Home Community

Hippity hop to an Easter egg hunt on the North Shore

by Heidi Sutton - March 28, 2024

0 1343

By Heidi Sutton

Looking for Easter Egg Hunts on the North Shore? Here is a list of events for this week so grab your baskets and camera and hippity hop over to these fun springtime celebrations.

Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will hold egg hunts on March 28, 29 and 30 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Children up to 6 years of age can hunt for eggs during 20 minute sessions scheduled throughout the day. $12 per child, $5 helper siblings ages 7 to 12, $7 adults, $6 seniors. Registration is required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

East Northport

Island Christian Church, 400 Elwood Road, East Northport will host a free Easter Egg Hunt on March 30 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Activities will include face painting, crafts, games, bounce houses, photo-ops, and of course, hunting for eggs! You may even see the Easter Bunny! Held rain or shine. Visit islandchristian.com/easter to register. 631-822-3000

East Setauket

— Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt weekend from March 29 to 31 with craft vendors, barnyard animals to see and hold, an egg hunt in the fields, (at your purchased time slot), pictures with the Spring Bunny and more! This is a ticketed event only. Tickets are sold online only for $12.50 per person. As of press time, there were a few openings left on March 31. To register, visit www.bennersfarm.com. 631-689-8172

— Three Village Church, 322 Main St., East Setauket invites children up to 5th grade to an Easter Egg Hunt on March 30 from 10 a.m. to noon. No tickets needed. The egg hunt will be at regularly scheduled intervals, with new eggs each time and a safe space for the littlest crawlers/walkers. Free. 631-941-3670

Farmingdale

Children ages 5 and older are invited to join Adventureland, 2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale for an Egg Scramble on March 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can collect spring surprises and giveaways and visit with the Easter Bunny and Adventureland’s mascot. Tickets in advance online are $39.50 for adults; $49.50 ages 2-24 includes all rides. Rain date April 6. Visit adventureland.us to register. 631-694-6868

Huntington

Children ages 1 to 8 can enjoy a spring celebration and egg hunt at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road Huntington on March 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Activities including a petting zoo, arts and crafts, a meet and greet with Mr. Bunny and a special concert with puppetry by Janice Buckner & The New Country Road Show. $16 per child. Register at www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs.

Kings Park

San Remo Civic Association will host a free Easter Egg Hunt with Peter Rabbit at Waterfront Park, Riviera Drive, Kings Park on March 30 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Rain date is March 31 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. www.sanremocivic.com

Melville

Take part in an Easter Egg Hunt at White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melville on March 28 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit with the Easter Bunny (take your own pictures) visit the bunny holding station, see a magic show and much more. Admission is $29.95. 631-351-9373

Northport

Northport Chamber of Commerce with the Northport Centerport Lions Club will host a traditional Easter Egg Hunt at Northport Village Park on March 31 at 1 p.m. Free. 631-754-3905

Port Jefferson

Children ages 2 to 8 are invited to join the Greater Chamber of Commerce for an Easter Egg Hunt following the annual Easter Parade at noon. Line up in front of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson at 12:15 p.m. after the parade. Photo ops with the Easter Bunny will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Free. 631-473-1414

Setauket

Caroline Episcopal Church, 1 Dyke Rd., Setauket hosts a community Easter Egg Hunt on March 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy games, egg hunt prizes, snacks, a live magic show, face painting, an Easter hat contest & parade, and a special long-eared guest. Free. To register, visit carolinechurch.net/egghunt2024. 631-941-4245

TVHS celebrates 60th anniversary with relaunch of Historic House Marker program

by TBR Staff - March 28, 2024

0 882

capt rhodes — Captain Edward R. Rhodes installs the first Three Village Historical Society historic house marker in 1964. Photo courtesy of TVHS

By Kimberly Phyfe

As you travel throughout the Three Village area, you might notice houses quietly boasting white signs with blue writing on them. These markers are adorned with Setauket-built sloop The Daisy and perhaps the names of original home owners. They are an indication that something special is happening here, and it’s about to get even better!

Sixty years ago, one of the first projects the Three Village Historical Society (TVHS) took on was marking the homes of ship captains and ship builders in the Three Village area. To commemorate their 60th anniversary, they are embarking on a new leg of that journey with the re-imagined Historic House Marker program — and everyone is invited!

A historical marker was presented for the Nehemiah Hand House on Bayview Avenue in East Setauket. Photo from TVHS

“In honoring six decades of dedication, reflection, and growth, we commence an initiative close to our hearts: ’60 for 60.’ This updated version serves as a revival of our esteemed Historical House Markers program, a pioneering endeavor initiated by Captain Rhodes, a founding member of our Society,” says TVHS Director Mari Irizarry. “The Historical House Markers program pays tribute to the cherished residences, remarkable individuals, and pivotal events that have shaped the very fabric of our community over centuries. Each marker unveiled becomes a beacon of remembrance, a testament to the resilience and spirit of those who came before us.”

