Fundraiser

By Ava Himmelsbach

This past Saturday, Sept. 7, the Port Jefferson Yacht Club and Village of Port Jefferson held their annual Village Cup Regatta to raise money and awareness for Mather’s Palliative Medicine Program and the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Anyone interested was allowed to be a crew member on the sailboats, with no experience required.

The event included multiple activities throughout the day, with two main parts: a parade followed by a race. The parade ran from the outer harbor on the west across to the waterfront on the east. In the race, participants from the Village of Port Jefferson and Mather Hospital competed as part of the Village Cup Charity Fundraiser.

The parade allowed teams to circle the port on their boats, all of which were decorated with flags and banners, and wave to the large crowd of guests as a prelude to the race. Families gathered on the docks to view the parade, which was managed by Port Jefferson Yacht Club staff and accompanied by bagpiper Marty Sexton. The parade lasted about 45 minutes and helped the sailors adjust to sporadic wind patterns throughout the day.

Despite overcast weather and sudden rain, sailors and guests had a great time, creating memories of a lasting tradition likely to continue in years to come. Rain began shortly after the parade and continued lightly for a couple of hours. Fortunately, the showers did not interfere with the race, and sailors proceeded as planned.

Port Jefferson Yacht Club Village Cup Regatta Committee member Dianna Stackow managed the setup process for the post-race gathering. “We are here to set up for the party that happens after the race,” she said. “They have speeches, raffles, food, wine, beer; Ralph Macchio will be here, and some government representation.” The party began around 3:30 p.m., welcoming guests and participants as they finished the race and celebrated another year of the tradition. “This is our 15th year, and we are going to break $1 million [in donations]. We’re very proud because we’re such a small club, so it’s such a large thing for us to do. It’s just such a good feeling, all around, everyone, our little club, you know, close together, and it’s nice to see what we accomplish.”

After an exhilarating race, participants, families, and guests gathered at a party in the Port Jefferson Village Center to celebrate their efforts and the successful fundraising brought by this year’s regatta. Celebrity ambassador Ralph Macchio has supported the regatta — along with the two programs funded by it — for the last 10 years. He was present at the event this weekend, along with many returnees who have helped uphold this tradition for the past decade and a half.

The friendly competition ended with the Village of Port Jefferson team winning.

Mark your calendars! Three Village Rotary will host a Light Up Main Street fundraiser at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The evening will feature live music, food, drinks and raffles. All proceeds will go towards funding lighting up Main Street in Setauket for the holidays. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make a difference while having a great time! Ticket includes one complimentary drink, food, coffee and dessert. To purchase, visit threevillagerotary.eventbrite.com.

The event is sponsored by The Bench, Main Street Properties, Revival by Toast, Makenzie Moeller of Howard Hanna Coach Realtors, Grace Leyhane of Howard Hanna Coach Realtors, Sweet Mama’s Restaurant, Invaiatura, and Relancer Capital. For more information, call 631-988-9564.

 

A Grant’s zebra at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability has had a successful first year of connecting people with wildlife and the natural environment. From new internship and volunteer programs to specialized programs for children, seniors, and animal lovers of all ages, and more, the nonprofit’s mission is strengthened by their support of Long Island Game Farm.

In celebration of their achievements and to raise funds for upcoming initiatives, the foundation is hosting Twilight in the Wild gala on Thursday, September 12 at 5 p.m. at the game farm. Details and tickets for this second annual fundraising event are on sale now at wildlifesustainability.org/fundraiser.

The evening will feature music by the acclaimed Chicago tribute band, Make Me Smile, on the newly renovated Susan M. Novak stage, encounters with Long Island Game Farm animals, beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres, an art auction with work created by some of the animals, and more.

“We’re looking forward to our second annual fundraiser at Long Island Game Farm, and we’re particularly excited to dance to the music of Make Me Smile on the Susan M. Novak stage,” shares foundation executive direction Patricia Snyder. “The stage renovation was made possible by a grant from Suffolk County as part of the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program in 2023. We’re so thrilled to see the stage completed and being used now for a number of activities and performances.”

