Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will be collecting new or handmade mittens, scarves, hats, gloves, or socks for local charities in our community during its annual Share the Warmth Drive from Dec. 2 to Jan. 12. All sizes are welcome. There will be a table located in the Library lobby. Anyone (residents or nonresidents) are welcome to donate during Library hours. 631-941-4080
Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will present a Shed the Meds event on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from noon to 4 p.m.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office hosts this safe way to properly dispose of unused medications, essential to protect the environment and ensure that old drugs don’t end up in the wrong hands.
Please note: The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office cannot accept any liquids, needles, creams, or ointments of any kind. They are only accepting unused or expired medications from individuals (not large quantities from a doctor’s office or health care facility).
This service is open to the public. There is no need to register or to be a Three Village resident to participate. Questions? Email [email protected]
As part of The Great Give Back, a Suffolk Cooperative Library System initiative, Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will host a Pet Supplies Drive from Oct. 7 to Nov. 10. The library will be collecting new pet supplies (food, blankets, leashes, cleaning supplies, etc.) in the Library lobby to be donated to local organizations that help pets in need. All are welcome to donate (residents or non-residents) during Library hours. Questions? Email [email protected].
Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will host a Community Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Representatives from over a dozen organizations will be at the event including the American Red Cross, Avalon Nature Preserve, Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, Emma Clark Library’s Teen Department, Guide Dog Foundation, Last Chance Animal Rescue, Open Door Exchange, Parker Jewish Institute – Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Program, Sisters of St. Joseph, Sweetbriar Nature Center, Theatre Three, Three Village Historical Society, Three Village Lending Aids Society and the Ward Melville Heritage Organization.
Furthermore, there will be a table with materials from organizations who were unable to attend the fair but are also looking for volunteers. There is no registration necessary and the event is open to all. For more information, call 631-941-4080.
By Tara Mae
Behold the beauty as seen through another’s eyes with the Port Jefferson Photography Club’s (PJPC) exhibit, Through the Camera Lens, at Emma Clark Library, 120 Main Street in Setauket.
On view through the month of August, the exhibit features approximately 30 photos by club members Ralph Baldasarra, Barry Bernstein, Wendy Beaton, Michael Boren, William Hammer, Terry Murphy, Kathy Pisculli, Darlene Prowse, Anneliese Scheef, Irene Stern, C. Visconti, and Peter Willstein.
Housed on the walls of the library’s new Level Up Kitchen Library Café on the first floor next to the reference desk, all images in Through the Camera Lens have a card that lists the title of the photo, the photographer’s name, and contact information. Many of these photos are for sale; visitors are encouraged to contact the photographer if interested in purchasing a photo.
The images illuminate a spectrum of perspectives and personalities, taking the viewer on a tour of instances and ideas.
“We have such a diverse, well-traveled membership that we ask members to display what they would like to share with the audience. Travel, black & white, landscape, architecture, animals, portraits, etc,” said Prowse.
A variety of outlook and style enables attendees to see the world from individual points of view: common sights may reveal uncommon insights and fleeting moments are made forever spellbinding.
“It gives us an opportunity to share with others the places we have been, the way we see the world and our creativity in unusual and artful creations,” Prowse added. “It is like sharing a family photo album with someone who is really interested in what you are showing them. It is also an affirmation of the work we have put into creating an image.”
Satisfaction comes from sharing their passion not only with each other, but the public. To this endeavor, the PJPC seeks to exhibit its work in community spaces as a means of connection.
Now in its 12th year, the club has an ongoing installation at Port Jefferson’s Pasta Pasta restaurant which changes seasonally. Among other accolades, its booth won first place at a recent St. James Art Walk. And PJPC has also displayed work at Gallery North’s Outdoor Art Show in Setauket, Watermark Galleries in St. James, and Bayport-Blue Point Public Library in Blue Point.
August’s show at Emma Clark Library follows July’s exhibit at the Port Jefferson Village Center. Having both personal and pragmatic benefits — friendships, greater exposure, and refinement of craft — the library exhibit is the members’ latest foray into artistic communication with an audience and one another.
“…it shows that our area has an interest in the arts and appreciates local clubs and organization involvement. Hopefully, this will encourage others to show an interest in the PJPC,” Prowse said.
In addition to its community involvement, PJPC cultivates its artistic presence in part by facilitating its social network. The club hosts monthly lectures and goes on monthly field trips, visiting museums, beaches, New York City, etc. for group bonding, motivation, and inspiration.
“Photography gives me a chance to be creative and I love to show off my work…I love the social aspect of it,” said the Club’s Vice President Barry Bernstein.
Participating in the organization allows its members to focus the poetic precision of photography while benefiting from the camaraderie of a shared passion. It galvanizes participants to hone their craft and nurture their artistry.
“What I think is most rewarding about photography is the ability to capture a moment in time; to be able to freeze a moment of a bald eagle flying, to capture the colorful sunrises or sunsets, and to add my own creativity to what I photograph. It can be done anywhere, at anytime, with a group of people or by myself,” said PJPC President Anne DePietri.
