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Samantha Rutt

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Rendering of Daley Hall, set to house 52 boys and four faculty families. Photo courtesy The Stony Brook School
In this rendering of Daley Hall’s exterior, the new dormitory building can be seen bordering the tennis courts adjacent to Quaker Path. Photo courtesy The Stony Brook School
Construction is underway for the new dormitory. Photo courtesy of The Stony Brook School
Phase one of two is underway as a new dormitory building is set for completion by the 2025-26 school year. Photo courtesy of The Stony Brook School
Dormitory building to be completed by fall 2025

By Samantha Rutt

The first major construction in over a decade is in the works at The Stony Brook School. The private Christian college-preparatory school, located just off Route 25A in Stony Brook, will soon be the home of Daley Hall — a dormitory building set to house 52 boys and four faculty families.

The new building will replace a 100-year-old dormitory on campus and will be named on behalf of Clayton Daley, an alumni of the boarding and day school — Class of 1969 — who is also the former CFO of Procter & Gamble.

“We expect construction to be completed in time for the 2025-26 school year,” said Dan Hickey, the school’s director of advancement. 

Led by J. Petrocelli Contracting, a family-owned construction company based in Ronkonkoma, the soon-to-be dormitory building is set to be constructed in line with the campus’ existing land. 

The construction will utilize the elevation drop, on the Quaker Path border of the campus, to their advantage as they are in the process of “moving earth.” As explained by Hickey, “We are using the land drop to our advantage, maintaining the proposed three-story structure but building into the hill to adhere to the existing tree line.”

Obtaining approval and initial concerns

Just over a year ago, in July of 2023, the school applied to the Town of Brookhaven Board of Zoning Appeals, for a proposed expansion to add three new buildings to the 55-acre campus.

The initial proposal included the construction of an indoor practice facility, a three-story dormitory building and a three-story STEM building.

The school’s original application proposed installing a parking lot from campus, near the sports facility, with exit points onto Chub Hill Road, Stony Road and Woodbine Avenue, potentially resulting in an uptick in traffic in the neighborhood.

Since then, The Stony Brook School has hosted several well-attended meetings with members of the surrounding neighborhood where representatives of the school entertained input, ideas and concerns.

“The new athletic facility was a point of contention with our neighbors who bordered our campus. We had several in-person meetings with our neighbors on campus last year,” Hickey said. “The result of those meetings was a desire on our part to change our plans for a large stand-alone athletic facility to an expansion of an existing facility — an idea that actually came from one of our neighbors,”

On Sept. 20, 2023, after several ZBA meetings and opposition from nearby residents, the proposal was finally approved, but not without modifications.

The new construction “will have less impact on sight lines and traffic/parking, and we are very excited to move forward together as a community,” Hickey added.

Additional construction

The Stony Brook School is now in phase one of two phases, which will complete the updates approved by the town.

Phase two is set to include two additional structures — an academic building that will focus on math-and-science-related studies and an athletic building. Both structures are still in the planning phase, as the school continues to work with architects.

“We are currently working on those plans and they are not yet before the Town of Brookhaven,” Hickey said.

Going forward, The Stony Brook School looks to continue to enhance student experience, campus facilities and being good neighbors. 

“We wanted to be good neighbors,” Hickey explained in an interview. “The level of concern from our neighbors was real, we want to be good neighbors. Though the upgrades would benefit our school, it was not worth fragmenting our community.”

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Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C-Northport) stands alongside Sen. Mario R. Mattera (R,C-Smithtown), Asharoken Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica, other elected and appointed officials and community representatives at the Asharoken Seawall in Asharoken Village on Friday, May 10, 2024.

By Samantha Rutt

The Asharoken Seawall, a critical infrastructure element protecting Asharoken Avenue — the only road connecting approximately one-third of village residents and the entire Eaton’s Neck community to the mainland — faces significant degradation. 

Each severe weather event heightens the risk of a catastrophic failure, which could isolate the community and hinder emergency responses.