This is not only the first project undertaken by the Three Village Historical Society back in 1964, but it reflects what the Society considers one of its most important ideas, that “it regards the entire Three Village area as its museum; the homes, the people and the natural environment as its collection; and the homeowners as its curators.” (Three Village Guidebook, 1986)

Scott Ferrara, Exhibits & Collections Coordinator at TVHS, is leading the committee on the revamping of the Historic House Marker program. He noted that “if you drive around the Three Village area, you see a lot of historic homes. However, only some are marked with the iconic white historic house marker, but even those are sun-faded, have cracked paint, and are well worn. They need to be updated and replaced. It’s about time this program is revived. This committee has been formed to bring back this program and offer updated information and materials to the stewards of historical homes in the area.”

Ferrara says that the program will also include research packets about each of the homes, digital and printed copies of the findings, and photographs, deeds, or documents pertaining to the property found in the TVHS archives. The Society is also happy to teach willing home owners how to do research on their own, and what resources are available to them to find out more about the historic houses they live in.

Why empower home owners to do their own digging? TVHS Historian Beverly C. Tyler believes “many homeowners in the Three Village community are ready to embrace the idea that they are — together with many others — the curators of their homes, and that they wish to understand everything that gives their home its special significance.”

TVHS Education Coordinator Lindsey Steward-Goldberg “hopes this new version of the program will continue to inspire owners of historic houses to learn more about not only the history of their house but also how that history of the house fits into the historic narrative of Three Village as a whole.”

A house marker presented for 40 Main Street in Stony Brook in 1997. Photo from TVHS

Perhaps best known as the birthplace of the Culper Spy Ring and the heart of the Washington Spy Trail, the Three Villages are a popular destination both for tourists and local Long Islanders looking to connect to their roots. Margo Arceri of Tri-Spy Tours uses the homes with historic markers as a reference point on her walking, biking, and kayak tours throughout the area. Arceri loves the fact that “since our town was founded in 1655, there was at last count over 75 pre-Revolutionary homes still in existence in the Three Village area. That’s an incredibly special part of our story that not many other places can say. Our community is full of homes belonging to spies, ship builders, philanthropists, educators, and business owners — those are the true artifacts of our living museum!”

So why is the Society bringing back the Historic House Marker program now? Tyler is determined that “while celebrating the Society’s 60th anniversary, there is no better time to work within the community to emphasize the importance of maintaining and celebrating the homes in the Three Village area which make a significant contribution to the quality of life here.”

There are a few simple qualifications such as: the house must be at least 60 years old and be connected to an historic event or an individual, or have architectural significance. Starting April 1, home owners can see if their houses are eligible with a quick screening on the Society’s website: www.tvhs.org

Irizarry hopes to get at least 60 historic homes to qualify for the markers this year. “As we embark on this journey of reflection and celebration, we invite our community to join us in commemorating this significant milestone. Together, let us honor our past, celebrate our present, and pave the way for a future rich in history and heritage.”

Author Kimberly Phyfe is the Communications Engagement Manager at the Three Village Historical Society.

Middle Country boys lax takes a fall in league season opener

by Bill Landon - March 28, 2024

0 731

1 of 16

By Bill Landon

After narrowly winning their first two nonleague season openers against Mattituck 6-5 and Rocky Point 5-4, Middle Country opened their league season opener at home against Half Hollow Hills Tuesday, March 26, looking to make it three in a row. Hills served notice early on this would be no walk in the park peppering the scoreboard with four unanswered goals by the halftime break.

It was Tyler Diaz’s third-quarter score that breathed new life into the Mad Dogs to trail 4-1, but that’s all the Middle Country offense could muster the rest of the way. Hills lit up the scoreboard in the final two quarters to slam the door for the 14-1 victory in the Division I contest.

Middle Country goalie Logan Hoenig didn’t have a moment’s rest during the final 12 minutes of play, as the junior netted 12 saves on the day.

The Mad Dogs look to get back to their winning ways Saturday morning when they host Patchogue-Medford at 10 a.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon

PSEG Long Island invites contractors and customers to its first-ever heat pump conference

by Press Release - March 28, 2024

0 802

384270124_704527841721754_8231800030094073537_n — PSEG Facebook

PSEG Long Island is inviting anyone interested in heat pump systems to attend its inaugural heat pump technologies and solutions conference, “Electrify Long Island” on April 4. The event is free for PSEG Long Island customers. More than 400 people are expected to attend to learn how electric heat pumps, which function both as heaters and air conditioners, are a greener and more economical way to heat and cool homes.

With a goal of achieving 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040, New York State leads the nation in transitioning to a clean energy economy. Hosting this first-ever conference is one way PSEG Long Island is making heat pump technologies a major part of the future for electric customers on Long Island and in the Rockaways, supporting the state goal.

