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Barbara Ransome

Strictly Business trade show returns to Centereach May 6

by Press Release - May 1, 2025

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From Middle Country Public Library

According to the business advocacy organization, Long Island Association, 90% of businesses on Long Island are small businesses. In today’s competitive market, small businesses need every possible advantage to thrive. Membership in the local chamber of commerce is a great way to become a part of the community and networking events like Strictly Business, being held on Tuesday, May 6 at the Middle Country Public Library in Centereach, help get them in front of potential customers and collaborators.

More than 17 years ago, representatives from the Miller Business Center at the Middle Country Public Library, the Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition and the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce met to brainstorm how they could offer even more opportunities to their members. What could be done to help them meet potential clients and connect with other small businesses and entrepreneurs? Knowing that the cost of big events can be prohibitive, Strictly Business was born!

It is more than a just a trade show or networking event—it is a catalyst for economic development for local businesses in the area.

Lenore Paprocky, President of the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, captures what small businesses mean to the region when she says, “Small businesses are the backbone of Long Island, driving our economy and strengthening our communities. B2B (business to business) networking isn’t just about connections—it’s about collaboration, growth, and building a thriving local community where businesses support each other and succeed together.”

This is the heart of Chamber of Commerce membership. When small businesses join their local chamber, they gain access to a network that is committed to mutual success, advocacy, and shared progress.

That network includes community resources to help with training, mentorship, research and more. The Miller Business Center at the Middle Country Public Library connects with small businesses at the many chamber meetings and events they attend.

“The Miller Business Center is a part of the local business eco-system,” says Middle Country Public Library director Sophia Serlis-McPhillips. “Not only do we plan and run Strictly Business, we also offer assistance all year with our programming and business research.”

With Strictly Business, small businesses have a unique opportunity to showcase their offerings directly to potential customers and collaborators. These kinds of opportunities can lead to long-term business relationships, client growth, and community recognition. The event also serves as a powerful reminder of the shared mission among local businesses.

Barbara Ransome, President of the Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition and a small business owner explains that, “The original intention for creating a Strictly Business event was to support our small business communities; that remains the same. This trade show provides a cohesive platform for our Chambers of Commerce partners to participate in networking with one another. They are brought together to share in a unified voice common goals and concerns as well as creating NEW business opportunities and finding that there is strength in numbers.”

This “strength in numbers” idea is a driving force behind the Chamber of Commerce model. When businesses stand together, they amplify their influence. Returning Strictly Business exhibitor, Carmine Inserra, CEO of ProSysCon Computer Technologies, Inc., says, “It’s always advantageous for business owners to be around others who are working on their businesses and Strictly Business is a great way to connect and to have so many successful businesses in one place.” This sentiment underscores the importance of shared energy and collaboration.

Sponsorship from major institutions like TD Bank shows just how much the broader community values these events. Maryellen Ferretti, TD Bank Retail Market Manager, S.V.P. shared that it is “committed to empowering local businesses and fostering economic growth. Strictly Business is a great way to show this commitment as the event offers valuable networking opportunities and resources for entrepreneurs and professionals in the community.” The involvement of such stakeholders is a testament to the real economic impact that local businesses have—and how vital it is to invest in their success.

In the end, the Strictly Business trade show is more than just a day of networking— it is an introduction to the larger economic environment of Long Island.

The 17th annual Strictly Business trade show will take place on Tuesday, May 6 at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees have the opportunity to enter a raffle for the chance to win a $250 gift card. Admission is free and there is ample free parking. For more information, call 631-585-9393 x216.

Port Jefferson’s annual Easter parade draws in hundreds

by Julianne Mosher - April 24, 2025

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By Julianne Mosher

It was an egg-cellent time for all.

With a weekend of sunshine and warm temperatures, Saturday, April 19 was the perfect day to search for some eggs throughout Port Jefferson’s Harborfront Park.

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce’s annual Easter parade and egg hunt was even more egg-citing this year thanks to hundreds of families who came out to participate. Starting at noon, moms, dads, grandparents and their little ones lined up outside Theatre Three and marched down Main Street in their best Easter attire with baskets in hand with the hopes of finding as many plastic eggs as they could.

