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Children pose for photo-ops at Harbor Day. Photo by Rita J. Egan
State Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) with the Sons of Norway. Photo by Rita J. Egan
The Algo-Rhythms performed during Harbor Day. Photo by Rita J. Egan
The event featured a touch tank. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Head of the Harbor Mayor Michael Utevsky stands with enviornmentalist John Turner, who is awarded the Dr. Larry Swanson Environmental Award. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Peter Scully, former Suffolk County deputy executive, accepts The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Peter Scully, former Suffolk County deputy executive, accepts The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Children admire a screech owl at the Sweetbriar Nature Center booth. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Mayor Richard Smith speaks at Harbor Day. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Village of Head of the Harbor Deputy Mayor Lisa Davisdon greets Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright as Head of the Harbor Mayor Michael Utevsky looks on. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A girl gets her face painted at Harbor Day. Photo by Rita J. Egan

By Rita J. Egan

Hundreds visited Long Beach in Nissequogue on Saturday, Sept. 7, to satisfy their curiosity about Stony Brook Harbor and the waterway’s inhabitants.

The villages of Head of the Harbor and Nissequogue, along with The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor, partnered to host Harbor Day at the Long Beach boat launch with Stony Brook Harbor as its background. Last year, the event returned after a 15-year hiatus.

Nissequogue Mayor Richard Smith presented Peter Scully, Suffolk’s former deputy county executive, with The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor Lifetime Achievement Award. “There is no better candidate,” Smith said.

The mayor congratulated Scully, who resides in Stony Brook and grew up in St. James, on his longtime commitment to improving the health of local waterways, including his work with nitrogen remediation during his tenure with the county.

Upon accepting the award, Scully, dubbed Suffolk’s “water czar” when he was deputy county executive, said he didn’t consider himself a water champion but someone who had been in the right place at the right time on many occasions “working with a lot of outstanding elected officials.”

Environmentalist John Turner, of Setauket and the Four Harbors Audubon Society, accepted the Dr. Larry Swanson Environmental Award from Head of the Harbor Mayor Michael Utvesky. 

“Name any endangered part of nature on Long Island, and John L. Turner will be there to help preserve it,” Utevsky said.

Turner said he was honored to accept the same recognition as the 2023 recipient, Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket), and the award that bears Swanson’s name.

“I knew Larry and had a great deal of respect for him,” Turner said. 

In addition to the awards ceremony, attendees enjoyed various activities including live music, a talk by historian Vivian Nicholson-Mueller about harbor life in the 1860s and a dunk tank. Representatives from Four Harbors Audubon Society, Sweetbriar Nature Center, Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons and more were on hand with educational activities and to answer questions about Stony Brook Harbor and its aquatic animals.

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Photo courtesy of Rocky Point School District
Photo courtesy of Rocky Point School District
Photo courtesy of Rocky Point School District

With eager smiles and backpacks in tow, students of the Rocky Point school district kicked off the school year on Sept. 4, ready to meet new teachers and reconnect with old friends.

At Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School, cheerful sidewalk chalk messages of positivity and kindness set the tone, as students were welcomed back to classes.

The district’s first week unfolded smoothly, as students, faculty and staff, across the district’s four buildings, seamlessly transitioned from summer fun to the inaugural days of September.

— Photos courtesy of Rocky Point School District

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Lightning Warriors Facebook

Lightning Warriors, a not-for-profit youth triathlon team, will be hosting its 5th annual Mini Maniac Youth Triathlon on Sunday, September 15 at 6:30 a.m. at Smith Point Beach in Shirley.

This year’s Mini Maniac event will be geared toward triathletes of all levels between the ages of 7 and 17. While all racers will be participating in a youth triathlon, races will be divided into three separate age groups with swimming, biking and running distances varying accordingly. Younger athletes are also encouraged to register to participate in the Splash & Dash event, which is a 50-meter swim and a quarter-mile run for athletes between the ages of 5 and 7.

“I am excited to see the smiles and accomplishments as each athlete crosses the finish line and for those first-timers being called a triathlete,” says Lightning Warriors Head Coach Noah Lam.

Favor bags will also be distributed to each racer, as well as medals for all finishers, awards for the top male and female finishers and post-race refreshments.

Participating in youth triathlons helps build positive physical activity habits in children. According to Lam, “Every child should be able to swim, bike and run as those are lifetime skills… We’ve also seen that physical activity can provide immense benefits for mental health, more self-esteem, a sharper focus on achieving goals and a better ability to connect with other kids.”