The conference will be held on Thursday, April 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington located at 598 Broadhollow Road in Melville. The event will include breakfast with keynote speaker Rory Christian, chairperson and CEO of the NYS Public Service Commission, educational breakout sessions and hands-on workshops throughout the day, more than a dozen exhibitors, lunch, and networking opportunities.

Some of the topics to be presented are:

How heat pump technology is transforming the way Long Islanders heat and cool their homes and workplaces;
Heat pump systems: how they operate and why they are so energy efficient;
Design, sales, and installation of heat pumps – including setup pitfalls and protocols, and performance testing and verification;
And available rebates, tax credits, and incentives, and how PSEG Long Island can help customers qualify.

While anyone is welcome to attend this conference, it will be especially useful for people in the commercial and residential heating and cooling industry; school and multifamily dwelling property managers; pool companies; geothermal installers; building developers, designers, architects and engineers; and homeowners.

Pre-registration is required at electrifylongisland.com/.

Independent annual evaluations by Demand Side Analytics (DSA) have found PSEG Long Island’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs to be cost-effective and energy-saving. DSA’s 2022 evaluation showed that PSEG Long Island Energy Efficiency Programs, including rebates, generated approximately $1.36 in benefits to society for every $1 in costs to operate the program.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: 31st annual Gurwin Photo Contest open for submissions

by Press Release - March 28, 2024

0 654

Gurwin Photo Contest — 'One Dog, Two Bites' by Robert V. Guido, last year's grand prize winner in the Children's category. Photo courtesy of Gurwin

Calling all photographers! Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is now accepting applications for its 31st annual Photo Contest.

Amateur photographers and students are invited to submit their best photos for a chance to win a recognition award and cash prizes and the opportunity to have their work permanently displayed in the Center’s renowned Tiffen Gallery for the enjoyment of residents, staff and visitors.

The Contest garners nearly 1000 submissions each year from across the globe which are judged by a panel of professional photographers for clarity, composition, subject matter and suitability for display at the nursing and rehabilitation center.

Grand Prize, Honorable Mentions, as well as a Best-in-Show winner will be awarded in 12 categories: Landscapes, Travel, People, Pets, Children, Wildlife, Nature, Still Life, Student, Altered/Enhanced, Long Island/ New York and Action/ Sports. Gurwin residents and staff also weigh-in on their favorites for a “Resident/ Staff Selection” winner.

Photos chosen by the judges are enlarged to 20×28 prints, beautifully framed and displayed in Gurwin’s 460-bed nursing and rehabilitation center.

“Each year we are so very impressed by the incredible work submitted and grateful for the support shown to our Center, and in turn, the residents in our care,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gurwin Healthcare System.

Entry forms are available for download at bit.ly/GurwinPhotoContest or via email at [email protected]. Contestants may submit up to seven printed black and white or color 8” x 10” or 8” x 12’ photographs at a nominal fee of $5 per entry. Deadline for submissions is April 15. Winners are revealed at an awards presentation ceremony in early summer.

For more information, call the Gurwin Corporate Communications office at 631- 715-2562 or 631-715-2569.

SBU Hospital offers meal-ordering app for patients

by Daniel Dunaief - March 28, 2024

0 1257

sbufoodappscreen — Stony Brook University Hospital launches meal-ordering app. Photo courtesy Stony Brook Medicine/Rob Tannenbaum

By Daniel Dunaief

From soup to nuts – along with pictures and descriptions – patients at Stony Brook University Hospital can use a new mobile app to order meals during their stays that are consistent with medical advice and that is sensitive to their diets.

With this app, patients can choose the times they want meals, within the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule, and the specific foods that suit their interests and restrictions.

The response among patients at the hospital, which serves more than 1,500 patient meals a day, has been “very positive,” said Nicole Rossol, Chief Patient Experience Officer at Stony Brook University Hospital. “It’s giving patients more day-to-day control in a hospital setting.”

That empowers patients who can otherwise be confined to their rooms or to the hospital as medical staff monitors their health and brings them for a variety of tests.

The cbord patient app, which allows patients to order food for the same or the next day, provides choices that are consistent with the approach the hospital takes as a part of a patient’s care. Additionally, the app can adjust for a range of allergies and patient dietary needs.

Once patients create a dietary profile, the app can filter food options that include halal, kosher, gluten-restricted, vegetarian, cardiac, carbohydrate-controlled and more.

The app “is not replacing anything,” said Kathleen Logsdon Carrozza, Assistant Director of Food and Retail Services and Registered Dietitian at the Faculty Student Association of Stony Brook University Hospital. “It gives patients another option.” Patients who are tech savvy can use their own mobile devices to order food or, on some floors, they can use a shared mobile device.

Those who prefer can still order food through a call center or by speaking with a dining service worker.

At this point, the hospital has about 45 patients who are using the app, said Alexandra Bush, Nutrition Software Systems Administrator at the Faculty Student Association of Stony Brook University.

