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Times of Middle Country

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METRO photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

My wife and I recently, chocolate, went out to celebrate our anniversary. We got married near Valentine’s Day, so we try to pick a date that’s, chocolate, a week or so before or after our anniversary, to avoid competing for a table. 

We picked one of the more romantic restaurants in the area, read the, chocolate, online menu, got dressed up for a romantic evening, and headed out. My digestion prefers an earlier dinner, especially when it’s a, chocolate, bigger meal, and my, chocolate, wife accommodated me, getting an early reservation for our celebratory dinner.

We chose a restaurant that’s further away than our usual search for, chocolate, food, while leaving the customary, chocolate, amount of time. Slightly concerned that the restaurant might give away our, chocolate, table if we were too late, we arrived at a nearby parking garage only about 10 minutes late.

Once on the street, we hurried down the block and entered the, chocolate, restaurant, where the hostess Jordan introduced herself and, in a silky smooth, soft voice that could also easily qualify her to work at a soothing spa, escorted us to a magnificent, chocolate, table filled with beautiful china, napkins held together in a fancy holder, and plush seats.

When she scanned the menu, my wife recognized that the fish dish we had picked when we checked out the, chocolate, restaurant wasn’t there.

“What are you going to eat?” she asked. Close to a quarter of a century of marriage together makes such, chocolate, shorthand possible.

I told her I’d find something. When we told the maître d’ about our food preference, she came back with alternatives that worked, but weren’t my, chocolate, preference.

“Let’s go,” my wife said, shrugging. “We can try somewhere else tomorrow night.”

My wife had put considerable effort into making this reservation and was excited about dinner in a quiet, romantic spot that didn’t have a single television blaring a sporting event and that had thick, lush drapes on the windows and picturesque framed, chocolate, scenery hanging on the wall.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

She told me we’d be fine. When we returned to the, chocolate, car, we ordered take out from a Thai restaurant and drove to the parking lot exit.

I pulled incredibly close to the machine to make it easier to insert the credit card. When I put the card in, the, chocolate, machine rejected it. I tried another one, with the same result. 

I reinserted the first card and, when I took it out, it came flying out of my hand, landing under the car. I could barely squeeze out the door to search for the card. At this point, the car behind us drove to another exit. Continuing her string of practical advice in an evening of curve balls, my, chocolate, wife suggested I try to get through the gate and walk back to retrieve the card.

I pushed the help button and put another card in. At this point, the gate lifted. I parked by the, chocolate, curb and grabbed my phone to use the light to find the card. The car beeped incessantly, annoyed that I took the keys while the engine was running.

Fortunately, no other cars were exiting and I found the, chocolate, card quickly.

I walked back to the car where my wife awaited with a quirky, half smile.

“Can you imagine if this was our first date?” she laughed.

We picked up our Thai food and returned home to our pets, who seemed surprised to see us so soon. Usually, when we wear our nice, chocolate, shoes, we disappear for several hours.

The next night, we had a much more successful dinner at a local, chocolate, Italian restaurant. As a reward for my wife’s support of her food-limited husband, one of the main dishes included four ingredients she loves, covered in her favorite sauce.

Oh, and if you’re wondering about all the chocolate references? About a week ago, I stopped eating chocolate because the caffeine was keeping me awake at night and increased my, chocolate, heart rate.

So far, chocolate, I’ve resisted and I barely, chocolate, think about it anymore. Well, maybe I haven’t conquered the cocoa bean yet, but I’m getting there.

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By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief
Publisher, TBR News Media

Did you know that many people love their pets more than their spouses? We read that somewhere, and it inspired us to produce our “Love My Pet” section each year in time for St. Valentine’s Day. More than 75 smiling (I think) pets are included in this week’s issue, and while most of them are dogs and cats, we also have a parrot, a pair of nine-year-old water garden fish and a frog. We enjoy looking at all of them.

My experience with pets has been limited to dogs. We’ve dearly loved three golden retrievers and one royal standard white poodle over a period of 42 years. They were like our children, much better behaved, and it devastated us when they were so ill we had to put them down. Now I am just every dog’s adopted grandmother.

I can certainly understand the impulse of the California man who recently jumped into the flooded Los Angeles River after his dog fell into the swiftly moving current. Fortunately he was rescued by a helicopter. The dog, too.

Dogs are special companions. Somehow they sense our moods and comfort us when we are needy. Funeral Homes offer dogs on the premises for those who are grieving. Schools are using dogs to help students with mental health issues. Just the sight of a dog can be calming unless the human is afraid of dogs.

