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By Elana Glowatz

Comsewogue and Port Jefferson high schools have named the students at the top of their classes.

Casey Nevins photo from the school district
Casey Nevins photo from the school district

Port Jefferson Station’s Casey Nevins is the valedictorian at Comsewogue High School, with a 100.90 GPA. She is headed to Lafayette College in the fall, though she is unsure of what field she will study. During her time at Comsewogue, she has participated in many clubs, as well as in theater, music and volunteering programs.

She is a member of the National Honor Society, English Honor Society, Science Research Club and Tapestry Women’s Choir, all while serving as treasurer of Drama Club, president of Bringing Unity Through Youth Club and director of Coffee House Charity Production.

“Balancing a myriad of activities along with a demanding academic curriculum is the essence of what Casey is about,” according to her guidance counselor, Brenda Bell. “Casey has a radiant smile and a heart of gold which she shares with her peers, teachers, and community.  She will undoubtedly bring her strong leadership, academic discipline and abundant values to all of her future endeavors.”

Eric Ranaldi photo from the school district
Eric Ranaldi photo from the school district

The Comsewogue salutatorian, Eric Ranaldi, is heading on to Baruch College to study economics. During his time in high school, he played saxophone in the music program and has participated in numerous clubs and societies, including National Honor Society, Jazz Band, Bringing Unity Through Youth Club, varsity tennis, French Honor Society, Pep Band and Tri-M Music Honor Society. Bell said he “has a distinct drive and allegiance to his studies coupled with a witty sense of humor that endears him to those around him. His friendly, global, open-minded, and analytical nature will lead him to great success in both his personal and professional life.”

Shannon Christ photo from the school district
Shannon Christ photo from the school district

Over in Port Jefferson, valedictorian Shannon Christ made her mark at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School with a 101.02 GPA. She was named an AP Scholar with Distinction, participated on the varsity cross country and varsity winter and spring track teams, and is on the executive board of the National Honor Society, an officer of the Tri-M Honor Society and a member of Science Olympiads. Outside of the school district, she has danced ballet, tap, jazz and point.

“She is an extraordinary student who gives her best effort in and out of the classroom each day,” the school district said.

In the fall, Christ will head to Fairfield University to study mathematics, with a minor in secondary education.

Marianna Spentzos photo from the school district
Marianna Spentzos photo from the school district

The salutatorian, Marianna Danae Spentzos, came in a close second with a 100.59 GPA and is also an AP Scholar with Distinction.

She is a member of the Interact Club, the Tri-M Honor Society and the National Honor Society, and an All-League athlete as the varsity volleyball captain in her senior year and a member of the varsity track and field team.

“She is an excellent student who has consistently earned top grades,” her district said.

Spentzos will study biology and marine science at the University of Miami.

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Tori Reid in stride during a previous meet. Photo from Reid

By Joseph Wolkin

Comsewogue senior Tori Reid headed to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association girls’ track and field championship looking to make history.

Reid set her sights on the prize, focused on winning as the lone member of the Warriors to head to Cicero-North Syracuse High School. Finishing runner-up in the Section XI division championship in the triple jump with a leap of 36 feet, 8 inches, and in the 100-meter hurdles in 15.43 seconds, the athlete advanced to states, attempting to become the third pentathlon champion in the school’s history. Previously, her best finish in any event during the tournament was fifth, which came in the hurdles last year. Although she didn’t become a champion, she placed ninth overall, and is happy with how far she’s come.

“I was proud of myself because I was seeded 13th going into the competition,” Reid said.

She placed fourth in hurdles in 15.36, 19th in 100-meter run in 2 minutes 2:44.07, and fifth in shot put with a throw of 27 feet, 2 inches.

“I definitely could have run better. I definitely could have thrown better,” she said. “It wasn’t my best, but I did the best I could in the two days, especially since it was raining on the second day. I think I did pretty well overall.”

With two 100 hurdles victories in the spring — one on April 30 during the Westhampton Beach Invitational and the other at the St. Anthony’s Invitational on May 6 — Reid emerged as a leader entering her final months with the Warriors.

