By Bill Landon
It was the 6th annual Craft and Vendor Fair at Comsewogue High School, Saturday, Dec. 14. The event featured over 50 vendors, student club fundraisers and an opportunity to take a picture with Santa Claus.
— Photos by Bill Landon
By Robert DeStefano
You don’t have to walk too far along the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail before you notice an Eagle Scout project. Maybe it’s a bench, or perhaps some bat houses. Look closely and you might see the modest plaque that names the Eagle who led each project.
In fact, all around us, local Scouts deliver valuable service projects benefiting various local organizations and our residents at-large. In recent months, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing several of these wonderful implementations of community service in Port Jefferson Station.
Outside Boyle Road Elementary School, João Ferreira’s Eagle Scout project created an outdoor workspace for students and local organizations that use the facility. The concrete work table is roughly 14’ x 6’, offering space large enough for an elementary class to spend time learning in an outdoor classroom. His project complements existing benches in the same space, an earlier Eagle Scout project led by Jordan Roche.
Over at Comsewogue High School, Ethan Matz organized a renovation to room 123, the Courtroom classroom. His Eagle Scout project returned the space to a style reminiscent of its décor a generation ago. Comsewogue alumni may recall the courtroom that served as the classroom for now-retired educator Mr. William Bodkin. The return to that style looks fantastic, and echoes the uniquely American history taught over the years.
At the Comsewogue Community Garden, many volunteers, including several local scouting organizations, have invested time to resurrect the garden. Their efforts have been bearing fruit for a couple of seasons now. With community volunteers regularly working the vegetation, the need for more storage space was addressed through another local Eagle Scout project. Danny Cappiello project-managed the development of a new storage shed at the back of the site. At roughly 100 sq. ft., the additional storage space invites plenty of helping hands who are growing vegetables that help feed others in our community. Volunteers helping volunteers; how wonderful is that?!
Not all Eagle projects are visible in the public, but the value they provide matters to the organizations they support. Within the courtyard at John F. Kennedy Middle School, Massimo Olson has led the charge to build composting bins. The compost from these bins will help feed Jackie’s Garden (in memory of Mrs. Jacqueline Rella, wife of late Superintendent Dr. Joseph Rella), and will provide nutrients for the work of the middle school’s Greenagers club, which recently planted several young trees near the bleachers to share the athletic fields.
Most recently, Spencer Aron unveiled his Eagle Scout Project, a big Adirondack chair painted in red, white and blue for all to enjoy, at the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce’s tree lighting event at the Train Car Park.
Failure to mention how these projects are funded would be an oversight. Scouts working on their Eagle rank are required to project-manage a community service project. That includes not only planning and building, but also fundraising. This is where our wonderful community comes in. When you make a donation or attend an Eagle Scout fundraising event such as hosted by generous local restaurants, this is where your contribution goes. It enables our local youth to execute projects that give back in our local community. It lets them know that our neighbors care and support the service they do as they grow.
So, in thanking them for their work, we also thank you for supporting them on their Trail to Eagle: a rank only about 6% of Scouts earn, nationwide. An investment in them is an investment in a future that will undoubtedly inspire future leaders in our community!
If you’re interested in signing your child up for Scouting, please feel welcome to contact me at [email protected] and I’ll help you get connected with information and the Pack or Troop in your area.
Author Robert DeStefano is an Assistant Scoutmaster with Scouting America (BSA) Troop 354 and serves as trustee for the Comsewgoue School District Board of Education.
By Toni-Elena Gallo
After an extended vote-counting process, Rebecca Kassay has defeated incumbent Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson). Official results and certification are expected from the Board of Elections in the coming weeks. As of now, Kassay is leading Flood by 813 votes.
Kassay released a statement on her Facebook page Tuesday, Nov. 26, declaring victory in the race for New York State Assembly District 4. She wrote, “After a spirited campaign, I am declaring victory in the race for New York State Assembly District 4, having secured an insurmountable lead over my opponent, Ed Flood. Official results and certification are expected from the Board of Elections in the coming weeks.”
Kassay added, “I am heartened by our community’s trust in me to bring public service back to politics. It will be a great honor to represent District 4 in the New York State Assembly and to deliver resources to our communities. As discussed during civic debates and at residents’ doors throughout my campaign, I will serve with a community-up approach — one that prioritizes transparency, communication and meaningful action on pressing issues.”
Assemblywoman-elect Kassay has already begun laying the groundwork to ensure she and her team “hit the ground running and serve the district effectively on day one.”
“Throughout the coming weeks, I will be meeting with civic groups, school district representatives, nonprofits, first responders, local government officials and other community stakeholders to collaborate on the important work of shaping the projects and policies that will guide the district forward,” the statement continued.
Kassay invites residents or groups to connect with the incoming District 4 Assembly team by emailing [email protected].
By Toni-Elena Gallo
In the wake of last Tuesday’s election, the race for NYS Assembly District 4 remains to be called.
With mail-in ballots still being counted, there is no exact timeline for when results will be in.