The call for action to replace the deteriorating seawall has reached a critical juncture as Mayor Gregory Letica, local and federal officials, environmental experts and community members gathered at the Asharoken Village Hall in early May. 

Led by state Sen. Mario Mattera (R-St. James) and Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport), the meeting aimed to address the urgent need for repairs and the development of a long-term solution to protect Asharoken Village and the Eaton’s Neck community from the devastating impacts of severe weather events.

“With the current condition of the Asharoken Seawall, it is imperative we act to protect the residents who are affected every time there is a significant weather event,” Mattera said in a statement. “That is why I worked quickly with Assemblyman Brown to get all the stakeholders together to have an open and honest discussion.”

Brown emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach: “Senator Mattera and I were very pleased with the response from all levels of government to our letter to discuss the condition of the seawall, and the need for action to determine a short-term action plan to make immediate repairs and avoid a catastrophic failure of the seawall while a longer-term solution can be put in place.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also highlighted the collaborative efforts and funding secured for repairs, saying that he was “proud that $2 million in federal funding I appropriated has been secured by the village in recent years to make repairs to the crumbling seawall and plan future protective measures.”

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY1) continued the sentiment of support expressing his commitment to the people of the village: “I am fully committed to working alongside the village, local governments and community stakeholders to find a long-overdue and permanent solution that will improve the structural integrity and 24/7 accessibility of Asharoken Avenue.”

“In January, I testified before the Transportation and Infrastructure Water Resources Subcommittee to highlight the situation at the Asharoken Seawall. Recently, I requested the committee to consider policy changes in the drafting of the Water Resources and Development Act to support communities like Asharoken,” LaLota said in an email. 

Though several elected officials are aware of the ongoing issue and have been actively engaged in finding a solution, the seawall project will take several years to implement.

“While I continue to advocate for federal resources, the Army Corps has informed all stakeholders that the seawall and beach replenishment portion of the project will continue to be subject to federal public access requirements, similar to the Fire Island-Montauk Point project and other projects nationwide. Even if the public access impasse is resolved, it would take several years to implement, as the Army Corps needs to conduct a new study based on current conditions to replace the one canceled in 2017. We cannot afford to wait that long,” LaLota said.

What can be done now?

Federal and state representatives continue to explore various mitigation methods. Ongoing efforts aim to secure additional funding and streamline coordination among all levels of government to expedite both interim and long-term solutions.

“Over the past 17 months, we have explored multiple mitigation methods, including restoring the seawall, replenishing sand, bolstering and elevating the road, and implementing an artificial reef to redirect problematic water currents. Additionally, in November, my office provided local officials with potential grant funding options,” LaLota shared. 

As the Asharoken community and Eaton’s Neck residents await these critical improvements, the unified stance of officials and stakeholders showcases a shared commitment to protecting this vulnerable area from future storm impacts and ensuring the safety and connectivity of its residents.

“In the meantime, we see a potential path forward by focusing on areas of consensus, starting with raising and improving the road,” LaLota said of what could be done most immediately to combat the crisis. “To address this issue from all angles, I have submitted requests to secure funding for two police vehicles for the village through the government funding process. Upon approval by the full House, this would free up additional resources for the village to tackle the seawall issue head-on.”

“We will continue to collaborate with the Army Corps, village, local officials and the community to support the residents of Asharoken and Eaton’s Neck every step of the way,” LaLota concluded. 

