Stony Brook

Photo courtesy of WMHO

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) announced on June 23 that it has retained an engineering firm, Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers (MRCE), and work has begun on taking borings of Harbor Road to determine its composition. This process entails drilling down every five feet until reaching 50 feet, inserting a four-inch wide hollow tube, and pulling out samples of soil from three separate locations. 

An engineer will analyze data from the borings. Once that information is gathered, hydraulic data (rainfall, road runoff, the existing water in the pond) will then be analyzed. This process will take approximately two to four months. 

The board of trustees feels the frustration of the community regarding the issue of Harbor Road, and we have initiated this work to secure on an accelerated basis the critical information needed to repair or replace Harbor Road. After signing the contract with MRCE on February 12, the first step of this multi-tiered process was conducting a survey of the grist mill and providing a subsequent report. Once the data collection and analysis are complete, three design concepts will be provided. 

The organization hopes to at that point share all the pertinent details with the county, towns, and village. They realize that the matter requires a comprehensive approach that prevents this disaster from recurring in the future. 

Harbor road, Stony Brook, blocked off. A collapsed dam stood just beneath the road, to the immediate left of Stony Brook Harbor. Photo by Denis Lynch

By Emily Mandracchia

Nearly one year after Harbor Road in Stony Brook collapsed, the unrepaired road is raising serious public safety concerns for residents and first responders. The delay has led to increased emergency response times and growing fears that the situation could result in avoidable loss of life or property.

At a June 17 Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services & Preparedness Committee (FRES) meeting in Hauppauge, residents and officials voiced frustration over the inaction and jurisdictional confusion surrounding the collapsed roadway. They warned that the current detours and narrow, curving side roads are not appropriate for emergency access and are already contributing to slower response times for fire and EMS services.

Beth Zweig, a resident of Head of the Harbor, said the risk is not theoretical. “This is not speculation. Five and seven minutes could be the difference between a person found DOA or a house burned down,” she told attendees, describing the main thoroughfare as “nearly impassible.”

In response to public pressure following a community rally earlier this year, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) promised to provide a list of provisions that would render them comfortable signing the FEMA application. Instead, according to a June 10 letter from WMHO’s attorney, the organization presented a list of stipulations that the town and federal government would need to meet in order to access the site for repairs — without accepting ownership or signing off on the application.

The lack of a signed agreement is preventing FEMA funding, which is tied to a 30-month deadline for project completion. Nearly 10 months have already passed. If the parties fail to act soon, the funding could be rescinded. Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta estimates repairs could cost $8 to $10 million.

Dominick Thorne, a Suffolk County legislator and member of the Public Safety Committee, warned at the June 17 meeting that continued delays not only jeopardize FEMA funding, but could expose all involved parties to greater legal risk if emergency response is compromised.

“There will be more lawsuits if someone calls the fire department and they don’t make it,” Thorne said.

The Village of Head of the Harbor officials have expressed concern that the current situation has created unsafe conditions for residents and placed emergency responders in a difficult position. 

Public safety officials have not confirmed whether any formal emergency response assessments or contingency plans have been issued regarding Harbor Road, and no agency has stepped forward to assume full responsibility for leading the recovery.

Community members have called on Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine to take a leadership role in coordinating a resolution, citing his prior involvement with infrastructure issues and relationships with local stakeholders. As of this writing, no direct action has been announced by the county executive’s office.

For residents and first responders alike, the concern is that the longer the road remains closed, the higher the chance of a preventable tragedy.

Route 347 and Nicolls Road overview in Stony Brook.

By William Stieglitz

The New York State Department of Transportation, in cooperation with local officials, is considering multiple design proposals for an overpass bridge at the intersection of Nicolls Road and Route 347, including  a new “preferred alternative” design that is distinct from the two designs previously made available to the public.

These previous proposals, explained Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), included a diamond design and a clover design. The diamond design, similar to the intersection of Nicolls Road and Middle Country Road, would have an overpass providing straight passage for one road, but would require a traffic light for the perpendicular road underneath. “It would only solve half the traffic problem, not all of it,” said Kornreich.

The proposed clover shaped design. This rendering portrays ramps and would not require traffic lights. Photo courtesy Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich

The clover design, similar to the intersection of the Long Island Expressway and Nicolls Road, would feature looped ramps and no traffic lights. However, this would require more space, placing the ramps directly behind some homes. 