Leading the group were members of the chamber and Port Jefferson’s favorite Easter Bunny, Barbara Ransome, director of operations for the chamber. The parade finished up at the Port Jefferson Village Center where tables were set up to trade in found eggs for different prizes and bins to recycle the eggs for next year’s event — an effort to continue being sustainable to the planet.

While the lines were long to hand in the eggs, the line to take a picture with the Easter Bunny was equally as lengthy with kids of all ages ready to smile.

— Photos by Julianne Mosher

16th annual Port Jefferson Health and Wellness Fest promotes well-being

by TBR Staff - April 18, 2025

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By Joshua Kim

The 16th annual Port Jefferson Health & Wellness Fest was held Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Meadow Club, on Rte. 112 just off the 347. The event was organized by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and supported by 12 sponsoring institutions, including the three major hospitals in the area: Stony Brook Medicine, John T. Mather Hospital and St. Charles Hospital.

The many attendees who parked in the adjacent Port Plaza’s parking lot were directed across the street and into the venue by Suffolk County Crossing Guards in bright neon yellow raincoats. Inside the Meadow Club, the glistening crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and bright, lively atmosphere struck a sharp contrast with the cold, gloomy weather outside.

The Fest was supported by over 50 local health providers, businesses and organizations that filled over 90 tables where they could distribute brochures, merchandise and, in some cases, massages. The standard rate for a table was $250, while Chamber of Commerce partners paid $200 and nonprofits $100 – some organizations, like Hope for Cleo Animal Rescue, which brought along puppies, attended for free; “animals are a draw,” said Barbara Ransome, the director of operations at the Chamber.

Stony Brook Medicine commanded the largest presence with 11 different tables dedicated to several health topics, including obstetrics-gynecology, urology and chronic kidney disease. Dr. Soo-Jin Lim of the Stony Brook Medicine Heart Institute spoke of the opportunity that the event provided to screen people who might typically ignore their health, saying that they had referred at least one person with high blood pressure to treatment.

Mather Hospital had the next largest presence with eight tables arranged along the side of the room, also dedicated to similar health topics.

St. Charles Hospital had fewer tables, but, as in years past, they provided the refreshments for the fest. The head chef at St. Charles Hospital Mohamad Saleh, or “Chef Mo,” who typically makes sure that “the patients in the hospital are getting food they like and eating healthy food,” made healthy muffins and Açaí bowls. “[We’ve] had a great experience with everybody–some of them are actually patients in the hospital,” said Chef Mo.

The event also was not limited to only organizations or businesses traditionally associated with health and wellness: everyone from the Port Jeff Free Library to Port Jeff Bowl to, Moloney Family Funeral Homes had a table set up, seeing the event as an opportunity to “put their name and face out there.” However, many of these groups used the event to highlight health-related services they offered that were less well-publicized, such as the Port Jeff Free Library’s “huge range of programs, from nutrition facts to stroke awareness, to a workshop on knee and shoulder pain.”

People from all over Suffolk, and even Nassau County, attended the fest. Some had seen the promotions in the paper or on Facebook; some had “just been passing by” on the road and decided to pop in and still others had attended the fest other years and were coming back.

Two friends, Kim and Marianna, had heard about the event on Instagram and came from Nassau County and Babylon to “understand and better [their] own health” as they neared retirement age. “It’s great to see that they have so many supporters, people who are willing to come out on a Saturday to help other people understand the importance of taking care of yourself,” said Kim. “It’s much bigger than I had expected.”

“We really feel that the Village of Port Jefferson has become a mecca for health and wellness services,” said Ransome. “And we do this event – that’s how we support it.”

She concluded, “The turnout has been exceptional. The weather wasn’t so great, but I think we did really, really well.”

Letters to the Editor: February 20, 2025

by TBR Staff - February 20, 2025

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

This is NOT “Resistance Corner”

As stated in our NYS charter, the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) organization composed of local businesses. It is not by design nor practice, one that supports politicians or engages in political demonstrations. The antique train car, near the corner of NYS Routes 112 and 347, is the private property of PJS/T CoC as is the surrounding land, flag pole and Legacy patio. The 100-year-old car serves as the CoC office. It and the property, intended solely for use for CoC sponsored events, is diligently maintained by the all-volunteer board, despite the Town Park sign having utilized our old corner marquee to rename the park behind the train car. The public park is marked by the paddock fencing.

