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Emma Clark Library in Setauket reopens after brief closure

by Sabrina Artusa - June 12, 2025

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Emma S. Clark Library 5:16 Elyse Sutton — Emma S. Clark Memorial Library in Setauket. Photo by Elyse Sutton

By Sabrina Artusa

The Emma Clark library in Setauket closed on May 1 to pursue remedial work after staff discovered a mold outbreak on the HVAC system.

Identified by its damp, musty smell, the cladosporium led to the library’s closure. The mold could affect the respiratory system, leading to itchy eyes, coughing or sneezing; although, the risks are higher for those with pre-existing conditions like asthma. It is known as a household mold as it is prevalent in bathrooms and basements–anywhere damp with little ventilation.

Now, after transferring services and programs to other locations, the building is again open to the public in its entirety.

The library hired Lux Restoration Services LLC to address the issue. They replaced materials infected by the mold, including flex ducts, vents, insulation and ceiling tiles. Some furniture needed to be cleaned.

During the hiatus, the library had to creatively adapt some programs and services. “The staff did an amazing job in pivoting so that we were still able to offer services and programs during this time,” said Library Director Ted Gutmann, “including running circulation services out of our historic room in the Library and children’s programs being held in the library’s main community room.”

Since the mold primarily impacted the children’s room, the library was able to open with limited services on May 19.

There was no permanent damage to the building. Currently, library staff are “working with the insurance company to determine the potential cause of the issue,” according to Gutmann. They have instituted testing procedures to prevent future growths, including duct cleaning and inspections.

“We’re thrilled to have everything back to normal in our beloved building,” Gutmann said.

‘Pleinly’ a fun time at Gallery North’s 21st annual Wet Paint Festival

by Steven Zaitz - June 12, 2025

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By Steven Zaitz

Gallery North held its 21st annual Wet Paint Festival June 7 and 8 at the Merritt Hawkins Homestead and Nassakeag Elementary School grounds in Setauket. Area artists painted in the genre known as “plein air” — a French term that translates to “open air” and refers to the practice of painting outdoors, capturing scenes directly from nature.

While artists young, old and in-between were scattered across the wooded grounds, other visitors took part in guided tours and listened to The Fox Hill Chamber Music Consortium and blues artist Kane Daily, while enjoying food and children’s activities.

History and nature tours were given throughout the weekend.

Loretta Oberheim, originally from Ronkonkoma and known for her three-dimensional art and rug design, was one of the tour guides at the Wet Paint Festival.

“I think the nice thing about these types of events is the true human connection,” Oberheim said. “You’re able to see what other artists are actually up to in person and not just from a social media feed. It’s very communal and all the artists will stop, walk around and check out each other’s pieces and talk about art. That’s why festivals like this are so important.”

For more information visit the gallery’s website: www.gallerynorth.org.

Your Turn: Setauket Harbor Task Force — Eight years of water testing

by Press Release - June 8, 2025

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Eight years of water testing

By George Hoffman

Almost a decade ago, Laurie Vetere and George Hoffman had a conversation about water quality concerns in Setauket Harbor and decided to form a group of like minded residents to work on improving water quality and the marine environment in the harbor. Out of that decision the Setauket Harbor Task Force was formed.

Since then a hardy group of local residents wake up twice a month at sunrise, from May through October and head out into the harbor with sophisticated equipment funded by the US EPA and take water quality readings in a dozen locations in Port Jefferson and Setauket harbors.

Setauket Harbor Task Force is part of a 50 harbor water quality monitoring program on both sides of the LI Sound in partnership with Save the Sound. The water quality data collected under the Unified Water Study, is compiled and categorized in an biannual water quality report card for the Long Island Sound. This data is used by municipalities, marine scientists and others to monitor the water quality health of Long Island Sound harbors.

Port Jefferson and Setauket Harbors continually rank in the top five harbors for water quality in the Long Island Sound.

This year marks the eighth year that Setauket Harbor Task Force has participated in the water quality monitoring program and is always looking for volunteers that like to get up early and be on a boat as the sun comes up. If interested contact www.savesetauketharbor.org.

