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'Windmill House' by Steve Walker
'Eiffel Tower' by Steve Walker
'Stitched Panorama' by Steve Walker
'Cormorant' by Steve Walker

Smithtown Township Arts Council has announced that the works of East Northport artist Steve Walker will be on view at Apple Bank of Smithtown, 91 Route 111, Smithtown now through June 30. The exhibition, part of the Arts Council’s Outreach Gallery Program, may be viewed during regular banking hours Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 am – 1 p.m.

Steve Walker is a self-taught charcoal artist and civic-minded individual. After retiring from the corporate world, where he worked as a Corporate Accountant and an Enterprise Technology Account Executive, Walker joined a nonprofit, Rebuilding Together Long Island, as a volunteer where he is currently helping the organization run as Vice President. The charity utilizes volunteers to provide free safety repairs to homeowners who are financially and physically unable to maintain their homes.

Walker was inspired by his mother who dabbled in art and did some incredible drawings while being legally blind. However, it was not until after retirement that he started drawing as a hobby. He loves using charcoal which allows him to produce detailed images that are visually bold with an element of drama. He introduced pastels into many of his pieces for color and additional contrast and vibrance. Walker’s art mainly focuses on landmarks and architectural structures on Long Island and in New York City but includes scenes from Europe as well.

Walker’s hobby has blossomed into a fulfilling passion during retirement. His art has had many solo art exhibits in galleries and libraries across Long Island.

“STAC is grateful to Apple Bank for its continued support of culture in our communities. We are so happy to feature the talents of Long Island artists in this space!” said the press release.

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Gwen Beloti

For the month of May, the Reboli Center for Art and History is showcasing the beautiful work of jewelry designer Gwen Beloti.

Gwen Beloti

A love of fashion and accessories resulted in a career in the jewelry business for Beloti. A native of Brooklyn, she is a certified fashion apparel designer and a self- taught jewelry creator. For many years she was an apparel designer and in 2019 started to pursue jewelry design after taking several classes in jewelry assembly.

Her jewelry designs are of high quality and perfect for everyday wear.

“The aesthetic is the balance of minimalism and subtle statement. Our pieces are inclusive with extended sizes available and customization options,” said Beloti.

The jewelry designer is inspired by many things she sees in the city, by shapes, art and the jewelry she has collected over the years. When something sparks an idea, she tries to get it down on paper or on the computer and work on it until it comes to fruition. “I’ve learned to be patient with the process because the piece is never the best it can be at the first attempt, and it gets better with time, thought, consideration and iteration,” she said.

Beloti’s jewelry is in gold because she loves its luster and hues. The first piece she created was a gold necklace with Brooklyn spelled across that front, which she still wears today. For the first time, the summer 2023 Gwen Beloti Jewelry line will include a new collection featuring diamonds.

Recently, the Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative with the National Diamond Council selected Beloti to be one of six designers to create a fine jewelry collection of gold and diamonds to be showcased at JCK in Las Vegas, the largest jewelry show in the world.

The Gwen Beloti Jewelry Collection

Although jewelry has been her passion and career, Beloti has a master’s in Psychology and started college when she was 16. She has always had a great appreciation for education and many of her teachers have had a lasting impact on her. She believes in giving back to her community and started a program where local residents nominate a special educator for a golden recognition. Those selected are presented with a piece from the Gwen Beloti Jewelry line, as a token of appreciation for the work they do. Each year, she also donates a portion of her sales to the nonprofit organization Little Dresses for Africa, which provides assistance to young girls throughout Africa.

“I met Gwen at a trade show and was so impressed by her collection and her enthusiasm for creating something beautiful that would make her customers feel special and appreciated,” said Lois Reboli, a founder of the Reboli Center.

On May 19, at the Reboli Center’s Third Friday, Gwen will discuss her artistic journey, craft and career. The talk is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 7:30 p.m. There is no fee and no reservations are required. Light refreshments will be served. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Gwen Beloti’s jewelry is available at the Reboli Center, located at 64 Main Street, Stony Brook. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, please call 631-751-7707 or visit www.rebolicenter.org

Pictured are designer Gwen Beloti and the Gwen Beloti Jewelry Collection

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A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio
A scene from the 2023 SBU Roth Pond Regatta. Photo by Daniel Febrizio

The 34th annual Roth Pond Regatta at Stony Brook University took place Friday afternoon, April 28. Participating students had to make boats out of cardboard, duct tape, string and paint in order to be eligible to race. The theme of this year’s event was “A Fairy Tale Regatta: This is Our Swamp.”

