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Scene from the Three Village Historical Society's 45th annual Candlelight House Tour. Photo by Bill Landon

From this weekend’s Three Village Historical Society’s 45th annual Candlelight House Tour, to the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival, we live in an area of rich history and culture.

The quaint holiday atmosphere of villages like Huntington and Stony Brook take us back to a more simple time and place — one of one-horse towns, one story buildings and one community spirit.

The North Shore of Suffolk County has a cozy charm coupled with not only rich historical background, but the cutting edge of modern-day living. Take for example Stony Brook University. Located 20 miles or less from all of TBR’s coverage areas, it is a world-class university, brimming with state-of-the-art scientific research, a diverse student body and cultural heritage. With the musical performances, various film screenings and varied organizations, which the university provides, as a result, the residents of Stony Brook have a portal to some of the most intriguing cultural presentations around.

With a home as unique as Suffolk’s North Shore, our residents appear to have a sense of community that is unlike a major city. We are able to boast a sense of connection that is only possible in a small town. Just walking down the street, one is greeted with warmth. A possible run in with a friend from a dedicated civic association can happen.

So don’t write off the suburbs too quickly.

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METRO photo

News can be one of the most important and constant aspects of every American’s life. It can permeate our every waking moment, from the televisions in waiting rooms, our phones’ constant push notifications and the reposting of articles all over our social media feeds.

Unfortunately, many Americans are discouraged by the negative news which surrounds us. They feel the polarization of the political parties, constant coverage of crime and oftentimes dark undercurrents that are aspects of the news. Some try to hide from current events for the sake of their own wellbeing. In fact, up to 43% of Americans avoid the news, in some form, according to this year’s Reuters Institute Digital News Report.

That is why we are pleased to share that this week’s newspaper is full of good news — something most people will happily welcome. It is always wonderful to revel in the holiday season and all of its elements, and that is precisely why happy news can be especially satisfying this time of year.

From the honoring of our Suffolk County veterans, to The Steam Room restaurant’s philanthropy this Thanksgiving, to wonderful spectacles of holiday cheer out of Huntington and Port Jeff, our communities have come together to provide each other with bits of joy, in our complicated world.

TBR brings the spirit of community to our readers’ doorsteps every week, and will always share with you the merry, along with the hard-hitting. We are proud of our communities and enjoy showing them off during this complex political climate. 

Thank you for your readership and support.

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Circa 1908

In light of this week’s article about Helping Hands and their phenomenal humanitarian work in our Long Island communities, it is difficult not to be moved by an organization like this, as we approach Thanksgiving.

Every last Thursday of November, we look forward to passing around cranberry sauce, crunchy stuffing and gravy-soaked turkey with the ones we love. Most people catch up with family they haven’t seen since the previous holiday, laugh about those age-old anecdotes relatives have been retelling for decades and maybe lounge around the TV in a “food-coma,” watching AMC’s yearly “Godfather” marathon.

But, as we anticipate Thursday’s day of rest, it is important to remember that the first part of the word Thanksgiving is “thanks.” Yes, many peoples’ families may cook year after year, but we shouldn’t come to accept it blindly. It is not something we should take for granted. Cooking for the ones we love is one of the kindest, most unifying acts we can bestow, and it is not as simple as putting a turkey into the oven.

With every hour of preparation cooks put into their Thanksgiving meals, they are not just putting in an hour of labor — they are putting in an hour of love, appreciation and devotion, for everyone they are cooking for. Appreciate them. Say thank you.

And while we should be cognizant of our loved ones on Thanksgiving, we must also think of those less fortunate. If we take the time to show gratitude for our family, we are one step closer to being able to show gratitude to strangers in need. To following the second part of the word.

According to Long Island Care’s website, over 220 thousand Long Islanders are food insecure, which is defined as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.” That is a startling number, and proves that more help is needed in serving these individuals.

This Thanksgiving, enjoy the turkey, but consider stopping by a local food pantry with a donation, as well. It could be the difference between a day of sorrow and a day of joy for a family in need. And sometimes gratitude most rewards the giver.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Three Village Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors

President Carmine Inserra

Michael Ardolino

Heather Banoub

Robert Brown

Perry Cassidy

Leah S. Dunaief

Colette Frey-Bitzas

Susie Kaiserman

Kenneth P. Kroncke

Ronald J. LaVita

Edwin Miller

Andy Polan

David Prestia

Gloria Rocchio

Nicole Sarno

Martha Stansbury

John C. Tsunis

President Emeritus Charles Lefkowitz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo from MetroCreative Connection

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.

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Members of the Setauket Harbor Task Force. Photo from George Hoffman

Save the Sound’s most recent report card states that inner and outer Port Jefferson Harbor, as well as middle Port Jefferson Harbor (Setauket Harbor), are among Long Island Sound’s top five waterways, boasting strong water chemistry. Water chemistry ratings indicate that a body of water has healthy chemical conditions that support aquatic life and overall ecosystem health.

This is something to celebrate, as stormwater systems have steadily reduced our harbors’ nitrogen levels over the past 30 years.

However, despite our improved knowledge of waste disposal and our diligent efforts to test our water’s chemical and bacterial levels, more work remains to be done.

August’s devastating storm served as a stark reminder that Mother Nature is a powerful force. Despite our area’s best efforts, advanced technologies, and state-of-the-art flood safeguards, millions of dollars in damage proved that even our best preventive efforts can be in vain.

