Home Tags Posts tagged with "Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce"

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce

Community gathers for annual Menorah Lighting in Port Jefferson Station

by Press Release - December 26, 2024

0 490

1 of 4

The weather was brisk but a good time was had by all at the annual Menorah lighting at the Train Car in Port Jefferson Station on Dec. 25. An annual tradition hosted by Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, the event was conducted by Rabbi Aaron Benson of the North Shore Jewish Center.

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, members of the chamber including President Jennifer Dzvonar and members of North Shore Jewish Center enjoyed the festivities.

— Photos courtesy of Will Dzvonar

Suffolk County Legislature honors prolific volunteer Joan Nickeson

by Press Release - November 26, 2024

0 361

Steve-and-Joan — Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright thanked Joan Nickeson for her extensive volunteer work at an event on Nov. 19. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office

At a Nov. 19 event held at the Suffolk County Legislature building in Hauppauge, all 18 legislators recognized a nonprofit volunteer from their districts.

Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) honored Joan Nickeson for her volunteer efforts, particularly with the Cumsewogue Historical Society, (the historical society uses the traditional spelling of “Cumsewogue” to honor the area’s Native American roots,) as well as the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce.

“Some constituents reinforce our sense of place through their demonstrative commitment to the things that make and define our communities, and Joan Nickeson, a prolific volunteer, is an example of such a person,” Englebright said. “She is one of the reasons that the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville community has so much heart.”

Nickeson, president of the Cumsewogue Historical Society, was a founding member of the nonprofit in 2009 and helped restructure the organization in recent years.Through presentations and Q&As, the society preserves the history of the area, which includes Port Jefferson Station and Terryville, fostering a sense of place for residents.

For more than five years, Nickeson has served as the community liaison director and recording secretary for the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce. She organizes activities such as fundraisers, summer concerts, ribbon-cuttings and holiday events.

Recently, Nickeson received the Volunteer of the Year Award from Literacy Suffolk for her work as a language-level tester for students.

Nickeson is also involved with Old Town Blooms, assisting with community planting projects, including bulb plantings along Old Town Road. In 2012, she was named The Port Times Record’s Environmentalist of the Year for her work with the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Civic Association’s Beautification Committee. Her efforts with the committee included collaborating with the Town of Brookhaven to expand the Terryville Greenbelt conservation area around Comsewogue High School.

Englebright described Nickeson as a “hometown hero” during the event and thanked her for her community service.

“Joan, through your personal example you have made us all proud of where we live,” Englebright said. “You have proven time and time again that you are an asset to our community and our county.”

Local musicians shine at open mic day

by TBR Staff - July 26, 2024

0 667

1 of 3

By Aidan Johnson

Singers and musicians of all ages showcased their talents at Open Mic Day in the Park on Saturday, July 20, in Port Jefferson Station.

The event, which was hosted by the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, gave bands and singers a chance to perform on stage at the Train Car Park.

Real estate agent and chamber of commerce vice president, Paul Perrone, had the idea for the open mic event after wanting to support his son’s musical endeavors.

“My son James plays the drums with three different of his school-age friends’ bands, and I support him, and I wanted to see him get out there,” Perrone said. “I figured what better way to get them out there, get them on stage, get them the experience of performing live. So I did this for him.”

James performed as part of the band Just The Steves, which played covers of well-known classics such as Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) also participated in the event, performing with his band Rumdogs.

“This event was so much fun and got a lot of people from the community involved. It was so wonderful to see the community starting to use this new park that they built for such a great event,” Kornreich said in a statement.

“Paul Perrone and his team deserve a lot of credit for putting this together, and I think we’re going to see a lot more events like this in the future,” he added.

The event also featured karaoke performances, including from 9-year-old Ava Tulkop, who performed “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift, and 14-year-old Zachary Esposito, who performed a variety of songs including “At Last” by Etta James and “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder.

Zachary said while he felt nervous at first, he became more sure of himself as he continued onto his next tune.

His song choice was significant to him, saying that he picked “At Last” because “I wanted my moment for a long time, and at last it actually happened.”

Singers and bands wanted for Open Mic Concert in PJS

by Press Release - June 20, 2024

0 470

Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host an Open Mic Concert at the Train Car Park, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on Saturday, July 20 at 4 p.m. Bands and singers are welcome to sign up. PA System and drum shell pack will be provided. Rain date is Sunday, July 21. Contact Paul Perrone, Chamber V.P., at 631-759-8850 to get on the schedule.

PJS Flagpole restoration is in full swing

by Press Release - April 6, 2024

0 502

Repairs of the patio/base for the new flagpole underway. Photo courtesy PJS/T Chamber of Commerce

Thanks to the generosity of StoneGate Landscape Construction and J.M. Troffa Hardscape, Mason & Building Supply, both of East Setauket, the repair of the patio/base for the new flagpole has begun.