A press release for the event stated that the event “customarily draws about 3,000 spectators.” However, Riccardo McClendon, dean of students, said, “It’s probably more than that right now. This is one of the largest student events that we have on campus.”

“The beauty about this is that their whole purpose is to be in community with each other,” McClendon added. “The designs are really cool that we see throughout the entire race, and it’s a lot of fun. We’ve got faculty, staff, students, community members all around enjoying the event, and it’s one of those kind of traditional events that everyone comes out for.”

The regatta included individual award categories for the boats that displayed the best “design, appearance, apparent seaworthiness, originality, spirit, environmental sustainability, endurance and adherence to the rules,” according to the press release.

The event featured races for two different categories of boats. One was the “speedster” races, where two people would ride in a small construction, while the other was the “yacht” category, where four people would ride in larger boats.

“After two years of COVID and trying to come back and build community, that’s what this is about,” McClendon said. “We try to keep these traditions going just to remind students that we are a campus, we are thriving, we are engaged in everyday life with each other. So this helps with that.”

 

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Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

Honor the past. Embrace the present. Look to the future.

Beverly C. Tyler is the author of multiple works focusing on local history. These include Founders Day, Down the Ways—The Wooden Ship Era, and Setauket and Brookhaven History (all reviewed in this paper). Tyler now turns his eye to a detailed history of Setauket’s Caroline Episcopal Church, which is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year.

Front cover of book

The book is an excellent blend of the historical and the personal. In one- and two-page sections, Tyler covers everything from the church’s construction to its pastoral care ministry. Sunday school, past and present, and the church’s choir are presented. Tyler traverses the many milestones centered around religious, societal life: baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and funerals. The many facets of the church—Bible study, eucharist, caregiver and grief support groups—are all mentioned. Caroline Church is a rich resource for those connected to the church and may also serve as a model for those looking to preserve a civic organization. Detailed lists and a plethora of dates are neatly organized throughout the entire volume. 

The book shares letters from clergy alongside personal reflections. In his message, Reverend Canon Richard Visconti expresses his gratitude for his connection to Caroline Church: “Your faithfulness in worship, your extension of Christ’s healing touch to a broken world within the community, year after, is a testimony to the goodness and blessing of God … May Caroline Church continue to grow in its mission to help all live transformed lives for Christ.” The Rev. Nickolas Clay Griffith suggests to have “one foot planted in the Anglican tradition and the other foot working to … reach for the opportunities where we can be people of Christ in the world today.”  

Parishioners tell of what drew them to the church (or, in some cases, back to it). The theme of family is often celebrated. Given two full pages is “Caroline During COVID.” This chronicle shows how the church adapted and persevered in a challenging and difficult time where streaming and social distancing became the necessary norm. 

Back cover of book

Rev. Sharon Sheridan Hausman strikes a gardening metaphor in her piece, referencing growth in “vines,” “seeds,” and “root.” Colleen Cash-Madeira opens with the Swedish saying, “Even the devil gets religion in old age.” The twenty-nine-year-old then discusses church attendance as “exposure to a set of tools: faith, hope, compassion, community.” 

Tyler gives an in-depth but concise history of the inception of Caroline Church. In “How It All Began,” he starts at the end of the seventeenth century and continues through 1730.

Cleverly, the author has inserted a timeline ribbon across the top of each page. He begins on April 14, 1655, with the English settlement of the town of Setauket. The entries culminate in 2021, with the installation of Rev. Griffith; Camp DeWolfe’s celebration of its seventy-fifth anniversary (2022); and the church’s marking of its third century (2023).

And like with all of Tyler’s previous works, the book is replete with hundreds of photos as well as historical paintings and sketches. The images alone carry much of the church’s story. The last page is particularly fascinating: a re-imagined eighteenth-century prayer service, shown in six photos, including video projections.

