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Hikers walk to Montauk to raise awareness for colon cancer

by Sabrina Artusa - April 3, 2025

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Brian Crowe and Leilani Garcia on their trip. Photo courtesy Leilani Garcia

By Sabrina Artusa

Leilani Garcia and Brian Crowe learned a lot over their five-day, 80-mile hike from Robert Moses State Park in Babylon to the Montauk Lighthouse. They learned that short breaks every hour help them tackle their long 20-plus-mile days and how to adjust their 50-lb backpacks, crammed with food and fresh water, to better disperse the weight. They learned where the best beach camp spots are and how to follow the tides. Over the course of five days, they endured wind and rain, high tides and high mileage not just to reach their destination, Montauk, but to raise awareness for colon cancer.

Crowe, a Huntington native, was diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago in its late stages. Experiencing intense pain in his side, he went to see his gastroenterologist for the first time. A CAT scan revealed a tumor in his large intestine. The severity of the growth, which grew from seven centimeters to nine over the course of a week, was removed with the assistance of Crowe’s friend and surgeon Joesph Vazzana in in a 12-hour life-saving surgery. The 9-month recovery was “exasperating” for Crowe, who said he couldn’t walk or eat immediately after the operation.

“I was miserable,” Crowe said. “But he saved my life.”

Throughout their hike, Crowe and Garcia spread their mission and succeeded in reminding people of the importance of getting a colonoscopy.

Crowe said that cancer often goes untalked about. After getting it himself, he said he felt there was an “embarrassing” stigma surrounding the disease. “I didn’t want to talk about it and I didn’t want anyone else to talk about it,” he said.

After finding out he had colon cancer, he discovered that several family members have also had cancer, including three of his aunts. Now, he realizes that as a survivor, he has an “obligation” to talk about his experience and hopefully encourage others to routinely get a colonoscopy.

“Reaching out to the community can save lives,” said Garcia, who has had family members affected by cancer.

Garcia and Crowe met at Decker’s Nursery and Florist, where Garcia, tired of her conventional Christmas tree, was perusing other indoor plants to decorate. There she met Crowe, who worked there and suggested the spiky Japanese orange bush Garcia ended up buying.

When Crowe told Garcia about his longtime aspiration of traveling from Robert Moses to Montauk, Garcia took to the idea and helped bring it to fruition, creating a website to broadcast their mission.

The trip

While the trip is dedicated toward raising awareness for colon cancer, Garcia and Crowe also went with the mission of reconnecting with nature and themselves.

The pair started their day at sunrise and usually walked until sundown, clocking as many miles as they could while also taking in “how unbelievable Long Island is.” Garcia and Crowe started their mornings by setting their intentions for the day.

Fueled by Kind bars, dark chocolate and peanut butter, they traversed the coast, sometimes stopping to pick up interesting scallop shells, admire the view or talk to curious beachgoers.

One man asked them what they were doing. When they told him about their “Mission to Montauk,” he immediately returned to his home, remembering to schedule his own colonoscopy. “It’s like holding the door for someone else,” Crowe said.

When one of them got tired or discouraged, the other made sure to offer encouragement. Garcia mentioned how during a difficult portion of the hike, where she just wanted to stop and pitch the tent, Crowe encouraged her to sing, something he knows she loves to do. “We were kind of joyful in that chaos,” Garcia said, adding that both she and Crowe, who is also a music producer, have a deep appreciation for music.

The wind was a challenge, and often required them to cover their faces. “We kind of opened up our minds a little bit going into the sand storm. Respect it, appreciate it, and see what goodness comes out of it.”

Despite the challenges, Crowe and Garcia look at the experience with appreciation. “I felt so grounded and connected,” Garcia said.” It was meditative. . .it’s just like life. There are some challenges but with each challenge you become stronger [and] resilient.”

Letters to the Editor: April 3, 2025

by TBR Staff - April 3, 2025

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

EPA and media need accountability

Based on a March, New York Times article, Daniel Dunaief expressed concerns the EPA “is exploring the possibility” of laying off over 1,000 scientists. He urged EPA director, Lee Zeldin (R) to be selective before making any cuts.

Even before Zeldin was sworn in, Biden EPA adviser, Brent Efron, was caught proudly announcing the agency was spending billions of taxpayer dollars before the Trump administration could stop them.

“Get the money out as fast as possible before they come in….it’s like we’re on the Titanic and….throwing gold bars off the edge.”

Where’d the dough go?

“Nonprofits, states, tribes. We gave them the money because it was harder, if it was a government-run program, they could take the money away, if Trump won.”

