Buona Sera co-owner Julian Mercado displays the new flyer.
Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, local pizzerias have teamed up with the Town of Smithtown in a collaborative effort to help find loving homes for rescue dogs and cats at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. Each pizzeria has taped adoption flyers to pizza boxes which are distributed to customers throughout the Township. Each flyer includes important information about the animal seeking a loving home, including age, gender and the needs of each adoptee.
From left, Monte’s Pizza driver Joseph Soriano and owner Andrew Monteleone with the new flyer.
“The truth is that it’s an ideal time to consider adopting a loving animal in need of a second chance. So we started making calls to local establishments currently operating as essential businesses. The response was overwhelmingly positive, as many of these establishments have stepped up to help the community from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo.
The main objective of the Pizza Box Adoption campaign is to attract new eyes to the longest shelter residents, often passed up because of age, size or breed misconception. Every adoptee featured on these flyers is truly deserving of a second chance.
Participating businesses in the adoption campaign include Buona Sera in Smithtown, Monte’s in Smithtown, Three Bambino’s in Smithtown, Mannino’s in Smithtown, Ciro’s Pizza in Smithtown, Alpine Bakery in Smithtown, Branchinelli’s in Hauppauge, Mama Sbarro’s in Hauppauge, Gino’s in Kings Park, Legend’s in Kings Park, Ciro’s in Kings Park and Pizzaiola in Commack.
When the pandemic first required people to stay at home, one local photographer decided to practice her craft from a distance while helping others.
Ashleigh Malangone, of Ashleigh’s Studio, and daughter-in-law of Meg Malangone, TBR News Media’s receptionist, said she was collecting masks, donating food and supporting local businesses as much as she could but she still felt helpless.
“Perhaps I will never feel like I’ve done enough given what our heroes sacrifice each and every day on the front lines, but I was committed to doing the best that I could,” the Setauket resident said.
Her feeling of helplessness inspired her to create a PORCHrait Project. She started spreading the word on social media that she would come to people’s properties and take photos of them and their families. She then donated the fee, which families paid for through Venmo, to the Three Village Central School District’s food pantry.
Malangone dedicated a week to the project and photographed more than 75 local families. In that one week, she raised $2,600 which she used to purchase $25 Stop & Shop gift cards to give to the pantry.
“It was such a beautiful experience and such a wonderful success,” she said. “I met so many lovely families, and it was a win-win for all. I got to continue to do what I love, the families I worked with had a fun excuse to get dressed and now have a tangible memory of their time at home during quarantine.”
The photographer said in addition to subjects paying via Venmo and maintaining a 6-foot distance, she would spend just 10 minutes at each property and then email three or four edited images within 24 hours to the families.
Malangone said the most important part of the project was raising money for a good cause, and she found everyone’s response heartwarming.
“My slogan was: Team Work, Dream Work!” the photographer said.
Malangone said after her weeklong dedication to the fundraiser, she still receives inquiries for PORCHraits. She said she has added the photo session as a permanent option for her clients, and about once or twice a week, she still heads out for quick, social distancing photo shoots for residents who want a keepsake of this period of time.
“I’m loving it and feel really grateful for the smiles this project has brought to me and so many others,” she said.
To book a PORCHrait photo session with Malangone, email [email protected].
From left, Supervisor Ed Wehrheim with James Cotgreave, his wife Jackie and children Chase and Sophia. Photo from Town of Smithtown
James Cotgreave, a lifelong resident of the Town of Smithtown and founder of Cotgreave Insurance Agency, was presented a proclamation from the Town of Smithtown by Supervisor Ed Wehrheim for donating over $10,000 worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to local law enforcement and healthcare professionals over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic on May 14.
On May 15, Cotgreave joined with the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) on the same day at Saint Catherine of Siena Medical Center where they distributed his latest donation of 2500 disposable gowns.
“A few weeks ago, I reached out to Jim to ask if he could help me fundraise for another round of PPE gear for our front line heroes,” said Supervisor Wehrheim. “Jim took it upon himself to completely fund and distribute the disposable gowns. He has been at the forefront of assisting first responders and healthcare workers since early March … never asking for thanks or recognition and always looking for more good to do.”
Over the course of the last two months, Cotgreave has donated approximately $10,000 worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to shield those on the front lines with the safest equipment to treat patients, protect the community, and themselves.
