The 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival drew in hundreds with Port Jefferson village transforming into the Dickensian era last weekend.
After a halt in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the community was able to travel back in time (again) decked out in their most festive attire.
“It’s just such a wonderful destination for the holidays,” said County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket). “It’s unique, it’s special and it’s great thing for businesses.”
Characters like the dusty chimney sweeps, Father Christmas, Dickens Mayor, the Town Crier and of course, Scrooge, performed on the village streets and posed for photo ops with visitors and residents, alike.
The festivities began on Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. with a parade down East Main Street, headed by village officials and former mayor Jeanne Garant and concluded Sunday night.
“We are so proud and grateful that we can bring back this great tradition to the village,” said Mayor Margot Garant. “Not only does it bring an economic boost to our merchants and kick off the holiday season, but it brings good will and merriment to all. I am proud to carry on this tradition and keep it alive in hearts for all near and far.”
On Friday, Dec. 3, village officials gathered at two lanterns on Main Street to remember Nan Guzzetta and Bradley Charles Collins.
Across the street from her home and costume shop, a lantern was named for Guzzetta who passed away earlier this year.
Guzzetta was a well-known and beloved costumer who dressed local actors and was instrumental with her involvement in the Dickens Festival.
“I will always look up at that porch and wave to Nan every time I pass that building,” said Mayor Margot Garant.
The group then headed outside the Chase Bank on Main Street to honor Collins, who also recently passed away.
After the dedications, residents stopped into the Village Center for hot chocolate, cookies and ice skating. Santa also made an appearance on his sleigh for photos.
Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) will be back in her role next year as Suffolk County legislator for the 6th District.
This comes nearly a month after election night Nov. 2 where Republican candidate Brendan Sweeney was in the lead by nearly 1,200 votes, but absentee ballots were not accounted for at the time.
After a lengthy recount of ballots and a court review of the count, Sweeney called Anker to concede and congratulate her on reelection by 63 votes.
“If anyone ever says that their vote doesn’t count, I urge you refer to this race to show that even one simple vote can make a difference,” Sweeney said, thanking his supporters specifically in Mount Sinai, Miller Place, Rocky Point, Ridge, Terryville and Shoreham-Wading River.
“I’m thankful to my friends, family and supporters in those communities,” he said.
Sweeney added he knew from the beginning that the race would be tough going against a 10-year incumbent.
“We put up a good fight,” he said.
Sweeney, who is currently an employee with the Town of Brookhaven, will be leaving his position this month to work in the office of the expected incoming county presiding officer, Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst).
“I’ll be in this business no matter what,” he said.
Anker said she is “very happy” with the results and relieved that the counts have been finalized.
“Now I can continue to work on the projects I’ve been facilitating,” she said.
Anker said that the anticipation of the results was stressful, but what kept her going was knowing her sister survived breast cancer.
“Right after the election after I lost, I learned she was doing much better,” she said. “It wasn’t until last week that I learned she’s now cancer free.”
She said that knowing her sister survived her battle was more important than thinking she might not win her campaign.
“It was a good diversion in understanding the priorities in life,” she said. “I’m very grateful.”
Mayor Margot Garant and trustee Kathianne Snaden pictured with the new EV charger in Bakers Alley.
Photo from Kevin Wood
A third parking spot for electric vehicle charging has been added to Port Jefferson village, this time in Bakers Alley.
Over the course of the last year, the village has added two other charging stations, one in the new Barnum lot and another in Rocketship Park.
Photo from Kevin Wood
“Port Jefferson is on the cutting edge of this new technology,” said Kevin Wood, the village’s parking and mobility administrator. “I think we’re ahead of any other village of this size with the amount of EV charging … It’s exciting.”
Visitors with electric cars can enjoy free charging at this particular new station in the Bakers Alley parking lot until Dec. 31.
“What’s great is that when people are charging their vehicles for two-to-four hours, they’re shopping and dining in our village while they wait,” Wood said.
He added that New York State grants were applied for and used to implement all three of the chargers.
For those without an electric vehicle, they, too, can enjoy the village with free parking for the rest of the season. Starting Dec. 6, parking will be free until the springtime in all Port Jefferson lots.
To help maintain social distancing, but still with the holiday spirit, the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce hosted their second drive-thru Santa visit and letter drop off on Saturday, Dec. 4.
President Jennifer Dzvonar said that for decades, the chamber has hosted Santa at the Port Jefferson Station Train Car. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 they opted for a drive-thru visit, instead.
