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Comsewogue senior named among Newsday’s top 100 football players

by Press Release - September 30, 2023

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CSD - PR - Newsday Top 100 Football Player - Photo 1 — Comsewogue High School senior Matt Nowlan is named among Newsday’s top 100 high school football players of 2023. Photo courtesy CSD

Comsewogue High School senior Matt Nowlan has been recognized as one of Long Island’s fiercest contenders on the football field by Newsday, which recently named him among its top 100 high school football players of 2023.

“Matt Nowlan is a top leader of the gridiron, and being named a top 100 Newsday football player is a well-deserved accolade,” said Matteo DeVincenzo, Comsewogue School District director of health, physical education and athletics.

Nowlan, whose positions include offensive and defensive tackle, was highlighted by Newsday as being a top lineman in Suffolk County. He was also lauded for his strength and quickness.

Nowlan and his teammates led Comsewogue to a 43-35 victory in their season opener against Smithtown West on Sept. 1. In the latest game against Hauppauge Sept. 22, Comsewogue won 49-15 and is 2-1 on the season.

Nowlan is also a contender on the baseball field and has committed to play Division II baseball for the Molloy University Lions next year.

For more information about the Comsewogue School District, please visit the district’s website at www.comsewogue.k12.ny.us. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/comsewoguesd.

The Great Pumpkin Palooza heads to Lenny Bruno Farms

by Press Release - September 28, 2023

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Lenny Bruno Farms, 740 Wading River Road, Manorvile invites you to “The Great Pumpkin Palooza,” an engaging agritourism event celebrating Fall’s essence, on September 30 and October 1, October 7, 8, and 9, October 14 and 15, and October 21 and 22 from 10 am to 5 pm.

The Great Pumpkin Palooza” welcomes visitors to experience the beauty of the autumn season and enjoy a range of activities, including pumpkin picking, sunflower picking, a family-friendly spooky corn maze, live music performances, a corn hole tournament hosted by Westhampton Beach Brewery, jumbo garden games, a kid-friendly play patch with a mini hay maze, tractor pedal cars, and more, as well as the opportunity to get unique charcoal portraits, participate in an Oktoberfest pop-up, as well as pumpkin pie eating contests.

To join in the festivities, there is an admission fee of $10. Children aged 2 and under enter for free, ensuring an inclusive experience for families. These comprehensive event weekends promise an array of activities to celebrate the autumn season, making it a captivating and affordable choice for individuals and groups alike. In addition, there are educational hayrides led by Dominic Bruno, offering insights into sustainable farming practices for a nominal fee of $5. Additionally, “The Great Pumpkin Palooza” will offer an array of options from food trucks and showcase local artisan vendors with a variety of food and goods available for purchase. Children’s activity vendors will also be present, offering experiences such as face painting, fairy hair, candle crafting, and more, ensuring a truly immersive and memorable event for visitors of all ages.

Dominick Bruno, owner of Lenny Bruno Farms, shared his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “We’re thrilled to invite families to our farm for ‘The Great Pumpkin Palooza.’ This event series captures the heart of the harvest season and offers a chance for visitors to connect with the land, the produce, and the community.”

The event will also feature local nonprofit animal rescues on certain dates, providing an opportunity for attendees to meet and potentially adopt rescue animals.

The festival weekends showcase Lenny Bruno Farms’ dedication to sustainable farming practices and the farm stand offers visitors the chance to buy hand-picked produce, including peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, and more, while interacting with the farmers and gaining insights into the farm’s operations.

For more information and a full line-up of events, call 631-591-3592 or visit www.lennybrunofarms.com/events

Port Jeff Royals girls soccer swept aside by Harborfields Tornadoes

by Bill Landon - September 28, 2023

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Port Jefferson had its hands full when the Royals hosted the Tornadoes of Harborfields Sept. 21 in a League III matchup where they found themselves down two goals at the halftime break. Harborfields’ junior Alexandra Fiumara found the right corner of the net off a rebound within four minutes followed by Lila Porzio at the 22-minute mark.

The Royals struggled to keep the ball upfield in the second half when Harborfields’ seniors Meaghan Fealy and Alanna Ratti both found the net to close out the game with a 4-0 victory.

Port Jeff goalie Rose Meliker-Hammock had 13 saves on the day and Harborfields’ keeper Keira Collins stopped 3.