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Hauppauge’s Ryan Budke finishes in third place in the 55-meters qualifying for the state championships; Northport Senior Vito LaRosa qaulifies for the state championships in the 55-meter dash. Photo courtesy Elitefeats
Port Jeff’s Evan Monaghan and Alexa Jacobs. Photo courtesy Brian Snow
Junior Evan Monaghan finishes in third-place in the 55-meter hurdles. Photo courtesy Elitefeats
Comsewogue’s Lexie Cole runs the 1500 meters. Photo courtesy Elitefeats
Sophomore Alexa Jacobs wins her heat of the 55-meter dash. Photo courtesy Elitefeats
Ward Melville’s quartet of Julia Schmitz, Melina Montgomery, Amanda Probst and Elizabeth Wright qualify for the state championships in the 4x800-meter relay. Photo courtesy of Tom Youngs
Northport’s quartet of Brandon Cruz, Alex Toran, Brendan Reid and Gabriel Ko win the 4x800-meter relay. Photo courtesy Jason Strom.
Huntington’s Jahmar Francis runs the 600 meters. Photo courtesy Elitefeats
Senior Laina Friedmann races the 600 meters. Photo courtesy Elitefeats
#1 Junior Jon Seyfert races the 1000 meters. Photo courtesy Elitefeats
Mount Sinai’s Jess Joe Augustine runs the 3200 meters.
Eighth-grader Cali Gabrielson runs the 3000 meters.
Shoreham-Wading River’s Patrick Shea races the first-leg of the 4x800-meter relay.
Junior Michael Huebner races to the finish in the 600 meters.
Commack’s Alex Walsh and Sam Byrd run the 1600 meters. Photo courtesy Elitefeats

By Samantha Rutt

In a showcase of athletic prowess, high school athletes from across Suffolk County displayed their skills at the annual State Qualifier track and field meet on Feb. 14. With fierce competition and a spirited atmosphere, athletes gathered at Suffolk Credit Union Arena in Brentwood to compete for a chance to advance to the state championships.

The meet saw remarkable performances from several local athletes, with many students securing qualifying positions in various events. Notable among them was a standout from Ward Melville High School, senior Brian Liebowitz, who earned the top mark in the 1600 meters with a time of 4:26.02, qualifying for the state championships on March 2. His teammate, Jon Seyfert, a junior, also earned a spot in the state championships, finishing second in the 1000 meters with a time of 2:37.74. 

The Lady Patriots displayed exceptional teamwork as they finished in second place, securing a qualifying position in the 4×800-meter relay. The quartet of junior Melina Montgomery, freshmen Julia Schmitz and Elizabeth Wright, and senior Amanda Probst ran 9:31.24. 

“We stayed confident in our abilities and ran for each other,” Probst said. “We put in so much hard work, effort and time, and it truly was an amazing feeling to finally qualify. We knew we were ready and prepared, but to actually do so is an amazing feeling.”

As the dust settles on another thrilling meet, these athletes now focus on the state championships held at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, where they will go head-to-head with the best high school athletes from across the state. 

“I’m really looking forward to states and nationals, of course, to end this winter season on a high note, but now looking forward, I am really excited for spring season to begin,” Probst said. “It’s my final season with my team before I leave high school for college, and it makes me really upset thinking about leaving them, but I’m also excited for what’s to come this season. I look forward to seeing what my team and I will achieve.”

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Photo from Councilmember Kornreich's office

By Samantha Rutt

Residents gathered at the Setauket Fire Station on Main Street Feb. 5 for the Three Village Civic Association’s first meeting of the calendar year. The meeting agenda featured a presentation by local Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook). The event served as a platform for the councilmember to provide vital updates on community projects, initiatives and future plans, while eliciting engagement and feedback from attendees.

With a focus on transparency and community involvement, the meeting kicked off with an overview of ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents across Three Village. Kornreich mentioned the emergence of a “Founder’s Park” to be constructed near 25A and Gnarled Hollow Road. The park, still in its infancy planning stage, would be set on the presumed landing place of Setauket’s founders. In the park would feature a playground, to be donated by a local family currently fundraising, as well as the historic Roe Tavern, eventually to be relocated to the park’s assumed location. While still in the early stages, the park plans to serve as a place for the community to gather and celebrate its rich history.

Among the key topics discussed was the progress of various infrastructure projects, including sewer system infrastructure. The councilmember emphasized the importance of prioritizing infrastructure investments to ensure the safety and well-being of residents while fostering economic growth and development.

