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Scully competing at a state meet. Photo courtesy of Despina Scully

By Daniel Dunaief

Fresh off setting a county record in the shot put in the winter, Miller Place High School track star Jillian Scully has her sights set on setting a new state record in shot put and another track and field event this spring.

A high school senior, Scully is determined to etch her name into the record books in the discus as well.

Jillian Scully, center, at the 2025 State Championships

“I’m 100 percent confident I’m going to crush” the record in the discus, said Scully, who has suggested that the 2.2 pound discus has been flying out of her hand.

The current state record is 172 feet, while her personal best, which she threw last year, is 159 feet 8 inches.

“She has got enormous potential, which is why so many world class athletes are chasing her,” said Bill Hiney, the Assistant Track and Field Coach during the winter and spring seasons for Southold High School and Scully’s personal coach. Scully took a standing throw that traveled over 120 feet. Scully has also thrown the discus 150 feet against the wind and without warming up properly, Hiney said.

College coaches at several programs reached out to Scully to recruit her to their schools, hoping she could bring her athletic talents to their programs.

“We told her it was her decision” about which college to attend, said Jillian’s father James Scully, who owns and runs the construction company JFS Contracting. His daughter responded that she’d ask them if she needed their help.

As it turned out, she made the decision on her own, selecting Louisiana State University.

“I walked on campus and I said, ‘This is for me,’” said the six-foot, one-inch athlete. She should be able to throw discus and shot put outside year round. Scully would also like to explore competing in the weight throw and the javelin.

“When I go to LSU, I want to try it all,” said Scully.

Scully’s father believes the weather will work to her advantage in Louisiana.

“She practices in the rain and will be out throwing when it’s windy and cold,” he said.

Scully is intrigued by the range of foods available in the Pelican state.

During one of her visits, she enjoyed fried alligator with rices.

“It tastes like chicken,” she laughed.

Academic interests

Scully doesn’t just want to finish strong athletically: she also would like to have a successful final showing academically.

“I want to make sure I hit honor role for the third and fourth quarter,” she said. 

As for her academic interests in college, she plans to study engineering and, in particular, is interested in biomedical engineering.

Scully could see herself as a Paralympic track coach one day.

She recalled watching a video of a world championship event in which a Paralympic athlete was preparing to compete. The athlete struggled with a prosthesis that was causing a problem.

“Not a single person there could help him,” Scully said. “He missed out on competing.”

She recalled telling herself that she’d like to be there to help, particularly after knowing how hard every athlete trains.

“I couldn’t imagine how that felt for him,” Scully said.

California dreaming

As for her own athletic performance, Scully would like to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in the discus.

Hiney recognizes that athletes with Scully’s build and determination don’t come along too often.

“You don’t regularly get to train” athletes who have Scully’s strength and frame, he said.

“Ambition is not in short supply,” Scully’s father James added. “She’s motivated and she loves setting goals for herself.”

Scully believes his daughter can accomplish anything she decides to try.

He and his wife Despina “Debbie” Scully have gone to their daughter’s competitions during her high school years and are looking forward to traveling to some of the competitions in Louisiana as well.

As for their expectations, Scully believes they align with their daughter’s.

When she reaches her goals, he said, “Is it surprising? Yes. Is it exciting? Yes. Are we shocked by the fact that she broke a record? No.”

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The Amusement & Music Owners Association of New York, Inc. has chosen Scott Avery to be the “Guest of Honor/Man of the Year” at its Annual Gala on Monday, April 28 at 101 Park Avenue.  Avery, 45, is the president and chief operating officer of Apple Industries, Inc of Greenvale, New York.  He began with Apple Industries in 2011 as a director of operations.  He was promoted to president in 2021.

Prior to joining Apple, Avery held key operational management roles at the United States Central Intelligence Agency and Raytheon. He holds an MBA from Northeastern University and a BS from the University of Maryland where he majored in supply chain management and marketing.

According to Apple Industries Chairman/CEO Allen Weisberg: “Scott’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding Apple to unprecedented heights.  Under his stewardship, the company has continued to innovate and expand its product line which features FacePlace Photo Booths and related products.  He has helped to solidify Apple Industries’ position as a global leader in the amusement industry.  His strategic vision, coupled with a focus on culture and sustainable growth, has positioned Apple as a company that not only delivers cutting-edge, profitable products to operators but also delivers memorable experiences to millions of consumers each year.”

