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Port Jefferson Royals girls volleyball team continue their winning streak

by Bill Landon - October 10, 2024

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By Bill Landon

The Port Jefferson girls volleyball team, defending Long Island champions, have picked up where they left off last season. Winning. Through 10 games, the Lady Royals are undefeated but what’s remarkable is in all of these games — the best of five sets — the Royals have swept all of their opponents 3-0, not having lost a single set.

Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 8, was no different when Port Jeff hosted Southampton in a League VII matchup. Despite falling behind in two of those sets, the Royals swept the Mariners, who were on a six-game winning streak, 25-19, 25-18, 25-13.

Ava Reilly the sophomore, has been the cornerstone of the Royals success doing what she’s done all season long leading her team in assists with 30. McKayla Pollard recorded 16 kills along with seven digs and Thea Mangels notched four service aces. Bianca Nakagawa inked seven kills and Lina DeLeo killed six along with eight digs. Hannah Pflaster, the libero, spent a lot of time on the deck, digging out 11.

The win lifts the Royals to 11-0 with five games remaining before postseason play begins.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Editorial: Beauty in togetherness

by TBR Staff - October 10, 2024

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576e43_e73b94ab4dc2411aa6e142e091112174~mv2.png — Stock photo

As discussed in the paper this week, the Oct. 7 service at the North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station served as a coming together of humans healing from an event which rocked a nation and the world, one year ago this month.

But, it is so incredibly crucial to note that it was a group of human-beings coming together — not people of any one religion, background or gender — but people of all walks of life, who gathered on that Sunday night to comfort one another, and lend a shoulder to anyone in need of comfort.

Despite the presence of a few politicians, the night was not one of politics, but of deep empathy for anyone who lost a dear one in Israel, or community members who know someone who has.

It was a beautiful reminder that despite the complexities of what is happening in the Middle East at this moment in time, we can still congregate as a united body, purely in support of humanity.

No hidden agendas. No hatred of anybody.

People were there to hold one another’s hand, and honor the memory of those they loved, and those they had never met.

At its core, religion is about peace, love and compassion, and that was precisely what occurred that night. People of a shared faith, came together in prayer to provide their neighbors with an hour of solace.

And, we can all use some solace in these horrific times.

North Shore Jewish Center marks first anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel

by Toni-Elena Gallo - October 10, 2024

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Video footage of Hadas Ehrlich, being played at North Shore Jewish Center, explaining the details of her experience in Israel on October 7, 2023. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

On Oct. 6, the North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station held a solemn memorial service, honoring those who lost their lives from Hamas’ attack on Israel which occurred October 7, 2023.

Hamas’ attack claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people. Approximately 100 of the 240 hostages originally abducted still remain in captivity, including four Americans.

Rabbi Aaron Benson speaks at the event. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

Rabbi Aaron Benson began the service by showing the congregation a donated Torah mantle, which has been dedicated to the memory of Israeli Sergeant Major Omer Smadja, HY”D, 25.

The top of the mantle reads Ecclesiastes 3:4’s “a time to grieve… a time to mourn and a time to dance,” because despite everything that has transpired since last October, “we will dance again.”

The night continued with words from U.S. Rep. Nick Lalota (R-NY1), a self-described Roman Catholic, who said he has been spending more time in synagogues lately, than churches.

“Our Jewish neighbors need us at this time,” he continued, because of “the serious times that we are in.”

Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), followed LaLota’s speech to the congregation, with a more personal account.

Kornreich, who has family in Israel, shared that “we can acknowledge complexities of the conflict which exists there,” but that it is important to keep in mind the severity of the attacks. He explained that, proportionally speaking, due to the small population of Israel, the number of deaths would be equivalent to around 40 to 45 thousand Americans.

Rabbi Joshua Gray of Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook spoke at the event. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

Guest Rabbi Joshua Gray of Stony Brook’s Temple Isaiah echoed the earlier sentiments of Rabbi Benson, saying that the Jewish people do not experience pain, joy or horror individually, but as “one voice together.”

“I think one of the things that keeps us so strong, and keeps us surviving through travails that seem so insurmountable is our ability to come together — to support one another,” Gray shared.

The main focus of the night, following the words of the multiple Jewish leaders and other dignitaries in attendance, was the video testimonial of a young woman named Hadas Ehrlich.

Granddaughter of the synagogue’s former Cantor, Marty Ehrlich, z”l, Hadas works for Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service.

