John Feal and Lee London. Photo courtesy Michelle Loeb
By Toni-Elena Gallo
A lawyer and former construction worker have banded together to ensure all Sept. 11 victims receive their fair share.
Michael Barasch and John Feal have worked both together and separately for years on behalf of those who suffered health complications as a result of being at or near Ground Zero during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Michael Barasch standing in front of a firefighter’s uniform, in Washington D.C. Courtesy Michelle Loeb
Barasch’s law firm — Barasch & McGarry, located half a mile from the site of the attacks — was instrumental in getting the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 passed. This act was named after former NYPD Detective James Zadroga who died from pulmonary fibrosis caused by inhaling toxins at Ground Zero. This act greatly expanded the number of people in the 9/11 community who could access health benefits.
“Less than 10% of civilians are in [the World Trade Center Health Program] and the reason that we hear most often, when I ask someone with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, why they have not enrolled yet, is that ‘I didn’t know it was for nonresponders,’” Feal said.
“People think it’s just the firefighters and cops who were able to get medical assistance. And, if they did know that they were eligible, they didn’t want to take away ‘from those firefighters and cops, because I was only a teacher at Stuyvesant High School,’ or ‘I was only an office worker at Goldman Sachs.’ They don’t realize that they are entitled to this free health care,” he continued.
The 2015 reauthorization of the act added $4.6 billion to the Victim Compensation Fund, which was originally only in place from its 2001 inception to 2004.
John Feal at Ground Zero, in 2001. Courtesy Michelle Loeb
The fund is available to compensate all eligible 9/11 victims for illness, injury or death and anyone else who was in the exposure zone between Sept. 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.
“They’re entitled to hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation because the government assured us the air was safe to breathe down there, and it wasn’t,” Feal explained.
As for Feal’s individual story, he was a demolition supervisor who developed gangrene and sepsis after an 8,000-pound steel beam crushed his foot during cleanup on Sept. 17, 2001. As a result of his and his friends’ experiences, he established the FealGood Foundation. He played a key role in lobbying Congress to permanently extend and fully fund the Victim Compensation Fund. Their efforts culminated in the passage of the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Compensation Fund Act, in 2019. This law guarantees funding for all eligible VCF claims, through 2090.
And these men are not done fighting yet.
New legislation sought
A bill entitled the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024, sponsored by a bipartisan group of legislators — including Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Congressmen Andrew Garbarino (R-NY2) and Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY4) — is seeking to introduce key changes to the WTC Health Program.
A map which represents areas of Manhattan, where people can see zones in which compensation/health benefits is attainable. Courtesy Michelle Loeb
A few of these improvements include adjusting the amount of funding, according to inflation, by about 5% each; having funding reflect changes in the number of individuals enrolled in the program; giving those afflicted moved-up medical appointments; and reallocating unused funds to support ongoing health services, such as Medicare.
The men are also eager to expand the types of mental health professionals authorized to certify mental health conditions for 9/11 responders and survivors.
“Cancer’s the sexy word in the 9/11 community,” Feal said. “But, PTSD should be on everybody’s autopsy and death certificate. In 2005, the Surgeon General said post-traumatic stress disorder is a physical injury. PTSD does not allow you — your immune system — to fight cancers. It’s physical and mental stress on the body. And, we don’t talk about PTSD enough, because cops and firefighters, and all of these macho tattoo, bearded construction workers, don’t like to discuss it, but it’s not a stigma.”
Feal and Barasch have achieved a number of legislative wins and express that they don’t intend to start losing now.
“Now, while we do have enough money until 2027, we don’t want to wait until 2027. We are going to get this bill passed this year. Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, the other advocates — the congressmen from Long Island — I don’t discriminate whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican. I’m 19 for 19 on getting legislation passed, and I’m not about to fail,” Feal explained.
“Tens of thousands of people rely on our help, and the number of people with various types of cancers and illnesses rises by the year,” he added.
Both Feal and Barasch told how the funding they are pursuing will allow more illnesses to be recognized by the health program, as well as help with medical research into the conditions.
