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Times of Huntington-Northport

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Amid picturesque weather, a convoy of fire trucks, tractors, music and dance groups and assorted vehicles marched through the streets of Port Jefferson for this year’s annual Fourth of July parade. 

Hosted by the local fire department, the procession included a large collection of first responders. Joining PJFD were fire departments and ambulance corps representing Terryville, Setauket, Mount Sinai and Centereach, among many others. 

Also in attendance were dance groups that twirled and danced between fire units. In a strong display of patriotism, various community groups, volunteer organizations and hospital employees made appearances as well.

Hundreds of spectators lined the village blocks to watch the spectacle as it unfolded during the late morning. The parade lasted nearly two hours in its entirety.

— Photos by Raymond Janis 

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Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

I read bumper stickers, buttons, fortune cookies and messages on T-shirts. They are a form of poetry that captures a moment, an approach, an attitude, and a message in fewer words than some of the soupier birthday cards.

Like birthday cards, sometimes these messages work, are amusing, evoke a reaction, or make me laugh for intentional and unintentional reasons.

In the modern world, in which so many interactions seem less than optimal or contrary to the intentions, I have some suggested messages that reflect the current state of customer service and civility, or lack thereof.

— Please don’t interrupt. I’m in the middle of looking busy. When I started working many years ago, someone told me to balance between looking busy and being under control. She suggested I walk quickly and purposefully, even if just to the bathroom, to suggest that I’m too busy to tackle something new that might involve lots of administrative work.

— Yes, I am talking to you. Those of you old enough to have seen the Robert De Niro film “Raging Bull” will understand this one instantly. This message captures the prevalence of confrontations.

— I have no idea what’s good. I don’t eat here. Diners often ask waiters and waitresses, “what’s good.” More often than not, they tell people what’s popular dishes or their specials. The subtext here is that some of them don’t, can’t or wouldn’t eat where you’re eating, especially after spending considerable time in the kitchen.

— Everything and nothing is special today. Keeping with the dining theme, while blending in some grade inflation, waiters could provide something philosophical for their diners to consume.

— I believe in building suspense. The assignment, the job, or even the entree may be later than someone wanted. This message could suggest the tardiness was deliberate and was designed to enhance appreciation and add drama. So, you’re welcome.

— Sure, you can ask. I like the buttons people wear at Yankees games that encourage fans to ask a question. On a day when these customer service professionals are feeling tired or hung over, they could don messages that encourage people to move along or to figure out how to drive home to Pennsylvania from the Bronx on their own.

— How can I appear to help you? Life is all about optics. Yes, we should be helping and yes, people are paid to help each other, in person, on phone and on the Internet. Sometimes, the person (or artificial intelligence programs) that is offering assistance isn’t delivering much.

— I brought my own questions, thanks. I would love it if a politician wore this button to a debate. On one level, it could suggest the candidate has questions that are hopefully substantive for his or her opponent. On the other, it could be an honest way of acknowledging the disconnect between a question about the environment and an answer about the person’s commitment to family.

— What can you do for me? This is a way of turning the tables, literally, on a hostile or inappropriate customer. It also discourages people from asking too much of someone who is not eager to deliver.

— Is there anything else I can’t do for you? I’ve been on numerous calls with people who haven’t done anything, particularly when dealing with traveling details, who then ask if there’s anything else they can help me with. When they haven’t helped me with the first question, it’s hard to imagine they can help with a second. A more honest message might suggest that they also anticipate not being able to provide any help with a second problem or question.

— What did you get me for my birthday? People often want, or expect, something, even from strangers, on their birthday. They don’t often consider that the person from whom they expect service, help or extra treatment had a birthday they likely missed.

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Stock photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief

“Are you worried about what’s going to happen to our country?”

This question was posed to me by a younger person I know. He was clearly worried by current events, and with good reason. Our nation is facing a number of serious problems, and, in fact, so is most of the rest of the world.

His question made me think back to some of the chaotic times I remember. Polarization is a painful word being used to describe the United States today, but there were other times in my short lifetime when our country was seriously divided.