My sister was one such person. She had Down Syndrome and would stop, then back away when she saw a dog. This fear was probably transmitted to her by our mother, who had been badly bitten by a dog when she was a child and carried the mental and physical scars of that unfortunate incident all the rest of her life. 

One time, shortly after we moved into our new house and bought the first golden, my parents and sister came from New York City to visit. As she walked through the door and spied the dog, my sister began to cry out and tremble. The puppy, whose name was Tigger, immediately fell on his belly and crawled toward her, finally dropping his head onto her shoe tops. The act was so disarming that she stopped yelling and watched him with fascination. At that moment, he looked up at her and wagged his tail. We watched in amazement as she then entered the house, the dog beside her. Never again, on subsequent visits, did she shy away from him, but only him. She continued to be unnerved by other hounds.

I was once bitten by a dog, a German Shepherd. It was entirely my fault. I was about seven, it was summer, we were vacationing with relatives in the Catskill Mountains, and I was playing outside with the dog from the neighboring farm as my family chatted nearby. I had a ball and would bounce it, then race the dog to see which one of us could get to it first. In the ensuing melee, I jumped on his paw, he cried out and instinctively caught my calf in his jaw, his teeth breaking the skin. Everyone became excited, I was rushed to a doctor, a report was filed, and the dog was ordered tied up for 28 days to be watched for signs of rabies. Of course there were none, and I felt terrible watching him restrained. A couple of times, I would sneak out after dark and bring him bits of food from our supper.

He would greet me by leaping to his feet with tail wagging because dogs forgive more readily than humans.

I am sometimes asked which of the dogs was my favorite. To me, that is like asking which of my sons is my favorite. I believe I love equally and I enjoyed each dog for its own personality and idiosyncrasies. Our last dog, Teddy, had a particularly amusing trait. When we were seated at dinner, he would sneak under the dining table and grab the paper napkins from our laps. Someday, I may write a children’s book called, “Teddy, the Napkin-Snatcher Dog.” 

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John LaSpina. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers

John LaSpina, President of Maple Family Centers which includes Coram Country Lanes in Coram and Maple Lanes RVC in Rockville Centre was named the recipient of the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the National Association of State Veterans Homes, for his outstanding efforts to benefit those who have served. The award was presented during the association’s Winter Conference in Arlington, VA on February 6.  

LaSpina, 75, recently retired as Chair of the Board of Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), the bowling industry’s oldest and largest charity, which LaSpina had led since 2014. Established in 1942, BVL supports America’s veteran and active-duty service men and women by raising money for recreational therapy programs and other services to speed recuperation and boost morale. Since 1942, BVL has raised more than $57 million for this cause.  

At the time LaSpina took over, BVL raised $600,000 to $700,000 per year for organizations serving veterans. Under LaSpina’s watch, annual fundraising has doubled, with the organization raising a record $1.4 million this past fiscal year. This significant increase was accomplished despite a national decline in league bowlers over the past few decades from about 8 million to 1 million. League bowlers have long been major contributors to the charity.  

“All of us in the National Association of State Veterans Homes would like to acknowledge the tremendous leadership provided by BVL Board Chair John LaSpina,” said Fred S. Sganga, Executive Director of the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook and Past President and Legislative Director of the National Association of State Veterans Homes. “His commitment and gratitude towards our nation’s heroes is second to none. John single-handedly has changed the way we provide meaningful therapeutic recreation to our veterans residing in State Veterans Homes all across our great nation. His support for virtual reality technology as a tool for therapeutic recreation specialists has dramatically improved the lives of thousands of veterans. John’s legacy in veteran and family support is truly outstanding and we are proud to present him with our organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award.” 

How LaSpina Expanded BVL’s Impact 

LaSpina was the first bowling center proprietor to chair BVL, and he has been instrumental in helping BVL grow into an industry-wide charity by encouraging active involvement by others.  

“I was a former President of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America more than 30 years ago so I was a known quantity and I knew everyone in the industry,” he said. “I took all the relationships that I made through the years, tapped on shoulders and got everyone involved in BVL.”  

He added, “My contributions to BVL have included finding new paths to raise money. We incorporated a point-of-sale system for bowling centers, where customers can round up to the nearest dollar to support BVL, similar to supermarket charity fundraising programs. When you ask customers to round up, you are getting contributions from a much larger population [than just league bowlers].”  