Apparently, nongovernmental organizations are a great place to stash gold bars because they avoid typical Fed spending “accountability.” So, they can act as weblike pass-throughs to other, politically favored outfits, while making it difficult to track how much money is actually going to “scientists.”

EPA administrator Zeldin found $20 billion from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, nestled in CitiBank, awaiting distribution.

It was “awarded to just eight entities, that were then responsible for doling out your money to NGOs and others at their discretion, with far less transparency,” Zeldin explained.

He continued, “Of the eight pass-through entities…. various recipients have shown very little qualification to handle a single dollar, let alone several billions of dollars.”

Here’s just one example of the above-mentioned “web.” Power Forward Communities Inc. got $2 billion, despite being set up in 2023 and showing only $100 in revenue for that entire year. That outfit partnered with Rewiring America, where two-time Georgia gubernatorial loser Stacey Abrams (D) works as “corporate counsel.”

As for the New York Times reporting on Zeldin’s EPA, let’s consider the source. The “Gray Lady” cited House Democrats. Recall, the New York Times joined other major media outlets in losing tons of credibility by selectively censoring some stories (including those on COVID), while parroting Dem pols’ deceitful talking points on major, critical issues. The most dangerous of which was assuring us that President Joe Biden (D) was cognitively capable of acting as commander in chief and leader of the free world.

We are a people burdened with $36 trillion dollars in debt, and a lack of faith in what is being reported as “news.” So the public needs to demand accountability from both the EPA and media. Then use common sense and a critical eye to make honest judgments.

Jim Soviero

East Setauket

Conscience Bay Society of Friends hope county officials protect everyone in spirit of the Constitution

Conscience Bay Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) was established in St. James in 1961. Most of us live in western Suffolk County and have deep ties to the area. On March 9, we met in a meeting for worship with attention to business and considered the circumstances currently faced by immigrants and refugees in our country. After prayerful consideration, we approved the following minute:

Conscience Bay Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends is united in the centuries-old Quaker convictions that every person has that of God/Spirit within them, that all are equal in dignity and worth, that all are deserving of compassion and fair treatment. With this understanding of how we can live together in peace, we have a deep concern for the well-being and rights of all. Therefore, we issue this public call for support and protection, without regard to their immigration status, of all immigrants and refugees in our extended community of Suffolk County, New York. We call upon our county officials to advocate and create policies that protect all individuals from unwarranted arrest, detention or deportation.

We ask that our county police remain in compliance with their central mandate to “Serve and Protect.” In fulfilling that vital and honorable role, there is no justification for our county or local police departments to act as surrogates for federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or associated agencies. We commend the ongoing efforts by individuals, organizations and local governments to provide essential services, advocacy and safety for immigrants and refugees.

It is our hope that you will do all that you can to protect the rights of everyone within your jurisdiction and that you will fulfill the duty of every elected official to live up to the letter and spirit of the Constitution of the United States.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Emerson

Clerk, Conscience Bay Meeting

Disappointing Town Hall

I am in agreement with the March 20 letters of Donna Newman and Robert Marcus regarding the disappointing so-called “Town Hall” meeting by Congressman Nick LaLota [(R—NY1)]. I specifically want to add that LaLota’s claims of asking constituents their opinions was self-serving. To ask whether or not we supported government waste was silly. Everyone objects to waste; but the real question is how much waste is there and is destruction of government agencies an acceptable way to deal with it. LaLota’s questions were only designed to reinforce his own views or rather the views of [President Donald] Trump [(R)], whom he supports in every way.

Respectfully,

Adam Fisher

Port Jefferson Station

Thank you to Three Village Community Trust

I want to thank the Three Village Community Trust and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) for their recent recognition of the Setauket Neighborhood House as an important community asset and its continuing commitment to provide a warm and friendly meeting and gathering place for the community.

In 1918, local philanthropists Eversley and Minnie Childs gave the Setauket Neighborhood House to the residents of the Stony Brook and Setauket communities as a needed meeting place. For more than 100 years, the Setauket Neighborhood House and its board of dedicated trustees have provided a unique and treasured asset that has been a place for hosting community and family events in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Thanks to all for recognizing my service as its manager and the importance of the Setauket Neighborhood House as a recognized Three Village community asset.

Maria Nardiello

Manager

Setauket Neighborhood House

Open letter to Congressman Nick LaLota

Prologue: I originally wrote the following letter a week ago. So much has negatively changed in what is happening with Social Security that I found it necessary to add this prologue. Offices have been closed. There is no one to answer the phones or you may have to wait 30 minutes to talk to someone. The Social Security website crashed two or three times last week. If there is an open office near you, the wait time standing in a line can be 4 or 5 hours.

