2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
Grand Marshal, Mikey Brannigan, posing for his photo op. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
2024 Cow Harbor Day parade in Northport. Photo by Aidan Johnson
By Aidan Johnson
Sunny skies greeted the residents of Northport and elsewhere as they celebrated the annual Cow Harbor Day Sunday, Sept. 22.
The event, which has been running for more than 50 years, celebrates the history of Northport whose original name, Cow Harbor, stems from the cows who “used to graze on the fields along the harbor which are now two lovely parks,” according to the village website.
Sunday’s festivities began at noon, with community members participating in a parade down Main Street which saw community members participating, including Grand Marshal Mikey Brannigan, a Northport High School alumni who recently won a bronze medal in the men’s 1500-meter T20 race at the Paris Paralympics.
Other activities included live music performances, carnival rides and games, and a boat race.
Northport Mayor Donna Koch discussed how the festival was started in 1973 as a way to boost local businesses and morale, and has successfully continued ever since.
“I’m amazed at the turnout today,” Koch said in an interview. “I don’t think I’ve seen a crowd this big in a long time.”
Also in attendance was the East Northport Civic Association, which was recently formed in response to the potential selling of three Northport-East Northport school district buildings, which ended up not coming into fruition, instead being leased.
John Scherer, president of the civic association, was happy to be a part of an event that was very meaningful to Northport, with whom East Northport shares the aforementioned school district.
“It’s a neighboring community, but we’re for all purposes one greater community … but it’s very important to us to be part of a very big celebration with the greater Northport community,” he said.
The Great Cow Harbor Weekend started Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with a 10K race followed in the evening by a lighted boat display at the Village Dock and a concert at Northport Village Park.
Heckscher Park Goes Pink to Kick-Off Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Councilwoman Theresa Mari, alongside Supervisor Ed Smyth and in partnership with Huntington Matters and Reworld, invites the public to attend Pink in the Park, a special Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Fair at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This community event is focused on raising awareness, providing vital health resources, and celebrating the strength of breast cancer survivors.
Councilwoman Theresa Mari, a breast cancer survivor herself, said, “Early detection saves lives. I encourage all eligible women to take advantage of this vital screening service and join us for a day dedicated to health, wellness, and community support.”
Pink in the Park will feature a range of health and wellness vendors, inspiring performances, children’s activities, and an opportunity to take action against breast cancer through screenings and education. The day kicks off with a Walk Around the Pond, symbolizing the community’s unity in the fight against breast cancer.
Event Schedule
9:30 am – Press Conference
Opening Remarks by Supervisor Ed Smyth and Councilwoman Theresa Mari
Hear from local officials Huntington’s leaders as they officially launch the fair and share messages of hope and encouragement.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Morning Walk Around the Pond
Join community members for a refreshing walk to start the event, promoting health and solidarity.
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Stony Brook Medicine Mobile Mammography Van
Convenient breast cancer screenings provided by state-registered technologists.
Pre-registration is required
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Vendor Booths Open
Explore a variety of booths offering health, beauty, and wellness products with a focus on breast cancer prevention.
10:30 AM: Performance by Dancin’ Feet
Enjoy an inspiring performance by the talented dancers of Dancin’ Feet.
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Family Games and Activities by My Gym
Children’s games and activities will be available, hosted by My Gym. 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM:
“Pink” Hands-On Art Project by Heckscher Museum
Engage in a creative “pink”-themed art project for all ages, organized by the Heckscher Museum.
Runners head down Main Street during the annual SOLES for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk. Photo courtesy of Dan Kerr
By Dan Kerr
Many believe Stanford White was the greatest American architect and the end of the 1800s. His gift to Stony Brook Village, All Souls Church, has stood on the hill overlooking Main Street since 1896. All Souls was there long before Ward Melville forever changed the village in 1941, and the simple beauty of the building and the interior have remained true to Stanford White’s original vision.
Life expectancy in the United States back then was less than 50 years, and accessibility for the elderly and/or handicapped was not part of the design.
The historical church is open for prayer and reflection every day. In addition to its Episcopal services on Sunday, All Souls offers ecumenical services every Tuesday and Wednesday, and hosts monthly concerts, poetry readings and Native American Drumming for the community at large. On Sunday, October 6th, the 16th annual SOLES for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk will celebrate the role of the National Landmark chapel in the community and raise funds to make it accessible to all.