Three Village Historical Society launches inaugural Historic Barn & Garden Tour fundraiser

by Heidi Sutton - June 5, 2025

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Above, one of the locations featured in the Historic Barn and Garden Tour. Photo by Kimberly Phyfe

The Three Village Historical Society and Museum (TVHS) in Setauket has announced the launch of their first Historic Barn and Garden Tour — a brand-new fundraising event in support of the ongoing construction of The Dominick-Crawford Barn Education and History Center.

This unique event, to be held on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is the first of its kind in the Three Village area in many decades.

“The Three Village Historical Society + Museum has long been known for ushering in the winter holiday season with our beloved Candlelight House Tour for 45 years. Now, we’re delighted to introduce what we see as its springtime cousin, an outdoor celebration that welcomes the summer season with beauty, history, and community spirit,” said Mari Irizarry, Director of the TVHS.

This exciting initiative has officially become a challenge grant fundraiser, thanks to the generous support of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, which has pledged to match every dollar raised, up to $10,000. “That means together, we can raise up to $20,000 to help bring The Barn to completion!” said Irizarry.

With the help of sponsors TBR News Media, Howard Hanna | Coach Realty and Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, this tour will take you to four beautifully preserved historic barns and six stunning gardens, where you’ll hear captivating stories of the area’s agricultural past.

“Barns are iconic symbols of our farming heritage, and we’re honored to partner with property owners who have lovingly stewarded these historic structures for generations. The gardens you’ll explore are just as special, many of them carefully curated and nurtured by their homeowners over decades, reflecting a deep love of the land and dedication to beauty and sustainability,” said Irizarry.

Your day doesn’t end there. Visit TVHS headquarters at 93 North Country Road, Setauket, to be among the first to explore their brand new art gallery, sponsored by Cathy Minuse, opening with a “Barn and Garden” themed exhibit, and enjoy guided tours of TVHS’s ReWild Community Garden, packed with inspiration for sustainable gardening and backyard biodiversity.

In addition, Four Harbors Audubon Society will hold a Native Plant Sale on the front lawn of the historical society from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring plants for a bird-friendly garden; an assortment of native shrubs and herbaceous perennials, some of which are deer and/or shade resistant; educational exhibits; and live music for kids.

“Join us as we celebrate the beauty of the land, the legacy of our barns, and the spirit of community, all while supporting a transformative new space for education and history at TVHS,” said Irizarry.

Tickets are $50 per person, $40 members. To order, visit www.tvhs.org/barnandgarden. For more information, please call 631-751-3730.

Suffolk County Leg. Englebright recognizes Setauket paramedic for National EMS Week

by Press Release - June 3, 2025

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0-4 — Legislator Steve Englebright, left, congratulates Jim Crispino, second from left, along with Crispino’s family. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office

Among the emergency services (EMS) personnel who were honored at the Suffolk County Legislature in Smithtown on Tuesday, May 20, was Jim Crispino, a full-time paramedic with the Setauket Fire Department.

Each legislator had the opportunity to recognize an EMS member for their efforts and achievements at an event hosted by Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), a member of the EMS community. After being highly recommended by SFD District Manager David Sterne and Fire Commissioner Sue Meyers, Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) chose Crispino as District 5’s EMS honoree.

“Crispino is the epitome of what an EMS professional should be,” Englebright said. “He is an excellent clinician and delivers the highest level of care to his patients.

Crispino, who has been with the district for 23 years, was also a full-time paramedic with the New York City Fire Department and was one of its first rescue paramedics. After 30 years of service, he retired from FDNY in 2022. In addition to his work in Setauket and New York City, Jim was an active member of the Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance for 30 years and one of its ex-chiefs. Known to share his knowledge, he has mentored several EMT and paramedic students.

“Throughout his career, Jim has been a pillar of support for countless Setauket Fire District and Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance District residents, providing crucial assistance during their worst medical emergencies. While he never seeks any accolades or recognition, his selfless dedication to his work has not gone unnoticed by his coworkers, district volunteers, community members and now the County of Suffolk.

Setauket honors the fallen with Memorial Day Parade and service

by TBR Staff - May 31, 2025

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By Greg Catalano

Hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2054, the Setauket Memorial parade on May 26 honored those who lost their lives fighting in our country’s armed services. Girl and boy scouts, the Setauket Fire Department and the Three Village Patriot Marching band were present.