AMOA-NY President Ken Goldberg describes how recognizing Scott Avery at the 2025 Gala occasion will translate into making this event the most successful one so far.  “Throughout his tenure, Scott has cultivated enduring relationships with the most influential brands in entertainment, retail and technology industries including Disney, Major League Baseball, Regal Cinemas and, most recently, Hasbro.  He consistently provides inventive business solutions and enhances business capabilities by expanding Apple’s reach into new markets.” 

Scott Avery resides in Smithtown, New York, with his wife, Vanessa and their two children.  He is a past board member of American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation and a past member of the fundraising committee for Sunrise Day Camps.   Walt Disney Parks & Resorts presented him with a Merit Award for 2022.

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A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
A scene from last year's Northwell Health Walk in Port Jefferson. Photo from Mather Hospital
Annual event benefits the Fortunato Breast Health Center

Join Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson on Sunday, May 18 for the annual Northwell Walk to Raise Health to support the Fortunato Breast Health Center.

Presented by Four Leaf Federal Credit Union, the Walk brings together family, friends and team members for a five-mile walk through the scenic villages of Port Jefferson and Belle Terre. The day includes music, raffles, photo props, a walker warm up session, and the return of the popular Pink Your Pooch contest for the best “pinked” pup! Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. and the Walk steps off at 10 a.m.

Sponsored by New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, King Quality Roofing and Siding, Riverhead Toyota, and CSDNET the Northwell Walk to Raise Health at Port Jefferson raises awareness of the need for regular breast cancer screenings starting at age 40. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers according to the American Cancer Society It accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%, or a 1 in 8 chance. 

The event will be held simultaneously with other walks in Riverhead, Jones Beach, Staten Island and Westchester County. Last year’s Northwell Health Walk was attended by more than 6,000 people who came together across five Northwell Health Walk locations to raise more than $1.14 million for local hospital programs and services.

According to Northwell’s website, the Walk began 15 years ago as the “Every Woman Matters Walk,” inspired by the vision of philanthropists Iris and Saul Katz. Since its inception, the Northwell Health Walk has raised more than $8 million and supports Northwell’s Outpacing the Impossible campaign, a comprehensive $1.4 billion fundraising effort that supports Northwell’s promise to the people it serves. 

The campaign’s objectives include improving hospitals and clinical programs, accelerating research and funding endowment.

On May 18, walk for a family member or friend fighting breast cancer, a breast cancer survivor, or in memory of someone whose life was cut short by this disease. Form a team with family, friends, or co-workers, join a team or walk as an individual, or sponsor a team or walker. Help raise funds for the Walk and collect Walk Fundraising Rewards. Participants can begin earning rewards by raising just $100! All rewards will be waiting for you at the Walk. To register, visit www.northwellhealthwalk.com.

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Clare Beatty. Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

Clare Beatty, a PhD student and National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow in Clinical Psychology at Stony Brook University, is one of 100 doctoral students in the U.S. and Canada selected to receive a prestigious $25,000 P.E.O. Scholar Award from the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood. She was sponsored by Chapter N of New Canaan, CT.

The P.E.O. Scholar Awards were established in 1991 to provide substantial merit-based awards for women of the United States and Canada who are pursuing a doctoral-level degree at an accredited college or university. Scholar Awards recipients are a select group of women chosen for their high level of academic achievement and their potential for having a positive impact on society.

Beatty grew up in Darien, CT and is a 2018 graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, graduating summa cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. As an undergraduate, she received multiple academic excellence awards and merit-based scholarships.

Beatty’s doctoral research examines why some people are more vulnerable to anxiety and depression than others, particularly in response to uncertainty. “Uncertainty is an inevitable part of life—from small things like the weather to major events like a global pandemic,” Beatty explained. “My research investigates how our brains respond when facing unpredictable situations.”

Using advanced neuroscience techniques, she studies how different patterns of brain activity might help identify adolescents at higher risk for developing mental health challenges. This work aims to improve early intervention and personalized treatment approaches for young people.

Beyond her research, Beatty serves as a consultant for several digital mental health companies that aim to improve access to evidence-based therapy and treatment. She works as a therapist for individuals across the lifespan and is also dedicated to teaching and mentoring aspiring psychology students. Beatty plans to graduate in May 2026 and will complete her final year of clinical training at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York.