In addition to his recent donation of disposable gowns, Cotgreave has donated and distributed 5000 face masks to the Police Benevolent Association, Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs and to the healthcare workers at St Catherine’s of Siena Medical Center. Cotgreave has also assisted local food establishments by purchasing $1,000 worth of meals to feed hospital staff within the township.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep indoor movie theaters closed for now, drive-in cinemas have staged a comeback on Long Island, most recently in Lake Grove. Event producer Starfish Junction has entered into a partnership with Simon Malls to safely entertain families this summer with the launch of MOVIE LOT — a pop-up drive-in series offering movies shown on a giant 52-foot screen erected in the parking lot of the Smith Haven Mall.
‘Sonic the Hedgehog’
Visitors may enter the mall area via Middle Country Rd. Follow signs to the Verizon lot. Security and staff will direct you where to park. The lot will open 45 minutes prior to show time. Radio frequencies are used to play sound in your vehicle. Upon arrival, you’ll see the radio station channel up on the big screen.
Ticketholders are permitted to bring their own food and snacks to enjoy during the show. Attendees may also consider Smith Haven Mall restaurants for curbside pick up before filing into the lot for the movie. Portable restrooms will be available for use.
“Drive-in movies naturally adhere to the social distancing guidelines and gives people something fun to do. We’ve all been sheltering in place for weeks, our goal is to deliver a safe and entertaining way to lift the spirits of our neighbors while at the same time adhere to social distancing guidelines,” said Lauren Powers, Senior Director at Starfish Junction.“I think we are all ready to go out, do it safely, and have some fun.”
‘King Kong’
“We’ve got a great lineup for the summer and we anticipate a great response from the local community. But make no mistake about it, we will be strictly enforcing social distancing rules and regulations at each and every showing,” said Powers.
Kicking off the series on Thursday, May 28 at 8:45 p.m. will be the 1981 mega-hit Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (PG). Other movies included in the summer series weekend kick off include the newly-released Sonic the Hedgehog (PG) on Friday, May 29 at 8:45 p.m. followed by the 2005 version of King Kong at 11:45 p.m. (PG-13); the 1976 The Bad News Bears (PG) on Saturday, May 30 at 8:45 p.m. followed by the 2020 blockbuster Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker at 11:45 p.m.
The rest of the summer lineup will be announced soon and will include movies perfect for date nights, family fun nights, girl’s night out, sing-alongs, and midnight showings of fright-night classics. There are a limited number of tickets available for each showing. Tickets are on sale now ($40 per carload) and must be purchased online in advance at www.MovieLotDriveIn.com.
VFW 3054 members and veterans Tim Still and Jack Cassidy place a wreath at the memorial monument on Route 25A in Setauket on May 25.
Arleen Gargiulo sings the National Anthem
Representing Cub Scout Pack 18, Kellen McDermott, along with his mother Meaghan, place a wreath at the memorial monument on Route 25A in Setauket on May 25.
Representing Cub Scout Pack 18, Kellen McDermott, along with his mother Meaghan, place a wreath at the memorial monument on Route 25A in Setauket on May 25.
Representing the Three Village Historical Society, Beverly C. Tyler (as Abraham Woodhull) places a wreath at the memorial monument
Tim Still, Jack Cassidy and Jay Veronko
VFW 3054 members and veterans Tim Still and Jack Cassidy place a wreath at the memorial monument
VFW 3054 members and veterans Tim Still and Jack Cassidy place a wreath at the memorial monument
A rifle salute
The flags are raised
The monument at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park
Somber day marked with wreath-laying event
By Heidi Sutton
In Setauket, Memorial Day is usually marked with a parade from Main Street to Route 25A followed by a remembrance ceremony, but these are not usual times.
For the first time in recent years the parade was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3054, which hosts the Three Village Memorial Day Parade each year, decided to hold a brief wreath-laying ceremony at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park to memorialize those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
The park’s monument honors members of the community who perished in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
“As long as two comrades survive — so long will the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States render tribute to our heroic dead,” said Post Commander Jay Veronko, who led the 10-minute remembrance event.
“On this day, forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence. This monument represents the resting places of many departed comrades who served in all wars. Wherever the body of a comrade lies there the ground is hallowed,” Veronko recited.
As in years past there was the traditional rifle salute, a prayer, the playing of taps and rousing renditions of our country’s national anthem and “God Bless America” by Arleen Gargiulo of Setauket, albeit with face masks while adhering to strict social distancing measures.
