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Katherine Kelton

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Angie Zang

By Katherine Kelton

Welcoming 2025 can mean many different things to different people. Do people still believe in setting goals for the new year, or has this practice become outdated, with goal-setting becoming more or less infrequent? 

TBR News Media took to the streets to ask Long Islanders about their New Year’s resolutions to understand this phenomenon across different groups. 

Jake Schwarzbard

Jake Schwarzbard, East Setauket

The Ward Melville High School senior is looking forward to the warmer weather, which will help him stick to his New Year’s resolution of “being on my phone less. “I feel like it is taking up too much of my day. I would like to try doing more activities, like golfing.” 

Cara Macedonio

Cara Macedonio, Stony Brook

The Emma Clark Library clerk discussed a few of her resolutions: “Go to the gym is basic, but that was one of them. My resolution is to find a fun job that I like.”

Claire Sloniewsky, Old Field

The senior at Ward Melville shared some of her “several” resolutions, which she wrote down on her phone to remember throughout the year: “One of my main resolutions was to spend more time outside, whether on a daily walk or something more high-impact, like going on a run or looking at nature. I feel more grounded when I do that, and it’s pretty isolating and tiring when I’m inside. Another was to read more. I’m already a pretty big reader, but I want to prioritize it this year.”

Angie Zang

Angie Zang, Coram

The elementary school student shared her goal for the year while roasting a marshmallow outside of The Frigate, “I would like to get better at ballet.”

Lindsay Day

Lindsay Day, Three Village

Another Emma Clark Library clerk shared her goal: “My New Year’s resolution is to make more meals at home instead of dining out.”

Spencer Edelbaum

Spencer Edelbaum, Three Village

A local Druther’s Coffee frequenter shared his New Year’s resolution, which he states is his permanent goal: “I have a nonprofit called The Spot. I do a lot of helping; I just love a lot of people. I would just continue loving into people’s lives.” 

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Photos courtesy Miller Place UFSD

By Katherine Kelton

The Miller Place Union Free School District Board of Education met on Oct. 30 and discussed the many approved constructions of the schools, ranging from elementary to high school. They also addressed school changes following a threat against the high school. 

Superintendent Seth Lipshie shared safety plans for the school district, including using explosion detection canine searches at the high school and North Country Road Middle School. The searches will be unannounced.

Additionally, the district has employed armed guards at stations outside of each school. To enter any building, a person must have administrative permission and identification. 

All staff will complete two tutorials: School Safety for New York and Student Mental Health. During the year, each school will have four lockdown drills. 

For the Be Heard portion of the meeting, three concerned parents spoke about the threat against the school a week before the meeting, yet parents were not notified for days following. One parent said, “There’s really no excuse, in my opinion, for the fact that we were not notified last week.”

Another parent proposed that a committee review the Code of Conduct, including the word “threat,” as a violation against the school. She also wanted to develop a crisis management plan. 

President Lisa Reitan also addressed a Be Heard from the last meeting, where a parent spoke about the summer assignments for AP and Honors classes. Reitan stated, “The district is compiling data about assigning summer projects for AP and Honors classes.” Many other high schools around Long Island, including Ward Melville, have been doing away with summer assignments due to parental complaints. 

Trustee John Galligan attended the New York State Department of Education online meeting where regionalization was introduced. The department hopes to incentivize interdistrict cooperation over sharing education resources, such as the BOCES  program. Although BOCES is already a shared resource for many Long Island schools, regionalization would provide subsidies for such schools.

Regionalization plans are to be created every five years. The first draft of the school planning process was due Nov. 1 and will be implemented in the 2026-2027 school year. The Department of Education also stated that there would be no attempt to consolidate school districts, something Reitan is concerned about. She said, “The biggest con is local control. We are Miller Place, y’know.”

School Business Official Colleen Card spoke about the recently approved revitalizations of the district’s schools. Most significant are the plans for Miller Place High School: a ventilation system, a new art room and showers for the boys’ locker room. Andrew Muller Primary School is wrapping up construction on the gymnasium with an upcoming fire marshal inspection. Andrew Muller also finished building a kindergarten playground. Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School recently installed a ventilation system as well.   