Beatty has been an author on over 20 published articles in prestigious scientific journals. Her accomplishments have been recognized by the Society of Clinical Psychology (American Psychological Association, Division 12) and the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (APA, Division 53), among several other honors.

 

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From left, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Manager Barry Fisch, actress Taylor Red Fox, Director Maria Capp, actor Chris Road, actress Veronica Kelly, LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo and actor Seth Gilliam at the event. Photo courtesy of LIMEHOF
Actor Chris Roach speaks at the event.
Actress Taylor Red Fox speaks at the event. Photo courtesy of LIMEHOF
Staff and crew of 'The Lady of the Lake' take questions from the audience after the screening. Photo courtesy of LIMEHOF
‘The Lady of the Lake’ stars Seth Gilliam, Chris Roach, Taylor Red Fox, and Veronica Kelly come out to show support. 

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) honored director Maria Capp (originally from Ronkonkoma), and screened her latest film, The Lady of The Lake: The Legend of Lake Ronkonkoma, on Saturday, April 19 at the museum, located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook. This event was the lead-off film of LIMEHOF’s recently announced Monthly Local Filmmakers Series, which turns the spotlight on Long Island-based directors and their films. 

Capp flew out from Los Angeles to participate in the event and was joined on stage by some of the film’s stars, including Seth Gilliam, Chris Roach, Taylor Red Fox, and Veronica Kelly for a Q&A after the screening. They all spoke about being part of the film. 

“I think it’s wonderful, and I’m really grateful to everybody who has opened their arms and provided this opportunity to be the first film in the film series,” said Capp. “It’s really important what’s being done—and that is to keep arts in the community and bring local artists to the forefront. It’s been really quite an enjoyable experience and a pleasure working with everybody here.”  

Seth Gilliam, perhaps best known for his roles in The Walking Dead and The Wire, plays Adam Schultz, the main character’s father, in Lady of the Lake. He says it was great to screen and watch it with a local Long Island audience.   

“The crowd was really attentive and seemed to really dig it, and that makes it all worth the price of admission to me,” Gilliam said. “I wanted to be part of a coming-of-age story, but I’ve long since ‘come of age’—so being the father was the only role that I could actually play. I was drawn to it [the film] because of Maria Capp’s passion for the project and need to tell the story, and I wanted to be a part of it.” 

Chris Roach is a comedian from Ronkonkoma. He says he was aware of the real legend of the lake and wanted to be part of the film when Maria told him about it.

“She sent me the script and I really liked the role,” Roach said. “He’s a guy who adds some comic relief to the movie, which is something I really love doing. Being a proud Long Islander, it’s important to come out and represent whenever you can. This was extra special because I had a little part in it—and I love Maria and her family.” 

 Taylor Red Fox is an actress who has recently appeared in the TV series Manifest, has acted in off-Broadway theater, and is also a member of The Shinnecock Nation. She plays Tahoma in Lady of the Lake. 

“I’m excited that we’re all here as Long Island community members and we can help add to the artists in the area,” Red Fox said. “We were able to portray a side of the story that wasn’t disrespectful or dishonoring the memories of anyone living in the area. It was great working with Maria and Seth and the other actors, and I love that we were able to include actors who are local from the area in ways they may already be involved in the community—like being a comedian.”  

The film series is sponsored by Rick Eberle of Magnetic Vine and G&R Events. LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham organized the event and emceed the Q&A that followed the screening. 

“The LIMEHOF Monthly Local Filmmaker Series is a celebration of the incredible filmmaking talent emerging from our region,” said Needham. “Each month, we showcase the creativity, passion, and dedication of local filmmakers—providing them with a platform to share their work and connect with audiences who appreciate the power of storytelling. This series is an important part of our mission to support the arts and highlight Long Island’s impact on the entertainment industry.”

For over 20 years, Maria has worked in film and with the arts community on Long Island, NY and in Los Angeles, CA in a variety of roles as an award-winning writer, director, producer, and acting coach. In addition to The Lady of the Lake, she has been involved as a producer with many notable movie credits which include narrative features in the storytelling: Reach, DIVOS!, Four Cousins and a Christmas, and the Weekly World News Studios’ The Zombie Wedding.