According to Barasch, “We lose two clients every day at my firm — all from 9/11 cancers. And, it is so heartbreaking. I’m so frustrated that more people aren’t taking advantage of these two programs, because we take this so personally, and not just because we made all these trips to Washington. Two of my paralegals died of 9/11 illnesses. Four others in my office, including me, are cancer survivors.” (Barasch has been diagnosed with prostate and skin cancer.)
On Sept. 14, Feal will be holding a memorial ceremony at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park in Nesconset, while Barasch will be speaking at a candlelight vigil in New Jersey located at Liberty State Park, Jersey City.
Rebecca Leone, of St. James, a Regional Director of Administrative Services, at The Bristal Assisted Living has been recognized by WTWH Healthcare as a Future Leaders Class of 2024 honoree.
The Future Leaders awards program recognizes dynamic leaders, age 40 and under, who are defining the future of aging across the behavioral health, complex rehab technology, at-home care, home medical equipment, hospice and palliative care, senior housing, and skilled nursing industries.
Leone received her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State and her MBA in Healthcare Administration and Management from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She began her tenure at The Bristal at Babylon as the Business Office Manager before ascending to her current position as Regional Director of Administrative Services in 2022.
“The Future Leaders Class of 2024 is committed to bettering the lives of those they care for,” stated Tim Mullaney, VP of WTWH Healthcare. “Rebecca and her fellow honorees are making an impact across their respective industries with the goals of improving resident experience, supporting caregivers, and boosting overall health outcomes.”
The Jazz Loft Founder Tom Manuel and Hofstra intern Rachael Hajec stand in front of the
new Ella Fitzgerald exhibit. Courtesy The Jazz Loft
Rachael Hajec, a Hofstra University journalism student, just completed a summer internship at Stony Brook’s famed Jazz Loft. There, she delved into marketing, media relations and all things journalism.
During her internship, Hajec worked on a range of projects, including creating documentaries for The Loft’s social media and website, managing event promotions and producing video and audio packages for the John Monteleone: Art of the Guitar Festival, as well as the Loft School of Jazz Summer Camp. She, also, developed graphics for event promotion, conducted interviews and maintained connections with local businesses and officials for future collaborations.
“There are students who are hard workers and dedicated professionals, and then there are those who embody the intangible,” said The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “Rachel has that intangible quality. It was a joy to work with her, and I’m confident she’s destined for great things.”
Hajec hails from Spartansburg, Pennsylvania, and has been residing in Hempstead for the past four years. She is set to be a senior at Hofstra, this fall, where she has been serving as the Program Director of Music at award-winning radio station 88.7FM WRHU, as a passionate student of The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
“Working at The Jazz Loft was one of the most beneficial experiences of my early journalism career,” Hajec said.
Hajec worked under the supervision of The Jazz Loft’s media director Carole Trottere — a woman who served as a mentor to the aspiring journalist.
“Rachael is one of the most creative and enthusiastic interns I’ve ever worked with,” Trottere said. “She brought such energy to her role, and offered many new ideas for marketing our events.”
The Jazz Loft offers internships in public relations, marketing, archival research and stage production. Interested candidates can view opportunities on Handshake.com.
“When I saw the Jazz Loft’s internship listing, I knew I had to apply,” Hajec said.
“The work was rewarding, and the relationships I built…made it even more special. I highly recommend The Jazz Loft to anyone who loves jazz and values a sense of community, and I hope other eager journalists will enjoy their time there as much as I did.”
'Council Creek Park, Portland Oregon' by Jessica Reba
'I'm in the Clouds' by Robert Tuska
'Pond at the Stony Brook campus' by Myungja Anna Koh
Up next at the Mills Pond Gallery in St. James is the juried exhibit, Our Relationship to the Land — seeing the natural world through artistic inspiration. The show, presented by the Smithtown Township Arts Council, opens on Sept. 7 and runs through Oct. 11. Guest curator Steven Baroumis selected 84 works for the exhibition.
