With deer rutting season upon us, it’s crucial to remember that while these creatures nibbling on our properties or suddenly running in front of our vehicles can be irritating, they were here first.
Tens of thousands of deer call our Island home. This delicate ecosystem relies on their presence — perhaps not an overabundance, but a presence nonetheless. They influence the types of trees and vegetation that grow here by selectively browsing certain plants, meaning they eat some species more than others. They also contribute to overall biodiversity.
If we’re concerned about our gardens, we can try fencing, netting or chicken wire around problematic areas. If a deer runs toward our car at night, we should stay calm and do our best to drive straight, brake firmly and blow the horn, protecting both the vehicle’s passengers and the deer. Above all, we must not feed them. Not only is it dangerous to the deer’s health, but it also increases elopement rates and puts us in harm’s way. Deer may be gentle but can become aggressive when approached. If they learn that food is available in a specific area, they’ll return with friends, perpetuating a cycle of overpopulation in densely populated areas.
While the Island’s abundance of deer can be a nuisance, rutting — or mating season — is a natural part of this species’ biological function. They have added beauty and importance to our region since the days of our Setalcott predecessors.
They aren’t trying to hurt us or harm our land; they are simply following their instincts.
So let’s remain calm this rutting season. There are only two months of this hyperactivity among our deer, after which everything will return to business as usual.
At the Oct. 16 Mount Sinai Board of Education meeting, Jill Sanders, of certified public accountants Cullen & Danowski, presented the results of the June 30 financial statement audit, reporting a smooth process and strong internal controls. She emphasized that the district remains in good financial health despite challenges related to health care and pension costs.
Superintendent Christine Criscione noted that School Board Recognition Week, held from Oct. 14 to 18, celebrated the theme Supporting Success for All Students. The board enjoyed a musical performance from students in the high school orchestra from the Music and Applied Arts Department, which was intended to express gratitude for the board’s support, highlighting the essential role of the arts in fostering creativity and critical thinking among students.
Christina Romeo, assistant high school principal, recognized the Talented Tech students for crafting a wooden sign for the board. In a celebration of academic achievement, five high school students were commended for their participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program, ranking among the top 50,000 from PSAT results.
The meeting also covered updates on fall sports and ongoing capital items. Recent projects included heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements and library flooring upgrades, while state approval is pending for this year’s security enhancements and athletic field updates
Upcoming events including Financial Aid Night and Halloween festivities were announced, as well as new programs at the elementary and middle schools, emphasizing character education and community service initiatives.
In addressing community concerns, the district reassured parents about mold remediation efforts following a recent inquiry about air quality.
The next BOE meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20, with a livestream available on the district’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
Lily is one of Kent Animal Shelter's longest-term residents.
By Tara Mae
The Furever Home Gala is going to the dogs! On Thursday, Nov. 7, from 6 to 9 p.m., Kent Animal Shelter will host a fundraiser at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead to raise money for its new facility in Calverton.
Attendees will have access to different areas of the aquarium and be ensconced in the vibrant vista of wall-to-wall fish tanks as they partake in an evening that offers dinner, drinks, and entertainment.
The event will be emceed by Doug Geed.
Creator, producer, and former host of News 12 Long Island’s “The East End Show,” Doug Geed, will emcee the event. The now retired, 10 time Emmy Award winning anchor/reporter first became involved with Kent when he and his family adopted Jessie, a pitbull mix, from the shelter in 1996.
“As a reporter, you do so many terrible stories, having to interview people who went through tragedies. I like being involved with good people united for a good cause and feeling the positive energy in the room while rallying around an important cause,” said Geed in a recent interview.
Featuring well outfitted special guests (the aquarium’s African penguins will make an appearance before they go to bed)the festivities should satiate the senses. An open buffet will have seafood, meat, and chicken dishes as well as vegan and gluten-free options with complementary wine and beer provided by Atlantis Banquets and Events. Local folk-rock band Phoenix Rising will perform. A plethora of raffle prizes will be available, and an auction will boast a variety of entertainment and experience opportunities to bid on.
Ophelia is one of Kent Animal Shelter’s longest-term residents.
Proceeds from the gala will go towards the shelter’s $4.5 million in-progress project to demolish its existing dog kennel structure in order to rebuild and upgrade its complex; $2,250,000.00 has already been raised.
