Port Jeff senior Frank Andriani throws in for the Royals. Photo by Bill Landon
Conference on the mound. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Ruairi Rago slides into third. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Natti Mullen from the mound. Photo by Bill Landon
Royals. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Natti Mullen with a fastball. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Ruairi Rago makes the tag at second. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Ruairi Rago throws to first. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Kyle Erickson makes the play at second base. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Ruairi Rago attempts the tag. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff senior Daniel Owens rips the ball deep. Photo by Bill Landon
Official timeout. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff senior Daniel Owens throws in for the Royals. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff catcher Evan Raymond with the play at the plate. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff catcher Evan Raymond tags the runner out. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Frank D'Elia holds the runner on at first. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Frank D’Elia takes a cut. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Frank D’Elia makes the play at first. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Kyle Erickson scoops a grounder. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Kyle Erickson tags the runner out. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Natti Mullen safely back at first. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Natti Mullen slides head first into second. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Natti Mullen rounds third, heading for home. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Ruairi Rago takes flight. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff senior Jake Zamek throwing heat. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff sophomore Joey Aronica makes the play at second base. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Frank D’Elia makes the play at first. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Frank D’Elia smacks a ground ball. Photo by Bill Landon
At 11-3, the Port Jefferson Royals — the defending Long Island champions — sat comfortably in second place, enjoying an 11-game winning streak. That is until the 3-10 Amityville Warriors came to town.
In the second of a three-game series at Diamond in the Pines on Thursday, May 4, the Warriors snapped the Royals’ streak. The Warriors scored three runs in the top of the fourth inning, taking the lead. Port Jeff made a pitching change the following inning, but the bats went quiet, unable to rally back, falling to Amityville 7-3.
Ruairi Rago managed the only hit for the Royals on the day while finding his way home. Teammate Natti Mullen crossed the plate twice.
The deciding contest of this series took place the following afternoon, May 5, when each team put double-digit runs on the scoreboard. The Royals scored two more, though, winning the game 12-10 and taking two out of three games against the Warriors.
There is a presumed lack of engagement in civics of today’s youth: an inability to discern truth from hyperbole, ignorance of our nation’s history and disinterest in government. Yet the U.S. Supreme Court and 32 state supreme courts have explicitly stated that preparation for capable citizenship is a primary purpose of education, and programs in New York State and Suffolk County do bring together education and civics.
At a League of Women Voters’ program several weeks ago, a group of high school students from six western Suffolk districts participated in the League’s “Student Day at the Suffolk County Legislature.” This program, developed with the Suffolk County Legislature’s Presiding Officer, was initiated in 2015 but interrupted by COVID. Returning to Hauppauge this year, it was praised by the participants, teachers, and legislators.
Students (selected by their schools) knew that they would be either supporting or opposing an “Introductory Resolution” (developed in advance): ”RESOLVED, that in order to make our Suffolk County schools as safe as possible, the Suffolk County Police Department is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to allow School Safety Officers and Suffolk County Police stationed at all Suffolk County schools to be armed, including concealed weapons, in order to protect our precious schoolchildren …”
Upon arrival, they were greeted by representatives of the Legislature and the League, and then heard from elected officials about the responsibilities and role of a legislator. Three representatives of the Suffolk County Police Department with experience in the schools then educated the students about the role of school safety officers, procedures, etc.
Students had numerous questions and the session was thorough and informative. They then caucused in their “pro” and “con” assigned groups to debate, exhort, and plan their words and actions for the Mock Legislature. They stated later that they needed much more time to fully explore and formulate their position(s).
They finally convened in the legislative “horseshoe” chamber, with students taking on a variety of roles: 18 as legislators, and the remaining 13 representing the public and Suffolk County Legislature staff. The student acting as Presiding Officer had a herculean task managing the “legislators” and the “public” who vied for time to speak and convince. Finally there was a roll-call vote, and the Resolution was defeated.
Students were insightful in their evaluations: “I learned that despite the different views of the public, a legislator has to look for a way to please both parties, which isn’t an easy job” and “In AP Gov’t I learned about the congressional/national level, but seeing the similarities and differences on a local/state level was interesting. I noticed how the debate was controlled similarly in Congress but one difference was that even if the moderator has his own side he did not use that against his opponents when choosing who would speak.”
