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Northport football falls a little short at Bellport

by Steven Zaitz - October 3, 2024

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By Steven Zaitz

Points were at a premium on Saturday, as the Bellport Clippers scored the only touchdown of the game, beating Northport 7-0, in a soggy Suffolk Conference II matchup.

After a scoreless first half, Bellport running back Kingston John took a handoff 46 yards up the left sideline, leaping over Tiger defender Joey Zarcone at the 10-yard line, and prancing into the end zone, with four and half minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The teams combined for just over 300 yards of total offense, as the wet weather conditions kept the game between the 20s for most of the afternoon. Also detrimental to Northport was a third-quarter injury to starting quarterback Enrique Hernandez. He did not return, as backup Simon Blissett finished the game. Combined, the two Tiger quarterbacks completed only five passes for 39 yards.

Thirty-one of those yards came on a deep pass to running back Greyson Cabrera, as Northport made a bid for the tying score with three minutes left in the game. Cabrera’s lunging catch put the ball at midfield, and after two scrambles by Blissett and a completion to tailback Luke Loiacono, the Tigers had first and goal at the 10.

An inside handoff to Asher Levine got the ball to the one yard, which set up a 4th and 1, with time ticking away. Blissett rolled to his right, but his pass intended for Cabrera was batted down by Bellport lineman Jaheim Talford, ending Northport’s chances to tie the game.

Both teams are now 2-1 on the season. Bellport will take on winless Copiague, Oct. 5, as Northport will host 2023 Conference II champion North Babylon.

— Photos by Steven Zaitz

Monsters and Mermaids, oh my! Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum unveils latest exhibit

by Press Release - October 3, 2024

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The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor has announced the opening of a new special exhibition, Monsters and Mermaids: Legends of the Sea.

The two-year exhibit developed by museum staff will explore ocean-inspired myths, legends, and their contemporary connections. By exploring nautical mythologies, visitors will be prompted to think about the ocean’s influence on how cultures were shaped and continue to shape us, and our impacts on the ocean today. The project will be the first exhibition about folklore on Long Island in 13 years and will shed light on monstrous beings of the deep just in time for the Halloween season.

Nomi Dayan, Executive Director of The Whaling Museum & Education Center, shares, “I think a fascinating element of this project is considering how people have perceived whales through time. Today, people light up when they talk about whales. We view them as breathtaking and highly complex creatures, and whale sightings can bring strong emotions and joy. But for millennia, they were seen quite differently by diverse cultures — in fact, the scientific name for the order of whales, ‘cetacean,’ translates to ‘sea monster.’ As part of this exhibition, visitors will stop and reflect on what the word ‘monster’ means to them.”

A highlight of the exhibition is a commissioned full-size kraken/squid sculpture created out of marine debris by multimedia artist Cindy Pease Roe. Based in Greenport, Roe is the founder of UpSculpt, an organization which combines public arts, conservation, and education. The artist has been featured in numerous exhibitions worldwide, and her work draws inspiration from her lifelong connection with the sea.

“The real sea monsters today are man-made, like marine plastics. By engaging the community to help collect materials for the Kraken, together, we’re reclaiming ownership and responsibility for our oceans, reshaping the narrative from fear to collective action and stewardship,” said Pease Roe.

Her new sculpture, created out of plastic marine debris collected on Long Island beaches, will bring attention to one of the largest sea monsters ever imagined — the legendary kraken, inspired by the Giant Squid.

The squid/kraken will be displayed in an original and imaginative context by being suspended above the museum’s historic whaleboat, thrusting contemporary plastic materials into a 19th century story. As the gallery’s defining focal point, Roe’s piece will be thematically central to Monsters & Mermaids, and flip the narrative by questioning who is really afraid of whom today? The sculpture will convey a powerful message about the fragility of legendary creatures and confront the massive human refuse which is changing the ocean’s stories today.

The community is encouraged to participate in this exhibit by donating red and orange plastics gathered from Long Island beaches. Donations can be made at the museum or by visiting UpSculpt.com for additional donation options.

In addition to the squid sculpture, visitors will see maps, prints, scrimshaw, ephemera, and specimens exploring the artistic and cultural folklore of sea serpents, whales, sirens, and other global legends. Artifacts will be sourced from the museum’s collection as well as loans from other institutions.

