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Editorial: Letter from Three Village Chamber of Commerce

by TBR Staff - November 21, 2024

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Cleanup efforts are underway at the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Photo by Denis Lynch

On Aug. 18, an intense rainfall event — dropping approximately 10 inches overnight — resulted in catastrophic flooding, severely damaging local landmarks including the Stony Brook Mill Pond, the Stony Brook Grist Mill (1751), and Avalon Nature Preserve.

We are calling on all levels of government — federal, New York State, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the NYS Department of Transportation, Suffolk County and the towns of Brookhaven, Smithtown and Village of Head of the Harbor — to collaborate in the restoration efforts. It is imperative that every elected official work together to restore the Stony Brook Mill Pond, Stony Brook Grist Mill and Avalon Park’s primary access route.

These cherished heritage and nature destinations are integral to our communities, encouraging visitors to explore both the rich history and the natural beauty of the area. Both the Stony Brook Mill Pond and the Stony Brook Grist Mill are listed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places.

The Stony Brook Mill Pond has been of ecological and economic importance for centuries. Before the storm, it provided sustenance and shelter for a variety of wildlife species and played a critical role in stormwater management. The Mill Pond has been a vital component of the Grist Mill’s operations, powering the waterwheel of this iconic Long Island landmark since 1751.

Avalon Nature Preserve, a protected area spanning 216 acres —140 of which are accessible to the public — boasts diverse flora and fauna. It features walking trails, a wildflower meadow and woodlands. Access to the Avalon Nature Preserve has been severely impacted by the destruction of Harbor Road.

The Three Village Chamber of Commerce respectfully asks for your support in these restoration efforts. Representing the Three Village business network, this work is vital to helping the business community in Stony Brook thrive once again.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Three Village Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors

President Carmine Inserra

Michael Ardolino

Heather Banoub

Robert Brown

Perry Cassidy

Leah S. Dunaief

Colette Frey-Bitzas

Susie Kaiserman

Kenneth P. Kroncke

Ronald J. LaVita

Edwin Miller

Andy Polan

David Prestia

Gloria Rocchio

Nicole Sarno

Martha Stansbury

John C. Tsunis

President Emeritus Charles Lefkowitz

Echoes of Asia: A celebration of music, dance and song at Kings Park Heritage Museum

by Jennifer Donatelli - November 21, 2024

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By Jennifer Donatelli

The Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum, located inside Ralph J. Osgood Intermediate School (RJO) in Kings Park, came alive on Nov. 15 for the museum’s second annual Asian Heritage Night. The event transformed the space into a celebration of culture, showcasing the talents of Asian dancers, musicians and singers in a night dedicated to community and connection.

This free event featured 14 performances by local artists and community groups, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Asian cultures. Through music and dance, the evening brought together tradition, creativity and a spirit of cultural exchange.

“The melodies tell stories, the rhythm sparks joy and the movements convey the depth of character,” said Joseph Piacentino Jr., media director for the Kings Park Heritage Museum. Museum Director Sal Iraci echoed this sentiment, calling the performances “a connection of beauty and tradition to the power of creativity.”

Among the highlights was a vibrant Bollywood performance by three young dancers from Rhythm Dance Academy in Stony Brook. Bollywood, a colorful and energetic style popularized by Indian cinema, blends classical Indian, rustic and folk dances with lively music.

Local student performers also shone. Eighth grader Arianna Yang from Stony Brook captivated the audience with her solo performance of “Beautiful,” sung entirely in Chinese. Yang shared that the song, with its harmonious melodies and inspiring lyrics, represents “the simple joys of life.” She added, “Sharing my singing with others brings me great joy.”

The Infant Jesus Prayer Group of Nassau Dance Troupe performed the Filipino folk dance “Polka sa Nayon,” a lively polka that reflects a mix of cultural influences. Member Jane Rupa described their rehearsals as moments of camaraderie, filled with “food, fun and laughter.”