Lipshie also recapped the district’s celebrations and news. The Safe Halloween event, held at the high school, was a great success at raising funds for the Miller Place UFSD. Boy’s varsity soccer earned a play-off qualification. Girls field hockey won the Division 2 Regular Season Championship and is now 16-2. 

In upcoming events, Lipshie highlighted the sixth- and seventh-grade dance, the Miller Place Driver’s Safety Program, winter sports starting on Nov. 18 for the high school and Nov. 4 for the middle school and college admissions workshops. More information about the events can be found on the Miller Place School District website (www,millerplace.k12.ny.us).

The next BOE meeting will be Nov. 20, at approximately 8 p.m., at the Miller Place High School. —  Photos courtesy Miller Place UFSD

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By Katherine Kelton

Daylight saving time ended on Sunday, Nov. 3, giving Americans an extra hour to enjoy — except in Hawaii and most of Arizona.

On Long Island, this meant an earlier sunrise and saying goodbye to sunsets after 6 p.m. The next day in Port Jefferson, people enjoyed quintessential fall weather on the ferry to Connecticut. TBR News Media asked these passengers: How did you enjoy your extra hour?

Mary Rose and Alan Goldberg, East Setauket

Mary Rose and her husband Alan were in Massachusetts when the “fall back” happened. The pair were visiting their daughter. Even though the two had a “very long conversation the night about falling back and getting that extra hour,” they forgot the day off until they were about to leave their hotel. For them, the extra hour meant time to “sit around and chat, visit our daughter, hang out and be together.”

Monica Landivar, Stamford, Conn.

Monica Landivar, on left, from Stamford, Connecticut, on a day trip to Port Jefferson, shared the practical benefits she enjoyed from daylight saving time: “To be totally and completely honest, it was relaxing. And also, the good thing was that I had extra time to do some work around the house.”

Alenna Lin

Alenna Lin, Stony Brook University

Alenna Lin, a freshman at Stony Brook University, enjoyed the extra hour to reorientate her schedule. “I spend many hours studying for all my classes, so my sleep schedule naturally gets destroyed, especially after two back-to-back midterms last week,” she said. She could “go to bed an hour early, wake up at a reasonable time and be more awake during lectures.”

Amal Sani, South Setauket

A senior at Ward Melville High School, Amal Sani shared details of her three-day weekend, saying, “I had Monday off for senior skip day, so I had an extra hour and an extra day to do work.” She was sitting in Local’s Cafe in Port Jefferson doing college applications and school work, which she said she has been very occupied with. “Daylight savings was much needed,” she added.

 

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A scene from the 34th annual Cedar Beach Blues Festival. Photo by Katherine Kelton

By Katherine Kelton

Doc Blues, the stage name of Mount Sinai doctor, Mark Gresser, along with The Port Jefferson Arts Council, the Long Island Blues Society, and WUSB 90.1 FM presented the 34th annual Cedar Beach Blues on the Harbor festival in Port Jefferson on Sept. 21 and 22.

The two-day event at Harborfront Park showcased 18 blues artists across two stages, drawing in crowds eager to enjoy the soulful sounds. Sunday saw an increase in foot traffic thanks to the nearby Port Jeff Farmers Market, where attendees swayed to the music while holding bags of fresh produce.

Despite being mid-September, the weather was unexpectedly warm, with families gathering in folding chairs, enjoying food, and soaking in one of the last hot days before autumn officially arrives.

While the festival primarily catered to older residents of Port Jefferson and the surrounding areas, many young children accompanied their parents. Admission was free, and attendees could purchase food and drinks from local restaurants just minutes from the venue.

The event was sponsored by The Long Island Blues Society. Ronnie Shapiro, vice president of the society, told TBR, “I love blues because it’s one of the few truly American music styles. It was born in America. It encompasses everything from dance music to sad tunes.

“Even the Rolling Stones played the blues. It’s a truly American art form,” he continued.