Congressman LaLota (R-NY1), is this what you were elected to support? Do you support all these changes? Do you have anyone in your life that may have to deal with Social Security? I hope you help them.

But now how does someone in your district who may need help get in touch with you?

In the last few weeks it has been reported that the Department of Government Efficiency is now closing some Social Security offices and that phone access will no longer be available. One can only get in touch with the Social Security office online or in person. So, if you are new to Social Security or need to make any changes, you will either have to do it online or go in to an office, if there is one near you.

Congressman LaLota, since you have not objected to any of these cuts, I have to think that you support them. Therefore, anyone who needs help making any change to their Social Security should get in touch with you for help. Perhaps you have not realized that many of the people in your district are senior citizens, many of whom need their Social Security checks to make it through the month. Many of them do not have computers, and, if they do, they do not know how to do many things on the computer. Many of them no longer drive nor do they have someone who can take them to a Social Security office.

I have to ask if you have tried to find out how people in your district feel about all these changes. People who voted for you expected that you were going to make their lives easier, not harder, and by supporting these changes, everyone’s life is a lot harder.

So, Congressman LaLota, how are you going to help these people in your district?

Ernestine Franco

Sound Beach

BESS estimates

In his letter of March 27 George Altemose makes a valid point that solar power on Long Island is too variable to be able to provide 100% of our needs so backup power of some kind is needed. However, his analysis of the number of homes that could be serviced by a 8.75 MW solar facility coupled to a battery facility (battery energy storage system) contrasts with my personal experience.

Using the time period that includes his use of August 2024 (I am billed on a two-month cycle) my two-month total usage was 1,123 kwh or an average of 780 watts contrasted to his home average use of 2,747 watts (both include use of air conditioning). He makes a questionable assumption that the power requirement would double from the average when air conditioning is turned on for 4 hours and used that condition, not the average use, as a basis for need. If our home use was typical, the number of homes that could be covered by BESS is larger than their calculation, not smaller.

Of course, there are many factors that will impact use of power, but one very noticeable change we noticed was the drop in energy usage with our conversion to heat pump air conditioning, which is much more efficient and quieter than other forms and can also provide heat when needed.

Peter Bond

Stony Brook

Fact checking: ‘Reconfiguration is the right decision for 3V schools,’ appeared on March 20th

To my knowledge, not a single member of the Three Village community petitioned for grade restructuring. Restructuring is an administration-driven initiative that was pushed forward through the ‘Strategic Plan Committee’ meetings. Because many parents became concerned that this plan would make start times even worse than the current dismal state, it was primarily these parents who turned up and closely followed the restructuring meetings. Their main concern was that the restructuring, as initially planned, would have moved the 9th grade students to a 7:05am start time from the current 7:40 start time. This is obviously the exact opposite of what most parents wanted.

As of my writing, the proposed budget simply maintains the status quo for the 9th grade student start times. This is appropriate, given that these students are the ones most affected by the restructuring at the secondary level. It is also in alignment with 15 years of recommendations from the community and relevant committees.

The request for later start times is not a new-found concern but a long-standing one rooted in over 30 years of research and backed by leading U.S. medical organizations. Locally, a 2019 petition urging the Three Village school Board and administration to adopt healthier start times obtained 1,700 signatures within days, a remarkable response. Dismissing this long-held goal as a “sudden desire” or “utterly useless” disregards medical evidence and years of parent advocacy.

The claim that teenagers will “fall asleep from boredom” if devices are removed is counterfactual for the many parents who have witnessed their children struggle to meet developmental sleep requirements, despite implementing good sleep hygiene habits.

Barbara Rosati,

Dept. of Physiology

Stony Brook University

To the Board of Education and Administration of the Three Village Central School District

As we near school budget season, and the conversations increase in intensity and severity regarding where our money is allotted for the 2025-2026 school year, here are the top nominees for talking points in Three Village.

1. The upcoming reconfiguration

This is a change, decades in the making, that is being made through due diligence and circumspection for what is best for all Three Village students. Those who continue to dissent and rail against this 21st century change choose to remain ignorant to the negative effects our current model spews on our student population and the positive monetary savings the district will reap. The opportunities that will be offered to our sixth and ninth graders outweigh any and all possible repercussions that may befall them. Imagine a world full of clubs and classes that they would not receive in their current placement and try to ignore the rantings of those who chose to deny the simple fact that our beloved Three Village needs a facelift. Moving on.