The win lifted Harborfields to 5-2 on the season while the Royals fell to 1-5.

– Photos by Bill Landon

Shoreham-Wading River and Miller Place girls volleyball square off

by Bill Landon - September 28, 2023

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After edging by Miller Place in the first set having to win by two, the Shoreham-Wading River Wildcats lost the second set to make it a new match in the League VI matchup.

Squeezing by the Panthers 25-23 in the third set and rallying in the fourth set, the Wildcats were lucky to escape with the 3-1 victory, 28-26, 18-25, 25-23, 25-18, on the road Sept. 22.

Senior Giorgia Balza led the way for the Wildcats with 13 kills, a pair of aces and 4 blocks, and teammate Caroline Lange had a block with 4 kills.

Setting the pace for the Panthers was Payton Horan with 13 kills, a service ace and 2 digs along with Olivia Honkanen’s 6 kills 3 service aces and 4 digs.

The win lifts the Wildcats to 2-2, leaving the Panthers searching for that elusive first win.

Both teams are back in action Sept. 28 when the Wildcats host Bayport-Blue Point at 4 p.m. and the Panthers have a road game against nearby Mount Sinai. First service is set for 4:30 p.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Kids Korner: Sept. 28 to Oct. 5, 2023

by Heidi Sutton - September 27, 2023

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scarecrows Benner's Farm — FALL FUN: Children can make a child-size scarecrow at Benner's Farm on Oct. 1.

PROGRAMS

Crafternoon at the lbrary

Join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Crafternoon on Sept. 30. Stop by anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. to create a work of art out of recycled materials. No need to register. For ages 3 to12 years old (supervision may be needed). Open to all. For more information, call 631-941-4080.

Apple Workshop

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, E. Setauket will hold an Apple Workshop for ages 4 to 8 on Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon. Squeezed, cooked, dried and baked apples are delicious and FUN! Children will leave with a variety of apple goodies. $55 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Scarecrow Workshop

Fall fun continues at Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, E. Setauket with a Scarecrow Workshop for ages 4 to 10 on Oct. 1 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Learn about these garden guardians by bringing used clothing and decorating one of your own. Help make a scarecrow for the farm. Children will leave with a child-sized scarecrow of their own. Please bring clothing size (small 4-6 to Medium 6-8) to the workshop with a parent. $55 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Avenue Huntington hosts A Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Mondays including Oct. 2 and Oct. 9 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4 (sometimes older siblings join as well). 631-482-5008

Trick or Treat Bag Workshop

Celebrate St. James hosts a Trick or Treat Bag Making event at the former St. James Calderone Theatre, 176 Second St., St. James on Oct. 3 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Children ages 6 to 11 will create their own unique bag for trick or treating that can be used for years to come. $45 per child includes bag and decorating supplies. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201

Skeletons!

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Tiny Tots program titled Skeletons! on Oct. 5 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 to 5. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

Skull Scavenger Hunt

In anticipation of Halloween, the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents a Skull Scavenger Hunt now through Oct. 22. Hunt for papier-mache skulls around the museum in this seasonal, spooky scavenger hunt. Find them all and win a prize! Free with admission. Members free. No registration needed. Gallery hours are Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 631-367-3418.

THEATER

‘The Wizard of Oz’

Children’s theater continues at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport with The Wizard of Oz from Sept. 30 to Oct. 29. After a tornado whisks her away to the magical land of Oz, Dorothy Gale teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman, and a Cowardly Lion to find the mighty Wizard of Oz who can send her home. Dorothy learns just how magical friendship can be and how wonderful it can feel to go home again. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘A Kooky Spooky Halloween’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents A Kooky Spooky Halloween, a merry musical about a ghost who’s afraid of the dark, from Oct. 7 to 21 with a sensory sensitive performance on Oct. 8. 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. When his secret is revealed, he is forced to leave his haunted home and set-off on a quest with his newly found friends. All tickets are $12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

FILM

‘Igor’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Igor on Oct. 1 at noon. In a land of mad scientists and diabolical inventions, what do you do when you’re born with a hunch on your back? You become an Igor. A hilarious twist on the classic monster movie, Igor tells the story of one Igor who’s sick of being a lowly lab assistant with a Master’s degree and dreams of becoming a scientist. Rated PG. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

Family Fun Day heads to Stony Brook Village Center Sept. 30

by Press Release - September 24, 2023

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Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) and the Stony Brook Fire Department (SBFD) for Family Fun Day in Stony Brook Village on Saturday, September 30^th with WMHO’s Annual Scarecrow Competition and the Stony Brook Fire Department’s Annual Fire Prevention Day and Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is free to the public.