That is why we must not remain stagnant in our efforts to protect our island. Worsening weather conditions can easily overshadow even our most cautious endeavors. Following the recent storm, bacteria levels in Stony Brook Harbor and neighboring waterways spiked, creating an unsuitable environment for aquatic life—not to mention the dozens of fish that washed up on our streets.

So, TBR implores you: Please continue your efforts to keep our environment clean and safe. Properly dispose of household chemicals and waste, minimize fertilizer and pesticide use, and maintain your car to prevent leaks.

Don’t forget to pick up litter you see in the streets and be mindful of your own waste. Community cleanups are frequently held in our coverage areas, providing not only a great way to keep our environment pristine but also an opportunity to connect with fellow community members. Water conservation is crucial, as well. It helps maintain healthy water levels in rivers, lakes, and estuaries, preventing excessive pollution concentration, protecting our aquatic ecosystems, and ensuring sufficient water for recreation and wildlife survival.

Bask in the success of our environmental consciousness, but don’t rest on your laurels. Together, we can make Long Island cleaner and safer for our ecosystems than ever before!

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Stock photo

As discussed in the paper this week, the Oct. 7 service at the  North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station served as a coming together of humans healing from an event which rocked a nation and the world, one year ago this month.

But, it is so incredibly crucial to note that it was a group of human-beings coming together — not people of any one religion, background or gender — but people of all walks of life, who gathered on that Sunday night to comfort one another, and lend a shoulder to anyone in need of comfort.

Despite the presence of a few politicians, the night was not one of politics, but of deep empathy for anyone who lost a dear one in Israel, or community members who know someone who has.

It was a beautiful reminder that despite the complexities of what is happening in the Middle East at this moment in time, we can still congregate as a united body, purely in support of humanity.

No hidden agendas. No hatred of anybody.

People were there to hold one another’s hand, and honor the memory of those they loved, and those they had never met.

At its core, religion is about peace, love and compassion, and that was precisely what occurred that night. People of a shared faith, came together in prayer to provide their neighbors with an hour of solace.

And, we can all use some solace in these horrific times.

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Pixabay photo

With elections just around the corner, early autumn can feel like an overwhelming time.

Candidates on the national, state and local levels spew their promises, which we never actually know are genuine, and insult each other’s characters, instead of answering direct questions.

Many people have simply taken themselves out of the race, both literally and figuratively, refusing to vote, or partake in the democratic process at all anymore, after years of disillusionment.

But this election cycle, TBR implores you to hang in there.

Put community above party, and hear all of November’s nominees out. It doesn’t hurt to give them a fair shake.

Who knows? Maybe you will be surprised by something you hear, and be influenced to alter your view on an issue.

It is so incredibly appealing to jump on either party’s bandwagon, and be swept up with ad hominem attacks, sweeping generalizations and just plain-old lies. It would be a lie to say that it isn’t easier to be moved by primal emotion, than a calm, step back.

But listen. Listen to the candidates. Listen to your friends. Listen to your neighbors. Get your finger on the pulse of what your community needs, and make a choice based on that. Not preconceived notions, or one-sided vitriol. There is a reason that the saying, “go with your gut,” has survived for centuries.

With all this in mind, on Oct. 31st, we will be releasing our paper’s election supplement, in which we will share interviews with all candidates running for office, within our six coverage areas. We hope that through this process, we will aid you in your judgment process of each nominee, as we will be providing you a non-partisan, unedited look at each person’s responses, to a variety of questions, ranging from policy promises, to past actions.

In short, the way that our interviewing process works is that the two nominees, for each available seat, will come into our Setauket offices together, in which they will then answer each identical question, one after the other, and be able to participate in a type of mock debate, where ideas will be exchanged and dissected.

We hope that you will pick up a copy of one of our papers, or read online at www.tbrnewsmedia.com, for the week of Oct. 31, and use us as a tool that will help you regain a little bit of faith in the press, politics and humanity.

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Pixabay photo

TBR’s coverage this week of a heroic cop who plugged a colleague’s bullet wound, with his own hands, to prevent him from bleeding to death, (see story in paper,) is a truly inspirational example of the human spirit.

In a world of such chaos and confusion, what does it say about this man that his primal instinct was to save an injured person? Not to analyze or question him, poke or prod him.

But to save him.

What it says is that we are fundamentally good. We may get that fact a little mixed up at times, but if we can step back from our stubbornness and fixations on the characteristics that separate us, it will become apparent that we all should be focusing on the one characteristic that is already within us, that is baked into our DNA: kindness

And, no. Not kindness in the corny or insincere sense that many people use to deceitfully act as if they are holier-than-thou. “Kindness” in a genuinely caring way about the welfare of those in your life and community.

We can all learn a lot from an action as noble as the one performed by this man.

Over the past few years, there has been contentious debate, analyzing the roles police officers serve in our everyday lives. Some people believe that they overstep, while others feel that they are under appreciated.

Adding to the omnipresence of this law enforcement dilemma, just this week, County Executive Ed Romaine (R) announced in his proposed budget that the Suffolk County Police Department intends to put an extra 330 officials, including cops, detectives and corrections officers, on the force.

However, no matter how one feels regarding the political intricacies of our society, we can all agree that every cop — every human being — should aspire to this level of goodness.

Many people preach the importance of benevolence — an act of kindness, but, far too often, people are not willing to give that word meaning. Police officers take an oath to protect and defend.

So, maybe, if we follow in the example of those who are willing to sacrifice their lives — or in a less severe instance, their comfort — for the care of people, we can live in a society that is a little more temperate, a little more understanding and a lot more loving.

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