2. Start times

Stop the madness! No matter what the supposed science says, a 30-minute change to our start times is an utter waste of over $1million and will not make one bit of difference. If parents are so concerned with their children’s sleep habits, perhaps they should take the devices out of their little darling’s hands and tell them to go to bed. I, and MANY others, are not willing to see class sizes rise and programs disappear so that kids can have an extra 30 minutes on their phones instead of in the classroom. Think about the detriments there before we spend a million dollars of the budget to cover transportation costs rather than having educators in classes. Are we willing to see the possible failure of the budget for this nonsense?

3. Security

Earlier this school year three Village had a fright. A gun got into our high school and the situation was handled smoothly and transparently. However the resounding outcry that followed was even more disturbing. Now we have a call to arm our security guards, despite the fact that extensive research has shown that armed guards have actually induced more violence in schools. I am staunchly against allowing anyone to carry a firearm either in or around our schools as I do not believe, under any circumstances, that this will assist in dissuading someone who wants to commit a violent act on school property. I appreciate the comprehensive work that has been done by Mr. Blaum and his team and I trust that the system they are currently implementing will keep our children safe while in school. Regardless of any former law enforcement experience, school security guards do not need to be armed, particularly if response times to tense situations are not improved.

4. Incidents of hate

Thank you, Dr. Scanlon for acknowledging that Three Village has a problem, although it is extremely disconcerting to know that it has gotten this far. In our district we have had several antisemitic occurrences. We are very lucky that none of them have involved violence. I sincerely hope that the administration and the board are working together to create a plan that will address all of the issues that are on the increase, particularly in the current environment that exists throughout our country. When teaching kindness and compassion, as well as common courtesy and respect, there is no amount too high if it erases the feelings of hatred toward any fellow students.

Let’s get it together three Village and regain our standing in our awesome 2025-2026 middle school model. We have so much to look forward to!

Stefanie Werner

East Setauket

I am ready to work for you as your trustee

I’m excited to share that I’m running for reelection for Port Jefferson village trustee. Over 24 years ago, Kelly and I made the decision to raise our family here in Port Jefferson, and it has truly been the perfect place to call home. Our children, Victoria and Stephen, have grown up here, and we’ve watched this village become an even more wonderful community with every passing year.

It has been a true honor to serve as your trustee for the past two years, and as deputy mayor for the past year. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many dedicated and talented people – from the team at Village Hall to volunteers who serve on committees like the Conservancy, Parks & Recreation, Tree Committee, Conservation Advisory Council and the Committee for Coastal Erosion. What I’ve come to appreciate is how much stronger we are when we work together to improve our village. I’ve always strived to listen, learn, and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.

With over 30 years in municipal government, including 18 years as the village clerk/administrator here in Port Jefferson, I’ve gained experience working alongside a wonderful staff, 10 mayors and many trustees. Through countless meetings, challenges and successes, I’ve learned what it takes to help a village prosper, and I’m committed to using that knowledge to make Port Jefferson even better.

There are still important opportunities ahead that we must address, like the stabilization of the bluff at the Port Jefferson Country Club, the future of the Power Plant and managing the growth of apartments. These issues require thoughtful leadership, and I believe my experience, ability to collaborate and passion for our community make me well-suited to help guide Port Jefferson forward.

Two years ago, I promised that I would always be available to listen to your concerns and ideas. I’ve kept that promise with my “Saturday Sit-Down” sessions, where I meet informally with residents to chat about village matters. My personal cell phone number is on my business cards and in my emails, and I encourage you to reach out to me. I’m here to listen, help, and be part of the solutions that make our village the best it can be.

I hope I can count on your support on June 17. Together, we’ll continue to make Port Jefferson the wonderful community that we all cherish.

Bob Juliano

Port Jefferson

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Between You and Me: Confessions of how I cope with stress besides the usual advice of diet and exercise

by Leah Dunaief - April 2, 2025

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By Leah S. Dunaief

While a little bit of stress in one’s life can be a good thing, enabling high performance, for the most part, stress is a negative I try to reduce for myself as I get older. It took me many years before I even realized what stress was. It didn’t occur to me to think I was stressed the night before a big test or having to give a talk at the front of the class in junior high school. I just knew I first had to spend a long time in the bathroom.

No one I knew then, teachers, students, or my parents, even used the word “stress.” Today it is frequently discussed, along with how to manage it. Schools of techniques have been developed concerning stress management, such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.

What exactly is stress?

Stress is defined by the World Health Organization as “a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way we respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to our overall well being.”

Here is what I have found to be stressors in my life and what I have done to mitigate them.