Throughout the Stony Brook Village Center there will be over 35 scarecrows lining the sidewalks. Voting for WMHO’s Annual Scarecrow Competition will begin on Family Fun Day. Vote for your favorite scarecrow creation using ballots found in all shops and eateries in Stony Brook Village.

The SBFD Annual Fire Prevention Day and Open House will take place behind the Stony Brook Fire Department in Stony Brook Village. Here are several activities planned for people of all ages to enjoy!

— A Touch-A-Truck display allowing people of all ages to get an up-close look at big trucks and emergency vehicles such as firetrucks, ambulances, and the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal’s Mobile Command Post.

— The SBFD will be providing a knockdown house, which allows kids to operate a fire hose to knock down flames in a mock-up of a small house.

— Stony Brook University Fire Marshal’s Office will attend with their Fire Extinguisher Simulator allowing members of the community to learn how to use a fire extinguisher first-hand.

— Terryville Fire Department will be present with a Fire Prevention/Safety Trailer which has the ability to teach fire safety within a simulated home and also what to do at the sound of a smoke detector.

— The Explorer Post #0528, will provide information to children about junior firefighting and provide firefighting gear that kids can try on.

— There will be giveaways for children and adults. SBFD plans to raffle off smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers while teaching community members the importance of safety with these items. Servpro will giveaway desktop calendars, activity books and pens/pencils

— The SBFD will demonstrate vehicle extrications and how to put out stove top fires throughout the day.

— Stony Brook Medicine will be in attendance with their Mobile Stroke Unit, a specialized ambulance designed to provide specialized, life-saving care to people within the critical moments of stroke.

To learn more about the Stony Brook Village Family Fun Day and to learn more about the WMHO, call 631- 751-2244.

Three Village school district recommends restructuring wait until 2025-26

by Mallie Jane Kim - September 22, 2023

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WardMelvilleHS-9-11Flags-17-9-11-17w-1 — Ward Melville High School. File photo by Greg Catalano

Moving 9th grade to high school logistically complex

By Mallie Jane Kim

Three Village Central School District needs more time before restructuring the grade makeup of its buildings, according to Superintendent of Schools Kevin Scanlon, who officially recommended a delay on proposed changes until the 2025-26 school year.

“It’s best we do this right and not fast,” Scanlon told the board at a Sept. 13 Board of Education meeting. He also followed up with an email to district parents explaining the delay.

The board previously charged the administration with researching the feasibility of a proposal to move up sixth grade to junior high and ninth grade to the high school, based on the preferences of a majority of stakeholders in the community surveyed last year.

At the meeting, Scanlon said administration staff spent the summer “working very heavily” to explore logistics of the proposed changes, such as secondary class schedules, staffing needs and classroom requirements.

The superintendent previously warned that restructuring likely wouldn’t be possible by the original target of fall 2024, and the summer research found enough snags to give Scanlon and his team pause.

The junior high schools would simply exchange one grade for another — ninth grade would move out to the high school and sixth grade would move in from elementary — a nimbler change than adding a fourth grade level to the high school, which currently houses grades 10-12. It’s not a matter of the number of students, Scanlon pointed out. Due to declining enrollment over time, the population at the high school with an added grade would be roughly on par with its population about a decade ago — just shy of 1,800 students, according to district data. But each grade has specific classroom requirements.

“Ninth grade does require some different courses — certified teachers in areas of science and languages — that need to be maneuvered around,” Scanlon explained, saying major considerations include the number of appropriate classroom spaces for art, music and science labs. “We just need a little bit more time to figure out those particulars.”

The board opted last April to table any decision on officially adopting the proposed restructuring until the administration could present research on logistics and cost, and also find a way to address concerns over early start times at district secondary schools.

Scanlon indicated the logistical research should wrap up next month, and a committee looking into start times is in full swing, with plans to send out a survey early this fall to assess related community needs. A possible second survey with more specific proposals may go out by the end of the calendar year, he added.