All Souls warden Herb Mones has been leading the accessibility project and has been guided by local historical architect John Cunniffe. Jazz Loft Director Tom Manuel has observed “Being a steward of a historic property is a real privilege, but it can also be a challenge to balance historical integrity and aesthetics with modern day expectations. I am more than confident that the team involved with making All Souls Church accessible will find that balance and accomplish something that is long overdue. We are blessed to have such a collaborative community of people entrusted with our historic places.”
SOLES For All Souls is the most inclusive Race/Walk on Long Island. Serious runners compete for gold, bronze, and silver medals in age groups from under 13 to over 80 and receive their hard-won medals in an Olympic-style awards ceremony. Dogs are welcome to accompany their masters and students from Stony Brook University and others often come in costume. Senior citizens with walking sticks line up at the starting line along with parents pushing their kids in strollers.
Long time Stony Brook resident and previous gold medal winner for the 70+ age group Dick Halluska shared, “I like running in the SOULS for All Souls race because it offers a challenge and a reward. The biggest challenge is running up Hollow Road. The reward, if you are patient, is twofold. The first is being able to enjoy the beauty of Stony Brook Village as you jog along the quiet streets and past the harbor, and the second is knowing your efforts and contributions are supporting a worthy cause.”
Overall 2022 and 2023 female winner Christa Denmom said, “I’ve truly enjoyed this race over the last few years as it runs through many of my favorite locations in Stony Brook Village. On top of being a great race, it always brings out great people with an inspiring and friendly 5K atmosphere.
Port Jefferson Station resident Margaret Kennedy stated “I look forward to this race every year, eager to see familiar faces and the creative costumes. It is the camaraderie and fellowship that keeps us coming back to collect a new color in our t-shirt rainbow. Everyone is welcome, whether running up the challenging hill or walking with a team. This race is truly a labor of love.”
The event is also a food drive for St. Gerard Majella’s food pantry. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is a staunch supporter. “SOLES for All Souls 5K is a tremendous community event that brings our residents together while helping our neighbors who are in need. I encourage runners and walkers of all ages to support this wonderful cause and participate in the Lend a Hand, Bring a Can food drive.”
Suffolk County Poet Laureate Deborah Hauser looks forward to this year’s race. “This event combines two of my passions: running and activism. I admire All Souls Church’s commitment to the community and support its mission to make the church accessible to all. If my knee recovers in time, I hope to be the first poet to run the race. Whether I run or walk, I am looking forward to participating and contributing to the food drive.”
Registration for SOLES for All Souls 5K Race/2K Walk is through the ACTIVE.COM website (Search: SOLES for All Souls) or register on the Race Day — October 6. The Registration desk at the Reboli Center for Art & History at 64 Main Street will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m; the starting bell is at 9 a.m. Complimentary pre and post event stretching will be provided by Progressive Personal Training. Local band The North Shore Rockers will perform throughout the morning.
Please call 631-655-7798 for more information about the event or if you would like to be a sponsor. Donations dedicated to the Handicap Accessibility Project should be mailed to All Souls Race, P.O. Box 548, Stony Brook, NY 11790.
Scenes from Open Mic Day at the Train Car Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
The Rumdogs play at the Train Car Park in Port Jefferson Station. Photo by Aidan Johnson
Scenes from Open Mic Day at the Train Car Park. Photo by Aidan Johnson
By Aidan Johnson
Singers and musicians of all ages showcased their talents at Open Mic Day in the Park on Saturday, July 20, in Port Jefferson Station.
The event, which was hosted by the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, gave bands and singers a chance to perform on stage at the Train Car Park.
Real estate agent and chamber of commerce vice president, Paul Perrone, had the idea for the open mic event after wanting to support his son’s musical endeavors.
“My son James plays the drums with three different of his school-age friends’ bands, and I support him, and I wanted to see him get out there,” Perrone said. “I figured what better way to get them out there, get them on stage, get them the experience of performing live. So I did this for him.”
James performed as part of the band Just The Steves, which played covers of well-known classics such as Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) also participated in the event, performing with his band Rumdogs.