One of the most obvious and perhaps the simplest to reduce is time pressure. Being late in my early years—for an appointment or with a delivery of a product or service —might have set me up, I am sure, for a possible ulcer later in life. While sometimes being late cannot be helped, we are lucky enough to live in an age where we can reach out and tell the person who is waiting for us that we are running behind, and when they can expect to see us. That takes away a great deal of stress. Three cheers for cell phones.

I used to be chronically late until I realized what a disservice that was for the person I was meeting, and also to myself, by adding so much pressure to what should be a matter of fact occurrence. Now, I take pleasure in being early, creating a situation in which I can settle in comfortably, study the menu if it is a restaurant, or get rid of some of my emails while I wait.

Also, I hate to disappoint. As a result, I have learned not to promise or commit until I am absolutely sure I can deliver on my word. And if there is a delay in getting a job done, the sooner I tell the recipient of difficulties, the easier it is to deal positively with expectations.

That goes for declarations. For example, if I insist I will never do such-and-such, and then I wind up having to break my word, it pains everyone. Better just to do without, again, setting up false expectations.

Then there are the situations where, if I cannot change what is happening, I can change the way I think about the event.

Example: having a driver abruptly cut me off as I m driving. That could be a stressful moment, but I prefer to consider that the driver might be in some dire need to get somewhere.

Or, if someone begins to yell at me for some perceived slight, or something we have written in the newspaper, I have to think that person might be having problems at home or some health issue. Which is not to say, I don’t sweep my conscience to determine if I am to blame. Sometimes I am at fault, although I would like to think of myself as Mary Poppins, “practically perfect in every way.”

Kidding!

D. None of the Above: Chances to be present for upcoming milestone moments

by Daniel Dunaief - April 2, 2025

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By Daniel Dunaief

Even for a family that often lives in fifth gear, this weekend is especially frenetic.

First, on Saturday, we’re going to the wedding for a member of my wife’s extended family. We’ve been looking forward to this for more than a year.

Over 25 years ago, the bride attended our wedding in a white dress that, thanks to my mother in law, matched the one my wife wore. It’s so easy to recall her doe-eyed face when she and her younger brother set a speed record as they raced down the aisle.

We had asked the children on both sides to participate, which they did to the delight of our friends and family.

I’m sure memories of the bride and groom will play through many people’s minds during the wedding. As I sit with my wife, son and daughter, I will likely picture the four-year-old version of the bride, whom I used to throw as high and far as I could from the shallow end into the deep end in my father-in-law’s warm pool.

I’ll hold hands with my wife as we share in the excitement of this ceremony, which marks the beginning of their married life and is an extension of a high school friendship that has turned into something much deeper.

After the ceremony, we will reconnect with extended family, finding out recent details of their lives. We will hug and kiss the amazing grandmother, who has provided unconditional family support since the moment I met her close to 30 years ago.

Our niece will also be a major attraction, as she is the seven-months pregnant matron of honor and is the first member of the next generation on either side of our family who is expecting a child.

And then, ahhh, the dancing! My family will be on the dance floor as long as possible, throwing ourselves around as if we were in some kind of Zumba, aerobics, bodies-in-motion session.

My shirt will become a much darker color as I sweat through it, and our daughter will somehow know the words to just about every song the band plays.

As the party winds towards its conclusion, we will continue moving and cheering, looking to squeeze every last drop out of this wedding.

The next day, we’ll amble out to a Sunday breakfast and recount some of the excitement from the night before.

But, wait, then there’s part two. We’ll head over to CitiField, where we’ll see my side of the family for a Mets game and, more importantly, celebrate a momentous birthday for our nephew.

We’ll share the excitement of this big birthday as we all become die hard Mets fans for the day, even as we also may share a few memories.

Indeed, when the birthday boy’s brother was born, my girlfriend (now my wife) and I drove to Baltimore. She left earlier than I. My then three-year-old nephew joined us as I walked her to her car.

“Bye, love you,” I said to my wife, kissing her through the rolled down window.

“Bye, love you,” our nephew echoed, standing on his tip toes as he offered an irresistible grin.

We’ll likely compare baseball stories and anecdotes about my nephew who has been married for over a year.

I may even tell the story about a memorable phone call.

His father, who wasn’t a morning person, called me early one Sunday. He asked me about my weekend and my plans for the week. Stupidly, I answered all his questions without thinking of the context for his life.

“Great,” he said, sounding both tired and excited. “Well, guess what?”

I shrugged while he paused either for effect or to take a quick rest.

“You’re an uncle,” he declared.