When asked, Scanlon didn’t rule out the possibility of changing start times sooner than 2025, but indicated that particular conversation would take place in the context of the upcoming survey results.

Kids Korner: Sept. 21 to 28, 2023

by Heidi Sutton - September 21, 2023

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Copy_of_shrek-2 — Catch a screening of 'Shrek 2' at the Cinema Arts Centre on Sept. 24.

PROGRAMS

Thankful Thursday

The Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Thankful Thursdays series on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. Children ages 7 and up and their families are invited to a FREE family-friendly planetarium show titled Earth, Moon & Sun. After the show, an astronomy educator will invite you to look through a telescope at the night sky (weather permitting). Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Pond Exploration

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown will present a Pond Exploration class on Sept. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Join the staff for a pond scoop to see the creatures that make their home under the water during this family event. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 631-265-1054.

Deep Sea Discoveries!

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a family program, Deep Sea Discoveries! on Sept. 24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Explore what life is like 1000 meters under the sea. $4 per person. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

Skull Scavenger Hunt

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Avenue Huntington hosts A Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Sept. 25 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4 (sometimes older siblings join as well). 631-482-5008

Hands-On Art

Registration underway. The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents an after school program for students K through 4th grade, Hands-on Art, on Tuesdays, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Explore artworks at the Museum and experiment with a variety of media and techniques to create your own masterpieces. $100 per child, $90 members. www.longislandmuseum.org/learn-and-explore/childrens-programs/

Fall Fun at Benner’s Farm

Registration underway. On Oct. 1, Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, E. Setauket will hold an Apple Workshop for ages 4 to 8 from 10 a.m. to noon and a Scarecrow Workshop for ages 4 to 10 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. $55 per child. To register, call 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

THEATER

‘The Wizard of Oz’

Children’s theater continues at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport with The Wizard of Oz from Sept. 23 to Oct. 29. After a tornado whisks her away to the magical land of Oz, Dorothy Gale teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman, and a Cowardly Lion to find the mighty Wizard of Oz who can send her home. Dorothy learns just how magical friendship can be and how wonderful it can feel to go home again. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘A Kooky Spooky Halloween’

FILM

‘Lyle, Lyle Crocodile’

The Smithtown Recreation Department hosts a Drive-In Movie Night screening of Lyle, Lyle Crocodile (Rated PG) at Callahan’s Beach, Route 25A, Fort Salonga on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Rain date is Sept. 23. $20 per car. Space is limited, registration is required. 631-360-7644

‘Shrek 2’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Shrek 2 on Sept. 24 at noon. Happily ever after never seemed so far far away when a trip to meet the in-laws turns into a hilariously twisted adventure for Shrek and Fiona. With the help of his faithful Donkey, Shrek takes on a potion-brewing Fairy Godmother, the pompous Prince Charming, and the ogre-killer, Puss In Boots who’s a pussycat at heart. Rated PG. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

Rocky Point captains to bring ‘uncommon effort’ to the football field

by Rich Acritelli - September 21, 2023

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Acritelli_Athletes — Senior captains of the 2023 Rocky Point High School football team. From left, Ryan Meyers, Jeremy Graham and A.J. Aschettino. Photo courtesy Rich Acritelli

The 2023 Rocky Point High School football team hopes for a promising season behind their main senior players, even after an indifferent 0-3 start.

A.J. Aschettino, a team captain, is also one of the finest baseball prospects on Long Island, who will be playing for Northeastern University after graduating from Rocky Point in June 2024.

He will be leading the football team as a safety, running back and possibly even quarterback. Always a quiet team leader, Aschettino leads by example on and off the field.

Last year, Aschettino played well against Islip, scoring a touchdown and rushing for 120 yards on the ground. Against East Hampton, he had four tackles and an interception to help his team to victory.

As the league’s most valuable player for baseball last season, batting an impressive .522, Aschettino will also establish a solid example of hard work and discipline for the younger players on the roster. Longtime head coach Anthony DiLorenzo indicated that Aschettino has “great football knowledge, with speed and agility.”

Jeremy Graham is a senior captain who has played varsity football for the last three seasons. He will be active on the field, leading the team as quarterback while playing cornerback on defense.