Since the foundation’s first fundraiser last September, the organization has accomplished many of its goals, including:

  • Introducing the Senior Social Club, a biweekly socialization program for senior citizens
  • Expanding Long Island Game Farm’s Camp Zoo program and introducing a scholarship program forlow-income families
  • Supporting the efforts of the Long Island Game Farm to renovate the amphitheater to a 300-500 seatstage suitable for concerts, animal shows, and performances, funded by Suffolk County as part of the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the stage was held on Thursday, July 18.
  • Supporting the efforts of the Long Island Game Farm to develop a Universal Access Trail, allowing for a woodland experience for all mobilities
  • Developing a summer intern program for college students pursuing, veterinary studies, biology, and environmental studies
  • Developing the Good Friends Volunteer Corps program to bring a diverse group of individuals to help with tasks at the Long Island Game Farm, including working with animals that have been rescued, rehomed, and rehabilitated
  • Welcoming Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops to develop and implement upper-level projects at the Long Island Game Farm
  • Hosting a Family Fun Day on August 22 with a full day of interactive activities, music, storytelling, and community information booths.

“The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability’s work has created and expanded some incredible programs for the community,” shares Long Island Game Farm president Melinda Novak. “Being able to increase access to our senior citizens, low-income families, persons with limited mobility, and other individuals that love animals and nature as much as we do has been amazing to witness. All of these programs complement our own work in offering families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment.”

Tickets are $150 per person. The lead sponsor is the Dobler Family Foundation. Additional sponsorships are available. Ticket sales support the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability and its mission to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm. Learn more at wildlifesustainability.org/fundraiser.

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, visit longislandgamefarm.com, email [email protected], or call 631.878.6644. Find Long Island Game Farm on Instagram and Facebook at @longislandgamefarm.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR WILDLIFE SUSTAINABILITY
The mission of the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. is to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm. For more information, visit wildlifesustainability.org, or contact executive director Tricia Snyder at [email protected].

Runners head down Main Street during the annual SOLES for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk. Photo courtesy of Dan Kerr

By Dan Kerr

Many believe Stanford White was the greatest American architect and the end of the 1800s. His gift to Stony Brook Village, All Souls Church, has stood on the hill overlooking Main Street since 1896. All Souls was there long before Ward Melville forever changed the village in 1941, and the simple beauty of the building and the interior have remained true to Stanford White’s original vision. 

Life expectancy in the United States back then was less than 50 years, and accessibility for the elderly and/or handicapped was not part of the design. 

The historical church is open for prayer and reflection every day. In addition to its Episcopal services on Sunday, All Souls offers ecumenical services every Tuesday and Wednesday, and hosts monthly concerts, poetry readings and Native American Drumming for the community at large. On Sunday, October 6th, the 16th annual SOLES for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk will celebrate the role of the National Landmark chapel in the community and raise funds to make it accessible to all.

All Souls warden Herb Mones has been leading the accessibility project and has been guided by local historical architect John Cunniffe. Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel has observed “Being a steward of a historic property is a real privilege, but it can also be a challenge to balance historical integrity and aesthetics with modern day expectations. I am more than confident that the team involved with making All Souls Church accessible will find that balance and accomplish something that is long overdue. We are blessed to have such a collaborative community of people entrusted with our historic places.” 

SOLES For All Souls is the most inclusive Race/Walk on Long Island. Serious runners compete for gold, bronze, and silver medals in age groups from under 13 to over 80 and receive their hard-won medals in an Olympic-style awards ceremony. Dogs are welcome to accompany their masters and students from Stony Brook University and others often come in costume. Senior citizens with walking sticks line up at the starting line along with parents pushing their kids in strollers. 

