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Participants in the 2022 Pride Month Celebration Picnic at Hoyt Farm hosted by the Smithtown Anti-Bias Task Force. Photo from Town of Smithtown

By Sabrina Artusa

The Smithtown Anti-Bias Task Force, a team of town-board-appointed volunteers, endeavors to decrease discrimination by focusing on programs that promote inclusivity. 

The task force was created as a town agency in May 1994 but only resumed activity in 2019. After a brief hiatus in 2020, the task force commenced in-person events like educational programs at the Smithtown library, anti-bias multimedia galleries and a Pride Month picnic, the second of which will take place Monday, June 26.

Programs are organized around demographics that would most profit from them. By examining hate crime statistics given to them by the Suffolk County Hate Crime Unit, the task force is able to direct its resources accordingly. Chair member and volunteer Maria LaMalfa said they use the statistics to “reach people where they are.” 

“We look at what’s prevalent and we try to bring an education to remediate,” LaMalfa said. Identification of bias is a necessary first step in creating impactful programs. Last month, after identifying Asian racism as an issue, the task force worked with Smithtown Library to develop an educational workshop about Chinese calligraphy and Indonesian culture. 

The task force honors differences of religion, ability and age as well. In response to antisemitism, they held a series of Holocaust remembrance programs and discussions. In 2022, the Suffolk County Police Department recorded antisemitism as one of the most frequent motivations for Suffolk County hate crimes in 2022. Incidents of discrimination are what the task force strives against, and according to LaMalfa, education could be the key to eradicating them. 

“The hate crime police always, always tell us that education is the best way to get rid of these incidents,” LaMalfa said. This sentiment is reflected in their programs, which largely center around educating the public about commonly discriminated against communities.

“People tend to fear what they don’t know or understand,” LaMalfa added. “Education is the ABTF’s primary goal.”

The task force was initially developed after a series of hate crimes in Commack in 1994. In 2019, the town decided to revive the agency. Lynne Nowick, councilwoman and the ABTF’s town board liaison, was a leading figure in bringing back the ABTF. She said she felt bias “was becoming more common.” She and board members decided it was time to bring it back. “There is no such thing as a town without bias,” Nowick said. 

“People that were affected should have someone to go to,” Nowick added. The task force doesn’t replace the police department; “Their jobs are to tell them look, there are places to go, people to talk to.” 

The task force isn’t involved in investigating hate crimes, or bringing perpetrators to justice.

In addition to preventative programs through education, the task force also works on projects that provide support for communities that need it. The Pride Month picnic on June 26 will give a space for Smithtown residents to celebrate the LGBTQ community. 

Linda Rose, Smithtown resident and member of the Suffolk County LGBTQ Advisory Board, appreciates the contributions of the task force. In the past, she has been unhappy with how the town addressed LGBTQ issues and said that town members insist upon inclusivity “but don’t walk the walk.”

Rose aspires for a Smithtown that is “inclusive to all children, not just some.” The task force is what Rose said Smithtown needs. 

Currently, the town board is intending to amend the law regarding the ABTF, Chapter 43 of the Smithtown Town Code. The amendment will change the name of the agency to Town of Smithtown Unity Counsel. Other modifications include term limits for volunteers and chairpersons and more specifications to the group’s purpose and duties.

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A scene from Kings Park Day. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from Kings Park Day. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from Kings Park Day. Photo by Aidan Johnson
The Pasta Rockers at Kings Park Day. Photo by Aidan Johnson

By Aidan Johnson

The 45th Kings Park Day was celebrated last Saturday, June 17, across Main Street in Kings Park. With more than 5,000 people in attendance throughout the day, there were plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.

A slight period of inclement weather did not stop anyone from enjoying the more than a hundred local businesses and vendors selling homemade items, food and more. Attendees could also enjoy live music from a variety of different groups including The Pasta Rockers.

Diane Motherway, a co-director of the event and member of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce, was happy with how the day was going.“It’s great, it’s glorious. The sun came out, and it’s a beautiful day,” Motherway said. “Five minutes of rain didn’t chase anybody,” she added.

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A scene from Northport Pridefest in the Park June 17. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from Northport Pridefest in the Park June 17. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from Northport Pridefest in the Park June 17. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from Northport Pridefest in the Park June 17. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from Northport Pridefest in the Park June 17. Photo by Aidan Johnson

By Aidan Johnson

The sun shined down on the inaugural Northport Pridefest in the Park last Saturday, June 17, on Northport’s harborside off of Main Street. The event, held in the middle of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, set the stage to celebrate inclusivity and awareness. It included local vendors, a live DJ and speeches given by local community and faith leaders, high school students and organizers.

Joe Schramm, one of the producers of the event, was thrilled with the turnout.

“I just want to say two people came up to me a little while ago and they thanked me for putting this on because they said they grew up here in Northport, and they had not experienced anything but hatred and bullying when they grew up, and how much they appreciated being here,” Schramm said in a speech during the event.