Graham had shown flashes of brilliance last season. Against East Hampton, he scored three touchdowns, passed for 60 yards and ran for another 130 yards on the ground. On the defensive side, he had four tackles in last year’s matchup against Eastport-South Manor.

DiLorenzo believes Graham is a “gritty and gutsy” player who fights for every yard. Like Aschettino, he is an exceptional baseball player, having hit .400 in the playoffs last season. He will be on the Hudson Valley Vikings squad after he graduates.

Another excellent football player is senior captain Ryan Meyers. One of the hardest hitting linebackers in the county, Meyers will make his presence felt on the defensive end of the field as well. He will show his versatility in running the ball, where he wants to help the offense gain points against the opposition.

DiLorenzo marvels at Meyers’ physicality, describing the senior linebacker as having the ability “to run through a wall” to help his team win. Last year against Eastport-South Manor, he had five tackles and two sacks to showcase his defensive prowess. After he graduates from Rocky Point, Meyers will play lacrosse at Binghamton University.

DiLorenzo believes that these three senior athletes will help the team attain its goal of establishing “an uncommon effort, with positive energy and a unit that always has support and love for each other.”

Setauket ‘taken out to the ball game’ at Sherwood-Jayne Farm

by Mallie Jane Kim - September 21, 2023

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Gavin_Marlborough — Gavin Marlborough practices his swing with a solid wood bat. Photo by Mallie Kim

By Mallie Jane Kim

Fans of America’s “old ball game” watched a historical treat in Setauket Saturday, Sept. 16, when the New York Mutuals faced off against the Brooklyn Atlantics on the back field of Sherwood-Jayne Farm using 19th century-era baseball rules.

The two hobby teams from all over Long Island and beyond, hosted at Sherwood-Jayne by Preservation Long Island and The Long Island Museum, represented real baseball teams from the 1800s and played using replica uniforms and equipment. That means swinging heavy wooden bats and catching baseballs with no gloves.

The event was part of Preservation Long Island’s efforts to connect with the community and allow neighbors to engage with one of their historical properties, alongside their local partner organization, The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook.

Two historical baseball teams face off in the upper field of Sherwood-Jayne Farm.
Photo by Mallie Kim

Elizabeth Abrams, PLI’s assistant director for operations and programs, said the event was a success. “We got a lot of folks who’ve never been here before,” she said. “It is great that we’re exposing our organizations to new people.”

Abrams said it was important to PLI, which is a small nonprofit based in Cold Spring Harbor, to make the event open to as many people as possible, and their partnership with LIM as well as some in-kind donations allowed them to offer the event free of charge.

“When we have the ability to put on a larger event, we want to make it as open and accessible as possible for the community that we’re in,” she added.

Among the approximately 240 guests at the event, John and Rebecca Wygand of Shoreham brought their four children to enjoy the game. “A little history for the kids,” Rebecca said, adding, “We’re baseball fans, you know.”

The Wygands said they were supporting both teams, impressed that the players were working so hard and without gloves — jamming fingers is an occupational hazard — and in the case of one player, without shoes.

But Rebecca Wygand balked when her husband suggested they also support both present-day New York teams, the Mets and the Yankees. “No, just Yankees,” she said. “You can keep the Mets for yourself. No thank you.”

The Wygand family enjoys the baseball game at Sherwood-Jayne Farm on Saturday, Sept. 16. Photo by Mallie Kim

In the end, a tie between the Mutuals and Atlantics pushed the game into the 10th inning, with the Atlantics taking the win, 12-11.

At a display with historical baseball artifacts near the field, visitors could hold old baseballs and try out a real wooden bat. Gavin Marlborough, 7, a Nassakeag Elementary School student who plays on the Three Village intramural baseball league, enjoyed watching the game.

“I like to watch old-fashioned baseball,” he said, noting the jerseys were very different from those used today — they look like white bibs buttoned on to white shirts.

For his own future, though, Gavin said he prefers modern baseball. The wooden bat, he said, is “too heavy.”

On the main lawn next to the house, live music provided a backdrop for visitors enjoying food, drinks, tavern-style iron puzzles and a bounce house for children.

The Sherwood-Jayne Farm House is currently open on Saturdays for docent-led tours, and the grounds are open year round from dawn until dusk for “hikers, joggers, bird-watchers and nature lovers,” according to the PLI website.

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