Tori Reid leaps over a hurdle during the St. Anthony’s Invitational. Photo from Reid
Tori Reid leaps over a hurdle during the St. Anthony’s Invitational. Photo from Reid

She earned six wins during the winter, with four of them coming in the 55 hurdles, and a pair in the triple jump. Her work ethic propelled her to break the school record for the triple jump, reaching 37 feet, 7.75 inches on Jan. 31 during the Section XI Small School Championships at Suffolk County Community College.

According to head coach J.P. Dion, who joined the team at the start of this season, Reid’s emergence as a team leader is spreading positivity among her peers. She helps get everything organized, and showed up to all but two of the approximately 80 practices this season.

“She’s definitely the captain of the team,” Dion said. “She comes to practice every day and is a leader. I think when the kids see her doing really well — see her at practice everyday, putting the time and effort in to become better — I think her dedication rubs off on kids.”

And he said she took that role on herself.

“I didn’t have to designate her as that person,” he said. “She is very good with communication. It’s through her dedication that something like that came about.”

Dion took over for longtime coach Matt Brown, who worked with Reid during her first three years at Comsewogue.

“Matt Brown would kid a lot and joke around, but Dion is kind of hands-on,” Reid said. “Usually, there was no captain and the seniors just took control, but I knew that with a new coach coming in, I didn’t want my girls thinking anything was going to be different. I stepped up to make them feel comfortable.”

This year, Reid set a personal record of 15.23 in the 100 hurdles en route to her St. Anthony’s Invitational victory. The 2015-16 season was her strongest since joining the Warriors, earning eight wins in 30 contests, compared to four in her previous seasons with the team.

Reid will be attending Winthrop University in South Carolina in the fall, joining her sister Sabrena, who will be a junior. Although she only worked with her new coach for a short period of time, she will take with her some invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way.

“[Dion] taught me that in the end, he can’t do anything for me,” she said. “I’ve learned to be more independent while competing. It comes down to me.”

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Brig. Gen. Richard Sele speaks on the importance of treating veterans with care. Photo by Alex Petroski

In Suffolk County, veterans who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law now have a rehabilitation resource in a peer setting.

Veterans returning home from military service abroad often struggle assimilating into everyday civilian life. Suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder and other emotional difficulties, some land in prison — for crimes such as those related to substance abuse — because of difficulty coping with the transition.

Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent DeMarco (C) announced the Incarcerated Veterans Re-Entry Initiative at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Yaphank last week. DeMarco spearheaded the new initiative along with Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay (D-Holbrook), Judge John Toomey of the county’s Veterans Treatment Court, and veteran mentors from the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 11.

A block of cells, also known as a pod, within the correctional facility will now be comprised completely of veterans, who will have access to mentors and other services provided by the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center and others, as well as the added benefit of being around others with similar backgrounds and experiences.

“I don’t know of any population of citizens that we would rather have reintegrated into our communities and into our society.”
—Thomas Croci

According to the sheriff, about 8 percent of inmates in the United States have served in the military. And there are about 174,000 military veterans living on Long Island alone.

DeMarco said in an interview after the event that Vietnam veterans have been approaching the sheriff about establishing a dedicated jail pod for many years, similar to what has been done for the adolescents who are separated from the rest of the jail population, but the county’s overcrowded facilities made it a challenge.

“Veterans who have served our country and have been honorably discharged, the lowest point of their lives [is] if they get incarcerated,” DeMarco said, adding that the program will focus on getting incarcerated veterans treatment through various nonprofits for PTSD, addictions or any other mental health problems their experiences in the service contributed to.

“I think we owe that to them. They put their lives on the line for us.”

Brig. Gen. Richard Sele was the keynote speaker and said it is important to treat these veterans with sympathy.

“As soldiers, in addition to the wide range of regulations and policies that we follow, we hold our soldiers accountable to values — very high values,” Sele said. “As a leader and someone who has commanded at various levels, I’ve done so in a very firm and fair manner. But one thing I’ve learned over the years is that you also have to show compassion. You can still be firm and fair and show compassion.”

Ralph Zanchelli, of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 11, has been visiting jails on Long Island to serve as a mentor to veterans for about 16 years, and he spoke on behalf of the group.