One of the items on display from the museum’s collection will be a 1986 diorama by artist Vincent P. Ciro titled “Ye Dam’n Whale.” It depicts a scene from Moby Dick by Herman Melville. “When we think about the Monster Whale, Herman Melville’s Moby Dick is perhaps the most ubiquitous example in American literature.” said Baylee Browning, Collections and Exhibits Associate, The Whaling Museum & Education Center, “But who is the monster, really? Is it Moby Dick, the White Whale, or Captain Ahab, the relentless pursuer? Monsters and Mermaids, Legends of the Sea will explore these questions about monstrosity and wonder. What is a monster, and what does that say about our understanding of the natural world, and of ourselves? We can’t wait to explore these questions with you this October and “sea” if you can decide.”

In addition, visitors will reflect on the endurance of mermaid myths throughout history, from cave paintings to the 2023 mermaid-core fashion trend and ubiquitous Starbucks logo. A closer look into the history of mermaid portrayals will also offer insights into the history of racist perspectives.

Long Islanders can look forward to the museum’s upcoming series of workshops, events, talks, and programming for both adults and children exploring themes in the exhibition.

To celebrate, the museum will host two opening events: “Monsters & Mermaids: Family Bash” on Sunday, October 6th, and an exclusive evening event, “Monsters and Mermaids: After Dark,” on Thursday, October 10th.

The Family Bash, taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 6, will transform the museum’s galleries into magical underwater realms. Families can enjoy a day filled with meeting a mermaid in a fantastical setting, exploring “Davy Jones’ Locker” with a touch tank featuring live sea creatures, and face painting that brings the event’s enchantment to life.

Museum educators will offer interactive talks on the origins of the kraken and other deep-sea myths. Craft stations throughout the galleries will feature activities like making your own “monster slime” and other monster and mermaid-themed crafts. Guests are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to add to the festive atmosphere.

“We’re delighted to bring the magical world of oceanic legends to life,” said Brenna McCormick-Thompson, Curator of Education. “The Family Bash offers a wonderful opportunity for visitors to explore the new exhibit with special activities designed for kids and families.”

Admission to the “Monsters & Mermaids: Family Bash” includes all activities. Advance tickets are $20 for children and $8 for adults, with member rates of $15 for children and $5 for adults. Tickets at the door are $25 for children and $8 for adults, with member rates of $20 for children and $5 for adults. The museum extends its gratitude to Gellerman Orthodontics for sponsoring the Mermaid Performer.

“Monsters and Mermaids: After Dark,” set for October 10th from 7 to 9 p.m. is an exclusive adult-only event. This evening will feature activities tailored for a mature audience, alongside the same enchanting backdrop as the “Family Bash”. Attendees can savor sea-inspired cocktails or mocktails and participate in a craft workshop to create fancy creature specimen jars, perfect for Halloween décor.

For those seeking mystical insights, tarot card readings will be featured. A costume contest will add to the fun, with prizes for the most imaginative costumes.

“This special evening event provides a unique way to dive deeper into the exhibit,” added Thompson. “We look forward to creating a memorable and immersive experience where guests can fully explore the legendary history of ocean myths.”

Advance tickets for “Monsters and Mermaids: After Dark” are $40, with member tickets at $30. At the door, tickets are $45, with member tickets available for $35. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit cshwhalingmuseum.org/monsters.

The “Monsters & Mermaids: Legends of the Sea” exhibition and associated programs are supported in part with funds from the New York State National Maritime Heritage Education Subgrant Program. The exhibition is also supported in part by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), and Humanities New York, and Public Funding Provided by Suffolk County.

For the next two years, viewing the special exhibit will be included with regular admission to the museum. Admission to the museum is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children aged 4-17, and free for children aged 0-3 as well as Active Duty with ID. Gallery hours at the start of the exhibit will reflect fall and winter hours of Thursdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Letters to the Editor: October 3, 2024

by TBR Staff - October 3, 2024

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

Brookhaven Town Board rejects suburbia

Last week the Brookhaven Town Board rang the death knell for suburbia by downzoning the sleepy Jefferson Plaza shopping center in Port Jefferson Station to allow the development of a mega city of unaffordable apartments and large multistory buildings.