Beyond this small group example of why we have faith and hope in our young people, there are other programs and collaborations such as the League’s “Students Inside Albany” held each May over 3 days. Alsothe League has joined DemocracyReady NY— a statewide, nonpartisan, intergenerational coalition of organizations and individuals committed to preparing all students for civic participation.
The League participated in a task force to create the New York State Education Department’s Seal of Civic Readiness which is a formal distinction on a high school transcript and diploma that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset, and civic experiences. In order to obtain the Seal of Civic Readiness, a student must complete all the requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma and earn a total of six points with at least two points in Civic Knowledge and at least two points in Civic Participation. Students may also earn points by completing a middle school Capstone project or a high school Capstone project. Several hundred NYS schools are committed to this program in the coming school year.
Lisa Scott is president of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, visit https://my.lwv.org/new-york/suffolk-county or call 631-862-6860.
From left, Rachel McAdams and Abby Ryder Fortson in a scene from the film. Photo by Dana Hawley/Lionsgate
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
No writer has been more heralded nor adored than Judy Blume. Author of over two dozen novels, she debuted with the children’s book The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo (1969) and followed up with Iggie’s House (1970). But her third book—Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret—truly launched her career. Others include a combination of works for children (Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing, Otherwise Know as Sheila the Great, Blubber), young adults (Then Again, Maybe I Won’t, Deenie, Forever …), and adults (Wifey, Summer Sisters, It’s an Unlikely Event).
Kathy Bates and Abby Ryder Fortson in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate
Only a handful of Blume’s works have made it to the screen: Forever, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, Tiger Eyes, and a television series based on Fudge-a-Mania. Now Kelly Freemon Craig, who wrote and directed the 2016 coming-of-age dramedy The Edge of Seventeen, helms the big screen version of Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. Craig has fashioned an agreeable, appropriately gentle, and predominantly loyal adaptation.
The film opens with a montage of twelve-year-old Margaret Simon’s (Abby Ryder Fortson) last days at a New Hampshire girls’ camp. Upon her return to New York City, her parents, Barbara and Herb (Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie), inform her that her father’s work promotion has enabled the family’s move to New Jersey. Unsurprisingly, Margaret and her paternal grandmother, Sylvia (Kathy Bates), are unhappy with the turn of events.
Quickly, though, Margaret settles into a suburban world of backyards and sprinklers. She is not so much greeted but assaulted by neighbor and fellow sixth-grader Nancy Wheeler (Elle Graham). Nancy, an alpha and mean-girl-in-training, gathers Margaret into her close and closed-friend group, Janie (Amari Alexis Price) and Gretchen (Katherine Kupferer).
Margaret’s realm revolves around school, boys, and family. It is an analog world without the technical hurdles of later generations (with not even a television in sight). Often, the atmosphere has a sixties vibe—most notably Nancy’s Stepford mother (Kate MacCluggage), who seems a refugee from the 1950s.
Abby Ryder Fortson in a scene from the film.Photo courtesy of Lionsgate
In the book, Margaret’s dilemmas were split equally between her religious identity crisis and her body’s burgeoning changes. When Barbara and Herb married, Barbara’s parents were so distraught over her having a Jewish husband they cut off all connection. Barbara and Herb decided to raise Margaret with no religion, telling their daughter to decide when she was old enough. Much of Margaret’s quest in the book is sampling Jewish and Christian experiences.
The struggle remains present in the film, but Craig emphasizes Margaret’s focus on her impending physical transitions. The girls’ discussions are neatly taken from the book, creating believable interactions. In fact, much of the dialogue—including the quartet’s memorable chant—is smartly lifted verbatim.
The film and its tone occasionally nod towards twenty-first-century political correctness, but nothing hampers the storytelling. The biggest departure is Barbara leaving her job now that they have left the City. In the book, she is a housewife who paints less-than-successful pictures of fruit. Here, she is an edgier artist and art teacher searching for a place in this new life. At first, she tries to integrate into the new community but must ultimately find herself again. In doing this, Rachel McAdams’ Barbara is a more dimensional, if modern, character than her literary counterpart.