“Housing veterans together is so very, very important,” he said. “They will be able to communicate with each other and support each other. We should never forget, when someone serves the country they sign a blank check, pledging to protect and serve the people of the United States of America, willing to give up their lives — and many have.”

“Veterans who have served our country and have been honorably discharged, the lowest point of their lives [is] if they get incarcerated.”
—Vincent DeMarco

New York State Sen. Thomas Croci (R-Sayville) spoke about the importance of rehabilitating returning soldiers with mental health issues.

“I don’t know of any population of citizens that we would rather have reintegrated into our communities and into our society,” he said. “These are exactly the people that we want back in our communities, running our businesses, sharing their experiences in school as teachers, and in law enforcement.”

DeMarco addressed the possible criticism that everyone should be held accountable for breaking the law without preferential treatment.

“They’re being held accountable for their crimes, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. “They have to go to court. They’re going to be charged. They’re going to be sentenced. They’re not getting off easy. We’re just giving them a better place and services while they’re incarcerated.

DeMarco likened this jail block to a similar one established in 2011 for 16- to 22-year-olds, which included rehabilitative efforts and mentoring. He said the incarcerated population from that demographic has dropped 75 percent since then.

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The Port Jefferson jitney stops on Arden Place near Mariners Way. Photo by Elana Glowatz

The village jitney is up and running again, shuttling residents and visitors through Port Jefferson on summer weekends. But in its third year, village officials may take things up a notch.

At a village board of trustees meeting last Monday, Trustee Larry LaPointe announced they had received a $12,600 grant from Suffolk County to build three small shelters for people waiting to hop on the jitney.

It is a matching grant, so the village will have to kick in as much money as it accepts from the county. That may be slightly lower than the total available, as the trustees approved a proposal from Freeport-based Columbia Equipment Company to build the three red shelters for $19,500 — meaning each municipality would kick in just shy of $10,000.

LaPointe described the shelters as aluminum squares measuring 5 feet by 7 feet — the ridership numbers don’t justify building big shelters, he said — without benches inside.

“Benches attract people who want to take a nap,” he said.

Port Jefferson officials often contend with loitering vagrants or drunken people. There are frequently homeless people sleeping on the few benches around the area.

While the village could choose to put in benches down the road, LaPointe noted that because the shelters are small, leaving out a bench would improve access to the shelters for people in wheelchairs.

The shelters would be installed at the three points along the jitney route: at its start uptown on the east side of Oakland Avenue, near the Long Island Rail Road station; on the north side of Arden Place close to East Main Street; and at the harborfront park off East Broadway.

Those shelters are going to be red so they match the color of the shuttle bus.

“The shelters will really brand it — red jitney, red shelter,” LaPointe said.

The bus service, which resumed on Memorial Day, will keep trucking until Labor Day. Fare is $2, but children under 12 can ride for free.

When the jitney first started running in summer 2014, the village board saw the shuttle as a way to connect the vibrant downtown and the struggling uptown areas.

“It’s a good way to start bridging the gap between upper and lower Port,” Mayor Margot Garant said at the time. “We’ve got to get people circulating back up and down.”

Port Jefferson Village parking committee chairman George Westbay had originally presented the concept as a year-round service to link uptown and downtown, given the village’s push to revitalize the upper Port area and with a new apartment complex going up on Texaco Avenue to bring in more residents. He also saw it being used by visitors who could take the LIRR to Port Jefferson and then use the bus to go to a waterfront festival, for instance, instead of using a car.

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Port Jefferson High School. File photo by Elana Glowatz

A longtime educator will lead the Port Jefferson school district as it searches for a permanent replacement for outgoing Superintendent Ken Bossert.

During its meeting on Tuesday night, the board of education hired Paul Casciano to serve as interim superintendent, a year after he retired as the head of the William Floyd school district on the South Shore.

Paul Casciano is Port Jefferson’s new interim superintendent. Photo from Casciano
Paul Casciano is Port Jefferson’s new interim superintendent. Photo from Casciano

“We felt that he had tremendous experience,” board President Kathleen Brennan said in a phone interview on Wednesday, referring to Casciano’s 41 years in education, from teacher to superintendent at William Floyd. “He certainly has a grasp on all levels of what it takes to run a district.”