Athletes’ individual skills will also be enhanced by being a part of a team in a healthy competitive and supportive space. “You get to find new ways to overcome adversity in a safe environment,” Lam states. “These skills will thus motivate them to exude confidence and conquer their goals, both inside and outside of racing.”

The Mini Maniac event is the largest sanctioned kids triathlon on Long Island with 168 participants in 2023, and an expected attendance of 200 racers this year, including 100 first-time registrants. To register for Mini Maniac, visit www.runsignup.com/minimaniac. Registration ends on September 14, 2024 at 1 p.m.  EDT.

About Lightning Warriors

Lightning Warriors is a Long Island-based not-for-profit triathlon team focused on making the sport of triathlon available to all young athletes. Lightning Warriors’ goal is to unlock each member’s potential as athletes and as leaders, encouraging athletes to excel in all levels of life. For more information, visit www.lightningwarriors.org.

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Image courtesy of TVHS

Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket with a presentation titled Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History​ with speaker Mike Virgintino on Monday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.

Located in New York City, Freedomland U.S.A. was celebrated as the “Disneyland of the East.” While it survived only five seasons (1960-1964), to this day the park generates fond memories among baby boomers who enjoyed its American history-themed attractions.

Freedomland was conceived and built by C.V. Wood and his Marco Engineering Company. Known to many as Woody, he was Disneyland’s first employee and he brought Walt Disney’s imagination to life by leading the team that built that park. He then created Marco Engineering to build theme parks and other venues across the country. Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington and the community of Lake Havasu, Arizona, continue to prosper. The northeast Bronx marshland that featured Freedomland U.S.A. eventually became a housing development and a shopping center.

Unknown to Woody and the general public that adored Freedomland during the early 1960s, landowner William Zeckendorf, Sr., local politicians, city planners and construction unions considered the park a “placeholder” until property variances permitted significant development on the marshland. The variances provided the green light for the construction of the largest cooperative housing community in the world. A shopping center was added about a decade later and an indoor mall was constructed on the remaining undeveloped land during 2012.

“Co-op City was on New York City’s blueprints before the first shovel of dirt was turned to build the park,” said Virgintino. “Freedomland U.S.A. was doomed to fail before the first guest entered the park. As everyone was hailing this great achievement in The Bronx on its opening day, Woody already was concentrating on his Texas park and other projects. Other people, including William Zeckendorf, Sr., operated Freedomland U.S.A. and they kept it afloat, or ran it into the ground, depending on one’s perspective. The park survived until the land variances could be applied to the property. Then, Freedomland U.S.A. was declared a bankrupt and the
land was cleared for development.”

The lecture is free to the public, pre-registration encouraged by visiting www.tvhs.org. For more information, call 631-751-3730.

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A scene from the Three Village Historical Society's first annual Culper Spy 5k. Photo courtesy of TVHS
A scene from the Three Village Historical Society's first annual Culper Spy 5k. Photo courtesy of TVHS
A scene from the Three Village Historical Society's first annual Culper Spy 5k. Photo courtesy of TVHS
A scene from the Three Village Historical Society's first annual Culper Spy 5k. Photo courtesy of TVHS
A scene from the Three Village Historical Society's first annual Culper Spy 5k. Photo courtesy of TVHS

By Kimberly Phyfe

Three Village Historical Society launched its first annual Culper Spy 5K on Sunday, Sept. 8. It’s the first annual because there are already plans in the works to bring this wonderful community event back next year.

Margo Arceri of Tri-Spy Tours is the brainchild behind Culper Spy Day, which just celebrated its tenth year. As she stated in her welcome address, “It takes a village, sometimes three!” She remarked that “this community has truly embraced the Culper Spy Ring story that reaches all ages. I look forward to Culper Spy Weekend next September with the 5K becoming a huge part of the celebration of our rich history.”

The festivities began on the TVHS lawn with a stretch and warm up from Real Deal Fitness with bagels and coffee donated by David Prestia of Bagel Express.

As families gathered, 17 children participated in a fun run to Ridgeway Avenue and return. Back at the starting line on North Country Road, 309 racers got ready to run through the Old Setauket Historic District. The route headed north past the Setauket Neighborhood House where volunteers stationed a water stop, through Frank Melville Park, across Main Street by Patriots Rock, around Caroline Church and back to the historical society headquarters.

These sites were once farmlands, battlefields and home to Revolutionary War heroes which made the run “powerful and emotional — you really feel the deep sense of pride in our history when you’re out there,” one runner commented.

As head of the Three Village Dads Foundation, David Tracy posted that 3V Dads were “honored to be the finish line sponsor of the inaugural Culper Spy 5K hosted by the Three Village Historical Society. What a great turnout, beautiful day and awesome route. Looking forward to next year’s event!”