Rachel McAdams, Benny Sadie and Abby Ryder Fortson in a scene from the film. Photo by Lionsgate
Abby Ryder Forston easily holds center in an honest and realistic portrayal of a preadolescent. Whether she is mooning over the boy who cuts the grass or asking God for guidance, she remains grounded and unshowy. McAdams, always strong, makes the most of the two sides of Barbara and connects with the character’s trials. Safdie is kind and present as the father, while Bates humorously blends West Side polish with Jewish guilt. Special mention of Graham, whose toxic delivery of the line, “I live in the bigger house up the street,” speaks volumes to Nancy’s self-assurance. Echo Kellum leans towards charming rather than bumbling as the first-year teacher, Mr. Benedict.
One surprising film deviation is Margaret’s lack of awareness regarding the schism between her mother and grandparents. The choice ratchets up the immediacy of the conflict with their visit late in the story. (The scene clumsily includes Sylvia and her beau, absent from the book’s confrontation.) While dramatic, it undermines Barbara and Herb’s honesty with their child. In addition, the bullying of the more physically mature outsider Laura Danker (subtle and pained as played by Isol Young) ends in a kinder, if less realistic, resolution.
Had Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret been made fifty years ago—or even forty or thirty—its impact would have possessed more resonance. The film’s quaintness dulls some of the novel’s powerful edges, leaning toward nostalgia rather than reflection. However, one suspects viewing the film will be an experience for mothers and daughters (and granddaughters) to connect with a coming-of-age that has spanned multiple generations. Those looking to revisit a favorite tale told with integrity will welcome this faithful adaptation.
Rated PG-13, the film is now playing in local theaters.
All Winners: (l to r: Julia Hou, Amelia Grant, Celia Gordon, and Caroline Qian)
First prize winner Julia Hou with Library Director Ted Gutmann and Sherry Cleary
First prize winner Celia Gordon with Library Directory Ted Gutmann and Sherry Cleary.
Winners with the Shack family (l to r: Karen Reid, Ted Gutmann, Amit Taylor, Julia Hou, Amelia Grant, Celia Gordon, Caroline Qian, Sherry Cleary, Ed Taylor, and Niva Taylor.)
Winners pose with school officials, from left, Three Village Superintendent Kevin Scanlon, The Stony Brook School Assistant Head of School Will Lingle, Gelinas Junior High School Principal Corinne Keane, Julia Hou, Amelia Grant, Celia Gordon, Caroline Qian , Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Brian Biscari, Three Village Central School District Trustee Jennifer Solomon, and Gelinas Junior High English Chair Michelle Hanczor.
From left, Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, Julia Hou, Amelia Grant, Celia Gordon, Caroline Qian, Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, Stephanie Stafford (from NYS Assemblyman Ed Flood's office) and Kristine Rasanen (from NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo's office). Photo by Jack Dennehy/Emma Clark Library
A creative writing and drawing contest that started back in 2014 at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library in Setauket is still going strong in 2023.
Each year, those in grades 7 to 12 who reside in the Three Village Central School District let their imaginations flow and create an original picture book for children in hopes of winning this esteemed prize.
On April 24, Emma Clark Library board members and staff, the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, local elected officials, representatives from the Three Village Central School District and The Stony Brook School, and guests from the community gathered at the Library to honor the winners of the ninth annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Awards.
First prize in the Grades 7 to 9 category was awarded to Julia Hou, a 9th grader atGelinas Junior High School for her children’s book titled Boston Santa while Celia Gordon, a homeschooled 11th grader, captured first prize in the Grades 10 to 12 category for her book Sleeping Till Spring.
Caroline Qian, an 8th grader at Gelinas Junior High School, won second prize for her children’s book Cutie the Duck in the Grades 7 to 9 category and Amelia Grant, a 12th grader at The Stony Brook School, snagged second prize in the Grades 10 to 12 category for her book Lily’s Snowman.