The Feb 6. Port Times Record cover and page A3 showed trespassers with a megaphone and signs standing on the train car decking and patio. This letter is intended to clarify: the train car and its surrounding property is private space and the PJS/T CoC has given no public individual or group permission to use it. The chamber liability insurance does not cover trespassers either. I ask you and your readership to help spread the word.

Jennifer Dzvonar, President

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce

Murphy teacher went too far

After reading one letter and two articles written to the Times Beacon Record on Feb. 6 defending the R. C. Murphy Jr. High School teacher placed on leave, I must respectfully disagree with their positions. I consider myself a strong defender of free speech rights. They are truly the cornerstone of a free country. However, the facts in this case warrant an objective analysis.

The teacher in question did not simply criticize the Trump administration, call for impeachment or use derogatory words for the president or his staff. She went a step further, and used very specific and rather dark imagery to describe her hope for “all Trump supporters.” She hoped that they “don’t swallow right” (choke?), have no help, struggling to gasp (suffocating?), withering away (dying?) and suffering long. I think most reasonable people can agree that we don’t expect the educators of our middle school aged children to publicly call for the bodily harm of people with whom they disagree with politically or ideologically. Exercising self-control, good judgment and accountability are all qualities we expect from our educators, especially those involved with younger, more impressionable students.

This educator could have used her distress with recent political events as a “teachable moment” on how we can disagree politically yet maintain civility in our society. She could have protested on a street corner and campaigned for change. Unfortunately, she did not. She chose to speak in a disturbing manner that rightly causes concern given the sensitive nature of her job. Imagine for a moment if one of her students became aware of her public comments. Would that foster a trusting, safe, nurturing educational environment for that student if they thought their own teacher wanted their Trump supporting parents to suffer the terrible things she outlined in her post?

The reality is that we hold people in positions of power (police, teachers, health care workers, elected officials) to a higher standard when it comes to speech. I support the district’s decision to do their due diligence to determine if this is a one-time lapse in judgment or indicative of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. We are extremely fortunate to have a school district that employs dedicated, caring professionals. Making sure that standard is maintained by all employees is in the best interests of the district as a whole and the students that it serves.

Charles Tramontana

Setauket

The train car is chamber property

It is important to respect organizations and their missions. I am referring to the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce and their office train car located at the south east corner of Routes. 347 and 112. Over the years certain organizations, groups have chosen this location for their rallies without notifying the chamber and inappropriately trespassing on their private property. The nickname, “Resistance Corner,”’ not a title the chamber has sanctioned or approved of, has become the setting for such gatherings. The chamber is responsible for maintaining the train car and the grounds it sits on. They pay for the insurance, utilities and general upkeep at great cost and effort by their members and their officers.

Understandingly, this location is very visible and great exposure for groups to mobilize, but it could be reflected that said groups have the endorsement of the PJS/TV Chamber. This would not fit the mission of any chamber. We recognize that public display is lawful, but this corner isn’t fitting for ANY type of demonstration. There are other approximate locations for these types of assemblies. Just east of the train car in the public Town of Brookhaven Park and across the street from the car on the north side of 347.

It is distressing that people/groups assume they may use this property for their own use. That would be an incorrect supposition. To all, in the future, please be mindful of your actions and respectful. Thank you.

Barbara Ransome, President

Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition

P.S. I love you day

On Feb. 14, the Three Village community not only celebrated Valentine’s Day, but also P.S. I Love You Day. On this day students in this district and those across the state wore purple and shared messages to acknowledge love, caring and kindness toward one another. It began as a response to a tragic loss by suicide suffered by a West Islip student and grew into a movement to recognize mental health needs and interventions.

I want to commend the Three Village schools for the celebrations that occurred throughout our PK-12 buildings and thank them for their valiant attempts to combat and aide in our battle for positive mental health. The music, the purple bracelets, the visits from the therapy dogs and the celebrations of life all contributed to a wonderful atmosphere of love and acceptance. In light of our recent tragedy and the loss of a valued member of the Class of 2027, it is most important to remember this; everybody counts or nobody counts. Continue to care for and respect each other no matter what our differences are and keep this in mind, P.S. I Love You lives on EVERY day.