The Lady of The Lake: The Legend of Lake Ronkonkoma is a Native American folklore thriller distributed by Vision Films Inc. This film was shot on location, in around filmmaker Maria Capp’s childhood hometown Ronkonkoma, and stars Seth Gilliam (The Walking Dead) and Nia Sioux (Dance Moms) as, respectively the father and daughter protagonists. Also featured are Larry Saperstein (High School Musical: The Musical [TV Series]), Emery Kelly (Netflix’s Alexa & Katie), Steven Thomas Capp (Fat Camp), and Julie Dove (Days of our Lives).

The next director to be recognized in the series is Sean King from Huntington on Saturday, May 17 at 1 p.m. Sean will be screening his latest film ScreamWalkers and be accompanied by Glenn McBride Jr. (Actor), Celia Spero (Actor), and Peter Bune Jr. (Producer). LIMEHOF welcomes nominations of local film directors and movies for consideration to feature in the series. For more information, visit the LIMEHOF website at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/

 

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METRO photo

As of April 21, all local gasoline prices are a penny to three cents lower than a week ago, except Long Island which held steady, according to a report from AAA Northeast. The national average fell three cents.

The AAA Fuel Prices website shows today’s New York City average at $3.09 per gallon, a penny less than last week. Connecticut is also down one cent at $3.04. Long Island remains flat at $2.99. New Jersey is down three cents to $2.97.

Prices continue lower on weak demand. Last week, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), Americans consumed just 8.46 million barrels of gasoline per day—a slight uptick of 37,000 barrels a day over the prior week, but still trailing 2024’s pace by roughly 200,000 barrels a day. Next week’s figures, which will include data encompassing the Easter holiday, will be closely watched by market analysts to see if demand breaks out of the spring doldrums.

“As demand has continued to stay soft, refiners have dialed back gasoline production to keep a floor beneath pump prices, which are the lowest for this time of year since 2021,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “Across the country, drivers are spending between 50 and 60 cents less per gallon than this time last year.”

On April 21, Mississippi and Tennessee have the lowest prices in the nation, at $2.68 and $2.70, respectively. California and Hawaii hold the highest prices in the nation this week at $4.84 and $4.50, respectively.

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

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Ward Melville High School. File photo by Greg Catalano

By William Stieglitz

Students and parents spoke out at the April 9 Three Village Central School District BOE meeting, arguing for the programs and staff they did not want to see cut. The board had previously announced that in order to balance the proposed budget with later start times for high school students, it would need to remove 14 elementary teachers as well as the fourth-grade Intellectually Gifted (IG) program.

Students who once participated in the IG program, as well as parents of such students, voiced their support for it, saying it provided them with an academic challenge and motivation they were not able to experience before. “Once I joined the IG program, I was toward the bottom of the pack, so it was wonderful to finally get that experience,” said Althea Grubbs Albrecht, who joined as a sixth grader in the program’s last year. “It really prepared me for academic struggles in junior high and now in high school.”

“The teachers I had there, they encouraged my love for reading, they encouraged my ability to think about and consider different ideas,” said new valedictorian Oliver Wu. “Eliminating the IG program without putting anything else in its place, without initiating a new program to give enrichment to students who would benefit from it, is very harmful.” He, along with others, expressed concern that the IG program could be phased out, though  Superintendent Kevin Scanlon said this would not happen.

Simultaneously, many parents stressed the importance of later high school start time levels for students’ health. “We all want our children to be academically excelled, but they need health first,” said Jade Zheng, a mother of two kids in the district. “If I have to make a choice, health first.” Others stressed the long timeline of the effort to make the change, citing a petition from 2019 that garnered 1,700 votes.

The proposed cuts to elementary teachers were a concern too, not just for the sake of the teachers, but for the elementary students who would then be forced into larger-sized classes. Oliver Wu said he has been “one of the biggest supporters of start time changes,” but if the board “had to choose between cuts to dozens of staffs and educational programs or the start time, I would support delaying the start time.”

Board members responded that all three concerns were priorities to them, and they did not want students and parents to have to argue for one program over another. “We’re at a point this year, unfortunately,” said Vice President Karen Roughley, “where we need to put the education of our elementary students against start times for the older students and I don’t think that’s a good place to be.” Trustee Stanley Bak also expressed concern that the board could have better communicated the planned cuts beforehand so they came as less of a surprise. “Programs cost money,” he said. “Communication does not.”