“It would affect a small number of people in a negative way,” said Kornreich. “However, for the vast majority of people, the thousands and thousands of people who use that intersection every day, by having the full clover leaf, now there are no lights at that intersection.”

The “preferred alternative” design, explained NYS Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay (D–Port Jefferson), was initially shown to her in May when she met with the DOT. The new design, she was told, “resulted from internal DOT conversations about design feasibility and traffic needs.”

Since that meeting, she has emailed the DOT with a list of questions regarding details of the design and plans to engage the public with updated information.  She asked if there is statistical data to support one design over the other two as well as accessibility differences for ambulances and commuters. 

She advocated for sound walls to prevent residents and businesses from being impacted by additional traffic noise, as well as landscape installations that could help drainage, water quality and beautification. Furthermore, she requested visual references of designs of other NYS DOT bridges for community consideration.

“My office has been coordinating closely with residents who have worked for many years to keep this intersection clean and welcoming for our community,” said Kassay. “I am grateful for the passion they have for our community and their willingness to go above and beyond to care for Nicolls Road and Route 347.”

Three Village Civic Association President Charles Tramontana said that while the DOT has been in contact with Kassay and Kornreich, the DOT had not been meeting with them regarding this phase of the project, and that they are awaiting updates. “We definitely have questions,” he said, referencing how he’d want to know how the chosen proposal would affect the clearing of woods and its aesthetic ramifications. 

Tramontana said the lack of communication presented a problem, citing as an example the DOT recently removing trees from the north side of the intersection, without the association being told it would happen beforehand. Tramontana said, “In everything, we always strive to have good communication so that there’s no surprises, there’s no rumors, everybody knows exactly what’s going to take place. That’s what we’re looking to facilitate as a civic association.”

Photo courtesy of Long Island Museum

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook will host the 9th Annual Arts & Alzheimer’s Conference on Thursday, June 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The conference will provide insight, and inspiration, into how the arts can enrich the lives of those with memory loss. The full-day program will feature presentations, activities and performances from local and national experts on how the arts can help increase engagement, and will help attendees discover the vast and enriching opportunities available for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss.

“Art and music can play such an important role in engaging and helping those with memory loss, providing a wonderful outlet for self-expression, as well as helping to stimulate positive memories, reduce anxiety and improve mood and social interaction,” said Beth Chiarelli, Assistant Director of Education at LIM, which also offers a series of In the Moment programs designed for those living with memory loss and their care partners.

The event is offered at no cost due to generous anonymous funding, and a complimentary lunch will be provided for all attendees. “We are so pleased to be able to offer this conference to the community, and help raise awareness of how the arts can enhance the quality of life for so many people with memory loss in our community,” said Chiarelli.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required by calling 631-751-0066, ext 211, or emailing [email protected].

By Tara Mae

On view from June 12 to September 21 at the Long Island Museum (LIM) in Stony Brook, The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art explores the sense and sensation of an art form that lauds the intricate vibrancy and nuances of nature.

The Triumph of Nature celebrates the florid, languorous curves, natural motifs, and refined elegance of Art Nouveau furniture, glass, and other works that have entranced generations of collectors and museum-goers since the apex of this brief but intense movement around the turn of the twentieth century,” said LIM Co-Executive Director Joshua Ruff.

Large enough to span two of LIM’s galleries, this 120 piece exhibit is visiting from the Art Nouveau collection of the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia. 

It includes glassworks, furniture, paintings, and sculptures from artisans and artists of the late 1800s and early 1900s, including Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany & Co., Gustav Klimt, Louis Majorelle, Alphonse Mucha, Emmanuel Lansyer, and Émile Gallé. 

LIM’s showcase is just one stop on a 13 museum national tour. 

“We heard about this traveling exhibition in 2022 and signed on as soon as we could, excited to share this incredible collection of objects with our audience. We are glad that we booked it when we did, it was fully scheduled almost immediately,” Ruff said. “It is traveling to art museums all around the country, including California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, so we are pleased to be the only museum hosting it in New York.”

Both The Triumph of Nature and the Chrysler Museum have ties to Long Island. Tiffany lived on a 600-acre estate in Laurel Hollow, Laurelton Hall, an 84-room mansion of Art Nouveau design that blended Islamic and nature motifs. Walter P. Chrysler and his family, for whom the Chrysler Museum is named, had a summer home in Kings Point; it is now Wiley Hall at the US Merchant Marine Academy. 