Community appreciation for the event was palpable. Kings Park resident Kalbana Bhanbari, originally from Nepal, called the performances “inspiring, amazing and moving.”

The Long Island Chinese Dance Group, based in Stony Brook, also contributed to the program. Their Tibetan-inspired performance conveyed themes of endurance, harmony and resilience, capturing the essence of life in the snowy Tibetan mountains. “It is a cultural expression that honors the spirit of the people who live in these areas,” explained dancer Ming Lu.

Dr. Yan Yu, a professor of applied mathematics at Stony Brook University and organizer of the evening, said many of the performers were from the local community. “As immigrants, we like to showcase our culture and bring our heritage to the United States,” she said.

The Nepali Team Dance Group, featuring three sisters aged 4 to 9, delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Maitighar,” a classic folk song from the 1966 Nepali film of the same name.The song’s title, which translates to “maternal home,” captures the event’s celebration of cultural pride and tradition while honoring the performers appreciation for the American way of life. Meanwhile, the Philippine Line Dance troupe wowed the crowd with a cha-cha performance, reflecting the shared cultural ties between the Philippines and the United States.

The evening also honored community leaders. Agnes and Duanfeng He, attendees from Stony Brook, called the event “a celebration of Asian-American cultures.” Mr. He said, “We are so proud to be American.”

The night concluded with a performance of “You Raise Me Up,” led by Dr. Yu and the Stony Brook Chorus, a group of professors, scientists and researchers united by their love of vocal music. “We benefit so much from being American, and this is our way of giving back,” Yu said.

The Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum, the only school community-managed museum in the United States, continues to fulfill its mission of preserving the town’s historic past and educating the community through events like Heritage Night. Independently run by volunteers and donations, the museum is open for tours during school days after 4 p.m. or by appointment.

For more information on upcoming events, from the Kings Park Heritage Museum, visit kpheritagemuseum.net.

Smithtown BOE approves $110 million in allocations, provides updates on sexual abuse claims

by Peter Sloniewsky - November 21, 2024

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By Peter Sloniewsky

The Smithtown Central School District Board of Education convened Nov. 12 to discuss a range of financial and legal matters, approve community donations and review correspondence submitted by residents.

During the meeting, the board approved financial reports totaling more than $110 million, which included treasurer’s reports, classroom expenses and other districtwide allocations.

The board also accepted a variety of donations aimed at enhancing school resources and community engagement. These included a $1,000 monetary gift from the New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal, a commemorative bench valued at $2,300 from Smithtown East High School’s Class of 2024 and a $2,700 inflatable tunnel donated by Smithtown High School East’s gridiron club. Additionally, the board approved facility-use requests for several organizations, including FIRST Long Island, the Rotary Club of Smithtown and Backyard Pigskins, a youth flag football program.

Suffolk County D.A.: Ronkonkoma man sentenced to 30 years for double homicide

by Press Release - November 21, 2024

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Brian Cordovano Pleaded Guilty in October 2024

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Nov. 21 that Brian Cordovano, 50, of Ronkonkoma, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing two men – Ian Saalfield, 45, of Lake Grove, and Robert Julian, 59, of Selden, in April 2022.

“Any justice obtained in this case does not allow Mr. Saalfield and Mr. Julian to see their families again, nor allow their families to say goodbye,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Justice does, however, allow us to keep a violent individual like this defendant from harming others for a long time. Today, we hope that this sentence brings some form of closure to the victims’ families and loved ones.”

On April 26, 2022, Saalfield was reported missing by his wife. She advised police that she last saw her husband the day before with Cordovano, his childhood friend. Saalfield’s wife saw her husband leave their home with Cordovano at approximately 8:00 p.m., when he drove off in Saalfield’s white 2015 Lexus. Saalfield never returned home.

A few days later, on May 2, 2022, law enforcement found Saalfield’s Lexus abandoned in a parking lot in Holtsville. On that same day, police responded to a call from a Ronkonkoma motel where Cordovano was suffering from an overdose.