“This event was so much fun and got a lot of people from the community involved. It was so wonderful to see the community starting to use this new park that they built for such a great event,” Kornreich said in a statement.
“Paul Perrone and his team deserve a lot of credit for putting this together, and I think we’re going to see a lot more events like this in the future,” he added.
The event also featured karaoke performances, including from 9-year-old Ava Tulkop, who performed “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift, and 14-year-old Zachary Esposito, who performed a variety of songs including “At Last” by Etta James and “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder.
Zachary said while he felt nervous at first, he became more sure of himself as he continued onto his next tune.
His song choice was significant to him, saying that he picked “At Last” because “I wanted my moment for a long time, and at last it actually happened.”
Joseph Quinn and Lupita Nyong'o in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
The A Quiet Place franchise premiered in 2018. The well-received film followed parents (Emily Blunt and John Krasinski) attempting to protect their children in a post-apocalyptic world invaded by blind monsters with an acute sense of hearing. Krasinski directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Bryan Woods and Scott Beck.
The equally lauded A Quiet Place Part II (2020) gave slightly additional background of the invasion and continued the first film’s timeline, with Krasinski appearing, directing, and penning the screenplay solo. The series will (perhaps?) culminate with the Krasinski-helmed A Quiet Place Part III (scheduled for release in 2025).
In the meantime, the clock has been rolled back for the prequel A Quiet Place: Day One.
Joseph Quinn and Lupita Nyong’o in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures
For A Quiet Place: Day One, Krasinski turned the reigns over to Michael Sarnoski (Pig), who directs his screenplay based on a story created in collaboration with Krasinski. The film opens at the Little Firs Hospice Center, where Reuben (Alex Wolff), a nurse, negotiates with Sam (Lupita Nyong’o), a terminally ill cancer patient connected only to her cat, Frodo, to go on a New York City outing.
Reluctantly, she agrees, with the proviso that they have pizza afterward. Much to Sam’s annoyance, the field trip is a marionette show. Immediately following the performance, meteor-like objects fall from the sky, unleashing extraterrestrials that attack, murder, and destroy. Within minutes, the City is post-apocalyptic, with burning cars and hollowed-out buildings.
Sam takes shelter in the marionette theatre, along with a handful of survivors. The government bombs the bridges surrounding Manhattan to keep the aliens, who cannot swim, on the island. Since the beings are blind, they track their prey by sound. Silence becomes the sole means of survival.
Announcements via helicopter instruct the remaining citizens to head for the South Street Seaport. A chillingly silent trek of refugees travel downtown. However, as the evacuee number increases, the sound turns the march into a bloodbath.
Soon, Sam meets Eric (Joseph Quinn), a law student from Kent, England. Though hesitant, Sam allows Eric to join her and Frodo as she works her way north to her Harlem home. A series of scenes follow in which the monsters almost catch them. The film relies almost exclusively on the tension built as they navigate any possible action that could create noise.
The plot is simple, and the result is a hybrid of traditional science fiction/creature feature with its requisite jump-out scares and action thriller, containing numerous explosions. The film calls to mind elements of I Am Legend and any number of alien and zombie movies.
Over the three entries, the filmmakers teased bits and pieces of the aliens’ background, but they remain mostly a mystery. (Krasinski has revealed more in interviews about the “Death Angels” than is covered in the films.)
The creature designers used various elements of prehistoric fish, black snakes, and bats to create the monsters. They also referenced “bog people”—cadavers mummified in peat, turning the skin black to create a sagging, leathery look. Somehow, they are more effective in close-up, with their moist gaping maws of sharp teeth, than in the CGI-swarming over buildings and streets.
Two aspects raise A Quiet Place: Day One above the predictable. The first is the extremely taut sound design. Whether it is the overwhelming chaos of New York City or a balloon that pops with the crack of gunshot, the sound—and its absence—is the driving design element. The opening of a tin can, feet on gravel, or the dragging of a suitcase result in well-crafted moments of dread. The filmmakers made a less effective choice with a musical soundtrack that is more intrusive than supportive.
The second piece is the chemistry between the two leads. The film is basically a two-hander, with a handful of moments given to a few briefly seen characters. (As Henri, from A Quiet Place Part II, Djimon Hounsou has a particularly powerful and brutal interaction with shades of the Warsaw Ghetto.)