On Oct. 11, 2023, a car accident caused serious damage to the flagpole located at the community corner at the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce antique train car. The flagpole needed to be removed for repair. The removal, damage to the site, repair of the pole and landscaping falls squarely on the chamber of commerce. The insurance will not cover even a quarter of the tens of thousands of dollars needed.

The chamber has created a community restoration project for the flagpole corner. It has organized a fundraiser, selling large paver bricks that can be inscribed. Residents, individual organizations and businesses can easily participate, as the PJS/T Civic Association members have voted to do so.

If you wish to help, contact the PJS/T Chamber of Commerce for an order form: telephone 631-821-1313, or email [email protected] or visit the website at pjstchamber.com.

‘Hop’ Aboard the Bunny Express with the PJS-Terryville Chamber of Commerce

by Heidi Sutton - February 29, 2024

0 762

Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a screening of ‘Hop’ in the Chamber Train Car, southeast corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on March 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. $20 per person includes movie, water, popcorn, and cookie with a visit from the Easter Bunny at the end. Great opportunity for pictures! For more information and to reserve your seat, visit www.pjstchamber.com or call 631-821-1313.

Port Jeff Station celebrates Hanukkah with menorah lighting ceremony

by Raymond Janis - December 15, 2023

0 880

Rabbi Aaron Benson, of the North Shore Jewish Center, presides over a prayer service Thursday, Dec. 7, during a menorah lighting ceremony at the Train Car Park in Port Jefferson Station. Photo by Raymond Janis

Faith and business leaders, public officials and community members from Port Jefferson Station/Terryville marked the beginning of Hanukkah Thursday, Dec. 7, with a community gathering and menorah lighting service.

The PJS/T Chamber of Commerce hosted the event at the Train Car Park in Port Jefferson Station. Rabbi Aaron Benson, of the Port Jeff Station-based North Shore Jewish Center, presided over the prayer service.

“In times when we need hope and times when we are struggling in the darkness, the hope, inspiration and strength that we get will come not as some raging fire but a tiny little point of light — just like the menorah here,” he said. Following these remarks, Benson delivered a series of blessings sung aloud by those in attendance.

Chamber president Jen Dzvonar emphasized the importance of this annual event for the chamber and the greater community.

“We believe it is so important to bring all of our community together, especially at this time,” she said. “We are so grateful for Rabbi Benson to always be a part of the chamber and to always do the blessings for us on this day and every year.”

Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) also attended the event. During his remarks, he tied the Hanukkah service to the perseverance of the Jewish people throughout history.

“This holiday was celebrated after a Jewish victory against people that tried to destroy them,” the councilmember said. “I think it speaks to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people, and it speaks to the feeling of optimism and hope.”

The crowd cheered in delight as Kornreich lit the menorah’s first candle.

Port Jeff Station/Terryville civic sets priorities for Jefferson Plaza redevelopment

by Raymond Janis - November 29, 2023

0 1991

Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich presents a new architectural rendering for the proposed redevelopment of Jefferson Plaza during a Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association meeting Tuesday, Nov. 28. Photo by Joan Nickeson

The Brookhaven Town Board will hear public comments on the Jefferson Plaza shopping center in Port Jefferson Station, a proposed redevelopment project with the potential to reshape the face of the hamlet and reorient its long-term trajectory.

The board will hold a public hearing Thursday, Nov. 30, to consider rezoning the 10-acre parcel, owned by Hauppauge-based Staller Associates, to a Commercial Redevelopment District, a new classification within the Zoning Code crafted “to stimulate the revitalization of abandoned, vacant or underutilized commercial shopping center, bowling alley and health club properties.” [See story, “First of its kind: Brookhaven Town Board to review new zoning category for Jefferson Plaza in Port Jeff Station,” Nov. 16, TBR News Media.]

In the runup to the public hearing, the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association held its general meeting Tuesday night, Nov. 28, to establish a set of priorities for overseeing the proposed redevelopment.

Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) attended the meeting, identifying four primary areas of concern based on feedback he has heard from the community: traffic, density, height and architecture.

Kornreich said several of those concerns could be addressed through a 35-foot cap on building height. “What I’m going to be looking for is not four stories but a maximum height of 35 feet, which is the same maximum height that you can get in any residential area,” he said.

Leaders and members of the civic association generally favored the 35-foot cap.

The councilmember stated his intention for the developer to adhere to the conditions outlined under the Zoning Code instead of pursuing variances and other relaxations of use.

Regarding architecture, Kornreich said he had consulted with the developer, advocating for “a little bit less of New Hyde Park and a little bit more of New England.” He then presented an architectural rendering of the new proposal that was received favorably by the civic.

Much of the meeting was opened up to members, who offered ideas and raised concerns. Among the issues deliberated were the potential relocation of the post office on-site, availability and diversity of retail options at the property, possible tax increases and related traffic and environmental impact.