“This will be a really fun night. It is kind of an end goal of what we have been trying to do for 20+ years: build a new shelter,” said Kent Animal Shelter Executive Director Pamela Green.
“We finally came up with a plan that everyone is happy with and we are moving forward. It will be a beautiful new state-of-the-art kennel: 32 runs; heating and air conditioning; play yards; and a quarantine for new dogs while they get vet care before they go into the general population,” she added.
To aid this effort, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine secured a county grant for Kent, which also received two New York State grants. In memory ofa beloved Long Island Equine and Large Animal Veterinarian Dr. John Andresen, national animal welfare organization Maddie’s Fund will match donations up to $200,000, not limited to money garnered at the gala.
“If people have a few dollars to could spare … I know there are a million tremendous charities out there, I know money is tight for everybody, but a few dollars will make a difference,” Geed said.
As it continues fundraising and awaits construction of the new facilityk, Kent’s commitment to its charges remains unchanged. The organization is temporarily housing its rescue dogs at Bideawee in Westhampton, including its longest-term residents: Ophelia, an eight-year-old shepherd mixrescued from a meat market in Thailand, and Lily, a five-year-old terrier mix.
Kittens up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter.
They, along with approximately 13 compatriots, are adoptable from the temporary shelter. About 30 adoptable cats remain on the Calverton property, which additionally has Snowball’s Place, a feline retirement home for cats who have outlived their humans.
Established in 1968, several thousand animals have come through Kent on their way to their forever homes. On average, approximately 650 animals are adopted from the shelter each year, though this year has had fewer adoptions since the Westhampton accommodations are more limited.
In addition to its adoption operations, Kent has a low-cost clinic. Since 1974, more than 200,000 animals have been spayed or neutered there. Maddie’s Fund recently awarded Kent the Dr. John Andresen Wellness Grant to give assistance to pet owners who need their animals spayed, neutered, and/or vaccinated.
At its very core, Kent Animal Shelter exists to both protect and improve the lives of creatures who cannot advocate for themselves. This gala is in service to that mission. Any money collected for the cause gets Kent that much closer to its goal and enables more animals, a number of whom come from out of state or even another country, to be helped by the shelter.
“This is a huge celebration of this building project that we have been trying to and are finally able to do,” Green said. “The new facility will be a healthier, more comfortable environment for the animals.”
Tickets to the gala are $150 per person. To purchase, visit https://kentanimalshelterfureverhome.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 631-727-5731.
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run to honor the legacy of Thomas Cutinella, who tragically lost his life following a head injury sustained on a varsity football field Oct. 1, 2014.
Thomas’ football jersey No. 54 has since been retired and the Shoreham-Wading River Wildcat Athletic Club, which sponsors the event, established the race distance at 2.54 miles in his memory.
The finale was held Sunday morning, Oct. 20, at Wildwood State Park in Wading River. The runners were met with mild temperatures and brilliant sunshine, and were treated to a barbecue after the race.
The fundraising event raises money for the Thomas Cutinella Memorial Foundation, whose mission is to improve awareness of football-related head injuries, stress the importance of being an organ donor and keep Thomas’ legacy alive.
The foundation awards scholarships to local area students who exhibit characteristics of kindness, modesty and selflessness, as well as a genuine concern for improving the condition of the community at large.
Deer rutting may not be a common term to all, but it is important to understand this time of year.
Rutting is a behavioral pattern of deer, in which male deer — bucks — chase does. It is triggered by autumn’s decreasing daylight, which causes an increase in hormones for both bucks and does. The season begins in October and ends in early winter.
According to DMV data compiled by AAA Northeast, 2022’s mating season accounted for nearly 37,000 car crashes in New York state, where an “animal’s actions” was listed as a contributing factor — most of which involved deer. Additionally in 2022, Suffolk County ranked sixth among the state’s 62 counties with the most animal-related crashes, at 1,216. Deer-related crashes in Suffolk can see a significant increase this time of year, often cited as between 50% and 75% higher than other months. Most accidents have been found to occur during afternoon rush hour, as well as dusk.
With over 30,000 deer in Suffolk County alone, North Shore residents are advised to stay especially vigilant when driving down major roadways, such as Route 347, as deer frequently dart out into oncoming traffic.
The NYS Department of Transportation urges drivers to brake firmly, but not swerve if a deer runs in front of your vehicle. Swerving can cause a vehicle-to-vehicle collision, or cause the vehicle to strike a pedestrian or fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole — which reinforces the need for reduced speeds this time of year. Additionally, it is crucial to not approach a wounded deer as it may be frightened and potentially dangerous.