The PJPC is committed to nurturing the creative nature of its members. Its outreach endeavors are part of a diligent effort to foster imaginative understanding and entice an engaged network.
“Belonging to a group is so inspiring. There might be a day that is gloomy and I’m not motivated to go out and find something interesting to shoot. It helps to know that my fellow members are expecting me to present something I looked at in a different way and made an interesting photo,” Prowse said
From those presentations, PJPC expands dialogue to move behind the club: its exhibit at Emma Clark Library is broadening the conversation between artists and audience, inviting individuals not only to observe but to partake in the process.
Photographers of any level are invited to join PJPC, which meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Port Jefferson Free Library and on the fourth Tuesday of the month over Zoom.
“We welcome new members who want to explore photography or enhance their skills,” Prowse said. “Belonging to a group is so inspiring.”
For members of PJPC, getting to show their work with their community is as gratifying and a source of continuous encouragement.
“I think one of the most rewarding parts of being a member of the Port Jefferson Photography Club is the non-judgemental support of everyone and the eagerness to share and learn from each other,” DePietri said.
To learn more about the PJPC, visit portjeffphotoclub.org or email [email protected].
By Ava Himmelsbach
Long Island prides itself on its beautiful weather — but, more specifically — on its gorgeous summers.
That is why this past weekend, Port Jeff locals and visitors were asked: “What do you like to do during the summertime on Long Island?
Photos by Ava Himmelsbach
Carolyn and Julie
Many Long Island residents thrive in the summer weather and enjoy spending time outdoors when the sun is out. Julie highlighted her relaxing visits to the local beaches: “We just got a parking permit for the beach, so we go on the beach, drive on the beach, that’s fun.” She, also, noted her enjoyment of going fishing and eating out.
“She’s from Florida,” Julie added with regard to Carolyn, who replied, “I used to live here!”
Amanda, Michelle, Kaitlyn and their children
“My favorite thing to do in the summer is go to the Shirley Beach splash pad with the toddlers,” Michelle said.
She loves that spot due to its free admission combined with the opportunity of play time outside for her children.
“Going to the ocean, [especially] Smith Point,” Kaitlyn added. She mentioned that she enjoys the beaches, closer to home, as well. “My favorite thing is to go to the parks around us,” Amanda stated.
Gallya (right,) and her friends, Sima and Sandra
Gallya, a Long Island resident, was joined by her visiting friends Sima and Sandra, who had just arrived on the Island that day.
“Walking through Port Jefferson, it’s such a great little village,” Gallya noted. “I like to go on the fishing boat, I like to go eat ice cream at the shack, I like to bring my closest friends that come from different parts of the world — presumably in reference to her friends Sima and Sandra — to share the beauty of this part of America.” Port Jefferson is undoubtedly a favorite for locals and visitors alike in the summertime. “I like to go to the restaurants in town, the meditation center and all the little boutique shops. I love to walk on the waterfront where they do sailing and rowing,” Gallya added.
As for the rest of Long Island, she enjoys visiting the wineries and farms out east, as well as hiking at Avalon Park.
Anne and Zoey
“The beach!” Zoey said when asked about summer activities. “Yes, the beach. We love to go to West Meadow Beach with the grandchildren while they’re here. Anything fun for kids to do, like Rocketship Park,” Anne added, in regard to the location of the interview.
Zoey and Anne agreed that Kilwins, in Port Jefferson, is a fun spot to grab ice cream. “There’s a wonderful park up near Ward Melville [High School], I think it’s Washington Avenue Park,” Anne continued. “We love going there.”
“Also, the library, Emma Clark Library [in Setauket,]” Zoey concluded.
“We spent a lot of time there yesterday. It’s amazing how much energy you can spend in a library with two kids.”
The force was strong in Setauket on July 27 as Emma Clark Library hosted its annual Star Wars Day. Over 250 young Jedi and their families joined the coolest event in the galaxy with Star Wars-themed carnival games including Pin the Saber on the Vader, crafts, costumes and a raffle contest in the children’s library. The day was made extra special with a visit from Darth Vader and several stormtroopers.
— Photos courtesy of Emma Clark Library
Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will hold its annual Summer Food Drive from July 1 to August 18. A donation table will be located in the library’s lobby to the left of the Circulation Desk, and all are welcome to donate during library hours. Some suggestions for food items include cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, tuna fish, juice, gum, snacks (pretzels, granola bars, trail mix, cookies), pasta, and pasta sauce. For further information, call 631-941-4080 or email [email protected].
Due to popular demand, the Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach hosted by Emma Clark Library was installed before the usual time so that beachgoers may enjoy books even longer. Its official opening was Thursday, May 9.
A literary summer tradition, the Little Free Library at the beach has been going strong since its inception in 2016. After close to ten years, the structure itself had taken quite a beating; therefore, library employees have built a replacement cabinet, once again constructed from recycled materials. You might recognize the sides of the structure, which were assembled from end caps of previous library shelving units. The legs of the cabinet were made from an old library chair.