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A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
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A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
A scene from the Juneteenth celebration June 17 in Heckscher Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson

By Aidan Johnson

Huntington held its inaugural Juneteenth celebration last Saturday, June 17, in Heckscher Park, amid clear skies.

The event, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, was organized by the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Juneteenth committee. The day included musical and dance performances on the Rainbow Chapin Stage, reflections on history and multiple speakers, including Gabriella Corbett, a Maplewood Intermediate School student who spoke about what Juneteenth meant to her.

Jillian Guthman, Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Huntington, was delighted with how the celebration was going.

“I think it went well,” Guthman said. “We have a lot of diversity, a lot of participation. It’s a great foundation for it to grow upon.”

Multiple businesses were in attendance, including Chick-Fil-A, which offered free chicken sandwiches

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Photo by Julianne Mosher
Photo by Julianne Mosher

Julianne Mosher captured these scenes at the 2023 Seaside Hunter Derby at Old Field Farm in Setauket on June 18. The event was held in conjunction with Gallery North’s 19th annual Wet Paint Festival, giving over 40 artists much inspiration for their plein air painting.

Send your Photo of the Week to [email protected]

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A scene from the 2023 Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Julianne Mosher

By Julianne Mosher

On June 17 and 18, visitors from across Long Island headed to Old Field Farm in Setauket for Gallery North’s 19th annual Wet Paint Festival, a fun-filled weekend to not only admire local artists practicing their craft en plein air, but to see the excitement of a derby. According to Sally Lynch, owner and farm operator, the festival couldn’t have come during a better weekend.

The 2023 Seaside Hunter Derby took place on June 18 on the campus and as the riders competed, over 40 artists took to their canvases to paint and sketch the local scenery and content. 

“All the horse people are thrilled to see their horses painted,” said Lynch. “There’s a reason why the horse remains a constant subject of the arts.”

She added that the day before, the farm hosted vintage riders (ones who ride side saddle) in full old-school costume who also modeled for the artists on-site. 

The two-day festival also featured nature walks courtesy of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, live music by Tom Killourhy and the Keenan Zach Trio, plein air art tours with Jim Molloy and Nancy Bueti-Randall, a history tour with Margo Arceri of Tri-Spy Tours and an animal presentation by Sweetbriar Nature Center.

The event was sponsored by bld Architecture, Jefferson’s Ferry and Suffolk County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning.

All of the artwork created at the festival will be on display at the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook on July 5 through August 27. The public is invited to an opening reception on July 21 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

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There will be many bicycles for sale at the auction. (Photo from a previous SCPD auction.)

The Suffolk County Police Department will hold a property auction on Wednesday, June 28 at the Property Section, located at 30 Yaphank Ave. in Yaphank.

The auction will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held rain or shine. There will be a preview of the jewelry and select property on Tuesday, June 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Items being auctioned include jewelry, watches, tools, landscaping equipment, electronics, kayaks, bicycles and more. For a complete list click here.

Participants must be at least 18 years old to bid. All items are sold in “as is” condition and must be purchased with cash. For more information, call 631-852-6461.

 

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The community gathers for free outdoor concerts at the Stony Brook Village Center every summer.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMOH) has announced the long awaited return of the Summer Concert Series on the Village Green. These free concerts will take place in front the Stony Brook Post Office at 7 p.m. on Sundays from July 9 to August 20.

Performances include: Just Sixties, the longest running sixties tribute band in the United States, on July 9; Country Rhythms, a country music line dance instruction group, on July 16; Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks, the premier barroom troubadour and house band, on July 23; The Rustlers, a high energy group performing southern rock songs on July 30; The Bob and Tony Band, Covering your favorite hits of the 50s, 60s, 70s & beyond on August 6.; The Equity Brass Band, a six piece ensemble performing in the tradition of the New Orleans Brass Bands on August 13; and the Long Island Sound Symphony, an orchestra comprising of about 50 pieces, will perform a combination of light classical songs, movie themes and Broadway tunes on August 20. In the case of rain, the concerts will be cancelled.

The 2023 Summer Concerts Series on the Village Green is made possible by the following sponsors: Tantillo Auto Group, Camco Services of NY, Inc., Realty Three LLC., and Michael Ardolino – Realty Connect USA.

For more information, call 631-751-2244 or visit www.wmho.org.

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Come meet Bobo the Giraffe at the Long Island Game Farm. Portrait by Steve and Lori Biegler

In celebration of World Giraffe Day (June 21), the Long Island Game Farm in Manorville will launch a new kids’ activity pack to encourage education, engagement, and discovery. The first edition will be available the week of Monday, June 19 and centered around World Giraffe Day with a specially designed interactive scavenger hunt. As the game farm is a supporter of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation’s efforts to secure a future for all giraffe populations in the wild, the game farm will also donate a portion of ticket sales that week to the nonprofit organization. 