Alert 911 if a deer crossing creates a roadblock, as it can become a serious threat to oncoming traffic.
Ironically, with the increased creation of edge habitats, or transition zones between forest and open areas, deer have been provided with abundant food and shelter, dramatically increasing their Suffolk population, as a result. This is among a host of factors which has driven the North Shore’s deer population in recent years, including reduced hunting.
“We don’t have a natural predator for deer, so their numbers are increasing with no control,” Isabel Fernandes, of Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, said back in 2019. “Also, various towns and communities aren’t allowing hunting.”
In recent years, the villages of Port Jefferson and Belle Terre are two local governments that have considered amping up culling efforts, to reduce deer’s impact on our ecosystem and traffic.
This Election Day, voters face an important ballot question: Proposition 2, the Clean Water referendum. If passed, this measure will fund crucial efforts to protect our drinking water and our bays and harbors from harmful nitrogen pollution. Much of this excess nitrogen comes from outdated cesspool systems in homes throughout Suffolk County.
Flax Pond
Nitrogen pollution is the primary cause of water degradation in our streams and coastal waters, and it also threatens our deep aquifers. Fortunately, there are affordable solutions available to reduce nitrogen pollution, which will allow us to begin restoring local water quality to healthier levels.
As one of the founders of the Setauket Harbor Task Force and someone who has monitored water conditions in Port Jefferson and Setauket harbors for nearly a decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand how nitrogen disrupts the delicate ecological balance in these fragile environments. Nitrogen acts like a steroid in marine systems, fueling excessive seaweed growth and harmful algal blooms. These blooms can lead to fish kills and unsightly seaweed buildup along the shoreline, impacting the quality of our recreational waters. With climate change heating our local waters, we are at greater risk of more frequent algal blooms, which will only exacerbate the problems we are already facing.
Proposition 2 offers a solution: for just 1/8th of a penny in sales tax, we can create a reliable funding source to help homeowners replace their outdated cesspools with modern low-nitrogen systems. This change will significantly reduce nitrogen levels, leading to cleaner water in our harbors and bays.
This Election Day, remember to flip your ballot and vote “Yes” on Prop 2 for clean water and a healthier environment in Suffolk County. Supporting this measure is essential for ensuring that we take the necessary steps to protect our vital water resources for future generations. Together, we can secure a cleaner, safer environment for our community, benefiting both residents and local ecosystems.
Author George Hoffman is a member of the Setauket Harbor Task Force.
One morning in the spring of 2021, I was invited by Port Jefferson Village trustee Rebecca Kassay to join her for a cup of coffee. At that time, I had just been elected to the Brookhaven Town Council, and she wanted to meet to discuss some of the issues being faced by the community we serve. I was immediately impressed by her collaborative approach to working together, the depth of her knowledge and experience, and her love for public service.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to witness firsthand how Rebecca truly embodies the spirit of leadership that our community needs. She takes the time to be well-informed on issues, engages deeply with stakeholders and is always focused on solutions. I believe it’s reasonable for the public to expect an elected official to have a genuine passion for public service and a commitment to put the needs of the community above party affiliation or any other consideration. Rebecca does exactly that.
Another thing I have observed about Rebecca is that she doesn’t just run from event to event looking for a photo op. She engages deeply with community members and our important organizations in meaningful ways, and takes the time to get to know the players and build relationships. This has helped her develop a detailed understanding of the community’s needs. Her leadership isn’t about serving a political party — it’s about serving us, the people of this community.
Rebecca’s candidacy for the New York State Assembly stands out because she is driven by a strong sense of responsibility to the public. When elected officials have deeper connections to the community they serve, they become less reliant on a political machine to elect them and are answerable directly to the people. Rebecca is not going to Albany to push a political agenda — she’s going there to represent us, and to fight for what matters most to the people of our community.
I urge my fellow residents to support Rebecca Kassay for New York State Assembly. She has the heart, experience and commitment to serve us all with integrity and vision.
Brookhaven Councilmember
Jonathan Kornreich
(D-Stony Brook)
Securing Suffolk’s future: Why Prop 2 matters for clean water
After years of delays, Suffolk County voters will finally be able to make their voices heard on a key challenge facing our region — restoring water quality. As Long Islanders, we treasure our pure drinking water, beaches, harbors and bays. If approved this November, Prop 2 will ensure that our ground and surface water resources are uncontaminated and useful for all present and future generations.