App origin

About a year ago, members of SBU attended a conference where they learned about this way of ordering food as an option.

“We wanted to do something that was user friendly,” said Logsdon. “The administration was on board.”

Each food and drink option includes a photograph, which gives patients a chance to consider their choices the way they might at a restaurant.

Last summer, two Stony Brook University students took pictures of each item.

At this point, the app is only available in English, although the hospital has interpreters who can help with patient needs and answer questions.

The app is evolving on almost a daily basis. Bush, who receives daily post it notes with suggestions, recently received a request from a pediatric nurse to add pasta with butter, which is now on the menu.

While the hospital doesn’t have the equivalent of a Yelp review for each dish, volunteers solicit feedback from patients from survey data.

In putting together the menu and developing the app, Stony Brook received considerable guidance from a patient and family advisory council, who teamed up with Logsdon and Bush. The app can be accessed on any app store compatible with Apple and Andriod products.

The council “helped with the education that would be going out to patients,” said Rossol. “It’s really important that we have patients that partner with us to make some of these changes and decisions. They gave us great input and feedback.”

The ability to order meals at a particular time allows patients to dine with their visitors.

“This enables us to offer things to patients in a way we haven’t been able to do in the past,” said Rossol.

By ordering food that better suit patient tastes and interests, the hospital can also reduce the amount of food it discards at waste.

When patients order food at a time when they are out of the room for medical testing, the hospital staff can update the dining crew and revise the schedule.

The person delivering the meal can speak with the nursing staff, who can advise them to hold the food or to repeat the order at a later time, depending on the length of any schedule change.

“We’re looking at ways to enhance the patient experience using technology,” said Rossol. “We are really trying to make the experience the best it can be.”

Warehouses or rental units? Northville wants to know

by Mallie Jane Kim - March 28, 2024

0 896

Elected officials stayed to discuss concerns after residents meeting canceled due to overcapacity

By Mallie Jane Kim

Setauket residents showed up in force to a March 25 meeting about the proposed development of a Northville Industries property bordered by Belle Mead and Upper Sheep Pasture roads in East Setauket. In fact, so many showed up to the Holiday Inn Express in Centereach that the meeting had to be canceled and rescheduled due to fire hazard.

But that didn’t stop meaningful discussion about the issue, as Northville representatives and local elected officials stayed behind to dig into concerns and contentions.

At issue is a site plan Northville sent to neighbors proposing the addition of three giant warehouses to its property, which also houses a collection of gas storage tanks. The idea has already proved unpopular with residents, and though Northville has submitted the plan to the Town of Brookhaven, it has not been reviewed or approved. The Monday meeting was arranged by Northville, without town involvement.

Also on the table was a secondary plan Northville representatives touted: multifamily rental homes. Posters displayed in the meeting room depicted the two options, namely one concept-design poster of grey monolithic warehouses next to another filled with bright, landscaped townhome photos from Westfield Green in Selden. There were also two site plan maps indicating where the proposed warehouses would go, and where a potential 140 rental units could sit.

“No new multifamily residential units have been built in this particular zip code in 25 years,” said Northville CEO Steve Ripp after residents had left the hotel. “I think there is a benefit for folks who would like to remain within the community but no longer want to have their single family home for whatever reason.”

Northville representatives suggested such rentals could serve older residents who want more flexibility than maintaining a freestanding house allows, as well as university students or young adults who want to stay in the area but can’t afford a single family home.

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) pushed back against the idea that the housing plan was a better option.

“If they have an as of right [to build within their industrial zoning], they should do it and do it right,” he said. “But to do a swap for high-density residential, such as you would find in central Queens or Brooklyn, is unacceptable.”

Englebright added that neither Northville proposal was “ready for prime time,” as the town has not come back with suggestions, and there hasn’t been an environmental review.

Allowing Northville to change zones to add multifamily homes, according to Englebright, could open the floodgates for other light industrial property owners around Brookhaven to do the same, leading to overdevelopment.

Englebright emphasized that Northville is important to the area’s infrastructure as a provider of fuel for automobiles and homes, though he said the number of people who showed up to the meeting reflects how controversial any development will be.

“The community is a suburban community,” Englebright said. “Proposing urban density here is the beginning of the end of our way of life. And that’s unacceptable.”

Ripp pushed back against the suggestion that multifamily rentals would change the character of the community, and said concerns over traffic were “alarmist” since warehouse trucks would travel at off-peak hours.

“We’re building something,” said Ripp, adding that the company hasn’t developed its property in over 25 years. He said the meeting presentation was intended to see what the community preferred.

Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), who also stayed after the meeting, said Long Island infrastructure is already at carrying capacity, and the company was not presenting a real choice.

“Not that I would equate this in a moral sense,” he said, “but if someone comes up to you on the street with a gun and says, ‘Your money or your life,’ you are being offered a choice, right?”