Stefanie Werner

East Setauket

Two business owners recognized by Port Jeff Chamber of Commerce

by Sabrina Artusa - January 24, 2025

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By Sabrina Artusa

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce honors two local business owners as members of the year, Raquel Fernandez and Risa Kluger.

The chamber’s director of operations, Barbara Ransome, said that while the chamber does not typically award the honor to two members, she felt that it was necessary to recognize both Kluger and Fernandez for their service to the Port Jefferson community.

“They are very good business people. They take pride in the services they provide,” Ransome said.

Fernandez and Kluger are businesswomen, but their identities as community members inform how they lead their businesses, Century 21/Icon and SERVPRO, respectively. Their obligation to their community is inextricable from their role as entrepreneurs, which is evident through the work they do with the chamber of commerce.

Fernandez, who serves on the chamber’s executive board as the second vice president, believes a foundation of trust helps elevate the mutually beneficial relationship between consumers and herself.

“I feel as a business owner you have to get involved so the community can identify with the brand and what you bring to the community and what you’re doing,” she said. “I wanted to create a culture that I could be proud of and really have a sense of family and loyalty —all the essence of all the things that I value.”

Serving in the chamber is “second nature” to Fernandez. “If I had something to tell myself 20 years ago, I would say join the chamber. Organically you are meeting the other business owners, networking, exchanging ideas, getting to know each other, and it becomes really cool that you get to support other businesses,” she said.

Ransome said Fernandez always does “the best she possible can” to assist the chamber, whether it is volunteering at the dragon boat festival, which is one of Fernandez’s favorite events, or sponsoring the events. “She has been very consistent and we are very appreciative,” Ransome said.

Kluger directs her damage restoration business, SERVPRO, with the collegial mindset of a person helping her neighbors.

“It’s a big responsibility, I feel, to set a standard to show people that you are an honest business person not only as a business but to the community,” she said.

“From the very beginning she was there to help,” Ransome said of Kluger. “If I call and ask her to do anything, she’s there. It’s not only her, but she gets her entire family involved.”

Indeed, Kluger said that while she tries to always make time for chamber events, her busy schedule sometimes means she has to send representatives to support her.

“I felt the involvement was important to show a presence in the community; so you are not just there to earn money in the community, but to help and get involved,” Kluger said.

Kluger also serves on the board of the Long Island Insurance Community, where she helps raise money for various charities, including the nonprofit United Way of Long Island.

Ransome mentioned a specific instance that encapsulates Kluger’s dependability and generosity: After noticing roof damage on one of the chamber’s buildings, Kluger immediately had it repaired, without Ransome asking.

Fernandez, too, finds fulfillment in using her business to help others. She runs a successful internship program, which has led past interns to pursue careers at major companies such as Amazon and J.P. Morgan.

“To be able to be a part … [of] that and help them a lot along the way … that kind of drives me,” Fernandez said.

Earning member of the year means a lot to both Kluger and Fernandez, who have worked hard to make their businesses successful while also staying true to their consumers.

“Our industry is cyclic and you go through these ups and downs but you have to know how to weather the middle,” Fernandez said. “And then you realize you have been doing it for all these years and that in itself is a huge accomplishment.”

People of the Year: Barbara Ransome helps Port Jefferson thrive

by Mallie Jane Kim - December 28, 2024

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190559094_115558717374925_6365657422360366030_n — Barbara Ransome

By Mallie Jane Kim

Port Jefferson Village is a North Shore gem for locals and visitors alike, with restaurants and shops a cornerstone of this historic district experience. For decades, Barbara Ransome, 16-year director of operations for the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, has worked tirelessly and effectively to keep this charming corner of Long Island thriving.

“Barbara is a force of nature,” said Stuart Vincent, president of the chamber and senior community relations program manager at Mather Hospital.

Vincent praised Ransome’s ability to organize complicated logistics of village events, and to make sure everything the chamber hosts — from the Health and Wellness festival to the Santa parade — is successful. She also keeps abreast of any new regulation or change that might impact local business, attending countless relevant meetings to keep chamber partners informed. She even dresses as the Easter Bunny for Port Jefferson’s Easter parade and egg hunt.