Currently, nitrogen pollution from untreated sewage is degrading both Suffolk’s groundwater and recreational waterways. The Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act is a critical step
toward reversing this trend and achieving a sustainable future, and would enable investment into tested and proven clean water technologies to replace our outdated septic systems.
This measure will also bring expanded sewer services to many of the most densely developed parts of our county, help secure additional federal and state funding, create thousands of good local jobs, revitalize business districts and boost property values.
Most importantly, if confirmed, this referendum will protect the health and well-being of every Suffolk County resident. This year, we have the power to protect our water and our future. We urge all Suffolk County residents to vote YES on Prop 2 this Nov. 5.
The Suffolk CountyLegislature Democratic Caucus:
Minority Leader Jason Richberg;Legislators Tom Donnelly,
Rebecca Sanin, SamuelGonzalez, Steve Englebright and Ann Welker
From capes to camouflage: teaching kids about real heroes
As part of our American Halloween tradition, children look forward to dressing up in their best-loved costumes, including as their favorite superhero. In a world where the term “hero” is often attributed to celebrities, athletes and fictional characters, we must remind our kids that our real heroes are America’s military brave men and women, who have dedicated their lives protecting our nation, securing our freedoms and preserving peace.
Through the lens of veterans’ experiences, we can teach kids the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger, and putting the greater good above self-interest. These lessons are particularly important in our society that often emphasizes individual success and instant gratification. We can teach children the value of military heroism by:
• Incorporating veterans’ stories into education by including lessons about military history and veterans in school curricula. Invite veterans to share their experiences in classrooms and during school events.
• Celebrating national holidays by using Veterans Day, Memorial Day and other national holidays as opportunities to discuss the significance of these days and the heroes they honor.
• Visiting historical sites and memorials by organizing trips to military museums, memorials and cemeteries. These visits can provide tangible connections to the past and the sacrifices made by veterans.
• Engaging in community activities by writing letters, sending care packages or volunteering with organizations that assist veterans.
• Inviting veterans to share personal stories that can make the lessons more relatable and impactful.
By understanding and honoring the sacrifices and contributions of veterans, children learn valuable lessons about courage, sacrifice, patriotism, empathy and civic duty. Veterans have played a critical role in shaping and defending our nation. Their service and sacrifices are the bedrock upon which our freedoms and way of life are built. By highlighting genuine acts of bravery, we help children distinguish between fantasy and reality, and appreciate the profound impact of our military heroes.
Sarah Anker
Former Suffolk County Legislator
NYS Senate Candidate
‘Do No Harm’ is more harm than good
Why should anyone worry about whether or not the grade on a Regents exam might pull down a student’s grade point average? [See letter, “Rethinking grades: the return of the ‘Do No Harm’ policy,” TBR News Media, Oct. 17.] It seems to me that the concern is misplaced. Regents exams were always hard and, once upon a time, graduating with a Regents diploma rather than a general diploma meant something.
Rather than fussing about GPAs, shouldn’t we be concerned that students haven’t mastered the material well enough to get good grades on the Regents exams?
Jane O’Sullivan
Setauket
Celebrate Long Island Restaurant Week all year long
Why not patronize your neighborhood restaurants during Long Island Restaurant Week Oct. 27-Nov. 3 with a wide variety of lunch and dinner specials all year long. During this event, participating restaurants are offering two-course lunches for only $24 or three-course dinners ranging from $29, $39 to $46.
My wife and I don’t mind occasionally paying a little more to help our favorite restaurants survive. Don’t forget your cook and server. We try to tip 20 to 25 percent against the total bill including taxes. If it is an odd amount, we round up to the next dollar. If we can afford to eat out, we can afford an extra dollar tip. When ordering take out, we always leave a dollar or two for the waiter or cook. It is appreciated.
The restaurant industry employees hosts, bartenders, waiters, busboys, cooks, cashiers and parking valets, wholesale food sellers, distributors and linen suppliers. There are also construction contractors who renovate or build new restaurants.
Our local entrepreneurs work long hours, pay taxes and provide local employment especially to students during the summer. If we don’t patronize our local restaurants, they don’t eat either. Why travel into Manhattan when we have so many great neighborhood restaurants in Suffolk County to select from.
