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Block the Sun, Not the Fun event hosted by Stony Brook Cancer Center on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Skin Cancer Screenings were held at Stony Brook Dermatology Associates and at the Smith Haven Mall Center Court ( 5/13/23).
Block the Sun, Not the Fun event hosted by Stony Brook Cancer Center on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Skin Cancer Screenings were held at Stony Brook Dermatology Associates and at the Smith Haven Mall Center Court ( 5/13/23).
Block the Sun, Not the Fun event hosted by Stony Brook Cancer Center on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Skin Cancer Screenings were held at Stony Brook Dermatology Associates and at the Smith Haven Mall Center Court ( 5/13/23).
Block the Sun, Not the Fun event hosted by Stony Brook Cancer Center on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Skin Cancer Screenings were held at Stony Brook Dermatology Associates and at the Smith Haven Mall Center Court ( 5/13/23).
Block the Sun, Not the Fun event hosted by Stony Brook Cancer Center on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Skin Cancer Screenings were held at Stony Brook Dermatology Associates and at the Smith Haven Mall Center Court ( 5/13/23).
Block the Sun, Not the Fun event hosted by Stony Brook Cancer Center on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Skin Cancer Screenings were held at Stony Brook Dermatology Associates and at the Smith Haven Mall Center Court ( 5/13/23).
Block the Sun, Not the Fun event hosted by Stony Brook Cancer Center on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Skin Cancer Screenings were held at Stony Brook Dermatology Associates and at the Smith Haven Mall Center Court ( 5/13/23).

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. with 1 in 5 people being diagnosed with it in their lifetime. May is designated as National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month and with summer right around the corner, it’s important to know how to keep your family sun-safe during outdoor activities. This past Saturday, May 13, families across Long Island attended Block the Sun, Not the Fun hosted by Stony Brook Cancer Center at Smith Haven Mall.

The interactive, fun, and educational event featured family fun opportunities presented by Healthcare and Community Partners and Stony Brook’s Wolfie mascot aimed at promoting sun safety and teaching the community about preventing skin cancer. Before the mall event, Stony Brook Cancer Center and Stony Brook Dermatology Associates hosted free skin cancer screenings for nearly hundred individuals and Dr. Tara Huston, Director of the Melanoma Disease Management Team at Stony Brook Medicine, led an educational program for patients about melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

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Larry Fuller

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, is excited to announce that acclaimed Jazz pianist Larry Fuller and his trio will be returning on Saturday, May 20 for one performance at 7 p.m.

Fuller is a Yamaha-endorsed jazz pianist, band leader, composer, and clinician who is known to “swing like a beast!” He will be joined by Lorin Cohen on bass and Jason Tiemann on drums.

Before Fuller started the Larry Fuller Trio, he held the positions of musical director and pianist for vocalist Ernestine Anderson, pianist for Jeff Hamilton’s Trio, pianist in Ray Brown’s Trio, and has also toured and recorded with the John Pizzarelli Quartet.

Fuller is known for his emotive, swinging style, technique, and program versatility.

For tickets visit www.thejazzloft.org. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $20 for students. The Jazz Loft is located just 90 minutes from New York City and is the only music venue on Long Island that features exclusively Jazz music. For more information about The Jazz Loft, visit thejazzloft.org.

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Summer is right around the corner and the Town of Brookhaven has a variety of fun and educational programs for young and old alike.

Pickleball
Centereach Athletic Complex
286 Hawkins Road, Centereach, NY 11720
Call: 631-451-6131 for more information.

Advanced BeginnerReview basic rules & regulations. Demonstrate basic shots and strokes, for example forehand, backhand, serve, return, volleys, etc. Sustain short rallies and play games with proper scoring. Rain dates – June 21st & June 28th.Dates: Wednesdays, May 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14Time: 8:00AM – 9:00AMVisit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Summer Fun Camp (Ages 6-11)Looking for a fun filled Summer for your child?  We still have some openings in our Summer Fun Camp Locations in Holtsville and Mastic.  Locations: – Holtsville Day CampHoltsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, NY 11742– Mastic Day CampWilliam Floyd High School, 240 Mastic Beach Road, Mastic Beach NY 11951Dates: Monday, July 3 – Friday, August 18 Time: 8:00AM-4:00PMVisit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline to register or call 631-451-6113 for more information or help registering online.

Robert E. Reid, Sr. Recreation Center
Defense Hill Road & Route 25A, Shoreham, NY 11786
Call: 631-451-5306 for more information or help registering online.