LaSpina has appeared three times on the Fox News Network, most recently in August 2023, when he presented $1.25 million from BVL to veterans’ organizations. The publicity from these appearances helped lead to the Professional Bowlers Association naming BVL the official charity of the PBA Tour, which airs on Fox Sports.  

“John has been instrumental in leading an organization that allows the incredible bowling community to give back to our veterans,” said Corey Dykstra, President and CEO of Brunswick Bowling and a BVL Board Member. “John constantly keeps the purpose of our organization at the forefront of nearly every discussion we have – brightening veterans’ lives. His mentorship to myself and the team he has assembled will assure BVL meets these goals for a long time to come. Thank you, John, for your continued leadership!”  

LaSpina, who has been an active member and supporter of BVL for the last two decades, will remain on the Board and provide assistance to the new Chair Nancy Schneck. 

“I don’t believe that people should have jobs for life,” said LaSpina, who has held leadership roles in various bowling trade industry organizations. “I have been given a lot of leadership opportunities. There was a time when I was the youngest person in the room, but now I’m the oldest person in the room. I believe that when you’re a leadership volunteer, your responsibility is to do your job well and to groom others to take your place – and to know when to move on.” 

LaSpina’s Maple Family Centers Tops List of BVL Donors 

Over the years, Maple Family Centers, which today includes three bowling centers in New York and two in Florida, has raised more than $600,000 for BVL – the most of any bowling center proprietor. Each year, the company hosts two major pro bowling tournaments – one in New York, one in Florida – with all proceeds going to BVL.  

You will hear LaSpina say that “giving back is good for business.”  

“If companies have a higher mission than simply earning profits, they wind up becoming more profitable,” he said.  

Maple Family Centers’ strong focus on giving back to the community and BVL in particular began in the days following 9/11. That sunny Tuesday morning, LaSpina was at the company’s original bowling center in Brooklyn, just a few miles from the World Trade Center, waiting for a delivery of the first brand-new lanes in the bowling center’s 40-year history.  

“The truck never arrived, and papers started flying down from the World Trade Center,” he said. “The Brunswick crew that was there with me waiting to unload the truck was from Shanksville, Penn., where of course United Flight 93 crashed. One of my favorite young bowlers, who grew up at the center, decided to take that day off from his job at Cantor Fitzgerald on the top floors of the World Trade Center, and then spent every day with us afterward dealing with survivor’s guilt. It was an eerie time, and it was then that I decided that we should strive to become meaningful members of every community we serve. I shared this with our team, and my son, Joe, came up with the idea to do BVL pro tournaments, which have blossomed.”  

For more info, contact Melissa Rose: 631.882.7938, [email protected]. 

About Maple Family Centers 

Providing fun for friends and families since 1960, Maple Family Centers consists of five family-owned bowling centers including Coram Country Lanes in Coram, N.Y.; Maple Lanes RVC in Rockville Centre, N.Y.; Jib Lanes in Flushing, N.Y.; Maple Lanes Countryside in Clearwater, Fla; and Orange Bowl Lanes in Lakeland, Fla. A third-generation family-owned and operated company, Maple Family Centers is all about entertaining the community and building relationships. President John LaSpina and Vice President Joe LaSpina share their joy of bowling with families and sports enthusiasts and lead MFC in supporting the needs of the community by creating fundraising opportunities for not-for-profit agencies.  

 

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'Sa gabing madilim' (in the dark night), 2023, acrylic, gouache, watercolor, pencil, graphite, 42in x 66in by Cheeny Celebrado-Royer

Suffolk County Community College’s Flecker Gallery on the Ammerman Campus in Selden will host artist Cheeny Celebrado-Royer from February 8 through March 8.

Within the upcoming exhibition Dawn, Cheeny weaves together elements of drawing, painting, collage, architecture, and nature, employing a diverse array of materials associated with temporality, construction, and migration. Throughout her work, she explores mediums such as: graphite, packing supplies, cardboard, tape, concrete, and paint. Within her artwork, she undertakes the deconstruction and repurposing of images, either fragments of her own creations or sourced photographs. Her drawings serve as an important role of transforming moments of time into a tangible manifestation of the intricate processes of recording, remembering, and translating. Beautifully displayed together, her drawings create an installation of harmonious and layered abstraction that evoke urgency and familiarity to the viewer.