I jumped out of bed and couldn’t possibly get dressed quickly enough to meet someone I’m as eager to see today and any other day as the day he was born.

While we might wistfully recount such stories, we will also have the incredible gift of family time.Amid all the other times that come and go, we will have a full weekend where we won’t focus on whatever worries us about the world. We will share the joy of staying present, reveling in these magical moments that matter.

Kings Park girl’s lacrosse defeats Port Jefferson 17-4

by Bill Landon - April 2, 2025

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By Bill Landon

It was Port Jefferson’s girl’s lacrosse home opener against perennial powerhouse Kings Park where the Royals had their hands full, from the opening draw to the final buzzer. Kings Park, having defeated Great Neck South in a non-league season opener three days before, peppered the scoreboard easily winning their first league game of the season 17-4 on April 1.

Senior attack Emily Clemens led the way for Kings Park with four goals and two assists along with teammate Emily Hnis who inked four assists and two goals.

Port Jeff senior Emma Batter had a busy afternoon in net with 9 saves.

The Royals having defeated Brentwood in convincing fashion last week look to get back to their winning ways with a road game against Harborfields on April 3.

Kings Park is also back in action on April 3 with a road game against Miller Place. Both games are slated for a 4 p.m. start.

– Photos by Bill Landon

Port Jefferson resident named Irish American of Distinction by Leg. Englebright

by Press Release - April 2, 2025

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0-5 — Legislator Steve Englebright, right, honored Donie Stapleton as Suffolk County Legislative District 5’s Irish American of Distinction on March 26. Photo from Suffolk County Legislature

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) named Daniel “Donie” Stapleton, a Port Jefferson resident and owner of Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub, as Irish American of Distinction for the County’s Fifth Legislative District.

All 18 Suffolk County legislators recognized an Irish American from their district at an event held at the H. Lee Dennison Building on Tuesday, March 26. County Executive Ed Romaine (R) also attended to name Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) as his Irish American of Distinction.

Honorees were chosen based on their contributions to improving their communities and their work in encouraging fellow Irish Americans to do the same.

Stapleton had five hundred dollars and a dream when he left the village of Horse and Jockey in County Tipperary, Ireland, for New York at 22. Determined to make something of himself, he worked three jobs. That determination led to him owning his first pub, Lily Flanagan’s, at age 26, and eventually to owning Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub, which currently has three locations in Suffolk County and one in Colorado, and other restaurants, including The Smithtown House in Smithtown and The Salt Creek Steakhouse also in Colorado.

Stapleton regularly holds fundraisers for people in crisis and funds scholarships and community initiatives. Napper Tandy’s was the first pub on Long Island to hold the annual St. Baldrick’s events. To date, 54 events with more than 10,000 participants have raised over $6.5 million to help fight childhood cancer. When Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina in 2024, Stapleton stepped up, soliciting donations to send a 26-foot truck filled with food and supplies to the Appalachian Relief Coalition. He also raises money for other causes, such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

The business owner is also known for guiding and helping employees, inspiring them to open their own pubs/restaurants around Long Island.

“Donie Stapleton is living proof that with hard work and dedication the American Dream still exists in our country,” Englebright said. “He has improved his life as well as the lives of countless people who he will never meet.”

In the past, Stapleton also organized the Long Island Irish Feis at Flowerfield, which featured Irish music, crafts and food to celebrate Irish American culture. The event proceeds were donated to Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.

Editorial: Addressing the unacceptable

by TBR Staff - April 1, 2025

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antisemitism — Suffolk County residents can call 311 to report an antisemitic incident. File photo from Steve Bellone’s Flickr page

The Three Village Central School District was the subject of much conjecture and anxious speculation last week after Superintendent Kevin Scanlon released a letter addressing incidents of antisemitism and hate speech at their schools.

Addressing the problem means admitting there is one: something many would be hesitant to do; Scanlon and other administrators took a bold step, opening themselves up to criticism, in making a move towards change.

In the letter, Scanlon states that current initiatives aren’t enough to abate hate speech and that more needs to be done to educate both students and employees. “It is evident that the numerous resources, programs and educational opportunities that the district currently provides are not enough,” the letter reads.

The letter is upsetting as students are still being excluded, bullied or harassed in a place they should feel completely at ease and comfortable and where their identity doesn’t cause conflict or discomfort.

It is comforting to know the district is tackling these problems aggressively and in spite of potentially opening itself up to “bad publicity.” The Anti-Defamation League records a 200% increase of antisemetic acts from 2023 to 2024—over 10,000 in one year.