The proponents, mostly the building industry lobby and the developer, who will reap millions of dollars in increased rent, took advantage of an industry-promoted zoning classification called Commercial Redevelopment District which allows city-like density in underperforming shopping centers throughout Brookhaven.

The new code was a byproduct of the dark days of COVID-19 when many thought that local shopping centers wouldn’t survive the loss of customers who were staying at home because of the pandemic.

Unsurprisingly, most shopping centers have now rebounded, but the Town of Brookhaven has not rescinded the urban density code that was promoted by developers and builders over the objections from several community civic organizations.

A Queens-like development this size and scale will alter the suburban character of upper Port Jefferson Station and lead to the further urbanization of the communities throughout the town.

Because of the Staller Center rezone, lawyers representing other shopping center owners have already made inquiries to the Brookhaven Town Board about rezoning their clients shopping centers to CRD as well.

It’s time for the Town Board to take a hard look at the CRD zoning code, realize how it will radically change the character of most communities throughout the town and build into it protections that would limit the size and scale of future redevelopment of shopping centers — and make it less destructive to the suburban character of communities we cherish.

Charles Tramontana, President, George Hoffman, Trustee

Three Village Civic Association

A timeline: Careful money management yields results

In 2011, Suffolk County announced a $500 million deficit. And in that same year, 2011, Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) was elected to the Suffolk County Legislature and she asked to be assigned to work with the fiscal committee. To our benefit, Sarah insisted that with careful planning and foresight, Suffolk County could trim the budget and tighten spending while offering the same services and assistance to residents. For 12 years, Sarah pushed this version of fiscal responsibility, then she was term-limited out of the Legislature.

The outcome of Sarah’s effort was everything we could have hoped for. In 2023, the Suffolk County Legislature announced that the $500 million deficit was eliminated and that the county’s bond rating had moved strongly upward. Before she left the Legislature, Sarah Anker brought stability to Suffolk County finances.

I am grateful that Sarah Anker puts People Over Politics. Sarah Anker has my vote for NYS Senate.

Judy Black

Shoreham

Rebecca Kassay: A force for good, leading with heart and purpose

Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson) is someone I’ve had the privilege of knowing and watching blossom into a true leader over the years. From the moment I met her, I could tell she had a deep passion for both her community and the environment. It has been remarkable to see how she’s transformed that passion into tangible, meaningful action. Watching her grow, both as a small business owner and as a community leader, has been an incredibly personal inspiration to me.

One of the things that has always stood out to me about Rebecca is her dedication to environmental governance. After graduating from SUNY New Paltz with a degree in Environmental Studies, she returned to Long Island and dove right into environmental work. I remember how she launched a youth environmental volunteer program at Avalon Park and Preserve. I watched her work tirelessly with local teens, teaching them to care for and protect our natural environment. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she wasn’t just teaching them about the environment — she was inspiring a sense of responsibility and love for the land. Seeing her in action made me realize that this wasn’t just a job for her — it was a calling.

Rebecca’s entrepreneurial journey is just as impressive. In 2013, she and her husband Andrew purchased a fixer-upper in Port Jefferson and transformed it into The Fox and Owl Inn, a bed-and-breakfast that quickly became a cornerstone of the community. I saw firsthand how much effort and care they put into the business. But more than that, I saw how deeply Rebecca became involved in the local business community. Through her work with both the Port Jefferson Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, she’s been a driving force in helping local businesses thrive. I’ve had many conversations with her about how to build a sustainable local economy, and her commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility is something I deeply admire.

When the pandemic hit, Rebecca’s leadership took on new meaning. She quickly organized the Long Island Open Source Medical Supplies initiative, rallying volunteers to produce PPE for frontline workers. It was a shining example of her ability to mobilize people for the greater good. In a time of crisis, Rebecca brought hope and unity to the community.

Watching Rebecca grow has been an inspiring journey for me. She leads with her heart and never loses sight of her values, making her a true force for good.

Indu Kaur

Port Jefferson Station

Transparency needed: Voters deserve answers from Assemblyman Flood

As a resident of Setauket I was distressed to hear that my Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) was disbarred last week.