Martial Arts (Ages 8-12yrs.)
This Class teaches techniques based on Chinese martial arts. Participants will work individually and take part in fast and dynamic moments that will increase agility, flexibility and stamina.
Dates: Mondays, June 5, 12, 26 July 3, 10, 17
Time: 4:30PM – 5:30PM
Fee: $45.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Country Line Dancing
These classes welcome beginner and intermediate dancers. Classes will teach students popular line dances being done across the country while having fun and getting exercise as well. 
Dates: Mondays, June 5, 12, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: 6:30PM – 8:00PM
Fee: $55.00 per 8-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Paint Your Pet
Join us for this exciting new program and have fun creating an 11″ x 14″ hand painted portrait of your furry friend. Must pre-register by Thursday, May 25. Upon registration you will receive an email address to supply the photo of your pet you would like to paint. Pet photo must be a clear, close-up picture of your pet. 
Date:Friday, June 9
Time: 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Fee: $45.00 per person
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline 

Skoblicki Scientists (entering grades K – grade 5)
In this interactive science program explore an exciting new topic each week in our summer series. Register for one or all. This class is open to school age students entering grade K through grade 5.
Dates: Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 2
Time: 1:45PM – 2:30PM
Fee: $10.00 per class
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Broadway Kids (Ages 9-13yrs.)
Join us in this introduction to singing class and explore the exciting world of Broadway. Students will start each session with a 10-minute vocal warmup to wake up and strengthen their voices. Together they will sing some of the most well known songs from shows, old and new. Participants will have the opportunity to sing a chosen solo for the group. 
Dates: Wednesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2, 9, 16, 23
Time: 4:00PM – 5:00PM
Fee: $50.00 per 8-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Belly Dancing (Ages 18+)
Looking for a fun way to get in shape? This class is a great introduction to belly dancing as a form of fitness, stress reduction and a way to obtain grace and femininity. Emphasis will be placed on basic belly dance techniques and steps in addition to its exercise benefit. Please wear comfortable clothing & non-slip socks or slippers. No sneakers.
Dates: Thursdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10
Time: 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Fee: $35.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Jump Bunch Jr. (Ages 3-5yrs.)
Learn a new sport each week including soccer, football, lacrosse & volleyball. No equipment necessary, just bring water.
Dates: Fridays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11
Time: 4:00PM – 5:00PM
Fee: $60.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline 

Jump Bunch Kids (Ages 6-9yrs.)
Learn a new sport each week including soccer, football, lacrosse & volleyball. No equipment necessary, just bring water. 
Dates: Fridays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11
Time: 5:15PM – 6:15PM
Fee: $60.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Bocce League (Ages 18+)
Meet and play with different people each week. 2 games per week. Individual sign up. 
Dates: Thursdays, July 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Fee: $30.00 per player per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

New Village Recreation Center
20 Wireless Road, Centereach, NY 11720
Call 631-451-5307 for more information or help registering online.

Kids Karate (Ages 6-12) 
Kids will learn confidence, concentration and respect.
Dates: Tuesdays, June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15
Time: 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Fee: $50.00 per 8-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Zumba (Ages 16+)
This high-energy cardio aerobics class combines Latin and international beats with salsa, merengue, cha-cha, samba, hip-hop and belly dancing.
Dates: Mondays, June 12, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7
Time: 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Fee: $50.00 per 8-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Dates: Fridays, June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 5:30PM – 6:30PM
Fee: $50.00 per 8-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center
39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY 11715
Call 631-451-6163 for more information or help registering online.

Country Line Dancing
These classes welcome beginner and intermediate dancers. Classes will teach students popular line dances being done across the country while having fun and getting exercise as well. 
Dates: Mondays, July 17, 24, 31, Aug 7, 14, 21
Time: 2:30PM – 4:00PM
Fee: $45.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Motherhood Moves
This full-body workout is a combination of safe core movements, cardio, gentle stretching, breathing, labor prep and recovery. Postpartum, this class is geared for the just cleared six-week mama who is looking for a slower class to get her body readjusted to exercise. Please bring along a yoga mat and water.
Dates: Thursdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6
Time: 7:15PM – 8:00PM
Fee: $40.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline 

Belly Dancing (Ages 18+)
Looking for a fun way to get in shape? This class is a great introduction to belly dancing as a form of fitness, stress reduction and a way to obtain grace and femininity. Emphasis will be placed on basic belly dance techniques and steps in addition to its exercise benefit. Please wear comfortable clothing & non-slip socks or slippers. No sneakers.
Dates: Mondays, June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Fee: $35.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

Senior Fitness
The fitness class includes warm-up, low-impact, simple aerobic cardio moves, balance, strength training, resistance training and stretching exercises that can be done in a seated or standing position. There is no floor work in this class. Modifications are given throughout the class and is open to all levels. All participants need to wear comfortable clothes, sneakers and bring water. Please bring light weights if you have them.  
Dates: Fridays, July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1 
Time: 10:45AM – 11:30AM
Fee: $2.00 per class (payable to instructor at the beginning of each class)
Free for those with Renew Active, One Pass, Silver & Fit, and Active and Fit Insurance. 
Call 631-451-6163 to register. 