Kornreich explained the necessity of more wastewater infrastructure within the bounds of his district, primarily along 25A. The councilmember further clarified that the installation of sewers and their intended placement is simply theoretical at the moment.

“In theory, the purpose of the sewer study is to determine the feasibility of running a sewer line from the university all down 25A, including Stony Brook village, and connecting to the Port Jeff STP [sewage treatment plant],” he said.

The potential installation of this sewer system would enhance environmental protection for the Three Village community. 

Additionally, attendees were briefed on community related initiatives, including changes to signage displayed along the roadside, the Commercial Redevelopment District legislation, the abolition of both Town of Brookhaven’s accessory apartment and planning boards, and the Highway Department’s upgrades. 

During his presentation, Kornreich laid out the improvements to local highways sharing that the Highway Department will soon install new antique lighting along 25A over the next two years. The department also plans to combat consistent flooding seen along Dyke Road by pitching and adjusting the roadway accounting for overflow of water. 

Kornreich also mentioned the town’s Community Choice Aggregation program, helping the community to understand the realities and complexities of this program. The program’s goal is to help residents who use natural gas to save by opting for a fixed rate. Kornreich explained that all town residents were automatically opted into this program, though since the adoption the National Grid rates have come in under that of the fixed rate. 

“I realize that it’s not a good deal at the moment because the National Grid price, which fluctuates, has on average been much lower than the fixed CCA price since the inception of the CCA,” Kornreich explained. “You can opt in and out of the CCA whenever you want.”

Throughout the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to engage with the councilmember, asking questions and providing feedback on specific projects and initiatives. The interactive nature of the meeting facilitated meaningful dialogue.

As a former president of the civic association, Kornreich expressed his gratitude in connecting with residents and sharing updates on the ongoing efforts to enhance the community. He emphasized the ready availability of his office and staff, calling on residents to stay informed and actively participate in shaping the future of Three Village. 

For those unable to attend the meeting, information and updates on the community and related civic association matters can be found at www.3vcivic.org.

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Rep. LaLota with Chris Pickerell of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.

By Samantha Rutt

In mid-January, U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY1) appeared in Washington before the Natural Resources Committee to address the importance of the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act. This bipartisan act would reauthorize the Long Island Sound Program through 2028 to ensure the protection and preservation of the Sound.

“The longevity and health of the Long Island Sound is critical for Long Island and Connecticut residents,” LaLota said before the committee. “For many, the Long Island Sound and our waterways are our way of life.”

The act was initially introduced by both LaLota and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney of Connecticut (D-Vernon), co-chairs of the Long Island Sound Caucus, which focuses on issues relating to and impacting the Long Island Sound, including conservation, water, fishing, transportation and energy. The LISRSA will ensure the Sound remains a valuable resource for generations to come.

“As the co-chair of the Long Island Sound Caucus, I am proud to introduce the Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act. The Long Island Sound is not just a body of water, it’s a way of life for our community,” LaLota said in a 2023 statement. “This legislation underscores the vital importance of preserving this natural treasure, not only for our environment but for the thriving fishing industry that sustains Long Island’s economy. Together, we can ensure the continued health and prosperity of Long Island Sound, a resource that defines our region and sustains our livelihoods.”

This bill amends the Clean Water Act to include studies addressing environmental impacts on the Sound watershed, planning initiatives that identify areas best suited for various activities while maintaining minimal adverse environmental impacts, as well as to facilitate compatible uses, or preserve critical ecosystem services. 

In adherence with the act, representatives must also develop and implement strategies to increase education and awareness about the ecological health and water quality of the Sound and monitor the progress made toward meeting the goals, actions and schedules of the plan.

In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency must coordinate the actions of all federal departments and agencies that impact the Sound’s water quality and to improve the water quality and living resources of the watershed. 

“Pollution, overdevelopment, algae, water quality and dumping are just a few of the issues we have endured over the past several decades,” LaLota said. “The deterioration of the Sound and its natural habitats have also been an issue the Long Island Sound program has addressed, ensuring that endangered and native species can thrive in this environment.” 