Ehrlich drove an armored ambulance in the attacked area on Oct. 7, despite having no training as a combat medic.

Video footage of the young woman addressing a congregation of her own showed Ehrlich explicitly describe the scenes she witnessed first hand, such as seeing a woman killed as she sipped coffee on a bench, and a young man who, she explained, was “surely about to experience his last moments.”

The young man had been laid on top of for three hours by a fellow EMS worker, whose bodily pressure had stopped him from bleeding to death. She recounted how she tried to bring a small sense of joy to his pain, by jokingly telling him, “Hey, we made a deal. I told you to stay awake,” which elicited genuine laughter from the man. He had almost lost consciousness three times during their ambulance ride.

“He called me annoying after a while,” she smiled.

After Ehrlich transferred the man to another ambulance, she told the paramedic to ensure that he “respects the end of his deal,” as his blood pressure plummeted.

A week and a half later, she received a phone call from an unknown number.

“My brother is awake, and he remembers you and he remembers your deal,” the voice on the other line said.

The service ended in prayer.

Correction: In the print editions of TBR, it was mistakenly printed that the Oct. 7 attack occurred on Rosh Hashanah.

Letters to the Editor: October 10, 2024

by TBR Staff - October 10, 2024

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letters_page-scaled-1-700x467 — File photo by Raymond Janis

Notice: Suffolk County 5th District office relocating to East Setauket

Dear Constituents,

I am writing to inform Suffolk County’s Fifth Legislative District constituents thatmy office is moving from 306 Main Street in Port Jefferson to 36 Route 25A in East Setauket. Our first day at the new location will be Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Please feel free to visit our new location to discuss concerns or to share yourideas for improving our communities. My staff and I can also be reached by calling 631-854-1650 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that LD5 includes Belle Terre, East Setauket, Old Field, Poquott, PortJefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Setauket, Stony Brook, Stony Brook University, South Setauket, Terryville, and parts of Centereach, Coram and Mount Sinai.

We look forward to seeing you at our new office.

Steven Englebright

Suffolk County Legislator

District Office 5

A call to support Frank Melville Memorial Park

To the Esteemed Residents of the Three Village Community,

I write to you today on behalf of the Frank Melville Memorial Park, a cherished haven of natural beauty and wildlife, which many of you have supported and enjoyed over the years. The park, as you know, stands as a testament to our collective commitment to preserving both the splendor of nature and a sense of peace for all visitors, human and animal alike.

However, it is with a sense of deep concern and urgency that we must address a troubling issue that has recently grown more acute: The repeated violations of our strict no-fishing policy, particularly by adults and teenagers who seem to regard this rule with a mix of indifference and defiance.

Despite clear signage and our tireless efforts to educate the public on the importance of this policy, we are witnessing an alarming frequency of insubordination. The rule against fishing is not arbitrary since it serves to protect the delicate ecosystems of the pond and surrounding habitat. Our policy reflects a profound respect for the intricate balance of wildlife that calls this park home — creatures whose survival is intimately tied to the careful stewardship of their environment. Yet, we have found our efforts met with flagrant disregard and, regrettably in some instances, with outright disrespect for the park’s mission.

These actions undermine the very fabric of what we strive to accomplish at Frank Melville Park: To maintain a sanctuary where humans and nature can coexist harmoniously. When individuals violate this fundamental policy, they not only endanger wildlife but also tarnish the atmosphere of safety and order that we work so diligently to preserve.

To address this growing concern, we are asking for your support. In order to uphold the park’s regulations and ensure a safe, respectful environment for all, we must increase our security presence. This step, while necessary, comes at a significant financial cost, one which we are unable to shoulder alone. We appeal to the broader Three Village community — those of you who value this park as much as we do — to assist us through donations, which will allow us to fund additional security measures and personnel.

Your contributions will directly support our ability to safeguard the park’s natural beauty and uphold the standards that we all hold dear. Together, we can ensure that Frank Melville Park remains a space of serenity and sanctuary, free from the disorder that threatens to erode the very essence of what makes it so special.

We trust that the community’s profound appreciation for this space will inspire a shared responsibility in preserving it. Let us act now, not only to protect the park from further harm but to honor the legacy we have inherited and ensure that it thrives for future generations.