The board hired Casciano to serve from July 1 through June 2017, during which time the board, while receiving input from staffers and other community members, will be searching for someone to work more long-term.

In a phone interview on Thursday, Casciano said although he had retired from being a superintendent, he continues to teach and work. With his wife working and his kids mostly grown, “I thought the conditions were right.”

The Stony Brook resident has education degrees from Central Connecticut State University, Southampton College, C.W. Post and New York University, according to his resume. He joined the William Floyd administration in 1982 as an assistant principal and slowly worked his way up to superintendent, a role in which he served from 2006 to 2015.

“They needed help so that they could select the best candidate to meet the needs of the school community,” Casciano said about meeting with Port Jefferson school board members to discuss the position. “It just seemed like we were all on the same page.”

He joked that Port Jefferson “made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

He does not want to use his time in Port Jefferson keeping things “status quo” and just sitting back and watching, he said. He is interested in “continuing to move the district forward even if it’s in the short-term.”

“How much I personally could accomplish? I’m not sure,” Casciano said, but he hopes the superintendent who succeeds him will keep moving forward.

On a personal note, Brennan called Casciano “a very nice guy — very down to Earth.”

Bossert announced his plan to leave Port Jefferson earlier this year and become the new superintendent in Elwood. He had been at the helm for five years, during which time there have been other changes in leadership throughout the district. Tom Meehan was brought in as the elementary school principal, first on an interim basis and then as the permanent leader, then Antonio Santana and Matthew Murphy were hired as principals of the middle school and high school, respectively, when those two buildings’ combined principal, longtime leader Roseann Cirnigliaro, retired.

Both Santana and Murphy have since moved on to other schools, with Robert Neidig replacing Santana and Christine Austen replacing Murphy.

“With the current leadership team in place, I know that the district is in very capable hands,” Bossert said in his farewell letter to the community.

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Members of Port Jefferson School District’s Green Team take a break after planting a native garden with help from Port Jefferson’s Village Gardener, Caran Markson, far left, parents, teachers and back row, Lauren Hubbard, fourth from right, and Sue Avery, fifth from right. Photo by Heidi Sutton

A dedicated team of volunteers took to the hills of Port Jefferson last Saturday morning to help the environment by planting a Long Island native plant garden. 

Three years in the making, the idea originated at a Go Green Fair by co-chairs Naomi Solo and John Lutterbie. The garden, located on village property at the corner of High Street and Spring Street, is a collaboration among Port Jefferson School District’s environmental club, the Green Team, Port Jefferson Village, Stony Brook University’s Humanities Institute and the village’s annual Go Green event.

“Between the university, the Go Green Team and the village, we are [finally] doing it,” said Village Gardener Caran Markson. “Luckily Margot [Garant] our mayor, is so pro beautification so she matched what the Go Green team fundraised for and here we are.”

Designer Sue Avery, from the Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI), used the funds to purchase the plants at the group’s annual plant sale in Riverhead last week.

The garden sits on a triangle piece of property in full sun and includes Joe Pye weed, New York ironweed, bee balm, common milkweed and butterfly weed and native grasses, anchored by bayberry plants on each corner. Because the garden is on a slope, Avery also created a rain garden with wet loving plants at the bottom that will catch all the water runoff.

“These are all native plants, native to Long Island, so once they get established they are very low maintenance,” said Avery. “Also they are habitat plants for our native pollinators, for monarch butterflies, so it is really a pollinator garden as well, and a lot of these will self-seed and fill in so it will turn out to be a low maintenance garden.” The group also planted goldenrod, which, according to Avery, is “very valuable for the monarchs for their fall migration.”

The garden, which will require periodic watering, mulching and weeding, will be maintained by Markson, Lauren Hubbard of the Maritime Explorium, Solo and Avery.

In the spring, the volunteers will come back and “cut the grasses down, see what is coming up and what has self-seeded,” said Avery. “It will be an example of how to sustainably manage a traffic island, a municipal place,” she added.

Inspired by this event, Markson has expressed interest in planting native plants throughout the village “because they are self-sustaining and they are wonderful for the environment.”

