This week’s featured shelter pet is Melody, an 8-month-old, tortoiseshell kitten with beautiful green eyes. Melody is extremely sweet and friendly and loves to cuddle. She would be a great addition to a family with children.
Melody is spayed, microchipped and is up to date on all her vaccines.
Kent Animal Shelter is located at 2259 River Road in Calverton. The adoption center is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on Melody and other adoptable pets at Kent, call 631-727-5731 or visit www.kentanimalshelter.com.
Libraries across Suffolk County will have to deal with changes to the number of e-book copies allowed to them. Photo by Kyle Barr
As the internet has connected the world, libraries across Suffolk County have never been as linked as they are today with both patrons and each other.
The written word is strong, despite claims to the contrary, especially with the proliferation of e-books and audiobooks. Suffolk County’s Library System allows for libraries to request books from fellow libraries and gives access to multitudes of e-books and audiobooks alike, all free on request, barring a wait list.
Some publishing companies are not happy with the status quo.
Macmillan Publishers, an international corporation and one of the top five publishing houses across the globe, announced its intent to limit the number of copies allowed to libraries to one for the first eight weeks of release starting Nov. 1. After those eight weeks, they can purchase “expiring” e-book copies which need to be re-purchased after two years or 52 lends.
The Port Jefferson Library will have to deal with changes to the number of e-book copies allowed to them. Photo by Kyle Barr
While this decision has rocked libraries across the country, in Suffolk County, as the interlibrary program and e-book lending is handled by the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, that will mean one copy of an e-book for the entire system, according to Kevin Verbesey, director of the county library system. Just one e-book license for the whole of Suffolk and its near 1.5 million residents for the first eight weeks of its release.
To add some perspective, Verbesey said a hot new title could have thousands of residents on a wait list for the title, and the county library system usually tries to have one copy of said book for every two or three people requesting it. Like any anticipated piece of media, new and highly anticipated titles are most often sought and bought in those first eight weeks. Following that, barring renewed interest from something like a movie deal, attention begins to wane. Basically, the library system, which would usually purchase hundreds of licenses of that book, will effectively be restricted from having any.
In socioeconomic terms, Verbesey said it means people who can afford it can buy a book. Those who can’t afford it will have their access restricted.
“In some parts of the county where there’s not great socioeconomic need, people have the option to ‘press buy’ and buy it for $12, but that’s not the case everywhere,” Verbesey said. “Rich people can have it, but poor people can’t.”
The North Shore is one of Suffolk County’s heaviest concentration of library users, the county library system director said. Those patrons could see some of the biggest impact of this decision.
Debbie Engelhardt, the Comsewogue Public Library director, said her patrons are savvy and know when books are set to hit the street, and they depend on the library to have e-book copies available.
North Shore Libray will have to deal with changes to the number of e-book copies allowed to them. Photo by Kyle Barr
“We have a long history of working very hard to get things into people’s hands as quickly as we can,” she said. “Think about a tiny little library someplace, they can buy one, and then all of Suffolk County can buy one. It just doesn’t seem equitable.”
Engelhardt said libraries often have deals to purchase books cheaper than retail price through deals with publishers. They will also create lease agreements to gather numerous copies of whatever is popular at the time, so they are not later burdened with multiple copies of that same tome.
Ted Gutmann, the director of the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, also pointed to the interlibrary loan system, which means not every library will need to purchase every book as long as it’s available nearby.
E-books, on the other hand, are purchased by libraries for sometimes five times its original asking price. A regular e-book could cost around $12. A library or library system will purchase it at around $50 or $60, according to Verbesey. This is because libraries need to buy the licensing agreement of the copy in order to lend it to multiple people over the course of its license before the agreement expires in a few years. Each publisher has different policies on how long the licenses last and what is the cost for relicensing a product.
The Suffolk library system has an annual budget of $14 million, with $4 million being spent directly on e-books and for the services of Overdrive, an application used by libraries to distribute their electronic media. E-books currently make up approximately one of every four checkout items from libraries in Suffolk.
Despite the price of these books, Verbesey said they are happy to purchase what can be hundreds of licenses of that one e-book if there’s demand. This new policy would make it pointless to purchase any copies.