But Ripp said it was unreasonable to expect Northville to stick with the status quo.

“If [people] don’t want it developed, they should talk to the Town of Brookhaven to say, ‘Buy the land from Northville,’” Ripp said. “You can do what you’re permitted to do with your land.”

Meeting rescheduled, community reacts

Earlier in the evening, the meeting room, which hotel staff said had a capacity of 100 people, quickly filled beyond capacity, with residents crowding into standing room. More were waiting to ride up the elevators to the sixth floor, and more still were unsuccessfully circling the parking lot to find spots, with some reportedly attempting to park along Route 347.

“We got a great community turnout, more than we possibly could have anticipated,” said Northville lawyer Timothy Shea, who indicated they would find a larger place to host the meeting next time. “We want to hear what everybody has to say.”

Residents filing out of the room when the meeting was canceled primarily expressed frustration and suspicion.

“It’s a disaster,” said Kerry Menendez, who lives on Storyland Lane, close to the Northville site. Menendez suggested the company’s lack of preparation for a big turnout was indicative of how she thought they’d handle any development in the future. “And with their track record — how they’re showing their face in this community right now, I don’t even know.”

That track record includes a 1.2 million gallon gas leak, revealed in 1988, which some meeting attendees remembered first hand. Like Corinne Keane, who grew up on Robin Hood Lane and lives in the same neighborhood now. Her home was in the area affected by the spill, and she said she remembers a testing well dug at her family’s front curb, and men in gear frequently testing the level of contamination there. Her family was part of the settlement Northville paid out to homeowners.

“They paid our families, which didn’t change anything because the home values were significantly affected by it,” she said.

Keane is not a fan of any development on the Northville site, and not only because of the history. “It’s going to bring traffic,” she said, especially if the company is successful at getting a driveway put in on Upper Sheep Pasture Road, something the town has said is not allowed. “It’s a blind curve. It’s going to create a lot of accidents, and the traffic is going to be backed up,” Keane said.

According to Ripp, the plans are still in the early stages, and he said Northville didn’t rule out structural improvements like widening Belle Mead Road, for example.

He also addressed the company’s environmental background. “People are traumatized by what happened to them, and for good reason,” he said, pointing out how terrible it was that a plume penetrated the ground under homes — but also that it was an accident that happened due to a tiny hole in a pipe, and despite Northville following industry regulations.

“It was a terrible thing for Northville also,” he said, indicating loss of inventory as well as the money paid out in cleanup efforts, damages and settlements. In all of it, Ripp said, Northville stuck it out and didn’t declare bankruptcy to absolve themselves of making things right — and that the environmental fines went on to provide the seed money to preserve the Pine Barrens area of Brookhaven. “That turned a really horrible situation into something with long-lasting benefits,” he said.

Ripp also pointed out that cleanup was completed 20 years ago, and the company has faithfully provided fuel for the community in all that time. “I think we have been a good neighbor. We have supplied [gas] safely and consistently. Through all weather events and what have you, Northville has always been there,” he said. “It’s disappointing that we never get absolved of that [spill].”

Kornreich asked if Northville would apply that idea of being a good neighbor if the town continued to reject rezoning for multifamily residences and the community protested the idea of a major industrial build.

“Would you listen to the community and say, ‘OK, we’ll look for something that’s a little bit lower intensity?’” he asked.

Ripp said no. “That simply doesn’t have anything to do with integrity — we have land rights, we have property rights,” he said. “We are a business, you know, we’re trying to make money from this. We have rights, too.”

Celebrating the miraculous life of Brooke Ellison

by Samantha Rutt - March 28, 2024

0 2283

1 of 4

Prepared by Samantha Rutt

Miracles happen.

These words were often repeated during Brooke Ellison’s Celebration of Life on March 24.

Friends, family and loved ones came together to celebrate the remarkable life of Brooke Ellison, a woman whose resilience and determination inspired countless others. The room was filled with laughter, tears and fond memories during the three-hour celebration.

Brooke’s journey, from a devastating childhood accident to becoming a beacon of hope and achievement, was the epitome of courage and determination. Despite being paralyzed from the neck down at the tender age of 11, Brooke refused to let her circumstances define her. Instead, she embarked on a journey that would see her break barriers and defy expectations at every turn.

The celebration, held at Stony Brook University’s student center, was a testament to the profound impact Brooke had on the lives of those around her. As attendees shared stories and memories, it became evident that Brooke’s spirit shone bright in every corner of the room.

“I personally do not have any memories of my life without my sister. She was born when I was 2 1/2 years old and she was the greatest gift that had been given to me by my parents,” Brooke’s sister, Kysten Ellison, said.

She exchanged fond memories of her sister growing up, sharing young Brooke’s aspirations to be a dancer and her love of dancing.