When asked about community turnout, Shapiro added, “Unfortunately, we don’t get as big of one as we would like. We’d like to see more. I don’t think people know what to expect when they come to a blues show. They might think of an old man with a corn cob pipe and banjo sitting on the porch.”

“But it’s so much more—there’s a little country mixed in. Rock and country both came out of the blues, [and there is really something for everyone to enjoy.]”

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Coach Billy Cosh. Photo by Connor Rose
Coach Billy Cosh. Photo by Connor Rose
Wolfie meets with football fans. Photo by Connor Rose
Wolfie poses with a football fan. Photo by Connor Rose
Todd Rose poses with Wolfie before the game. Photo by Connor Rose
Todd Rose hands out souvenirs before the game. Photo by Connor Rose
SBU Marching Band. Photo by Connor Rose
SBU Marching Band and cheerleader. Photo by Connor Rose

By Katherine Kelton

To kick off Stony Brook Seawolves home football season, the university held the first of its Dean’s Challenge, when three deans of different colleges “guest coach” a game for three games, for a total of nine schools competing. Each dean competes to bring in the most people from their respective unit for a trophy, book scholarship and bragging rights. 

The Stony Brook Development Team launched the first inaugural Stony Brook Athletics Dean’s Challenge for the fall 2023 semester. The mission is to build partnerships and bridge the gap between academics on campus and athletics.

Each school was given an opportunity to rally fans for football games during the fall season. The School of Social Welfare had the greatest attendance and was named the winner, receiving the Dean’s Challenge Trophy and a $250 book scholarship courtesy of the Athletic Department.

The first game this season included guest-coach David Wrobel, the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He said, “We thought as a nice way to build community and get people out to the game, we would bring all kinds of food in addition to giving out tickets and college swag.”

CAS had the largest number of attendees and secured $500 for student programming. 

Wrobel, who joined Stony Brook this fall after a previous tenure at the University of Oklahoma, explained his decision to come to Long Island. “The thing I love about this university is that it’s exactly what a public research university has to be,” he said. “It focuses on ensuring that kids from different backgrounds and financial circumstances have access to an incredible research-centric experience.”

Wrobel said of the football team, “I hope the football players do brilliantly, there’s a new coach [Billy Cosh] so that’s fantastic. The football players are also fantastic student-athletes.”

The other two deans who competed at Saturday’s game were Stacy Jaffee Gropack of the School of Health Professions and Peter Diplock of the School of Professional Development.

Aside from the healthy rivalries inside the university, other groups set up their tents, served food and played games. Their kids cartwheeled and threw footballs around. Stony Brook merchandise tents were scattered around as well. 

Fans watched the football players in their tracksuits walk into the locker room. The marching band, cheerleaders and dance squad paraded around the perimeter of the tailgate area before performing in front of LaValle Stadium. 

The light rain did not scare off tailgaters as many came prepared. Todd Rose, father of freshman player Ian Rose, said, “We’re from Connecticut. We were here for all the rainy games last year and it seems we are this year too.” 

Todd Rose and his mother walked around handing out 3D printed badges and beaded necklaces that demonstrate team spirit. “We like to go to New Orleans and when you walk around they have all these beads and they have all the Major League sports teams and then they have your colleges,” he explained. “But, I never saw one for Stony Brook, so what I did was I took the picture and built it into my 3D printer, and designed it myself. I just give it to the parents of the players. So we know when a person is a parent of a player.”

Rose huddled under the tent with his wife, eldest son and mother alongside other football parents. James Amburn, father of Jacob Amburn, another freshman player, came from Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to watch the game. “I wasn’t too sure about Stony Brook at first,” he said. However, after they toured the school and the surrounding community SBU was a clear choice. “The atmosphere, the people are great, Port Jefferson is nice. Just a great experience,” he added. 

The Seawolves beat Stonehill Skyhawks, 37-10, with an impressive two touchdowns in the first quarter. The next home game will be against Morgan State Bears Sept. 28 at 3:30 p.m.

