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Smithtown commemorates Pride Month

by Press Release - July 5, 2022

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The Town of Smithtown Anti-Bias Task Force and Youth Bureau sponsored a family-friendly Pride Month Celebration Picnic at Hoyt Farm in Commack on June 28.

In addition to the beautiful facilities at Hoyt Farm, many fun and activities were planned for young people, including professional face painting and a slew of games. Partner organizations — the Smithtown Library, the LGBT Network, Free Mom Hugs, and Keep It Kind Smithtown — also participated in the celebration.

Duck Donuts in Hauppauge donated to the picnic, while Musicology Performance Center provided musical entertainment.

Eye on the Street: Get the scoop on favorite ice cream memories from locals and visitors

by TBR Staff - July 5, 2022

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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.”

TBR News Media Police Blotter for issue of June 30, 2022

by Heidi Sutton - July 3, 2022

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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

LI activists rally to protest Dobbs decision

by TBR Staff - July 2, 2022

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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

King Kullen names new Chief Financial Officer

by Press Release - July 2, 2022

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King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc. has named Elizabeth Ostrove of Smithtown Chief Financial Officer. In her 36-year career with King Kullen, Ostrove has held a number of senior positions, most recently serving as Vice President & Controller of Finance. The announcement was made by King Kullen President & Chief Operating Officer Joseph W. Brown following a vote by the King Kullen Board of Directors.

“Liz has overseen the Accounting, Finance and Payroll Departments for many years and has been involved in a number of complex initiatives throughout her tenure with King Kullen,” said Brown. “She is a dedicated employee who consistently gives her all to every task, project, and assignment. Her contributions to the King Kullen organization are considerable and I know everyone joins me in congratulating Liz on her new role as Chief Financial Officer.”

Headquartered in Hauppauge, King Kullen is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as American’s first supermarket. Founded in 1930 by Michael J. Cullen, King Kullen operates 29 supermarkets and five Wild by Nature stores in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Town of Smithtown to host household hazardous waste collection event July 9

by Press Release - July 2, 2022

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Smithtown Waste Covanta — Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways, in partnership with the Municipal Services Facility and the Department of Public Safety, will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, July 9. This free event will be held at the Smithtown Municipal Services Facility, located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be strictly enforced.

At the April 2022 event, Smithtown Municipal Services Facility employees worked in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Waterways Environmental Director David Barnes and Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann to safely secure over twenty eight (55) gallon drums, fifteen (1) cubic yard boxes, one miscellaneous container for specialized hazardous waste, and two full 30 cubic yard roll-off containers loaded up with paints/solvents, etc. The exact weight collected was 29.1 tons (scale house net) in hazardous materials. Approximately 600 Smithtown households participated in this event.

A portion of the wastes collected for manifested disposal include: waste oil based paints/ flammable paints, gasoline, paint thinners, waste gases, petroleum distillates, flammable solids, oxidizers liquids and solids, sodium/potassium nitrates, acids, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, misc. toxic liquids (i.e. Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids and various other toxic compounds.

***The Town, in cooperation with Covanta, will be giving away $5 gift cards for the disposal of rechargeable batteries and propane tanks, 1 gift card per household, while supplies last.***

DID YOU KNOW…

Residents can also dispose of Electronic waste, free of charge, at the Town Recycling Center (also located at 85 Old Northport Road). Electronic Waste such as computers, printers, TV’s, monitors, automotive and household batteries can be dropped off during regular hours for proper recycling.

Mulch is also available FREE OF CHARGE to residents. Smithtown residents can line up for Pre-packaged bags of mulch with a maximum of ten (10) bags per visit. We offer free loading of loose mulch into your pick-up or dump truck. (Cover required)

The Smithtown Municipal Services Facility is located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, NY.

Regular Operating Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 11:45 am and 12:45 pm to 3:15 pm. For more information, call 631-269-6600.

Happy Fourth of July!

by TBR Staff - July 2, 2022

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The staff at TBR News Media wish you a Happy and Safe Fourth of July Weekend!

Please note: The office will be closed on July 4 and will reopen on July 5 at 10 a.m.

The history of America’s Independence Day:

Few summertime holidays elicit as much excitement as the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day in the United States. Each year, family, friends and revelers anticipate the arrival of the holiday so they can host barbecues, enjoy the sun, listen to their favorite summertime tunes, and commemorate the freedoms afforded by the monumental events that led to the holiday’s establishment. Independence Day became a federal holiday in 1941, but July 4th has stood as the birth of American independence for much longer.