Long time Stony Brook resident and previous gold medal winner for the 70+ age group Dick Halluska shared, “I like running in the SOULS for All Souls race because it offers a challenge and a reward. The biggest challenge is running up Hollow Road. The reward, if you are patient, is twofold. The first is being able to enjoy the beauty of Stony Brook Village as you jog along the quiet streets and past the harbor, and the second is knowing your efforts and contributions are supporting a worthy cause.”

Overall 2022 and 2023 female winner Christa Denmom said, “I’ve truly enjoyed this race over the last few years as it runs through many of my favorite locations in Stony Brook Village. On top of being a great race, it always brings out great people with an inspiring and friendly 5K atmosphere. 

Port Jefferson Station resident Margaret Kennedy stated “I look forward to this race every year, eager to see familiar faces and the creative costumes. It is the camaraderie and fellowship that keeps us coming back to collect a new color in our t-shirt rainbow. Everyone is welcome, whether running up the challenging hill or walking with a team. This race is truly a labor of love.” 

The event is also a food drive for St. Gerard Majella’s food pantry. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is a staunch supporter. “SOLES for All Souls 5K is a tremendous community event that brings our residents together while helping our neighbors who are in need. I encourage runners and walkers of all ages to support this wonderful cause and participate in the Lend a Hand, Bring a Can food drive.” 

Suffolk County Poet Laureate Deborah Hauser looks forward to this year’s race. “This event combines two of my passions: running and activism. I admire All Souls Church’s commitment to the community and support its mission to make the church accessible to all. If my knee recovers in time, I hope to be the first poet to run the race. Whether I run or walk, I am looking forward to participating and contributing to the food drive.”

Registration for SOLES for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk is through the ACTIVE.COM website (Search: SOLES for All Souls) or register on the Race Day — October 6. The Registration desk at the Reboli Center for Art & History at 64 Main Street will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m; the starting bell is at 9 a.m. Complimentary pre and post event stretching will be provided by Progressive Personal Training. Local band The North Shore Rockers will perform throughout the morning. 

Please call 631-655-7798 for more information about the event or if you would like to be a sponsor. Donations dedicated to the Handicap Accessibility Project should be mailed to All Souls Race, P.O. Box 548, Stony Brook, NY 11790.

Mike Kilano. Courtesy Paws of War

By Lauren Feldman

Mike Kilano, a United States Marine veteran, veteran advocate and crisis coordinator for Paws of War, will participate in the 22 PAC PTSD Awareness Challenge Aug. 30. This event aims to raise awareness for PTSD and veteran suicides, and to bring together over 20 veteran-related nonprofits.

Kilano, a North Babylon resident, will kayak 22 miles with others across Long Island Sound, starting in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and ending in Port Jefferson.

Kayaks will leave Bridgeport at 10:30 a.m. and are due to arrive in Port Jeff at 5:30 p.m. There will be a reception party, open to the public, at the Village Center with free food, drinks and a band from 4 to 8 p.m.

For Kilano, the challenge is a way to support his fellow servicemen and women. It symbolizes the 22 veterans who tragically take their lives each day.

Kilano understands the profound impact of combat-derived PTSD. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999 to 2003 and was deployed to the Middle East shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.

His service left him with deep scars. After just three months of deployment, Kilano began to notice how the sights, sounds and experiences of war were affecting his mental health.

Upon returning home, his struggles intensified. “I couldn’t sleep, tried to go to school, couldn’t focus … my anger took control, I got into some pretty reckless behaviors,” he said. “My isolation was so bad for two or three years, and I had a family. So you can imagine my kids and my wife having secondary PTSD because their father — her husband — had all these issues we didn’t even know about.”

Helped by Paws of War

Veteran Mike Kilano demonstrates kayak skills at Steers Beach, in Northport, in advance of the 22 PAC challenge. Courtesy of Paws of War

After nearly 20 years, Kilano was diagnosed with combat-related PTSD and began receiving services through the VA. He has slowly found ways to manage his PTSD, greatly aided by his service dog, Nova, who was paired with him through Paws of War. Nova is not only a fully trained service dog but also a beloved family member.