Kellen McDermott of Cub Scout Pack 18, Beverly C. Tyler representing the Three Village Historical Society, and Tim Still and Jack Cassidy from VFW Post 3054 presented wreaths.
“Our presence here is in solemn commemoration of all these men — an expression of our tribute to their devotion to duty, to their courage and patriotism. By their services on land, on sea and in the air, they have made us their debtors, for the flag of our nation still flies over a land of free people,” Veronko said.
The Post also paid their respects to their departed comrades Edward Arndt and Walter Denzler Sr.and “a solemn tribute to all comrades wherever they may rest.” The group also laid wreaths at the Setauket Village Green Memorial and the Stony Brook Village Memorial.
Veronko thanked the participants for coming. “Hopefully next year we can have a parade,” he said.
This week’s shelter pets are Cira, left, and Sampson, right, from the Smithtown Animal Shelter.
Cira is a one-year-old female domestic shorthair mix who was brought in to the shelter as a stray. An injury from her life as a stray caused her to lose some of her tail, but this only adds to her charm. This love bug has a very gentle and loving demeanor, with an unlimited supply of cuddles and affection. Her perfect home would be with children where she can get (and give!) all kinds of love and friendship.
Sampson is a 2-year-old male domestic shorthair who was found living as a stray and was brought into the shelter by a good samaritan. He was underweight at first, but the team at the shelter have helped him to add a few pounds and get him healthy again Sampson not only has a huge appetite for food, but he also craves love! He is a very outgoing and sweet little guy who just wants to give and get love anywhere he can find it. He may be small in stature, but he has a big heart and an even mightier spirit inside. Sampson gets along well with other cats and is good for a family with children.
If you are interested in meeting either Cira or Sampson please fill out an adoption application online at www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.
Jefferson’s Ferry, a not-for-profit Life Plan Community in South Setauket, has promoted Elissa Gargone to Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In her new position the Miller Place resident will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing programs, touring and counseling potential residents, and tracking occupancy in independent and assisted living. Jefferson’s Ferry President and Chief Executive Officer Robert E. Caulfield made the announcement.
“Elissa is an integral part of the Jefferson’s Ferry community and a valuable resource to our senior management team,” said Caulfield. “She consistently demonstrates an outstanding level of commitment and care to our residents, and to those who are considering Jefferson’s Ferry.We are especially fortunate to have her in this position during a time of significant expansion that is our Journey to Renewal.”
Journey to Renewal is an ambitious, multi-year expansion and renovation of the Jefferson’s Ferry campus that will enhance the lifestyle and experience for current residents while anticipating the desires and needs of a whole new generation of Long Islanders who are planning for retirement.
The expansion calls for the construction of additional independent living apartments, a new assisted living building specially designed for memory care, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center, along with expanded homelike common spaces in assisted living and skilled nursing. Amenities including dining and fitness options will also be given an upgrade during the Journey to Renewal.
Gargone first joined Jefferson’s Ferry in 2010 and in that time has grown with the community as it has matured and evolved in an ever changing marketplace.She most recently served as Director of Sales & Marketing.
“Over the years that I’ve been here, I’ve not only learned from the example of my outstanding colleagues; I’ve seen firsthand what this community does for our residents. They thrive in an environment that provides stimulating companionship and activities while freeing them from many of the tasks and stresses of daily living. I’m excited for the challenges and rewards that my new position will offer during this exciting transition.”
Learn about wildlife and interact live with an educator each week on the Sweetbriar Nature Center Facebook page every Thursday at 2:30 p.m. The staff will share a different animal with you along – a baby bird, rabbit, opossum – with a story or a talk.
Donations are greatly appreciated for the over 100 residentanimals that are currently being cared for at the center. Items from Sweetbriar’s wish list (www.sweetbriarnc.org) may be dropped off a the center’s front door and monetary donations may be made directly during the Facebook live program. Sweetbriar Nature Center is located at 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, call 631-979-6344.
Senior scientist at the National Audubon Society, Dr. Brooke Bateman, will offer “Virtual Birding” on Wednesday, May 27 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom as part of Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s (WMHO) Master Class Series.
Dr. Bateman’s first summer job as a teenager was aboard WMHO’s “Discovery” pontoon boat cruises where she would see snowy egrets, night herons and osprey along Stony Brook Harbor into West Meadow Creek. During this session she will explore spring migration of birds from the Arctic to Long Island, the beauty and science of many species of birds across the world, as well as her invention, “Climate Watch,” a tool to monitor and combat the effects of climate change on birds.
