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Disputes erupt over junior membership rates at Port Jefferson Country Club

by Peter Sloniewsky - January 23, 2025

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Port Jefferson Village Hall. Photo by Heidi Sutton 2023

By Peter SLoniewsky

Guidelines surrounding membership rates and a junior golfers program at the Port Jefferson Country Club is a recent topic of contention.

Because the country club is owned by the Village of Port Jefferson, the rates it charges to members require approval by the Port Jefferson Board of Trustees after they have been discussed by the club’s Board of Governors and approved by the club’s general manager and Country Club Management Advisory Council.

December 4 meeting

This year, the club introduced a membership rate proposal to the entire Board of Trustees at their Dec. 4 work session. This proposal contained two major differences: it gradually eliminated the junior members program for children 12-18 and proposed a new initiation fee. The website also states that members must be 19-29 on Apr. 1 to play golf. Junior members are not permitted as guests.

At the meeting, the club’s general manager, Tom Natola, advocated for removing the junior membership option on the basis that many members with junior memberships had parents who were members. Natola said that it made more sense to sell family memberships and eliminating the junior program would incentivize this.

He also said that there was a liability concern for juniors on the courses. At this meeting, both Mayor Lauren Sheprow and trustee Xena Ugrinsky discussed eliminating the junior program straightaway due to liability although they did not directly advocate for it.

Both at the meeting and afterward, parents provided significant blowback. Port Jefferson parent Nicole Connolly, whose son and daughter are both junior golfers, said there has been a pattern of policymaking that has eroded the program over the past several years. According to Connolly, negotiations two years ago included significant parent resistance against a CCMAC proposal to disproportionately increase junior membership rates.

CCMAC Chair Lisa Perry told TBR News Media that “the country club has always supported junior golfers and their families.”

She added that the Port Jefferson High School golf teams play for free at the club.

As a result of these controversies, the Board of Trustees requested that Natola prepare another proposal for their Dec. 18 public meeting.

Questions of CCMAC involvement

Complicating this, the process that led to the Dec. 4 proposal is unclear. Sheprow said, “[the Board of Governors] made recommendations to the country club manager, who reviewed the recommendations with the Country Club Management Advisory Council, also volunteers, after which the country club manager developed the recommendations he deemed appropriate.”

Perry said “The CCMAC reviewed the rates that were proposed by their general manager and agreed to recommend the rates to the board of trustees for their Dec. 18 meeting.’

CCMAC’s involvement in the process is enforced by Chapter 25 of the Village of Port Jefferson code. If it was not included in the process prior to the Dec. 4 rejection, the sourcing of that proposal is unclear.

CCMAC voted on a proposal on Dec. 17 that was then presented to the trustees at their Dec. 18 meeting. At this meeting, Sheprow expressed some regret for a lack of consideration of families and junior members throughout the processes that led to the Dec. 4 proposal, although she encouraged stakeholders to get involved earlier in the process. She also attributed a lack of communication to an effort to balance the budget, despite the requirement in the village code of CCMAC input.

The Dec. 18 proposal was largely similar to the Dec. 4 proposal but would further restrict juniors to times after 2 p.m. and increase the juniors’ fees by $1,000 — an increase that trustee Kyle Hill described as “insanity.”

The trustees voted to table the matter of junior membership and new limitations that it would place on junior members’ play times.

Resolution

This debate was cut short on Dec. 24 with a surprise announcement from Natola that “junior rates and playing and access policies will stay the same in 2025 as they were in 2024” and “there will be no further discussion at the Board of Trustees level related to the Junior Membership package.”

While this announcement was a win for the juniors, it brings back some questions about power in this process.

Natola requires approval from the CCMAC and the Board of Trustees to approve rates. His declaration in this memo that there would be no further discussion is not supported by the club’s governing rules.

Trustee Stan Loucks, who served as a liaison between the trustees and the club for eight years, told TBR News Media that he had no insights as to why the message was sent. He added that “[Natola’s decision] should most likely go back to the trustees for approval.

Whether a vote will be called is unclear, although Hill told TBR News Media that “it’s inappropriate for any village employee to say that a discussion among trustees is over” and “any Board of Trustee member can bring it up for discussion at a meeting.” He also noted that the Christmas Eve send date had stood in the way of discussion throughout the holiday season.

Future plans

For the future, Loucks emphasized a more stringent relationship between the club and the trustees and said he would support the appointment of a liaison to the club to guide the process in the future.

Additionally, in an email to TBR News Media, Sheprow wrote that “it is imperative that rate structure considerations support a long-term strategic plan” and work on such a plan would begin “immediately” while reinforcing the roles of the Board of Governors, CCMAC and the trustees alongside concerns about the club’s budgeting.