Board of Directors

Frank Melville Memorial Park

Setauket

Finding balance in Brookhaven’s development debate

I appreciated reading the letter to the editor in last week’s issue [“Brookhaven Town Board rejects suburbia”] from our neighbor, the Three Village Civic Association, regarding the recent approval by Brookhaven Town of the proposal by Staller Associates at Jefferson Plaza. Charles Tramontana and George Hoffman rightly point out the precedent-setting nature of the new CRD code the town used to approve a zoning change which will yield a density never seen before anywhere in Brookhaven. While I applaud the call for a review of a code many believe to be vague and without clear metrics as to how the density bonuses were set (and by whom), future revisions will leave Port Jeff Station/Terryville residents watching the barn door being closed after the horse has galloped away.

In our situation, we are now facing the reality of a face-changing project which can yield up to 280 apartments — nearly three times what any other multifamily development could yield. Additionally, the developer has the benefit of constructing 49,000 square feet of commercial space on this 10-acre parcel.

Our organization has been clear and consistent for the past two years that we wanted to welcome the redevelopment of this long-neglected shopping center and are mindful of the need for attainable housing for our young people. So, our considerable efforts to identify concerns associated with this intensive proposal are intended to minimize negative impacts and not to oppose all change.

However, we advocated many issues be addressed ahead of this zoning change which will surely change the character of our community. While some input was considered, the final product appears changed mostly around the margins. Presently, the density can be maxed out, there are still many areas with four-story buildings, first responder access and resources needs to be discussed, traffic concerns remain, as well as an architectural design providing true public spaces and sense of a place.

Also, the price point of apartments starting at $2,200-$2,400 leaves us still figuring how to retain our young, and the public benefit many developers provide to address the impacts on a community is quite miniscule in comparison to the scope of this project. Most importantly, this large-scale development will occur without a full and comprehensive planning process to help our hamlet properly digest this growth-inducing facility along the entire Route 112 corridor.

I will note, at our request, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich [D-Stony Brook] persuaded the town to take a look at traffic patterns which will be affected regionally — and not just site specific to Jefferson Plaza. Also, the councilmember has provided there will be a process for a visual preference survey that we suggested to guide and shape the architecture with community input.

Kornreich has often tried to assure our area that many of our valid concerns can be addressed during the site plan review process, which will now begin. While I strongly believe our neighborhood would have been well served to have these issues ironed out in advance, I take him at his word and trust we will make a strong effort to partner with the town and hold them to that promise. It will take all our voices to shape the face of our future in a way which improves our community and I urge all my neighbors to help in this process.

Ira Costell, President

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Associatio

A farewell to six years of growth and community

For the last six years, I have had the honor and privilege to serve as the Three Village Chamber of Commerce president.

Together we have accomplished so many of the goals set at the beginning of my term. A complete overhaul of our monthly accounting has resulted in the chamber being in the best financial position in its almost 50-year history.

Our real accomplishments were never planned. The business community faced unprecedented challenges in March 2020. The worldwide pandemic brought initial chaos and confusion to the ever-changing governmental regulations of trying to keep the doors open for business. The Board of Directors led the charge to work with our elected officials and within a very short period of time, we were assisting our community’s businesses in these unchartered waters. This was a very difficult environment for everyone.

As a longtime board member, I can say with great confidence I am leaving the chamber in good hands as my term as president comes to an end

So many positive and rewarding activities have come to mind over the last six years. Giving to the annual George Rehn Scholarship to high school seniors as the first chamber president to graduate from Ward Melville High School — and certainly not the last. The West Meadow Beach barbecues of the past, the current golf outings and many holiday parties that brought our business community together will always be cherished.

I want to thank my fellow board members and our executive director, Jane Taylor, for their commitment and continuous support, making this one of the best and most viable service organizations I have ever been part of.

The chamber leadership will continue to prosper under its new president, Carmine Inserra, and the current Board of Directors. I wish them well and I am here to always help to keep our business community vibrant and healthy.

I have personally enjoyed all the friendships and business networking contacts among our membership and I will look forward to my new role as president emeritus. I love this community and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve through this wonderful organization.

I look forward to the continued success of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce.

Charles A. Lefkowitz

Three Village Chamber of Commerce

Editor’s note: The writer is chairman of the Suffolk County Water Authority.

D. None of the Above: So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen and I’m hanging up now

by Daniel Dunaief - October 9, 2024

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ManMarketMonitorsHC1601_source — METRO photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Back in the day when I covered Wall Street and spoke with power-broking bankers, mergers and acquisitions experts, and traders, I often chatted with people who had little to no time.