I have an early memory of signs hanging in our apartment house elevator. “Impeach Truman,” they urged. I don’t think I knew what they meant, but people on the streets were heatedly saying the same thing. I knew Truman was president, but I certainly did not know anything about impeachment, and I had never before heard of Douglas McArthur, who had been relieved of his command in the Far East for disagreeing with Truman over Korean War tactics. That was a time of polarization, and tensions were high, even in my neighborhood of New York City. The Chicago Tribune editorialized, “The American nation has never been in greater danger.”

Our country moved on.

Everyone who was alive in the 60s well remembers the torments of that decade. Both Kennedy and Martin Luther King were assassinated, civil rights legislation drove friends apart, the Vietnam War caused endless demonstrations and riots, and the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968 was a frightful militarized spectacle epitomizing the nation’s divisions and chaos. It seemed our nation was being torn apart. People wondered if the country would survive.

Our country moved on.

There was Watergate in the 70s and a president of the United States was forced to resign. There were long lines at the gas pumps and wild inflation with stagnation and American hostages in Iran.

Our country moved on.

You get the point. Severe problems have always periodically challenged America, our stability and our way of life. There have been those with evil intent and there have been true heroes. We have been challenged regularly, we have come together and we have moved on.

July 4th, we celebrated our independence, and the flag that belongs to all of us. In our small town America, up and down the Island, we paraded together, fire departments and police departments, conservatives and liberals, Blacks and whites and Latinos and Asians, gay and straight, lifers and choicers. We did so as Americans, proud of our nation despite its many faults, recognizing that we can make our country better even as we cheer the exceptionalism that makes immigrants risk and sometimes lose their lives to get here.

If you read through the Declaration of Independence, as I did this past weekend, you will see the values that bind us together. We must not lose, in the struggles to find our way forward today, the respect in the ending sentence:

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

Let us then start our healing not by putting power over country but by pledging to each other our sacred Honor. That will help unite us, to truly hear each other, and together we can move on. We always have, and together, we always will.

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A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin
A scene from the 2022 St. Anthony's Family Feast and Festival. Photo by Media Origin

Fr. Thomas Judge Knights of Columbus Council hosted the 29th annual St. Anthony’s Family Feast & Festival before the July 4th holiday weekend.

The event was held at Trinity Regional School in East Northport from June 29 to July 2. Attendees enjoyed rides, games, food, craft beer, live music and more.

The festival also featured the Royal Legacy Circus, Scotto’s Carnival Stage, a Zeppole eating contest on June 30  and a St. Anthony statue procession and fireworks on July 2.

Bob Slingo, assistant chairman of the festival, said after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the organizers witnessed record crowds all four nights of the festival.

“This was our most successful St. Anthony’s Family Feast & Festival ever,” Slingo said.

 

 

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Pixabay photo

By Carolyn Sackstein

It is the season of ice cream.

This week, people visiting downtown Port Jefferson were asked to give their thoughts on the best and worst ice cream flavors and to share their fondest memories associated with this cold, delicious treat.

Brianna Goncalves, Shirley

She likes chocolate peanut butter cup and dislikes mint chocolate chip. When asked about a favorite memory she said, “I get ice cream so much, I really don’t know.” 

 

Joseph Papalia, Florida 

He had just finished a cherry ice from Ralph’s when he was approached about his favorite ice cream flavors. The former Nesconset resident said his favorite ice cream “without a doubt is Häagen-Dazs’ Dulce de Leche.” He went on to state that his least favorite was “chocolate — I don’t like strawberry either.” He said his favorite memory is “right here, Port Jefferson.”

 

Caroline Santonocito, Ridge

Santonocito was asked what her favorite flavor was, she said, “This one, vanilla, from this particular ice cream place [Port Jefferson Ice Cream Café].” She added, “There really is no least favorite ice cream for me.” 