Bullying is ubiquitous–a weed within every school– but education and thoughtful programing and training, initiatives Scanlon is suggesting, may be able to help. The rising antisemitism, however, is not normal. A 200% increase is completely unacceptable. In schools, it is possible that these children don’t know what they are saying is hurtful–maybe they are trying to be irreverent and rebellious. Hopefully, the Three Village School District is on track to eradicate hate from its schools–to educate and change the narrative around other religions and to promote curiosity and acceptance rather than blind rejection and alienation. After all, hatred often comes from ignorance and a lack of empathy. It’s hard to hate or bully someone you know, understand and respect.

Rabbi Aaron Benson from the North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station said he tries not to dwell on these acts of antisemitism. “I want the experience of the members of the congregation to be about the positive and joyful and meaningful aspects of Judaism,” Benson said, “and not about the people who say negative and cruel things.”

Staller Associates Realty discusses designs for mixed-use project at PJS/Terryville civic meeting

by Sabrina Artusa - March 29, 2025

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By Sabrina Artusa

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association met on March 25 with Staller Associates Realty and its architect to discuss possible architectural designs for the Staller’s 280-unit, three-story apartment complex, which would replace the abandoned shopping center on Route 112, between Cherub Lane and Terryville Road.

John Lewis from NELSON Worldwide, described as a “masters of suburban mixed-used development master plans” by Staller Associates Vice President Valentin Staller, presented three possible designs for the civic’s consideration. The three buildings were all angular, with long wrap-around balconies, large windows, discrete first-floor parking garages and glass elements.

The first design was mostly brick with a “warehouse or mercantile kind of feel,” said Lewis, who was inspired by feedback about the Staller’s property in Farmingdale, The Lofts on Main; the second integrates more color and other textures and materials with sleek white columns, while the third is more geometric, contemporary and mostly white.

“A more residential tone is more of a tone of exclusivity than inclusivity. A commercial feel allows people to feel welcome and draws them in,” Lewis said, saying later that the property will be a community center as people walk from store to store.

Some residents repeated the complaint that it is reminiscent of Brooklyn and Queens; others thought it was trendy and would be popular among the younger generation; many wanted a more subdued, classic New England feel — something that would mesh more with Port Jefferson.

While aesthetic discussion revolved mostly around feel, but some residents wanted specific elements such as a unique trim, no shutters or more cast stone.

“They are a little sterile. I like the idea of making it more farmhouse or colonial,” said a Port Jefferson resident.

“We are the gateway to Port Jefferson…is there a way to make this more to that kind of perception?” asked another.

Staller had previously lowered the building height at the request of the civic. The property will have a 25-foot setback, be 35-45 feet tall and will not include balconies in the back where the building faces a residential area as well as a larger buffer.

PJS/Terryville Civic President Ira Costell appreciated the effort to involve the community, but was dissapointed with the renderings. He said a computerized model that displayed the depth and other aspects of the project would have given a “real sense of the feel of the place” and allowed for more effective communication in the future. The meeting which was attended by around 70 people and lasted 2 hours.”It is a starting point rather than ending,” Costell said.

Staller Associates President Cary Staller said construction will start in two to three years. He still intends to devote 20% of the units to people with disabilities, although he doesn’t have a price point per unit approximation. Staller Associates is still looking for vendors, and the civic responded with many suggestions, ranging from a health food grocery store to a bakery, a suggestion that was enthusiastically received.

Bike lanes and sidewalks are part of the plan, and Cary Staller said he is trying to connect the bike lane to the existing lane. “We are going to have bike lanes from Terryville throughout the site and then to [the Greenway] and we think that will make the Greenway a lot more desirable,” Cary Staller said.

Lewis said there will be some construction traffic but roads will remain open.

St. Charles Hospital celebrates 3,500th robotic surgery milestone

by Press Release - March 29, 2025

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Catholic Health’s St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson announced last week a significant milestone of performing 3,500 robotic surgeries since the program started at the hospital in 2019.

Most recently, St. Charles was awarded prestigious accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Robotic and Hernia Surgery. The two accreditations recognize St. Charles Hospital’s commitment to the delivery of high quality, safe patient care. Achieving the status of an accredited Center of Excellence means that St. Charles Hospital has met both nationally and internationally recognized standards.

“This outstanding milestone of completing 3,500 robotic surgeries, as well as having received prestigious recognition from the SRC, is a true testament to St. Charles’ highly-skilled surgeons trained in minimally-invasive robotic surgery, allowing for much smaller incisions, shorter hospital stay, minimal blood loss and less need for pain medication,” said St. Charles Hospital President James O’Connor.