Cheeny Celebrado-Royer was born in Naga City, Philippines and is a multidisciplinary artist who utilizes discarded and found materials to create installations, sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Her work encapsulates a sense of urgency, transient qualities, and the precarious nature of objects, often drawing inspiration from architectural structures and their inevitable deterioration.

She holds an MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art (Mount Royal School of Art). Her exhibitions span notable venues such as the Walters Art Museum, Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, Fjord Gallery, School 33 Arts Center, the Peale Museum, ’sindikit Gallery, and Rhode Island School of Design Museum. Celebrado-Royer serves as an Assistant Professor in Experimental & Foundation Studies at the Rhode Island School of Design.

The community is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, February 8, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Gallery hours are: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 631-451-4110.

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling approximately 21,000 students at its three campuses in Selden, Brentwood and Riverhead. Suffolk offers the Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, as well as a variety of certificate programs. Offering affordable college tuition, a highly respected Honors program, workforce training programs, extensive extracurricular activities, championship athletic teams, and numerous transfer programs, Suffolk is a first-choice college for Long Island students. Visit sunysuffolk.edu.

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Kevin Galloway

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 6 that Kevin Galloway, 53, of Holtsville, was sentenced to two to six years in prison after pleading guilty in November 2023 to Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, following a crash in Huntington Station that killed 48-year-old Natividad Interiano, of Huntington, in August 2023.

“This defendant knew he struck a pedestrian with his car, but instead of stopping to help the victim, Galloway stopped at a gas station to check for damage to the front of his vehicle.” said District Attorney Tierney. “I want to thank the prosecutors for their commitment to securing this conviction, and I hope this sentence provides Interiano’s family and friends with some measure of comfort knowing the man who took their loved one is paying for the crime he committed.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s statements during his plea allocution, on August 27, 2023, at approximately 9:12 p.m., nearby video footage captured Galloway traveling eastbound in his black 2003 Chevrolet Suburban and striking Interiano as he was crossing the intersection on East Pulaski Road in Huntington Station. Interiano, who had been walking with a cane, was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the crash.

After the incident, Galloway fled the scene where another video surveillance camera captured him entering a BP Gas Station on Park Avenue in Huntington Station. The video footage depicted Galloway pulling into the gas station, inspecting the front end of his vehicle, and pushing the left headlight back into the vehicle before driving away.

On August 28, 2023, in an attempt to evade law enforcement, Galloway replaced the hood, front grill, and rims of his vehicle. The next day, Galloway took the damaged parts of the vehicle to a recycling center in Medford where they were scrapped for cash. Galloway was subsequently arrested on September 1, 2023, when he admitted to driving the vehicle at the time of the collision.

On November 6, 2023, Galloway pleaded guilty to Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Timothy P. Mazzei.

On February 6, 2024, Justice Mazzei sentenced Galloway to two to six years in prison and his license was revoked. He was represented by Eric Besso, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys James McCormack and Raymond Varuolo of the Vehicular Crime Bureau with investigative assistance from Detective Joseph Bianco of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.

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Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
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Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield varsity competes in cheer competition. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

Riverhead High School hosted a varsity cheer competition where 44 different high schools converged throughout the day on Saturday, Jan. 27, where each school showcased their school spirit in four different categories in an all-day event.

Newfield wowed the crowd in their 2 1/2 minute performance in the Class A Division collecting 70.65 points from the judges before a near-capacity audience. 

Newfield retakes the mat on Saturday, Feb. 3, in another multischool competition at Hauppauge High School at 12 p.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon 

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Pixabay photo

By Samantha Rutt

The real estate landscape in Suffolk County is experiencing a significant shift, with the scales tipping decidedly in favor of sellers. As demand continues to outpace supply, prospective homebuyers face fierce competition and rising prices. This phenomenon, commonly known as a seller’s market, has implications for both buyers and sellers in the region.

Suffolk County, nestled on Long Island’s eastern end, boasts a unique blend of scenic landscapes, vibrant communities, and proximity to New York City. This desirability has driven a surge in demand for residential properties across the county. However, this increased demand is not matched by a proportional rise in housing inventory, creating a supply-demand imbalance.

The limited availability of homes for sale has sparked intense competition among buyers vying for desirable properties. Multiple offers, bidding wars, and quick sales have become commonplace, placing sellers in the advantageous position of fielding competitive offers and securing favorable terms.

“​​There’s no inventory, that’s the bottom line,” Jolie Powell, of Jolie Powell Realty said. “We have a very strong buyer demand and we have virtually nothing to sell them.”