As often as I could, I’d catch someone in the midst of an exciting transaction. I pictured them standing at their desks, staring at papers, looking closely at the clock, and envisioning various life or community-altering transactions, such as multi-billion dollar mergers.

The information would be even better, of course, if other journalists hadn’t yet heard the news, giving me the chance to be first.

Some of my sources would share juicy tidbits, about a company, a strategic move, or a new hire. The cadence of their voice was often quick and clipped and the tone was close to a conspiratorial whisper, with the volume inversely proportional to the importance of the developing story.

They would often be eager to get off the phone so they could continue to rule the world, to collect multi-million dollar fees and to prepare to help other companies keep up with the fast-merging world by moving other pieces on the financial chess board.

A few seconds after sharing the final details, they would invariably use a two word signal that meant that the conversation, whether I liked it or not, was ending.

“Gotta hop!” they’d say. It was a universally understood code for, “I’m not hanging up on you, per se, but those are the last sounds you’ll hear from me on this call.”

During busy days on Wall Street, I’d picture investment bankers in expensive suits, hopping on one foot from building to building, keeping one leg in the air as they frantically finalized details and collected signatures.

Once they reached their destination, I imagined them putting the non-hopping leg down comfortably on the ground, while massaging the one that propelled them around the lower part of Manhattan.

Wall Street hasn’t cornered the market on signals that a conversation is coming to a close.

People in the Main Street world say they “gotta run.”

Sometimes, out of politeness, someone will indicate that he or she has another important call coming in that’s related to the topic at hand.

In more personal and familiar settings, my friends and family have various codes that suggest they are preparing to end a conversation.

An audible sigh is usually the equivalent of, “okay, let’s wrap things up here.”

Then, there’s the long, slow version of “alright,” which suggests that, fun as this conversation might have been, it’s time to end the call.

I appreciate the moment when people appear to want to be sensitive to me when they’re ready to disengage. That typically includes some version of, “I’m gonna let you get back to work or whatever it is you’re doing” when, more often than not, they have to return to something.

Of course, I have been on the other side of this disengagement effort, when someone who is on a long drive is not only eager for company but is also prepared to share, stream-of-consciousness style, everything they see and comment on the driving skills of everyone around them.

“What is that red car thinking?” they’ll ask. “Did you see that?”

“No, you see, the way the phone works, I can only hear your voice. I’m not looking through a body worn camera at the road ahead of you, but I’m sure the red car did something stupid and it’s great that you’re such a skilled defensive driver.”

I sometimes try to wrap up these calls with something like, “well, it’s been nice chatting with you.”

“Yes,” they’ll reply. “It’s nice chatting with you, too. So, what do you think of the presidential election?”

“Oh, um, I think it’s a good idea every four years or so. More often than that would become too hectic and stressful for the country.”

“No, I mean, what are your top 15 issues for the election this year.”

“I’d love to share them with you, but I have to hop and I want to give you a chance to get back to driving and someone is waiting to take a run with me, so, I’m gonna go.”

Between You and Me: New weight loss strategy is working and it’s free

by Leah Dunaief - October 9, 2024

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By Leah S. Dunaief

As I like to say to the owner of the dry cleaning shop I use, “I’m an enthusiastic eater.” I tell him that because I want to encourage him to look for spots on the clothes I am bringing him and remove them. He smiles, nods knowingly and returns my clothes spot free.

It would be nice if I could just as easily rub out those extra pounds I routinely put on. Ever since I was in my late 30s, my weight has been a yo-yo. Until then, I never thought much about what I tended to eat. I just enjoyed my food, and ate whatever appealed to me at the moment.

As a mother and the family cook, I did try to make balanced meals: an animal protein, a starch and a vegetable at dinner, for example. That was what cooks were encouraged to provide by the Food and Drug Administration. There were even charts in doctors offices with pictures of recommended “balanced” meals that we saw and took to heart. That was dinner.

Lunch wasn’t so different. A sandwich, a piece of fruit, maybe a small bag of chips or a cookie populated my children’s lunch boxes. The sandwich could be spread with peanut butter and jelly, or perhaps, tuna fish or bologna. The fruit was usually an apple, and the dessert was a chocolate chip cookie or a couple of Oreos.

