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Merchandise stolen from Lowe’s in Commack
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two men who allegeldy stole from a Commack store this month.
Two men allegedly stole a Husqvarna leaf blower from Lowes, located at 100 Express Drive North, on November 16 at approximately 11:55 a.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.
SBU Sports: Men’s soccer draws with Le Moyne in high-scoring affair
The Stony Brook University men’s soccer team and Le Moyne played to a 3-3 draw on Oct. 11 at LaValle Stadium. Olsen Aluc, Jonas Bickus and Trevor Harrison netted goals in the high-scoring affair.
Le Moyne took an early lead when Jakob Priestman scored in the fourth minute, breaking the ice with the assist from Ziad Abdul-Malak. The Seawolves responded before the end of the half, getting an equalizer from Harrison in the 40th minute. Harrison had an acrobatic finish on the pass from Moses Bakabulindi to level the score before the break.
Stony Brook took a 2-1 lead on Bickus’ 54th-minute goal, his seventh of the season, a new career high for the junior. Alex Fleury and Harrison had the helpers on the goal that put Stony Brook in front for the moment.
The Dolphins quickly evened the match with a 55th-minute penalty kick goal from Jack Goodrich. The Seawolves again regained the lead after Aluc netted a penalty kick of his own in the 62nd minute.
Le Moyne answered, getting a goal to level the match at 3-3 thanks to a 66th-minute header from Abdul-Malak. A magnificent late chance for Bickus on a cross from Aluc was turned away at the doorstep by Le Moyne’s Matthew Gera and the score would hold as the clock ran out on the Island.
“I didn’t think it was our best performance tonight,” head coach Ryan Anatol noted postgame. “We’ve got to defend better, we can’t give up three goals. The guys competed, battled, and worked, but overall I didn’t think it was our best performance.”
Letters to the Editor: October 12, 2023
Green dreams, commuter realities
Greatly improved service along the Long Island Rail Road’s Port Jefferson Branch is possible and necessary.
The time is opportune. New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act requires state agencies to move toward zero-carbon emissions. Virtually all local leaders of both parties support green energy for the Port Jefferson Branch. It is among the highest priorities of the Long Island Sierra Club, and it would substantially improve our local economy and real estate values.
This issue needs the attention of Gov. Kathy Hochul [D] as it brings to light the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s lack of initiative regarding the CLCPA.
There is also the issue of MTA/LIRR accountability to local communities. Relocation of the Port Jeff train station to the Lawrence Aviation Superfund site in Port Jefferson Station would eliminate two grade-level crossing bottlenecks and two rickety, narrow bridges — one of which the state has agreed to repair at great expense.
The LIRR has spent hundreds of millions of dollars eliminating grade-level crossings in Nassau County. Moving the station to Lawrence Aviation would be vastly less expensive than any of the Nassau projects.
LIRR planners suggest they want to electrify and “double track” the Port Jefferson line – not in our lifetime. I believe this is a “deal killer” pitched to prevent anything from being done. The LIRR planners admit that more land must be acquired by eminent domain to double track. This clearly gives the planners an excuse to spend money elsewhere.
The LIRR planners state it is not feasible to electrify the Port Jefferson Branch because there is insufficient ridership to sustain the investment. What was the population density along the Ronkonkoma line when they electrified the Ronkonkoma Branch? The LIRR planners strip ridership off the Port Jefferson Branch and then tell us the ridership will not sustain the investment.
To the MTA and LIRR, create a “one-seat ride” for the people of the North Shore. A ride that can go from Port Jefferson to Manhattan, “a better ride.” It is time to put our feet in the starting blocks.
And remember: We pay taxes, too.
Bruce Miller
Port Jefferson
Kornreich’s advocacy efforts spur local victory
It’s not simply about what our elected officials promise, but what they actually do. I just read your article, entitled, “Local candidates appeal to Three Village voters at civic meeting“ [The Village Times Herald, Oct. 5, TBR News Media]. Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich [D-Stony Brook] is quoted in the article, stating that he has concerns with overdevelopment in the Three Village area, and he is particularly frustrated with the public notification process in the Town of Brookhaven. Well, I can tell you firsthand that he has done something about it.