The board debated withdrawing from their emergency reserves, a possibility touched on by parents, but according to Scanlon, spending those funds would only cover costs to next year, and would put them at risk in case of an unexpected emergency. “When COVID-19 hit, we spent $7.3 million out of our reserves,” said Scanlon. “If another COVID-like event occurred… we will not be able to do [what we did] in 2020.”

The board also discussed removing start time changes for this year, as it would save over $1 million to fund other programs. With how long parents had been pushing for the change, some members, such as Bak, were hesitant to delay this another year. Referring to the 2019 petition, he said “Here we are in 2025, and I think about those parents… Is 2025 different?” However, others like board President Susan Rosenzweig, felt elementary classes were the higher priority. In a 4-3 vote, the measure passed.

Afterward, the board voted 6-1 to adopt the proposed budget at just over $238 million. This would be an increase of approximately $2 million from last year and mean a $336 increase in tax per household. The proposed budget offers a line-item budget for how the funds would be distributed, though these can still be changed over the next month. The next budget meeting is set for April 30, with the budget hearing on May 13 to discuss final details and the vote on May 20.

“This has been an impossible budget cycle,” said Rosenzweig before the end of the meeting. “It is not pretty, it is not perfect, people will lose, everybody’s going to lose a little bit, but it is the best that we can do.”

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An aerial view of the Village of Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson School District

By Daniel Dunaief

Benjamin Batter, a 10th grader at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, noticed a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con near the side of the road.

Rather than keep going, he took it apart, cleaned it, fixed the battery and got it to work.

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School

His decision reflects the kinds of actions the Port Jefferson school district is taking as it embraces evolving technology in a host of contexts, providing new classes such as Esports as well as clubs, STEAM and drone camps.

US News and World Reports ranked Earl L. Vandermeulen High School as one of the best STEM schools in the nation, encouraging administrators and the Board of Education to continue to invest “energy and financial resources to build in this area,” said Robert Neidig, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in the Port Jefferson school district.

Indeed, Port Jefferson built a computer science center in the high school that opened before the start of the academic year and wanted to capitalize on additional opportunities.

This summer, the middle school and high school are partnering up with Inspirit AI in a two-week artificial intelligence boot camp taught by graduate students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford and others that offers personalized teaching.

“We’re providing the venue while the professors come and teach and work with our students in terms of projects they can create and build under their leadership,” said Neidig. “It’s something I’m very excited about [as the school gets] some of the best and brightest minds to wet their palate.”

Summer projects with Inspirit AI for a middle school and high school class, which will start out with 10 to 12 students each, will deploy coding and AI skills to accomplish different tasks, such as efforts to improve the environment or enhance medical services.

Drone and STEAM camps

All year round, the school district offers STEAM and drone camps.

While rooted in the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math, Port Jefferson schools envision using these technology-driven skills sets in other arenas.

Robert Farenga, center, with two of his students.

“In coding for social studies or science” students apply the same computer science skills in various contexts, Neidig said.

Drones, meanwhile, have provided an outlet for students interested in photography, videography and other applications.

Sixth-grader Jonathan Kogan appreciates the opportunity to work with others in the drone camp. He feels as if the drones expand his horizons.

“I like flying the drones and taking pictures and videos,” said Kogan. When he’s operating something in the air it “feels like you’re flying as well.”

When the school was considering the purchase of new tables in the cafeteria, Batter took overhead photos with a drone. The Board of Education considered those photos when choosing what kinds of new tables to buy.

Drones can help in other contexts. In Rwanda and Madagascar, officials fly medicines by drones to populations that might otherwise be difficult to reach with other transportation.

As for the safety of the drones, Port Jefferson has educated the middle and high school students on altitude limits.

“Education is paramount in all these endeavors,” said Neidig. “Before drones go up, [students] are looking at the rules for flights” which vary depending on the area. “We have the ability to understand what the flight rules are in Port Jefferson.”

Robert Farenga, a high school and middle school teacher who runs the STEAM and drone camps and teaches esports, is planning on collecting student images from the drones in areas of the town and the school and putting up pictures around the school and in his classroom.

Farenga has discussed the use of drones in real estate, entertainment, the party business, and advertising.