My husband and our children didn’t have a weight problem, so why did I? And that was in spite of my being on the club tennis team and running errands for our family of five plus dog and station wagon every day. I was certainly getting exercise.

At this point, I should confess that I love pasta. I love it in any shape, with any kind of sauce, and I love a good piece of bread. I also like desserts, the sugary kind. Donuts are a favorite, preferably loaded with raspberry jelly and rolled in sugar. In fact, there probably isn’t a carb I don’t like.

So clearly my problem was in making choices. Recognizing what I had to do, I would forsake all of the above for the better part of a year, lose the extra pounds, buy some new clothes and feel quite pleased with myself…until after a few years, none of the clothes fit and a full length mirror showed me that I was back to my former avoirdupois. That’s a fancy French word to disguise the unwanted pounds.

And so the cycles went, until I got older and disgusted enough to resign myself just to being fat. I passed a good number of years that way.

But now, I will tell you, I have found the solution, and it’s not Ozempic. I don’t even like taking an aspirin, much less a strong medicine with scary side effects like these miracle weight-loss drugs that were actually created for other uses but apparently remove one’s appetite.

Why would I want to do that when eating is so much fun?

I will reveal my current weight loss routine to you, and it’s incredibly simple. It came about this way. I was noticing that a couple of my children were putting on some pounds, nothing drastic but nonetheless visible additions to their otherwise sleek frames. Now they, too, are active and until recently had no major problems with weight. But as they age, it has caught up to them.

So during the last visit, when we were all together and happened to bemoan our extra pounds, my oldest son suggested what he termed a Sunday Weigh In. This could easily be done via a group text, thanks to modern technology. We would aim for a one pound loss each week, not particularly extreme, and in the process we would connect with each other on a guaranteed regular basis. How nice! We are six weeks in now, and amid lots of love and encouragement, it’s working.

Check with me next year.

Suffolk County Legislature recognizes small businesses at General Meeting

by Press Release - October 9, 2024

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0-20 — Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Legislature

Small businesses from across Suffolk County were recognized for their critical role as the backbone of the local economy. Each of the 18 members of the Suffolk County Legislature introduced an honoree from their district at Oct. 1’s General Meeting of the Legislature in the Rose Caracappa Auditorium of the William H. Rogers Legislative Building in Hauppauge.

With this ceremony, the lawmakers honored individual businesses – with fewer than 25 employees—and noted the unique contributions to the community that these businesses and their owners make every day. The businesses — ranging from restaurants, including pizzerias and delis, to insurance agencies, to local newspapers and salons – were each chosen for their standing within their community and were often cited for their civic and charitable endeavors.

“Our small businesses deserve to be recognized for their part in making Suffolk a thriving and desirable place to live,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey. “From my district, I am pleased to be able to honor Peter Buccino, the proud owner of Viking Solutions in Lindenhurst since 2015. He started with the company, then named Cardwell Condenser Corporation, just a week after graduating from Copiague High School in 1979. Peter then worked his way up the ladder all the way to taking ownership in 2015.”

“Peter is an active member of the business community locally and across the county. He is the First Vice President of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce, an Executive Board Member of the Lindenhurst Chamber, and a member of the North Babylon and Montauk Chambers. Peter Buccino’s smiling face can be seen at many events in the district. He is a truly a small business success and embodies the spirit of this award,” said McCaffrey.

Across the United States, small businesses employ nearly half the American workforce, representing 43.5% of America’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the US Chamber of Commerce. Suffolk County itself is home to many thousands of small businesses. As a partial measure of the number and variety of small businesses, the Suffolk County Department Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs notes that there are over 15,800 active licenses and registrations for businesses. The wide range of businesses encompasses, for example, appliance repair, painters, electricians, plumbers, sign hangers, precious metal dealers, dry cleaners, and more.