A federal agency that owns or occupies property, or carries out activities, within the Sound watershed are required to participate in regional and subwatershed planning, protection and restoration activities. Additionally, such agencies will be required to ensure that the property and activities are consistent with the plan to the maximum extent practicable.

Lastly, the reauthorization of the bill will further authorize the Long Island Sound Study, the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006, the Long Island Sound Grants and Long Island Sound Stewardship Grants through fiscal year 2028.

Upon his visit to the capital, LaLota also had the opportunity to question Chris Pickerell, the director of the Marine Program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County on the importance of reauthorizing the program.

Pickerell estimated “tens of thousands” of people on Long Island to be affected by the Sound and even more so from the Connecticut approach. After questioning from LaLota regarding benefits of a healthy watershed, Pickerell mentioned the several direct and indirect ways people living near the Sound would benefit from the renewal of the LISRSA.

“Recreation, commercial fishing, recreational fishing, aesthetics, boating, swimming, all those things, transportation, of course, the ferries,” Pickerell listed as some of the direct ways in which residents use the Sound.

“If the water quality was improved, that could actually impact people’s livelihoods, their jobs — whether it’s aquaculture or wild harvest of shellfish or finfish, that could increase and bring more money to those communities and to their families to put food on the table,” Pickerell added.

LaLota then proposed a situation in which the restoration program never existed, calling upon Pickerell to speculate what the Sound may look like without it.

“We wouldn’t see the milestones reached that have been achieved so far,” Pickerell said. “There have been so many projects of all different natures that are taking place that have helped to restore habitat, fisheries, recreation, education.” 

Without the LISRSA funding, Pickerell noted, “we would go in reverse. The improvements that have happened would start to wane and we wouldn’t see any advancement.”

“I hope that it’s obvious to my colleagues here in Washington that the reauthorization of the Long Island Sound Program is vital to not only Long Islanders and Connecticut, but the environment and to the entire region,” LaLota said as his time in Washington came to a close.

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Photo by Samantha Rutt

By Samantha Rutt

The Three Village Historical Society was awarded a $300,000 grant, courtesy of the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program on Monday afternoon, Dec. 18. 

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) and other local officials gathered at Gallery North to present the organization with a giant check signifying the donation.

Along with the Three Village Historical Society, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, LI Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame and Gallery North – Setauket Historic District also received generous grants from the JumpSMART program. The donations’ funding will be used to support downtown revitalization efforts.

“The funding that we’re distributing here is about supporting our downtowns and our cultural institutions that are so important,” Bellone said. “Much of the funding comes out of the award that we received from the federal government — they really are about promoting economic sustainability over the long term, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than investing in our cultural arts and institutions like the ones here.”

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By Samantha Rutt

Three Village Civic Association held its monthly meeting at the Setauket Firehouse Monday night, Dec. 4. The meeting was well attended by members of the community and featured guest speakers, New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk ) and Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson).

Civic president Charles Tramontana reminded the community of next Tuesday’s fire commissioner vote. The vote will be held at Setauket Fire Department Station 3 on Nicholls Road from 2-9 p.m. Anyone who is registered to vote is eligible to participate.

Palumbo and Flood updated the body on various developments in Albany, including the state budget, recent bail reform laws, community projects and wastewater infrastructure. They also took questions from the audience.

One of the foremost issues discussed was that of last week’s Brookhaven Town Board meeting, a redevelopment plan for Jefferson Plaza in Port Jefferson Station calling for adding homes to the shopping center, built about 1959. The project is set to include 280 apartments and a retail area, including a food court, gym and other shops.

Attendees addressed concerns about the potential development, urging for a more logical and in-line suburban development plan. Carolyn Sagliocca, vice president of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association, attended the meeting to voice concern over the potential development. She asked for the Three Village community’s input on the matter.

“What a nightmare is happening around us,” she said. “I wanted to let everyone know that public comments are open for 30 days following the hearing.”