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Beekeeper Bill O’Hern at his OHoney Bee Farm stand with two shoppers. Photo by Katherine Kelton
Three Village Farmers Market. Photo by Katherine Kelton
Three Village Farmers Market. Photo by Katherine Kelton
Vendors in line at the East Setauket farmers market. Photo by Katherine Kelton
Three Village Farmers Market. Photo by Katherine Kelton
Three Village Farmers Market. Photo by Katherine Kelton

By Katherine Kelton

The Three Village Farmers & Artisans Market, located at 93 North Country Road in East Setauket, had an impressive turnout Friday, July 26. Visiting the market is a cornerstone for many Setauket, Stony Brook and Old Field residents. 

Each vendor was chosen to be at the weekly mart because of its locale, individuality and business message to customers. 

Beekeeper Bill O’Hern, owner of OHoney Bee Farm, shared, “I’m at several markets and this one I live near. This is my market.” 

He was inspired to start his bee farm 15 years ago after learning his daughter had intense seasonal allergies, making her unable to eat processed honey. He said he tried to find local honey, and when he couldn’t he figured “the heck with it, I’ll just do it myself.” He brings a small colony of bees each week for passersby to see.

Local produce vendors are also plentiful at the market. One vendor, Calvin Greenwood, is the farm manager at Oregon Road Organics. He spoke with TBR News Media about the importance of local produce: “We see a ton of repeat customers here and are happy to have organic North Fork produce vendors here.” The Cutchogue-based farm mainly sells its produce on the wholesale market at places like Citarella Gourmet Market in New York City and farm-to-table restaurants. However, the business also goes to weekly markets in Glen Cove as well as Three Village. 

“People are very friendly here, the other vendors here are very friendly,” Greenwood said. “This is a great place to harness community engagement and gathering.” 

The Three Village Historical Society houses the weekly market on its green area. Beverly Tyler, historian at the society, said, “My favorite part about the farmers market is having lots of people here and getting to tell them about the books.”

Tyler is an author and was selling signed copies of his books at the market. One of them, “Mary Swift Jones: Love and Letters from Japan,” tells the story of his great-grandaunt and her travels in the Far East in the mid-1800s.

Giovanni Zito, owner of Zito’s Traditions, also embodies local importance with his homemade family recipe pesto sauce. He is new to the farmers market and said, “Everyone seems very warm. The people who run the market are very helpful and friendly people.”

Zito began his business after transitioning from working full time and had an “entrepreneurial itch” he wanted to scratch. The pesto recipe originated from Sicily and had been perfected over generations. He brought 200 jars of pesto that sold out quickly. He then created a business and has sold it at markets ever since. 

Artisan products are plentiful at the Three Village market: Julia Vogelle Pottery and Carré Bouquets are just two of the nonfood vendors at the market. Happy Dogs Surf Shop is a newly-founded company by Brandon Schweitzer. All proceeds of apparel products go directly to no-kill animal shelters. 

To become a vendor, applicants can submit a form to the Three Village Historical Society website: www.threevillagehistoricalsociety.org. 

If you want to visit the market, it is open on Fridays, in August from 3 to 7 p.m. and in September-October from 3 to 6 p.m.

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Just Sixties takes the stage outside the Stony Brook Post Office. Photo by Katherine Kelton

By Katherine Kelton

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization held the first of its summer concert series events July 7, at Stony Brook Village Green.

The large crowd spanned much of the green and parking lot, with their lawn chairs and picnic blankets in tow. Families, adults and pups enjoyed their own food and drinks. And for those without food on hand, Sweet Mama’s ice cream parlor was the go-to spot.

As the event caters to older crowds, the first band Just Sixties showcased a medley of music from the influential decade: the 1960s.

Just Sixties is reputed to be the longest-running ’60s tribute band in the United States, and is a Smithtown-based group. They performed under the beloved eagle of the post office, whose wings flapped to commence the concert.

Immense community spirit was felt, as people danced, swayed and took videos of the performance.

Just Sixties is a true blast from the past, with an introduction featuring famous news stories from the decade — from the moon landing to the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The messages served to remind people of the tumultuous decade while, simultaneously, embracing its history.