HONOREES by LD:

LD Legislator Small Business Honoree Business Location

1. Catherine Stark — Wendy’s Deli in Mattituck

2. Ann Welker West— Robins Oysters in Southampton

3. Jim Mazzarella — TJs Hero Shop in Mastic Beach

4. Nick Caracappa — Team Rita (Tsoukaris) in Centereach

5. Steve Englebright— Bagel Express in Setauket

6. Chad Lennon — Personal Fitness in Rocky Point

7. Dominick Thorne — Greg Mehrhoff State Farm Agency in Bellport

8. Anthony Piccirillo — Joe’s Pizza and Pasta in Holbrook

9. Sam Gonzalez— Gala Foods in Brentwood

10. Trish Bergin — Bellina’s Pizza & Restaurant in East Islip

11. Steve Flotteron — Our Little Italy in West Islip

12. Leslie Kennedy — Maureen’s Kitchen in Smithtown

13. Rob Trotta — The Smithtown News in Smithtown

14. Kevin McCaffrey, PO — Viking Solutions in Lindenhurst

15. Jason Richberg — Valde Ice Cream in Wyandanch

16. Rebecca Sanin — Zaro’s Café in Huntington Station

17. Tom Donnelly — Soto Appearance Enhancement Salon in Deer Park

18. Stephanie Bontempi — Twisted Cow Distillery in East Northport

Suffolk County D.A.: PJS couple sentenced for fatal stabbing of man found on Greenway Trail

by Press Release - October 7, 2024

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Jose Martinez-Vazquez and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera

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.

Editorial: Democracy doesn’t have to be a beast of burden

by TBR Staff - October 6, 2024

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With elections just around the corner, early autumn can feel like an overwhelming time.

Candidates on the national, state and local levels spew their promises, which we never actually know are genuine, and insult each other’s characters, instead of answering direct questions.

Many people have simply taken themselves out of the race, both literally and figuratively, refusing to vote, or partake in the democratic process at all anymore, after years of disillusionment.

But this election cycle, TBR implores you to hang in there.

Put community above party, and hear all of November’s nominees out. It doesn’t hurt to give them a fair shake.

Who knows? Maybe you will be surprised by something you hear, and be influenced to alter your view on an issue.

It is so incredibly appealing to jump on either party’s bandwagon, and be swept up with ad hominem attacks, sweeping generalizations and just plain-old lies. It would be a lie to say that it isn’t easier to be moved by primal emotion, than a calm, step back.

But listen. Listen to the candidates. Listen to your friends. Listen to your neighbors. Get your finger on the pulse of what your community needs, and make a choice based on that. Not preconceived notions, or one-sided vitriol. There is a reason that the saying, “go with your gut,” has survived for centuries.

With all this in mind, on Oct. 31st, we will be releasing our paper’s election supplement, in which we will share interviews with all candidates running for office, within our six coverage areas. We hope that through this process, we will aid you in your judgment process of each nominee, as we will be providing you a non-partisan, unedited look at each person’s responses, to a variety of questions, ranging from policy promises, to past actions.

In short, the way that our interviewing process works is that the two nominees, for each available seat, will come into our Setauket offices together, in which they will then answer each identical question, one after the other, and be able to participate in a type of mock debate, where ideas will be exchanged and dissected.

We hope that you will pick up a copy of one of our papers, or read online at www.tbrnewsmedia.com, for the week of Oct. 31, and use us as a tool that will help you regain a little bit of faith in the press, politics and humanity.

King Quality donates roof to Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson

by Press Release - October 5, 2024

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Hope House Ministries received a much-needed new roof thanks to a donation from King Quality Roofing and Siding. The Long Island-based contractor installed the roof at Hope House’s Emmaus House, located at 202 Stonyhill Road in Port Jefferson on Sept. 27.

Hope House Ministries, founded in 1980, provides critical residential, counseling and educational services to young people and families in crisis. The ministry has served more than 350,000 individuals.

After discovering that the roof of Emmaus House had a hole and needed to be replaced, King Quality CEO Jeff Brett knew he wanted to give back to the ministry that has done meaningful work in the community.

“For over 44 years, Hope House has been a beacon of hope, saving lives and offering compassionate care to the most vulnerable among us,” Brett said. “This roof donation is a small way for King Quality to express our gratitude to Father Frank and the entire Hope House team for the life-changing work they do.”

“I’ve known Jeff since he was a teenager and the ways he has given back, not just to Hope House but to various programs in our larger community, is truly extraordinary,” said Father Francis Pizzarelli. “He gives me hope that the world can be a better place because of young men like him.”

This donation marks the latest initiative under King Quality Cares, the contractor’s charitable arm dedicated to supporting and raising awareness for charities and community organizations across Long Island. Last year, King Quality donated and installed a roof at Hope House’s Matt’s House in Port Jefferson.

In addition to King Quality’s contribution, GAF and ABC Supply Company generously provided the roofing materials needed to complete the project.

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