Walter P. Chrysler Junior grew up visiting the house and with his wife, Jean, established the Chrysler Museum’s extensive Art Nouveau holdings. 

This is LIM’s first exhibit solely dedicated to the genre. A style generally inspired by natural imagery, defined by foliate forms and sinuous lines, its influence is found in many mediums. Popularized during the Belle Époque period, which started in France and swept Europe, Art Nouveau celebrates the whimsy, wit, and wonder of the movement, as well its ongoing impact on art. 

“I think people are much more familiar with Art Deco, and this exhibition indicates the inheritance that Art Deco had from Art Nouveau. But I think that the curves and beautiful forms influenced much modern design, and you can see the continuing influence of Nouveau in contemporary graphic design, textile design, furniture, and fashion,” Ruff said. 

Its narrative thread also weaves through two exhibits LIM will be installing later this season: Gatsby at 100, which looks at the centennial of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and Giants and Gems, which examines scale in art and design. 

“I think that there is a lot of synergy between these three exhibitions, and I’m looking forward to seeing it all through our visitors eyes and see what they take away and enjoy and learn from,” Ruff said. 

Located at 1200 Route 25A in Stony Brook, the Long Island Museum is open Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Fridays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for seniors, age 62 and older; $10 for students, ages 6-17 and college students with ID; $5 for persons with disabilities, personal care assistants are free. Admission for children under age six, active and retired military, and LIM members are also free.

For more information about The Triumph of Nature and other upcoming shows and events, visit www.longislandmuseum.org. 

The Art Museum on the grounds of the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. Photo by Brian Kutner

The Long Island Museum (LIM), 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook was recently awarded a grant totaling $218,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the organization’s Art Museum Renovation – Phase II. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $86 million to 134 capital projects across New York State.

The grant was awarded to help LIM work towards vital improvements in the long-term environmental sustainability of LIM’s Art Museum, which turned 50 in 2024. Thanks, in part, to a grant from NYSCA in 2024, the roof system and roofline insulation are in the process of being replaced; Phase II of the project, for which this grant was awarded, is to strengthen additional components of the building’s envelope, including the installation of new insulation, siding, and doors. NYSCA funding will support this next phase of the project, which meets the larger goals of the overall project for the Art Museum: to increase the building’s efficiency, decrease LIM’s operating costs, and decrease the building’s carbon footprint/environmental costs.

“We are thrilled to have received a grant from NYSCA, which will provide us with vital support for this project in alignment with three of our key priorities: accessibility, environmental sustainability and organizational health,” said Sarah Abruzzi, Co-Executive Director, Operations.  “This project will help take our Art Museum beyond its first 50 years and into a successful future, where LIM will continue to serve as a community leader and bring important art exhibitions, dynamic collections initiatives, and memorable programmatic experiences to visitors of all ages and abilities for generations to come.”

“Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”

NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “These transformative projects improve communities, drive tourism and foster innovation in the field. Thanks to the Governor and the Legislature’s dedication to arts and culture, we are building a thriving future for our world-renowned creative sector. Congratulations to The Long Island Museum, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to New York’s arts and culture.”

About The Long Island Museum 

Founded in 1939 and accredited by AAM since 1973, The Long Island Museum is home to more than 60,000 artifacts, The Long Island Museum inspires and engages visitors of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities by connecting them with the region’s art and history, a world-class carriage collection, and energizing programs that foster a creative and inclusive community. For more about LIM’s exhibitions and programming, visit longislandmuseum.org

About the New York State Council on the Arts 

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving hundreds of arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF), in coordination with earMUSIC, hosted an evening celebrating Candice Night and the release of her new album, Sea Glass, on May 13. The celebration featured a live solo performance by Night, performing three songs from her new album followed by the official induction of Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night of Blackmore’s Night into LIMEHOF at its museum, located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook.  Night accepted the induction by LIMEHOF executive board member Robert deBrauwere on behalf of Blackmore’s Night as Blackmore was not able to attend.

“I am so honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame,” Night said. “Being surrounded by some of the greatest musicians, knowing we all have the same roots here is an incredible feeling. I’ve lived on Long Island my whole life and am constantly inspired by the energy here and the beauty of our nature.”