Macmillan did not respond to a request for comment, but in its original July 25 letter to Macmillan authors and agents announcing the change, CEO John Sargent wrote, “It seems that given a choice between a purchase of an e-book for $12.99 or a frictionless lend for free, the American e-book reader is starting to lean heavily toward free … Our new terms are designed to protect the value of your books during their first format publication. But they also ensure that the mission of libraries is supported. They honor the libraries’ archival mandate and they reduce the cost and administrative burden associated with e-book lending. We are trying to address the concerns of all parties.”
The changes came after the corporation tested a 16-week embargo with e-books from its subsidiary Tor Publishing, concluding e-book lending had a negative impact on sales.
The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library will have to deal with changes to the number of e-book copies allowed to them. Photo by Kyle Barr
Overdrive CEO Steve Potash condemned the move, calling the company’s original test data faulty adding that very few Tor e-books are available in public library catalogs. He pointed to other studies that showed libraries had no material impact on e-book sales.
Authors published under MacMillan include romance author Nora Roberts, young adult fantasy based in African myth Tomi Adeyemi, and even famous and deceased authors such as C.S. Lewis. The company is also set to publish whistle-blower Edward Snowden’s memoirs this month, which is sure to become a hotly requested item.
And though the libraries have no control over the publisher’s requests, some expect the onus to fall on the individual libraries themselves.
“When a library serving many thousands has only a single copy of a new title in e-book format, it’s the library — not the publisher — that feels the heat,” said American Library Association President Wanda Brown in a July 25 statement. “It’s the local library that’s perceived as being unresponsive to community needs,” she added.
Engelhardt pointed to data from the national Library Journal’s Generational Reading Survey for 2019, which showed 42 percent of those surveyed purchased the same book they borrowed from the library, and 70 percent bought another book of the same author of a book they borrowed. She added libraries are some of the biggest promoters for individual books, authors and literacy in general, and Macmillan may only be hurting its own brand.
While the limitation on e-book lending won’t be in effect until November, libraries are already preparing to tell their patrons why Macmillan books won’t be available electronically.
“We’re going to have to explain the publisher is not working with local libraries,” she said.
Emma Clark library decorated this summer for the children’s Summer Reading Club. Photo from Emma S. Clark Memorial Library
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library’s budget is projected to increase slightly in 2020, and Three Village school district residents will get a chance to vote on it Sept. 18.
Voters will be asked to approve the library’s 2020 budget of $5,495,366, which is a 1.99 percent increase over the 2019 budget of $5,388,195. While the budget includes an increase of $5,560 in employee salaries, it also consists of a decrease of $37,589 in benefits.
Library Director Ted Gutmann said this past year some full-time Emma Clark employees retired. They were mostly replaced by part-time workers when it was practical, which has impacted salaries and decreased benefits.
Books, e-books, materials, classes and events will see a $51,200 increase in 2020 and building and operations an increase of $6,000. The library’s estimated income for 2020 dips by $82,000.
Orlando Maione, president of the library’s board of trustees, said the board looks for cost-saving methods and applies for grants whenever possible. When the building’s lighting was converted to LED lights, he said it also helped the library save on utility bills. Over the past few years, mechanical equipment has been converted into energy-efficient units which also saves money.
“Whenever we can, we’re constantly looking for ways to save money and not use taxpayers’ money,” Maione said.
The board president said he feels the library and trustees have built trust with residents in that the board will keep costs down.
“Since we all live in the community, and we’re all taxpayers, it’s our money as well,” he said.
Gutmann said he is grateful for the community’s support in the past and feels voting on the budget is important.
“They have the opportunity to voice their opinion,” Gutmann said. “I’m hopeful that they’ll continue to support the library as we’re proposing.”
Registered voters can cast their ballots on the library’s budget between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Periodicals Room of Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main St. in Setauket.
For more detailed budget information, visit www.emmaclark.org.
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
By Rich Acritelli
Sitting down to write this story about 9/11, there is the constant reminder of how beautiful this day was with brilliant sunshine, warm weather and the buzz in the air of people going about their daily responsibilities.It seems like yesterday that this same sort of memory that was some 18 years ago completely changed the course of American history. As people were handling their daily routines of putting their children on the bus and going to work, people in Manhattan and Washington, D.C., endured harrowing terrorism that shook the foundations of those cities. In the rural area of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the wreckage and the remains of Flight 93 were found.
