Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jeff libero Hannah Pflaster with a monster dig for the Royals. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Ava Reilly from the service line for the Royals in a road game against Center Moriches. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Sophomore Lina DeLeo at net for the Royals. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Port Jefferson girls volleyball vs. Center Moriches 09/19/24. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
It was a battle of the unbeatens Thursday afternoon, Sept. 19, between defending Long Island champions Port Jefferson Royals and Center Moriches Red Devils.
Although losing several key seniors to graduation from their 2023 Long Island championship season, it didn’t seem to matter when the Royals attacked with vicious serves and several monster digs. There were 34 kills at the net to sweep the match, 25-19, 25-18, 25-14.
Sophomore Ava Reilly was the cornerstone of the offense with 28 assists, nine digs a kill and an ace. McKayla Pollard notched 15 kills to go with six digs, along with sophomores Thea Mangels who killed six, had a dig and a service ace and Lina DeLeo who had seven digs, two aces and five kills at the net. The quartet was a potent combination throughout in dominating the play at the net.
The win lifted the Royals to the top of the League VII leaderboard.
The team continued its impressive form with 3-0 victories over Greenport/Southold, Sept. 21, and Shelter Island, Sept. 23, for a 7-0 record to date.
A scene from the 34th annual Cedar Beach Blues Festival. Photo by Katherine Kelton
By Katherine Kelton
Doc Blues, the stage name of Mount Sinai doctor, Mark Gresser, along with The Port Jefferson Arts Council, the Long Island Blues Society, and WUSB 90.1 FM presented the 34th annual Cedar Beach Blues on the Harbor festival in Port Jefferson on Sept. 21 and 22.
The two-day event at Harborfront Park showcased 18 blues artists across two stages, drawing in crowds eager to enjoy the soulful sounds. Sunday saw an increase in foot traffic thanks to the nearby Port Jeff Farmers Market, where attendees swayed to the music while holding bags of fresh produce.
Despite being mid-September, the weather was unexpectedly warm, with families gathering in folding chairs, enjoying food, and soaking in one of the last hot days before autumn officially arrives.
While the festival primarily catered to older residents of Port Jefferson and the surrounding areas, many young children accompanied their parents. Admission was free, and attendees could purchase food and drinks from local restaurants just minutes from the venue.
The event was sponsored by The Long Island Blues Society. Ronnie Shapiro, vice president of the society, told TBR, “I love blues because it’s one of the few truly American music styles. It was born in America. It encompasses everything from dance music to sad tunes.
“Even the Rolling Stones played the blues. It’s a truly American art form,” he continued.
When asked about community turnout, Shapiro added, “Unfortunately, we don’t get as big of one as we would like. We’d like to see more. I don’t think people know what to expect when they come to a blues show. They might think of an old man with a corn cob pipe and banjo sitting on the porch.”
“But it’s so much more—there’s a little country mixed in. Rock and country both came out of the blues, [and there is really something for everyone to enjoy.]”
On Monday, Sept. 23, County Executive Ed Romaine (R) held a virtual press conference, which explained the key points of his 2025 Suffolk County Recommended Operating Budget.
One of the first things Romaine mentioned is that he has ensured that this budget complies with tax caps “and all other requirements for both the county and the state.”
He added that the proposal allows for $4 billion dollars, which is an increase from last year’s budget of $3.9 billion.
Speaking more specifically on what he wishes to increase spending on, Romaine expressed a strong desire to further secure our communities’ safety.
The budget “will add 200 [police officers, also] deputy sheriffs, corrections officers and detectives,” Romaine said.
“We feel that the police department needs to be adequately staffed, to address any safety issues in all, including the discouragement of illegal activities, such as gangs, drugs, etc., and to prevent any increase in crime,” he added.
Romaine has increased law enforcement staffing, particularly in the District Attorney’s Office to aid in the Gilgo Beach investigation.
Another issue the County Executive intends to tackle is the diminished sales tax revenue, from this year to last, which has contributed to Suffolk slightly raising the property tax for 2025. Homeowners in Brookhaven, Smithtown and Huntington will see an increase of about $49 per year.
“Sales tax came in at about $50 million less this year than what was projected, pension costs went up by about $43 million and health care costs went up by $66 million, which accounts for the increase in the county budget,” Romaine explained.