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The Brewster House in Setauket will host ‘To Spy or Not to Spy’ on June 18. Photo by Dr. Ira D. Koeppel

By Michael Tessler

“I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country” are the immortal words (supposedly) spoken by American hero and spy Nathan Hale. After he was hung by the British in 1776 for treason and espionage, his words of resilience and patriotism inspired our young nation.

No one was inspired more than his best friend, Yale classmate and Setauket local — Benjamin Tallmadge. This well-educated student turned Continental soldier used the death of his friend to inspire the creation of a secret spy ring that played an important role in the American Revolution and helped bring the British Empire to its knees.

In conjunction with the I LOVE NY Path Through History weekend, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Youth Corps Theater Troupe will present a theatrical performance on Saturday, June 18, showing the creation of the Culper Spy Ring in, fittingly, the oldest standing home in the Town of Brookhaven, the Brewster House, circa 1665, in Setauket which was home to six generations of Brewsters.

According to the WMHO’s website, Joseph Brewster operated the house as a tavern and general store during the American Revolution, entertaining British troops. American Patriot Caleb Brewster, cousin of Joseph Brewster and presumably a frequent visitor to the house, was a member of George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring.

Deborah Bourdeau, the coordinator of the project, has been helping this wonderful company of young teens in their production of “To Spy or Not to Spy: That Is the Question!” originally written in 2012 by Professor Lauren Kaushansky of Stony Brook University.

Though the title sounds simple enough, the premise is both fascinating and enlightening. The production explores the annals of local lore while delving into the moral dilemmas of the time. Simply put: How does one abandon one’s country, while assuming the role of traitor and secret agent? This internal dialogue comes to life in a well-paced theatrical skit that resurrects some of our greatest local heroes: Benjamin Tallmadge (Amanda Dagnelli), Abraham Woodhull (Suraj Singh), Anna Smith Strong (Leah Cussen), Austin Roe (Aleena Siddiqui), Caleb Brewster (Ethan Winters) and Joseph Brewster (Emily Wicks).

Though the actors are young, they bring incredible talent to this living history stage show. Emily Wicks, a member of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization Youth Corps, had the great idea of bringing the show from its original stage at the Educational & Cultural Center in Stony Brook Village to the historic Brewster House. This venue adds a wonderful depth to the show, as the home and tavern have been returned to their former glory. Their setup is unique (unintentionally inspired by the Tony-winning production “Fun Home”) in that you’re looking in rather than at. It makes for a very special viewing experience.

What’s so inspiring about this production is that it’s almost entirely led by youth. Young people coming together to tell an important and often forgotten part of our national story and local history. There’s a maturity well beyond their years that left me feeling both prideful and impressed. It’s a show you won’t want to miss and a story that needs to be heard.

Performances of “To Spy or Not to Spy: That Is the Question!” will be held in the Brewster House, 18 Runs Road, Setauket, on June 18 at 1 p.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $4 adults, $2 children under 12. Promptly after the show, teen tour guides will provide free tours of the Brewster House. For reservations, call 631-751-2244 or visit www.wmho.org.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Youth Corps, based in Stony Brook, is a volunteer group for youth ages 11 to 17 who participate in stewardship projects in historic and environmental preservation. For more information on how to join or help visit them at: wmho.org/youth-corps.

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Did you see the news

On June 12, a 24-year-old man from Huntington Station was arrested at Andrea’s 25, a restaurant on Route 25 in Commack, after police said he stole more than 100 copies of Newsday throughout the course of three months. He was charged with four counts of petit larceny.

Over exposed

A 43-year-old man from Riverhead was arrested on June 12 after police said he exposed himself at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove. He was charged with lewdness for exposing his body in public.

How’s it hanging

Police said a 20-year-old man from Inwood was hanging from a water pipe inside Hypnosis 8.0, a nightclub on East Main Street in Smithtown on June 12, and caused water damage inside the business. He was arrested and charged with criminal mischief with reckless property damage.