“Barbara’s all over,” Vincent said. “I wonder sometimes how she gets everything done in the day.”

Ransome, who also owns and operates The Ransome Inn on East Broadway, has brought to the village events like the Dragon Boat Race Festival, the Chowder Crawl during Oktoberfest and the Mac & Cheese Crawl during the village Ice Festival — all features that add to the tangible sense of place in Port Jefferson while drawing more customers to local retail shops and restaurants.

Her presence has added to a sense of unity among village community leaders as well. According to Lobster House owner James Luciano, who is also president of the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District (BID), Ransome goes above and beyond to volunteer her time to help.

“If there’s a chamber partner out there who needs help, she’s there,” Luciano said. “Any time I need help with anything, she’s always the first one asking, ‘What do you need?’”

Ransome served six terms in local elected positions, including as village trustee and deputy mayor, so she has a deep understanding of how the system works, and she is adept at helping business owners navigate bureaucracy.

Luciano added that she has been an invaluable partner for other organizations looking to serve the village, including the Business Improvement District.

“The chamber and the BID used to be very separate years ago, and now they’re very much one and the same,” Luciano said, describing the tight relationship his organization has formed with the Chamber of Commerce. “Having someone as committed as her is what really makes it happen.”

For Ransome herself, keeping the chamber running springs naturally from her personality and her long history in the village.

“I do like to work,” she said. “My motivation is to make sure that things are done correctly and the chamber as a whole benefits.”

Ransome also credits her success to having a board that trusts and supports her, due to her reputation for doing the right thing.

“There’s an expression in the horticultural community of a ‘proven winner,’” she said, referring to plants that have a track record of success. “I think that’s what I am for them — I’m a proven winner in doing the job here.”

For her unflagging commitment to the continued success of Port Jefferson Village, TBR News Media recognizes Barbara Ransome as a 2024 Person of the Year.

Port Jefferson leaps into fall with Oktober Harvest Festival

by TBR Staff - October 25, 2024

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By Melanie Karniewich

Families and friends gathered in Port Jefferson on Oct. 19 and 20 to embrace the season’s autumn spirit during the village’s annual Oktober Harvest Festival.

The festival, sponsored by the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District in cooperation with the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson, featured more than 30 events spread over two days.

Saturday’s festivities began with the Port Jefferson Historical Society’s 37th annual outdoor country auction, followed by the village-wide chowder crawl. Later, a costumed dog parade trotted down East Main Street while the evening wrapped up with the (Mostly) True Things storytelling show.

Barbara Ransome, director of operations at the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, has worked in the village for 15 years. She said the festival not only creates memories for attendees but provides an important opportunity for local businesses to shine.

“Spreading the activities around so that businesses can really benefit — spreading the crowd around — is really important,” Ransome said. She embodies this idea through the Pirate Scavenger Hunt, which leads participants to six small businesses in town with six individual clues. When they find the right business, they are greeted by a member of Pirates at Large, a Patchogue-based nonprofit entertainment troupe, which has worked with the chamber of commerce for many community events.

“Port Jefferson is really the place to be,” said George Overin, better known as Monti Babson, a member of Pirates at Large. In addition to the scavenger hunt, attendees enjoyed a tractor hayride, classic cars, friendly but spooky harvest walkers welcoming the community and face painting. There was also a self-guided fall art walk that began a few days before the festival, showcasing 17 artists across 22 locations throughout the village.

Visitors have plenty of opportunities to discover what the town has to offer as the cold weather approaches. Port Jefferson will also have the Festival of the Trees beginning on Dec. 1, along with the 28th annual Charles Dickens Festival on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8.

Melanie Karniewich is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom.

Fantasy novel comes true at Port Jefferson’s Dragon Boat Race Festival

by TBR Staff - September 20, 2024

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By Jenna Zaza

From sunrise to sundown last Saturday, Sept. 14, the air echoed with the rhythmic beat of drums, punctuated with bursts of cheers and shouts when they hit their last thump. Three aquatic dragon boats raced across the water, while vibrant red and yellow foam dragons soared among the scattered greenery of Port Jefferson’s Harborfront Park.