While Cordovano was being transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, the Suffolk County Police Department was able to link a silver 2004 Toyota Corolla left in the motel parking lot to Cordovano. A registration check revealed that the car belonged to Robert Julian. Police responded to Julian’s home and found the bodies of Saalfield and Julian inside, each dead due to gunshot wounds to the head. Investigators later determined that Cordovano killed the two on April 25, 2022.

On October 9, 2024, Cordovano pleaded guilty before County Court Judge Stephen L. Braslow, to:

 Two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies;
 Three counts of Robbery in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies; and
 Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent
felonies.

On November 20, 2024, Judge Braslow sentenced Cordovano to 30 years in prison. He was represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Repperger of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

Letters to the Editor: November 21, 2024

by TBR Staff - November 21, 2024

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letters_page-scaled-1-700x467-1-1-2-2 — File photo by Raymond Janis

Letter to Gov. Hochul on delayed FEMA reimbursements for Stony Brook University Hospital by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

Since 2022, Stony Brook University Hospital, including Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital and Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, Long Island State Veterans Home and Stony Brook University have been actively engaged with SUNY and the Division of Budget in submitting claims totaling over $195 million for reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency pursuant to the Robert T Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford act) after the nationwide emergency declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic. Per FEMA, this act provides for “eligible emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 emergency at the direction or guidance of public health officials may be reimbursed under Category B of FEMA’s Public Assistance program.”

Stony Brook University Hospital, et al., have submitted thousands of eligible expenses and documentation for reimbursement for 100% federal cost for expenses incurred prior to July 1, 2022, and 90% federal cost for expenses incurred after July 2, 2022, by all requested deadlines. FEMA committed to apply federal funding to all eligible COVID-19 costs for work performed and items including employee labor, purchased supplies, equipment, leased equipment and facilities and contract costs.

Private hospitals applied for reimbursement directly to FEMA and have been reimbursed. SUNY’s hospitals were required to apply through the DOB who would then submit the applications to FEMA. Since SBUH is not the applicant, it was unable to contact FEMA directly. Stony Brook University Hospital, et al., have been in communication with the DOB and have urged it to ask FEMA to expedite the process.

On Sept. 8, 2024, Stony Brook Medicine representatives met with SUNY and DOB, which revealed that FEMA seems overwhelmed by pandemic-related reimbursement across the nation.

Representatives from SUNY, DOB and Sen. Chuck Schumer’s (D) office have a request into FEMA for a meeting.

I join with them in urging prompt payment to Stony Brook University, Stony Brook University hospitals, and the Long Island State Veterans Home. I would also ask that pandemic relief deadlines be extended.

Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Hospital is Suffolk County’s largest employer and one of our economic engines. Delays in FEMA reimbursements affect the university and the general economy of Suffolk County.

Edward P. Romaine

Suffolk County Executive

Not an experiment

Stefanie Werner [“Three Village BOE’s costly sleep experiment,” TBR News Media, Nov. 14] is certainly entitled to her opinion that the benefits of moving to later high school start times are not worth the financial cost (less than 1% of the budget).

However, she is not entitled to dismiss the well-established evidence that even a modest delay in school start times leads to significant benefits for adolescent students. Research from dozens of studies has conclusively shown that later start times result in more sleep, improved attendance, higher grades and fewer car crashes. These findings are not a “fantasy belief.” They are supported by extensive scientific evidence. That is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends secondary schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. — a standard the new plan still falls short of by 50 minutes. It is also why states such as California and Florida have passed laws mandating later school start times for secondary students.

The Three Village BOE is not conducting an “experiment.” The experiments have already been done, and the results are clear. The only question is whether we are willing to act on this well-documented evidence.

John Hover

East Setauket

Batteries vs. community safety

As a resident of Setauket, I am deeply concerned about the proposed battery storage facilities slated for construction near our neighborhoods, including one location in close proximity to a home for individuals with developmental disabilities. These facilities pose significant risks to the safety and well-being of our community, and I urge local officials and residents to reconsider their placement.