“So while there is a small increase, it, nevertheless, is a solid budget, which will allow the county to deliver services and provide what is needed.”
As to why we have seen such a significant decrease in sales tax, Romaine chalks it up to residents’ reduced spending, as prices for items, such as gasoline, increased.
“People are tightening their wallets. This is a difficult time, an inflationary time. For example, gasoline sales, for the first six months of 2024, went down by 9.6 percent, to give you an estimate, and we do include sales tax on gasoline,” Romaine said.
“That is an indication that the economy is debating its future. But we’ll see what happens. A lot will depend on the national election.”
Romaine’s budget proposal refers to his intention to improve Suffolk’s infrastructure, improve emergency service efficiency, by making changes including the reduction of 311 wait time to under five minutes and to continue support for veterans, as well as to increase staffing in underfunded departments like Child Protective Services and the Department of Social Services.
It also points to the allocation of funds for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and virtual CISO, following the 2022 cyber-attack. It will modernize the county’s IT infrastructure, to enhance security.
Additionally, Romaine wrapped up the press conference with a future initiative he hopes to see come to fruition.
“Once this budget is adopted, and once we see the revenues coming in in 2025, I am hoping to propose a reduction in the sales tax on home heating fuel. That’s propane, natural gas and, obviously, home heating oil. I find this tax regressive.”
The county Legislature must adopt the budget by Nov. 6.
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Scene from the Antique Train Car Open House on 9/22/24. Photo courtesy the Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Chamber of Commerce
The Train Car in Port Jefferson Station. Photo courtesy of PJS/Terryville Chamber of Commerce
Visitors to Train Car Park in Port Jefferson Station on Sept. 22 were all aboard for a trip back in time.
The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce hosted an Antique Train Car Open House along with open mic and karaoke performances. In addition to enjoying music from local residents, attendees were invited inside the park’s 1920s MTA train car. The event was the first to celebrate its 100th year.
Jeff Kito, the chamber’s facilities director, was on hand to provide collages of letters, photos and proclamations that traced the history of the decommissioned baggage car that once traveled from Jamaica to Manhattan. The landmark now doubles as the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce headquarters.
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) also attended and was happy to discuss the history of the train car and park with residents. Englebright, during his first tenure as a legislator in the 1980s, advocated for several small county-owned parcels to be added to town properties to create the park.
“I pass here all the time but I’ve never been inside,” said Port Jefferson Station resident Kyle Jackson. With his hand on his heart and his family in tow, he added, “I love trains, and I love Long Island history. This is a treat.”
Englebright said he loved meeting new faces and sharing the train car’s history.
“Sharing these lessons about our community’s history with new generations is what allows us to continue to foster an ongoing sense of place and belonging,” the legislator said.
An open letter to the residents of Port Jefferson Station and Terryville
Many local residents are aware that there is a planned redevelopment at the Jefferson Plaza Shopping Center. However, not all our neighbors necessarily know the specific details which will shape the face of our community along the major thoroughfare of Route 112. This large-scale proposal may allow for up to 280 apartments and 49,000-plus square feet of commercial space on that 10-acre parcel. This intensive use has presented us all with an opportunity to see growth and revitalization of our area, but also the challenge to address potential negative impacts to the existing neighborhood.
Members of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association have worked diligently for the past two years to impress upon the Town of Brookhaven that we welcome this opportunity but that changes could help improve the project. In particular, we expressed a need for a comprehensive traffic study of the area which takes into account surrounding developments.
Others pointed out concerns about the unprecedented height of four-story buildings, voiced a desire for architectural design which could provide a sense of place, or questioned the need for full environmental review for a project which will nearly triple the density of any other multifamily developments in the town to date.
This entire proposal has its roots in a 2020 revision to the Town Code in the form of a Commercial Redevelopment District crafted and approved during the COVID-19 pandemic. This code, as written, seems vague and without any true metric on which to base a determination of the related density bonuses offered within the district. It is this CRD code which Staller Associates — owner of the Jefferson Shopping Center — is now pursuing for a precedent-setting change of zone on that property. It is my understanding that Brookhaven is prepared to vote on this motion and likely to approve it at its next Town Board meeting on Sept. 26 at Town Hall.