Monday’s civic meeting also mentioned the omission of wastewater infrastructure on recent ballots and the growing concern for a better infrastructure plan. Suffolk County Legislator-elect Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) spoke briefly on the issue.

“Sewers are a tool, they’re not the answer,” Englebright said. “If you look at what the three large sewers on the South Shore of Nassau County have created, they’ve drained the water table,” adding, “It’s a matter of, like with many things, a matter of balance.”

The meeting also included a collection of healthy canned food items for the Stony Brook Food Farmacy food pantry.

The meeting highlighted the importance of open dialogue and community engagement in addressing critical issues facing the Three Village area. The association holds monthly meetings that are open to the public. 

For more information about the Three Village Civic Association, visit its website 3vcivic.org.

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Ward Melville High School’s girls soccer team are the NYSPHSAA 2023 champions, marking their second consecutive state title. Photo from Sheila Murray

By Samantha Rutt

On a chilly Sunday afternoon, Nov. 12, at Tompkins Cortland Community College, Ward Melville High School varsity girls soccer team secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Monroe-Woodbury to claim the New York State Class AAA championship and the program’s second consecutive state title.

The Lady Patriots exuded an air of unwavering confidence from the opening whistle, dominating possession and orchestrating a relentless attack that left their opponents scrambling to keep pace.

The Patriots dominance materialized into tangible results in the 13th minute when Adriana Victoriano, a junior forward, capitalized on a perfectly placed long pass from Aliya Leonard to send the ball hurtling into the back of the net, breaking the deadlock and igniting the team’s offense.

Just eight minutes later, the Patriots lead doubled, courtesy of a well-executed corner kick from team co-captain Marissa Tonic, which found the head of co-captain, Peyton Costello, who deftly guided the ball into the goal.

“We got one goal quick,” said head coach John Diehl. “And we got another one quick, just all of a sudden, the score was 2-0. We felt confident we could do well but were more surprised that we would be up by two.”

With a commanding 2-0 advantage, Ward Melville continued to press, attacking the Monroe-Woodbury defense. The Patriots efforts were rewarded again in the 33rd minute of play when Sarah Jablonsky stepped up for a penalty kick, extending the lead to 3-0.

In the final seconds of the half, Costello, a senior defender, with an assist from her sister Maddie, a junior midfielder, scored the Patriots fourth goal.

As the halftime whistle blew, the Patriots had firmly established themselves as the dominant force on the field, leaving Monroe-Woodbury reeling from their relentless onslaught. During the halftime huddle, coach Diehl reminded his players to keep their composure and confidence as they worked to close out the game in the second half.

“It’s just about composure,” he told the team. “If we stay composed and stick to the game plan, then this game is ours.”

The second half saw the Patriots continue to dictate the tempo of play, maintaining their composure and showcasing their exceptional ball-handling skills, but there were no
more goals.

As the final buzzer sounded, with the score at 4-0, the team went into a frenzy of jubilation. 

The Patriots triumph marks a momentous achievement in their illustrious soccer history, solidifying their position as a New York State girls soccer powerhouse. Their dominant display on the field and their unwavering determination throughout the championship tournament may inspire generations of future Patriots to strive for excellence.

“We try to honor, celebrate and promote these championships so the younger athletes see this and want to be a part of a winning team and a winning program.” Three Village school district athletic director Kevin Finnerty said. “But at the same time, it’s not always about the wins. It’s about being part of a great program.”

The back-to-back champs were greeted with a true homecoming celebration as their bus pulled into the parking lot late Sunday evening.

“The local fire department came out with their fire trucks, and parents and community members came at 10 o’clock to welcome the team back,” Finnerty said. “Not only were the parents there, but school administrators, teachers and younger kids came out to see these athletes in a really nice way.”

The Patriots executed another season without loss, comprising an impressive 19-0-3 record. Yet, there was a slow start with a 0-0 draw against St. Anthony’s in September.

“The biggest challenge we had at the beginning of the year was finishing our opportunities,” Tonic said. “We had so many chances and shots in the game, but we couldn’t put it in the back of the net. We overcame this by continuously practicing and putting in the extra work when needed.”