Paws of War, located in Nesconset, trains and places shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to U.S. military veterans who suffer from the emotional effects of war.

Inspired by Paws of War, Nova and the positive changes in his life, Kilano now works full time with the organization, helping other veterans navigate their struggles. “For a lot of veterans, their animals are their lifeline. If I can make them aware of the help of a service dog, I feel like I’m making a difference,” he said.

“As tough as things get, I know there’s a community of veterans like me,” he added. “If I can be that voice or that encouragement to my brothers or sisters, then it makes my mission away from the mission in combat worthwhile. I can sleep better because I’m helping someone out.”

Kilano is excited about participating in the 22 PAC challenge. “I love kayaking,” he said. The activity provides him with an outlet and forces him to slow down and focus: “As I start training, I’m out in the open water, I’m able to breathe, no one’s around. You’re able to focus on your breathing, your muscles. You have to get that energy out. You can’t have much negative energy when you’re in the middle of the ocean.”

Mike Kilano. Courtesy Paws of War

In preparation for the challenge, Kilano conducted kayak training at Steers Beach, Northport, Aug. 16 and spoke about his experiences with PTSD and the support he has received. “As a veteran advocate, I think it’s important to showcase groups like 22 PAC and what they’re about so that others get encouraged,” he said.

Kilano plans to continue his advocacy beyond the 22 PAC challenge. Readers interested in donating to the fundraiser and learning more about Paws of War can visit the websites 22pac.org and pawsofwar.org.

By Peter Sloniewsky

Six Harbors Brewing Company, located at 243 New York Ave. in Huntington, held a special label release event on Friday, Aug. 16, to raise money for the restoration of the Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill in Lloyd Harbor. 

Built in the late 1790s and owned by a few different people, the mill completely passed in ownership to the Lefferts family by 1850. However, around that time, the mill was forced to reduce its output because of the dramatic changes taking place as a result of the Industrial Revolution on Long Island. The mill was shut down by 1893 because it couldn’t compete with steam roller mills and due to the shift in Long Island agriculture from grain to vegetables. It is described on its website as “a remarkable testament to the craftsmanship and endurance of its past owners and present-day benefactors.”

While the mill is maintained by the nonprofit Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill Sanctuary dedicated to its survival, it has been in need of donations for a myriad of repairs for several years. The mill, located at 255 Southdown Road in Lloyd Harbor, is situated on a dam protecting a waterfowl sanctuary, which also requires repair. Additionally, the nonprofit is dedicated to raising funds for repairs to the foundation, structure, mechanism and roof of the mill. Lastly, the organization hopes to shore up the bulkhead that protects the mill’s stone foundation.

In an interview with Mark Heuwetter, president of the Six Harbors Brewing Company, he made it clear that part of Six Harbors business model is community outreach. Six Harbors has embarked on a number of local beer can releases for a variety of causes in the past.

Heuwetter said that the mill “is a historical site … [Six Harbors] just wanted to make sure that the project wouldn’t fall into disrepair so that we could preserve the history of the community.” He went on to depict the mill as broadly symbolic of Long Island industry and the history of Huntington as a town.

The design of the special can was sourced from a local competition advertised via Instagram, by the mill’s nonprofit, through the Town of Huntington’s website and the Huntington Chamber of Commerce. Heuwetter received around 30 entries, and the finalist was eventually printed as the can’s design.

Heuwetter recognized the event as largely successful, describing it as “well received” with a “couple hundred” attendees. Between attendance revenue, sponsor donations and the portion of proceeds that go directly to the mill, he was confident that the brewery’s event had raised a meaningful amount of money to preserve the mill.