The resolution of this situation is still unclear. The specifics of the junior membership plan are still unspecified and the trustees have not yet considered it. The Board of Trustees will meet next for a public meeting on Jan. 29.

For more information go to the Port Jefferson Country Club website: www.portjeffcc.com.

Port Jefferson boy’s basketball edged by Mattituck Tuckers

by Bill Landon - January 17, 2025

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By Bill Landon

The Port Jeff Royals (3-8) were hungry for a much-needed win when Mattituck (4-6) came calling in a League VII matchup. While the Royals trailed by one point at the half and led by a single point to open the fourth quarter, neither team led the other by more than four points throughout the matchup. The Tuckers were able to keep the Royals at bay in the final minutes to hold on for a 44-41 victory Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 14.

It was Mattituck freshman Connor Searl who topped the scoring chart for the Tuckers with 19 points. Patrick Johnston, the senior, netted 17 points for the Royals, and sophomore Dan Rose added 11.

The Royals retake the court Jan. 16 when they host Center Moriches. Game time is slated for 4:30 p.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Port Jeff BOE unveils plan to tackle child sexual abuse settlement

by Sabrina Artusa - January 17, 2025

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By Sabrina Artusa

The Port Jefferson Board of Education announced its strategy to pay for the $16.5 million settlement to be paid to the seven victims who filed a lawsuit under the New York State Child Victims Act. at its Jan. 14 meeting.

The board obtained $5.1 million from the district’s capital reserve and is borrowing $11.5 million under a one-year contract from Oppenheimer &Cco.

Deputy Superintendent Sean Leister said they committed to a short-term loan “to see what type of advocacy and state support comes through.”

“At the end of that year we will see if any of the money comes to the forefront, otherwise we will enter a long-term borrow,” he said.

The district is held to a time restriction and wanted to take steps toward paying the settlement so as to focus more energy toward actually securing the funds without the time pressure. The year-long contract gives them time to explore solutions within legislature.

Superintendent Jessica Schmettan said “there are multiple legislative solutions to help school districts with the CVA settlements” and that she and members of other districts dealing with settlements have spoken with legislators about “resurrecting bills.”

“I don’t think when they passed the Child Victims Act law they didn’t realize how it would impact the school districts,” Schmettan said. “We can’t just declare bankruptcy like the Catholic Church can. I think they wanted to help the victims but weren’t thinking of the financial aspect. “

One speaker expressed anxiety over the seemingly slow progress of securing funds.

Vice President Tracy Zamek said, “We don’t have access to some of these reserves. It’s not an easy thing [to gain access]. We are advocating for access – that’s what we are fighting for.”

The loan begins on Jan. 23, and the district will only have to pay the 3.25% interest, amounting to over $300,000.

Other business

The district initiates new programs to popularize reading among the student body. To increase literacy, the district is being less strict about which books are included in curriculum, and are instead allowing students to interact with books that interest them.

Required reading is still an important part of the lessons, but allowing students to have a choice has increased their interest and enjoyment in reading, according to teachers.

Port Jefferson Middle School English teacher Chuck Ruoff embraced the initiative. “A lot of time the books were chosen for the classroom. Sometimes students are turned off. I’m just interested in getting as many books in the classroom as we could. I got the feeling that I was holding some students back, in a way… reading isn’t just something that we do in the classroom with essays and short answer questions attached to it.”

Port Jefferson Ice Festival rescheduled due to weather forecast

by Heidi Sutton - January 15, 2025

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Port Jefferson Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 6th annual Port Jefferson Ice Festival scheduled for Jan. 18 and Jan. 19 has been postponed due to the weather.

“While trying to hold off and pray as much as possible, the weather just isn’t looking great for this weekend. The extended weather forecast looks much better for next weekend. We have decided to activate the rain date,” said James Luciano, BID President.

The new dates will be Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26 from noon to 5 p.m. All events and times as scheduled in the programs will remain the same. The event will feature ice carving demonstrations by renowned ice sculptor and Guinness Book of World Records holder Richard Daly of Ice Memories, Inc. along with fun, interactive ice displays, free tractor rides and new this year, Rolling Raoke’s Karaoke Bus.

Please note that the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber will still continue as planned with the Mac & Cheese crawl this weekend.

For more information, call 631-473-1414 or click here.

New ferry sails into Port Jefferson harbor

by Sabrina Artusa - January 10, 2025

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The Long Island. Photo courtesy of Fred Hall

By Sabrina Artusa

The Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company have added a new vessel to its fleet: the Long Island.

The 300-foot long, 53-foot wide ferry completed its first voyage to Bridgeport on Dec. 27. The boat features new amenities such as an updated interior and tier 4 engines, the highest standard for diesel engines. It can carry 1,000 passengers and up to 124 cars.

The Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company Vice President and General Manager Fred Hall was the second passenger on the first voyage of the Long Island. “It was a wonderful trip; it was great to see people oohing and aahing at the decor that they hadn’t seen before.”

Unlike the smaller Park City, the Grand Republic or PT Barnum, the Long Island has seating along the window, a counter with phone charging stations, two-seat and four-seat tables and a separate cabin for pets.

The speed is the same as the other boats, but the engine is of a higher standard and releases less carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbon and particulate matter emissions.

The addition of a fourth boat to the fleet allows Hall and the company to pursue ventures besides the simple transit to and from Bridgeport.

Hall said that years ago the company used to plan excursions to other locations, such as Playland Park in Rye, an overnight trip to Albany or a trip down the Connecticut River. With an extra boat, this now may be possible.

A fourth boat also alleviates the burden of demand. the company can only schedule three boats, but having a fourth reduces the inconvenience of delays in the case one of the others needs repairs or is out of commission.

Further, Hall is exploring the possibility of using the fourth boat as a shuttle. In other words, if there is a surplus of vehicles waiting to board, and the scheduled vessel is at capacity, the fourth can serve as a shuttle to transport the remaining cars.

“This is the huge benefit,” Hall said. “Everyone asks me when is your peak season. I’ve always said when the public schools aren’t in session.” He had meant summers, but has since realized that weekends are just as busy.

“Our goal is to provide three-vessel service every weekend of the year. It is not going to happen 100% of the time. If you have four boats you have a better chance of providing three-boat service on the weekends consistently,” Hall said.

Come down to the Port Jefferson Harbor and check out the new addition of the Long Island.

Ready to sail: New ferry arrives in Port Jefferson Harbor

by Press Release - December 28, 2024

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471327851_1221019306116086_9182342676668394081_n — Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company's newest ferry, Long Island

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) has announced the successful delivery of the LONG ISLAND (ESG Hull 228), a newly constructed passenger and auto ferry, to the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, a subsidiary of McAllister Towing on Dec. 20. The vessel, designed to provide seamless transportation between Bridgeport,CT, and Port Jefferson, across Long Island Sound, is the latest addition to the company’s fleet.

“This delivery is a proud moment for our team,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO and Chairman of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “It represents our strong partnership with McAllister Towing and our dedication to enhancing the infrastructure for Long Island’s residents and visitors. The LONG ISLAND will be a critical asset, delivering safe, reliable service and embodying our commitment to quality and innovation.”

The LONG ISLAND, a 1,000-passenger ferry with the capacity to carry 124 cars and measuring 302 feet in length, is engineered to accommodate both vehicles and passengers with state-of-the-art features, including EPA Tier IV-compliant main engines, increased crew capacity, and an upgraded furnishings package.

This ferry joins two other Eastern-built vessels in the fleet: P.T. BARNUM (1999) and GRAND REPUBLIC (2003), solidifying ESG’s longstanding relationship with McAllister Towing, which has commissioned over a dozen vessels from ESG.

Buckley McAllister, the President of the ferry company, said “P.T. Barnum, the founder of the ferry, once said that the noblest art is that of making others happy. All of those who have worked to make the ferry service what it is today can be very proud of their role helping drivers on the I-95 and Long Island Expressway. Eastern Shipbuilding has provided our company with over a dozen high quality vessels and transformed the maritime services we can offer. We are very thankful to Eastern Shipbuilding and the D’Isernia family for the happiness this new vessel will bring to our employees and customers for generations to come.”

The addition of the LONG ISLAND ferry will enable a consistent three-vessel schedule during peak travel periods, enhancing the capacity and reliability of service across Long Island Sound. This delivery marks another successful chapter in ESG’s commitment to building high-quality, resilient vessels for customers across the U.S.

Port Jefferson Village Center presents Festival of Trees through Jan. 2

by Heidi Sutton - December 28, 2024

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Looking for something to do this weekend? Visit the Festival of Trees, beautifully decorated trees by local businesses, groups, and non-profits, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This event is presented by The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by The Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson and is free to the community. For more information, call 631-802-2160.

Global Language Reads in Port Jefferson brings diversity and culture to its bookshelves

by Julianne Mosher - December 22, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

Inside Global Language Reads, the maroon-colored walls are home to shelves filled with different books. There are novels varying from classic writers like Charles Dickens to true crime, local authors and historical fiction. There’s a shelf of Oliver Sacks’ best sellers and a room dedicated to solely to children’s books in the back.

It just opened in November, but GLR is already a special oasis that brings the feel of a small, family-owned book shop to Port Jefferson village. But what makes this spot different compared to some other local bookstores is the variety of different languages and cultures they bring to the table. Owner Caterina Lemos Cunha said that many of the books on site are not just sold in English, but are also available in more than a dozen different languages.