Apartment swiper

A 30-year-old man from Smithtown was arrested on June 11 after police said he entered an apartment in Kings Park and stole a laptop and a television, then drove a 1996 Ford Sedan with a suspended license west bound on Motor Parkway in Hauppauge. He was charged with second-degree burglary and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Leggo my Legos

On June 11, a 26-year-old man from Smithtown was arrested after police said he stole multiple Lego sets from stores on Middle Country Road and Veterans Highway in Commack. He was charged with two counts of petit larceny.

All for some detergent pods

Police said a 27-year-old man from Miller Place stole detergent pods from ShopRite on Garrett Place in Commack on June 11. He was arrested and charged with petit larceny.

Knock knock

A 31-year-old woman from Kings Park was arrested on June 10 after police said she kicked in the front door of a residence on Commack Road and entered without consent. She was charged with criminal mischief intent with intent to damage property.

Caught with cocaine

On June 10, a 30-year-old man from Islandia was arrested after police said he was in possession of a clear glass pipe with cocaine residue in it while on Veterans Memorial Highway. He was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Weed is whack

A 19-year-old man from Kings Park was arrested on June 10 after police said he had marijuana in his possession while in a 2015 Nissan on Indian Head Road in Kings Park. He was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Tool stealing tools

On June 9, a 34-year-old man from Deluca was arrested after police said he stole tools from Pep Boys Auto Parts & Car Repair on Middle Country Road in St. James. He was charged with petit larceny.

His future is sealed

Police said a 43-year-old man from Farmingville refused to listen to officers who told him to freeze after attempting to arrest him for stealing three envelopes filled with cash from a business on Middle Country Road, on June 9. After he was caught, he struggled with officers and tried to resist arrest. He was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and resisting arrest.

Razor rift

Police said an unknown person stole two Razor Scooters from a residence on Washington Avenue in St. James on June 12.

Picking a fight with police

A 23-year-old man from Coram screamed at and made threatening movements and gestures toward multiple police officers during an incident at about 1 a.m. on June 12 on North Street in Mount Sinai, according to police. He was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for violent behavior.

Hello, officer, my name is John Doe

At Sylvan Avenue Park in Miller Place at about 8 p.m. on June 9, a 23-year-old man from Holtsville possessed heroin and hypodermic syringes, police said. When questioned by police, he provided a false identity and birthdate to avoid arrest for violating his parole, according to police. He was arrested and charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and false impersonation.

Gun and drug charges

On June 9 at about 2 a.m., a 23-year-old man from Mastic Beach was found to possess a loaded 9-mm semiautomatic handgun without a permit outside of a home on North Washington Avenue in Centereach, police said. He was also in possession of cocaine, according to police. He was arrested and charged with second-degree and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth-degree possession of a narcotic.

No one wants to see that

A 61-year-old man from Port Jefferson Station exposed himself in the woods near a public park on Route 25 in Selden at about 3 p.m. on June 4, and again while seated in a Nissan Sentra in the parking lot of People’s United Bank on Route 112 in Coram at about 7 p.m. on June 9, according to police. He was arrested on June 9 and charged with public lewdness and exposing his body in public.

Liar, liar

Near Sam’s Club on Horseblock Road in Medford at about 9 a.m. on May 20, a 47-year-old woman from Mastic Beach filed a police report stating her 1996 Toyota had been stolen, according to police. She was arrested on June 10 when it was discovered that her car was on the side of Horseblock Road in Medford and she knew that was where it was, yet still filed the false report, police said.

Toothbrush bandit

On six occasions in 2016 — at CVS Pharmacy on West Main Street in Smithtown, CVS Pharmacy on West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station and CVS Pharmacy on West Main Street in East Islip — a 36-year-old homeless man stole multiple electronic toothbrushes, according to police. He was arrested on June 9 and charged with six counts of petit larceny.

Dump truck driver dumps license

A 32-year-old man from Port Jefferson Station was driving a Ford dump truck on Oakmont Avenue in Selden at about 1:30 p.m. on June 9 when he was pulled over, police said. They discovered he was driving with a suspended license. He was arrested and charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. His license had been suspended 10 times prior to the arrest, according to police.

Front runner

On June 8 at about 2 p.m., a 30-year-old man from Ronkonkoma stole two New York Yankees jerseys and one New York Giants jersey from Bob’s Stores at College Plaza in Selden, police said. He was arrested and charged with petit larceny.