This “Take a Book or Leave a Book” concept inspires beachgoers to read, share, and reuse and encourages lifelong reading. It is located under the pavilion at the beach. Visitors are encouraged to grab a book and/or donate one. The books are all donated by the public and cater to all ages. This little library is possible thanks in part to many generous booklovers (books are not curated or owned by Emma Clark — don’t return your library books here!). Library teen volunteers “adopt” the library each week to ensure that it is neat, undamaged, and well-stocked. There is no need to live in Three Village to participate, as long as you are a visitor to the beach. The Town of Brookhaven and Environmental Educator Nicole Pocchiare have once again graciously given their consent for Emma Clark to host the Little Free Library at the beach.
“I was happy to take part in the installation of the Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach again this year,” remarked Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich. “The dedication of Emma Clark Library to providing access to books and knowledge for the community, especially younger readers, is truly commendable. I see the positive impact this resource has on the residents of our town. Thank you to all involved for continuing this project for nine consecutive years.”
Little Free Libraries have become an international phenomenon since their inception in 2010, and Little Free Library was established as a nonprofit organization in 2012 in Wisconsin. According to the official Little Free Library website, there are over 150,000 registered book-sharing boxes across the United States and 120 countries worldwide. Emma Clark’s Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach is registered on www.littlefreelibrary.org and can be found on the site’s official map of all Little Free Libraries.
Emma Clark Library is delighted to increase access to books for all ages and promote the exchange of books within the community, enhancing a day at the beloved West Meadow Beach.
2014 — 2024: This year marks a decade of celebrating the creative writing and artistic talent from junior high and high school students of the Three Village community.
Emma Clark Library is overjoyed to reach this significant milestone. Those in grades 7 to 12, who reside in the Three Village Central School District, created an original picture book for children, in hopes of winning a substantial monetary prize and recognition. Their hard work paid off. Library board members & staff, the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, local elected officials, representatives from the Three Village Central School District, and guests all gathered on Monday, April 8 to honor the winners of the 10th annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Award:
First Prize in the Grades 7 to 9 category was awarded to Elizabeth Wright, a 9th grader at Gelinas Junior High School, for her children’s book titled Danny’s Birthday while Julia Hou, a 10th grader at Ward Melville High School, captured first prize in the Grades 10 to 12 category for her book Billy the Unusual Giraffe.
Juni Een, a homeschooled 8th grader, won second prize for her children’s book Our Trip to Estonia in the Grades 7 to 9 category and Sleepless Saturday, authored by Claire Sloniewsky and illustrated by Justine Bushman, both 11th graders at Ward Melville High School, snagged second prize in the Grades 10 to 12 category.
Library Director Ted Gutmann, along with the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, presented the winners’ books — bound and added to the Library’s Local Focus Collection — along with $400 checks to the first prize winners and $100 checks for the second prize winners.
Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and a staff member from Assemblyman Ed Flood’s office were in attendance, and they presented certificates to the winners. The winners also received certificates from New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo.
Mr. Gutmann remarked that he thought the illustrations were particularly impressive this year. One of Ms. Stein Shack’s daughters, Karen Shack Reid, reflected on the past ten years and recalled many of the wonderful winning entries throughout the decade. She also emphasized that it’s not just about the creativity, but also about the confidence that this contest builds and how important that confidence was to her mother.
Library Board President Christopher Fletcher and Treasurer David Douglas were there to congratulate the winners. President of the Three Village Central School District Board of Education Susan Megroz Rosenzweig, Superintendent Kevin Scanlon, Gelinas Junior High School Principal Corinne Keane, Ward Melville High School Assistant Principal Stacey Zeidman, Three Village Art Department Chairperson Jennifer Trettner, Gelinas Junior High English Department Chairperson Joanna Cadolino, and the Ward Melville High School Librarian April Hatcher were all in attendance.
Guests enjoyed sweets by The Bite Size Bake Shop, a local Three Village-owned business that has been donating desserts to the ceremony for the past ten years
Eleven years ago, the children of the late Mrs. Shack approached the Library with the idea of establishing an endowment as a tribute to their mother, a teacher and lover of libraries, especially Emma Clark Library. After meeting with staff and discussing possibilities, the idea for this cherished contest was born. Their gift covers the cost of the awards and passes along Ms. Shack’s joy of reading and lifelong learning to future generations.
The Helen Stein Shack Book Contest calls for teens in grades 7 through 12 who live in the Three Village Central School District to create a children’s picture book. Each entry could be the work of a single author/illustrator or a collaborative effort between an author and an illustrator. The contest was divided into two grade categories, grades 7 through 9 and grades 10 through 12, with one First Prize Winner and one Second Prize Winner selected from each group.
In speaking to the family of the late Ms. Stein Shack, Councilmember Kornreich remarked, “I just want to thank you for this beautiful living gift that you’ve created for this community in honor of your mother. It really is such a beautiful opportunity for these kids to develop and shine and for us all to share. Thank you very, very much for the palpable love that you brought to this endeavor.”
“Here’s to the next ten years,” proclaimed Ms. Shack Reid.
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