Perhaps the best summation is in Henry Hull’s final couplets of An Ode to Caroline Church:

So here’s to the Clergy and Vestries, too

They have led all the flocks of communicants who

Have passed through the portal of dear Caroline

And have lived, loved and learned in a way most divine.

Copies of the book are available for sale at the Caroline Episcopal Church office, 1 Dyke Road, Setauket. For more information, please call 631-941-4245. 

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Pictured at the Earth Day event, from left, Distinguished Professor Dr. Jeffrey Levinton; Town of Brookaven Supervisor Ed Romaine; WMHO President Gloria Rocchio; Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; former New York Assemblyman Steve Englebright; WMHO Chairman Dr. Richard Rugen; WMHO Trustee Laura Huang-Ernst; and WMHO Education Director Deborah Boudreau. Photo courtesy of WMHO
Megan Frey, Frey Family Foundation speaking about the species inventory and data collection at West Meadow Creek. Image courtesy of the WMHO.
Image of Calanoid captured on microscope courtesy of Megan Frey.
Distinguished Professor Dr. Jeffrey Levinton discussing ways to identify animal and plant species in the wetlands.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) recently announced the creation of the WMHO West Meadow Field Guide and GCIS Survey. Working hand-in-hand, these creations will allow the public to identify and record environmental and ecological data.

Using the field guide to identify plants and animal species within the preserve, the public can store species and water quality data on the GCIS Survey webpage. The survey will be available soon on the WMHO website (WMHO.org). During preliminary testing, Ms. Megan Frey of the Frey Family Foundation found and recorded calanoid, a microscopic arthropod, within her first sample of wetlands water.

The announcement at the WMHO’s Earth Day event —Wetlands Legacies — at the Dr. Erwin Ernst Marine Conservation Center at West Meadow Creek Preserve on April 22. 

The event included guest speakers Megan Frey and Distinguished Professor of Ecology and Evolution Dr. Jeffrey Levinton, as well as a specially created drone video of the wetlands habitats by Nathan Levinton. The WMHO Youth Corps led exhibits that educated the public on water quality testing, the species of the area, the expeditions and life of world-renowned naturalist and ornithologist Dr. Robert Cushman Murphy, as well as the environmental challenges of WMHO’s pristine 88-acre wetlands preserve. Murphy, along with Dr. Erwin Ernst and Ward Melville, worked together in 1960 to create the West Meadow Creek Preserve.

Elected officials in attendance included former New York State Assemblyman, Steve Englebright,  Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, who spoke about the various aspects of Long Island’s ecology and environments, as well as Dr. Murphy’s role in protecting them.  

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All Winners: (l to r: Julia Hou, Amelia Grant, Celia Gordon, and Caroline Qian)
First prize winner Julia Hou with Library Director Ted Gutmann and Sherry Cleary
First prize winner Celia Gordon with Library Directory Ted Gutmann and Sherry Cleary.
Winners with the Shack family (l to r: Karen Reid, Ted Gutmann, Amit Taylor, Julia Hou, Amelia Grant, Celia Gordon, Caroline Qian, Sherry Cleary, Ed Taylor, and Niva Taylor.)
Winners pose with school officials, from left, Three Village Superintendent Kevin Scanlon, The Stony Brook School Assistant Head of School Will Lingle, Gelinas Junior High School Principal Corinne Keane, Julia Hou, Amelia Grant, Celia Gordon, Caroline Qian , Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Brian Biscari, Three Village Central School District Trustee Jennifer Solomon, and Gelinas Junior High English Chair Michelle Hanczor.
From left, Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, Julia Hou, Amelia Grant, Celia Gordon, Caroline Qian, Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, Stephanie Stafford (from NYS Assemblyman Ed Flood's office) and Kristine Rasanen (from NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo's office). Photo by Jack Dennehy/Emma Clark Library

A creative writing and drawing contest that started back in 2014 at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library in Setauket is still going strong in 2023. 

Each year, those in grades 7 to 12 who reside in the Three Village Central School District let their imaginations flow and create an original picture book for children in hopes of winning this esteemed prize. 