The continuous noise levels expected from these facilities — around 50 decibels — may not seem excessive on paper, but for those with sensory sensitivities or specific needs, it could be highly disruptive. For the residents of the nearby home, this could lead to unnecessary distress and challenges that could easily be avoided with a better site selection.

Moreover, there are substantial safety concerns. At a recent community meeting, experts noted that fires at battery storage sites are exceptionally difficult to extinguish, potentially resulting in days of harmful smoke, chemicals and toxins polluting the air. This is not a hypothetical scenario; incidents involving battery energy storage systems have already occurred in other parts of New York, with devastating consequences for the environment and public health.

While renewable energy solutions are essential, these facilities must be sited in appropriate locations — away from residential areas, schools and sensitive community spaces. The risk to our children, families and first responders is simply too great to justify their current proposed locations.

We must advocate for thoughtful, safe and community-centered planning to ensure that renewable energy initiatives do not come at the expense of our health and safety.

Together, we can make a difference and protect what makes Setauket a great place to live.

Brian Baker

Setauket

Toxic batteries don’t belong in our backyard

I am writing regarding the battery facility that is proposed for the Setauket/East Setauket area. This facility will put our community and residents in danger of fires, which would burn and release toxic chemicals into the air, but it’s a health hazard for our children, families and our communities. I am opposed to having a battery facility so close to our residential areas and our homes where our children and grandchildren play. It is a hazard that needs to be kept out. Please highlight this issue in your next publication so that the community is made aware of this. Many people don’t know about it and need to be informed.

Stacy Doerler-Antonucci

Port Jefferson Station

New risks, old lessons

I live in Setauket Meadows. Previously I lived on Pheasant Lane and Parsonage Road. These are all within a short walking distance of the proposed lithium battery storage facilities on Old Town Road and Sheep Pasture Road. I understand the conflicts that can arise when residences butt up against industrial property, but usually a compromise is reached.

However, now we have a very new technology with some known hazards and some unknown ones. These facilities would have unmanned security and have the risk of fire and or air contamination.

Savion is the company proposing these installations. They are only five years old as a company. Where and when have they built before? What were the problems? These questions need to be answered before any permits are issued. What would happen if we had another nine-day power outage due to a hurricane or brush fire in the area? Who would evacuate the toddlers and memory-impaired adults who are cared for at the facility right next to the proposed storage facility? The company has said this site was chosen due to its location in an area that has a high need for energy. Really? Wouldn’t the university be a better choice?

Just down the road we have a prime example of an industry contaminating acres. The owner of Lawrence Aviation abandoned his responsibilities and the rest of us paid the full price.

Let’s not do this again. Let’s not trade the environmental hazards of fossil fuel for the environmental hazards of unproven technology.

Mary Negra

Setauket

Community at risk: The hidden dangers of proposed battery storage facilities

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the battery storage facilities that are proposed for Setauket and East Setauket. These facilities will go right up to the backyards of many homeowners, as well as businesses, schools and places of worship in the Three Village community. Many of these community members are completely unaware that these projects are slated for construction starting as early as 2025.

Many have voiced frustration that many simple requests to the Town of Brookhaven are denied, and yet a project of this magnitude and scope is allowed to be proposed to the town without any notification and buy-in from the very people who will have to live and work right next to these facilities.

These battery storage facilities have dubious safety records as there have been many reports of these facilities catching fire. These fires are not able to simply be extinguished and must burn themselves out (likely taking days), thereby further endangering the community with the potential exposure to toxic smoke, chemicals and runoff.

This community has already dealt with the negligence of corporations such as Northville Industries and Lawrence Aviation whose irresponsible practices have already created a negative impact on the community that is still being felt today.

Please highlight this issue and its importance in your next issue as it is imperative that everyone in our community be aware of this project, thereby encouraging people to take action and also voice their concerns to the Town of Brookhaven.