Library Director Ted Gutmann, along with the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, presented all of the winners’ books, bound and added to the Library’s Local Focus Collection, along with $400 checks to first prize winners and $100 checks for second prize winners.
Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle (representing Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine), and staff members from NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo and NYS Assemblyman Ed Flood’s office were all in attendance to present certificates to the four authors.
Addressing the winners, Leg. Hahn remarked, “You clearly have talent and that’s what storytelling is…it’s sharing what’s in your heart for others to enjoy and learn from.”
Councilmember Kornreich told all of the authors what he enjoyed the most about each book and added, “Art is a powerful language … I’m sure all of you will one day have the power to change people’s hearts and change people’s minds and to change the world.”
Town Clerk LaValle added, “It’s amazing what you did. You should be so proud of yourselves.”
Library Board President Christopher Fletcher, Vice President Carol Leister, Treasurer David Douglas, and Trustee Deborah Blair along with Three Village Central School District Trustee Jennifer Solomon, Superintendent Kevin Scanlon, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Brian Biscari, Gelinas Junior High School Principal Corinne Keane, Gelinas Junior High English Chair Michelle Hanczor and the Assistant Head of School at The Stony Brook School, Will Lingle were in attendance to congratulate the winners.
Guests enjoyed special treats donated by The Bite Size Bake Shop, a local Three Village-owned business. Library teen volunteer Jack Dennehy photographed the event.
Library Director Gutmann expressed gratitude to the children of the late Mrs. Shack, who cover the cost of the awards as a tribute to their mother and her commitment to passing along the importance and joy of reading for generations to come. “We appreciate the support of all the family [of Helen Stein Shack] for their generosity in establishing this endowment and for their encouragement of literacy in our community,” he said.
In light of the fact that all of the winners were female this year, Sherry Cleary, one of the daughters of the late Helen Stein Shack, spoke of her mother, not just a mom, grandmother, or teacher, but as a woman:
“She was an amazing woman when being an amazing woman was not encouraged and not acknowledged and not a thing, she came up in an era where women had a lack of opportunities. She was brave, gutsy and really looked convention in the eye, in the face, and decided to do what was in her heart and in her soul. I leave you with that. Be brave. Be gutsy. You already are because you put yourselves out there and did this amazing work.”
See more photos from the event online at www.tbrnewsmedia.com.
Two students paint birdhouses at the Comsewogue Community Garden. Photo courtesy CSD
Students in the Comsewogue School District showed their green thumbs this Earth Day by coming together with members of the community to recreate the Comsewogue Community Garden.
Students and their families planted flowers, fruits and vegetables and beautified the garden by creating birdhouses and decorative signs.
“Creating and rebuilding our community garden each spring teaches our students lessons about the importance of community service, taking care of the environment and how to be self-sufficient,” said Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Quinn. “This was a great way to celebrate Earth Day and show our appreciation for our planet and the environment.”
Clinton Avenue Elementary School nurse Kelly Klug spearheaded the garden and organized the Earth Day event for community members to come together and rejuvenate the important resource. All produce grown in the garden is harvested and donated to families in the community facing food insecurity.
For more information about the Comsewogue School District, please visit the District’s website at www.comsewogue.k12.ny.us.
Sweetbriar Nature Center hosts a baby shower for wildlife on May 7.
PROGRAMS
Family Hour Sunday
Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington hosts a Family Hour Sunday on May 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 5 through 10 are invited for a family-friendly art experience with Museum Educator Tami Wood Explore works of art in the Museum and create fun art projects! $10 per child, adults free. Registration is recommended by visiting www.heckscher.org.
A Baby Shower for Wildlife
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown invites the community to a Baby Shower for Wildlife on May 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. Help them prepare for the busy spring baby season by bringing a gift to ensure the smallest animals who need our help — from squirrels and bunnies to hummingbirds and ducklings — get the nourishment and medical care they need to thrive. At the event you will meet some ambassador animals and learn about why they are permanent residents at the center. Tickets ($10 per child, $5 adults) plus wish list are at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Spring Bling
Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport continues its Kids Craft Series with Spring Bling on May 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. Welcome Spring with three fun crafting stations: Card Making, Lima Bean Growing and Flower Pot Decorating. Children will leave with their completed craft that they can keep or gift to a special someone in their lives. $8 per child includes a $5 gift certificate to Einstein’s Attic. Register at www.northporthistorical.org.