On April 24, Emma Clark Library board members and staff, the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, local elected officials, representatives from the Three Village Central School District and The Stony Brook School, and guests from the community gathered at the Library to honor the winners of the ninth annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Awards.

First prize in the Grades 7 to 9 category was awarded to Julia Hou, a 9th grader at  Gelinas Junior High School for her children’s book titled Boston Santa while Celia Gordon, a homeschooled 11th grader, captured first prize in the Grades 10 to 12 category for her book Sleeping Till Spring.

Caroline Qian, an 8th grader at Gelinas Junior High School, won second prize for her children’s book Cutie the Duck in the Grades 7 to 9 category and Amelia Grant, a 12th grader at The Stony Brook School, snagged second prize in the Grades 10 to 12 category for her book Lily’s Snowman.

Library Director Ted Gutmann, along with the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, presented all of the winners’ books, bound and added to the Library’s Local Focus Collection, along with $400 checks to first prize winners and $100 checks for second prize winners.

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle (representing Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine), and staff members from NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo and NYS Assemblyman Ed Flood’s office were all in attendance to present certificates to the four authors.

Addressing the winners, Leg. Hahn remarked, “You clearly have talent and that’s what storytelling is…it’s sharing what’s in your heart for others to enjoy and learn from.” 

Councilmember Kornreich told all of the authors what he enjoyed the most about each book and added, “Art is a powerful language … I’m sure all of you will one day have the power to change people’s hearts and change people’s minds and to change the world.”

Town Clerk LaValle added, “It’s amazing what you did. You should be so proud of yourselves.”

Library Board President Christopher Fletcher, Vice President Carol Leister, Treasurer David Douglas, and Trustee Deborah Blair along with Three Village Central School District Trustee Jennifer Solomon, Superintendent Kevin Scanlon, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Brian Biscari, Gelinas Junior High School Principal Corinne Keane, Gelinas Junior High English Chair Michelle Hanczor and the Assistant Head of School at The Stony Brook School, Will Lingle were in attendance to congratulate the winners.

Guests enjoyed special treats donated by The Bite Size Bake Shop, a local Three Village-owned business.  Library teen volunteer Jack Dennehy photographed the event.

Library Director Gutmann expressed gratitude to the children of the late Mrs. Shack, who cover the cost of the awards as a tribute to their mother and her commitment to passing along the importance and joy of reading for generations to come. “We appreciate the support of all the family [of Helen Stein Shack] for their generosity in establishing this endowment and for their encouragement of literacy in our community,” he said.

In light of the fact that all of the winners were female this year, Sherry Cleary, one of the daughters of the late Helen Stein Shack, spoke of her mother, not just a mom, grandmother, or teacher, but as a woman:

“She was an amazing woman when being an amazing woman was not encouraged and not acknowledged and not a thing, she came up in an era where women had a lack of opportunities. She was brave, gutsy and really looked convention in the eye, in the face, and decided to do what was in her heart and in her soul. I leave you with that. Be brave. Be gutsy. You already are because you put yourselves out there and did this amazing work.”

See more photos from the event online at www.tbrnewsmedia.com.

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Celtic Apothecary ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of PJCC
Celtic Apothecary ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of PJCC

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Dawn McCarthy and Lorraine Vigliarolo, owners of Celtic Apothecary, on April 26.  

The event was attended by members of the chamber, Mayor Margot Garant, Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden, friends and family.

Located at 128 Main Street in the former Thomas Kinkade Gallery spot, Celtic Apothecary offers hand poured soy organic candles, body products for women and men, home goods, natural cleaners and farmers markets favorites. 

Pictured from left, James McCarthy, Jim McCarthy, Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant, owner Dawn McCarthy, Chamber Director Mary Joy Pipe, owner Lorraine Vigliarolo, Rick Sobelman, and Port Jefferson Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, call 631-403-4202 or visit www.celticapothecary.com.

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The mechanical eagle above the Stony Brook Village post office. File photo/TBR News Media

Atop Stony Brook Village’s post office is the only mechanical eagle in the world that flaps its wings, every hour on the hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Although the eagles wings are still flapping after 82 years of service, the hand-carve wooden fixture is in need of restoration. Funds are being raised by the  501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation  Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) to help the eagle soar once more. 