Children can trick or treat at the Stony Brook Village Center during the Ward Melville Heritage Organization's annual Halloween Festival on Oct. 31. Photo from WMHO
By Heidi Sutton
Halloween is such a fun time of year. Whether you like to go on a haunted hayride, a spooky walk, join a parade or go trick or treating, here are 31 Halloween events on the North Shore to enjoy. Happy Halloween!
Calverton
Haunted Hollow Fundraiser
Baiting Hollow Scout Camp, 1774 Sound Ave., Calverton will host a Haunted Trail and Haunted House on Oct. 25 and 26 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Prepare yourself for a night filled with spine-tingling frights and eerie sights! Admission is $20 per person at www.sccbsa.org/hollowhaunted.
Centerport
Halloween Boo at the Museum
The Vanderbilt Museum Education Department, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents Halloween Boo at the Museum on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Young children in Preschool with an adult are invited to hear a museum educator read a Halloween book and then make a craft project inspired by the story. Cost is $20 per child. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org. 631-854-5552.
Cold Spring Harbor
Haunted Hatchery
Calling all ghosts and goblins, spiders and bones … Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will host a Haunted Hatchery on Oct. 26 from 2 to 5 p.m. Families are welcome to join them for a not-so-scary Haunted Hatchery. Trick-or-Treat your way through their outdoor grounds. Admission fee is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768, www.cshfishhatchery.org
Commack
Trunk-N-Treat
Commack United Methodist Church, 486 Townline Road, Commack presents its 6th annualTrunk-N-Treat event on Oct. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Children can trick or treat for candy at festively decorated car trunks and enjoy games, crafts and activities. Free. 631-499-7310
East Setauket
Trunk or Treats
◆ Messiah Lutheran Church, 465 Pond Path, East Setauket hosts a Trunk or Treat on the front lawn on Oct. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Free. 631-751-1775
◆ Three Village Church, 322 Main St., East Setauket presents a Trunk or Treat Fall Festival on Oct. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Enjoy decorated car trunks to “trick or treat” through, bounce house, face painting, games and more. Free. 631-941-3670
Spooky Walk
Setauket Fire Department, 394 Nicolls Road, East Setauket hosts its third annual Spooky Walk on Oct. 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. Come down for some family fun and trick or treating! Free, Rain date is Oct. 27. 631-941-4900
Haunted Hayrides
They’re baaaaack! Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will offer Haunted Hayrides on Oct. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. Get ready for a thrilling tractor ride through the haunted woods where friendly frights and magical moments await! This adventure is designed to be just spooky enough to send shivers down your spine! *The first hour of each night will be kid friendly. Tickets are $12 per person. To register, visit www.bennersfarm.com. 631-689-8172
Farmingdale
The Haunted Hangar Halloween Party returns to the American Airpower Museum on Oct. 26.
Haunted Hangar Halloween Party
American Airpower Museum, 1230 New Highway, Hangar 3, Farmingdale presents a Haunted Hangar Halloween Party, Fright Takes Flight, on Oct 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. complete with a haunted house with spooky warbirds, and ghosts, witches, and goblins! Enjoy a tour of a haunted bomber, take part in a costume contest, and dare to enter the maze of terror at this family friendly event. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, $10 for children ages 5 to 12. 631-293-6398
Farmingville
Trick or Treat Trail
Join the Farmingville Historical Society on Oct. 26 for a Trick or Treat Trail at Farmingville Hills County Park, 503 Horseblock Road, Farmingville from noon to 2 p.m. Come in costume and trick or treat along a trail while learning about the history of candy. Fill your bag with real, full-size candy treats. The entry fee is $15 per trick or treater. Parents are welcome to escort their children without paying. All Trick or Treaters must pre-register at www.farmingvillehistoricalsociety.org
Haunted Firehouse
Farmingville Fire Department, 1080 Portion Road, Farmingville presents a Haunted Firehouse on Oct. 25, 26, 27 and 31 from 7 to 10 p.m. Visitors will step into a world of horror where the firehouse transforms into a haunted haven of the macabre. Tickets are $15 per person at www.longislandhauntedfirehouse.org. A Not So Scary event will be held on Oct. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission for that event is $20 per family (up to 6 people), cash only.
Hauppauge
Trick or Treat at the Library
Hauppauge Public Library, 1373 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge invites the community to trick or treat in their parking lot on Oct. 25 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Community members will be decorating their trunks in fun and spooky themes and will pass out candy to trick or treaters. The library will also have snacks, games, crafts, and other activities. Free and open to all. 631-979-1600.