Pills pilfered

At a home on Overton Street in Sayville, a 47-year-old woman stole various prescription pills on June 2, according to police. She was arrested on June 10 in Selden and charged with petit larceny.

Pizza parlor patron’s passport pick-pocketed

Cash and a passport were stolen from a 2008 Chevrolet parked outside of Port Jeff Pizza on Main Street in Port Jefferson at about 9 p.m. on June 11, according to police.

Missing mailbox

A mailbox was stolen from outside a home on Sheep Pasture Road in Setauket at about 8 p.m. on June 11, police said.

Covert operation

Headphones for the video game Call of Duty on the Playstation 4 system were stolen from Walmart on Nesconset Highway in Setauket on June 12, according to police.

Shoplifting at Kohl’s

Clothing, four picture frames and three necklaces were stolen from Kohl’s on Nesconset Highway in Setauket at about 1:30 p.m. on June 12, according to police.

Knife-y situation

A 45-year-old man from Huntington Station was arrested on June 13 after police said he held someone up in Manor Park in Huntington Station with a knife and stole their black wallet with a credit card and cash inside. He was charged with first-degree robbery with use of a dangerous instrument.

In need(le) of some help

On June 13, a 32-year-old man from North Massapequa was arrested on Hauppauge Road in Commack after police said he had a hypodermic needle in his possession. He was charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument.

Hit and run

Police said a 20-year-old man from Dix Hills struck the rear passenger side door of a 2008 Lexus and fled while driving his 1996 Mercedes Benz on Bagatelle Road in Dix Hills on June 13. He was charged with leaving the scene with property damage.

It’s clear to all

A 29-year-old woman from Huntington was arrested on June 12 after police said she had a clear bag of marijuana in her possession while on Milton Place in Huntington. She was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Weed on wheels

On June 10, a 19-year-old man from Huntington Station was arrested after police said he had marijuana in his possession while inside a 2004 Honda Accord on East 2nd Street in Huntington Station. He was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana.

Hide your bike

On June 9, a 19-year-old man from Huntington Station was arrested after police said he was in possession of a stolen 2008 Yamaha mini bike while on Old Country Road. He was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

Not egg-zactly legal

Police said a 41-year-old man from Huntington Station threw an egg at a residence at 2 a.m. on Broadway in Greenlawn on June 10. He was arrested and charged with second-degree harassment with physical contact.

Heroin hand out

A 26-year-old man from Dix Hills was arrested on June 10 after police said he was selling narcotics, including heroin, on Dix Hills Drive in Melville. He was charged with third-degree criminal selling of a controlled substance narcotics.

Shady situation

Police said a 24-year-old woman from Centerport stole Ray Ban and Wildfox sunglasses from Lord & Taylor on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington on June 10. She was arrested and charged with petit larceny.

iDon’t think you can do that

On June 10, a 46-year-old man from Smithtown was arrested after police said he stole an iPhone 5S and an iPhone 6 Plus from Target on Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack. He was charged with two counts of petit larceny.

No king in King Kullen

A 29-year-old woman from Huntington Station was arrested on June 10 after police said she stole various grocery items from King Kullen on West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station. She was charged with petit larceny.

You can’t have that Yamaha

A 16-year-old man from Huntington Station was arrested on June 9 after police said he was in possession of a stolen Yamaha ATV while on Park Avenue in Huntington. He was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property valuing more than $1,000.

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Comsewogue’s Dan Colasanto slides into third base ahead of the ball in the Warriors’ extra-inning 6-5 loss to Bayport-Blue Point on May 23, which forces a decisive game three in the Class A playoffs. Photo by Bill Landon

By Elana Glowatz

A recent Comsewogue High School graduate was seriously injured on Thursday morning when he was hit by a car on Route 25A.

Comsewogue pitcher Dan Colasanto hurls a pitch from the mound in the Warriors’ 9-4 comeback win over Sayville Thursday. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue pitcher Dan Colasanto hurls a pitch from the mound in the Warriors’ 9-4 comeback win over Sayville in 2015. Photo by Bill Landon

The Suffolk County Police Department said Dan Colasanto was in the roadway around 1 a.m., on a stretch near Westgate Drive in Mount Sinai, when an eastbound 2010 Honda hit him.