I recently moved into an established condominium complex in Setauket. Shortly thereafter I attended a meeting, set up by Kornreich wherein he informed my neighbors and me about a development proposal pending on a lot behind many of our homes. The development proposal was extremely ambitious and would have retired deed restrictions on several acres of previously covenanted, protected natural buffer (open space) in order to construct a new road. After the meeting, a few of us asked Kornreich to put us in touch with the developer of the project, which he did. We met with the developer and the councilmember several times over the last six months, in a process facilitated by the councilmember. We convinced the developer to dramatically change his proposed project in a way that would eliminate the need for the road and a new entrance (the project involves adding to an existing senior, luxury apartment complex). The outcome was a big win for the (our) environment, as several acres of open space were spared.
Last night, Oct. 3, everything was formalized at the required public hearing at Town Hall regarding the project. The first town-required public notice had been mailed to surrounding land owners just a few weeks prior. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Town Board formally approved the rezoning required for the project, contingent on the non-disturbance covenants for which the developer originally sought relief staying in place. How did this happen? How did we end with a noncontentious hearing, an acceptable development project and preservation of threatened open space? It took early work with the community, long before the actual site plan and rezoning application hearing; early work initiated and enabled by Kornreich’s outreach to our community. That is actually ”doing.”
Bill Spitz
Setauket
Jen Hebert’s vision for Huntington
Jen Hebert is running for the Huntington Town Board in the upcoming November election.
I strongly believe she’s the best possible candidate for the job. She brings vast experience from her nine years serving on the Huntington Board of Education. She also ran a local nursery school for many years, so she understands the challenges of being a small business in our town. Most importantly, Jen has experience representing her neighbors and being a voice for our community.
As a school board member, Jen fought tirelessly for Huntington students, staff and families. But she was also a careful and respectful steward of taxpayer money. Jen was completely dedicated to the job of school board trustee, almost never missing a meeting or event in the nine years she served.
During her time on the board, Jen worked to strengthen the curriculum, add extracurricular programs, improve and modernize district buildings, and build community trust in the board of education. Jen was also an integral part of the team that found a path to reopening the Jack Abrams school as an innovative STEM magnet school.
Huntington needs a proven leader like Jen Hebert on the Town Board. She’s an independent thinker, and has the experience and integrity we need and deserve.
Cathy Ribando
Huntington
Examining recent claims at Port Jeff village board meeting
I am compelled to address the comments made by trustee Drew Biondo during the recent Port Jefferson board meeting, specifically concerning alleged ethical violations of the previous administration. These statements, in my view, were not only unfounded but also potentially damaging to the harmony and trust of our community.
First, it is crucial to highlight that the current mayor, Lauren Sheprow, and Deputy Mayor, Rebecca Kassay, were both active and essential members of the very administration trustee Biondo criticized. They sat beside him during the meeting, serving as living reminders of their consistent dedication to the community’s welfare. Even more insulting was the fact that trustee Stan Loucks, another target of these accusations, was not present at the meeting to defend himself or respond. Such an approach is neither fair nor conducive to fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect. The trustees voted on all resolutions with integrity and a deep commitment to the community’s best interests. To levy such hefty accusations against them, especially when they were an integral part of the decisions made, is both dangerous and misleading.
The auditors have spoken, and their verdict is clear: The past administration has left healthy reserves of $1.8 million and a balanced budget. No violations or significant discrepancies were found. To publicly challenge these findings without substantial evidence is not just misguided but irresponsibly accusatory. It is imperative that we, as a community, ensure that our conversations and disagreements are rooted in fact, rather than conjecture or personal bias.