According to Redfin, a real estate brokerage corporation, the median sale price in Suffolk County in December of 2023 surged 9.4% compared to the previous year, hovering around $596,000. Homes spend an average of just 28 days on the market, compared to 36 last year, indicating a market hungry for listings. The sale-to-list price ratio often exceeding 100% showcases just how fiercely buyers compete for available properties.

“There’s several reasons,” the broker/owner Powell when asked about the potential causes for the lack of inventory said. “The rates have been high, people got spoiled. Post pandemic, the rates were 3%, and now the rates have doubled. People that locked into that rate have a good situation, and they’re not selling.”

With demand driving prices upward, Suffolk County has witnessed a steady appreciation in property values. Homes are fetching premium prices, often exceeding their listing prices as eager buyers seek to secure their slice of Suffolk County’s real estate market. 

“I don’t forsee the inventory level rising at all, which means the prices will probably appreciate, and we’ll probably go back to bidding wars again this spring,” Powell said. 

Sellers in Suffolk County are positioned to capitalize on the favorable market conditions. With high demand and low inventory, sellers can command top dollar for their properties and negotiate favorable terms. This upward trend in property values is a treat for sellers, who stand to benefit from lucrative returns on their investments.

Prospective homebuyers navigating Suffolk County’s seller’s market face formidable challenges. Buyers must act swiftly, be prepared to make compelling offers, and potentially adjust their expectations to align with market realities.

“I’m hoping the rates will come down a little bit, this spring, and all indications are pointing to lower interest rates than they are right now. So that will hopefully encourage people sell because those that sell need to buy as well,” Powell said.

As the county’s real estate market remains predominantly in favor of sellers, both buyers and sellers are pushed to adapt to the evolving landscape. With demand outstripping supply, buyers face challenges in securing properties, while sellers stand to benefit from rising property values and heightened competition. 

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New York State Parks challenge merchandise. Photo courtesy New York State Parks.

By Aidan Johnson

Major celebrations are in store for the New York’s statewide park and historic site system, which has reached 100 years since its founding by Gov. Alfred E. Smith (D) and the state Legislature of 1924.

While there will be multiple events happening statewide throughout the year in New York’s parks and historic sites, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced a year-long challenge for residents and visitors.

The challenge consists of 100 different activities that can be completed at the New York State parks and historic sites throughout the year. All of the tasks can be found listed under “NY State Parks Centennial Challenge” in the app Goosechase, and include missions such as drawing flowers or wildlife found in the park, visiting one of the lighthouses, biking certain trails and attending an environmental education program. However, participants need not worry about traveling statewide to complete every challenge, as only 24 are required to be finished in order to receive a sticker and be entered into a drawing for a three-year Empire Pass and a centennial swag bag.

NYS sees the centennial and challenges as an opportunity to help local economies by attracting visitors to the different parks and sites.

“Our parks in New York State are now for a century where families and friends have gathered, where memories were made outdoors,” said state Parks Deputy Regional Director Kara Hahn.

Hahn described the Share Your Story initiative, in which residents are invited to share their favorite photos and memories of the parks by emailing [email protected] or by using the #nystateparkstory hashtag on social media.

“We really want to inspire and encourage and engage our residents to come out because we know how good it is for health to be outside and active…and we know that it’s good for community health to have our residents gathering in beautiful spaces and have fun,” Hahn said.

“We’re taking this Centennial 100-year anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate all that and hopefully encourage and activate our residents to come back out,” she added.

Information is also available at parks.ny.gov/100/challenge.

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Centereach Civic Association emblem. Photo courtesy Centereach Civic Association

By Nasrin Zahed

Centereach Civic Association’s first meeting of the year Tuesday, Jan. 9, sought to discuss how the civic intends to conduct meetings going forward, ongoing development projects, education funding challenges and initiatives underscored by community well-being. State Assemblymen Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) and Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) along with Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) expressed their commitment to serving Middle Country residents. Their aim to align economic interests with community welfare set the tone for collaborative efforts.

The evening kicked off with civic members addressing the merger of the Centereach Civic Association with the Selden Civic Association meetings going forward. The decision underlines a commitment to inclusivity and a desire to streamline communication channels throughout the Middle Country community. This approach aims at fostering increased participation, particularly for those members who find it challenging to commute to one central location. The dedication of the two civics to creating structured arrangements for joint sessions signifies a commitment to community engagement and a desire to address all areas their influence might reach.