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Some 18 years later, families and friends still struggle with getting through this particular day. While there are students in our local schools who were not yet born when these attacks occurred, this terrible moment is still with us. As many of our students did not see the constant news coverage about the attacks waged on our nation by Osama Bin Laden and al-Qaeda, 9/11 essentially became one of the longest days ever in our country. It remained with us for months and years, as our mind flashed images of the two planes that destroyed the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and Flight 93 that would have been used to target the Capitol or the White House.
Americans were shocked at the news reports of the failed attempts of the shoe and underwear bombers to destroy other commercial airlines and anthrax that was sent to noted journalist Tom Brokaw. Today, young adults that like to attend popular concerts at Jones Beach do not remember the military presence in the Atlantic Ocean near the venue. The federal government ordered aircraft carriers that were in view of the amphitheater to fly fighter missions over major cities, including New York, to guard against the potential use of civilian aircraft that could possibly target major buildings and landmarks. In a total sense of shock, Americans were reeling from the earliest moments of terrorism that had clearly impacted our way of life.
Never before had Americans repeatedly watched the news coverage of citizens on American soil desperately running for their lives away from buildings that were collapsing around them. In many cases, they did not stop moving until they were across the Brooklyn Bridge, covered in dust and debris, with looks of despair on their faces. For months, North Shore rescue and demolition workers sifted through the wreckage of lower Manhattan to search for survivors and the remains of lost ones. In the tristate area there were daily reminders of 9/11 through the numerous funerals that were held for many of the 2,977 people that were killed.And it was almost 19 days after the terrorists hit the U.S. that the military struck the Taliban and its allies in Afghanistan. Just this week alone, as peace talks continued between America and the Taliban, a car bomb derailed the negotiations and our soldiers are still operating to guard against terrorism in Afghanistan. While many local people are concerned that other parts of this country have forgotten about this date, 18 years ago showed the iron spirit of American resolve and willingness to help each other.
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
This was an attack that had never been waged against the U.S. before, but the American people presented an immense amount of comradery; caring for fellow citizens who were struggling from the attacks. At once, there was an outpouring of patriotism. Walmart was unable to keep up with the demand of its customers who wanted to purchase American flags.People wrapped yellow ribbons around porches and trees and patriotic signs hung in businesses, schools and churches honoring the rescue workers at ground zero. Fire and emergency crews from every corner of this nation and Canada descended on Manhattan to help the New York City Fire Department. Both the New York Yankees and Mets participated in raising the spirits of the recovery workers by having their players meet with them in Lower Manhattan and honoring their tremendous sacrifices when baseball came back to America at Shea Stadium in Flushing, Queens. Huge flags were presented by the military that covered the length of Giants Stadium during the national anthem. When motorists crossed over the George Washington Bridge, it was done under a flag that could be seen for miles.
President George W. Bush, through a heightened security presence, was at the World Series that had been pushed back due to the 9/11 attacks. He attended the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks game where he stood on the pitcher’s mound, presented a thumbs up to the crowd and threw a strike to the catcher. At this time, former New York Jet’s coach Herm Edwards was asked football questions about an upcoming game and he told the reporters with tears in his eyes that sports is not everything. As the Meadowlands is within sight of the city, the Jets could see the smoke rise from the wreckage. He stated his team’s thoughts and prayers were with the rescue workers at ground zero.Today, you can visit the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City and see a powerful sports exhibit that is connected to these attacks and how our local teams used athletics to help provide a sense of comfort and distraction during this tragic time.
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Just recently, local leaders from the FEAL Good Foundation were in Washington, D.C., to lobby the government to prevent the discontinuation of the Zadroga Bill.Retired New York City Police Officer Anthony Flammia strenuously worked with other rescue workers to promote the importance of this legislation to congressional members from every part of the U.S. The organization was determined to pass legislation that continued to help rescue workers suffering from 9/11-related health conditions. Longtime comedian Jon Stewart stood next to men and women from the FEAL Good Foundation to place pressure on congressional leaders to put their differences aside and pass this vital bill. Stewart openly wondered how our government was prepared to turn its back on survivors that unflinchingly answered the call on this date. Shortly after speaking to a congressional committee, NYPD Detective Luis Alvarez passed away from the poor health condition that he had gained as a result of his time at and near ground zero.