“We know that art has the potential to shape our world — art can be creditedwith creating social movements and even making revolutionary changes in society. In this exhibit the artwork gives a voice to those who created it to speak about the Land and their connection to it. We present this exhibition as an invitation to the public to connect with and appreciate the beauty of the land, recognize its fragility and work to protect it,” said Allison Cruz, executive director of the Smithtown Township Arts Council and Mills Pond Gallery.
Exhibiting artists include Avrel Menkes, Barry Feuerstein, Bernice Corbin, Bob Stone, Cliff Miller, Daniel van Benthuysen, Diane Maniscalco, Diane Motroni, Dominique Treboux, Elizabeth Courtney, Felicia Montfort, Frederic Mendelsohn, George Junker, Gerry Hirschstein, Gisela Skoglund, Hillary Serota Needle, James Kelson, Jan Guarino, Jennifer DeMory, Jessica Rybak, Joan Branca, Joan Rockwell, Joan Schwartzman, John Mansueto, John Morris, John Taylor, Joseph Weinreb, Joyce Bressler, Judy Pagano, Judy Stone, Karin Dutra, Kathee Shaff Kelson, Linda Hartman, Lyla Petroske, Lynn Kinsella, Lynn Staiano, Madeline Stare, Margaret Governale, Marianne Andresen-Magin, Mark Levine, Marsha Abrams, Mary Kiernan, Mary Waka, Mary Ann Vetter, Merle McGarrett, Michelle Kramer, Mike Stanko, Monica Rich, Myungja Anna Koh, Pat Forie, Patty Yantz, Paul Edelson, Renee Caine, Rhoda Angelier, Rita Broughton, Robert Roehrig, Robert Tuska, Robert Wallkam, Ron Becker, Sally Anne Keller, Samantha Kenny, Scott Hartman, Shain Bard, Susan Guihan Guasp, Syd Glasser, Terence McManus, Theresa Graff, Tyler Hughes, Valerie Farrugia, Victoria Beckert, Vivian Gattuso and Vivien Pollack.
The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. to meet the exhibiting artists and view their work.
Mills Pond Gallery is located at 660 Route 25A in St. James. Regular gallery hours are Wednesdays to Fridays from 10 am. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.Admission to the gallery is always free. For more information or directions, call 631-862-6575 or visitmillspondgallery.org.
The JTM Foundation works to foster relationships with those individuals and organizations who have a like-minded vision and the desire to support exceptional health care at Mather Hospital for the benefit of our community. Every donation to the JTM Foundation solely benefits Mather Hospital, its programs, services and growth initiatives. Currently the Foundation is focused on philanthropic support for a new Emergency Department, expanded surgery center and other hospital renovations.
Mr. Bove’s company is a New York-based, heavy and civil contracting firm founded in 1985. He is the son of Loretta and the late Vincent Bove, who served as Mayor of Belle Terre for more than 25 years, as a member of the Mather Hospital Board beginning in 1975, and finally as Chairman of the Board when he was elected in 1995.
Mr. Bove, along with his sister, Ginny, carries on his family’s Port Jefferson legacy through his service to our hospital community. Devoted to Mather’s annual Golf Classic, Mr. Bove has been central to raising more than $3 million in support of nursing programs during his 14-year tenure as Golf Classic Chair. He was honored for his work with the Founder’s Award at the 2018 Golf Classic.
Mr. Brett established his company, one of the United States’ largest and most prestigious siding, windows, and roofing contractors, in 1992 with only $150 and grew it into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. He remains grounded in his roots and Port Jefferson, the place where he was born and raised, continues to be his cherished home.
With his wife Natalie and three children, he finds joy in giving back to the community that has shaped him. He generously donates his time, talent, and resources to improve the lives of others. Mr. Brett has served on the Mather Golf Committee for seven years and has supported the hospital’s special events. His many charitable contributions through his King Quality Cares include supplying Thanksgiving meals to the Lighthouse Mission and donating roofs for Habitat for Humanity and Hope House Ministries. He also supports L.I. Against Domestic Violence and John’s Crazy Socks.
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