“Every single night, my dad would routinely sit between both of our beds and read us our favorite bedtime stories. After my dad finished his nightly reading and went to bed, Brooke and I would continue to chat,” she added. “We would talk about our future hopes and dreams and what we wanted to be when we grew up. And, ironically, my sister always wanted to be a dancer. She wanted to share her love of dancing with the entire world.”

Brooke’s brother, Reed Ellison, echoed this sentiment, recalling their deep bond and shared love for games and intellectual pursuits.

“Brooke was my best friend,” he said. “When other kids were out partying or at friends’ houses, Brooke and I stayed home and challenged each other to games of Scrabble or worked on logic problems, or crossword puzzles together. These are some of the best memories I have and I will cherish them forever.”

Friends and family reminisced about Brooke’s vibrant personality, her love for themed parties and her infectious yet nearly silent laughter that could brighten even the darkest of days. Photos of Brooke, flashing her trademark smile, adorned the venue, serving as a poignant reminder of her enduring spirit.

Brooke’s legacy extended far beyond her personal achievements. As an advocate for stem cell research and disability rights, she paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps. Throughout her life Brooke pursued many things: She was a Harvard graduate twice over, an associate professor at Stony Brook, a researcher, a leader of various groups like the Inclusion in Innovation team in the Vertically Integrated Projects Program, a founder of SBU’s VENTure Think Tank, a selection for the World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, once a state Senate candidate and so much more.

Her friendship with actor Christopher Reeve, himself a quadriplegic, underscored her impact on a global scale. Her sister shared her experience, watching her son, Carter, grow close to Brooke through their common love for comics and superheroes, especially Superman.

“My sister meant the world to a special little boy. This sweet little boy idolized my sister like nobody else on this planet. He liked everything that Brooke liked,” Kysten expressed about her son’s relationship with “Aunt Brookie” who was “hands down and always will be Carter’s favorite person, and we will continue to brag about her as time goes by.”

“After learning that Brooke was friends with Christopher Reeve, Carter became obsessed with watching clips from the Superman movies. As a matter of fact, Reed had recently purchased Carter a Superman costume that he put on every day when he got home from school and pretend to fly around the house,” she said.

The celebration also featured Brooke’s father, Ed Ellison, nicknamed “Steady Eddy” for his unwavering support of the relationship of Brooke and his wife, Jean.

Behind each speaker a photo stood as a backdrop. As Brooke’s father spoke, a photo of him smiling wide was projected with him playing with his daughter’s braided hair as she laughed with vigor.

“People often use the phrase 24/7 to describe efforts being made on something or time spent with someone. In most cases, it’s really hyperbole — but with Brooke, Jean and her relationship and dedication to Brooke — 24/7 was not an exaggeration,” he said. “They were inseparable. Almost one person. Jean would describe it as ‘Brooke is the brains, I’m the brawn.’”

The proud father described what dedication looked like for the Ellison family, more specifically, for his wife.

“Jean would get up at 3:45 every morning and go to work getting Brooke ready for the day. And when I tell you, she never complained, you need to know that to be the truth. I know, I was there,” he said.

“In 33 1/2 years [since the accident], Jean never took a sick day, never went on vacation, never put herself before Brooke. A dedication and love that was so beautiful to be a part of. And Brooke’s admiration and gratitude to her mother was palpable,” her father added.

Among all the heartfelt tributes, a short film made by a friend of Brooke’s father, Todd Leatherman, showcased Brooke’s remarkable journey. The film shared testimonials from Brooke herself, clips from her experiences speaking at various events and coveted moments from her life.

As the celebration drew to a close, there was a sense of both loss and gratitude in the air. In true Brooke fashion, the guests were asked to sing themselves out to “That’s What Friends Are For,” as a tribute to her love of sharing life with others.

Event emcee and longtime friend, Justin Krebs, shared an excerpt from Brooke’s autobiography, “Look Both Ways.” “My life story is a love story. My life is a life of love and it is this love that makes me who I am,” Krebs read. As Brooke goes on to write, she describes her loves, “her love of laughter, her love of learning, her love of being an inspiration to others for loving her friends, and her love of family.” She also writes that “one of the biggest gifts I have been given is my ability to share my life with people.”

Brooke Ellison passed away on Feb. 4, in the care of Stony Brook University Hospital. While Brooke may no longer be with us in body, her legacy of courage, determination and boundless optimism will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In honor of Brooke’s impact and legacy, Stony Brook University has created a scholarship, the Brooke Ellison Legacy Scholarship. To contribute, send a gift to the Stony Brook Foundation at www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/foundation/types.

Times … and dates: March 28 to April 4 2024

by Heidi Sutton - March 28, 2024

0 1114

Easter-parade-port-jeff-041617-petroski-(1)w — The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Easter Parade and egg hunt on March 31. File photo by Alex Petroski

Thursday March 28

Billy Joel’s New York

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a presentation titled Billy Joel’s New York from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Take a multimedia stroll through Long Island and NYC, as you learn about landmarks of The Piano Man’s career with Clive Young. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org to register.