During the free event, kids were able to unroll their car windows, say hello to the man in red — who waited in his sleigh— and then pull their cars to a mailbox where they drooped letters to the North Pole.
“Last year everyone raved about the drive-thru, and everyone seems to enjoy it,” Dzvonar said.
Raffle tickets were also sold to help the chamber’s flag fund.
Kick off the holiday season at the Town of Brookhaven’s annual tree lighting at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on Friday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. The event will feature costumed characters, complimentary candy canes, musical entertainment and a special appearance by Santa Claus who will arrive by helicopter and then assist with the countdown to light the tree. Event sponsors include Texas Roadhouse, Eastern Helicopters, WALK 97.5, WBLI, WBAB and My Country 96.1. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need. For more information, call 631-451-6100 or visit www.brookhavenny.gov
The best part of the holiday season can be celebrating with family members and friends. Often alcohol can be part of these events, and if a person doesn’t drink responsibly, their actions can lead to dangers on the road.
If drinking is part of the festivities or ingesting any other substances that can impair the senses, a plan of action is needed before the partying begins. There is no excuse for driving under the influence.
For decades, we have been familiar with sage advice such as having a designated driver, planning to sleep over at the home where the party takes place or calling a taxi. Of course, sometimes the designated driver decides to join in on the fun or it turns out there is no room to sleep at the house. In many areas, especially in our towns, there aren’t many taxi services. Just a few years ago, scenarios such as the ones mentioned could spell danger if a person under the influence decided to get into the driver’s seat because they just wanted to go home.
Nowadays, there is no excuse for driving under the influence of any substance with phone apps to order car services such as Uber or Lyft providing another way to stay safe on the roads.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, better known as MADD, there are more than 300,000 drinking and driving incidents a day in this country. According to the grassroots organization, in 2019 this reckless form of driving led to 10,142 deaths that year, which breaks down to almost 28 people killed a day. There are also 300,000 injuries a year due to drinking and driving, according to MADD.
All of these deaths and injuries could have been avoided if the drivers who caused them had a plan before drinking. And, let’s not forget, everyone can play a part in keeping impaired drivers off the road. When hosting a party, make arrangements for your guests who will be indulging themselves. Keep in mind the Suffolk County Social Host Law, which is primarily intended to deter underage drinking parties or gatherings where adults knowingly allow minors to drink alcohol or alcoholic beverages.
The holiday season is a time for celebrating the accomplishments of the past year and the promises of a new year. Let’s keep the roads in our communities safe to enjoy during the next few weeks and all year long.
Community members and elected officials during the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony in Port Jefferson Dec. 4. Photo from Kara Hahn
People gathered in Port Jefferson early Sunday morning to remember and pay tribute to the fallen on the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
On Dec. 4, members from American Legion Wilson Ritch Post 432 of Port Jefferson Station joined elected officials including village trustee Bruce Miller, state Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) and Town of Brookhaven Councilman Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) nearly eight decades to the date of one of the worst terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
Each year on or around the anniversary of the day, ceremonies are held across the United States to honor all those who lost their lives when the U.S. Naval Base in Pearl Harbor was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941.
More than 3,500 Americans lost their lives or were wounded on that solemn day.
At the monuments for all American wars, wreaths were laid by American Legion Posts 1941, 417, Setauket VFW Post 3054 and the Ward Melville H.S. Patriot League Club.
Port Jeff senior John Sheils looks to rebound after a free throw in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Photo by Bill Landon
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Port Jeff senior John Sheils takes flight for the score against visiting Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo
Port Jeff junior Luke Dickhuth muscles his way to the rim in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo
Port Jeff junior Luke Dickhuth from the free throw line in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo
Port Jeff senior John Sheils lays up for the score against visiting Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo
Port Jeff senior Steven Bayer shoots from the top of the key against visiting Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo
Port Jeff junior Luke Dickhuth muscles his way to the rim in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo
Port Jeff junior Luke Dickhuth muscles his way to the rim in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo
Conor Daily the sophomore goes up top for the Royals against Southold Dec 3. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff senior John Sheils lays up for the score against visiting Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo
Port Jeff junior Luke Dickhuth shoots in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo Port Jeff junior Luke Dickhuth shoots in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo
Port Jeff senior John Sheils passes to the corner in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff senior John Sheils looks to rebound after a free throw in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Luke Dickhuth shoots in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo
Tyler Cobb the sophomore lets a three pointer fly for the Royals at home against Southold Dec 3. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff senior John Sheils battles in the paint in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff senior forward Peter Murphy looks to rebound after a free throw in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff junior Luke Dickhuth muscles his way to the rim in a home game against Southold Dec 3. Bill Landon photo
Port Jefferson opened their league VII season with a dominant performance over Southold where the Royals broke out to a 14-1 lead in the early going and never looked back.