Our Home: An Earth & Art Adventure
In collaboration with the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington presents Our Home: An Earth & Art Adventure on May 7 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Begin your adventure at The Heckscher exploring the exhibitions and create a masterpiece inspired by your home and the place we all call home — Earth! Then, meet at the Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a live lecture of the night sky using the planetarium theater’s amazing star projection system and then watch the fulldome film “We Are Guardians.” Look through one of the Vanderbilt Observatory telescopes and create an earth-themed craft. For families with children ages 6 and up. $15 per person. To register, visit www.heckscher.org.
THEATER
‘Flat Stanley’
John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley from May 27 to July 2. Stanley Lambchop is your ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill, ten-year-old. For Stanley, life is too normal. He longs to travel the world, do something amazing! Careful what you wish for, Stanley! One morning, Stanley wakes up really, REALLY flat! In a whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley scours the globe for a solution to his unusual problem. He’s stamped, posted and mailed from Hollywood to Honolulu and beyond hoping to once again become three dimensional. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Cinderella’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson closes its children’s theatre season with its original retelling of the poor waif Cinderella from May 27 to June 17 with a sensory sensitive performance on June 4 at 11 a.m. The classic love story finds its power in a pumpkin, a palace, a prince – and a young girl whose belief in herself can overcome any obstacle. When her Fairy Godmother adds a dash of excitement, the magical possibilities are endless. Don’t miss this musical enchantment for the entire family. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
FILM
‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial on May 7 at noon. After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., to his brother and his little sister, and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien.Rated PG. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Miller Place midfielder Hayden Young looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Panthers score. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place midfielder Sophia Ingenito fires at the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place senior goalie Natalia Altebrando with a save. Photo by Bill Landon
Panthers score. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place midfielder Olivia Coffey takes flight. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place midfielder Angie Efstathiou breaks down the sideline. Photo by Bill Landon
Panthers score. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place midfielder Olivia Coffey gets double teamed. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place sophomore Mirabella Altebrando fires at the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place midfielder Angie Efstathiou looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place midfielder Angie Efstathiou pushes past a defender. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place midfielder Sophia Ingenito wins the draw. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place defender Madison Hall splits a pair of defenders. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place midfielder Sophia Ingenito pushes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West attack Ashlyn Renkowski looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Sophia Ingenito battles Ashley Mennella at draw. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place defender Madison Hall powers her way upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West midfielder Ashley Mennella passes. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place senior goalie Natalia Altebrando clears the ball for the Panthers. Photo by Bill Landon
Abigail Lonigro and Jolie Schiavo battle for a loose ball. Photo by Bill Landon
It was all Miller Place on a rainy Saturday afternoon, April 29, when the Panthers hosted the Smithtown West Bulls in a Div. II matchup.
Miller Place had secured a 7-2 lead by the halftime break. Smithtown West’s struggles continued in the second half, with Miller Place controlling the pace the rest of the way. The Panthers put the game away 15-4.
Mirabella Altebrando led the way for the Panthers with six assists. Olivia Coffey netted four goals while teammates Isabella Luisa and Hayden Young each scored three goals apiece. Natalia Altebrando had eight saves on the day.
Smithtown West’s Jolie Schiavo scored twice for the Bulls, and Ashley Mennella and teammate Laura Luikart both scored.
The win lifts Miller Place to 6-5 in their division, while the Bulls dropped to 5-6 with three games remaining before postseason play begins.
Both teams are back in action Wednesday, May 3, when Miller Place hosts Eastport-South Manor, and Smithtown West hits the road for an away game against Greenport-Southold-Mattituck. Both games begin at 4:00 p.m.