Last November, over 65 residents appeared at a public hearing to provide their input on what they wished to see for our community. Some of those comments have been incorporated by the developer into a few changes by the developer, at the urging and help of our Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook). However, much still appears unresolved in the areas of public benefits, clarity on the commitment to a comprehensive traffic study, developing consensus on architectural design and a decision on the ultimate level of density upon buildout. Some believe we should trust this all gets dealt with during the site plan review process. I am hopeful and have advocated that these issues should be addressed before the zoning change is approved in order to achieve the best, transparent outcome possible for all parties.
I solicit my neighbors, regardless of your viewpoint, to go to Town Hall this Thursday evening so that your voice is heard. More “eyes and ears” on this pivotal project will helpfully inform our local decision-makers what the public feels about how best to proceed to take pride in the place we call home. In any event, stay engaged and get involved.
Ira Costell, President
Port Jefferson Station/ Terryville Civic Association
Port Jefferson electrification stuck in the slow lane
There is no funding allocated in the MTA’s proposed $68 billion 2025-2029 Five Year Capital Plan, just released, for advancement of the proposed $3.1 billion LIRR Port Jefferson Branch electrification project. Critical initial funding was not provided to pay for planning, preliminary design, engineering and the National Environmental Policy Act review to start advancement of this project. The next opportunity for funding will be under the 2030-2034 Five Year Capital Plan. Following the federal NEPA process is necessary to preserve future Federal Transit Administration funding eligibility.
There is only a vague reference in the plan to “improvements” on the Port Jefferson Branch. Contrast this with a specific reference to “looking at the feasibility to extend electrification of the Ronkonkoma Branch east from Ronkonkoma to Yaphank.”
Riders east of Babylon to Patchogue and Speonk can also only count on a vague reference to “improvements” which doesn’t include electrification. No specific dollar figures, detailed scope of work or implementation schedule are attached to either Port Jefferson or Speonk Branch improvements.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber would have to request permission from the FTA to enter this project into the agency’s Capital Investment Grants (New Starts/Core Capacity) national discretionary competitive grant program.
Funding for final design and engineering, property easements, land acquisition and utility relocation could be allocated under the 2035-2039 Five Year Capital Plan. This would be followed by $1.6 billion — probably far more due to inflation — in local MTA funding included in the MTA 2040-2044 Five Year Capital Plan. These dollars are necessary to leverage FTA funding.
Based upon my past experiences on other FTA-MTA-LIRR projects, even if all goes well as I’ve outlined, Port Jefferson Branch electrification may not be completed until 2050. With inflation over time, the final project cost could easily grow to $4 billion and more.
The LIRR 1960s motto “Line of the Dashing Dan” should be changed to “Line of the Slow Moving Sloth” when it comes to completing LIRR Port Jefferson Branch electrification. The concept of electrification was first proposed back in the 1950s!
Larry Penner
Great Neck
WRITE TO US … AND KEEP IT LOCAL
We welcome your letters, especially those responding to our local coverage, replying to other letter writers’ comments and speaking mainly to local themes. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style, good taste and uncivil language. They will also be published on our website. We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include an address and phone number for confirmation. Email letters to: [email protected] or mail them to TBR News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733
In the last 18 months, Stony Brook University has generated positive headlines for a host of wins, from receiving a record donation from the Simons Foundation to climbing academic rankings to winning the bidding for a climate solutions center on Governors Island.
This year, those gains not only helped attract a larger applicant pool, but also led to a record high enrollment for first-year students in the university’s 67 year history. The total number of undergraduates is also at a record high of 18,263, exceeding the previous high of 18,010 in the fall of 2010.
The downstate flagship university received about 55,000 applications for first year students, with an acceptance rate of about 49%.
“Stony Brook has now become a premier destination for so many students” in the state, country and world, said Richard Beatty, Senior Associate Provost for Enrollment Management. The increasing applicants and the largest ever class size of 4,024 students reflects the “fruit of all the work the campus has been doing.”
Stony Brook ranked 58th in the 2025 US News and World Report rankings this week, up from 93 in 2022. Stony Brook was also ranked the top public university in New York.