Nyong’o first came to prominence with her brilliant, raw performance in 12 Years a Slave (2013). Again, she shows she is an actor of rich, resonant truth, who makes every situation visceral and real. Her Sam roils with fear, pain, frustration, and resolve. Glimpses of wry humor peek through her emotional wall. She is the rare actor who conveys a sense of the character’s thoughts, even in the stillest moments.
Quinn makes an excellent partner, a beta searching for guidance, but with a kindness that plays underneath the terror. A highlight is the moment in which they share primal screams masked by thunder. (Special mention must be made of Nico and Schnitzel, the two cats who share the role of Frodo. Somehow, they convey an honest sense of caring.)
While A Quiet Place: Day One offers nothing new, the result is a mildly entertaining ninety minutes showcasing two strong performances in a world of heightened silence—where even a single breath or the slightest inhale means life and death.
Rated PG-13, the film is now playing in local theaters.
Newly-elected village trustees celebrate being sworn into office, from left, Kyle Hill, Mayor Lauren Sheprow, Bob Juliano and Xena Ugrinsky. Photo by Julianne Mosher
By Peter Sloniewsky
The Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees held its annual organizational meeting July 2, officially appointing new trustees alongside the announcement of commissioner appointments.
Two new trustees were officially instated on the board: Kyle Hill and Xena Ugrinsky. Both Hill and Uginsky defeated Port Jefferson resident Marie Parziale in June.
Hill, a Stony Brook University graduate, based his campaign largely on environmental issues and on the role of his relative youth in local politics. His background is in public policy, wherein he previously worked for U.S. Rep. Steve Israel (NY 2/3) in the Capitol. He is also a volunteer EMT in Port Jefferson. Hill was initially a Democratic candidate for the House seat in NY-1, but dropped out several months before the primary in June to run for the trustee position.
Ugrinsky, a Russian immigrant, previously worked in the software and technology fields before transitioning to management consulting roles for national utilities companies including Con Edison and National Grid. She previously sat on the village’s Budget and Finance Committee and based much of her campaign on the future of the Port Jefferson power plant as well as fiscal responsibility and transparency. In an interview, with regard to the power plant, Ugrinsky said that her “goal was to figure out a way that I could help the village be involved in the broader conversation,” claiming that she believes “we have a moment in time where we have the opportunity to be in the forefront of what is happening in energy.”
The two new trustees were elected following the departure of Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay to run for New York State Assembly District 4 and the end of trustee Drew Biondo’s term.
Kassay advanced from the Democratic Primary June 25 to challenge incumbent Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) in November.
Biondo, a communications professional, was appointed to replace Lauren Sheprow when she became mayor last year. In Biondo’s departing statement, he highlighted the importance of the newly-formed Ethics Committee, whose members were sworn in later in the meeting.
Additionally, Sheprow announced new commissioner appointments at the meeting. Trustee Robert Juliano, elected in June 2023, was reappointed as commissioner of Public Works and Parks. He was also appointed to the position of deputy mayor, replacing Kassay. Juliano, who was previously village clerk, has spent a long career in municipal government and worked in banking.
Sheprow said, “Bob has earnestly demonstrated his dedication and interest in good government, and he always has the best interests of the residents at heart,” describing him as “humble and kind” as well as “a great trustee.”
Newly-elected trustees Hill and Ugrinsky were appointed as commissioners. Sheprow noted that Ugrinsky’s experience in finance and data analytics, along with her focus on the Budget and Finance Committee and Power Plant Working Group, suited her for the role of commissioner of Finance. Hill will replace Sheprow as commissioner of Public Safety-Court/Code.
Lastly, trustee Stan Loucks was appointed as commissioner of Recreation anLoucks is in his fifth term as a trustee, and previously worked as an athletic director in the Plainview school district. Faulknor is a former trustee and has been harbor commissioner previously.
In addition to new appointments, the Board of Trustees received a report from police on instances of crime in the last year, including specific statistics regarding exact types of criminal activity.
The meeting concluded with a public question-and-answer session.
For nearly five years, the Stop-Arm camera program has been implemented on most school buses on Long Island. The legislation was signed by then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) in August 2019.