Ritchie Blackmore

Blackmore’s Night, the minstrel rock band founded by legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and ethereal singer and multi-instrumentalist Candice Night began in 1997 as a labor of love and an escape from the pressures of the modern-day world. They formed their own musical world, creating a new genre of music. The group has recorded 11 albums. Weaving together melodies from the Renaissance times with modern day instrumentation, original arrangements, and new lyrical content, Blackmore and Night have achieved many awards, critical acclaim and gold records worldwide, consistently topping the Billboard New Age charts.

Together with their 7-piece touring band, they perform in castles and historical venues worldwide. Thousands of fans show up to the shows dressed in period garb to be a part of the musical festivities. They record in their home studio, here on Long Island, and have gained the love and loyalty of millions of fans over the past 28 years.

“It’s an amazing honor for me to induct my long-time friends and clients Candice and Ritchie as Blackmore’s Night into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame,” said deBrauwere. “It’s incredible how popular their music is throughout the world. Particularly in Europe and Japan, but really everywhere, there are Blackmore’s Night fans throughout the world. There’s a huge community of folks that love them.”

The two inductees met on Long Island and have strong Long Island community ties. Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple and Rainbow) grew up in the UK and moved to the USA in 1974, moving to Huntington, Long Island in the 1980s.

Candice Night

Candice Night grew up in Hauppauge and is a lifetime Long Island resident and a graduate of NYIT in Old Westbury.  While interning at WBAB in 1989, she met Ritchie Blackmore at a charity soccer game where Deep Purple played against the station’s DJ’s and Staff. After the game, Candice asked Ritchie for his autograph and the two became friends, later developing into more. They started living together in 1993 and co-founded Blackmore’s Night in 1997.

They have been very involved in many local charity efforts and community events across Long Island including Save a Pet in Port Jefferson, STAR animal rehabilitation, Little Shelter in Huntington, and the North Shore Animal League. They have raised funds, awareness and supplies for them and set up donation booths over the years at every Blackmore’s Night show, even hosting adopting events at their concerts for some.

Night started singing at Lillian Carans Little Theater Workshop in Smithtown and has recorded music at Richie Cannatas Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove with local producer/engineer Brendan Keenan. Candice was also the Snow Queen in the Dickens Festival at Port Jefferson for 2 years, including receiving the 1st artist in residence award.

“In recorded and live performances, Long Island’s Blackmore’s Night has been thrilling and entertaining audiences all around the world for nearly three decades,” said LIMEHOF Co-Founder Norm Prusslin. “Blending renaissance melodies, instrumentals, and folk-rock original songs into a style uniquely their own, Blackmore’s Night is beloved by their fans for their exceptional musicianship, extraordinary vocals, and legendary performances. Blackmore’s Night’s induction into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame recognizes and honors their artistry, creativity and legacy.”

Photo: Legislator Steve Englebright, left, congratulates Stephen, right, and Diane Weitzman, the Fifth Legislative District’s Jewish Americans of Distinction for 2025. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) recently recognized Stony Brook residents Stephen and Diane Weitzman as the Fifth Legislative District’s Jewish Americans of Distinction.

Legislator Englebright and his fellow legislators joined County Executive Ed Romaine (R) in honoring Jewish Americans of Distinction from all 18 Legislative Districts on Wednesday, May 7. The event, organized by Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), was held in the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.

The Weitzmans have been staples of Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook since 1980. According to Rabbi Emeritus Adam Fisher, “no couple has given more to our community.” He described the Weitzmans as the type of congregants who are right there to assist if something needs to be done.

Diane Weitzman was the financial secretary for the temple from 1986 to the end of last year, except for three years when she was a board trustee. She also taught religious instruction for more than 20 years.

Stephen Weitzman taught religious courses, including for adults, in the temple’s school for 43 years and served as interim principal three times. He has also been a member of the temple’s morning study group since its inception in 1989.

A temple board member from 1986 to 2001, Stephen served as congregational president three times. In addition to his contributions at Temple Isaiah, he was on the North American Board of the Union for Reform Judaism for 16 years and is a past president of the URJ Greater New York Council.

“The Weitzmans’ dedication to Temple Isaiah makes them a blessing to the congregation and their community,” Englebright said. “Stephen and Diane, congratulations on being named Legislative District 5’s Jewish Americans of Distinction.”

 

Photo from Stony Brook University Athletics

Stony Brook softball fell to No. 4 Campbell and No. 6 Hofstra on day one of the 2025 CAA Championship at Buies Creek, N.C. on May 7 to end the season.