Rebecca Kassay released a statement last Thursday, saying, “We knew that the race for the NYS
Assembly seat in District 4 would be one of the most competitive races in New York State, and as of Wednesday, November 6, I hold a 211 vote lead. In a race this close, results will not be determined until the affidavit ballots and final mail in ballots are counted. This might take until late November, so in the meantime, our team is reflecting on our gratitude for the incredible individuals and community groups who we’ve connected with and built stronger relationships with during the journey of this campaign.”
“There is so much work to be done here in our district, our town, our county and our state, and I hope to have the opportunity to serve you as your Assemblymember,” Kassay continued.
TBR requested comment from Assemblyman Flood and his response was as follows: “As we await the final numbers, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has supported me throughout this campaign. I remain deeply committed to representing, advocating for and listening to our community. This dedication is not new; it has always been the foundation of my work and will continue to guide me moving forward.”
“Serving our community is an honor, and I am committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed,” he continued.
The Comsewogue School District is excited to announce that Boyle Road Elementary School has been named a 2023-2025 School of Excellence by the National Parent-Teacher Association. Boyle Road is one of 10 schools on Long Island, 19 in New York and 319 nationwide to earn this designation, which spans two years. The School of Excellence program awards school PTAs that foster strong relationships within their communities to strengthen the educational experience and well-being of students and their families.
The Comsewogue community celebrated this achievement with a banner unveiling ceremony on Friday, Oct. 25, to kick off homecoming weekend. The event included a performance from a student orchestral quartet and speeches about the importance of the recognition. The district also received proclamations and words of congratulations from distinguished guests, including New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson), Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Setauket), New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (R-Selden).
“The Boyle Road community represents Comsewogue with pride in everything they do,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Quinn. “Earning this designation is a testament to the determination and passion of the Boyle Road PTA members and the work they put into bolstering their role and relationships in the community.”
The first step toward qualifying as a School of Excellence is to survey all parents/guardians and staff members for feedback on areas they feel the PTA and school could improve their child’s educational experience. The survey seeks to gauge satisfaction with topics including communication, cooperation, educational input, diversity and equity.
Responses revealed positive experiences from family members and faculty who saw Boyle Road as a welcoming, friendly environment. However, many responses also asked for the PTA to increase its communications about the services it offers to Comsewogue and Boyle Road.
“As the president of the Boyle Road PTA, I am committed to examining and boosting our PTA, and the relationship with our school and the overall community,” said Boyle Road PTA President Diane Enright. “These relationships are vital to the strength of our PTA and our community. We are excited to continue building these positive relationships within our school and the community to bring our students even more experiences to enrich their education and overall well-being.”
The PTA assessed its responses to develop action plans aimed at building positive relationships with the diverse families and local businesses that make up the Comsewogue community. One of the first steps the PTA took was to create a monthly newsletter in both English and Spanish, which highlights the PTA’s events, goals and efforts. The PTA is also rolling out its own website this year to expand its online presence beyond social media and the school’s website.
Another important component of the community-building effort involves establishing partnerships, sponsorships and programs between the school and local businesses, nonprofits and universities. This year, the PTA has built partnerships and began working with 4-Corners Produce, Zara’s Deli, Chick-fil-A, Duck Donuts, Comsewogue Public Library and Stony Brook University.
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.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, Comsewogue Public Library held its annual Great Give Back event. Attendees were invited to a Family Carnival where they were asked to donate nonperishable food items for local people in need. Volunteers also created more than 70 care kits using community donations which will be distributed to local not-for-profit organizations that assist unhoused individuals.
For more information about the Great Give Back and other Comsewogue Public Library events visit thegreatgiveback.org and www.cplib.org/.
The Great Give Back is a community service initiative by the Suffolk County Public Library Directors Association and the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, in conjunction with the Nassau Library System, offering patrons a day to engage in meaningful service.
– Photos courtesy of Comsewogue Public Library
By Bill Landon
The Comsewogue Warriors had their hands full when the Bonackers of East Hampton came calling in a Division II contest Saturday afternoon, Oct. 19.
East Hampton scored two unanswered goals in the first half before Gabrielle Sohngen broke the ice for the Warriors to trail 2-1 at the halftime break. The Bonackers countered in the third quarter scoring the insurance goal to lead by two at 3-1.
Warrior Allison Colmer’s stick spoke next when she rocked the box in the middle of the 3rd to make the score 3-2.
The Comsewogue sticks fell silent the rest of the way, with the Warriors falling to East Hampton 4-2.
Grace Peyman had 12 stops in the box for the Warriors.
Comsewogue hosted Bayport-Blue Point Monday, Oct. 21, but lost 1-0. The Warriors now have a 6-10 league record.
— Photos by Bill Landon
On October 18, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (back row, fifth from right) and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (kneeling at right) visited the Sunshine Alternative Education Center (SAEC) in Port Jefferson Station to speak with the students about their roles on the Brookhaven Town Council. Also pictured is Dr. Carol Carter (second from right) Administrator/Prevention Professional.