After a ceremony at the Village Green, the procession started at the corner of Main Street and Route 25A and contended to Memorial park for the closing ceremony. Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setaukey), Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson) and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) were in attendance and placed wreathes in honor of those lost.

Chaplin Michael Russell led a prayer to the veterans, families, community members and politicians in attendance. Leon Schoemmell hosted the event and delivered a speech asking those present on the sunny day to reflect with gratitude on the sacrifices made by all our fallen men and women military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. He urged everyone to keep their memories alive.

— Photos by Greg Catalano

Three Village Historical Society’s ‘Chicken Hill’ online exhibit wins Award of Excellence

by Press Release - May 30, 2025

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Chicken Hill — From left, Kayleigh Smith and Kimberly Phyfe of the Three Village Historical Society. Photo from TVHS

By Kimberly Phyfe

The Three Village Historical Society & Museum (TVHS) recently received an Award of Excellence from the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN).

For 2025, Chicken Hill: A Community Lost to Time was recognized as Exhibit of the Year — the first time a completely digital museum exhibit has received this award.

The Landmark Preservation Society partnered with GHHN to present these awards on May 7 in Poughkeepsie. Representing TVHS were Research Fellow and Public Programs Coordinator, Kayleigh Smith and Community Engagement Manager, Kimberly Phyfe.

From left, Kayleigh Smith and Kimberly Phyfe of the Three Village Historical Society. Photo from TVHS

There, TVHS received the GHHN Award for Excellence for their new online exhibit, Chicken Hill — A Community Lost to Time. These awards recognize and commend exceptional efforts among museums throughout New York State. They are presented to projects that exemplify creativity and professional vision, contributing to the preservation and interpretation of the historic landscape, material culture, and the diversity of the region.

Smith and TVHS Visitor Services Associate Jack Maloney finalized the project in March of 2025 after months of cataloging, researching, and compiling information about the exhibit. By digitizing this exhibit, the TVHS brings more public awareness to the importance of local history by breathing new life into it via the online platform.

The Three Village Historical Society & Museum is grateful to be recognized for this innovative way they transformed a permanent exhibit of thirteen years into a multi-media interactive website, contributing to understanding not only our local history, but broader state and national narratives, and preserving our shared cultural heritage.

Chicken Hill’s story isn’t the first of its kind. It is reflective of many multiethnic communities born from industries of labor across the United States. This interactive, multi-media approach can open doors to meaningful conversations of the importance of marginalized communities in local history.

“The online exhibit features the section Conflict and Turmoil which was not part of the physical display,” said Mari Irizarry, Society Director. “After many years of continuous engagement with local community, and new perspectives being brought to light, the society made sure to include these stories never before seen. By adding this section, we hope to further collective understanding, to highlight additional perspectives excluded from the original curation, and demonstrate a nuanced interpretation of a community that no longer exists physically but whose story helps us connect to the people who built this community.”

Chicken Hill: A Community Lost to Time can be experienced online at any time by visiting tvhs.org.

Author Kimberly Phyfe is the Community Engagement Manager at the Three Village Historical Society & Museum headquartered at 93 North Country Road in Setauket.

History Close at Hand: A place to relax — summer boarding houses

by Beverly C. Tyler - May 26, 2025

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By Beverly C. Tyler

As the shipbuilding era was ending in Stony Brook and East Setauket in the 1870s, the Long Island Railroad was completing the North Shore Line to Port Jefferson. The coming of the railroad made it possible for people and products to travel quickly overland and opened the Three Village area to tourism, especially from New York City

Until the railroad came, most travel and commerce to and from Long Island ports was conducted by ship. As the railroad became more efficient and reliable, tourism began to increase, especially during the summer months. Hotels, tourist homes and summer cottages opened in Stony Brook and Setauket, as they did throughout Long Island, to accommodate the influx of visitors.

By 1902, there were six hotels or tourist homes in Stony Brook and ten in Setauket-East Setauket which offered weekly rates. In Stony Brook, the Pine View House, run by Israel Hawkins, advertised as a family recreation summer boarding house with accommodations for 25 guests. Guests at the Pine View had the use of a beach house at West Meadow Beach.