Over the course of American history, there have been many serious events that our nation has had to rebound from through the will of its citizens. 18 years ago, this dynamic character of our country rose out of the darkest moments of terrorism to show the world that Americans will always stand together. May we always remember our rescue workers, War on Terror veterans and those Americans that are currently struggling with 9/11-related illnesses.
Rich Acritelli is a social studies teacher at Rocky Point High School and an adjunct professor of American history at Suffolk County Community College.
The fire department served hamburgers, hot dogs and other refreshments to 9/11 memorial ceremony attendees. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Residents light candles during the Centereach Fire Department's 9/11 memorial ceremony. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A Girl Scout lights a candle during the Centereach Fire Department's 9/11 memorial ceremony. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Residents light candles during the Centereach Fire Department's 9/11 memorial ceremony. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Residents light candles during the Centereach Fire Department's 9/11 memorial ceremony. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Among those in attendance at the Centreach Fire Department 9/11 memorial ceremony were Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore, second from left, and Brookhaven Town Councilman Kevin LaValle, second from right. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Residents light candles during the Centereach Fire Department's 9/11 memorial ceremony. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Residents, including Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore, light candles during the Centereach Fire Department's 9/11 memorial ceremony. Photo by Rita J. Egan
The Centereach High School Choir performs at the 9/11 memorial ceremony in Centereach. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Centereach residents joined members of their fire department to remember those who were lost Sept, 11, 2001 in a memorial ceremony.
Held at the Centreach Fire Department’s headquarters on South Washington Avenue Sept. 11, the ceremony began with firefighter Bryan Elsesser singing the national anthem.
In addition to board of fire commissioners Chairman Thomas Doyle’s address to the crowd, a musical performance was provided by members of the Centereach High School Choir and a candlelight ceremony honored those who died.
Talat Hamdani was the first to light a candle in honor of her son Mohammad Salman Hamdani, who was a New York Police Department cadet and a first responder at Ground Zero.
After the ceremony, the fire department provided hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments for those in attendance.
Chief Paul Rodier gives the introductory remarks at the Setauket Fire District's 9/11 ceremony. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
Scouts were on hand for the candle lighting ceremony. Photo by Bob O' Rourk
The 9/11 Memorial Park was surrounded by Setauket fire department members, Boy Scouts, Stony Brook and Port Jefferson fire department members and a large number of local residents.
Photo by Bob O'Rourk
All salute the 9/11 heroes as three wreaths were presented by Setauket Fire Department, Stony Brook Fire Department, local police officers and legislators. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Valerie Cartright and Suffolk County legislator Kara Hahn listen as state assemblyman Steve Englebright delivers some brief comments on 9/11 and its meaning today. Photo by O'Rourk
With Setauket Fire Department members in the background, Boy Scouts were flag bearers as well as participants in the ceremony. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
Early visitors look at the names on the Setauket monument. Photo by O'Rourk
The Setauket Fire District hosted its annual 9/11 memorial ceremony at its Nicolls Road firehouse.
Firefighters, residents, legislators and scouts gathered in the district’s Sept. 11 Memorial Park to remember those who lost their life on Sept. 11, 2001.
After Chief Paul Rodier’s introductory remarks, state Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), county Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) and Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Valerie Cartright (D-Port Jefferson Station) addressed the attendees. The ceremony culminated with a candle lighting ceremony.