The placement of trustee reports after the public comment section in board meetings also deserves scrutiny. This order denies the public an essential opportunity to respond or reflect on the reports presented, undermining the spirit of community engagement and open dialogue.
But, beyond these immediate concerns, it is essential to note the broader implications.
Port Jefferson is at a pivotal moment in its history. Rather than becoming entangled in conspiracy theories and chasing elusive “smoking guns,” we should channel our energy toward tangible progress and collaboration. Clinging to unfounded accusations and creating obstacles only hinders our collective efforts to move the village forward. Our shared goal should be to build a stronger, connected community that thrives on mutual trust and shared ambitions.
Every comment, every decision and every action should move us closer to that goal. Let us put aside personal vendettas and focus on the broader vision for Port Jefferson — a village of progress, cooperation and shared dreams.
Let us work together, with facts and mutual respect, to ensure the bright future Port Jefferson deserves.
Traci Donnelly
Port Jefferson
D. None of the Above: Offering encouragement to students in our communities
By Daniel Dunaief
We need people around us for a host of reasons.
We have the kind of division of labor that makes it possible for someone like me with no mechanical skills whatsoever to fix, repair, install or replace something we need, like a dishwasher or roof, to pick up the phone and call a specialist who can do the job.
We also need people to provide the kind of food we don’t grow or cook ourselves and to ship that food across the country or the world.
How would we people watch without people strutting, holding hands, barking commands on cell phones, or pausing to take a giant mouthful of hot pizza?
We also need people for social and emotional reasons.
It’s helpful to have someone who can tell you whether your shoes match your outfit, who can point out if you have food in your teeth, or who can nix your idea to share a risqué joke with your boss.
We go through stages in life when our social needs rise and fall, depending on our age, vulnerabilities, and emotional equanimity.
I have several friends whose children are living through different phases in life, entering and leaving colleges, changing jobs or location, and starting or ending serious relationships.
When people in unfamiliar settings first settle into a new routine, they can feel vulnerable, disconnected, and incredibly lonely.
Making matters worse, they see other people around them laughing with friends, moving in a group, or chatting animatedly on the phone. Social media doesn’t help, as they can see pictures of other people having the times of their lives on other college campuses, surrounded by their new friends, while they look to the vacant space to the left and right of them.
These transitionary periods can make people feel as if they are the only ones without an invitation to an incredible party on the other side of the fence. They can hear music and laughter, they can smell the barbecued chicken, and they can see the flickering lights.
It’s as if a magnetic attraction drew everyone else together, while that same force repelled them, making them outsiders in their towns and universities.
While most young people can and do find comfort from companionship, the time when they feel as if they are on their own can seem extraordinarily long.
That’s where we come in.
You see, we are surrounded by students who are going to college, have returned for a few days or longer, or who have graduated and are trying to find their place in the world.
Some of them want or need nothing from us, as they glide effortlessly between their professional or academic responsibilities and their recharging social contacts.
Others, however, may be too unnerved or unsure to ask for help or to try to get what they may not even acknowledge they need.
The cost of offering an encouraging word, of asking about a student who is rounding up grocery carts in a parking lot, is restocking shelves at a department store or who is taking our order at a fast food restaurant is low.
Most of us are creatures of habit. We tend to go to the same places to eat, to buy our food, or to get our hardware store supplies.
When we go to those stores, we might see those same familiar faces, some of whom might be hiding behind extra long bangs or appear to be staring at their phones or shoes.
We don’t have to become best friends with any of them, and we don’t need to pull up a chair and ask their life stories.
We can, however, spend more than a few seconds getting whatever we need. We can ask how school is going, about the products they are selling or about the changing weather.
Those contacts, brief though they may be, could provide the kind of connection that offers them more of what they needed than whatever we purchased for ourselves in a store.
And who knows? Maybe our awkward attempts to offer some unsolicited connection can give them a good story to tell their current or future friends.