Mari Irizarry, director of TVHS said, “We are beyond thrilled by the incredible energy and overwhelming support we saw throughout the Three Village community for our inaugural 5K race. All proceeds from the run support The Dominick Crawford Barn Education and History Center.”

Irizarry added, “This event was made possible through the remarkable efforts of Sean Grossman, who approached us with this idea at just 14 years old. Sean, now 15, brought together a dedicated committee, secured the expertise of the Strong Island Running Club and led every meeting with maturity and focus. We are incredibly proud of Sean and his commitment to both our organization and the community.”

Strong Island Running Club had a giant finish line to welcome back and celebrate the racers, also capture their times and images. The most senior competitor, Rolf Sternglanz won a medal at 85 years old for completing the course in 44 minutes, 35 seconds.

The top-placed runners were:

Male

1.   Blake Weaver       17:10

2.   Felipe Garcia        17:30

3.   Lucas Sweeney     18:16

Female

 6.  Jane Radke             19:49

 8.  Anjali Narayan       20:32

10. Margaret Kennedy  21:29

A full list of all placed runners and sponsors can be found at www.tvhs.org or click here.

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The Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will host an inaugural Fall Festival on Sunday, September 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25, Wading River. This highly anticipated event, sponsored by East Wind, promises a day full of family-friendly fun and local celebration, rain or shine.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of The Shoppes at East Wind, this exciting festival will feature a variety of activities for all ages. Attendees can groove to the lively tunes of SouthBound, a popular local country band, and join in energetic line dancing sessions. For those with an appetite, a selection of mouth-watering food trucks will be on hand, offering a variety of delicious options to satisfy any craving.

Shoppers can explore a diverse array of vendors showcasing distinctive products, from handcrafted goods to artisanal treats. Kids will have a blast bouncing around in the bounce house, ride the carousel ($) and engaging in a range of interactive crafts and activities designed to spark creativity and fun.

“This Fall Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the season,” said Phil King, a representative of the Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited to offer a day packed with entertainment, delicious food, and opportunities to support local businesses. It’s going to be a memorable event for families and friends alike.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, September 29th, 2024
  • Time: 11 AM – 5 PM (Rain or Shine)
  • Location: The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River, NY
  • Admission: Free

Whether you’re looking to relax, have fun, or support local vendors, the Fall Festival has something for everyone. Mark your calendars and join them for a day of community spirit and celebration!

For more information, visit https://www.wadingrivershorehamchamber.com/

About the Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce:
The Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering a vibrant business community and enhancing the cultural well-being of our communities. Through events, advocacy, and community engagement, the Chamber works to support local businesses and enrich the local experience.

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Catch an outdoor screening of 'School of Rock' at Heritage Park in Mount Sinai on Sept. 13.
PROGRAMS

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Bicycle Rodeo

Town of Brookhaven hosts a Bicycle Rodeo at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road, Holbrook on Sept. 14 from 8 a.m. to noon. This event encourages children to learn how to safely ride their bikes on our roadways, while in a mock-roadway, kid-sized setting. Participants are required to bring their own helmets and bicycles; both will be inspected for safety. This event is by appointment only. Call 631-451-5335 to schedule your time slot.

Second Saturdays in the Studio

Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays in the Studio and Gallery on Sept. 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Families are invited to join educators in the studio and participate in a hands-on activity or art project inspired by exhibitions on view. No registration is required. All supplies provided. Children under 16 must have an adult with them. The event is free with admission. 631-751-0066

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station  continues its Art in the Barn series for children in Pre-K to 3rd Grade and their parent/guardian on Sept. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bring your painting smock as you explore the color green! The group will paint, read the book Green and explore Vincent Van Gogh’s painting “Madame Roulin Rocking the Cradle.” $25 per child and guardian, $20 second child. Pre-registration is required by visiting www.waltwhitman.org.