Just over half of the first-year students, or 50.5%, are women, while 49.5% are men. These statistics don’t include people who chose not to disclose their gender.
The university didn’t change its admissions standards to accept this larger class.
“We had the same academic quality as in previous years,” said Beatty, as each student has had high quality experience inside and outside the classroom.
Additionally, for the class entering its second year this fall, Stony Brook had a 90% retention rate, which is also an all-time high. The university typically loses 11 or 12% of students from the first to the second year.
“We want the student [who matriculate at Stony Brook] to graduate with us and we want them to graduate in a timely manner,” said Beatty.
New hires
Recognizing the increased interest in attending Stony Brook from in and out of state, the university started hiring additional staff to provide students with the same level of education and university services.
The ratio of faculty to students “didn’t change that much” because of the university’s staffing efforts, Beatty said. “We are keeping the educational quality the same even though we have a larger [freshman] class.”
The enrollment of students who identify as Black and LatinX also increased, even as universities such as Harvard College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have experienced a decline in such enrollments.
The first-year class at Stony Brook includes 433 people who identify as black, which is an increase of 19% over the total from the previous year and represents about 10.7% of the incoming class.
LatinX, meanwhile, rose 28% to 633 this year from 496 in the previous year.
SBU Interim President Richard McCormick. File photo
“Stony Brook today exemplifies dramatically all the most important developments in modern American higher education – a growing and highly diverse student body, an expanding research enterprise, and research achievements that are contributing mightily to the economy and society,” Interim President Richard L. McCormick said in a statement.
While the number of foreign students increased over last year, the total number has still not recovered to its 2019 level, prior to the pandemic.
Stony Brook leads the SUNY system in the highest number of Educational Opportunity Program applications. The state-funded program provides financial support to New York students who have financial and academic barriers, helping them attend and graduate from a SUNY college.
Storm challenges
At the same time that the university welcomed its largest ever first year class, the campus and the area endured a sudden and violent storm that not only damaged the historic Stony Brook Grist Mill, but also made some dormitories uninhabitable.
“It was an unbelievable concerted effort throughout campus” to find places for students amid the clean up, said Beatty. “The housing team came up with solutions” that included housing some students in hotels.
Two of the residence halls, Ammann and Gray, are still undergoing repairs, although the university has found places for its students.
The university has 52 sophomores who are living at an off-campus hotel, where they are expected to remain through the semester. They should be able to return to campus in the spring.
Expanded food services
The Starbucks in SBU’s Melville Library. Courtesy facebook.com/SBUDining
Amid higher enrollment, Stony Brook expanded the hours for dining facilities this year, compared with last year.
Starbucks opened at the Melville Library with expanded hours. The foods trucks have a consistent schedule Monday through Friday and Stony Brook added a Nathan’s Famous truck to the food truck fleet.
The university launched new franchises and dining concepts this fall, such as Popeyes, Carvel and Iron Waffles.
Academically, Stony Brook has had a wide range of potential interests from its incoming students. Beyond the typical strengths in physics and math, the university also experienced a growth in the numbers of students applying for journalism, political science and economics.
“We ended up not being over enrolled in any of our programs,” Beatty said.
McCormick suggested the increased interest in the school reflects recent higher visibility.
“This historic enrollment of first-year students is a testament to Stony Brook University’s steadfast commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience and its rise in reputation as one of the nation’s most prominent public flagship research universities,” McCormick said in a statement.
The State University of New York schools have seen an increase overall in the number of applicants.
Stony Brook’s admissions process, which remains test optional for standardized tests like the SAT and the ACT, has become considerably more holistic.
The admissions committee looks beyond the grade point average or whatever test scores candidates submit, while weighing the student achievement in the context of the options available at their high schools.
The larger class size amid a greater interest in the school also has positive implications for the local economy and for the community.
More students shop at stores and restaurants and also contribute to extracurricular activities such as theatrical performances and to community service projects.
These students, who come from all over the world, add to the diversity of the area, start new clubs and present the findings of their own research while attending college, Beatty added.
As for future applications and class sizes, school officials anticipate greater numbers of interested students in the coming years.
“We expect applications to continue to rise,” said Beatty.