GAME ONE: CAMPBELL 13, STONY BROOK 7

Stony Brook scored twice in the first inning after Campbell committed a pair of errors in the frame. Kyra McFarland reached on an error leading off and Alyssa Costello walked and both came around to score with two outs after Madelyn Stepski’s speed forced an errant throw at first.

Campbell responded in the home half of the first, evening the contest on a ground-rule double that plated two runners. The Camels pushed across a pair of two-out runs, chasing Crimson Rice from the game in the first inning. Gabrielle Maday induced a ground ball for the final out, stranding two runners in scoring position.

The Seawolves had runners on second and third with one out after hits from Emily Reinstein and Malorie Hill, but did not score in the second.

The Camels put up a four-spot in the scoring column for the second straight inning, taking an 8-2 lead after two full innings.

Nicole Allen doubled to lead off the third and Mia Vannelli worked a walk, but a double play helped Campbell post a second-straight scoreless frame.

Maddie Male took to the circle for the third inning and despite loading the bases with no outs, allowed just one run and escaped a jam.

Trailing by seven runs, Costello put a dent in Stony Brook’s deficit with a grand slam to right. Allen followed with her second double of the game, but the four runs were all the Seawolves managed in the fourth.

Campbell got two of the four runs it allowed back in the next half inning, extending its lead to five runs after four frames.

The Camels added a pair of insurance markers in the fifth inning. Campbell placed the potential winning run, via the eight-run rule, in scoring position with two away, but Male stranded her to keep the Seawolves in it.

Naiah Ackerman led off the sixth with a ground-rule double and scored on a McFarland single to make it a six-run game.

Rice re-entered in the sixth inning, working a scoreless frame to send things to the seventh.

Stony Brook went down in order in the seventh, falling to the host Campbell and moving to the elimination bracket.

GAME TWO: HOFSTRA 7, STONY BROOK 2

Maday started the elimination game for the Seawolves, allowing three runs on four hits in the first frame.

Allen worked a two-out walk in the first inning, but Stony Brook did not score.

Hofstra added another run in the second inning after a missed tag at home plate. The Pride extended their lead to five runs after a second unearned run scored.

The Seawolves’ three hitters saw just five pitches in the second inning, going down in order.

Maday made quick work of Hofstra in the top of the third, retiring the side in order on just eight pitches.

The Seawolves got on the board in the third inning on a wild pitch and again in the fourth frame when Naiah Ackerman doubled to the opposite field. Hofstra stranded a pair of runners to end the inning and keep it a three-run game.

Hofstra extended its lead back to five runs, 7-2, with two runs in the fifth inning. One run scored on miscommunication on a throw down to second and another came around on a sacrifice fly to right. Maday finished the frame with a strikeout.

Stony Brook could not push runs across in the final three frames, falling to Hofstra in the first elimination game of the 2025 CAA Championship.

Due to rain in the forecast for Saturday, the annual Spring Appreciation Day at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. offering a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family.  Visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment and experiences during this free event, including:

  • Steppin’ Out Ponies & Petting Zoo (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in front of D.K. Brothers): Children can interact with a variety of friendly animals.
  • Mustang & Shelby Club of Long Island Car Show (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind the Post Office): A spectacular display of Mustangs from 1964 to today, including classic models like the Shelby GT500, GT350, and the Boss 302. This event will also celebrate National Mustang Day, as MSCLI kicks off the season with up to 70 Mustangs on display. (MSCLI members must pre-register to participate; for more information, contact[email protected].)
  • Live Music by Brenda & Burke (noon to 4 p.m. at the Stony Brook Post Office): Enjoy an eclectic mix of R&B, Roots, Blues, and Contemporary Acoustic performances.
  • The Ward Melville Heritage Organization Youth Corps (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Inner Court): Family-friendly scavenger hunt for all to enjoy. One lucky winner will win a Stony Brook Village gift certificate. Other prizes are available for each participant.
  • Stony Brook Fire Department (noon to 3 p.m. behind the Post Office): Meet local firefighters, explore a fire truck up close, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Giveaway items will be available for children and adults.

While enjoying the festivities, visitors can shop the latest spring styles with special deals at participating Stony Brook Village shops and dine at one of seven delicious restaurants in the open-air village center.

Spring Appreciation Day is sponsored by News 12 Long Island, Goldfish Swim School, and Renewal by Andersen. For more information, visit stonybrookvillage.com