The typically tranquil village is transformed into a lively scene straight from a dragon fantasy novel as The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted its 10th annual Dragon Boat Race Festival.

The festival brought together 20 teams made up of 20 paddlers, a steersman and a drummer, to compete in three racing heats that included two qualifying rounds and a championship round. The three-lane course ran 250 meters or approximately 820 feet.

Aside from the main attraction, there were all-day cultural performances and contests, local food trucks, vendors and family-friendly activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all attendees.

“It’s great to take advantage of our harbor to bring people together,” said Barbara Ransome, chamber director of operations. “It’s wonderful to celebrate our community’s culture and our differences. There’s nothing like it.”

Aside from the main attraction, there were all-day performances from the many talented organizations like the Long Island Chinese Dance Group and Taiko Tides Japanese percussion.

From the two qualifying heats, the top 12 with the lowest times made it to the championship round, which included four divisions. The teams that won gold were JPMorgan Chase’s Azure Dragons in Division I, Port Jefferson’s Rowing Club in Division II, Gregory Weyerhaeuser Piasecki Family in Division III and St. Charles Hospital’s Keeping the Faith in Division IV.

For the GWP Family, this race wasn’t just to get into the competitive spirit but to remember their uncle and cousin Piasecki who recently passed away.

The event continues to grow in popularity each year, drawing not only Long Island local teams but also participants from the greater New York area, according to Ransome.

For other teams, the waves and competition wasn’t the only challenging part of the races. “While it was physically exhausting, it was also [hard] controlling the emotions,” said Larry Ryan, one of the rowers for the Port Jefferson Dragons. “We’ve been together on the same team for nine years and we [raced initially] for the comradery, but now we do it in memory and to honor two people that are no longer with us.”

Even though the Dragon Boat Race Festival is significantly important in Chinese culture since it celebrates the life of patriotic Warring States Prime Minister and poet Qu Yuan, it is a festival all cultures can enjoy. Strolling through the park, attendees could hear a melody of the various different languages spoken around them like English, Chinese, Korean, Hindi and even the barks from the four-legged and flurry visitors.

“The amount of people and the enjoyment [the festival] brings, it’s always a good day,” said Denise Yazak, a science communicator at the Brookhaven National Lab and the team’s drummer. “I always meet new people and the sense of community here is really exciting.”

One of the highlights of the day was the mesmerizing lion dance performance by Authentic Shaolin Kung Fu, which captivated both children and adults alike. As the brightly colored lions danced their way through the crowd, their playful antics brought bursts of laughter and shrieks of delight from the younger audience members.

The lion dance is a traditional Chinese dance believed to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits.

“The dance we did today is similar to what we do on Chinese New Year,” said Chris Quintero, an advanced student who has been training for about eight years. “A big part of [training] is being authentic to the culture and trying our absolute best in paying respect and being accurate to the culture.”

Jenna Zaza is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom.

Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival celebrates a decade of tradition

by Heidi Sutton - September 9, 2024

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Dragons will roar and lions will dance once again as the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosts their annual Dragon Boat Race Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 8:30 to 5 p.m. The free event will take place at Mayor Jeanne Garant Harborfront Park and the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson and the village’s inner harbor.

The festival is the brainchild of Barbara Ransome, Director of Operations at the chamber, who attended a dragon boat race festival in Cape May, New Jersey, several years ago.

Opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. will include a Asian color guard, the blessing of the ‘fleet’ with the traditional “Eye Dotting” ceremony to awaken the dragon led by Buddhist monks. Attendees will include VIPs and elected officials.

With dragon boats and equipment provided by Great White North, the main attraction will feature three racing heats to include 20 teams competing in a 250 meter, 3 lane racing course. Each team is made up of 20 paddlers, one steersman and one drummer. The first race begins at 9 a.m. Spectators can easily view the race course from the park’s edge.

Medals will be awarded in three divisions at an awards ceremony at the end of the day.

Sponsored by Taiko Tides, there will also be team contests for the best team T-shirt, best drumming performance and best costumed drummer.

All race teams will have their own “encampment” along Harborfront Park as they are queuing up for their races.