In East Setauket, Shore Acres was a large boarding house overlooking Setauket Harbor. Shore Acres was run by Mr. and Mrs. William D. Oakes and had 30 rooms and one bathroom with a wash basin in each room. “In the large dining room on Sundays, the meal was usually chicken, slaughtered on Saturday evening, fresh garden vegetables and homemade ice cream.” (Long Island Museum 1981 exhibit Summer at the Shore). Boating and bathing were popular activities during these summers and Shore Acres had its own docks and boats for the use of guests. As noted by Barbara Russell, “Later, Mr. Oakes had a motorboat and would take boarders over to Whitehall Beach to spend afternoons.” (Down the Ways – The Wooden Ship Era)

In Setauket, the Lakeside House, now the Setauket Neighborhood House, had accommodations for 25 guests at $6.00 to $8.00 per week. The Lakeside House was run by my grandfather Captain Beverly Swift Tyler.

In 1879, he was master and 3/8 owner of the “Willow Harp”. She was a coastal schooner and carried coal from New Jersey to East Setauket. Beginning about the turn of the century, Captain Tyler, who then spent much of his time running the Lakeside House, would take guests on sailing outings on his catboat “Madeline” which was anchored in Setauket Harbor.

After he married my grandmother Edith Griffin in 1912, who first came to Setauket to stay a week at the Lakeside House with her sister Carolyn, she became the Lakeside hostess and manager of the kitchen and boarding house staff. Lucy Hart Keyes, born 1900, commented that she worked at the Lakeside house as a young girl and that Mrs. Tyler was “an easy person to work for.”

In 1906, my grandfather built the catboat “Setauket” in an area behind the Lakeside House. The “Setauket” was the second boat he built, the first being the “Madeline,” which, according to Roger Tyler, Captain Tyler’s nephew, “was built with the comments and help of friends and neighbors whose advice he took and later regretted. When the ‘Setauket’ was being built and comments were again offered, Captain Tyler this time pointed out that the ‘Madeline’ was their community boat and that he was building the ‘Setauket’ by himself.”

Sailboats and the harbors and inlets of the Three Village area were part of the attractiveness of the community at the turn of the century. Captain Tyler used the “Setauket” to take guests on excursions on the Sound and around Setauket and Port Jefferson Harbors. The “Setauket” was also built to race in local competitions in Port Jefferson Harbor. When the “Setauket” was built, Captain Tyler sold the “Madeline,” which was a fairly good racing catboat. Roger Tyler said that the “Setauket” was raced in Port Jefferson and was a consistent winner against all competition including the “Madeline.” Tyler commented that, “it got to be so that they wouldn’t tell Bev when a race was to be run and a few times he found out about them only just and hour or so before the race, but raced and won anyway.”

The tourism era in Setauket and Stony Brook continued strong until World War I. Captain Tyler sold the Lakeside House to Eversley Childs in 1918. Childs, who – the story goes – only wanted the tourist home for its liquor license, which he transferred to the St. George Golf and Country Club gave the Lakeside House to the community for its use. A number of other tourist homes in the Three Village area continued into the 1930s.

Beverly Tyler is Three Village Historical Society historian and author of books available from the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Rd., Setauket, NY 11733. Tel: 631-751-3730. http://www.TVHS.org

Setauket Artists’ Spring Exhibition heads to Deepwells

by Heidi Sutton - May 15, 2025

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'Pond at Bayard Cutting Arboretum' by Ross Barbera will be on view through June 15.

By Heidi Sutton

As flowers and trees bloom across Long Island and the weather warms, the beauty of the season heads inside for the Setauket Artists’ Spring Exhibition at Deepwells Mansion in St. James.

Featuring over 100 works of art from 34 artists displayed on the first and second floors of the mansion, the stunning exhibit will open this weekend with an artist reception on Sunday, May 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

“It will be a beautiful show painted by talented artists who are attuned to the beauty of the local area,” said Paula Pelletier, publicist for the Setauket Artists and a member for over15 years.