Changes in meeting schedules and the strategic approach to alternating meeting locations between the Centereach Fire Department and the Selden Fire Department were discussed. 

Community member Katherine Yamaguchi took the floor to passionately discuss Contractors for Kids, her heartfelt advocacy painting a poignant picture of the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting families in their most challenging moments. With a genuine admiration for Contractors for Kids’ mission to provide financial assistance during times of illness, injury or the tragic loss of a child, Yamaguchi eloquently described the impactful initiatives, including upcoming galas and community-driven fundraising efforts. Her narrative highlighted the organization not just as a charitable force but as a symbol of collective empathy and strength. 

The community is eagerly anticipating several upcoming development projects that promise to enhance the overall quality of life in the area. These initiatives span various sectors, including infrastructure, public safety and environmental conservation. Residents can look forward to improved road networks, upgraded drainage systems and the replacement of outdated guardrails, ensuring safer and more efficient travel. 

The commitment to restoring essential services, particularly in education and social services, reflects a dedication to the well-being of families and the broader community. Additionally, the focus on veterans initiatives, mental health services and support for Gold Star families that were discussed underscores a commitment to honoring and assisting those who have served their country. 

The civic association is set to receive a $5,000 refund in relation to the holiday seasons tree-lighting ceremony. The conversation around this financial matter involved deliberations on how to handle the refund, and led to an open discussion with the attending neighbors on how best to redistribute the funds back into the community.

Assemblymen Smith and Flood emphasized the need for increased preservation of Long Island farmland, acquiring development rights and engaging in sustainable aquaculture practices. The upcoming projects align with a vision of responsible growth that prioritizes environmental conservation. 

The assemblymen also discussed their dedication to Long Island schools and the work being done to restore and raise education budgets. With cuts being proposed throughout local school districts by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) 2024-25 budget, Smith and Flood both shared their commitment to representing communities such as Middle Country in their efforts to get state aid reinstated. The assemblymen went on to discuss how the taxes local Long Islanders pay is not proportional to the return received through state funding in necessary areas.

Overall, the Middle Country community is poised for positive transformations that will contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive future.

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George Hoffman of Setauket Harbor Task Force tests water chemistry in Port Jefferson Harbor. Photo by Alex Petroski

The Long Island Sound, our shimmering jewel, is not just a watery highway or a scenic backdrop — it’s the very lifeblood of our region, pulsing with economic vitality, ecological diversity and recreational wonder. But this precious resource is increasingly under threat, its vibrancy dimming in the face of pollution, overdevelopment and climate change.

The Sound is an economic powerhouse, supporting jobs in fishing, tourism and maritime industries. Its oyster beds once rivaled those of Chesapeake Bay, and our waters teemed with cod, lobster and striped bass, fueling a profitable fishery. For generations, Long Islanders have cast their nets and lines, and livelihoods into the waters.

But pollution casts a long shadow. Runoff from urban centers and fertilizers alike can choke the Sound with nitrogen, feeding harmful algal blooms depleting oxygen and leaving behind dead zones where no life can thrive. Plastic waste can drown marine life, and microplastics enter the food chain, silently posing a threat to human health.

The changing climate adds another layer of urgency. Rising sea levels inundate coastal communities, eroding beaches and threatening infrastructure. Hurricanes become more frequent and ferocious, battering our shores. As the waters warm, delicate ecosystems shift, impacting fish populations and the intricate web of life beneath the surface.

To stand idly by as the Sound fades would be a betrayal of our heritage and a reckless gamble with our future. We must act now, with resolute hearts and committed minds, to become stewards of this irreplaceable ecosystem.

The solutions are multifaceted. 

We must support policies that curb pollution, reduce runoff and invest in clean water infrastructure. Solutions like the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act set for reauthorization from the U.S. Rep. and advocate Nick LaLota (R-NY1). Solutions that allow for stricter regulations on coastal development and responsible management of our shorelines. 

We must continue to uplift the work of the Setauket Harbor Task Force in Setauket and Port Jeff harbors. We must recognize the diligence and continued efforts from Stony Brook University researchers at SoMAS to the ongoing betterment of our beloved Sound. 

Individual actions matter too: reducing our use of pesticides, adopting responsible waste disposal practices and supporting sustainable seafood choices — each ripple contributes to a healthier Sound.

The Long Island Sound is not just an expanse of water, it’s the soul of our region. Let us rise to the challenge, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come. 

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