In addition to this event, Six Harbors is no stranger to charity work. In the near future, Heuwetter is planning a number of local can releases. First, the Huntington Young Professionals, an organization looking to recognize upstanding young individuals from the town, is scheduled for another release. Additionally, Six Harbors plans to collaborate with both the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the 1653 Foundation, which “restores, manages, and enhances the parklands and public spaces of the Town of Huntington.” 

Overall, Heuwetter is more than grateful for the support that Six Harbors receives from the Huntington community, describing it as “tight knit” and as willing to support worthy causes. He made clear that the tide mill project could not have been possible without the support of the entire community.

“I would say that it takes a village — it’s not one person that can make everything happen, it takes everybody to make things happen,” he said.

The Memorial Parade of Boats can be viewed from Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson. File photo by Bob Savage
View Memorial Parade of Boats at Harborfront Park prior to race

It’s time once again to sail for a cure as the 15th annual Village Cup Regatta, a friendly competition between Mather Hospital and the Village of Port Jefferson, returns on Saturday, Sept. 7. 

Presented by the Port Jefferson Yacht Club in partnership with the Village of Port Jefferson, the Regatta raises funds for Mather Hospital’s Palliative Medicine Program and the Lustgarten Foundation, the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research in the world. Last year’s Regatta raised more than $100,000, which was divided between Mather Hospital and the Lustgarten Foundation. The event has raised almost $960,000 over 14 years and is poised to reach $1 million in donations this year.

The Regatta consists of Yacht Club-skippered sailboats divided into two teams representing Mather Hospital and the Village of Port Jefferson. Employees from the Hospital and Village, along with  village residents, help crew the boats, which race in one of three classes based on boat size. The festivities begin in Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson Village at 10 a.m., where you can purchase shirts,  commemorative hats, nautical bags and mugs. The Memorial Parade of Boats begins at 11 a.m. at the Port Jefferson Village dock. All sailboats participating in the Regatta will pass by the park dressed in banners and nautical flags on their way out to the racecourse on Long Island Sound.

Actor, director and local resident Ralph Macchio will once again serve as Village Cup Regatta Celebrity Ambassador for the event. Macchio has helped to publicize the important work of the two programs funded by the Regatta for the past 11 years. Macchio’s wife, Phyllis, is a nurse practitioner in Mather Hospital’s Palliative Medicine Program.

Following the Regatta, a celebratory Skipper’s Reception and presentation of the Village Cup will take place in a restored 1917 shipyard building that today serves as the Port Jefferson Village Center.

To sign up as a crew member for the Mather Hospital team, contact Cindy Court at 631-476-2723 or [email protected]

To sign up as a crew member for the Port Jefferson Village team, contact Sylvia at 631-473-4724, ext. 219 or email [email protected].

Businesses, organizations and individuals can support the Regatta and the programs it funds by sponsoring, donating, or purchasing tickets to attend the Skipper’s Reception or view the Regatta on a spectator boat. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit http://portjeffersonyachtclub.com/community/village-cup/ or www.facebook.com/villagecupregatta.

More than 1,000 unique accessory items, including a fashionable assortment of handbags, jewelry, scarves, hats, belts and neckties, are to be featured and available for sale at incredible bargain prices at Developmental Disabilities Institute’s (DDI) first-ever pop-up thrift store to be held on Thursday, August 15, from 3 to 8 p.m. at DDI, 99 Hollywood Drive, Smithtown.

Prices for these items of curiosity will range from $2 to $100 and are sure to appeal to the bargain hunter and the most discriminating buyer.  Many items are from well-known designers and luxury brands including Coach, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Cole Haan, Hartmann, Tumi, Vera Bradley, Vigneri and Banana Republic.

“By participating in our pop-up thrift shop, you’re not just getting great deals, you’re also making a difference,” explains Jozette Prescott, Chief Program and Quality Officer at, DDI. The proceeds will directly support DDI’s educational, therapeutic, and vocational services for children and adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities. In addition, the shop will serve as a valuable vocational teaching opportunity for adults served by DDI, empowering them with retail and customer service skills.