“A person who is trained in using drones and knowing how to edit that film or photography can create a lucrative business,” he said.

Esports

Drone photo taken by students attending the Port Jefferson School District’s drone camp. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson School District

In the two sixth-grade Esports classes that started this year, students have had the opportunity to play games and learn about the business.

Farenga, who also runs the STEAM and drone camps, suggested the business is “one of the fastest growing sports industries around.”

Farenga teaches a mixture of high school students grades about programming, announcing of games, management, marketing and other aspects of the business.

In a class they take for academic credit, students learn about job opportunities while they also discuss social and emotional learning through gaming.

Students don’t take formal quizzes or tests, earning grades based on their participation and projects.

Eventually, Farenga would like to add virtual reality goggles, which allow drone fliers to see through the lens as the drone is flying.

He would also like bring in guest lecturers who can share their experiences and background.

Artificial Intelligence

Port Jefferson schools are encouraging teachers to embrace educational opportunities through artificial intelligence.

Screenshot

Eva Grasso, the middle school/ high school library media specialist, is dispersing information to the staff and works with the middle school computer science students and engages them in critical thinking and problem solving activities.

AI is “insanely cool and super provocative in its potential for education in lots of fields,” said Grasso. At the same time, it could “have detrimental effects on society.”

Grasso sends out weekly tips to the middle and high schools that are meant to provide ways to learn more.

She has also worked with sixth graders in a range of subjects from algebra to language.

Even with AI, students are “finding their way back to those core skills that students 100 years ago and 100 years from now will need: can you collaborate, can you work well with others and can you recognize that frustration at not knowing something, which is not just a part of the process, but is an essential part of the process,” Grasso said

As educators, Grasso urges schools to teach students how to use AI responsibly.

In addition to Inspirit AI, Port Jefferson is also planning to offer a high school cybersecurity class this fall.

“We’re moving into this technology and offering these” options as a way to prepare students for the next steps in their lives, Farenga said.

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From left, Charles Napoli, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization; Chuck Lohmann, WMHO Trustee; Gloria Rocchio, WMHO President; Steve Englebright, Suffolk County Legislator; Dr. Richard Rugen, WMHO Chairman; Eric Harris, Vice President, Georgio’s Coffee Roasters; Rich Cummins, Operations Manager, Georgio’s Coffee Roasters; Georgio and Lydia Testani, Founders, Georgio’s Coffee Roasters; Kayla Amendola, Store Manager, Georgio’s Coffee Roasters; Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Town of Brookhaven; Charlie Reich, President, Georgio’s Coffee Roasters; Supervisor Dan Panico, Town of Brookhaven; Susie Kaiserman, Three Village Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) Board Member; Carmine Inserra, TVCC President; Jane Taylor, TVCC Executive Director; and Laura Huang-Ernst, WMHO Trustee. Photo from WMHO
From left, Charles Napoli, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) Trustee; Chuck Lohmann, WMHO Trustee; Michael Utevsky, Mayor, Head of the Harbor; Gloria Rocchio, WMHO President; Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Town of Brookhaven (TOB); Supervisor Dan Panico, TOB; Mark Freeley, Esq., North Shore Injury Lawyer; Dr. Richard Rugen, WMHO Chairman; NYS Assembly Rebecca Kassay; Carmine Inserra, Three Village Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) President; Perry Cassidy, TVCC Board Member; Susie Kaiserman, TVCC Board Member; Steve Englebright, Suffolk County Legislator; and Jane Taylor, TVCC Executive Director. Photo courtesy of WMHO
From left, Laura Huang-Ernst, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) Trustee, Michael Utevsky, Mayor, Head of the Harbor; Gloria Rocchio, WMHO President; NYS Assembly Rebecca Kassay; Supervisor Dan Panico, Town of Brookhaven (TOB); Chuck Lohmann, WMHO Trustee; Dr. Richard Rugen, WMHO Chairman; Charles Napoli, WMHO Trustee; Chris and Krystal Abate, Little Cheese; Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, TOB; Steve Englebright, Suffolk County Legislator; Carmine Inserra, Three Village Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) President; Susie Kaiserman, TVCC Board Member; and Jane Taylor, TVCC Executive Director. Photo from WMHO

It is said that all good things come in threes and the The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s  event on April 11 was no exception as it hosted ribbon cuttings for Stony Brook Village Center establishments Georgio’s Coffee Roasters; North Shore Injury Lawyer Mark Freeley, Esq.; and The Little Cheese Shop.