As a lawyer I am concerned that Assemblyman Flood did not even bother to respond to the complaint against him even though he was charged that he “engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation with regard to both clients” and the courts. To merit disbarment, as opposed to censure or suspension, the alleged conduct must have been very serious.

As a voter I believe I am entitled to know what he was accused of.

Assemblyman Flood should make a full disclosure of what occurred. The voters deserve to know.

Chris Murray

Setauket

D. None of the Above: Indifferent to labels, my Aunt Maxine was a role model for compassion

by Daniel Dunaief - October 2, 2024

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By Daniel Dunaief

My Aunt Maxine had Down syndrome, which means she was mentally disabled.

In so many ways, Maxine and her life defied expectations and labels.

When Maxine was born, doctors told my grandparents that she wouldn’t likely live long, so they should consider putting her in an institution.

My grandparents couldn’t imagine being away from their daughter. They took Maxine home to the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where they raised and educated her.

As she grew up, Maxine was on the shorter side, at under five feet tall, and carried the youthful, round face of Down syndrome throughout her life.

She also had facial hair that my grandmother, mother and caregivers regularly trimmed.

My aunt lacked any self-consciousness about who she was, what she was, and how she related to the world. She figured everyone was as ready to love her and interact with her as she was with them.

More often than not, she smiled, offering an energetic and enthusiastic nod whenever anyone made eye contact. Plenty of people avoided looking at her in part because she was different and, in part, because she lived in New York and the rules of sidewalk engagement limited eye contact.

When people didn’t notice or engage with her, she kept walking, singing, talking to herself, chatting with her parents or the rest of us, or whistling, which she could do by inhaling and exhaling.

She lived at a higher decibel level. Her whisper was even louder than her normal speaking voice.

“What?” she’d whisper so loudly that it could be heard in the back row of a movie theater. “You want me to be quiet? Is that what you’re telling me?”

“Yes, shhhh.”

“Don’t shush me!” she’d say, her husky whisper, like her husky voice, becoming louder and indignant.

“Sorry, Macky,” I’d say. “People are trying to watch the movie. Can you watch it, too?”

“Oh, yes, yes, yes,” she’d say, nodding vigorously. “I’ll be quiet. I will. I’ll be quiet. If that’s what you want, I can be quiet. Sure, suuuuure!”

She was spectacularly funny and knew introductions were an opportunity for comedy.

“Who is this young lady?” she’d ask anyone who walked in the door in our house. The person could be anywhere from six to 96 and she’d ask the same thing.

“How old are you?” she’d ask.

No matter the answer, she’d suggest the person was a “lovely” young lady.

“What’s your name?” she’d ask.

When the person said her name, she’d say “what” several times and then ask the person to spell it. When she slowed our guest down repeatedly and asked her to say it again, the guest would shout.

“Hey, what are you yelling for? I can hear you. Not so loud. You’re hurting my ears.”

She’d squint and a smile would fill her face as she’d scan the room, knowing the old routine had hit the mark.

More than anything else, though, Maxine was compassionate, emotionally connected, loving and supportive.

She would sing the Star Spangled Banner when she listened to Robert Merrill on the radio before a Yankees game.

“It’s so beautiful,” she’d say, as she blew her nose and wiped her eyes.

I suspect many other Americans have an aunt, sibling, distant relative, friend or neighbor for whom labels mean even less than the totality of their lives, the winsome nature of their personality, and the triumphs that define their days.

Hearing anyone use the term “disabled” as a take down misses the point, particularly for those who seek to be the country’s leader.

Maxine required but also taught a level of patience. In exchange, our family and friends appreciated her joy of life and basked in her unconditioned positive regard. She wouldn’t have resented or hated others, wouldn’t have insulted individuals or a group and would have forgiven anyone who made a mistake.

Perhaps some day, those who use words like “mental disability” as a way to dismiss others or to cast others aside will think of the Maxines of the world. We can learn so much from others whose lives are different from ours and who aren’t trying to use words to project an image, to cut others down, or to suggest that someone is limited.

I can picture Maxine sitting in a chair next to me, tilting her head and looking at me from the side.

“You’re such a silly goose,” she’d laugh.