DDI offers a wide array of employment, work exposure, and training opportunities for the individuals it supports, including job placement, coaching and other support. These programs have the goal of giving opportunities to explore the world of work with hands-on training to develop skills that will be helpful in pursuing competitive employment.

With this pop-up event, in celebration of National Thrift Shop Day on August 17, DDI is also gearing up for the future opening of a retail location in Smithtown for our gift baskets, artwork and holiday décor masterfully crafted by participants in DDI’s Adult Day Services programs. Stay tuned for more details about this new chapter in their community involvement.

About Developmental Disabilities Institute
Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) provides compassionate personal care to meet the emotional, educational, therapeutic, and vocational needs of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Founded by parents in 1961, DDI has grown to be a dynamic, nonprofit, multi-site agency serving more than 1600 children and adults in our care each day. Over six decades, we have built a strong reputation for providing exceptional services for all people in our programs, and in particular those who present with the most complex needs. At our core, DDI believes that every person deserves every opportunity to live a rich and meaningful life. Therefore, with a workforce made up of people inspired by purpose®, DDI provides the highest standards of individualized services from expertly trained, caring, and competent staff. For more information, visit www.ddiny.org.

On August 10, Town of Brookhaven Councilman Neil Manzella and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle co-hosted the Annual Shoprite Run the Farm 4 Mile Run/Walk to benefit Bethel Hobbs Community Farm in Centereach. Hundreds of runners and spectators attend the Run the Farm 4 Mile Run/Walk each year. This year, over 200 runners participated and more than 350 community members joined the post-race celebrations. Hunter Wilson was the male leader at 21 minutes, 16 seconds and Grace Miller was the female leader at 25 minutes, 31 seconds. Ms. Miller beat her own record from last year. 

The historic Bethel Hobbs Community Farm is one of Long Island’s last remaining, all-volunteer farms. Established in 1906, this not-for-profit farm embodies the spirit of giving by donating as much as 90% of its annual harvest to feed those less fortunate. Hobbs Farm raises over 100,000 pounds of food each year which is donated to various food pantries around Long Island. 

Councilman Manzella and Town Clerk LaValle thanked the organizers and runners who participated as well as the sponsors, Suffolk County Police Department 6th Precinct; Town of Brookhaven Highway Department; Town of Brookhaven Public Safety; Centereach Fire Department; and the event producers, EliteFeats. They also acknowledged Hobbs Farm owner, Ann Pellegrino, all the dedicated volunteers and vendors who helped make the Shoprite Run the Farm 4 Mile Run/Walk. 

They also thanked the event sponsors, including Suffolk County Legislators Leslie Kennedy and Nick Caracappa; ShopRite; New York Blood & Cancer; Pepsi; Bethel AME Church; Middle Country Chamber of Commerce; John T. Mather Memorial Hospital; Stony Brook UUP; Mondelez International; Frito Lay; Team Rita; Island Nursing and Rehab; Techworks; Brooklyn Delights; Bimbo Bakeries; Campbells and Dunkin Donuts. 

Photo courtesy of Suffolk Credit Union

Suffolk Credit Union recently delivered more than 250 member-donated items to Paws of War headquarters in Nesconset. The donation to the facility, including dog and cat food, blankets, bowls, cleaning supplies and treats, will go towards the care of Paws of War’s rescue and service animals.

Pictured from left, Robert Misseri, co-founder, Paws of War; Greg Ackerman, Director of Marketing, Suffolk Credit Union; Matt Schettino, SVP Marketing, Suffolk Credit Union; Laura Racioppi, VP Corporate & Community Partnerships, Suffolk Credit Union; Miranda Cagliano, Marketing & Events Assistant, Suffolk Credit Union; Gail Holt, Director of Veteran Advocacy, Paws of War; and Ray Meyer, volunteer & veteran advocate, Paws of War.