Open Farm Days

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will hold Open Farm Days on Sept. 14 and 15 from noon to 4 p.m. Come play, come learn! $10 adults, $8 seniors and children. 631-689-8172

Crafternoon at the Library

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket invites children ages 3 to 12 with a parent/caregiver to drop by for a Crafternoon on Sept. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. Make a masterpiece out of recycled materials. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

BNL Open House

Brookhaven National Laboratory, 2 Center St., Upton continues its Summer Open House series with Fascinating Physics on Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a Fantastic Forces show, tour the Superconducting Magnet Division and Tandem Van de Graaf facilities, meet BNL scientists and enjoy hands-on science activities in Berkner Hall. Free. No reservations required. www.bnl.gov

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Sept. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

The Great Noisy Outdoors

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, The Great Noisy Outdoors, on Sept. 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

FILM

‘School of Rock’

Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai continues its Movies in the Moonlight series with a screening of School of Rock on Sept. 13; E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial on Sept. 20; and Hocus Pocus on Oct. 18. Movies begin at dusk 8:30 p.m. Bring seating. 631-403-4846

THEATER

‘Rapunzel’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Rapunzel: A Tangled Fairytale from Sept. 28 to Oct. 27. Rapunzel’s sixteenth birthday has come, meaning that she’ll be able to see the outside world for the first time, just as her “mother” promised. Scared to let her go, though, the witch reneges. Lucky for Rapunzel a young Prince happens across her tower. Before the Prince and Rapunzel have their inevitable “happily ever after,” though, they’re going to have to face the wrath of the witch and a few other hilarious obstacles. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit engemantheater.com.

‘Kooky Spooky Halloween’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its children’s theatre season with A Kooky Spooky Halloween from Oct. 5 to 19 with a sensory sensitive performance on Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. Recently graduated spirit Abner Perkins is assigned to the Aberdeen Boarding House — known for its spectral sightings and terrific toast. Here, Abner finds himself cast into a company of its wacky residents. Hilarious hijinks and a message of cooperation highlight this Halloween-inspired musical for the entire family. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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Take part in this year's WMHO Scarecrow Competition. Photo courtesy of WMHO

Fall is almost here, and so is the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Annual Scarecrow Competition! This will be the 34th year that the spooky and silly six-foot creations will adorn the pathways of picturesque Stony Brook Village Center for visitors to enjoy while they shop.

Photo courtesy of WMHO

Registration is currently underway to craft and display a one-of-a-kind scarecrow masterpiece. The competition is open to everyone—whether you’re part of a Girl or Boy Scout troop, a local business, a family, or an individual. 

You can pick up a registration form at any of the shops in Stony Brook Village, or visit wmho.org or stonybrookvillage.com to download the form. Return the completed registration form with the entry fee of $30 by Sept. 23.

The public will vote for their favorite scarecrows by picking up a ballot at any of the shops and restaurants at the Stony Brook Village Center from Sept. 30 to Oct. 25 with exciting cash prizes up for grabs. Winners will be announced during the WMHO’s Halloween Festival on Oct. 31. 

For more information, please call the WMHO at 631-751-2244.

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A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo by Kyle Barr
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from a previous festival. Photo courtesy of PJCC
A scene from the 6th annual Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo by Kyle Barr
A scene from the 6th annual Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo by Kyle Barr
A scene from the 6th annual Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo by Kyle Barr
A scene from the 6th annual Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo by Kyle Barr
A scene from the 6th annual Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo by Kyle Barr
2018 Dragon Boat Race Festival attendees in Port Jefferson enjoy the sunshine and festivities. Photo by Alex Petroski
Martial arts demonstrations take place during the 2018 Dragon Boat Race Festival in Port Jefferson. Photo by Alex Petroski
Chinese culture is on display during the 2017 Dragon Boat Race Festival in Port Jefferson Sept. 16. Photo from Port Jefferson Village
Rowers compete in the 2017 Dragon Boat Race in Port Jefferson Sept. 16. Photo by Alex Petroski
Members of the Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu school performed at the 2nd Annual Dragon Boat Race Festival in Port Jefferson on Saturday Sept. 19. Photo by Giselle Barkley
Members of the Stony Brook Youth Music Club perform at a previous Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo by Giselle Barkley
The Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu perform a dragon dance a previous Dragon Boat Race Festival in Port Jefferson on Saturday Sept. 19. Photo by Giselle Barkley
Teams competing in the Boaters prepare for their race on the dock in Port Jefferson Harbor at a previous festival. Photo by Alex Petroski
A dance is performed during a previous Port Jefferson's Dragon Boat Race Festival. Photo by Alex Petroski

Dragons will roar and lions will dance once again as the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosts their annual Dragon Boat Race Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 8:30 to 5 p.m. The free event will take place at Mayor Jeanne Garant Harborfront Park and the Port Jefferson Village Center,  101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson and the village’s inner harbor. 

The festival is the brainchild of Barbara Ransome, Director of Operations at the chamber, who attended a dragon boat race festival in Cape May, New Jersey, several years ago.

Opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. will include a Asian color guard, the blessing of the ‘fleet’ with the traditional “Eye Dotting” ceremony to awaken the dragon led by Buddhist monks.  Attendees will include VIPs and elected officials. 