The program uses security cameras at the front or back of each bus to report any car that illegally passes in front of a school bus when it is dropping off or picking up children. This legislation attempts to prevent drivers from getting around the buses and make the roads safer for children, especially elementary and middle school-aged children.
Last month, the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency issued a report of all known grievances between Sept. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2022, on the program administered by TPVA and Bus Patrol America.
Violators are required to pay fines starting at $250 per offense, which increases in increments of $25 per added violation.
During the collection period of the audit, revenues from fines associated with the bus stop violations totaled $34,739,404 for TPVA and $2,232,323 for the East End towns/villages. Reimbursements (expenditures) to Bus Patrol for their contractual share amounted to $15,632,732 for TPVA and $904,090 for the East End towns/villages.
Yet, the TPVA cited nearly 52,000 instances, or more than 25% of total fines, where a suspected person did not pay their expected fine. It also cited other statistics in charts and graphs to show the law’s punitive effects on Long Island residents.
Some Long Island residents believe this law is problematic.
The debate remains about whether the new Stop-Arm program is necessary or just an easy revenue tactic. One thing is certain: Drivers of vehicles must be extra wary when school buses are stopping.
Shoreham-Wading River High School Principal Frank Pugliese congratulates Derek Blanco.
Photos courtesy of the Shoreham-Wading River CSD
Shoreham-Wading River High School held its 48th commencement ceremony on Friday, June 21. Families and spectators were welcomed by Principal Frank Pugliese, followed by the national anthem performed by Torre Cintorino, Cassandra Keany, Emily Murray and Robert Tacke, with ASL interpretation by Abigail DeLumen, Carly Mulroy, Elizabeth Sabino and Emma Turley.
Salutatorian Lucas Portuese addressed his peers, expressing gratitude to teachers, family and others who guided them to success. Assistant Principal John Holownia then recognized members of the Class of 2024 who will serve in the Armed Forces after graduation: Alexander Castillo (U.S. Air National Guard), Keith Donnellan (U.S. Army), Armani Foglia (U.S. Navy), Jennifer Mensche (U.S. Navy) and Kyle Rose (U.S. Air Force ROTC). Tacke performed Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”
Valedictorian James Minetti expressed gratitude to his parents and siblings, and encouraged his classmates to pursue their passions, spend time productively and contribute meaningfully. Superintendent of Schools Gerard Poole commended the students for their achievements in academics, arts and athletics. He expressed hope for the graduates’ futures, urging them to embrace their aspirations and dreams.
Pugliese called for a moment of silence for members of the Class of 2024, John Kane and Andrew McMorris, who were honored posthumously with diplomas. Pugliese also recognized the Exceptional Academic Seniors before inviting each member of the Class of 2024 to receive their diploma. Finally, he led Minetti and Portuese in the ceremonial turning of the tassels, prompting cheers and applause throughout the audience.
Steven A. Hayduk alongside his father, Stephen G. Hayduk.
Photo courtesy Peter Scully
By Serena Carpino
Hayduk Engineering recently celebrated the opening of its new office near MacArthur Airport.
“The firm’s move became necessary because of the growth of the firm over the past 10 years. The addition of dozens of new employees resulted in the need for an expanded office space, leading to relocation from the former office space,” Hayduk’s director of business development, Peter Scully, said. He is a former NYSDEC regional director and Suffolk County deputy county executive.
Stephen G. Hayduk, who founded the company in 1984, began as a one-man operation from his house. Over the past 40 years, his firm has grown to 42 employees in what can be described as a “rags to riches” story.
After dropping out of Deer Park High School, Hayduk worked as a truck driver on Long Island before enlisting in the U.S. Army Aviation School at 18 years old. He spent three years serving in the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Army 57th Assault Helicopter Company.
According to Hayduk, Vietnam motivated him to improve himself. “I was a good student but I was interested in other things, not college. Vietnam helped me with my maturity and to put things back into perspective. When I came back, I used the GI Bill to go to college. So, even if it was in many ways a negative experience, I turned it into a positive one,” he said.
Hayduk returned to Long Island in 1971 and soon enrolled in Suffolk County Community College, earning his associate degree in 1974. He furthered his education at Rochester Institute of Technology, graduating in 1976 with high honors and obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Over the next several years, Hayduk gained experience at local engineering firms, even becoming the chief engineer of a 75-employee firm. At the same time, he taught courses in the engineering technology division at SCCC.