Participating artists include Ross Barbera, Shain Bard, Kyle Blumenthal, Sheila Breck, Joyce Bressler, Renee Caine, Al Candia, Gail Chase, Anthony Davis, Julie Doczi, William Dodge, Paul Edelson, Margaret Governale, Melissa Imossi, Flo Kemp, Karen Kemp, Joanne Liff, John Mansueto, Daniel McCarthy, Jane McGraw-Teubner, Eleanor Meier, Fred Mendelsohn, Muriel Musarra, Annette Napolitano, Paula Pelletier, Joan Rockwell, Robert Roehrig, Carole Link Scinta, Barbara Jeanne Siegel, John Taylor, Susan Trawick, Maria Lourdes Velez, Marlene Weinstein, and Patricia Yantz.

Many of the paintings are inspired by Long Island landscapes and seascapes of the Sound. This year’s Honored Artist is Anthony Davis whose oil paintings of the ever-changing surf will grace the walls of the mansion. Other paintings reflect artists’ travels and daily inspirations, which range from butterflies (Maria Lourdes Velez), birches (Shain Bard) to barns (Al Candia), according to Pelletier.

Mediums include oil, watercolor, acrylic and pastel. Additionally, hand-painted photographs and cyanotypes by Marlene Weinstein. All paintings are for sale.

The first floor of the mansion will also feature a gift boutique where one can purchase original scarves, greeting cards and books, matted and unframed works (some originals, others giclee prints), as well as pottery by Russell Pulick. In addition, four paintings — generously donated by Patty Yantz, Paul Edelson, Eleanor Meier, and Carole Link Scinta — will be raffled off.

“The artists are excited to return to Deepwells with its floor-to-ceiling windows and extraordinary light. While there, visitors can admire its 19th century Greek-Revival architecture, learn the history of this beautiful mansion built in 1845 and view restoration projects,” said Pelletier.

“We would like to thank the members of the Setauket Artists community who work so hard and spend so many hours working to make our exhibits successful. In particular we would like to thank Renee Caine, Rob Roehrig and Patty Yantz for their time, energy, good humor and administrative skills,” she added.

Sponsored by Steven Baroumis of SBNY RE, the exhibit will run through June 15 at Deepwells Mansion, 2 Taylor Lane (corner of Route 25A and Moriches Road), in St. James. Admission is free. For more information and to view a selection of the paintings, visit setauketartists.com.

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library in Setauket temporarily closed

by Sabrina Artusa - May 15, 2025

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By Sabrina Artusa

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library in Setauket is temporarily closed after staff noticed a strange odor on May 1. The smell was from a mold growth in a “contained area” of the library, necessitating repairs to the HVAC system.

The mold, Cladosporium, is described by the National Institutes of Health as one of the “most common fungal inhabitants worldwide.” It appears as black or brown spots in a wide variety of conditions and surfaces such as carpets, HVAC grills, wallpaper or wood surfaces and is particularly drawn to damp, not-well-ventilated places like bathrooms or basements.

According to library Director Ted Gutmann, the cause has not yet been determined and the remediation process is still underway.

The mold air-sampling concentration varied from light to heavy. Spore concentration levels of 1,500 and below are considered acceptable. Physical symptoms begin to materialize in people with normal immune functions when spore levels reach 10,000 or higher, although those with sensitive health may experience sneezing, an itchy throat or eyes, coughing, a runny nose or dry skin at a level of 3,000 spores.

Gutmann said reopening “could be a few weeks away.”

“We are working to make sure the process is completed as quickly and safely as possible,” he said. “As soon as we have more information, reopening updates will be posted on the library’s website and social media channels.”

The library will continue online zoom classes on the usual schedule but will extend holds and due dates of books, museum passes and items. The prolonged possession of library property will not accrue late fees and holds will be extended for one week past the date of reopening. The library will reopen once air quality tests confirm the mold’s eradication. The library card can be used at any Suffolk County library.

Gutmann and library staff still plan to have the Seed Library outdoors. “Emma Clark is still here for the community during building closure,” Gutmann said, adding that several upcoming events will be held.

The Catholic Health’s mobile outreach bus will park at the library on May 15 for free health screenings and E-Waste & Metal Recycling Day will be held in the parking lot on May 17. The Ellen Bodolub Chamber Music Concert on May 18 has been moved to the Setauket Neighborhood House.

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