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Michael Scro

By Michael Scro

Kings Park American Legion Post 944 hosted a Memorial Day parade and ceremony May 26 honoring all U.S. military members who have died serving their country. The patriotic parade of local veterans, police, fire department, Boys and Girls Scouts, Kings Park school district students and friends and families began at the corner of Church Street and Old Dock Road to Main Street and assembled at Veterans Plaza for an emotional and solemn ceremony.

Hosted by American Legion Post 944 Commander Hans Richter, the ceremony featured an opening prayer by Father Peter Dugandzic from St. Joseph’s Church in Kings Park; speeches by Vietnam War Veteran and Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R), U.S. Marine Corps veteran and commander of VFW Post 5796 Eric Burnett, New York State Senator Mario Mattera (R, C, St. James), and a keynote speech by Pastor of CenterPoint Church and Coast Guard veteran Tom Walsh. Over 15 wreaths were laid around the plaza memorial site, and closing prayer by American Legion Post 944 Chaplin John Carman.

Richter read aloud tallies provided by the U.S. government of how many American soldiers have been killed in wars since the American Revolution, including the names of those from Kings Park. Walsh read aloud the world famous Gettysburg Address given by President Abraham Lincoln. Burnett and Mattera both spoke of the importance of Memorial Day for the community and younger generation, and Wehrheim spoke about Daniel Flynn, a close personal friend of his who was killed in the Vietnam War and has Daniel J. Flynn Memorial Park dedicated to his memory and service.

Among those in attendance for the parade and ceremony were past Suffolk County American Legion Commander Ken Dolan, Town of Islip Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Smithtown Superintendent of Highways Robert Murphy, Smithtown Parks Department Director Joseph Arico, Kings Park Fire Department Chief Philip Carroll, Suffolk County Legislator Trotta and New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick.

— All photos by Michael Scro/Media Origin

 

By Michael Scro

On May 12, Huntington girls lacrosse played Sachem North in a Division 1 matchup. Currently ranked second in Conference 1, Huntington had 11 wins entering their game against Sachem North, ranked fourth. 

By the fourth quarter, the two teams were tied 4-4. 

After a tough game, the Blue Devils lost 5-4. They will play Connetquot, also ranked fourth with a 9-3 record, on May 16 at 5:15 pm.

— Photos by Michael Scro,

Media Origin Inc.

By Michael Scro

The Mount  Sinai Mustangs met the Wantagh Warriors in the Long Island girls A basketball final game at Farmingdale State College on March 15. 

The Mustangs entered the final after beating Islip on March 9. Wantagh presented fierce competition to Mount Sinai with their then 21-2 record.

Building on their 12-9 lead, Wantagh defeated the Mustangs 54-30, securing the championship title. Mount Sinai had their best performance in the third quarter, gaining 11 points, but it wasn’t enough of a comeback to reach the Warriors, who finished the quarter 12 points ahead. The Mount Sinai girls varsity basketball team ends their season with a 19-4 record.  

— Photos by Michael Scro/Media Origin 

On Feb. 8 and Feb. 9, Island Fairs held a Be My Valentine Craft Fair at Stony Brook University. Vendors sold crafts, art and treats: perfect gifts for that special person. 

— Photos by Michael Scro of Media Origin Inc.

Fr. Thomas Judge Knights of Columbus celebrated its 31st annual St. Anthony’s Family Feast and Festival at Trinity Regional School, 1025 Fifth Ave., East Northport from June 26 to 29. The fun event featured carnival rides, games, food, craft beer, live music by Totally Taylor and a circus show by Cirque Cyber with a firework show on June 28.

 

The Town of Huntington hosted a Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 26 at Veterans Plaza on the front lawn of Town Hall on May 26 in commemoration of Memorial Day.  Wreaths were placed to honor fallen service members from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Women Veterans, and the Middle East; Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. 

The ceremony included live patriotic music featuring the Huntington Men’s Chorus, Veteran Color Guard, a Rifle Salute, Taps played on bugle, and Amazing Grace played with Pipe & Drum.  Gold Star Mother Constance Mangano was in attendance, in memory of her son, New York National Guard Spec. Anthony L. Mangano.  

Photos by Michael Scro/Media Origin

 

 

By Michael Scro

The Town of Huntington hosted its 3rd annual Polar Plunge event at Frank P. Petrone Crab Meadow Beach on Sunday, Dec. 10, when well over 100 participants bravely made their way into the frigid water for a worthy cause, helping to raise more than $22,000 for Special Olympic athletes.