The mission of the SAEC is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for all children and families that is designed to build self-esteem and positive social skills, empower youth to make healthy choices and decisions, prevent or reduce substance abuse and violence, and strengthen connections between families, schools and communities. Sunshine Prevention Center provides a variety of prevention-focused programs and services to the youth and families in Suffolk County.
For more information, go to www.sunshinepreventionctr.org.
Jose Martinez-Vazquez Sentenced to 20 to Life for Killing Benjamin Flores-Mendez and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera Sentenced to 15 to Life for Acting as a Lookout
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Oct. 7 that Jose Martinez-Vazquez, 25, and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera, 21, both of Port Jefferson Station, have been sentenced for their respective roles in the fatal stabbing of Benjamin Flores- Mendez, 39, also of Port Jefferson Station. Martinez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, for fatally stabbing Flores-Mendez. Diaz-Cabrera pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, for acting as a look out while the stabbing took place.
“The lengthy prison terms handed down to both defendants reflect the severity of their actions and our commitment to public safety,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This brutal attack on our greenway trail – a place meant for recreation and community gathering – shook our citizens to the core. With these sentences, we hope to restore a sense of security to our public spaces and deter future acts of violence.”
According to court documents and the defendants’ admissions during their guilty plea allocutions,
on June 17, 2021, Martinez-Vasquez and Diaz-Cabrera followed the victim into the Port Jefferson Station entrance of the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail.
Martinez-Vazquez admitted to fatally stabbing the victim multiple times while Diaz-Cabrera, Martinez-Vazquez’s girlfriend, served as his lookout. The victim was later discovered lying in the entrance of the trail by Good Samaritans.
On March 5, 2023, Suffolk County homicide detectives arrested both defendants.
On July 25, 2024, Martinez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony. On August 28, 2024, Martinez-Vazquez was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He was represented by John Halverson, Esq.
On April 22, 2024, Diaz-Cabrera pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. On October 7, 2024, Diaz-Cabrera was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. She was represented by Luigi Belcastro, Esq.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Tara Laterza of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective James Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.
By Sabrina Artusa
Brookhaven Town Board approved the long-contested Staller Associates rezoning application for the Jefferson Plaza property in Port Jefferson Station Sept. 26. It was a crucial step signifying the progression of Staller’s plan to repurpose the plaza into a residential property along with commercial usage.
Staller Associates is an Islandia-based privately-held real estate company engaged in the development, ownership and management of commercial and residential real estate on Long Island.
Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) announced the approval of the zone change from J2 Business to Commercial Redevelopment District, thus allowing Staller to begin planning for the apartments building.
Brookhaven residents have been divided over the prospect of this project. Some are unhappy with certain details, such as design, and desire more deliberation before making what they view as a hasty decision to rezone.
“We are not saying this project won’t be good for the community … that’s a blighted shopping center,” said Lou Antoniello, treasurer of Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association, during the public hearing. “This project is not ready to be approved tonight. I don’t understand the rush to push this thing through.”
Others stand wholly against developing more housing complexes and rezoning, while some are ardent proponents of revitalizing the largely unused plaza.
Joseph Stallone spoke on behalf of the Long Island Builders Institute. “We have some of the best schools in the country and we are sending our young minds to North Carolina and Florida and Virginia,” he said. “As someone who grew up here, I would like to stay here and I would love to stay at a development like the one Staller has proposed.”
Ira Costell, president of PJSTCA, had hoped that the developer would have involved the public more throughout the process, instead of just on a rudimentary level in the early phases of the process. He said that, in the beginning, he and his organization met with Staller, but then went almost two years without direct contact.
“We want to find a way to get behind this proposal, but we find that the process really failed us,” he said.
The CRD zoning code was amended in 2020, and this new version is at the root of resident apprehension. CRD zones are “designed to achieve economically beneficial and socially desirable redevelopment which is more creative and imaginative in its land use,” the Brookhaven Town Code reads.
The CRD label dictates that “civic space and recreational areas, including squares, private plaza, greens and public parks, shall be intermixed throughout the development for social activity, recreation and visual enjoyment.”
Indeed, Staller Associates intends to integrate a public plaza, a health club and a restaurant into the plaza in addition to the residential complex in this corridor off Route 112.
Staller has previously announced that 20% of the units will be used only for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Kornreich said that Staller will likely enter into a form of partnership with a special-needs housing advocacy group to do so. The realty business has a property in Farmingdale, where it administer the same policy.
Aesthetic cohesion is a major area of concern for Brookhaven residents who say that the influx of apartment buildings will make Port Jefferson Station lack a consistent architectural theme. To many, this rezoning increases the threat of overdevelopment.
Kornreich assured those present that the appearance of the buildings is not set in stone. “A lot of these issues that were brought up by people at the [PJS/T] civic association — things related to the density, things related to the site, layout things related to the architecture — all these things will be worked out later in planning,” he said.
“The site plan has not been drawn up yet in that level of detail” he said in regard to concerns over fire safety, which he said will be worked out later in the process.
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