Pilates
This class requires participants to be on a mat on the floor. You must be able to get up and down from the floor position to standing without the use of a chair. This class is a strengthening and lengthening form of exercise that focuses on the core muscles while training your back, hips, glutes, arms and legs. Pilates tones, increases flexibility and aids in better posture. Participants should wear workout clothes and sneakers. Sneakers are optional while exercising. Please bring your own mat and water. 
Dates: Fridays, July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1 
Time: 11:45AM – 12:30PM
Fee: $2.00 per class (payable to instructor at the beginning of each class)
Free for those with Renew Active, One Pass, Silver & Fit, and Active and Fit Insurance. 
Call 631-451-6163 to register. 

Corey Beach
1 Corey Ave., Blue Point, NY 11715
Call 631-451-6163 for more information or help registering online.

Hula Hooping (Ages 16+)
Classes are for beginners or the more experienced “hoopers”. Beginners will learn basic fundamentals to keep the hoop up while spinning and dancing in and out of your hoop. More experienced students will learn some advanced skills and tricks. Enjoy one of the many beautiful beaches (weather permitting) in Brookhaven while having fun and burning calories. 
Dates: Wednesdays, June 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Fee: $40.00 per 6-week session
Visit: www.BrookhavenNY.gov/RecOnline

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Port Jeff sophomore Ryan Filippi pushes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff senior Ryan Whiffen looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff senior Jonah Pflaster rolls to the outside. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff’s Patrick Johnson pushes past a defender. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff sophomore Ryan Filippi looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff sophomore long stickman clears the ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff’s Patrick Johnson fires at the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff senior Ryan Whiffen pushes past a defender. Photo by Bill Landon

Port Jeff had its hands full when the 11-2 Hauppauge boys lacrosse team came knocking. In the Royals’ final game of the season, they fell to the Eagles 11-6 Saturday morning, May 13.

Freshman Rowan Casey notched three goals. Ryan Filippi and Patrick Johnson scored, and senior Jonah Pflaster also stretched the net in the Div. II matchup. Freshman goalie Owen Whiffen had a busy day in net with 17 saves.

The Royals conclude their 2023 campaign with wins against Bellport, North Babylon and Deer Park.

— Photos by Bill Landon

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The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The East Islip boys lacrosse program gave up a home game to participate in the fundraiser. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The East Islip boys lacrosse program. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The Ward Melville Patriots during the event. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
Spectator games. Photo by Bill Landon
The Ward Melville Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
The Ward Melville Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
Spectator games. Photo by Bill Landon
The Ward Melville Patriots. Photo by Bill Landon
The LAX OUT CANCER fundraising event at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Saturday, May 13. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham’s Carter Rubin singing the National Anthem before the boys varsity game. Photo by Bill Landon
The SWR Wildcats hosted East Islip during the 15th annual LAX OUT CANCER benefit game. Photo by Bill Landon
Wildcats celebrate. Photo by Bill Landon
The SWR Wildcats during the 15th annual LAX OUT CANCER event. Photo by Bill Landon
Wildcats on the field. Photo by Bill Landon
Wildcats host East Islip during the 15th annual LAX OUT CANCER event. Photo by Bill Landon
Wildcats host East Islip in the 15th annual LAX OUT CANCER event. Photo by Bill Landon
Photo by Bill Landon

An annual community philanthropic initiative recently returned for its latest installment.

Shoreham-Wading River High School hosted the 15th annual Lax Out Cancer fundraising event on Saturday, May 13. This community staple was organized by the lacrosse program in conjunction with the Wildcat Athletic Club and local businesses. The funds raised will help boost awareness while supporting four local families currently battling cancer.

The East Islip boys lacrosse team came to support the event, giving up a home game to help bolster the cause. The Ward Melville girls lacrosse team was also on hand, participating alongside SWR’s junior varsity teams and the Suffolk Police Athletic League.