Between You and Me: Happy Birthday to Jimmy Carter (100) and Julie Andrews (89)

by Leah Dunaief - October 2, 2024

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carterandleah — TBR News Media publisher Leah Dunaief meeting the 39th U.S. president, Jimmy Carter, at the White House in 1978. Photo from Leah Dunaief

By Leah S. Dunaief

Jimmy Carter was the first United States President to invite me to the White House. The year was 1978, we had just started our first newspaper, The Village Times in the Three Village area, two years earlier, and the level of excitement was somewhere in the stratosphere when our receptionist screamed, “It’s the White House calling!”

Yes, indeed, it was someone from the White House, asking our address for the invitation to be sent to the Out of Town Press Conference later that month. With entrepreneurial bravado, I had written a letter addressed merely to “The White House, Washington, D.C.” asking if we might visit, not knowing about their monthly conferences at which Carter would gain insight from reporters into issues around the nation, even as he got his top priorities out into the communities. If I had known, I might have doubted his interest in a new weekly newspaper, but I would have been mistaken.

They wanted me.

From the moment of that phone call until I sat in the office with 29 other reporters, talking with the President, that excitement never abated. The session was lengthy, interrupted at one point by the arrival of a boxed lunch. The conversation continued over a hard boiled egg and half a tuna fish sandwich. As I salted my egg and proceeded to down it, I still could not quite believe I was there.

Of course it made a great front page story in our paper when I returned, a photo shaking hands with President Carter a lifetime treasure. At the end of the session, he asked us to line up and tell him our names and where we lived, as a photographer snapped the moment. The line moved quickly, but when it was my turn, I was determined to say something that might be more interesting to him.

“Mr. President, your sister, Ruth, visited my hometown of Stony Brook last week,” I rushed out the words. He stopped the line, his blue eyes large, and smiled broadly at me. I had read that he adored his sister.

“Isn’t Ruth great?” he offered. It wasn’t a question. “Why was she there?”

Ruth Carter Stapleton was a Christian Evangelist and I explained that she had been visiting one of the local Christian schools. He chatted another minute, then again shook my hand, and I moved on. I was in my late 30’s, and it was surely one of the high points of my life.

I was only 14 when I met Julie Andrews. She was one of the leads in the British play, “The Boy Friend,” and I went to a matinee with my eighth grade class on a field trip to see my first Broadway show. Word must have gotten to her that students were in the audience, and she invited all of us back stage to chat as she took off her makeup. She was only 19 at the time and told us she was thrilled with being in America for the first time. We were thrilled in turn to meet her. She didn’t seem much older than we, and the conversation was high spirited girl talk.

Little did any of us know that she would go on to become one of her era’s brightest stars, with a career starting as a child actress and spanning eight decades. She was the recipient of countless awards, and became Dame Julia by Queen Elizabeth in 2000. Her breakthrough American role was as Eliza Doolittle opposite Rex Harrison in the superb “My Fair Lady,” then went on to Queen Guinevere in “Camelot.” As Mary Poppins, in her first film role, she won the Academy Award’s Best Actress, then on to “The Sound of Music,” and many more.

It was fun to know that these two remarkable people shared the same birthday, October 1, and it made my walk down memory lane, this past Tuesday, a fond one.

‘Beyond Words: Healing With the Arts After Stroke’ exhibit heads to Huntington Public Library

by Press Release - October 2, 2024

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461782021_18439299886066404_8949077382968342064_n — Artwork by Robyn Bellospirito will be on view at the Huntington Public Library through Oct. 29.

Now through October 29, the Huntington Public Library, 338 Main St., Huntington will present Beyond Words: Healing With the Arts After Stroke, a unique gallery exhibition by artist Robyn Bellospirito.

For one year after the artist had a series of strokes in 2022, she only painted abstracted circles and many of these will be in the exhibition. The exhibition will also include more representational paintings that were done more recently, along with art works incorporating words and phrases provided by fellow stroke survivors.

‘Impact’ by Robyn Bellospirito will be on view at the Huntington Public Library through Oct. 29.

The range of artistic styles of Bellospirito’s art has changed with the artist’s healing process. “My strokes left me with mild aphasia, making art and music far easier than words. I have created many new paintings for this exhibition that are visual representations of non-verbal language, particularly as it is interpreted through themes of music and nature. My intention is to share how I have used art and music to express myself so that others might feel inspired to find their own voice through creative mediums,” she said.