Three Village residents

Xingtao Liu, Shannon Carlson, Brenda-Jimenez-Tillman, Caroline Guo and Robert Tu

Letter to Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich from the Three Village Civic Association: Addressing safety concerns over Setauket battery storage plans

Dear Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich,

As you know, the Three Village Civic Association recently held a community meeting in early November to learn about Savion Energy Systems’ proposed plans to construct two large battery storage facilities in Setauket.

Our association certainly understands the importance of battery storage facilities for the electrical energy generated by solar and wind. These facilities are key in powering the grid under the New York State green energy plans. However, our community is alarmed at the size and location of the planned battery storage facilities in the Three Villages as proposed by Savion Energy Systems, particularly in regard to their close proximity to residential neighborhoods.

We reviewed the Town’s battery storage code, which was only added to the Town’s Zoning Code in 2020. This new code permits Tier 2 facilities (SGT;600kw) to be located in L1 and L2 Zoning Districts without any consideration to the specific location of the L1 and L2 Zones. Under the current code, there is no consideration given to nearby or adjacent residential neighborhoods, schools, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, day care centers etc. We are sure you agree that this is problematic.

We also reviewed the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s model code for siting battery storage facilities which recommends that local municipalities establish a battery storage task force to review and adopt policies that would regulate aspects of battery storage development within towns and villages.

It is important to note the following from NYSERDA Model Energy Storage Guidebook:

Appoint a Battery Energy Storage Task Force (“Task Force”) that represents all interested stakeholders including residents, businesses, interested non-profit organizations, the battery energy storage industry, utilities and relevant municipal officials and staff to prepare an action plan, adopt or amend a comprehensive plan to include battery energy storage system planning goals and actions and develop local laws and/or other regulations to ensure the orderly development of battery energy storage system projects.

Charge the Task Force with conducting meetings on a communitywide basis to involve all key stakeholders, gather all available ideas, identify divergent groups and views and secure support from the entire community. The Task Force should also conduct studies and determine whether existing policies, plans and land use regulations require amendments to remove barriers and to facilitate battery energy storage system development goals.

We think that suggestion makes sense and Brookhaven should establish a Battery Storage Task Force to formulate guidelines before any battery storage facilities are approved.

Thank you for your attention and consideration in this important matter.

Charles Tramontana

President, Three Village Civic Association

Herb Mones

Land Use Chair, Three Village Civic Association

Three Village Civic Association Executive Board

Wanted for alleged Commack Public Lewdness

by Press Release - November 21, 2024

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0-8 — 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 the man who allegedly committed a lewd act at a Commack store this month.

A man followed a female while allegedly committing a lewd act at Walmart, located at 85 Crooked Hill Road, on November 19 at approximately 3:55 p.m.

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.

Jane Goodall advocates for New York’s horseshoe crabs as time runs out on protection bill

by Mallie Jane Kim - November 21, 2024

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baby-horseshoe-crabs-w — Young horseshoe crabs at West Meadow Beach, Stony Brook. File photo

By Mallie Jane Kim

Legendary conservationist Jane Goodall added her voice to those asking Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) to sign a bill that would prevent the harvest of horseshoe crabs in New York waters for biomedical or commercial fishing purposes.

Dr. Jane Goodall Photo courtesy of National Geographic

“As leaders, we have the unique ability to ensure that vulnerable species like the horseshoe crab, which has been part of our planet’s history for over 350 million years, are protected for future generations,” Goodall wrote in her plea to Hochul.

The Horseshoe Crab Protection Act passed the New York State Assembly and Senate last June, but the governor has yet to sign or veto it. If she does not sign the bill by the end of 2024, the bill is essentially vetoed and would have to go through the legislative process again next year.

Local advocates and environmental groups who sent letters and organized postcard campaigns to motivate Hochul to call up the bill welcomed Goodall bringing her influence to the cause.