Huntington
Trunk or Treat
Town of Huntington presents its 2nd annual Trunk or Treat at the Cinema Arts Centre parking lot, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Oct. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. This free event will feature candy, music, a trunk design contest, and more.
Halloween at the Heckscher
Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Oct. 27 and Oct. 31 from noon to 5 p.m. Create a spooktacular art activity, make a haunted Digital Action painting, and take home a festive treat! Free admission. Costumes encouraged. Free. 631-380-3230, www.heckscher.org
Halloween Costume Parade
The annual Downtown “Hauntington” Village Halloween Costume Parade returns to the Town of Huntington on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. Sponsored by Town of Huntington, Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Dr. Dave Bennardo, and the Huntington Village BID. Line-up at the Huntington Post Office, 55 Gerard St., Huntington for a parade. Trick or treat at designated village merchants before and after the parade. Free. 631-351-3173
Lake Grove
Halloween at Smith Haven Mall
Join the Smith Haven Mall, Moriches Road, Lake Grove for a spooktacular, fun trick-or-treating for all the little ghouls and goblins on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (while supplies last*) If you want to know what retailers and restaurants may have tricks or treats for the little ones on Halloween, keep and eye out for the pumpkin in their windows. Free. 631-724-1433
Miller Place
Spooky Lantern Walking Tour
The Miller Place Mount Sinai Historical Society, 75 North Country Road, Miller Place presents its annual Spooky Lantern Tour, a not-too-scary walking tour of the haunted history of Miller Place, on Oct. 25 and 26 at 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. A guide from the MPMS Historical Society who will regale you with all the spooky stories surrounding this pre-Revolutionary War town. Bring a lantern or flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. For ages 10 and up. $20 per person. Advance registration required at www.mpmshistoricalsociety.org.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt
The Miller Place Mount Sinai Historical Society, 75 North Country Road, Miller Place will hold a Halloween Candy Scavenger Hunt on Oct. 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., a historic way to celebrate the spooky season with friends and family. Visit the historic William Miller Hours, post office, barn and the schoolhouse to grab some treats! This is a free event while supplies last. 631-476-5742
Northport
Howl-Ween Pet Pawrade
Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, Village of Northport Mayor Donna Koch, and the Northport Farmers’ Market will be hosting the Howl-Ween Pet Pawrade in Northport Village Park on Oct. 26 at 9 a.m. Bring your furry friends dressed in their best Halloween costumes to join the fun and have a chance to win a prize!
The parade lineup will meet in the Village Park behind the basketball court. The parade route will proceed around the playground and will end by the Farmers’ Market, where vendors and volunteers will judge the pet costumes. Winners will receive prizes donated by local pet stores and will have their pets highlighted on social media. Free. Rain date is Nov. 2. 631-854-4500
Port Jefferson Station
Boo-wl Tastic Halloween Party
Port Jeff Bowl, 31 Chereb Lane, Port Jefferson Station will hold a Boo-wl Tastic Halloween Party on Oct. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. $30 per person includes two hours of bowling with shoes, cosmic bowling with Halloween theme and music, goodie bag for each child, kids costume parade and contest. Reserve online at www.portjeffbowl.com.
Rocky Point
Trunk or Treat
The North Shore Youth Council and the Rocky Point PTA present its annual Trunk Or Treat! event at the Joseph A. Edgar School, 525 Route 25A, Rocky Point on Oct. 27 from 2 to 5 p.m. with decorated cars and trunks, candy and non-edible treats, face painting, crafts and photo prop. Costumes encouraged. Free.
St. James
Halloween painting workshop
Discover your inner artist! The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 and 9, St. Jameshosts a kids painting workshop on Saturday Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. No tricks, just treats with Miss Linda as she teaches you how to paint this yummy Halloween ice cream painting step by step. $55 per child includes an 11×14 canvas and art supplies. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org. For more info, call 631-250-9009.