July 4th marks a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. According to PBS, the colonies were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III despite having no representation in the British Parliament. “Taxation without representation” became a battle cry and was one of several grievances colonists had with Great Britain.

Conflict between the colonies had been going on for at least a year before the colonies convened a Continental Congress in Philadelphia in June of 1776, says Military.com. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from England. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence is an historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was considered the strongest and most eloquent writer of the declaration writing committee charged with putting the colonies’ sentiments into words.

Richard Henry Lee of Virginia was one of the first people to present a resolution for American independence, and his commentary was the impetus for the formal Declaration of Independence. A total of 86 changes were made to Jefferson’s original draft until the final version was adopted. The signing of the document helped to solidify independence, and eventually lead to the formation of the United States of America. A total of 56 delegates signed the document. Although John Hancock’s signature is the largest, it did not hold more weight than the other signatures. Rather, rumor has it, Hancock signed it so large so that the “fat, old King could read it without his spectacles.” However, the National Archives says it was also customary that, since Hancock was the president of the Continental Congress, he be the first person to sign the document centered below the text.

The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence on July 6, 1776. The first public readings of the Declaration were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square on July 8, 1776.

Pathways Stroke Foundation donates iPads to St. Johnland Nursing Center

by Press Release - July 1, 2022

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Pictured from left, Therapist Katelyn Paige; Pathways Stroke Foundation President Jean Marie Gibbs; Rehab Director Dana Stein; and St. Johnland Nursing Center Administrator Nicolas Destinville. Photo from St. Johnland

St. Johnland Nursing Facility in Kings Park recently welcomed Pathways Stroke Foundation’s President Jean Marie Gibbs as she donated five new iPads as well as laptops to its Head Injury Rehabilitation Unit. The iPads will help facilitate much needed continued therapies throughout the day as well as providing patient-family communication.

Pathways Stroke Foundation was founded after Gibbs’s mother Agnes suffered a debilitating stroke in 2012. Her speech area was greatly affected leaving her with Aphasia and Apraxia. She had lost mobility of her right arm, limited mobility of her right leg as well as visual blockages.

Agnes’s rehabilitation at St. Johnland Head Injury Rehabilitation Unit (HIRU), consisted of almost three months of physical, speech and occupational therapy with her family at her side every step of the way. Due to Agnes’s severe speech deficit, it was crucial to find ways to communicate and recover to the best of her ability.

“The iPad was an instrumental tool in recovery of her stroke” said Gibbs. “Aggressive therapy is needed when learning to speak, walk and move again. Having the technology available to mom provided an outlet for her to continue her therapy throughout the day. With the many applications that are designed specifically for speaking, reading, writing as well as motor function, it gave mom independence to choose which apps worked best for her. Most importantly the iPad provided 24 hour support via FaceTime to keep in touch with family and friends especially when she was feeling afraid or lonely.”

Life had changed in a moment for Agnes, and each day was a path to recovery. “We stayed with mom from early morning to late evening providing the emotional and physical support so desperately needed during recovery.” says Jean Marie Gibbs. “However, there were many survivors in HIRU that did not have the same family support or the financial ability to own an iPad. I wanted to be an advocate for those in HIRU that felt there was no hope. Pathways Stroke Foundation has been the vehicle needed to provide the technology through our fundraising efforts.”

Commack High School celebrates the Class of 2022

by Rita J. Egan - July 1, 2022

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It was a hot evening but that didn’t stop Commack High School seniors from celebrating their graduation day with family and friends on June 24.

During the ceremony, student speakers Daniel Figueroa and Robert Acebedo addressed the crowd, and senior class president Allison Spalding presented the Class of 2022 gift.

Interim Superintendent of Schools David Flatley and high school principal Carrie Lipenholtz also addressed the crowd.

— Photos by Rita J. Egan

Hauppauge Class of 2022 celebrates

by Rita J. Egan - July 1, 2022

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Last Friday, June 24, Hauppauge High School seniors walked onto the field for the last time as students.

During the graduation ceremony, students and attendees were joined by Distinguished Alumni Speaker Paul Monusky from the Class of 1997, bottom left.

Monusky is an 11-time Emmy-winning senior producer/director for NFL Films. He got his start in broadcasting at the high school when he began taking TV production classes with Mr. Fran DePetris. He was also the editor-in-chief for the school newspaper during his time as a Hauppauge Eagle.

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