Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a
motorcyclist in Miller Place on Aug. 21.
A man was operating a Suzuki GSX-R600 motorcycle westbound on Route 25A when he crashed into
the side of an eastbound 2017 Toyota Prius as it was turning left onto Oakland Avenue at approximately
9:55 p.m.
The motorcyclist, who has not yet been identified by police, was pronounced dead at the scene by a
physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. The driver of the Toyota,
Jennette Wohlars, 49, of Sound Beach, was not injured.
The Suzuki and the Toyota were impounded for safety checks. Detectives are asking anyone with
information on the crash to contact the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8652.
'Winged Shack' by Doug Reina will be on view through Oct. 6. Photo courtesy of Doug Reina
'The Big Deer on Two Chairs' by Doug Reina
'Montauk Cabin' by Doug Reina
Campo Cuttica, 12 Whitebrook Drive, Flanders will present an art exhibit by artist Doug Reina from August 24 to Oct. 6. Titled “Doug Reina: As I See It,” the exhibit will feature Reina’s most recent figurative paintings which combine his unique personal choice of subject matter with powerful light, shadows, colors and shapes. It is Reina’s intention to connect with the viewer by creating paintings that portray quiet, self-reflective emotional moments, which we all share during the course of one’s lifetime.
Reina is a two-time Pollock-Krasner grant recipient whose studio is in Setauket. He is a full-time artist who creates paintings both on location, as well as in his studio of the unique landscapes and people and structures that are part of his life.
Campo Cuttica is home to several public and private art studios with a large exhibition gallery and sculpture yard. The gallery features a diverse collection of contemporary and modern art from established and emerging artists.
The community is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. and an ArtTalk on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. The opening reception and ArtTalk are free and open to the public. Apart from the opening and ArtTalk, the show is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 631-259-1214.
Fear sells. It’s as true when companies are urging people to buy products to protect themselves, families, homes and cars as it is when politicians are trying to scare youinto voting for them or, just as importantly, voting against their opponent.
Sure, they make some effort to suggest that their policies will help you, but they spend considerably more time showing unnerving images of what might happen if you vote for the other team.
One side suggests that a vote for the other candidate could mean the end of democracy, elections and a host of freedoms, while the other suggests that a vote for the other side could mean an end to the world.
Whatever you believe, we have clearly reached an extreme of brinkmanship.
On top of that, the news is filled with stories and images of murder and mayhem.
These days, all you need to do is turn on your phone and someone, somewhere, is struggling, threatened, or dying.
On top of that, people are sharing concerns about existential threats to the future, with global warming and declines in the food and water necessary to sustain the population.
Regardless of where people check in with the information of the day, threats lurk around every corner.
It’s no wonder that mental health has declined. The world is a place with dark shadows and horrifying possibilities.
Happily ever after has become the launching pad for fractured fairy tales, where couples can’t find affordable homes and, even if they did, couldn’t carry the mortgage.
This mental health strain and the difficulty of disconnecting from a phone that shares these bad news bulletins in constant alerts may be contributing to the record low fertility rate for the country reported this spring in the National Center for Health Statistics at the CDC.
Specifically, the rates declined for women aged 20 to 39, hitting a record low for women between 20 and 24.
There are numerous other reasons people are foregoing the spectacularly rewarding and challenging decision to have children. Yes, men and women are pursuing careers.
And, yes, people may be more confident and comfortable having children later, putting off the life-altering decision until after a set of vacations, a work milestone or other goals.
But to know exactly why any one or group of people are making the decisions they do requires more than statistics or even surveys. When people answer questions in a survey, they sometimes offer the kinds of replies that look good or that the questioner expects.
I spoke anecdotally with a few 50’ish parents and some children around 30 and got a range of responses about the decision to have or not have children.
Both sides suggested that developing careers made it tougher to start a family. Parents, some of whom seemed eager to have grandchildren, expressed some frustration and, perhaps, judgement, about the decisions of their children and step-children.
Some of the younger crowd said their friends didn’t receive much parenting help from their partners, making the task of raising children more difficult and exhausting and dissuading them and their friends.
They also shared concerns about the high cost of raising children.
One of the younger set added that her mother had been dealing with a lifelong illness and that she had caretaking responsibilities from the time she was young. Her mother continues to need medical and family attention, which she said has made caring for a child less appealing.
One of the younger set asked me what I thought about being a parent. It has filled me with unbelievable joy, affection, love, and laughter and has helped me understand my own parents and grandparents better. Of course, we’ve had our share of challenges interspersed with stomach dropping moments.