In her role at the Audubon Society she has led a team of scientists in developing the 2019 Birds and Climate Change Report. She is also the Director of Climate Watch, where she works with community volunteers to understand how climate change currently affects birds in North America. Her research focus is on spatial ecology and conservation, emphasizing the effect that extreme weather events and climate change have on biodiversity.
To register for this free event please email [email protected] or call 631-751-2244.
Two friends on the staff of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport are engaged in a poetry-photo challenge. Their goal is to lift the spirits of their quarantined colleagues.
Ed Clampitt has been a member of the Museum’s security staff for four years. He challenged Ellen Mason, a volunteer tour guide for 14 years, to write poems inspired by his photos. Clampitt, who also has written some of the poems, likes to record seasonal beauty at Eagle’s Nest, the spectacular 43-acre Vanderbilt Estate that is also home to the Vanderbilt Museum and Reichert Planetarium.
Ellen Mason
“During discussions about our upcoming children’s book, Ellen discovered her previously untapped talent for writing poetry,” Clampitt said. “I enjoy being her muse and inspiring that wonderful talent to blossom!”
Mason said, “Ed suggested that he take photographs at the Vanderbilt and challenged me to write poems to correspond to them. He surprises me with the photos and gives me no prior information. And I surprise him with the poems.”
Then the creative partners email the results to the Vanderbilt staff and members of the Board of Trustees. Their responses: delight and gratitude.
“It’s such a pleasure to receive their poems and photos,” said Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan, the Vanderbilt Museum’s interim executive director. “Ed and Ellen’s creations remind us of how lucky we are to work in such beautiful surroundings, especially now when we cannot physically be at Eagle’s Nest. Their pictures and words are inspiring.”
Ed Clamplitt
Clampitt, a Huntington resident who also has worked for Stop & Shop supermarkets for 40 years, is a front-line worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also co-creator and author of Team Dawg, a character-education program and children’s book series that has been widely used in elementary schools throughout Long Island.
Mason, a Stony Brook resident and retired Centereach High School English teacher, leads tours of the Vanderbilt Mansion. She tells visitors stories about the Vanderbilt family and provides details on the Mansion’s architecture and centuries-old art and furnishings. During summer Living History tours, she and the guides dress in 1930s costumes to portray famous summer guests of Rosamond and William K. Vanderbilt II.
Here are two of Mason’s poems and one by Clampitt, with four of Clampitt’s photos taken on the Vanderbilt Estate:
Separation
By Ellen Mason
Wrought iron gates / Now closed to us;
No sound of car / Or van or bus.
No children shout /Or laughter rings
Amid the trees /Where birds still sing.
The empty paths / And courtyard bare
Of visitors /A sight so rare.
A vista /Just around the bend,
Might give us hope / And chance to mend.
To breathe the air / At Eagle’s Nest,
Would lend our hearts / And souls some rest.
The day will come / When we’ll return,
To hug and share / Our lessons learned.
We’ll walk the paths / Blue sky above,
And celebrate / This place we love.
Night in the Museum
By Ellen Mason
The grounds are dark, /And silence reigns;
No traffic noise / On roads or lanes.
No human sounds /Disturb the night,
As paths are bathed /In pale starlight.
Within the hushed /Exhibit halls,
Some species stir /On floors and walls.
With restlessness, /They shift and shake,
And move their eyes, /And try to make
Some sense of what / Has come to pass:
No students here / With friends and class,
In lines of two, / With cell phones poised,
They used to laugh /And make loud noise
Where are the folks, / The steady band,
Who climb the stairs / With map in hand?
The whale shark swings / Both to and fro,
To catch the sight: / No one below.
The polar bear, / Now wide awake,
Believes there must be / Some mistake.
In the museum, / High on the hill,
In quiet rooms, / Alone and still,
The sharks, the eels, / The manatee,
Hang, waiting for /Humanity
Their vigil here, /Throughout the night,
Continues on / In morning light.
And so they wait, / And hope to learn,
Why we were gone, / When we return.
The Plan
By Ed Clampitt
She’s still hard at work, / Preparing this place,
For the day coming soon, / When we meet face to face.
Each day brings new changes, /Some larger, some small,
She knows in her heart, /We feel blessed by them all.
Mother Nature the Wonder /Signs of hope that abound,
Just trust in her plan / What’s been lost will be found.
Night in the Museum
The whale shark swings / Both to and fro,
The Plan
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