With dragon boats and equipment provided by Great White North, the main attraction will feature three racing heats to include 20 teams competing in a 250 meter, 3 lane racing course. Each team is made up of 20 paddlers, one steersman and one drummer.   The first race begins at 9 a.m. Spectators can easily view the race course from the park’s edge.

Medals will be awarded in three divisions at an awards ceremony at the end of the day. 

Sponsored by Taiko Tides, there will also be team contests for the best team T-shirt, best drumming performance and best costumed drummer.

All race teams will have their own “encampment” along Harborfront Park as they are queuing up for their races.

In addition to the races, there will be a day-long festival featuring numerous performances including the famous Lion Dance, Taiko and Korean Drum performances, Asian singing and dancing. Over 20 cultural and educational vendors and retailers will be on hand along with assorted food vendors including Naked Burger, The Poutinerie, Tea Brew (bubble tea and snacks), and Fern & Aurora (desserts with a Filipino flare).

This year is very exciting as it is the Year of the Dragon and the festivals’ 10th year.  To help celebrate this special occasion there will be some new activities that will include Land Dragon Races, a dancing dragon and a 9-foot one dimensional steel fabricated fire breathing dragon! Visit the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce table to take part in a dragon-themed basket raffle and join a Paint a Dragon class with Muse Paintbar (fee) on the first floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center from 2 to 3 p.m. 

There will be also be crafts and activities for children and tug-a-war competitions.

Event sponsors include the Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society; Sea Tow; Flushing Bank; Long Island Waste Services; ServPro of Port Jefferson; The Waterview; Danfords Hotel, Marina and Spa; The Gitto Group; The Northwind Group; The East End Shirt Company; M& T Bank; Nestle Health Science; TBR News Media; Island Federal Credit Union; New York Cancer & Blood Specialists and Kiddsmiles. 

The event will be held rain or shine with free admission. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come enjoy the festivities! 631-473-1414, portjeffdragonracefest.com

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Suffolk County Community College recently completed its Summer High School Offshore Wind Turbines course, designed to introduce high school students to the burgeoning field of wind energy. Photo courtesy of SCCC

Suffolk County Community College has announced the successful completion of its recent Summer High School Offshore Wind Turbines course, designed to introduce high school students to the burgeoning field of wind energy. The college held two separate summer sessions and provided students with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience.

The first camp was comprised solely of participants from the South Huntington School District. The second camp welcomed students, including those from the South Huntington School District, as well as participants from the New York State STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) grant program

The program is sponsored by a grant awarded by the Offshore Wind Training Institute, an organization administered by SUNY Farmingdale and Stony Brook University. The grant is titled “Strengthening the Wind Energy Education Pipeline (SWEEP).”

The offshore wind turbines course is part of Suffolk County Community College’s broader effort to prepare students for careers in the renewable energy sector. This grant also enabled the college to expand its welding and composites training programs. Since the launch of these programs, students have successfully completed both the welding and Introduction to Basic Composite Technology courses, with a majority of students passing the American Welding Society (AWS) certification exam.

As part of the students’ comprehensive training experience, all students in the welding and basic composite technology programs also participated in career exploration workshops. These workshops featured guest speakers from the National Offshore Wind Training Center, the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and Community Offshore Wind, offering valuable insights into the industry and future career paths. As a result, a number of students have already interviewed with labor unions for potential pre-apprenticeship opportunities in the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Additional students are scheduled to participate in these programs throughout 2024 and 2025. An inaugural cohort of a 60-hour composites course, leading to a national certification by CertTEC, is scheduled for Spring 2025. The college has also developed offshore wind career exploration modules in collaboration with the Institute for Workforce Advancement. These modules aim to engage underrepresented populations and post-high-school students by providing insights into wind energy fundamentals, local projects, and career opportunities. To date, three workshops have been held, with 12 more planned throughout the remainder of the grant project. Portable simulations will be used to enhance engagement at career fairs, libraries, and community venues

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling approximately 21,000 students at its three campuses in Selden, Brentwood and Riverhead. Suffolk offers the Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, as well as a variety of certificate programs. Offering affordable college tuition, a highly respected Honors program, workforce training programs, extensive extracurricular activities, championship athletic teams, and numerous transfer programs, Suffolk is a first-choice college for Long Island students. Visit us online at sunysuffolk.edu.

Research/Work reported in this press release was supported by SUNY System Administration under SUNY Offshore Wind Training Institute.

STEP is funded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Project # 0516-24-0041Office of Access, Equity and Community Engagement Services (OAECES) & Office of Postsecondary Access, Support and Success (OPASS).

 

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