In 1984, he founded Hayduk Engineering. That same year, he earned the Young Engineer of the Year award from the New York State Society of Professional Engineers and the Suffolk County Chapter of the NYSSPE.
The NYSSPE Suffolk County Chapter awarded him the 1990-91 Engineer of the Year. In 1991, Hayduk helped with the construction of the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located atop Bald Hill. He described this experience as “a very emotional time with thousands of people there.” It inspired him to have a reunion and, two years later, Hayduk met with 75 members of his unit and a Green Beret in Florida.
In 1992, Suffolk County Executive Robert Gaffney (R) appointed Hayduk as the commissioner of the county’s Department of Public Works. Hayduk served in this position for five years, during which time he shut down his own firm.
As commissioner, Hayduk held many responsibilities, including the maintenance of county buildings, highways, bridges and waterways. In addition, he oversaw hazardous and toxic waste removal, county fleet maintenance and other related tasks. He also served as the chairman of the Suffolk County Sewer Agency, Dredging Project Screening Committee and the Space Management Steering Committee.
In 1997, Hayduk decided to return to operating Hayduk Engineering. He managed the firm as a sole proprietorship before turning it into an LLC in 2002.
Years later, in 2015, Hayduk Engineering was certified by New York State as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.
“Hayduk Engineering’s status as both a New York State Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business and federally Certified Service-Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise has contributed significantly to the growth of the firm since 2016,” Scully said.
Today, the firm is run by Hayduk and his son, Stephen. They provide many services, including civil and site engineering, highway engineering, water and wastewater engineering, stormwater management and construction administration. The firm’s clients include both private sector customers, including developers and owners of private sewer plants and government agencies, including the Nassau County and Suffolk County departments of public works, the towns of Babylon, Brookhaven, Smithtown and Southampton, the New York State Thruway Authority, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, New York State Department of Transportation, the Long Island Rail Road, Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the State University of New York, among others.
Hayduk’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including several for the Town of Smithtown Callahan’s Beach project and for Best Engineering Firm courtesy of Long Island Business News.
“The company is continually recruiting new staff and anticipates hiring additional employees in the months and years ahead,” Scully said.
Screenshot from the June 12 trustee meeting via the Inc. Village of Port Jefferson’s YouTube channel.
By Katherine Kelton
The Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees held a work session June 12 to discuss new plans ranging from parking to funding. Mayor Lauren Sheprow spearheaded the meeting as each trustee brought their issues to the table.
Parking was one of the major plans discussed throughout the meeting as throughout much of the village parking for residents and nonresidents has not been cohesive. Trustee Drew Biondo said, “The parking committee is ongoing with their work.” Beach parking lots will become resident only and discussions for other lots are largely yet to be decided.
The parking updates will go into effect by the opening of beaches on June 22. The swimming area ropes were due to be installed June 19. The beaches remain open to all — only the parking is restrictive.
The village firework show on July 3 will be viewable from the East and West beaches. Sheprow announced that the show will have two new additions — a food truck and a DJ. To ensure safety and lawfulness, trustee Bob Juliano attended a firework committee in regards to the event. He shared once again that the event is open to nonresidents, though parking is strictly for residents only.
Sheprow also touched on difficulties the village has been having in attracting businesses. She believes there is a misconception about the village not having enough foot traffic.
“The village is packed every weekend and many nights of the week,” she said, adding she is hoping to bring in more businesses.
Juliano also shared that the repairs at Rocket Ship Park are complete, to which the board discussed the possibility of repairing the sidewalks in the area.
Another major discussion of the meeting was the recession of the East Beach bluff on top of which the Port Jefferson Country Club is located — an issue the village has been facing for years.
Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay admitted the recession is inevitable and that no amount of funding can reverse it. In the meeting, Kassay suggested making a “strategic retreat” from the bluff. Although the group did not decide what the retreat would look like, the board agreed a comprehensive plan would become necessary further down the line. However, the village will continue to fund the protection of the club for the time being as a new plan is developed.
The Board of Trustees also addressed the Long Island Seaport and Eco Center’s Whaleboat 1776 Project, which received a grant allowing construction to be completed on the historic boat in 2025.