Vanderbilt Lecture

Rescheduled from March 7. Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its lecture series with Mapping Historical New York: A Digital Atlas at 7 p.m. Historians Gergely Baics and Rebecca Kobrin will discuss Manhattan’s and Brooklyn’s transformations during the late nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. Drawing on 1850, 1880, and 1910 census data, the Digital Atlas shows how migration, residential, and occupational patterns shaped the city. $10 per person. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Native American Drumming

All Souls Church Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming Meditation from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Call 631-655-7798 for more information.

Sound Bath Meditation

North Shore Public Library, 250 Route 25A, Shoreham hosts a program titled Sound Bath Meditation at 7 p.m. Join Susan Ferro for this transformative, deep healing Sound Bath session with Tibetan Bowls, Crystal Bowls, Gongs, Chimes and Drums! Sound and music to calm the mind and body. Open to all. To register, call 631-929-4488.

An Evening of Comedy

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for an evening of Stand Up/Sit Down comedy with Chris Monty at 8 p.m. In his stand-up, Chris channels the style of the 1960’s cool funnyman mixed with a modern chic. After his set he’ll share stories about his comedy career and many acting roles with host Steven Taub. Tickets are $40, $30 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Friday March 29

Fish Fry Friday – just added!

Bethel AME Church, 33 Christian Ave., Setauket hosts a Fish Fry Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. $20 per plated includes choice of fried whiting or catfish or baked whiting, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, string beans and dessert. Dine in or take out. Call 631-751-4140 for more information.

An Evening with Bob Nelson

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson welcomes back Bob Nelson for a night of laughs on the Mainstage starting at 8 p.m. Watching a Bob Nelson live performance is like watching several different types of top comedians all rolled up into one. Characters like the lovable nerd Eppy Epperman, punchy boxer Jiffy Jeff and chicken rancher Wilby Stuckinson are as funny and memorable as any you will see in comedy today. Tickets are $49. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Friday Night Face Off

Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages 16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door – cash only. 631-928-9100

Saturday March 30

Easter Festival

Join the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown for an Easter Festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include a craft corner, petting zoo, craft and food vendors, scavenger hunt and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Tickets are $7 per person at eventbrite.com or at the gate. Rain date is March 31. Call 631-265-6768 for more information.

Easter Celebration at The Shoppes

The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River will host an Easter Celebration at The Shoppes with the Easter Bunny from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ride the Carousel ($), Bounce House ($), take your own free photo with the Easter Bunny (no appointment needed) and shop for last minute Easter gifts. 631-929-3500

Long Island Comedy Festival

The Long Island Comedy Festival returns to Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson at 8 p.m. Comedian line-up includes David Weiss, Scott Schendlinger, John Ziegler, and Eric Haft with a surprise guest. Tickets are $49. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Sunday March 31

Port Jefferson Easter Parade

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Easter Parade in the Village of Port Jefferson at noon. Enjoy an old-fashioned “Easter Bonnet” walking parade from Theatre Three to the Port Jefferson Village Center (all are welcome to wear their Easter best and march) followed by an Easter Egg Hunt on Harborfront Park’s Great Lawn at 12:15 p.m. for children ages 2 to 8. Call 473-1414 for more info.

Monday April 1

Movie Trivia Night

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Try to answer 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to come alone and play solo as well! Hosted by Dan French. Tickets are $11 per person, $7 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

James Taylor Tribute Concert

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its Special Events series with a James Taylor tribute concert How Sweet It Is! with Steve Leslie tonight and April 2 at 8 p.m. Audiences will be singing along to such classics as “Carolina In My Mind,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Fire and Rain,” and more. Tickets are $45. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Tuesday April 2

James Taylor Tribute Concert

See April 1 listing.

MLK Jr. Community Reading

Bethel AME Church, 33 Christian Ave., Setauket will host a live community reading of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1967 speech Beyond Vietnam — A Time to Break Silence from 7 to 9 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The event is sponsored by the North Country Peace Group, South Country Peace Group, Pax Christi Long Island, LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives, Building Bridges Brookhaven, Multicultural Solidarity Long Island, and Veterans for Peace LI Chapter 138. To volunteer as a reader, email [email protected].