 

Toni Ross, Middle Island 

Ross currently likes tiramisu best, but doesn’t like ice cream containing nuts. Her fondest memory associated with ice cream is of “sitting with my husband and licking my ice cream in Port Jeff waiting for the ferry.”

 

Chris Devault, Rocky Point

He fondly remembers having ice cream while fishing on Lake Michigan. He said he most enjoys coffee-flavored ice cream as well as cookies and cream. When asked what was his least favorite flavor, Devault responded, “One that’s not served.”

 

Sydny Starling (left) and Michael Carneiro (right)

Sydny Starling, Tupelo, Mississippi 

Sydny was with her Shetland sheepdog when she was approached for an interview. The visitor favors cookies and cream and dislikes mint chocolate chip. She has no particular memories associated with ice cream. 

Michael Carneiro, Mount Sinai 

His favorite flavor is chocolate chip cookie dough and his least favorite flavor is mint chocolate chip. He has memories of vacationing and being “a preteen and me, my dad and my brother were getting ice cream. And, you know, sometimes it’s messy. And all of a sudden, I look to the left and my brother goes, ‘Michael you’ve got ice cream on the back of your head.’ So, we were all cracking up, dying laughing, because I, of course, am the person who would somehow get ice cream on the back of his head.”

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Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district
Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district
Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district
Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district
Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district
Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district
Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district
Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district
Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district
Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district
Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district
Scene from Huntington High School's 2022 graduation. Photo from Huntington school district

The night of Friday, June 24, found Huntington High School seniors filing into the Blue Devil Stadium for the last time as students.

The high school commencement ceremony celebrated 355 seniors who were awarded diplomas, and it was the 161st for the district.

Seniors Quincy Chery (University at Albany) and Naysa Escobar (New York University) served as masters of ceremony. The duo led the huge crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before the chamber choir sang the national anthem.

Class of 2022 President Theadora Carnesi, who is headed to the US Military Academy at West Point, addressed her classmates with an upbeat message and told the seniors how proud she has been to serve as their elected leader.

Class Vice President Ashley Genao, who will be attending St. John’s University, followed and announced the Class of 2022 would be gifting all the remaining monies in its coffers to the Class of 2023 to help underwrite its prom next June.

Superintendent James Polansky also addressed the graduates.

“During your time in Huntington, I hope you’ve recognized the importance of your voices, that you’ve felt respected as learners and as people, that it’s okay to agree to disagree and that, above all else, respect, understanding, empathy and kindness are critical elements of any conversation,” Polansky said. “I’ll leave you with words from American fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger: ‘We are in the new age where change is the only constant. I encourage you to embrace it, to be inspired to push the boundaries, innovate and find your own unique ways to set the norms.’”

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Above, a rock wall in a wildflower garden will be featured in this year's tour. Photo from NHS

By Tara Mae

Step into the serene respite of a restorative stroll through historic gardens and finely curated flora with Northport Historical Society’s annual Summer Splendor Garden Tour on Sunday, July 10.

A self-guided tour of seven unique gardens in Eatons Neck, Northport, Fort Salonga, Asharoken, East Northport, and Greenlawn, this annual fundraiser for the society is one of its most popular events, according to Northport Historical Society Events Director Karol Kutzma. 

One of the gardens in the tour. Photo from NHS

“It’s a joy for the horticulturists of the community. We have carefully selected from some of the most distinguished looking gardens to cover a variety of gardening styles. Every garden is different,” she said.

These privately owned and personally curated plantings include explorations of horticultural artistry, such as an organic farm garden, a modern allusion to Long Island’s agricultural past, and a wildflower garden, carefully expanded over the years, inspired by the famed English gardens. 

The organic farm garden complements herb and pollinator plantings with a vernaculture design for an apiary as well as poultry coops, composting structures, and raised beds. The wildflower garden offers a visual banquet, interspersed with birdbaths and a rock wall. 

Another stop on the tour highlights a garden that was developed by slowly introducing native plants over a 10 year period. Pollinators, birds, insects, and other wildlife recognize the plants and use them for food and shelter. Like many on the tour, it is a deer resistant garden. The property also showcases a pond and rain garden. All of these elements are purposed to benefit the ecosystem. 