Surrounded by people, we can sometimes feel even more disconnected than we might if we were alone. Let’s try not to be too distracted to notice what someone else might need an encouraging or supportive word or two.
Students are not like the cracks in the sidewalk or the contour of a winding road: they may benefit from something we can and should consider sharing and that doesn’t cost anything more than our time and consideration.
Cynthia Doerler named new Executive Director of the Suffolk County Bar Association
Cynthia Doerler has been named as the new Executive Director of the Suffolk County Bar Association. Doerler joined the SCBA in 2016 as the Executive Director of the Suffolk Academy of Law, the educational arm of the Suffolk County Bar Association. Prior to her position at the Academy, Doerler was Director of Philanthropy and Communications for the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency.
Doerler’s work as Academy Executive Director has helped strengthen the Academy’s relationships with Bar Association members, affinity Bar Associations, and the legal community as well as increased the scope of course offerings. Her knowledge of developing relationships with board and committee members has helped to build a strong foundation for future leaders and revenue growth. In her new role, she is responsible for overseeing financial management and funding, board recruitment and administration, educational programs, finances and budgeting, and strategic planning. Other key duties include marketing, social media communication, developing new partnerships and community outreach.
In 2019, with the help of Academy Officers, Doerler championed the Domestic Violence Awareness month educational initiative and launched annual programs for awareness, education, and resources. The initiative supports Long Island agencies that help victims of domestic violence by collecting and donating needed items.
Doerler is a Cum Laude graduate of LIU Post, with a B.S. in Marketing and M.P.A. in Public Administration. She taught Introduction to Non-Profit Management and Grant writing at Hofstra University and LIU Post Adult Education and was named one of Long Island Business News Top 50 Women in 2022.
Doerler is a past board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals where she held the position of Vice President of Membership, Chair of Philanthropy Day, and Chair of the Mentoring Committee. She is Past President of the Gerontology Professionals of New York. Currently she is a member of the Advisory Council for Nassau Suffolk Law Services and Committee Member of the Suffolk County Judicial Committee on Women in the Courts heading up the Domestic Violence Awareness Month initiative.
The Suffolk County Bar Association, a professional association comprised of more than 2,800 lawyers and judges, was founded in 1908 to serve the needs of the local legal community and the public. The Association develops and offers continuing legal education programs through the Suffolk Academy of Law, as well as public services, such as a Lawyer Referral Service through which members of the public are referred to lawyers with expertise in a wide variety of areas of law. For information about services, call (631) 234-5511. Visit our website www.scba.org or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Judith A. McCormick dies at 82
Judith “Judy” Ann McCormick, of Smithtown, died on Aug. 14 at 82 years of age.
She is the beloved wife of William; loving mother of Paul McCormick, William McCormick Jr. and Samantha Payne; loving mother-in-law of Elizabeth McCormick and Nathan Payne; the cherished grandmother of Jack McCormick and Magnolia Payne; and the dear sister of Robert Rovinsky, John Rovinsky and Melissa Hall. She was also loved by many other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the World Wildlife Fund (www.worldwildlife.org) in Judy’s honor would be appreciated.
Two Farmingville men arrested for stealing cooking oil from restaurants
Suffolk County Police arrested two men on June 5 for allegedly stealing cooking oil from restaurants in the Fifth Precinct in May and June of this year.
Gregory Smith and Andrew DeMarco allegedly stole cooking oil from three different restaurants on five occasions between May 22 and June 5. Smith drove a rented box truck and siphoned the oil into a 500-gallon container while DeMarco drove a 2023 Honda Accord to act as a look-out.
Following an investigation by Fifth Precinct Crime Section officers, the two were arrested in Patchogue on June 5 at approximately 1:45 a.m. for stealing from the following restaurants:
- Island Empanada, located at 2040 Route 112, Medford on May 22 and May 31
- Dirty Taco, located at 32 West Main St., Patchogue on May 31 and June 5
- Harbor Crab, located at 116 Division St., Patchogue on June 5
Smith, 39, of Dogwood Ave., Farmingville was charged with Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree and five counts of Petit Larceny. DeMarco, 38, of Dogwood Ave., Farmingville was charged with two counts of Petit Larceny and one count of Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree. They are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.