There were games for the spectators, music and entertainment, silent auctions and apparel sales. The grills at the concession stand never cooled off.

Shoreham’s own Carter Rubin — season 19 winner of “The Voice” — sang a moving rendition of the National Anthem just before the varsity teams took the field.

The Wildcats took command early, holding off a late game surge and winning the game 14-5.

Contributions can be sent to Lax Out Cancer – SWRWAC at www.swrwac.org/?page_id=2478.

— Photos by Bill Landon

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Paws of War and the Fabulous 50’s and 60’s Nostalgia Car Club will host a car show on Sunday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nesconset Plaza, 127 Smithtown Blvd. Nesconset to raise money to support local veterans and first responders in the Long Island community. The car show will include vintage, classic and custom cars, live music, hot food, 50/50 raffles and more. 

All proceeds from the event will support one of Paws of War’s core missions of providing injured veterans and first responders with a companion dog that will be trained to become a service dog through the organization’s service dog training classes. 

This program is designed to train these animals to cater to their owner’s specific needs, which in turn will provide the veteran or first responder with peace of mind as they learn to cope with PTSD and other traumatic physical injuries. These animals bring comfort and joy to local heroes, which is proven to enhance their quality of life and save lives. 

Free admission for spectators, $25 fee for car show participants. Judging begins at noon. Rain date is June 4. For more information, call 631-402-2798, 631-624-4126 or visit www.pawsofwar.org.

 

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Restaurateur Terry Scarlatos, left, and chef Scott Andriani, partners at Revival by Toast. Photo by Carolyn Sackstein
Interior decor. Photo by Carolyn Sackstein
Interior decor. Photo by Carolyn Sackstein
A street-level view of Revival by Toast. Photo by Carolyn Sackstein
By Carolyn Sackstein

It seems it was meant to be that Long Island restaurateur Terry Scarlatos and chef Scott Andriani would partner to open Revival by Toast at 242 E. Main St. in downtown Port Jefferson. 

They met 16 years ago at a home in Rocky Point, during a men’s night get-together. Scarlatos took his young son, Braedan, and Andriani brought 16 carefully-prepared sauces to complement the bear meat burgers, ostrich and whole spit-roasted pig.

Someone stumbled into the table, upending the sauces. Scarlatos was impressed with Andriani’s unflappable cool, taking the loss of his hard work so calmly. 

“With composure and grace, he handled it beautifully,” Scarlatos said, reflecting upon the long-ago incident. “I was like, that is the kind of guy I [want] to work with.” 

Port Jefferson apart, Scarlatos opened additional Toast locations in Patchogue and Bay Shore, developing another Toast location in Long Beach scheduled to open this Memorial Day. Andriani, meanwhile, was working in Spain, touring and learning the cuisines of Europe. He returned to the U.S. as an executive chef for a large corporate restaurant group.

As fate would have it, Andriani was preparing to leave the corporate world as Scarlatos was exploring ideas for using the lease he held for 242 E. Main. The original Toast Coffeehouse, having opened there in 2002, had been a fixture of the village restaurant scene before relocating to Port Jefferson Station in September 2022. 

Scarlatos sought to honor the old without repeating the same concept. With Andriani on board, a vision was born that paid homage to the previous Toast experience while offering patrons a new dining adventure.

The partners see Revival by Toast as an “upscale neighborhood restaurant,” an approachable venue that one can visit frequently.

Revival by Toast is set to feature produce at the peak of seasonal freshness with selective proteins. The majority of the ingredients will come from the tri-state area. Scarlatos and Andriani have sourced many of their ingredients from local purveyors, such as Indian Neck Farm, an organic, sustainable producer in Peconic on the North Fork. 

In keeping with the practice of using sustainable purveyors, Andriani endeavors to make his kitchen “a zero-waste kitchen.” He has created vegan menu items, such as Spanish vegan paella, so everyone at the table can enjoy it. 

Andriani sources the wagyu beef from Japan, Australia and specialty domestic herds in Texas. These ingredients are developed into both small-tasting dishes as well as full entrée plates. 

The seven-to-eight-course sampling menu provides flexibility in ordering and pricing for the patron. Dishes are modifiable to accommodate food allergies and individual preferences. 

Offerings rotate as often as every three days. Sunday brunch is lighter than the Toast menu diners are accustomed to ordering. The owners want to introduce the diner to food and beverage selections that are atypical of the current restaurant scene.

“You can come here with a date,” Andriani said. “You can spend a little more and get a little more. We take humble food and elevate it.”