Bellospirito has noticed by attending stroke support groups and through her own healing process that though there is a lot of assistance available to stroke survivors for physical recovery, finding help for the emotional trauma of brain injury is not so easy. Not many psychologists are familiar with strokes and the grief, frustration, and sense of loss of self that many stroke survivors experience.

Furthermore, if a stroke survivor has any level of aphasia which is a communication issue, not only does the person have difficulty expressing their thoughts and needs, but it can be incredibly isolating. Through this exhibition, the artist is hoping to raise awareness for this under-served community.

An artists reception will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m., with a presentation by Bellospirito from 2 to 3 p.m that includes interactive art and music experiences in which all will be invited to participate.

This program is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Huntington Arts Council, Inc.

For more information, call 631-427-5165.

Editorial: Local hero serves to remind us of what really counts in this life — benevolence

by TBR Staff - September 30, 2024

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holding-hands-858005_1280 — Pixabay photo

TBR’s coverage this week of a heroic cop who plugged a colleague’s bullet wound, with his own hands, to prevent him from bleeding to death, (see story in paper,) is a truly inspirational example of the human spirit.

In a world of such chaos and confusion, what does it say about this man that his primal instinct was to save an injured person? Not to analyze or question him, poke or prod him.

But to save him.

What it says is that we are fundamentally good. We may get that fact a little mixed up at times, but if we can step back from our stubbornness and fixations on the characteristics that separate us, it will become apparent that we all should be focusing on the one characteristic that is already within us, that is baked into our DNA: kindness

And, no. Not kindness in the corny or insincere sense that many people use to deceitfully act as if they are holier-than-thou. “Kindness” in a genuinely caring way about the welfare of those in your life and community.

We can all learn a lot from an action as noble as the one performed by this man.

Over the past few years, there has been contentious debate, analyzing the roles police officers serve in our everyday lives. Some people believe that they overstep, while others feel that they are under appreciated.

Adding to the omnipresence of this law enforcement dilemma, just this week, County Executive Ed Romaine (R) announced in his proposed budget that the Suffolk County Police Department intends to put an extra 330 officials, including cops, detectives and corrections officers, on the force.

However, no matter how one feels regarding the political intricacies of our society, we can all agree that every cop — every human being — should aspire to this level of goodness.

Many people preach the importance of benevolence — an act of kindness, but, far too often, people are not willing to give that word meaning. Police officers take an oath to protect and defend.

So, maybe, if we follow in the example of those who are willing to sacrifice their lives — or in a less severe instance, their comfort — for the care of people, we can live in a society that is a little more temperate, a little more understanding and a lot more loving.

Video: Police seek man wanted for Commack burglary

by Press Release - September 30, 2024

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who burglarized a Commack home earlier this month.

A man forced entry into a home on Daisy Lane in Commack at 7:32 p.m. on September 13 while displaying a handgun and zip ties at the residents of the home. A resident of the home was struck in the head before the suspect fled the scene on foot toward Shirley Court.

For video of this incident, visit www.Youtube.com/SCPDTV and click on Wanted for Commack Burglary 24CO569409.

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, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

Huntington’s Pink in the Park event a success

by Press Release - September 30, 2024

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Over 60 vendors and local officials show support for breast cancer prevention

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The Town of Huntington’s Pink in the Park Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Fair, held on September 29 at Heckscher Park, was a resounding success. The event, spearheaded by Councilwoman Theresa Mari, drew over 60 vendors and a strong show of support from local officials and the community. Attendees enjoyed a beautiful walk around Heckscher Park, despite a few brief weather interruptions, and were treated to a vibrant performance by Dancin’ Feet that energized the crowd.

Local officials who joined the event to show their support included Supervisor Ed Smyth, Councilman Salvatore Ferro, Director of Highway Andre Sorrentino, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (18th District), Director of Parks Cable “Todd” Jamison, Chief of Staff Michelle McCarthy, Town Attorney Susan Coleman, Congressman Nick LaLota, and Huntington Republican Party Chairman Thomas McNally. Their participation highlighted the collective commitment to raising awareness about breast cancer prevention and supporting those affected by the disease.