One of the gardens featured in the tour. Photo from NHS

Other gardens sport a plethora of shade and sun flowers, annuals and perennials, rose bushes, flowering shrubs, colorful trees, hidden paths, and sitting areas for immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and natural perfumes. Crafted largely by the homeowners themselves, these gardens reflect different areas of interest. 

“This tour is so much fun because visitors get to explore extraordinary gardens they would not normally have access to and get inspired by the gardener’s creativity,” Northport Historical Society Director Caitlyn Shea said. “I am quite impressed with how the community comes together to support and fundraise for the Historical Society.” 

A few of the gardeners will be available to discuss their inspiration and process. Volunteers will be on site at every location to lead guests through the grounds, some of which also feature historic homes. One of the homes will be partially accessible and have a selection of food, drinks, and raffle tickets ready for purchase.

Each of the gardens will be only open to the public between noon and 4 p.m. Patrons will need to drive to the different stops on the tour and avail themselves of street parking. In order to enter the properties, they must present their tickets, which are actually tour booklets that give driving directions, comprehensive descriptions of the gardens, and other details. 

Interested parties may register for the tour online at www.northporthistorical.org. Tickets are $35 for members, $45 for nonmembers, and $50 if purchased the day of the tour. 

Patrons may pick up their ticket booklets at the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport on Friday, July 8 or July 9 between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. or after 11 a.m. on July 10. Raffle donations will be accepted through July 5. 

For more information, please call 631-757-9859.

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The following incidents have been reported by Suffolk County Police:

Centereach

■ A resident on Buick Drive in Centereach reported that two unknown men broke the rear car window of his vehicle on June 22 and removed two iPhones valued at $800 and cash.

■ A resident on Anne Drive in Centereach reported a petit larceny on June 22. Three men were observed entered her unlocked vehicle in the driveway and removing cash from a wallet. That same day, a car window on Corvette Road in Centereach was broken and a wallet was stolen.

Commack

■ Marshall’s on Henry Street in Commack reported a petit larceny on June 24. Two men allegedly stole miscellaneous clothing valued at $170.

■ Costco on Garet Place in Commack called the police on June 24 to report a shoplifter. A man allegedly stole a 48” LG television valued at $900.

■ Walmart on Crooked Hill Road reported a shoplifter on June 22. A person allegedly stole various electronics and cleaning supplies valued at $550.

■ Commack Cigar & Vape on Commack Road in Commack was burglarized on June 19. Someone smashed the glass front door and stole various items valued at $2,000.

■ A woman shopping at Trader Joe’s on Jericho Turnpike in Commack on June 25 reported that someone stole her wallet from her pocketbook while it was in a shopping cart.

■ Home Depot on Jericho Turnpike in Commack reported a shoplifter on June 24. A person allegedly stole assorted Milwaukee tools valued at $100.

■ Walmart on Crooked Hill Road in Commack called the police on June 25 to report that two en allegedly stole miscellaneous merchandise valued at $500.

East Setauket

■ Walmart on Nesconset Highway in East Setauket reported a shoplifter on June 21. A man allegedly stole a Sharper Image drone and miscellaneous items valued at $80.

Huntington Station

■ Saks 5th Avenue on Walt Whitman Road in Huntington Station called the police on June 21 to report a grand larceny. A man and a woman allegedly stole Chanel sunglasses valued at $675 and used a sleight of hand to steal money from a cashier.

■ A 2020 Acura MDX was reported stolen from a residence on 3rd Avenue in Huntington Station on June 19. The vehicle was valued at $20,000.

Miller Place

■ A patron of McNulty’s on North Country Road in Miller Place reported that a wallet containing credit cards was stolen from his car parked in the parking lot on June 23. 

■ Sonny’s Cards N’ Things on Route 25A in Miller Place reported a burglary on June 20. Someone smashed the glass front door and allegedly stole cash and lottery tickets.