Members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge Brothers Lodge 3436 held a candlelight vigil for the victims of 9/11. Photos by David Luces
Members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge Brothers Lodge 3436 held a candlelight vigil for the victims of 9/11. Photos by David Luces
Members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge Brothers Lodge 3436 held a candlelight vigil for the victims of 9/11. Photos by David Luces
Members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge Brothers Lodge 3436 held a candlelight vigil for the victims of 9/11. Photos by David Luces
Members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge Brothers Lodge 3436 held a candlelight vigil for the victims of 9/11. Photos by David Luces
Members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge Brothers Lodge 3436 held a candlelight vigil for the victims of 9/11. Photos by David Luces
Members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge Brothers Lodge 3436 held a candlelight vigil for the victims of 9/11. Photos by David Luces
Members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge Brothers Lodge 3436 held a candlelight vigil for the victims of 9/11. Photos by David Luces
Members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge Brothers Lodge 3436 held a candlelight vigil for the victims of 9/11. Photos by David Luces
Members of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge Brothers Lodge 3436 held a candlelight vigil for the victims of 9/11. Photos by David Luces
Close to 50 people attend a candlelight vigil and prayer service for the victims of 9/11 at Harborfront Park. The event was headed by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America Vigiano Brothers Lodge Brothers Lodge 3436.
Anthony Rotoli, Jr., president of the lodge, said this annual event has a significant impact on them as they are named after two brothers John T. Vigiano, Firefighter First Grade NYFD and Joseph V. Vigiano, Detective, Emergency Services NYPD who perished on 9/11.
“It’s a way to honor them and the lives lost that day,” he said. “We had a pretty good turn out.”
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Sound Beach Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11. Photo by Greg Catalano
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Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
There will be a significant reduction in the number of people who can commemorate 9/11 this year, with many like the annual event in Shoreham being closed to the public due to COVID-19. File photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
Fire departments from Wading River to Mount Sinai came to the 9/11 Community Memorial in Shoreham Sept. 11, 2019 to commemorate that fateful day. Photo by Kyle Barr
The night of Sept. 11, 2019 was one of solemn remembrance. Community members, Boy Scouts and firefighters gathered in ceremony in both Shoreham and Sound Beach to show that fateful day would not be forgotten.
The event was attended by members of the Wading River, Rocky Point, Miller Place and Mount Sinai fire departments, as well as Boy Scout Troops 161 and 244, as well as several county, town and state officials.
Many of those younger people who gathered at the 9/11 Community Memorial site in Shoreham with their families were not even alive on that day in 2001. Yet those from the Rocky Point Fire Department and 9/11 Memorial Committee who spoke asked all to remember those several local residents and rescue workers who died 18 years ago. They also spoke of the hundreds who have died after the 9/11 attacks from health issues gained while at the site of the towers and in the weeks afterwards working in the rubble.
In Sound Beach, local residents gathered with the Sound Beach Fire Department gathered community members together in recognition of the historic date. The ceremony was led with opening remarks by Chief of Department Michael Rosasco and Chaplain McKay, who also led with closing prayers.
Some residents and village officials object to a reduced recreation fee for private facilities at The Shipyard, here seen originally in construction. File photo by Alex Petroski
The Village of Port Jefferson has a lot of apartments on its plate, both those developments already settled into their foundations and those still in the hopper.
So far, the experience for Port Jeff community members and officials alike has not left the greatest impressions.
Some points have become so contested that village officials voted to change the code to prevent similar experiences in the future.
The village held three public hearings Sept. 3 to propose changes to the village code. Two code changes were in direct response to complaints of the development of separate apartment complexes. One code change was for payment in lieu of parking and the other on what counts for reducing the recreational space fee owed to the village.
In the latter case, the village has moved to excise rooftop decks, patios and other common areas not accessible to the general public from being considered park or recreational facilities for the purposes of developers reducing the parkland fee paid to the village.
Mayor Margot Garant said the change has come after review of comments from the community, especially in regard to the fee paid by Tritec Real Estate Company, of which the mayor said is over $50,000, is still owed to the village.
“As we cannot enjoy the rooftop deck at Shipyard, we don’t think that should be taken into consideration when taking a calculation of the fee,” she said.
In August 2018, the village passed a resolution reducing the fee levied on Tritec for not including sufficient public green space, with the mayor arguing at the time the desire to have developers build amenities and green space for use by their tenants. At that time, Trustee Bruce Miller vehemently disagreed with the decision.
Just over a year since then, at the Sept. 3 meeting, Garant argued for a “bright line” code for the planning board to take into account in future developments, this time specifically pointing to the Tritec development for the code change.