Wednesday April 3

An Afternoon of Art

Spend the afternoon at two of Stony Brook’s most beloved institutions! Visit Stony Brook University’s Zuccaire Gallery to view Poor Housekeeping: MFA Thesis Exhibition 2024, before heading down the road to the Long Island Museum’s Art Museum to see The Power of Two: Artist Couples of Long Island. Educators and artists will be on hand in the galleries along with refreshments to round out the afternoon. A free shuttle will run between the Zuccaire Gallery and the Long Island Museum from noon to 3 p.m. Visitors are also welcome to drive themselves between each location. 631-632-7240

Thursday April 4

Necklace Workshop

Huntington Historical Society will present a Personalized Necklace Workshop with Jen Salta at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Choose from a variety of shaped pendants to customize in your own texture and add a name, initial or some words of affirmation. Students will get to choose from a variety of natural gemstones beads to add to their 18” finished necklace. Fee is $65, $60 members. Register at www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Charlie Parker with Strings Concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a Charlie Parker with Strings featuring the Jazz Loft Big Band, a 12 piece Jazz Orchestra directed by Jazz Loft Director, Tom Manuel and featuring Chris Donohue and Dayna Sean Stephens tonight and April 6 at 7 p.m. A third concert will be held at SBU’s Staller Center on April 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students, $25 children, under age 5 free. To order, visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Film

‘Ben-Hur’

Cinema Arts Centre, 412 Park Ave., Huntington will screen Ben-Hur on April 2 at 7:30 p.m. The winner of 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor, Ben-Hur stands as one of the greatest Hollywood epics. With an introduction by film historian Philip Harwood. Tickets are $16, $10 members. To purchase in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘The Big Year’

Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a viewing of The Big Year starring Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson on April 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org to reserve your seat.

Theater

‘Jersey Boys’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Jersey Boys, the story of Franki Valli & The Four Seasons, from March 14 to May 26. They were just 4 guys from Jersey until they sang their very first note–a sound the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage was a different story–a story that has made them a sensation all over again. Winner of the 2006 Tony© Award for “Best Musical,” Jersey Boys features the top ten hits “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night).” To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Murder on the Orient Express’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage season with Murder on the Orient Express, a thrilling mystery about the most infamous case of one of fiction’s most famous detectives, from April 6 to May 4. Murder and mayhem await renowned investigator Hercule Poirot as he boards a train filled with treachery and intrigue. Featuring a shadowy American, a train full of suspects, a notebook’s worth of alibis, and a singular Belgian sleuth whose mustache twitches at murder, all aboard the Orient Express! Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Head Over Heels’

The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present Head Over Heels, a musical by James Magruder and Jeff Whitty at the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building, Ammerman campus, 533 College Road, Selden on April 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 at 7:30 p.m., and April 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. A mash-up of posh and punk, Head Over Heels is an unpredictable, Elizabethan rompabout a royal family that must prevent an oracle’s prophecy of doom. Admission is $15 adults, $10 veterans and students 16 years of age or younger. SCCC students with current ID receive two free tickets. To order, visit https://sunysuffolk.edu/spotlight or call 631-451-4163.

Class Reunions

•Centereach High School Class of 1974 will hold its 50th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on April 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, email Jean Ann Renzulli at [email protected].

•Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

Farmers Markets

Huntington Farmers Market

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March. 631-470-9620

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market returns to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 28. 631-802-2160

Lake Grove Farmers Market

Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove hosts a Winter Farmers Market in the southwestern quadrant of the parking lot (adjacent to Bahama Breeze) on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 516-444-1280

Stony Brook University launches new pre-college summer program

by Press Release - March 27, 2024

0 1399

Marketing Photo Shoot — Stony Brook University: Entrance sign

Stony Brook University recently announced the launch of the Pre-College Summer Program, a new residential summer program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

The Pre-College Summer Program is a week-long program that offers high school students the opportunity to engage in the campus experience, take courses, participate in workshops, and access resources across campus, including bridging connections with Stony Brook faculty and industry experts. Throughout the program, students will connect with like-minded program participants, while learning to transition to college life.

“There is a rich history at Stony Brook of outstanding rigorous summer programming aimed at high school students,” said Peter Diplock, vice provost for Continuing, Professional, and Executive Education. “We are thrilled to be able to extend those opportunities and make them available to in-state and out-of-state high school students looking for a residential academic program experience.”

Participating students can take courses, led by Stony Brook faculty, in topics ranging from biomedical informatics to multimedia journalism to sustainability all while living on the Stony Brook campus. Students also have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities held on campus. In addition, the program is supplemented by participation in college readiness workshops.

“I am beyond excited to kick off the Pre-College Summer Program at Stony Brook University this year. Participants can expect to make memories that will last a lifetime. They’ll get first-hand experience in subjects that they’re passionate about with the support from SBU Faculty,” said Breanne Delligatti, director of the Pre-Summer College Program. “Beyond the classroom, they’ll make friendships and connections with peers who share their interests and ambitions. Plus, they’ll get a taste of college life on Stony Brook’s beautiful campus.”

Courses will be held across three sessions throughout the month of July, beginning on July 7.

Participants who register before April 1 will receive a cost savings of $100 and interested applicants can apply through May 15. The application process involves submitting the applicant’s high school transcript, a reference, a short essay, and a $45 application fee. A limited number of scholarships are also available for need-based applicants to offset the cost of the program.

Learn more about the Pre-College Summer Program at stonybrook.edu/precollege-summer.

Prev 1...1,000 222223224...1,066 Next

Page 223 of 1,066