Not to blame the media entirely, as I work and live inside that profession, but I feel like the nonstop stream of information, stories, videos, and social media shaming has left people feeling vulnerable and exhausted.
Parenting requires energy and optimism. When people lose sleep, they don’t have much energy and, if they look at their phones, they risk losing their hold on optimism.
If we want to encourage this generation to continue the chain, we should let them know when they’re ready and when they ask, about the amazing and fulfilling moments, large and small, that make parenting the role of a lifetime.
Maine is a beautiful state. It is also a long drive from my house, as we knew before we started the drive. We were heading to a wedding in the Camden area, and the nice thing about going by car was that we didn’t have to fit all the special clothes into a suitcase. We could just hang them up in the back seat, put a few basics into a small suitcase, and we were off.
This was to be a unique wedding in our experience: no ceremony. We were going to party all weekend with relatives and dear friends and a bride and groom that had married the week before.
Guests came from all over the United States to party. They came from the northwest states, the Rockies, the Midwest and the South to wish this modern couple well and witness a truly modern event.
It began with invitations via email. When you consider that traditional snail mail wedding invitations from save-the-date to breakfast the day after run a couple about to tie the knot an average of $530, this was a clever cost-saving move. It should be said, though, that this couple is not average.
For one, they are 36 years old, late to the party, which averages 29 for the groom and 27 for the bride nationally. So they have learned a thing or two about wedding costs.
Second, she is an event planner and was able to put her considerable experience helping other couples spend their money to saving for a leaner wedding, notwithstanding the guest list of some 140.
While we did not witness the solemn event during which they would pledge their everlasting love, we did hear remarks from the siblings, cousin, mother and father of the groom, mother and father of the bride in a kind of spontaneous fashion rather than according to ritualistic assignments. We didn’t know who was to speak next until they gave their prepared remarks.
The setting along the shore was both bucolic and rustic. Indoor activities, like dancing and hors d’œuvres, were in a barn-like structure that boasted chandeliers. The building was set on a long, grassy lawn that led to the beach, and guests enjoyed walking its length to the water and, since it was early evening, watching the sun set.
Dress, as you might have guessed, was Maine Cocktail. Many of the men wore trousers and sports jackets. Not many of the younger men wore suits. The women‘s attire was varied, from long dresses to cocktail length and pants, mostly adorned with flowered patterns and lots of summer colors.
The food was as varied as the dress. Appetizers included pastrami knishes, egg roll hot dogs and crab Rangoon. The Maine course included a buffet, offering brisket, mac and cheese, BBQ chicken, a vegetarian dish and copious salad —all happy food.
As original as this wedding may sound, it is something of a trend today. Just as dating apps and zoom weddings have become accepted, so have text message and email invites joined the era of digital romance. It is all part of a post-pandemic culture shift toward more casual gatherings. Some folks like it better. As Vogue magazine wrote, “The non-wedding wedding with less traditional clothing, casual food and spontaneous photography are growing in popularity.”
And of course, this movement is prompted by increasing wedding costs. This more relaxed type of wedding is more affordable than the traditional highly structured wedding of yore. And a lot of fun.
PS: I thank Jeff Crilley, who publishes digitally “The Rundown” for journalists, for sharing the above observations.
Michelle Schindler receiving the proclamation, from Supervisor Dan Panico. Screenshot
By Katherine Kelton
At the Aug. 8 Brookhaven Town Board meeting, council members officially recognized Aug. 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day. They also dedicated the month of September as National Recovery Month. Councilmember Johnathon Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) spoke briefly about the Brookhaven Goes Purple initiative that began in the 1st Council District he represents.
He introduced the co-founder of the initiative, Michelle Schindler, who also delivered an address. She said, “Our aim is to unite the community to achieve a safe, healthy and drug-free environment.” She also works as a prevention director for YMCA family services, where evidence-based prevention is key.
Schindler claimed, “Research nationally and locally on Long Island demonstrates communities with active prevention coalitions experience a lower rate of substance use compared to those without such coalitions.”
She was presented with a proclamation by Supervisor Dan Panico (R) and the council members.
Town board business
Before the ceremony of dedication, many resolutions were passed. One such resolution involved the application of a Sephora in Port Jefferson Station on Route 112 replacing a former CVS. The popular makeup store will now be brought to the Port Plaza as the plans for application were passed.
In East Setauket, a proposed change of use application was passed for Setauket Law, located on South Jersey Avenue. The space was labeled as vacant, however, Setauket Law has been running from the office space. The firm also applied for a variance of parking, which was also passed.