Scarlatos and Andriani have stocked their boutique bar with an array of “thoughtfully sourced spirits” from small-batch vintners, brewers and distillers across the globe. The partners invite patrons to ask about their “hidden gems.”

Revival opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m. from Wednesday through Saturday, serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. 

The official grand opening is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, at 5:30 p.m., with Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and Village of Port Jefferson officials attending. 

Revival by Toast suggests reservations be made a week in advance. Four tables are held to accommodate walk-ins.

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Polling sites for this year’s school budget and BOE elections. Centereach High School, left, and Newfield High School. Left file photo by Julianne Mosher; right from Facebook

Residents of the Middle Country Central School District will go to the polls on Tuesday, May 16, to vote on the district’s proposed annual budget for the 2023‒24 school year and trustees to sit on the district’s Board of Education.

MCCSD is proposing a $285.9 million budget, up nearly $11 million from the previous year, with a 1.6% tax levy increase that is under the tax cap.

District voters will also select three candidates to serve three-year terms on the Board of Education. In this year’s contest, three incumbents will square off against three electoral challengers.

Trustees Doreen Feldmann, Deborah Mann-Rodriguez and Kathleen Walsh are defending their seats against candidates Bruce Bennett, Thomas Bettua and Kimberly Crawford-Arbocus.

A Meet the Candidates forum hosted by the Suffolk Region PTA was held last month and is available on the district’s YouTube channel.

Tuesday’s school budget and trustee vote will occur from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The new gymnasiums at Centereach High School and Newfield High School will serve as polling locations.

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School Board Elections. METRO photo

Board of education elections should be a time for the community to reflect on how their hard-earned tax dollars are serving a district’s children. Topics such as school security, class sizes, AP classes, sports, the arts, special education services and electives should all be considered when casting your ballot.

Yet, due to the hyperpartisanship of some district boards of education, these items can easily become the furthest thing from voters’ minds.

It’s important to remember that school board members are volunteers. It’s commendable for anyone to put their hat in the ring, subjecting themselves and their families to campaigning and controversies without compensation.

Civility goes a long way. Education of our local children, and decisions relating to what is best for them at school should not be taken lightly. However, there is a way to advocate for and fight for the candidate we think will pursue our children’s best interest without engaging in personal attacks.

It’s important for constituents and candidates alike to remember that the local school board, first and foremost, represents students. In most districts, students frequently attend meetings to receive awards or simply as part of their educational experience. When we go to vote, think about the example of leadership, civil dialogue and intellect the candidates would present during board meetings, and if they are the example we would want our children to see. We should take similar consideration when evaluating campaign tactics.

Our nation has become incredibly divisive. When passionate about issues, it’s easy to want to translate them into all aspects of life, including BOE elections, by voting for the candidate who openly aligns with your politics.

The local coverage of boards of education in the last few years should indicate that the nationalization of school politics only leads to infighting and disruption. Over time, this hostile culture can lead to less and less results for the students, whose interests should be paramount.

This Tuesday, consider the candidates that will keep our kids and tax dollars at the forefront at the top of their plate. You will find candidate profiles in all TBR News Media editions. There will be another day for politics.

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Patrick Comiskey, TVHS Director Mari Irizarry, and the TVHS board try out the new picnic tables on April 12. Photo by Rob Pellegrino

Three Village Historical Society welcomes the community to take a load off and stay a while, thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Patrick Comiskey of Troop 70, a Setauket resident and senior at Ward Melville High School.

Just one month shy of his 18th birthday, Comiskey organized a team that built three cedar picnic tables adding to the original two tables at the property that hosts frequent events for the community including the weekly Three Village Farmers Market.

Comiskey, a regular visitor to the historical society, recalled TVHS’ Director Mari Irizarry mentioning to him the need to create a more inviting area for the community at the nearly 3 acre property. 

“I saw the conditions of the tables at historical society and thought that building new ones was something that I could accomplish,” he said.

Few Boy Scouts attain Scouting’s highest honor before they turn 18, but Comiskey was determined to get the job done. After raising more than $2,800 through donations, Comiskey completed the construction of the project over the course of two days with more time being spent in research and planning.

With support from family, Troop 70 and adult leaders, Comiskey assembled and installed the finished tables at TVHS on March 19.

The public is always invited to visit the Three Village Historical Society, located at 93 N. Country Road in Setauket, and next time you pass by, have a seat on the new picnic tables and tip your cap to Patrick Comiskey, another Three Village Eagle Scout in the making. For more information, call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.

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