Comsewogue freshman goalie Isabella Borruso with a save. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore attack Jackie Riviezzo passes. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman attack Gianna McNulty looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
University of Florida-bound Alyssa Deacy looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Timeout, Comsewogue. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Jayla Callender pushes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Kamryn McCrary passes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore attack Jackie Riviezzo drives toward the crease. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman goalie Isabella Borruso with another stop in net. Photo by Bill Landon
Bryant University-bound Gabby Constant wins the draw for the Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Warriors score. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior midfielder Alyssa Deacy looks for a cutter. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Vienna Guzman passes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore attack Jackie Riviezzo passes to an open shooter. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore attack Jackie Riviezzo changes direction. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman midfielder Jayla Callender pushes upfield. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman attack Gianna McNulty drives toward the cage. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior midfielder Alyssa Deacy looks inside for the Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Bryant University-bound Gabby Constant scores. Photo by Bill Landon
Warriors win. Photo by Bill Landon
Warriors win. Photo by Bill Landon
West Babylon came knocking on Comsewogue’s door Thursday night, April 27, in a Div. II contest in which both teams held matching records at 3-6. The Warriors relentlessly pursued victory, though it would take five overtime periods to determine them the victor.
West Babylon scored back-to-back goals in the opening minutes of the second half, edging ahead 7-4. But the Warriors’ offense came thundering back, rattling off three unanswered goals of their own and tying the game at 7-7 with two minutes left in regulation.
Neither team could find the cage as the time on the clock expired, forcing overtime. Scoreless through the first four three-minute overtime periods, Comsewogue freshman Vienna Guzman’s stick would be the difference maker, breaking the stalemate and winning the game 8-7.
Comsewogue’s Gianna McNulty scored and had two assists. Teammates Gabby Constant and Kamryn McCrary scored two goals apiece. Freshman goalie Isabella Borruso had seven saves on the night.
The win lifts the Warriors to 4-6 in their division with four games remaining before postseason play begins.
Above, Comsewogue High School Business Honor Society students and school administrators with Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, center wearing blue and yellow, during a pet food donation event. Photo courtesy Deniz Yildirim
By Deniz Yildirim
Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) recently teamed up with the Comsewogue High School Business Honor Society to help pets on Long Island.
On Tuesday, April 25, Hahn met with students and club advisors Anthony Ketterer and Anthony Rovello to pick up over 100 pet-related food items.
‘Unfortunately, many have to face tough choices between paying the bills, feeding themselves and feeding their pets.’
— Kara Hahn
Students, such as senior Riley Hughes, earned community service hours by making dog toys. Hughes also braided multiple strands of fabric to create a colorful chew toy. The team collected wet and dry food, treats, leashes and more.
The business department presented its collection to Hahn on a table in their classroom, then listened as she addressed the organization about the importance of giving back to the community.
“There are so many families who need help,” the county legislator said. “Unfortunately, many have to face tough choices between paying the bills, feeding themselves and feeding their pets.”
The proceeds from this effort will go to Baxter’s Pet Pantry and the Port Jeff Station-based animal shelter Save-A-Pet.
Comsewogue Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Quinn and High School Principal Mike Mosca also attended the event. “It is important to help those who cannot advocate for themselves,” Quinn said. “I’m so proud of our students.”
Deniz Yildirim is a librarian at Comsewogue High School.
A few years ago, Smithtown resident Charles Armstrong was looking forward to a long, lazy summer break from high school. Then, everything changed when doctors found a tumor in his brain. He was only 15 years old.
Throughout the course of his intense treatment regimen, Armstrong was comforted and entertained by his family’s sweet new dog, Beef. In fact, Beef had such a special personality that someone suggested he write a book about her.
And that’s exactly what he did. Now 18 and thankfully cancer-free, Armstrong decided to share his story to help other kids with cancer feel a little less alone. His debut book, The Dog Named Beef and Her Superpower, focuses on Beef’s relationship with Charlie as she works to help him feel better. It’s light and approachable for young kids, and includes a note from Armstrong in the back that goes into more detail for older readers. The book has cute illustrations throughout and some real pictures of Beef and her family at the end. Kids stuck in bed will enjoy the activity pages that were wisely included as well.
Did you ever consider writing a book prior to your illness?
I wasn’t much of a creative kid. In fact, I had to take extended English classes because I struggled with it. I always told my parents I hated reading. But then in my junior and senior year of high school, I had a few teachers tell me that they really liked my writing. After my treatment, I realized I actually liked to read and started writing things on my own.