In addition to the races, there will be a day-long festival featuring numerous performances including the famous Lion Dance, Taiko and Korean Drum performances, Asian singing and dancing. Over 20 cultural and educational vendors and retailers will be on hand along with assorted food vendors including Naked Burger, The Poutinerie, Tea Brew (bubble tea and snacks), and Fern & Aurora (desserts with a Filipino flare).

This year is very exciting as it is the Year of the Dragon and the festivals’ 10th year. To help celebrate this special occasion there will be some new activities that will include Land Dragon Races, a dancing dragon and a 9-foot one dimensional steel fabricated fire breathing dragon! Visit the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce table to take part in a dragon-themed basket raffle and join a Paint a Dragon class with Muse Paintbar (fee) on the first floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center from 2 to 3 p.m.

There will be also be crafts and activities for children and tug-a-war competitions.

Event sponsors include the Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society; Sea Tow; Flushing Bank; Long Island Waste Services; ServPro of Port Jefferson; The Waterview; Danfords Hotel, Marina and Spa; The Gitto Group; The Northwind Group; The East End Shirt Company; M& T Bank; Nestle Health Science; TBR News Media; Island Federal Credit Union; New York Cancer & Blood Specialists and Kiddsmiles.

The event will be held rain or shine with free admission. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come enjoy the festivities! 631-473-1414, portjeffdragonracefest.com

Bridgeport-Port Jeff cooperation efforts revived

by Mallie Jane Kim - August 3, 2024

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Local business groups are looking to increase the cross-Sound connection

port-jefferson-ferry-dock-pierw-700x357 — A Bridgeport & Port Jefferson ferry. File photo

By Mallie Jane Kim

Riding the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry as a walk-on may become more attractive in coming years, since business leaders on both sides of Long Island Sound have reignited interest in coordinating efforts to attract interstate day-trippers.

“We want to get people to visit us, explore the village and understand our history — and patronize our museums and our shops,” said Barbara Ransome, director of operations at the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.

In fall of 2019, there was movement toward creating a sort of reciprocal passport system with discounted rates for a walk-on ferry ticket as well as coupons for area businesses in Port Jefferson and the Bridgeport region, according to Ransome, but those efforts ended with the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.

Leaders from the Bridgeport Regional Business Council reached out to Port Jefferson’s chamber this summer and revived hopes for working together, according to Ransome. The two groups had a successful meeting and tour of the Down Port area in June.

“They wanted to learn more about Port Jeff and create a synergy between the two regions,” Ransome said, adding that members of the Port Jefferson chamber showed the visitors highlights of the area, including retail stores, restaurants and ice cream parlors. “The visit went really, really well.”

Now, Ransome is leading a walking tour for a group of about 30 people from the greater Bridgeport region’s Women’s Leadership Network on Thursday, Aug. 1, that will highlight women-owned businesses in Port Jefferson. The group is also slated to tour the Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum and eat at local restaurants.

“We’re fortunate,” Ransome said of Port Jefferson, which, in addition to eateries and retail, boasts Harborfront Park, playhouse Theatre Three and a seasonal ice rink. “When you get off the ferry, you’re right there in the commercial district. It’s very walkable.”

On the Connecticut side, there is a lot of interest in visits across the Sound, according to Natalie Pryce, leadership and development director for Bridgeport’s business council.

“It’s so close, and I don’t think people get that experience,” Pryce said.

She framed Thursday’s trip as an economic development tour for her group of women business leaders — a more interesting opportunity to network than meeting to chat over drinks.

“My preference is not to meet at a bar and just talk every time we get together,” she said. “This way we can learn about other women in business, meet other ladies and support each other.”

For Ransome, the walking tour reawakened hopes of working together toward the passport system idea, or something similar. She said in 2019, the ferry company was amenable to collaborating to figure out discounted tickets — a foot passenger round trip currently costs $39 for adults, with seniors at $28 — and even potentially a shuttle service to places like Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, Bass Pro Shops or the Klein Memorial Auditorium. But any such arrangements are still ideas, at this point.

“I will be finding out where we go from here,” Ransome said.

Pryce expressed excitement about working with Ransome as well, adding that other groups under the Bridgeport Regional Business Council umbrella expressed good-natured jealousy for her day trip.

“There’s just interest across the board,” she said. “This is just the beginning — this is a conversation we’re going to continue after Thursday.”

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