I’m getting messages every day and, often, several times a day. I must be really important.
As with snail mail, those messages could be delivering something extraordinary.
“We are writing to inform you that you’ve won a Pulitzer Prize, despite the fact that you haven’t entered anything and we haven’t yet created an extraordinarily average category.”
Or, perhaps, “we wanted to let you know that your cells are healthier than they’ve ever been and that you should keep up the good work. We’d like to study you to learn how your body is performing better than we’d expect for someone half your age.”
Then, of course, there are the realistic possibilities.
“Hey, want to go to dinner with us this weekend?”
That’s a nice message to receive from a friend or family member.
My son believes brevity is the soul of wit when it comes to messages so he’ll just write “Judge!!!!” or “Soto!!!!” or some combination of Yankee players who have performed well that day.
The most frequent messages I’m receiving are the ones from would-be political leaders, their pals, and other prominent supporters who not only want my vote, but also want me to contribute money.
I’d like to think these messages, with my name at the top, were written personally by these important people, who took the time out of their day to reach out to me.
“You know who I haven’t written to recently? Daniel Dunaief. I’ll just give him a holler to gauge his thoughts on one of the more important races.”
But, no, I know they’re not personal missives, just as I know Siri isn’t graciously saying “You’re welcome” even though she’s programmed to show appreciation in her chipper voice when I thank her.
Still, these messages have morphed from a nuisance into something else. In the frenzy and excitement of consequential races, these communiques are filled with fear and hope, often in that order. In a few short sentences, they tell me what’s at stake, what role I can play, and how these leaders will spend my money wisely.
Wouldn’t that be nice? If we donated to a campaign, wouldn’t it be great to see how our money, specifically, helped someone, as in, “this yard sign made possible by your moderately generous donation.”
If you’ve ever watched the show “Seinfeld,” George Costanza, played by Jason Alexander, suggests that he grows on people, the way ad jingles do. He is like an advertisement for Mennen deodorant. At first, you can’t stand the “byyyy Mennen” sound, but you find yourself singing it in the shower or humming it in the car.
Maybe, in some way, this unprecedented barrage of seemingly personal text messages has become like those jingles.
To be honest, I don’t read them carefully. I do, however, appreciate the earnestness with which someone sends them and I recognize that something consequential is about to happen.
Maybe it’s a bit like the December holidays. The anticipation of November 5th is exciting, even if the event itself might be lacking.
The reality of the election feels more like a gift certificate to a restaurant that serves a combination of my least favorite foods, all deep fried in a type of grease that triggers an allergic response. The election itself, as I see it, will likely have echoes from 2020, with lawyers and politicians exerting themselves, insisting that their candidate won for days or weeks after Nov. 5th.
An early riser, I grin when the message arrives an hour or so after I’ve gotten up and the person with the morning message apologizes for writing so early.
Really? Because you’re not actually sending the message and the machine that blasts them could pick any time in the day to release this particular text.
With all the money flowing into these campaigns, I wonder if the country invested all the cash both sides collected and put it in a certificate of deposit or a Treasury Bill and created scholarships, what kind of opportunities could we offer future students who one day might want to run for office.
As we enter October, we come upon the one year anniversary of our podcasting. We have had a gratifying response to our weekly offering, but for those who might not be aware of the particulars, let me explain.
A podcast, in general, can be about any subject, involve any number of people and have an unlimited reach. Our podcast, which we call The Pressroom Afterhour, and record Thursday evenings, consists of a quick summary of the past week’s local news, followed by conversation among our editorial board members about key stories that appear in that day’s issue of the newspaper. It is more than a summary, rather it’s like overhearing our chatter in the newsroom. There is more information, some laughter, a personal touch from our staff and an extra dimensionality to hearing the voices.
Our podcast lasts about 40 minutes and is available after noon on Friday for the ensuing week. It is then archived and still available for anyone seeking a look-back at the news. To access the podcast easily, we have provided a QR code on the top right hand corner of our front page. Just mouse over it or take a picture of it with your cellphone. Another way is to go to our website, tbrnewsmedia.com, and click on the button at the top of the home page. The podcast is also available on Spotify.