Jennifer Dzvonar, president of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, endorsed the redevelopment initiative. “It’s very blighted,” she said. “A lot of local stores are leaving there,” adding, “We want to keep expanding and revitalizing the area.”

Charlie McAteer, corresponding secretary of PJSTCA, discussed the possible community givebacks that could be offered through such redevelopment.

“We have to work on … a purchase of some open space in our hub area that’s forever wild,” he said. He added that this form of local giveback would cushion the deal for surrounding neighbors “because they’re giving us, the community, something that we would like.”

Following discussion, the body authorized PJSTCA president Ira Costell to deliver a statement Thursday night to the Town Board representing the collective views of the organization.

The public hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville.

Rainy skies, bright smiles: Port Jeff Station/Terryville chamber ignites fall fun

by TBR Staff - October 6, 2023

0 712

Members of the Backstage Studio of Dance attend Family Fun Day at Port Jefferson Station’s Train Car Park. Photo courtesy Joan Nickeson

By Aramis Khosronejad

Over the rainy weekend and despite the weather, the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, determined to kick start the fall season, hosted a community celebration on Saturday, Sept. 30.

The chamber held its annual Family Fun Day celebration at the Train Car Park in Port Jeff Station, where this unique site goes well beyond Saturday’s festivities.

Members of the League of Women Voters table during the event. Photo courtesy Joan Nickeson

The chamber is “trying to make it the hub of Port Jeff Station,” said PJSTCC president Jennifer Dzvonar. “We’re trying to bring a central sense of community here.”

Family Fun Day has taken place since 2018. However, this year was the first the event was back after a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, among other factors. The event consisted of many local vendors and businesses, various performances, games for children and adults, and apple pie and scarecrow contests.

One of the local businesses that performed at the event was the Backstage Studio of Dance, a volunteer group that teaches young adults various dances, including ballet and boys hip hop, among others. “My kids can perform and not feel pressure of competition or anything else,” said Gwenn Capodieci, the executive director of the dance studio. “They’re just up there having fun.”

Pies are on display. Photo courtesy Joan Nickeson

Capodieci added what this event means for the community: “Support your local business while having fun with your family.”

Dzvonar noted that the event aims to “bring something to our community that encompasses everybody — the local businesses, families, our community.”

The original incentive, she added, was to create a simple, fun space where families can gather and enjoy each other’s company while supporting their local businesses.

Dzvonar also mentioned how the event “is really highlighting our kids, our next generation and our future.”

PJS/T chamber president to challenge Englebright, Figliola for Suffolk’s 5th District

by Raymond Janis - April 22, 2023

0 500

The race to replace Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) is now a three-way contest as Jen Dzvonar, president of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, has declared her candidacy.

Hahn’s 5th Legislative District spans Three Village, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Terryville and parts of Coram and Mount Sinai. The incumbent cannot seek reelection due to 12-year term limits for county offices.

Former New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and 2022 GOP primary candidate for New York’s 1st Congressional District, Anthony Figliola of East Setauket, have received their respective party committee’s nominations. [See story, “Legislative races ramp up across levels of government,” The Port Times Record, March 9, also TBR News Media website.]

Dzvonar’s campaign is unaffiliated with a political party. She owns the Port Jefferson Station-based Bass Electric and has served as chamber president for over a decade. She is also a Port Jefferson Rotary Club member.

In an exclusive interview, Dzvonar told TBR News Media she entered the race to build upon ongoing efforts within the 5th District.

“I wanted to make sure that our community is moving in a forward direction, still making progress, still revitalizing,” she said.

The chamber president suggested local initiatives often stagnate due to bureaucracy. She expressed interest in “streamlining” government services, limiting paperwork and removing other impediments within the county government.

“Especially being in the chamber, I see the struggle of local and small businesses — even small developers — that have a hard time getting things to happen,” she said. “It just seems to take so long, and I want to streamline that whole process.”

Among other policy concerns, Dzvonar said she would focus on addressing homelessness, maintaining that the county offers valuable services that are not used to their full potential. Accessing social services, she noted, should be simple.

“There are so many great programs already established for homeless people, people with addiction, with mental health,” the candidate said. “We just need to make those services more readily available.”

She added, “There just seems to be a disconnect somewhere. They don’t make it easy for people that have these issues to be able to obtain help.”

Dzvonar also proposed expanding sewer access into Port Jefferson Station, a measure she contended could bolster further community development. “We can’t get rid of the blight until that is done,” she said.

Dzvonar added that increasing the number of mental health personnel within the county and promoting the Safer Streets initiative are also items on her agenda.

To get on the ballot, Dzvonar has a tall task ahead, needing to obtain 1,500 signatures between April 18 and May 23. Election Day is November 7.

12 3...5 Next

Page 1 of 5