The drummer in the band, Rob Gerver, spoke with TBR, saying, “In between songs, the culture of the times are told as stories to the audience, making the show an educational and informative retrospective, as well as a magical musical event.”

Popular with the crowd were renditions of “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and “California Dreamin’” by the Mamas & the Papas. According to Gerver, the band is versed in different genres from “bubblegum pop to heavy metal.”

There will be a total of seven Sunday concerts through Aug. 18 at 7-8:30 p.m. New York’s Martini Garden, described as “the Eagles meet Stevie Wonder,” are scheduled to play July 14.

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Scene from the 20th annual Gallery North Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Ben Samuels
Scene from the 20th annual Gallery North Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Ben Samuels
Scene from the 20th annual Gallery North Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Ben Samuels
Scene from the 20th annual Gallery North Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Ben Samuels
Scene from the 20th annual Gallery North Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Ben Samuels
Scene from the 20th annual Gallery North Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Ben Samuels
Scene from the 20th annual Gallery North Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Ben Samuels
Scene from the 20th annual Gallery North Wet Paint Festival. Photo by Ben Samuels

By Katherine Kelton

For the 20th year, Gallery North of Setauket, held its Wet Paint Festival at the Tyler Homestead, located on Main Street in Setauket, on June 1‒2. The festival attracted 70 artists who set up in areas around the homestead, including Frank Melville Memorial Park, Patriots Rock, the Caroline Church, Emma Clark Public Library, the Factory Worker Houses, the Red Barn and the Setauket Green. The different scenery resulted in greatly varying works of art. Admission to the festival was free to all those who wanted to observe artists, eat good food and listen to music.

One artist, Christie Jones, from Patchogue, stated, “Most of my work is inspired by nature, so to be actually immersed in it enhances the work.” She has been painting plein air for a while, and the weekend event was the first time she was able to do it with an audience. Jones invited friends and family and welcomed feedback on her work, stating, “I enjoy chatting with people about my work and I know that everyone who’s talked with me has said I’m the only artist to work without an easel. So that has been interesting to hear.”

The goal of the festival was to showcase plein air art. As Ned Puchner, executive director of Gallery North, characterized, “It’s outdoor painting. It is artists working on-site doing landscape or outdoor subject matter paintings. Plein air means plain air.” He wanted to attract anyone interested in art and history to explore the area and see something unique.

The work created during the festival will also be displayed at the Reboli Center for Art & History on Main Street in Stony Brook from June 25 to July 7 in its own exhibition. 

Artist Debbie Foglia had previously worked closely with Joe Reboli before his passing. She shared her emotional story about her connection to Frank Melville Memorial Park, where she elected to paint. “I grew up in the area. When I was a teenager, I took lessons with Joe Reboli, and this was one of the places that we painted.” For her, the day meant not only enjoying nature and painting with an audience but also reminiscing on the memories she made with the famous painter.

Gallery North, a not-for-profit organization, aims to promote fine local art.

The Tyler Homestead, where much of the festival occurred, is owned by the Three Village Community Trust, which promises to “protect the places you love.” While the food, tents and check-in were stationed there, people surrounded the home with easels to capture its “American farmhouse” style, which is why it gained popularity. The trust also provided tours of Patriots Rock and explained the significance of Setauket in America’s fight for independence.

Gallery North also partnered with Level Up Kitchen, which catered the event, and WUSB 90.1 FM/107.3 FM for live music.

Many artists, if not the majority, set up in Frank Melville Memorial Park for the picturesque views of the water and trees. The weather attracted many people to come and stroll the park while watching professional artists create work in real time. With the local roads lined with cars for the entirety of the event, it was a clear success for Gallery North.