A vacant space in the South Jersey Avenue office complex is looking for a new tenant as well. The available space, which used to be a day care, is looking for either a new day care proprietor or something the community needs.
The owner of the building, Shimon Ohana, revealed that a playground structure for the previous day care was removed before he came into ownership of the space, which was turned into about 65 parking spots.
Kornreich asked Ohana about the limited parking and how that could affect what type of business takes the vacant space.
Ohana stated that he has a few daycares, looking at the space, which would be ideal for parking: “The majority of people coming to the day care are children, so they obviously don’t drive. It would primarily be staff and parent drop-off.”
The next meeting is Aug. 21 at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville, and will be a zoning board meeting.
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
Scene from the 6th annual Big Rig Show. Photos by Bill Landon
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
By Bill Landon
The Long Island Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society hosted the 6th annual Big Rig Show at the Long Island Antique Power Association showgrounds in Riverhead under a brilliant blue sky Sunday Aug. 11. Both new and antique big-rig vehicles, collectables and novelties were front and center for all to see.
The crew of 'Go Bananas,' Jason Dank and Ryan Matheson. Photo by Lynn Hallarman
By Lynn Hallarman
The reigning champion boat, Go Bananas, crewed by Jason Dank and Ryan Matheson, was soundly defeated by Doug Santo and Chris Voorhis in their seaworthy vessel, Yacht Rock, during the 13th annual Sikaflex “Quick & Dirty” Boat Build Competition held on Sunday, Aug. 11, at Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson.
After the race, the organization held a raffle drawing for a 12-foot fiddlehead double paddle canoe, custom-built by volunteers. Port Jeff resident Margaret Mansone was the big winner of the hand-built canoe raffle.
This year, six boats competed for the top spot mixed with confidence and trepidation, facing old rivals and hungry newcomers.
“We had a lot to prove,” Santo said in a post-race interview with TBR News Media.
The Long Island Seaport and Eco Center, based at the Bayles Boat Shop at Harborfront Park, hosts the race annually as part of a fundraiser to support its community-based educational activities.
The boat-building competition required teams to design and build a small boat within a five-hour time limit using only materials supplied by LISEC. Teams raced against the clock on Saturday, Aug. 10, to finish seaworthy ships in preparation for Sunday’s race.
Doug Santo and Chris Voorhis with their seaworthy vessel, ‘Yacht Rock.’ Photo by Lynn Hallarman
Prior to the race, judges Mayor Lauren Sheprow, former village trustee Rebecca Kassay, (now Democratic candidate for the state Assembly District 4,) and mother-son team Donna and Michael Antignano scored boat designs based on five criteria: uniqueness, neatness, construction, creative paint design and paddle design.
“We have learned from our past mistakes,” said Peter Charalambous, the captain of Winner II. As the 2019 champions, Charalambous and his fiancée, Sunny, have refined their building technique as they prepared for this year’s event to recapture their past glory.
Sadly, Winner II took on water and sank yards before the finish line.
Capsizing the start line, The Joey Z’s, was manned by Brian Tierney and Joe McNaughton, who “have no regrets.”
Heads held high, Mike DeMacia and Lyle Ross — crew of The Candy — gave it their all to the finish well behind the leaders.
Redeemed, Go Bananas was named the winner for best boat design, sharing top prize with Ken Callirgos and Matt Deveau, of The Wall, a paddleboard-style vessel. While some questioned whether a paddleboard qualifies as a boat, the United States Coast Guard recognizes it as such.
Go Bananas, Yacht Rock and The Wall raced in calm seas with precision and determination. In a surge of strength, Yacht Rock pulled ahead in the final seconds of a close contest for the win as the crowd’s roar reached a fevered pitch.
The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability has announced it will host its first Family Fun Day at the Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville on Thursday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. [Rain date is Friday, August 23].
The day will feature engaging nature-themed experiences and encourage families to deepen their appreciation for wildlife and the natural environment. Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could will perform.
“The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability was formed in 2023 to connect people of all ages and abilities to the environment,” shares foundation executive direction Patricia Snyder. “This Family Fun Day encourages families to experience nature and wildlife in a fun, engaging, and informative manner that the Long Island Game Farm isrecognized for.”
The day’s events will include a celebration of the beloved capybaras with a “Happy Capy Day” theme, including games and challenges, a camel meet-and-greet, storytelling by Long Island authors, tortoise talk, interactive sing-a-long with singer songwriter Anne O’Rourke, face painting, scavenger hunt, family holiday photo station, and more.