Stony Brook Village was constructed in 1941 by businessman and philanthropist, Ward Melville. At his own expense, he relocated, demolished, or modified some thirty-five buildings in the downtown area. The enormous undertaking also included the rerouting of roads, the relocation of large trees, and moving one million cubic yards of dirt. Although the construction of the village was impressive, Ward Melville’s centerpiece gem was the 20’ mechanical Stony Brook Eagle.

For generations, visitors of Stony Brook Village have been awed by the eagle’s mechanical movements. Watching the wings of the eagle flap is a childhood memory thousands cherish. Since the inception of fundraising, donations to restore the eagle have come from all over the United States, from coast to coast.

Fundraising efforts by the WMHO include: The Summer Soirée, a fundraising gala with a cocktail hour, dinner and live auction at the historic Three Village Inn on Thursday, June 22, and an online auction beginning May 22, with exciting items such as a real military tank driving experience for 30 people in “The Scorpion” British armored reconnaissance vehicle, a suite for up to 22 people at the Total Mortgage Arena, and an all-inclusive stay for seven nights in a three room, five-star Panamanian boutique inn.

While the primary purpose of the fundraising is to support the restoration of the beloved eagle, any additional funds raised may also support two new engines for the WMHO’s Discovery Pontoon Boat, digitizing Ward Melville’s archives, repairs to the roof at the Brewster House (c. 1665), a new exhibit at the Thompson House (c. 1709) in Setauket, as well as education programs.

Donations are being accepted now. To help support the WMHO in its fundraising efforts, visit wmho.org or call 631-751-2244. Checks can be made payable to the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, and can be sent to P.O. Box 572, Stony Brook, NY 11790. Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by the law.

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Two students paint birdhouses at the Comsewogue Community Garden. Photo courtesy CSD

Students in the Comsewogue School District showed their green thumbs this Earth Day by coming together with members of the community to recreate the Comsewogue Community Garden. 

Students and their families planted flowers, fruits and vegetables and beautified the garden by creating birdhouses and decorative signs.

“Creating and rebuilding our community garden each spring teaches our students lessons about the importance of community service, taking care of the environment and how to be self-sufficient,” said Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Quinn. “This was a great way to celebrate Earth Day and show our appreciation for our planet and the environment.”

Clinton Avenue Elementary School nurse Kelly Klug spearheaded the garden and organized the Earth Day event for community members to come together and rejuvenate the important resource. All produce grown in the garden is harvested and donated to families in the community facing food insecurity.  

For more information about the Comsewogue School District, please visit the District’s website at www.comsewogue.k12.ny.us.

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#13 Mia Haynes at last Sunday's game Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

In a game that lasted five hours and 44 minutes, saw two rain delays and 11 innings, it would be the Stony Brook softball team that would come out on top. The Seawolves defeated Towson, 7-6, at Tiger Softball Field on April 30 to take the series.

Senior catcher Corinne Badger got the squad off to a hot start with a solo home run to left field in the second inning. Senior infielder Brooke Dye added another run in the second with a single to left field which plated junior outfielder Julianna Sanzone.

After the two-hour rain delay which paused the game in the middle of the fourth, junior utility Catherine Anne Kupinski stepped up to the plate in the fifth and smoked a three-run bomb to left center which brought home Alyssa Costello and Alicia Orosco which increased the Seawolves’ lead to 5-0.

The Tigers answered back with six runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth. Towson’s Cori Jones got the momentum started with a two-RBI double to left field. From there, the Tigers added a two RBI single, a RBI triple, and a RBI single to grab hold of a 6-5 lead.

With the game on the line in the top of the seventh, Kupinski stepped up to the dish and, once again, delivered for the squad. Kupinski singled to center to bring home Shauna Nuss to tie the contest 6-6 and head into extra innings.

In the top of the 11th inning, freshman infielder Naiah Ackerman singled up the middle which brought Emily Reinstein home and gave the Seawolves a 7-6 lead. The Stony Brook defense took care of business in the bottom of the 11th to secure the 7-6 victory and the series.

Up next, the team hosts Monmouth Hawks on May 5.

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