Tonic, a senior, has been a member of the varsity squad since her freshman year. She spoke about the chemistry the girls have on and off the field and its significance in the team’s achievements.

“The chemistry between all the girls on the field was a key element that contributed to our success throughout the season,” Tonic said. “Another key element was what we wanted so badly to be NYS champions two times in a row. We lost a lot of seniors last year, but we didn’t want to stop the success they brought to the team to stop this year.”

Camaraderie also proved to be a critical factor in the Ward Melville girls success, as cultivating a winning environment took time and perseverance.

“It took time to get that camaraderie, and that kept growing as we kept winning,” Diehl said. “The girls were out there supporting each other. They may not [all] be representing the team on the field, but they’re still an essential part of our program.”

“The emotions were just unreal, and having to experience the win another time was even better,” Tonic said. “It truly is an incredible feeling.”

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A scene from the Suffolk County cross-country championships on Nov. 3. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
Ward Melville’s Brian Liebowitz clocked in at 16:30.79, qualifying for the state championship in Verona. Photo by Bob O’Rourk
A scene from the Suffolk County cross-country championships on Nov. 3. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
A scene from the Suffolk County cross-country championships on Nov. 3. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
A scene from the Suffolk County cross-country championships on Nov. 3. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
A scene from the Suffolk County cross-country championships on Nov. 3. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
A scene from the Suffolk County cross-country championships on Nov. 3. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
A scene from the Suffolk County cross-country championships on Nov. 3. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
A scene from the Suffolk County cross-country championships on Nov. 3. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
A scene from the Suffolk County cross-country championships on Nov. 3. Photo by Bob O'Rourk
Above, the Northport Lady Tigers have qualified for the state championship in Verona. Photo by Samantha Ruth

By Samantha Rutt

Each year, the Suffolk County cross-country championships are held at Sunken Meadow State Park, where the county’s best teams toe the line. Runners race a full 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles, around the park, winding meandering trails and climbing daunting hills.

Parents, friends and spectators alike lined the course on a sunny, brisk November afternoon. With a chorus of voices cheering, signs flaunting and cowbells ringing — a cross-country staple — a spectacle emerged as the races unfolded.

For the third straight year, the Northport Lady Tigers emerged victorious at the Suffolk County championships on Friday afternoon, Nov. 3.

Led by freshman phenom Mia Wickard, the Tigers earned 57 points over Ward Melville’s 104. Northport’s commanding win earned the team a spot at the New York State meet start line next Saturday, Nov. 11.

The Suffolk County championship meet is the state qualifier, sending the winning team and the top-five finishers — not from the first-place team, but from each class — to the statewide championship.

“Not sure if I could be prouder of this group of kids,” said Northport head coach Gregg Cantwell. “The girls’ dedication and the depth of our team was key for us on Friday.”

Wickard, Northport’s top finisher, placed third in the Class A race at 19:24.51. Rounding out the scorers were seventh graders Fiona King and Jane Tucker with juniors Kayla Forsch and Maggie Taylor, each running a personal best time.

“Our top six girls [including Cate Coronato] ran their best times on the course — a few by a lot,” Cantwell emphasized of his team’s clutch performance. “We now have six all-county ranking girls, which is the most of any boys or girls team, and I am extremely happy about that.”

Joining Northport’s Lady Tigers next week, the Cougar boys of Commack High School bested their Class A rivals, collecting only 64 points and extending their postseason journey.

“Our goal every season is to try and win a league, division and county championship,” Commack coach Paul Sleavensky said. “This is the first time in program history that we were the Section XI [Suffolk County] champions,” adding, “I’m extremely proud of their performance at the state-qualifier meet.”

The Port Jefferson Royals won the boys Class C race, tallying 19 points over Mattituck’s 62. Junior Colin Veit paced the Royals, earning the individual title, as all five of the high school’s scorers placed within the top six, marking an impressive victory for the team.