The First Settlers made a better showing in the second quarter, but still trailed 26-11 at the halftime break.
With a 16-point advantage to begin the final 8 minutes of play, the Royals spelled their starters, flushed their bench and cruised to a 54-37 victory.
Senior guard John Sheils led the way in scoring for the Royals with 21 points and junior forward Luke Dickhuth netted 18.
The Royals retake the court with a road game against Pierson Dec. 9 with a 6:15 p.m. start.
In Amsterdam, the classic Bulldog hostel, just one part of the company known for its pervasive marijuana products, was practically full to the brim compared to other hostels along my route. And still, people kept to their little groups, barely interacting with each other even in the spacious bar area. Rosie, a young woman I met in Amsterdam and fellow American traveler from Detroit, talked of her own lonely experiences after she left friends in Istanbul, Turkey, to travel up to Dutch country.
attendees during a pared-down August pride celebration in Amsterdam. Photo by Kyle Barr
There are ways to mitigate the loneliness. Apps like CouchSurfing have the capacity for travelers to create hangouts. It’s how I managed to meet a group of international travelers all shut together in a tiny apartment in Amsterdam’s canal district for a house party/barbecue, where alcohol and marijuana loosened enough tongues to break through the concerns of pandemic life. Though that’s easier for young people, many of whom crowded along the rain-slick streets just outside the Amsterdam Centraal train station for a slimmed down version of Pride month festivities. None were wearing masks.
There are certainly places that seem to be trying to capture more of what prepandemic life was like. In Amsterdam and Denmark, masks are only worn in places where one can’t stay 1.5 meters away from people. Of course, it’s a policy that is rarely if ever enforced, despite COVID cases peaking to a new high for the Netherlands in mid-July. Despite what Dutch officials have recently said about limiting international travelers who come to revel in the famous smoke-filled streets of the city center, the travelers there are undaunted.
Switzerland
The international travel industry grew to new heights up until just before the pandemic, but now many towns, cities and countries are starting to consider whether the general wealth that tourists bring to their homes is worth what they lose in a sense of place and community. The outdoor shopping malls of a city like Bern, Switzerland, are no longer flooded with travelers, and more locals can take the time to walk past the old town and up the hill to the Bern Rosengarten to enjoy a beer and the cool afternoon air with friends and family.
While in Switzerland I stayed with a native Swiss man named Pascal for two nights in his home, just a 20-minute train ride from Zurich. That city, so well known throughout the world as a tourist hotspot, no longer sees the crowds it once did. The surrounding mountains are trekked by locals, with more mountain goats than people. The way Pascal kindly greeted his fellows on the slopes of the Etzel mountain, located on the southern end of Lake Zurich, it seemed that a strong sense of polite community was still alive, and better exemplified away from the international crowds of a national center like Geneva or in the resort town of Zermatt, lingering under the craggy gaze of the Matterhorn.
The Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland seen from high above. Photo by Kyle Barr
Iceland and back home
On the final leg of my trip into Iceland, I reconnected with my brother. It was the first time I met somebody I knew in seven weeks. We didn’t rent a car and were forced to take guided tours, one running down the brilliant length of the country’s south coast. The other was a tour of the Golden Circle to massive sites around the center of the country. We were the only two people in a van with our tour guide. The other people scheduled for the tour bailed last minute and, instead of canceling, the tour operator still offered us our ride. The pandemic had been hard on tour guides. They are making less than 50% what they had been doing just two years ago. Iceland’s economy, and so many other countries in Europe, relies on tourism. In 2019, over 15% of the workforce in Iceland was in the tourism industry. Many European countries accounted for close to 10% of their total gross domestic product. Some countries, like Greece, accounted for about 20% of their GDP. What will they do if travelers do not show up at the rates they once did in the years to come?
These are big questions and impossible for one person to answer. Instead, as time moves on and the memories start to congeal in my brain, I’m left with an impression: Thousands of people laying under verdigris-covered statues built in a time centuries before, the uncertainty, the questions, sitting amid millions of lives trying to be lived day-to-day, wanting to see a future in which all can take one collective breath.
And like us back in the States, we’re still wanting and we’re still waiting.
Kyle Barr is a freelancer writer and the former editor of The Port Times Record, The Village Beacon Record and The Times of Middle Country.
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