“Connecting people to wildlife is one of our top priorities of the game farm,” shares Long Island Game Farm president Melinda Novak. “These new kids’ activity packs are a way to deepen the connection children and families have with nature through fun yet educational activities. We’re excited to launch with a World Giraffe theme and an interactive scavenger hunt that we hope inspires a greater appreciation of these amazing creatures. At the game farm, we further our own commitment to wildlife by supporting the work of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation to save giraffes in Africa.”

BoBo the Giraffe is one of the game farm’s most beloved animals, and just returned this past May. Now, guests can participate in personal encounters to feed BoBo healthy snacks, take photos, and learn more about the species and conservation efforts around the world. Proceeds from this special encounter go towards building a heated giraffe house. 

National Family Month & Father’s Day

June is also National Family Month, and the activity packs available for purchase will be an ongoing option for kids to enjoy. Each pack includes an interactive scavenger hunt challenge and tool, game farm pencil, non-perishable snack, and an animal sticker. Staff will also be available throughout the month to take family portraits on guests’ phones and cameras. On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18, dads will receive free admission.

Local Artisan Vendor Market – Saturday, June 24

Long Island Game Farm will launch its first-ever local artisan vendor market featuring planting propagation, wool felting, and floral painting demonstrations, local plant and product sales, and more. The market will be open on Saturday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

As summer approaches, the game farm is planning a number of events including photo contests, “Zookeeper for a Day” contest for kids, and a weekly program for seniors.

Long Island Game Farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the game farm and upcoming programming, visit longislandgamefarm.com. 

ABOUT LONG ISLAND GAME FARM 

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo was founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak. As the largest combined children’s zoo and wildlife park on Long Island, they offer families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment. A member of American Association of Zookeepers and Zoological Association of America, the farm is located at 489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville, New York 11949. 

For more information, call 631-878-6644 or visit longislandgamefarm.com.

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Tents traditionally line Shoreham’s Duck Pond during the annual festivities. File photo by Kyle Barr
By Sofia Levorchick

On the hot, sunlit, summery day of Sunday, June 11, many gathered at the Wading River Duck Pond on North Country Road to partake in the annual Duck Pond Day hosted by the Shoreham-Wading River Chamber of Commerce. 

People from all across Long Island browsed a diverse array of vendors ranging from small businesses to nonprofit organizations while also getting a bite to eat at local restaurants or food trucks. As many as 80 vendors attended throughout the event.

The head coordinator, Samantha Nagorski of R.E.N. Design Company, a store situated just in front of the duck pond, has managed this event for six years, devoting six months to its organization annually.

The primary purpose of Duck Pond Day is “to get the community together to just celebrate the beautiful pond,” Nagorski said. And it has consistently drawn a significant turnout every year. 

“Even with rainfall,” she added, “we still have our community come out in droves.” 

The success of Duck Pond Day can be attributed to its tradition, Nagorski explained. 

“People love the deep history and grew up with it over the 30 years of it going on. You came here as a kid, and now you’re bringing your kids to it.” 

‘Even with rainfall, we still have our community come out in droves.’

— Samantha Nagorski

The tradition initially stemmed from the community’s search for resources to clean up debris from the pond. After gaining town approval and support approximately 15 years ago, the event has expanded and flourished into what it is today. As attendees strolled around, smiles spread across their faces as they caught the delectable aroma of funnel cakes and enjoyed the sounds of live music. The vendors enthusiastically engaged with customers, diffusing joy with every transaction. 

However, the vendors’ roles extended beyond selling products. For instance, the Shoreham-Wading River Special Education PTA used the opportunity to promote awareness for the organization’s cause, encouraging volunteer sign-ups and donations. 

This year was their first time at Duck Pond Day, and one of the PTA volunteers expressed her appreciation. “This is an amazing community event, and everyone has been so friendly and happy,” she said.

The event puts a substantial emphasis on supporting small businesses, such as Etsy shops, community businesses and student-run shops, generating opportunities to promote and sell products, build clientele and strengthen the local economy. The festival also allows for much more as community connections often emanate from Duck Pond Day.

The event works to catalyze collaboration, networking and support within the community, empowering entrepreneurs and encouraging a sense of pride in the unique offerings and talents of Long Island.

“Duck Pond Day is something where the community really comes together,” a graphic designer from True Artistic Media (T.A.M) said. “It’s just a great event for everyone. Everyone is so pleasant, and everyone is having fun.”

Duck Pond Day at the Wading River Duck Pond has established itself as a cherished and highly anticipated annual tradition for showcasing the strong sense of community within Shoreham-Wading River and across Long Island. This vibrant event not only supports local businesses and offers a platform for various vendors but also fosters meaningful connections among community members. 

By celebrating the beauty of the pond and bringing people together, Duck Pond Day has transcended its role as a simple gathering, serving as a reminder to locals of the importance of cultivating a strong community spirit and coming together to celebrate and promote small businesses.

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