For over 20 years, Georgio’s Coffee Roasters has been perfecting the art of roasting coffee in Farmingdale. Now they are thrilled to expand their legacy with a new location at 131 Main Street in Stony Brook. Founded by Lydia and Georgio Testani, the coffee shop offers Georgio’s signature roasted coffee beans and freshly ground coffee, available in 21 varieties. Their extensive drink menu features specialty lattes, cappuccinos, and rich hot chocolate, featuring house-made syrups. For those on the go, Georgio’s also serves delicious to-go items, such as bacon, egg, and cheese tacos and challah peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They are open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-841-1700 or visit georgioscoffee.com.

North Shore Injury Lawyer, Mark Freeley, Esq., brings over 30 years of personal injury litigation experience to his new office at 111 Main Street in Stony Brook. A longtime local resident and Senior Partner at a respected law firm in Woodbury, Freeley offers clients in the Three Village area personalized legal services backed by the strength of a full legal team. He is available by appointment in Stony Brook with a flexible schedule. In addition to handling injury cases, Freeley provides free reviews of auto insurance policies to help ensure proper coverage. Known for his daily walks with his rescue dogs and his volunteer work with Last Chance Animal Rescue, he is a familiar face in the community he proudly serves. By appointment only, call 631-495-9435 or visit northshoreinjurylawyer.com.

Little Cheese Shop at 127 Main Street in Stony Brook is run by Chris and Krystal Abate—industry professionals with over 20 years of experience in the food world. The charming boutique cheese shop offers an impressive selection of over 30 international and artisanal cheeses, many of which are rare finds on Long Island. In addition to cheese, the shop is stocked with gourmet pantry staples including jams, spreads, crackers, and mustards, as well as a curated selection of charcuterie. Perfect for entertaining or gifting, they also offer custom cheese platters, grazing tables, and beautifully packaged gift baskets. Cheese lovers can enjoy their full sandwich and grilled cheese menu, featuring over 20 delicious options made fresh to order. To learn more or place an order, call 631-223-0245 or visit littlecheese.shop.

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A scene from last year's Arbor Day tree giveaway event at Brookhaven Town Hall. Photo courtesy TOB

In celebration of Arbor Day, the Town of Brookhaven will hold its annual tree seedling, mulch and compost give away in the South Parking Lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville on Friday, April 25 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Recently recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for the 10th year, the event on April 25 is also part of the Town’s “Greening Brookhaven” initiative.

The tree seedlings available for pick-up are Red Pine; American Hazelnut; Bear Oak; Hybrid Poplar; Wetland Rose; Bristly Locust; Sand Cherry and Prairie Willow.

Free mulch and compost will also be available in bulk — residents must bring shovels and containers to load it into their vehicles. All items will be available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

In addition, residents will be able to pick up their orders of discounted backyard composters and rain barrels at this event. Orders must be placed by April 22 through this secure website brookhaven.compostersale.com.

Residents of Brookhaven Town may pick up free mulch and compost at the following Town facilities:

  • Brookhaven Town Hall, South Parking Lot, One Independence Hill in Farmingville
    Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm and Saturday-Sunday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Percy Raynor Park, Route 347 and Belle Mead Road in South Setauket
    Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Rose Caracappa Center, 739 Route 25A in Mt. Sinai
    Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Brookhaven Landfill, 350 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven Hamlet
    Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 2:45 pm and Saturday from 7:00 am to 12:00 noon
  • Manorville Compost Facility, Papermill Road in Manorville
    Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm (Closed for lunch 11:50 am – 12:30 pm)
  • Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road in Holtsville
    Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Robert E. Reid, Sr. Recreation Center, Rte. 25A and Defense Hill Road in Shoreham
    Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Mastic Complex (Keith Romaine Park), 300 Mastic Beach Road in Shirley
  • Centereach Pool Complex, 286 Hawkins Road in Centereach Park closes at dusk

Free mulch and compost are for residential use only. Contractors interested in purchasing Town of Brookhaven mulch and compost should inquire about discounted rates at the Brookhaven Landfill or the Manorville Compost Facility. For more information, call 631-451-TOWN (8696) or visit the Town website.

 

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