Councilwoman Theresa Mari, a breast cancer survivor herself, shared her personal journey and underscored the importance of early detection and community support. Senator Mario Mattera (2nd District) also spoke passionately about his wife Terry’s battle with breast cancer, adding a deeply personal and touching perspective to the event.

“The success of Pink in the Park wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of so many,” said Councilwoman Mari. “I am incredibly grateful to all the vendors, local officials, and attendees who came together to create such a supportive and inspiring day for our community.”

Councilwoman Mari’s team, Legislative Aide Michelle Wright and Legislative Secretary Phillip Griffin, ensured the event went off without a hitch. They were on hand to assist vendors, the press, and attendees, and helped distribute promotional bags to those in attendance.

The event served as a vital platform for sharing breast cancer resources, raising awareness, and fostering community solidarity. Pink in the Park was more than just a fair; it was a day of hope, healing, and empowerment for those touched by breast cancer.

For more information on future events or breast cancer resources, please visit the Town of Huntington’s website or contact the office of Councilwoman Theresa Mari at 631-351-3173.

Northport-East Northport BOE eyes collaborative teaching model, reviews goals for 2024-25 school year

by Sabrina Artusa - September 27, 2024

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Screenshot 2024-09-25 at 11.49.59 AM — The Northport-East Northport Board of Education at their Sept. 18 meeting. Screenshot from the Northport-East Northport School District website

By Sabrina Artusa

At the Sept. 18 meeting, the Northport-East Northport Board of Education reviewed upcoming goals and changes as the school year begins.

Students and schools have completed a seamless transition into the 2024-25 school year, which started on Sept. 4 for students grades 1-12.

The board reported that it met with various committee leaders and liaisons. The committee meetings will be starting next month.

“I think we had a really positive start to the school year and I just want to reinforce that” said Superintendent Dave Moyer, who attended many student athletic events. “It’s enjoyable to see everybody back out there doing their thing.”

This will be Moyer’s first full year as superintendent. At the prior meeting, Moyer presented a teaching model he hopes to implement this year called Professional Learning Communities.

This is not a program but a model of teaching that Moyer hopes would help impact students’ absorption of material, engagement and enthusiasm. According to Moyer’s presentation at the last meeting, this method requires a collective effort of teachers as opposed to teaching without collaboration.

At the Sept. 5 meeting, Moyer explained that they will be repurposing some of the staff to include duties that honor the PLCs and that are more supportive to teachers — these staff members will be taking a more “active role” in assisting teachers. He mentioned instructional coordinators and future-focused teaching positions as examples.

Moyer hopes that PLCs will be beneficial to teachers as well, whose jobs are getting “more and more intense” every year. PLC is pitched as a mutually beneficial model that will help both students and teachers reach their potential.

“When teachers get in a collaborative environment and realize they don’t have to do everything themselves, it starts to make the work more manageable,” Moyer said on Sept. 5. “It starts to make them feel like they do have an impact and they can manage the work because they are working on a team and they don’t have to do it by themselves.”

Carol Taylor, BOE president, said she “loves the vision” of PLCs.

“There is a tangible deliverable with this,” she said at the Sept. 5 meeting. “When teachers have the opportunity to be collaborative, there is an atmosphere of support. So, if you aren’t doing your best, you are learning how to be your best and with that comes creativity.”

She noted that years ago Responsive Classroom was emerging as a teaching method and is now the standard. She said she expects PLCs to be no different.

Professional learning communities would require teachers to meet regularly to develop better leadership strategies, share successful methodologies, reflect on trouble areas and to coordinate their teaching strategies so as to optimize their students growth.

Moyer clarified his plan regarding PLCs – some people expressed uncertainty about whether it would increase the budget.

“PLCs are not something that comes with a price tag,” Moyer clarified after alluding to concerns raised after the previous meeting. Grant money will be used as support. The board has $60,000 in grant funding. Moyer said there will be “no budgetary impact.”

The next BOE meeting is Oct. 10 at William J. Brosnan School at 7 p.m. On Nov.7 the board will give a presentation on school improvement plans for each school. Every meeting’s minutes, agenda and recording will be posted online.

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