The investigation is continuing. Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a similar crime to call 631-852-COPS to make a police report.
Community Food Drive heads to Port Jefferson June 4
The Port Jefferson Rotary Club and “Call Brian” Senior Services will sponsor a Friends of the Pantry Food and Personal Care Items Drive at the Open Cupboard Pantry at Infant Jesus Church, 110 Hawkins St., Port Jefferson on Sunday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Currently the pantry is in extreme need of juice, pancake mix (complete), pancake syrup, mac & cheese, pasta, pasta sauce, condiments, Maseca flour, cooking oil, cereal, oatmeal, canned fruit, canned mixed vegetables, coffee, tea and healthy snacks.
They are also in need of personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, feminine products, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, toilet paper, baby wipes, Enfamil formula ad baby lotion. Grocery store gift cards and cash also accepted. For more information, call 631-938-6464.
Kids Korner: June 1 to 8, 2023
PROGRAMS
Reptile & Amphibian Appreciation Day
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Reptile and Amphibian Appreciation Day on June 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with live exotic reptiles and amphibians presented by the Long Island Herpetological Society. The Hatchery’s own New York State native reptiles and amphibians will also be on display. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. Call 516-692-6768 for more information.
Frogs and Friends
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presents Frogs & Friends on June 3 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. From frogs to toads, to newts and salamanders, amphibians are an amazing group of animals! Join the park staff to learn more about these amazing cold blooded creatures and try to find them in their natural habitat. For children ages 7 to 15. Advance registration required by calling 631-265–1054.
Turtle Walk
It’s that time of year! Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for a Turtle Walk on June 4 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Help check the fields for box turtles, examine the turtles and tag them if needed. Meet some of the Center’s resident, non-releasable turtles and make a craft to take home. Meet behind the main house. For ages 4 and up. $10 per person. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Family Hour Sundays
Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington continues its Family Hour Sundays series with Dual Language on June 4 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children are invited for a family-friendly art experience with Museum Educator Tami Wood. Explore exciting works of art on view in the Museum and create fun art projects using simple materials. $10 per child, adults free. Advance registration recommended by visiting www.heckscher.org.
One Fish, Two Fish
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park offers a Tiny Tots program, One Fish, Two Fish, on June 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children and their parents will connect with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. For ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. To register, visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.
Next week:
Pizza & Painting
Registration is now underway for a Pizza & Painting event at the St. James Calderone Theatre, 176 Second St., St. James on June 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy a pizza lunch and create a painting to take home. $20 first child and adult, $10 additional child/adult. To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org. Call 631-984-0201 for more information.
THEATER
‘Cinderella’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson closes its children’s theatre season with its original retelling of the poor waif Cinderella from May 27 to June 17 with a sensory sensitive performance on June 4 at 11 a.m. The classic love story finds its power in a pumpkin, a palace, a prince and a young girl whose belief in herself can overcome any obstacle. When her Fairy Godmother adds a dash of excitement, the magical possibilities are endless. Don’t miss this musical enchantment for the entire family. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. See review on page B3.
‘Flat Stanley’
John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley from May 28 to July 2 with a sensory friendly performance on June 10 at 11 a.m. Stanley Lambchop is an ordinary ten-year-old who longs to travel the world and do something amazing! Careful what you wish for, Stanley! One morning, Stanley wakes up really, REALLY flat! In a whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley scours the globe for a solution to his unusual problem. He’s stamped, posted and mailed from Hollywood to Honolulu and beyond hoping to once again become three dimensional. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
FILM
‘The Dark Crystal’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Dark Crystal on June 4 at noon. On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal, and to restore order to his world. Rated PG. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
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