We sometimes have a guest on with us, someone who features prominently in that week’s news. We think it is fun for you to hear from them in addition to reading about their actions. Some of our guests have been Historian Bev Tyler, Estate Planner Honorable Gail Prudenti, Geriatrician Dr. Suzanne Fields, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Suffolk County Water Authority President Charlie Lefkowitz, and Elder Lawyer Nancy Burner, among others. We will have many more who have asked to be invited and who will round out the news.
Encouraged by the success of our news roundup, we have now started a second podcast, about one hour each time, that is a one-on-one interview with a prominent person. We call it, “Celebrity Interview,” and we began with the engaging actress Laura Benanti. It, too, can be found in the same way on the website or with Spotify.
We thank the sponsors of the podcasts for supporting this local news vehicle. They are included in a weekly full page ad in which we explain what topics will be covered in the session. These have featured the Port Jefferson Coffee House Toast, the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry, D.J.’s Clam Shack in Stony Brook, the Smithtown caterer Elegant Eating,the Suffolk County Water Authority and Stony Brook University. These sponsors are deeply rooted in our communities and now in our weekly chronicles of local history.
For those of you who might want to offer feedback to a particular podcast, please do so by writing us a letter to the editor, emailing us at [email protected], or calling us at 631-751-7744. We would welcome your comments and any suggestions you might have for guests, including yourselves.
We view these podcasts as possible forums for the local news.
Olivia Ross’ bracelets, which read Stony Brook Strong or Save the Mill Pond. 100% of the proceeds are donated to reconstruction efforts. Photo courtesy Olivia Ross
Why we must show appreciationfor our fellow man, every day
A month after the disastrous storm that rocked our North Shore communities, we are left wondering what is next.
State and federal politicians have given us big promises, pledging to offer considerable aid for rebuilding efforts, and that is largely for us to wait and see.
However, some of our local community members are taking matters into their own hands, and showing the world that they will not sit back idly and wait for others to take action — they will do now.
One example of a do-gooder that comes to mind is Port Jefferson resident Olivia Ross.
She has started an initiative whose sole aim is to save the Stony Brook Mill Pond, which she has cherished since her childhood years.
Her customized bracelets don the words “Save the Mill Pond” on one side and “Stony Brook Strong” on the other. To date, Ross has sold 100 bracelets, and received almost $1,000 dollars in donations.
It is people like Olivia that define patriotism. In a world of political unrest and uncertainty, people who aim to provide even a modicum of comfort to those in need are truly the models of what a citizen ought to be.
We must band together as one, and use tragedies like last month’s storm, and even last week’s reminder of the horror that was 9/11’s 23rd anniversary, as reminders that sadness brings out the best traits of the human spirit.
But, let us not wait for moments of heartache to help our fellow neighbor. Let’s follow the examples of the selfless, and do good today — and every day.
Comsewogue girls soccer vs. Amityville on 9/14/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue girls soccer vs. Amityville on 9/14/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue girls soccer vs. Amityville on 9/14/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Sophomore Alana Rodriguez maneuvers mid-field for the Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue girls soccer vs. Amityville on 9/14/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue girls soccer vs. Amityville on 9/14/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Jayla Callender with a clearing kick for the Warriors. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue freshman Kailey Wiggins takes a shot at the goal. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue girls soccer vs. Amityville on 9/14/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue girls soccer vs. Amityville on 9/14/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Emma Cross passes to the wing. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue girls soccer vs. Amityville on 9/14/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue girls soccer vs. Amityville on 9/14/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue girls soccer vs. Amityville on 9/14/24. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue girls soccer vs. Amityville on 9/14/24. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
The Comsewogue girls soccer squad, having won their last three games, looked to make it four in a row Saturday morning, Sept. 14, when the Warriors hosted Amityville, and did just that, by trouncing their opponents in an 8-0 blowout.
It was a team effort, with seven different players finding the net in the League VI contest. Mikaela Knot found the back of the net twice, and teammates Emma Cross, Kaiya Dent, Madison Maher, Kailey Wiggins, Madison Moccio and Jayla Callender each scored a goal apiece.
Goalies Lila Capra and Payton Coyle each had two stops.
The Warriors attempted to make it five in a row, with a road game against Harborfields, on Tuesday, but fell 3-1.
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