The 18-year-old pedestrian, a Port Jefferson Station resident, was treated for serious injuries at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson, police said. The driver, a 48-year-old Miller Place woman, was not hurt.

Colasanto graduated from Comsewogue in 2015. During his high school days, he was a star pitcher and third baseman on the baseball team, as well as a strong hitter.

He also played for the Warriors football team.

Detectives from the SCPD’s 6th Squad are investigating the crash and have impounded the Honda for a safety check.

Anyone with information is asked to call the detectives at 631-854-8652.

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U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer speaks to fishermen in Northport. Photo from Marisa Kaufman

Black sea bass is back on the table, as of June 27.

After public outcry for an earlier start to summer sea bass fishing, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced this week the season will start 19 days earlier than the previous July start date.

The DEC has blamed federal regulations and management for the reasons behind originally closing the fishing season during June, despite plentiful numbers of bass.

“In spite of abundant populations, DEC is being forced to alter the commercial and recreational fishing seasons in order to meet federal quotas,” Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement. “By allowing for an earlier June opening, we’re trying to strike the best possible arrangement for the recreational fishing community.”

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called for modifications to the summer fishing period last week at an event on the North Shore, speaking against what he called “inflexible” and “outdated” federal regulations for black sea bass fishing.

Fishing in Port Jefferson/photo by Elana Glowatz
Fishing in Port Jefferson/photo by Elana Glowatz

“After a slow start to the black sea bass season, mostly due to weather, our Long Island commercial fishers are ready to bounce back and access the plentiful supply of sea bass,” Schumer said at the event. “But instead they might fall flat if the feds and the state don’t throw them a line and let them do what they do best — fish.”

And Long Island fishermen said the July start date was hurting their livelihood.

“It’s a disaster for conservation and the economy,” said James Schneider, a boat captain in Huntington. “It’s crushed us.”

Schneider is catching other fish since the last black sea bass season ended on May 31, and said he has been forced to throw back the bass he inadvertently catches. Those die shortly after, he said, further contributing to a loss in potential profits.

Some fishers were also upset that Connecticut’s black sea bass season, which opened on May 1 and runs through Dec. 31, allowed fishermen to start earlier than in New York, as they share a body of water in the Long Island Sound.

Sean Mahar, the DEC director of communications, last week acknowledged fishing got off to a slow start in New York. Through May 21, only one-third of the May quota had been harvested, “with approximately 42,000 pounds [still] available on May 21,” Mahar said in an email. “However, the harvest rate increased dramatically the last week in May,” and the DEC had to receive more population data before deciding to open the summer fishing season earlier than July.

Although fishermen like Schneider can now get back to bass fishing earlier, the DEC has also increased the minimum size of the bottom feeders caught by 1 inch — making the new minimum length 15 inches — and reduced the daily possession limit from eight fish to three. However, that latter change will only affect the fishing season through August, so fishermen can have up to eight in September and October, and 10 in November and December.

According to the DEC, it also considered a July 8 opening with a five-fish limit, but anglers opted for the earlier start with a three-fish limit for a longer season.

Fishers can now catch black sea bass earlier this summer, but the minimum fish length has increased an inch and the number they can catch is limited for the first month.

The DEC also said the federal government’s population assessment of sea bass has caused scientists to “exercise extreme caution when determining harvest limits,” which has forced New York to reduce sea bass harvest despite an “abundance of fish.”

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is one of three organizations that jointly manage black sea bass fishing, by determining the quota for sea bass each year. The quota this year was set at about 189,000 pounds.

Kirby Rootes-Murdy, that commission’s senior fishery management plan coordinator, said obtaining accurate population data on black sea bass poses a challenge because black sea bass are a hermaphroditic species, meaning they change sex from male to female.

“The reproductive life history characteristics … of black sea bass make it difficult to develop an accurate abundance estimate, ultimately limiting the ability to develop reliable catch limits,” he said in an email. “Assessment scientists are working hard to develop models to address these issues facing black sea bass management.”

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