Offering a many different services, classes and events, the goal of GLR is to bring readers together through game nights, language classes and debate teams, while creating an environment that welcomes everyone and anyone — no matter what you speak.

With her three children, Cunha was living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn working as a scientist specializing in neuroscience. Using her background in research, she decided to start writing children’s books surrounding different types of science with her (little) free time. Cunha would often interview women scientist, disseminate the information into simpler terms and create a story surrounding that science featuring the main character, Alicia (named after her youngest daughter).

Alicia has more than a dozen stories — she learned about rainbows, fireworks, spiders and mental health, and each book offers a science experiment or recipe that kids can do with their families when they’re done reading. Cunha wanted to break down science and make it easy to digest for kids.

“I try to highlight women because sometimes we get forgotten,” Cunha said. “And then we translate them and publish the stories in other languages.” Out of her 10 books, more than half are written bilingually to cater to people of all backgrounds.

Alicia’s adventures had Cunha writing for years and years with one end goal in mind.

“Our dream was always to have our own store to sell them and also sell other books,” she said. “But I was always very busy with research work.”

Cunha and her family decided to leave the city after her son, Gabriel, was killed last year and move to Port Jefferson.

“We needed a change and we kind of followed our intuition,” she said.

After visiting several empty store fronts, Cunha was introduced to 402 Main Street next door to Theatre Three. A former insurance agent, Cunha repainted the walls her late-sons favorite color and named the shop “Global Language Reads” — the same initials as his name.

“We got into the mindset of wanting to do things now in our life and not wait,” she said.

Since officially opening their doors Nov. 8, Cunha said her favorite thing so far is becoming part of the community. “So far we’ve met so many people and got to learn their stories,” she said. “That’s really the best part.”

Cunha, who was born in Portugal and raised in Germany, wanted to bring a sense of culture to her new store. While stocking the shelves with New York Times bestsellers and typical classics, she wanted to be sure to also showcase authors that other people might not know or who are not well-known in the United States.

And to cater to the rich, diverse local community, she decided to bring in authors and books in not just English but Hindu, Bengali, Arabic, Spanish, Hebrew, Italian, French, German, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin. Her children’s books are also written side-by-side bilingually, too. Some genres that can be found include young adult, nonfiction, independent study, historical fiction and some science-heavy reads.

Cunha added that when she opened up the shop, she wanted to bring in different programming for people of all ages. GLR hosts weekly book clubs, game nights and will bring in local authors to talk about their writing.

“I always liked teaching and when I went into research I preferred it,” she said. “Here, too, I want to get kids excited about this and in a small, independent setting you can just come in, learn and have fun.”

The shop is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. Call 631-314-9080 or visit glrbooks.com for more information.

Port Jefferson girl’s basketball falls to Miller Place

by Bill Landon - December 21, 2024

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By Bill Landon

Both the Royals of Port Jefferson and the Miller Place Panthers were deadlocked at 39-39 through three quarters of play in the nonleague matchup on Dec. 14, and the outcome wouldn’t be decided until the final second of the game. Port Jefferson trailing by two points inbounded the ball, but couldn’t get a shot off when the buzzer sounded, falling to the Panthers 53-51.

It was the Panther’s second win of the season, having defeated Wyandanch earlier in the season. Senior Ava Zicchinelli led the way for the Panther, banking 9 field goals a three-pointer and 3 from the free throw line for a team high of 24 points, along with teammate Julie Orenzo, a sophomore who added 21.

Port Jeff senior Matreya Driscoll-Stremich led the way for the Royals with 20 points, and freshman Addison Tuttle notched 13.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Photo of the Week: Griswold family returns home

by Press Release - December 18, 2024

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Photo of the Week — Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three

On Thursday, December 12, the descendants of Frederick C. Griswold, inventor of the famous Griswold Film Splicer, visited Mr. Scrooge at his current home at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson.

The splicer was invented in the former machine shop, which now houses the Ronald F. Peierls Theatre and Griswold’s Café. The Griswold family played an integral role in shaping Port Jefferson Village into the community we now call home.

In addition to owning the machine shop, the Griswold’s were involved in shipbuilding, carriage building, the fire department, fishing, lobstering, and operated various businesses in Port Jefferson until the 1970s, with a generation-spanning influence. The newest members of the Griswold family—Christopher (Fred’s great grand nephew), his wife Jessica, and their three children, Jaxon, Colton, and Nash—attended Theatre Three’s 40th annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

The Griswold family was joined by the theatre’s Artistic Associate, Douglas Quattrock; Mr. Scrooge (a.k.a. Executive Artistic Director, Jeffrey Sanzel); Managing Director, Vivian Koutrakos; and Board of Directors President, Andrew Markowitz.

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