With temperatures unseasonably warm — at high 40s, low 50s — on the cloudy December morning, the water was somewhat more tolerable but still sent most plungers into shivers and cold shock as soon as they hit the water.

Town of Huntington Councilman Dave Bennardo (R) thanked everyone for attending, including students from neighboring schools such as Elwood, South Huntington and Northport, highlighting “the real stars of the show being our friends from the Special Olympics.”

John Cronin and his father, Mark, from John’s Crazy Socks, a Farmingdale-based business that sells various themed socks and donates 5% of its earnings to the Special Olympics, co-hosted the event with the town. Bennardo also pointed out that John Cronin has done 10 Polar Plunges, prompting a round of applause.

“John is an inspiration,” Bennardo said. “If he can do all the great things he’s done, we can certainly plunge in the water once for our Special Olympic friends,” adding, “Today, we put aside differences and different sides of the aisle and focus on something that has no downside — taking care of people we love.”

With John Cronin by his father’s side, Mark asked if he was ready to take another plunge, to which he happily replied, “I was born ready.” John and his father also handed participants polar bear-themed socks to help keep them warm after the plunge.

By Michael Scro

Families huddled beneath umbrellas on a rainy Sunday evening to usher in the holiday season.

Kings Park Chamber of Commerce held its Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony Dec. 3 at the hamlet’s Veterans Plaza. Tony Tanzi and Diane Motherway, chamber president and executive director, respectively, emceed the event, thanking everyone for their attendance despite inclement weather.

“We wanted to combine the tree lighting and menorah lighting into one ceremony to show that our community is united,” Tanzi said. “We are so proud of everyone that lives in this community,” adding, “We wish everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.”

Blessings were also given by Cantor Phil Horowitz, from the Kings Park Jewish Center, and the Rev. Vitus Mbamalu, from St. Joseph’s Church in Kings Park, while the William T. Rogers Middle School band performed three songs.

By Michael Scro

Centerport United Methodist Church held its annual Santaport Christmas Fair on Saturday, Nov. 18.

The event featured rooms filled with gifts, crafts and items for sale, a café with homemade food prepared by church members and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.

Held in the upstairs portion of the church, attendees freely wandered the rooms such as white elephant treasures with houseware and glassware, new and vintage jewelry, children’s crafts and toys, men’s world, which had tools, sporting goods, electronics, and a playroom for kids. There was also a gift basket silent auction.

Santa Claus set up in the main church area with Fenway, a therapy dog who quickly became a favorite among the families and children. The day also featured a book signing of “Raising Betty” by local author Sarah Zagaja.

David Clemens, a church member and organizer of Santaport, and his wife Joan, the church historian, said the church predates the American Revolution. The fair can be traced back to 1959 under its original name, Centerport Sea Fair.

“It’s a wonderful event for the church and our local community,” Clemens said. “All of our food is provided by church members, and all the items are donated.”

Clemens estimated that 60 volunteers were on-site throughout the day and mentioned that the church was a school when it was first built so that they could fill multiple rooms with items and purposes. Centuries later, that design aspiration is still achieved today.

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By Michael Scro

St. James Model Railroad Club held its annual Holiday Open House Train Show at the historic Mills Pond House last weekend, Nov. 17-19, where the basement area houses an elaborately designed display of model trains running around the entire room in a 38-by-48-foot Lionel train layout for families and children to enjoy.

Featuring realistic models of entire towns, mountains, hills, roadways, stores and buildings, and showcasing various figures and decorations, it has 11 trains running simultaneously, with up to 16 trains running per session.

Families brought their little ones to gaze upon the trains speeding by — with some even blowing smoke — behind a plexiglass divider to protect the display models.

Patrick Knetter, the club’s president, said the organization is celebrating its 40th anniversary. 

“Our club was put together by model railroaders for the sake of our members, and our display is open to the public so they can see what model railroading is all about,” he said. “Every year, we add and improve items, and we try to always make it a little bit better.”

All trains and the display’s entire layout are owned by club members. The railroad club was founded in 1983 and has had its permanent installation at the Mills Pond House since 1984.

The historic house dates back to the 19th century.

— Photos by Michael Scro/Media Origin