Charles Armstrong and Beef
Did you have any warning signs that something was wrong prior to your diagnosis?
I was out riding my bike with some friends right after school got out for the summer in 2020. It was a hot day, and my head really started to hurt. I had lots of pressure in my head, along with black spots in my vision and nausea. I came home and told my parents, and they figured it was heat exhaustion, but decided to be on the safe side and take me to the doctor. Not long after that, results of the scans came back to show a ping pong ball sized tumor in the center of my brain. It flipped our whole world upside down.
It was a type of tumor called a pineoblastoma. The tumor was causing spinal fluid to build up and I developed hydrocephalus, so I had surgery to address that, and then the biopsy confirmed it was cancer. During a second surgery, they were able to remove 99 percent of the tumor. After that, I had six weeks of radiation and six months of chemo infusions at Stony Brook.
It’s hard for anyone to face cancer, but it’s even rarer for young people to be in that position. Were you lonely?
It was tough because the COVID pandemic was also going on at the time, so there were a lot of restrictions on hospital visitors. But the staff did whatever they could to keep me connected to people while I was in the hospital. I would stay there for four or five days every month as part of my treatment routine. But my mom was able to take time off of work to stay with me, and I was able to use my phone to text with friends.
Did you have pets growing up?
Yes! We had both a cat and a dog when I was younger. My brother has a ferret, and we also have a bird.
Whose idea was it to get a dog?
It was a family decision. After our first dog passed away, we took some time to grieve and after a while we decided to go to an adoption event at Last Chance Animal Rescue in June of 2020. That’s where we met Beef. My brother and I volunteered there when we were younger.
What drew you to Beef?
She was so timid and hiding in the back of the area, but when we approached her she got so excited and licked our faces. We all fell in love with her right away. Other people were looking at her, but we said, “No way, this is our dog now!” As it happens, she had been up for adoption for several months before we met her. I guess she was waiting for us.
Many animals are known to be very caring, especially when a family member is sick. Did Beef treat you differently?
We hadn’t had her for that long when I got sick, but she could tell that something was wrong in the house. She knew we were distraught, and at night she would always snuggle with me.
How did she help you? Did she affect your family too?
She just always knew what to do to lift me up, whether it was putting her head on my shoulder or chasing her tail to snap me out of a rut. On days when I was feeling okay we would play together. She makes all of us laugh. There’s a scene in the book where she does a handstand, and something very similar to that actually happened. She’s so emotionally intelligent and funny.
Why did you decide to write a book about your experience?
Going through all of the treatment associated with cancer, I had support from so many different directions. I wanted to find a way to provide that support in some way to other kids My cousin’s girlfriend joked that I should write about Beef, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it could help other kids that were going through an illness. Beef is a funny dog, and the story could help them feel some of the love she showed me in that time.
Did you self-publish or use a traditional publisher?
I self-published through Amazon KDP. They made it very simple. It’s a lot of work, but the process was pretty streamlined and it was a great experience overall.
Who is the illustrator?
The illustrator is Inga Buccella. My mom found Inga on Etsy, and she was so enthusiastic about being a part of the book when I told her my story.
What was it like for you when the book arrived?
It felt so surreal to hold it in my hands. It still doesn’t feel real to think of myself as a published author, but it’s great.
How are you doing now? What are you up to?
I had my most recent scans a few months ago, and they showed that I am still cancer free. I work a couple different jobs and am interested in getting into marketing. I’ve been working out a lot and just did my first Spartan race! I also got a chance to be a part of a short student film in New York City.
What is the target age for the book?
I wanted it to be accessible to as many kids as possible. I think it would be right up the alley of kids between the ages of 3 and 7, though other age groups might find it relatable, too.
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The Dog Named Beef and Her Superpower is available now at Amazon.com. Keep up with Charles on Instagram @charlesparmstrong, and follow Beef’s antics on TikTok @the_dog_named_beef.
Did you have pets growing up?
Why did you decide to write a book about your experience?
What was it like for you when the book arrived?
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