“It’s a rare and special event when Dr. Goodall reaches out and requests New York help her in saving our planet’s endangered species,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Farmingdale-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “Governor Hochul should heed the wisdom and vision that Dr. Goodall provides and immediately sign this important legislation.”

The pioneering primatologist, who has dedicated her life and career to protecting wildlife and the environment, pointed out in her letter the role horseshoe crabs play in coastal ecosystems as well as the food chain for migratory birds such as red knots.

Horseshoe crabs are considered “living fossils” since they have been around an estimated 450 million years, and they are more closely related to scorpions and spiders than to crustaceans. The species, which is monitored and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, has seen a steady decline in recent decades.

Environmental advocates worry that since Connecticut and Massachusetts recently enacted stronger protections for horseshoe crabs and other neighboring states are considering rule changes, biomedical agencies may draw their attention to New York waters.

Currently the main harvesters of horseshoe crabs in New York waters are commercial fishermen, who use the animals as bait for eel and conch.

Long Island fisheries and the Long Island Farm Bureau have asked the governor not to sign the bill as written, saying efforts in recent years to sustain the species — including limiting the annual total harvest of horseshoe crabs to 150,000 — need a chance to make a difference. They say the legislation is based on emotion rather than science.

“If [the agencies] felt that the horseshoe crab stock was in danger, we would hear about it first,” said Bonnie Brady, executive director of Montauk-based Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, in a previous conversation with TBR [“The bill has passed in Albany, but awaits governor’s signature,” Sept. 20, 2024]. “To use a law to regulate a fishery, when they are already regulated by appropriate bodies that have the science to back it, is just not the way to allow fisheries to survive.”

Goodall specifically addressed preventing the biomedical uses of horseshoe crabs’ blue blood and asserted that synthetic alternatives mean harvesting the animals is not as necessary for research and vaccine development.

In her letter to Hochul, she appealed to a “shared sense of responsibility” for the natural world.

“I have devoted my life to preserving the planet,” Goodall wrote. “I hope together, we can make a lasting difference in this important corner of the world.”

Thanksgiving food distribution for Suffolk veterans scheduled for Nov. 21

by Heidi Sutton - November 18, 2024

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Long Island Cares, PSEG Long Island and the Suffolk County Veteran Service Agency are teaming up to make Thanksgiving a bit more special for Suffolk County veterans.

On Thursday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Suffolk County veterans can claim a free turkey and Thanksgiving basket at a Drive Through event scheduled at the H. Lee Dennison Building, at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge.

Veterans must show identification confirming their Veteran status & Suffolk County residency. Pre-Registration is required by clicking here.

Editorial: Saluting the silent strength behind every veteran

by TBR Staff - November 16, 2024

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A scene from the 2024 Setauket Veterans Day ceremony. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

Each year, November 11 reminds us to thank our military.

The day was born on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month — a moment in which the world paused. This was the moment the armistice that ended World War I was signed. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it Armistice Day, a tribute to peace hard-won. Over time, it evolved into what we now know as Veterans Day, but the poignance of that date endures.

Around our coverage areas, numerous celebrations, ceremonies and breakfasts were held honoring the supreme sacrifice of those men and women who were prepared to die for our nation. The ceremonies TBR was fortunate to cover were attended by those young and old. Political differences were nowhere to be found and everyone present wore a genuine smile.

But, TBR would like to take a moment to recognize the often-unsung heroes of Veterans Day — the families of our veterans. While servicemen and women make the sacrifice by enlisting, their families serve as steadfast supporters at home. From moving base to base and enrolling children in different schools to managing the unique challenges of military life, these families make a profound sacrifice, bearing the weight of service as much as, if not more than, the soldiers themselves.

The constant worry, stress and uncertainty make for a challenging journey, yet military families remain the pillars of support and sanctuary that their loved ones long to return to. This unwavering support reassures service members that their decision to enlist was not in vain — that there is something vital to protect at home. Without the resilience and strength of these families and communities, the lives of our servicemen and women could unravel.