“Using the da Vinci® and Xi™ systems, we offer robotic-assisted surgeries in various surgical specialties, including bariatric, colorectal, general, gynecological, thoracic and urologic surgery. Residents of Port Jefferson and surrounding areas can have confidence in receiving top-notch care, enabling them to regain their quality of life,” he said.

Larry Hemmerich, 52, a Smithtown, resident and senior investigator with New York State Police, was suffering from a debilitating hernia, as well as diastasis, commonly known as abdominal separation. He was referred to Hesham Atwa, MD, a renowned robotic surgeon at St. Charles Hospital, who performed Mr. Hemmerich’s surgery this past December.

Mr. Hemmerich expressed his gratitude saying, “I couldn’t be happier with the care I received from Dr. Atwa and his team. The entire St. Charles Hospital staff were amazing. Thanks to the successful robotic surgery, my recovery process was faster, without any complications. I have regained my mobility and have been able to resume my daily routine.”

For more information about St. Charles’ robotic surgery and hernia repair program, call 631-474-6797.

‘Golden Girls’ murder mystery fundraiser heads to Theatre Three

by Tara Mae - March 29, 2025

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You are are cordially invited to Dorothy's wedding! Photo courtesy of Keith Dougherty

By Tara Mae

Theatre Three gives the public an opportunity to say “Thank you for being a friend,” with The Golden Girls Gone Wild: A Murder Mystery at Dorothy’s Wedding & Brunch on Sunday, April 13, at 11 a.m.

A benefit for Theatre Three, this interactive experience on its Second Stage is based on characters from The Golden Girls (1985-1992), a television comedy series about four previously married women: Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Dorothy’s mother, Sophia, who share a Miami home, hardships, and happiness as they navigate life and love together.

In this installation, Dorothy is about to get remarried, but seeing the bride before the ceremony proves to be fatally bad luck for the groom.

Rather than spectators of this unfolding performance, attendees are cast as wedding guests. While patrons partake of a menu provided by Theatre Three that includes mimosas, Bloody Marys, cinnamon French toast casserole, sausage-egg-and-cheese casserole, yogurt, fruit parfaits, cakes and cookies, festivities take a fun, funereal turn when the groom meets a suspicious end.

Now tasked with finding the murderer, participants get clue packets to help Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia solve the crime. Ballots are also supplied so people can write down who they think the murderer is and why. Hilarity and hijinks ensue as they work together on the whodunit.

“I’m excited to have our audience members—many of whom are longtime subscribers and friends of the theater—actively involved in the theatrical experience. It’s also a great opportunity to break the fourth wall in a way that’s usually not possible,” Theatre Three’s Artistic Associate/Director of Development Douglas Quattrock said.

Instead of actors and audience, cast and congregants are collaborators in amateur sleuthing.

The show is the brainchild of writer/director/producer Keith Dougherty. Proprietor of Murder Mystery Manhattan, he specializes in writing unauthorized parodies that spoof popular TV shows and film, as well as spoofs of cult classic films and TV shows. This is his first time working with Theatre Three.

“Personally, I like writing all the Golden Girls scripts because not only are the main characters iconic, but the show was so ahead of its time with many of the topics they tackled that are still relevant today,” Doughtery said.

The Golden Girls Gone Wild features Dougherty as Dorothy Soreback; Laurel Riley Brown as Rose Nylon; Teri Monahan as Blanche Devilho; Amanda Baumler as Sophia Barilla; and Timothy Scott Harris in a dual role as Phil and Pat McCrotch.

“One of our longtime patrons had seen them perform before, and when she attended our previous murder mystery event, she recommended them to me,” Quattrock said.

This partnership is part of Theatre Three’s ongoing creative effort to raise money for the arts and simultaneously regale its supporters. Unlike many previous fundraisers, which have been project oriented, this production is designed to support the theater as a whole.

“While we typically allocate fundraisers to specific causes, this one will support all of Theatre Three’s ongoing programs. We wanted to ‘spread the wealth,’ so to speak,” Quattrock said. “There are many worthwhile causes, and we felt that supporting all of them would be particularly helpful at this time.”

Showcasing The Golden Girls Gone Wild for such an endeavor is a worthy undertaking to Dougherty, melding entertainment with outreach. “Murder Mystery Manhattan always likes to give back to the community and is happy to perform for a good cause,” he said. “We love what we do and appreciate the audiences and venues whose support allows us to continue to do what we love.”

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Tickets are $125 each and includes brunch. The show runs approximately three hours. All proceeds benefit Theatre Three, located at 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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