Deepwells Haunted Mansion
Deepwells Farm Historical Society, 2 Taylor Lane, St. James transforms the Deepwells mansion into the spine-chilling splendor of a Deepwells Freak Show for Halloween on Oct. 25, 26, Nov. 1 and 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. This year, history and horror intertwine at the haunted historic estate, now transformed into a peculiar spectacle where all your nightmares come to life. Not suitable for young children. Advance tickets are $30 at www.deepwellshauntedmansion.com, $40 at the door. 631-862-2808
Halloween Parade
The Community Association of Greater St. James presents its annual Halloween Parade on Oct. 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the Gazebo on Lake Avenue dressed in your Halloween best to parade around the park. Free. 631-360-7620
Smithtown
Spooky Woods & Trick O’ Treat
Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown presents a family-friendly Spooky Woods and Trick O’ Treat event on October 25, 26, 27, 30, and 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Take a spooktacular walk through a haunted trail, where little ones will have a great time seeing Halloween displays on one side and farm animals on the other. Enjoy trick o’ treating and say hi to craft and food vendors (and maybe some jolly ghosts) at this unique Halloween experience for the entire family. Don’t miss the hayride (additional charge) through the spooky woods! $10 per person, kids under 3 free. 631-265-6768
Stony Brook
Halloween Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day is back at the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook just in time for Halloween! Join them on Oct. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. forpumpkin painting, trick-or-treating, crafts and more. Wear your Halloween costume if you wish. Free admission. 631-751-0066, www.longislandmuseum.org
Halloween Festival
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts its 34th annual Halloween Festival at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook on Oct. 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. with trick or treating in the shops and restaurants, Halloween parade, games and Monster Mash dancing — wear your best costume! Scarecrow competition winners announced at 3:30 p.m. Free. 631-751-2244, www.wmho.org
Wading River
Safe Trick or Treat at The Shoppes
The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River invites all goblins & ghouls & children dressed in costume to enjoy a safe outdoor Trick or Treating on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. 631-929-3500
Darkside Haunted House
It’s fear at its finest! Named the 15th “Scariest Haunted House” in the country by TravelandLeisure.com, the Darkside Haunted House, 5184 Route 25A, Wading River is guaranteed to provide spine-tingling thrills that will make your blood run cold. Remaining dates are Oct. 24 to 27, Oct 30 and 31 and Nov. 1 and 2. General admission is $35 per person. Visit www.darksideproductions.com for hours and tickets.
Yaphank
Halloween on the Farm
The Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank presents Halloween on the Farm on Oct. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come Trick or Treat at the farm and see what the animals have for you! Treats will be provided at a dozen stations, unlimited wagons rides, kids crafts, corn maze and family games included. Pumpkins can be purchased for an additional cost. Fee is $20 for ages 1 to 18, $10 per adult at the door. Call 631-852-4600 or visit www.ccesuffolk.org for further information
Yaphank
Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank hosts a Truck or Treat event on Oct. 29from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy truck or treating, trick or treating around the farm, crafts, wagon rides, games, farm animal visits, corn maze and more. Costumes encouraged. $15 children ages 1 to 17, $5 adults. Register at www.eventbrite.com. 631-852-4600.
My wife and I have been voting early for several years. We like the convenience of early voting and find that we don’t tend to have to wait too long through the potential long lines of Election Day.
This election day, in particular, seemed problematic to us, as talk of unofficial and party-trained monitors, some of whom are watching over the elections themselves while others are observing the actions of other monitors, are poised to pollute the process.
We drove to the early site, looking carefully from the road at the number of cars in the parking lot and the length of the line out of the building.
If the line exceeded a certain visual marker, we would have returned at another day and time. When we were sure the queue was shorter than our maximum, we pulled into the parking lot, where we immediately found a spot.
Standing outside in an organized, relaxed and respectful crowd, we opened our phones to take a last look at the backgrounds of some of the down ballot candidates and at the experiences of would-be officials who were unaffiliated with either major party.
An elderly black woman appeared behind us, holding a tiny bijou cream-colored dog inside her coat.
“I hope that dog has an official ID,” I offered, as she smiled at me. “Which way is she leaning this year?”
The woman shared a broad and welcoming grin and said her dog’s papers were up to date.
As other voters joined the line or exited the polling place, several people came over and chatted with her about her dog.
“I miss my dog so much,” a man said, as he asked if he could pet her puppy.
She said he was welcome to visit.
“I lost my dog a few months after I lost my wife,” the man said, barely holding back tears.
The rest of us offered sympathetic glances at the man, who, despite sharing a palpable and visible grief, had come out to vote.
The line continued to build, with a 30-something man in scrubs standing next to the woman with the dog.