Port Jefferson

■ A resident on Belle Terre Road in Port Jefferson called the police on June 22 to report that someone broke into their vehicle and stole headphones valued at $50.

Port Jefferson Station

■ A car was reported stolen from the driveway of a resident on Maple Avenue in Port Jefferson Station on June 22. The vehicle, a 2016 Lincoln MKZ, was valued at $18,000.

■ Speedway on Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station reported a burglary on June 20. A man allegedly broke the front glass door of the store overnight and stole numerous Newport cigarettes valued at $1100.

■ Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace on Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station reported a shoplifter on June 19. A man allegedly concealed food items including crab cakes, octopus salad, shrimp and steak in his jacket, went to the self-checkout, paid for several items but not what was in his jacket before fleeing. The items were valued at approximately $100.

■ A resident on Champlain Street in Port Jefferson Station reported that someone entered their unlocked vehicle parked in the street on June 18 and stole a wallet containing cash and credit cards. A second resident on the same street reported the same crime on June 19.

■ A resident on Peters Lane in Port Jefferson reported that someone entered his unlocked vehicle on June 18 and stole Apple AirPods and a wallet.

Rocky Point

■ A resident on Narcissus Road in Rocky Point reported that someone broke the window of her car on June 18 and stole a backpack with a laptop and sports gear.

■ A resident on Broadway in Rocky Point called the police on June 20 to report that someone removed a battery powered ATV Quad Razor valued at $600 from their property.

■ A resident on Rosewood Road in Rocky Point reported that someone entered his unlocked vehicle on June 18 and stole Apple iPods, backpack, and a wallet containing credit cards.

■ The rear passenger side window of a vehicle on Magnolia Drive in Rocky Point was reported broken on June 19 and a purse was stolen.

Selden

■ Walgreens on Middle Country Road in Selden reported a petit larceny on June 22. A man and a woman allegedly stole 6 12-packs of Corona beer. The items were valued at approximately $100.

■ Home Depot on Middle Country Road in Selden called the police on June 20 to report a shoplifter. A man allegedly stole copper wire valued at $160.

Smithtown

■ Off-Road N’ Outdoors Power Sports on West Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown reported a burglary on June 25. Two men broke the glass front door of the store and stole a dirt bike valued at $1800 and a locked cash box.

South Setauket

■ Stop & Shop on Pond Path in South Setauket reported a shoplifter on June 18. A man allegedly put $1750 worth of allergy and pain medications in a shopping cart and walked out without paying for the items.

Stony Brook

■ Country House Restaurant on North Country Road in Stony Brook reported a burglary on June 25. Someone broke a window to gain entry but fled when the alarm went off.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

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John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022
John Glenn High School Class of 2022

John H. Glenn High School celebrated the Class of 2022 on June 24 at the school’s 60th commencement ceremony.

The seniors marched on to the football field, clad in blue and white caps and gowns, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senior Class President Maya Polese, and the national anthem, performed by the high school’s band under the direction of Vicki Henson.

The ceremony also served as a farewell and salute to retiring Assistant Principal Leroy Cole.

“Mr. Cole, your mark on the Elwood School District will last for decades,” Superintendent Kenneth Bossert said. “We will fill your position but sir, you can never be replaced.”

Bossert and Principal Carisa Burzynski both offered congratulatory remarks, praising the seniors for their achievements. Burzynski noted that the class had the highest ever number of students collectively earning cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude since the school adopted the system.

— Photos from Elwood School District

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By Daniel Palumbo

The Suffolk Progressives political organization hosted a rally for reproductive rights at Resistance Corner in Port Jefferson Station June 25. 

Over one hundred attendees made their voices heard regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 24 decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the 1973 landmark decision Roe. v. Wade and the 1992 decision Planned Parenthood v. Casey. 

Among the attendees were Skyler Johnson (D), who is running for New York State Senate District 1, and Suffolk Progressives activist Shoshana Hershkowitz, both of whom shared their passionate thoughts about this monumental reversal.

— Photos by Daniel Palumbo

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