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The Three Village Rotary Club posing with volunteers for a drone video. Photo by Katherine Kelton
A scene from the Three Village Rotary's Family Fun Day.The volunteers plant new grasses for the soil beds. Photo by Katherine Kelton
Rebecca Kassay with Kayla Serina of Avalon Nature Preserve pose over the garden.Photo by Katherine Kelton
A scene from the Three Village Rotary's Family Fun Day. Photo by Katherine Kelton
The kids crafting area. Photo by Katherine Kelton

By Katherine Kelton

The newly-renamed Rotary Club of The Three Villages held its Family Fun Day of Service, Saturday, May 18. The club organized a beach and garden cleanup with bagels and coffee. Painting rocks, making birdhouses, coloring and a scavenger hunt were all available for young kids. 

Rotary member Dan Berger explained, “It’s important to give back to the community for all the good things we’ve received from them.” 

May 18 marked Rotary Day of Service, where more than 800 Rotary clubs across the country held community service events. 

“Our agenda is community service,” Three Village Rotary president, Marios Patatinis, said. The event had two service activities set up: collecting trash from Sand Street Beach in Stony Brook and weeding and planting in the Stony Brook Rotary Memorial Garden, gifted from the club years prior. 

Chris Sokol, another Rotary member, said, “I hope the kids can see the value in certain communities and cleaning the beach and beautifying this area that they enjoy all year long — see the value of serving and giving back.”

As part of the children’s scavenger hunt, they had to complete different tasks on the beach and in the memorial garden to win a free ice cream voucher to Sweet Mama’s, which Patatinis owns. 

The weather was cool and foggy, leaving the beach entirely to the volunteers, yet warm enough to attract families with little ones. Parents and children scoured the beach for trash and dug up dirt in the garden from 10 a.m. until noon.

The event also attracted community members who helped out at the local beach, including Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook). 

For those who worked in the garden area, Avalon Nature Preserve nature initiative coordinator, Kayla Serina, donated plants, tools and expertise. With volunteers, she removed dead grasses and weeds from the area and planted new foliage expected to grow better. 

The event celebrated the Rotary club’s Reboli Center April fundraiser with the presentation of a check to the president of the center, Lois Reboli.

The club hopes to expand its event calendar over the next few months.

“We have an incredibly motivated and committed group of members who take what we do seriously,” Sokol said. 

In June the Rotary club will be sponsoring a mammogram bus for Stony Brook University Hospital. The bus will travel to people who need mammogram testing for a whole day. 

Patatinis indicated that the club is maintaining membership numbers, yet welcomes new members. He invites those interested to stay up to date with events and to “come have lunch with us.” 

Visit www.stonybrookrotary.com for event schedules and more information. 

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Beginning of the ‘color run’ at Ward Melville High School. Photo courtesy the Three Village School District’s Instagram

By Katherine Kelton

On Saturday, May 4, the Ward Melville Parent Teacher Student Association hosted a Star Wars-themed color run. The event welcomed all members of the Three Village Community, including all ages, from 2 to 4 p.m. for a one-and-a-half mile run around the perimeter of Ward Melville High School. Younger children ran a shorter quarter-mile lap around the track field. 

The full course went through the woods, the back parking lot, the front of the school, and back onto the track field where it began. Complementary water bottles were given to runners after finishing. 

Assistant Principal Michael Jantzen along with parent and staff volunteers ran the event. Students from the new T.E.A.M W.A.R.D club, targeting emotional and mental wellness and recovery development, also worked at the event. 

One T.E.A.M W.A.R.D member, junior Jason Stiles, shared, “Working at the event was a great experience. I got to throw color powder at runners and make them smile.”

Students were stationed at various points throughout the course with colored powder to toss at the runners. Star Wars-themed music also played to pay homage to the “May the Fourth Be With You” holiday. 

Upon check-in, runners received a white event-labeled T-shirt that cost $20 along with registration. The proceeds of the event went directly back to the students. “Knowing that the color run was going toward a good cause, in the senior scholarship fund, felt good helping out,” Stiles said.

“The turnout was great. I didn’t expect to see as many young kids, but a lot of middle school and high school kids showed up as well,” Soraya Masrour, a student who participated in the run said. 

Many kids stayed after the run to play in colored powder and run around the football field. The weather was incredibly nice, making it the perfect day to get outside and active. 

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