Not all Port Jeff residents saw this as a complete victory. Michael Mart, a longtime Port Jefferson resident and regular watchdog, said he applauded the change, but argued the code as it previously stood could have been interpreted to prevent developments like Shipyard from getting recreation fees lowered for private amenities.
“The planning board members shouldn’t make the difference because the code governs what the planning board does,” Mart said.
Garant disagreed.
“[The recreation fee] was meant to make sure the village was getting an appropriate recreation fee for the stress that it puts on our public amenities,” she said. “Not to subtract the private amenities. I don’t think the language is strong enough as it exists to make that a protocol.”
Barbara Sabatino, a member of the planning board, said it had been informed the facilities would not be off limits to nonresidents.
“At the time we made that decision we were informed by Tritec that those outside decks that have view of the harbor could be accessed by the public, that it wasn’t Tritec residents only,” she said.
Representatives of Tritec did not answer multiple phone calls for comment.
Mart said the onus should not be just on Tritec for “pulling the wool,” but on the village and planning boards for not enforcing their vision of the code.
The mayor said the village is still owed the fee from The Shipyard, which she added they can only pursue after the developer files the deeds with the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office.
“I can’t really say when those deeds are recorded, but as far as I’m concerned, I want my money,” she said.
Also discussed in the meeting was a change to the code on payment in lieu of parking, citing another apartment development in the space that Cappy’s Carpets once occupied.
In a March public meeting, attorney’s representing Brooks Partners LLC, a subsidiary of Port Jefferson-based Gitto Group, said the Cappy’s Carpets project, known as Brockport, would have to pay for four spaces in payment in lieu of parking. The project is set to have 78 spaces of parking for its residents and for those working in the retail stores set to be located under the new apartments.
The New York State Department of Transportation recommended removing two on-street parking stalls along Main Street for safer access to the property on Main Street. This did not sit well with some community members who saw it as a loss of parking spots in a village desperate for more lot space.
Garant attended that March meeting and agreed with those who criticized the project for the loss.
“But for that project we would still have two on-street parking spaces,” she said.
Bruce D’Abramo, the only board member to vote “no” on this code change, said it was out of the developers’ hands, having been ordered through the state DOT.
“In the case we are talking about the applicant who had no choice in this matter, it was the DOT who removed two on-street parking spaces on a state road that the village has no real control over anyway,” he said.
Mart, again, asked why the planning board did not make it a condition of their approval of the building’s site plans to mandate paying for the loss of the on-street spots.
“The planning board had the opportunity to make it a condition on the approval,” he said.
Chris Bianco, an attorney working on behalf of the village alongside Village Attorney Brian Egan, said the planning board would be on shaky ground if it made that a condition under the current code.
Garant acknowledged the change in code could present legal trouble down the road.
“I know everybody’s hands are kinda tied,” she said. “Somebody can certainly challenge me on that and take me to court, but I would rather be on the upside of that than downside of that.”
Gallery North in Setauket hosted its 54th annual Outdoor Art Show & Music Festival on Sept. 7 and 8. The two day event showcased the work of artists and artisans and featured live music, kids activities and food. Awards were granted for best in show for each art category, including crafts, fiber art, glass art, jewelry, painting, pottery, and more.
And the awards go to:
Best in Show
Eric Giles
Mixed media Craft
Outstanding award – Kathryn Nidy
Honorable Mention – Jo Ann Wadler
Wood craft
Outstanding award – Barry Saltsberg
Honorable Mention – Michael Josiah
Fiber Art
Outstanding award Meryle King
Glass Art
Outstanding award – Justin Cavagnaro
Jewelry
Outstanding award – Margie & Bill Lombard
Honorable Mention -Toni Neuschafer
Painting
Outstanding award – Carmen Stasi
Pottery
Outstanding award – Gina Mars
Honorable Mention – Denise Randall
Work on Paper: Graphic and Drawing
Outstanding award – Flo Kemp
Work on Paper: Watercolor and Pastel
Outstanding award -Stephanie Pollack
Honorable Mention – Joanne Liff
For more information, visit www.gallerynorth.org or call 631-751-2676.
This week’s featured shelter pet is Melody, an 8-month-old, tortoiseshell kitten with beautiful green eyes. Melody is extremely sweet and friendly and loves to cuddle. She would be a great addition to a family with children. 
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