So please, thank our veterans. Extend a hand of gratitude for their sacrifice. But don’t forget to show compassion to their families, as well.

Hauppauge football falls to Islip in first round of playoffs

by Steven Zaitz - November 15, 2024

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By Steven Zaitz

The Suffolk County high school football playoffs kicked off this weekend, and in most cases, the higher-seeded teams were met with little resistance. But when the sixth-seeded Hauppauge Eagles flew south down Route 111 to No. 3 Islip on Friday night, they did everything they could to sink the Buccaneers’ planned pleasure cruise in the Conference III quarterfinal.

After a brilliant 23-yard touchdown scramble down the left sideline by Eagle quarterback Nick Lachapelle, Hauppauge had a 22-14 lead and was less than 10 minutes away from a not-so-mild upset. Islip came into the game with a 6-2 record and was fresh off a rousing 42-6 win over Amityville in the final week of the regular season, while the Eagles had suffered a soul-crushing shutout at the hands of top-seed Sayville, 49-0.

But the slate was blank once the playoffs started, and Hauppauge wasn’t thinking about what happened at Sayville. They needed to continue to bottle up Islip’s All-County quarterback Brady Nash for the next nine minutes and 42 seconds to survive and advance.

After Lachapelle’s TD run, Buccaneer scatback Dylan Smith got Islip to midfield immediately as he took an end-around on the first play from scrimmage. A completion to wide receiver Jack Rao moved the ball to the Eagle 29, and two plays later, Nash found a wide-open Rao for a 16-yard touchdown. Islip converted the two-point conversion, and the game was tied at 22.

Lachapelle, who was beaten and battered throughout the game by a relentless Bucs pass rush, also plays as a defensive back and long-snapper on punts. When he made a tackle on a critical third down with less than four minutes left and the game still tied, he limped noticeably but stayed on the field. The lanky lefty was sacked on third down by Josiah Patterson for the third time in the game and needed assistance getting to his sideline as the Eagle punting unit came onto the field with 2:15 remaining.

As an injured player must sit out for one play, Lachapelle handed over the snapping duties to backup Matt Cira.

“I was cramping really badly and couldn’t even stand, so we had to put in our backup snapper,” said the junior Lachapelle, who rushed for 67 yards on 12 carries and threw for 89.

These cramps put a real crimp in Hauppauge’s chance to win the game.

As the gentle, southerly breeze that blew in from the Great South Bay at the start of the game turned colder and more biting, Eagle punter Jackson Ruple took the field. Lachapelle could only watch helplessly from the sidelines as Cira’s snap fluttered way over the head of Ruple, who chased the ball near his own 20-yard line and was immediately decked by Islip’s do-it-all Christian Hall.

A minute later, Nash, who totaled exactly 300 yards of offense, took a third-and-3 shotgun snap and darted up the middle for a 12-yard, go-ahead touchdown. It was 29-22 with 58 seconds left, and a gimpy Lachapelle and Hauppauge were out of bullets.

“That loss really hurt, and I wanted a playoff win more than anything,” Lachapelle said. “It’s unfortunate I had to sit out that one play.”

Eagle running back Gershon Diaz had the other touchdowns on runs of 6 and 18 yards.

For the senior Nash, he and his teammates had a playoff win after an abysmal 2-6 season in 2023. He finished with two touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns, the last of which won the game.

“The winning touchdown run was one of the moments that everyone dreams of having, and I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” Nash said. “It was huge for the town, the team, and it was an amazing moment.”

Nash is ticketed for more amazing moments when postseason award banquets start up in a few weeks. But before he hits the carving stations and the salad bars, Nash and his Buco teammates have a date with fellow All-County quarterback Joe Filardi and Half Hollow Hills West next Saturday at West in the Suffolk County Conference III semifinal game. The Colts beat up on the Bucs 56-20 in Week 7 of the regular season.

“We learned a lot from that week against Hills West,” Nash said. “I think we’re all pulling in the right direction.”

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