As others waited for their turn behind us, almost everyone grinned at the dog whose calm demeanor and charm could easily have won him votes if he were running for office.
Once inside the building, the election official with a name tag that read Sarah asked a woman to dispose of an almost empty drink container in the nearby restroom. Sarah promised to hold the woman’s spot, while the voter deposited her trash.
When my wife and I got to the front, Sarah asked the woman behind us if her dog was a service dog. The woman hesitated and then said she had a bad ankle and would have to carry the dog all the way back to the car.
Sarah apologized and also planned to hold her spot. I walked to the open check in desk, handed over my driver’s license and was asked to pronounce my last name. I was directed to another line, where I waited until another official took me to a voting machine.
The woman who returned her dog to her car was standing at a desk. She said she had considered describing her dog as a service animal, but thought better of lying.
Once at a voting machine, I started making my choices.
“Kamala Harris, Kamala Harris, Kamala Harris,” a Black girl who was about 10 years old shouted in a loud crescendo as her mother stood in the machine next to mine.
“So sorry,” her mother sighed, smiling at me, as she tried to contain her daughter’s excitement.
This young girl clearly didn’t share any of the fear, name calling, or anger of this election. She read a name she knew and was overflowing with unbridled enthusiasm.
As a parent, I wished I had told that woman to videotape her daughter’s delight, not only for the historic nature of the moment, but also to capture the sound of an enthralled, youthful voice.
As much as I regret saying this and disappointing my enthusiastic friends, I don’t much care for Halloween. Yes, I admire the creativity that goes into the decorations, the costumes, the stories and the efforts to make great parties. I also like the candy. But there is an undercurrent of something uncontrollable about the holiday, almost as if it is a license that day to egg a garage or knock down a mailbox. The Trick-or-Treat slogan makes me uneasy.
Maybe this is the result of having had those minor but annoying experiences. How many of us, when the next day dawns, look around to see if there is any graffiti on our houses or flat tires on our cars?
I have dear friends who dress up in clever costumes and become those characters for a few hours. It’s fun for many of us, children and adults. My all time favorite was when my friend, John, came as a toilet bowl. And it actually flushed. I love to see small children running through the neighborhood as Batman or Spock, imaginations at play. They tightly clutch their bags of treasure, eyes wide with wonder at being handed treats by someone in the doorway of every house on the block. And it is a chance for costumed adults to play at being children again.
So I guess I have what are called “mixed feelings” about Halloween.
I am not alone in this. There are others who, in the extreme, actually fear the holiday. That fear has a medical term: samhainophobia. Here is the professional definition. “People with this specific phobia feel anxious when they think about or experience anything to do with Halloween. Many people with samhainophobia (sam-HI-noh-phobia) have gone through a past traumatic situation related to Halloween. Exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy can help overcome samhainophobia…Such anxiety can be caused at the thought of Halloween parties, symbols such as ghosts and spiders and trick-or-treating.”
Symptoms, ranging from mild to extreme, can include dizziness, intense sweating, pale skin, panic attacks, rapid breathing and heart rate, strong feeling of terror, nausea and trembling or shaking. For children who are so triggered, avoiding the dark, not wanting to go to school on Halloween, even not wanting to sleep by themselves can be manifestations of this anxiety disorder.
Samhain comes from the Celtic festival first celebrated by the druids some 2000 years ago. The Celts lived primarily in what is now Ireland, the U.K. and northern France, and they believed that on October 31, the living mingled with the dead. That was the night before the Celtic New Year. The festival included large bonfires, animal sacrifices to please the dead, and costumes of animal skins and heads on the participants.
I did enjoy Halloween when I was in elementary school and growing up in an apartment building. My mother would let me put together some semblance of a costume, including a bath towel tied cape-like on my back, and I would run around the hallway, ringing door bells and yelling “Trick-or-Treat!” I still remember being amazed when residents who normally kept to themselves would open their doors, smile, and hand me candy or an apple. I knew nothing of Celts and druids, but I was thrilled by the power to awaken neighborly response and be rewarded for my efforts.
Some people, here in the suburbs, may put out scary monsters, faux graveyards, giant spiders crawling across their huge webs, and all manner of spooks on their front lawns. Box stores seem to make as much money at this time of the year as they do at Christmas. The 12 foot skeletons even come with eyes that light up menacingly and audio that episodically screams. While this is a demonstration of decorating artistry, perhaps it is our way of safely laughing at death.
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