“I’m very proud of our team,” said Port Jeff’s coach Andy Cosci. “We have a nice tradition here in Port Jeff, being a very successful program over the years.”

He added, “It’s not easy to win counties, and the team has worked very hard since August to accomplish that goal.”

Smithtown West’s Douglas Antaky and Rocky Point’s Trevor Green, individual champions of Class A and Class B, respectively, will make the trip to the New York State meet. Antaky, a senior, outran his opponents, completing the course in 16:09.53. Green, only a sophomore, earned his first county cross-country title, defeating his competition while running a 16:31.01.

“My goal going into this meet was to break 17 minutes and place in the top five,” Green said. “I definitely was not expecting to win with the great competition in Class B this year.”

For runners advancing into the postseason, this week will involve preparation for the meets ahead.

“The focus for the next week and beyond is going to be that our toughest races are ahead of us and that we have a chance to do something special,” Northport’s coach Cantwell said of his team.

The NYS cross-country championship meet will be held Saturday, Nov. 11, at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School in Verona.

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File photo by Rachel Shapiro

By Samantha Rutt

The League of Women Voters hosted a Meet the Candidates forum for Smithtown Public Library trustees Tuesday evening, Oct. 3, in an event held via Zoom.

Four of the library board’s seven seats are up for grabs this election cycle. Eight candidates appeared at the event, responding to questions previously submitted by community members.

The total votes a candidate garners will determine the length of his or her term, with the two highest vote-getters to serve the standard three-year terms. The third- and fourth-place finishers will serve from Oct. 11 through Dec. 31, 2024.

The remaining two open seats are currently being served by interim appointees, Anita Dowd-Neufeld and Barbara Deal — among those campaigning again — due to the resignation of previously elected trustees. The candidates selected for these offices will serve the remainder of their terms.

Topics addressed during the event were consistent with library budget inquiries, policy on censorship and banned content, the candidate’s relationship with the library and other community centers, and misinformation included in the library’s collection.

Running for a third term, incumbent board president Brianna Baker-Stines, who held a position at a library as her first job, expressed passion for preserving the library’s place in the community.

“The library has always been a safe space for me, I hope that I can show other members of the community how it can be a safe space,” Baker-Stines said. “I want to be on the board because I want to keep the library the way it is. It’s a paragon of intellectual freedom.” 

Censorship, a topic discussed throughout the night, was met with controversy from several candidates. Candidates fostered discussion over the allowance of censorship in libraries, the costliness of New York State investigations into the issue and the importance of parental oversight in choosing children’s literature.

“Libraries provide resources, and parents can choose which resources they want,” Baker-Stines said. “Censorship is not only morally ambiguous, it’s potentially illegal. It’s costly, and it’s time-consuming for our taxpayers.”

Another topic of prominence during the forum was that of the budget. Candidate Hector Gavilla, a real estate broker, expressed concern over installing an electric car charging station in the library parking lot.

“A $550,000 budget was approved for having electric vehicle charging stations throughout the library,” Gavilla said. “$550,000, for a very small percentage of people that have electric cars, I don’t see the educational value in that and how that is something that the library should offer.”

The proposed library budget for 2024 is calculated to be $17,292,960. This budget will cover property tax, salaries and employee benefits, library materials and programs, operation and maintenance and other expenses, including a 2.27% tax levy increase.

“I am looking to help and provide services for the entire community,” Gavilla continued. “Also, to be fiscally responsible with the taxpayer dollars, they should know their money is being spent properly.”

Similarly, candidate Christopher Sarvis concentrated his comments on the library’s function as a local hub and institution of learning for Smithtown residents. He pledged to be a champion for the library and its various causes.

“I’m here to be an advocate for this library, it’s a pillar of our community,” he said. “We need to look out for the sustainability of this library to keep it the pillar that it is in this community.”

The event was live-streamed and will be available on the library’s YouTube channel until Oct. 10, Election Day. Voting will occur from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all four Smithtown Library District buildings.

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