“We are so excited to round out the summer with this incredible all-day event,” shares game farm president Melinda Novak. “The capybaras have become the top attraction this summer, and we’re looking forward to offering an engaging and educational experience for families to learn more about this fascinating species, as well as other game farm resident animals.”
Tickets for a family of four are available online in advance at wildlifesustainability.org/special-events for $31.25 per person or $37.50 per person at the door. Additional family members are $29 per person in advance, $30 at the door. Ticket sales support the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability and its mission to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm.
Downtown Port Jefferson flooded during Superstorm Sandy. File photo
This week’s Port Jefferson Civic meeting devoted a great deal of time to all things flood-related.
Now, of course, flood prevention is not unique. It is something all communities think about — especially, a port town.
But, why did the Village of Port Jefferson feel so strongly about a little bit of water falling from the sky, that they have decided to implement a two-phase plan, to build infrastructure designed to aid areas “[vulnerable] to flooding, associated with individual and co-occurring flood drivers?”
There are a few reasons. The first one is that this problem is not small, at all. It is much more dire than the flooding of yesteryear. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Long Island’s sea level has risen 13 inches from 1880. Just to put that figure into perspective, the global average is 8-9 inches. Secondly, warming temperatures have created hurricanes, with intense conditions, putting our island at increased storm surge-induced flooding, (for this factor, the South Shore is at a much higher risk.) And, lastly, Port Jefferson’s unique geography. Being situated on the harbor front, the village becomes susceptible to the strong flooding a confined harbor can induce.
Additionally, the area’s high groundwater table means that the soil does not have much capacity for additional water, thus exacerbating surface runoff, on an already small watershed. The geography of Port Jeff is, truly, unique, as it is a valley, which creates the imperfect opportunity for water to run down, from all directions — affording it the nickname “Drowned Meadow.”
So, what can we, as a community, do to prevent floods from disrupting our livelihoods? While this issue requires the careful care of our local government, as it is a truly serious issue, here are a few general suggestions:
• Consider purchasing a sump pump, to prevent basement or crawl space flooding.
• Ensure new building and development does not occur in flood-prone areas, or historic hurricane tracks.
• Merge nature-based solutions and infrastructure, to enhance resilience. An example would be improving upon infrastructure in need of flood safeguards, or replenishing beaches, to avoid erosion, and ensure the land’s natural slope and profile stays intact.
• Minimize your greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce the risk of severe storms. Starting is as easy as purchasing home appliances that are Energy Star — products approved by the EPA — certified, and lowering the thermostat.
• Bolster awareness. Talk to neighbors about the dangers of climate-influenced natural disasters, and generate community action. We need it
Kimberly Christian. Courtesy Rocky Point Union Free School District
The Rocky Point School District welcomes Kimberly Christian, as its new director of math, science, technology, business education, career and technical education, and family and consumer sciences. Dr. Christian will continue to advance initiatives in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for the district.
Christian earned an undergraduate degree in biology from Cornell University, a Master of Arts in Teaching Biology, a doctorate in science education, and certification in school district leadership from Stony Brook University.
In her new role,Christian aims to provide all students with a comprehensive, 21st-century education to develop information literacy, critical thinking, and analytical skills. She is known for her motivation, innovation, and problem-solving skills. She hopes to foster productive, collaborative relationships among colleagues, parents, students, and community members.
“I am pleased to join the Rocky Point community,” Christian said. “It is a privilege to work alongside our talented educators, supportive staff, and enthusiastic students and families. I look forward to advancing initiatives that will drive student success and inspire a passion for learning.”
Christian has been a science teacher at Smithtown High School East since 2004, where she taught AP Biology and Project Lead the Way: Medical Interventions, as well as Regents Living Environment and Oceans. She contributed to curriculum development and implementation and maintained innovative instructional practices, integrating technology and differentiation.
For the past decade, Christian has served as an instructional specialist at Smithtown High School East, where she facilitated dialogue between colleagues and district leadership. Her work included participating in the science curriculum committee, aligning K-12 science instruction with NYSSLS, and coordinating standardized testing administration, including local and state exams. She also collaborated with the district’s science director on master scheduling, managed materials acquisition, and provided professional development during conference days and department meetings.
She co-authored “NGSS-Based Teacher Professional Development to Implement Engineering Practices in STEM Instruction,” published in 2021 in the International Journal of STEM Education, and “NGSS Teacher Professional Development to Implement Engineering Practices in Science Instruction,” presented virtually at the 2020 International Conference of the National Association of Research in Science Teaching in Portland, Oregon.
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