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Stony Brook Village Center

Photo courtesy of WMHO

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) has announced the return of its 45th Annual Holiday Tree Competition to Stony Brook Village. 

This festive event invites community members, organizations, and businesses to showcase their creativity by decorating one of 40 premium balsam trees, which will line the walkways of the open-air Stony Brook Village Center.

The decorated trees will be on display from December 4 through January 2, creating a holiday atmosphere for all to enjoy. The public is invited to view the trees and cast their votes for their favorite from Wednesday, December 4 to Friday, December 20. The tree with the most votes will win a $150 gift certificate to be redeemed at any of Stony Brook Village’s shops and restaurants.

Due to the limited number of trees, early registration is encouraged. Registration forms can be picked up at any of the shops in Stony Brook Village or downloaded from the Events section on the Stony Brook Village Center website. Completed forms, along with a $47 entry fee, should be returned by Wednesday, November 25 to Ward Melville Heritage Organization – P.O. Box 572, Stony Brook, NY 11790.

For more information about the Holiday Tree Competition, please contact the WMHO office at 631-751-2244 or visit stonybrookvillage.com or wmho.org.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) celebrated Halloween with its 34th Annual Halloween Festival, held on October 31st from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Stony Brook Village Center. This year’s festival brought families and visitors together to experience Halloween festivities in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Guests of all ages enjoyed live music provided by WALK 97.5, trick-or-treating throughout the Village Center, and dancing with Monster Merlin.

This event was sponsored by Suffolk Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy, Optimum, News 12 Long Island, Green Towers Group, Amazon Fresh, Apple Bank, Goldfish Swim School, Dr. Rocco Morelli, and Dr. Robert Quilty.

During the event, WMHO announced the winners of their highly anticipated 34th Annual Scarecrow Competition, which showcased impressive scarecrow designs across three categories: Professional, Adult & Family, and Children. The winners are as follows:

  • Category A – Professional
    • 1st Place: #300 – The Headless Horseman
    • 2nd Place: #101 – The Village Medium
  • Category B – Adult & Family
    • 1st Place: #108 – Beetlejuice
    • 2nd Place: #304 – Sistaaahs!
    • 3rd Place: #112 – Believe in Magic
  • Category C – Children
    • 1st Place: #202 – Duck Pond Scarecrow
    • 2nd Place: #105 – Lego Master
    • 3rd Place: #207 – The Rainbow Fish
For more information about upcoming events and programs, visit WMHO’s website at www.wmho.org.

Take part in this year's WMHO Scarecrow Competition. Photo courtesy of WMHO

Fall is almost here, and so is the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Annual Scarecrow Competition! This will be the 34th year that the spooky and silly six-foot creations will adorn the pathways of picturesque Stony Brook Village Center for visitors to enjoy while they shop.

Photo courtesy of WMHO

Registration is currently underway to craft and display a one-of-a-kind scarecrow masterpiece. The competition is open to everyone—whether you’re part of a Girl or Boy Scout troop, a local business, a family, or an individual. 

You can pick up a registration form at any of the shops in Stony Brook Village, or visit wmho.org or stonybrookvillage.com to download the form. Return the completed registration form with the entry fee of $30 by Sept. 23.

The public will vote for their favorite scarecrows by picking up a ballot at any of the shops and restaurants at the Stony Brook Village Center from Sept. 30 to Oct. 25 with exciting cash prizes up for grabs. Winners will be announced during the WMHO’s Halloween Festival on Oct. 31. 

For more information, please call the WMHO at 631-751-2244.

Ron Gonzales

Stony Brook Village Center has announced that RJG Consulting Group has been recognized by Inc. Magazine’s prestigious 2024 Inc. 5000 list. The list highlights the fastest-growing private companies in America. RJG Consulting Group has earned an impressive rank of No. 3080 overall and is celebrated as No. 3 among Long Island IT service providers.

Located at 97R Main Street, RJG Consulting Group has proudly made Stony Brook Village its home for the past six years. They are known for helping businesses succeed with smart solutions. They specialize in cloud computing, cybersecurity, networking, and systems administration. RJG Consulting Group’s focus on these areas helps their clients stay ahead in the fast-moving tech world.

 “Making the Inc. 5000 list is not just a testament to our growth—it’s a reflection of our team’s relentless drive to innovate, adapt, and lead with purpose. This achievement is a milestone, but our journey of impact is only just beginning,” said Ron Gonzales, owner of RJG Consulting Group.

 For more information about RJG Consulting Group, you can visit rjggroup.com or call 631-828-5033.

The Liverpool Shuffle will hold a free concert in Stony Brook Village on June 30.

Rescheduled from June 30, The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will hold a free concert entitled “Beatles on the Balcony” featuring The Liverpool Shuffle (a popular Long Island based Beatles tribute band) on Sunday, July 28 starting at 2 p.m. at LIMEHOF’s Stony Brook museum location, 97 Main Street, Stony Brook.

“The Beatles have multiple ties to Long Island, from their concerts at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium (1964) and Shea Stadium (1966), to John Lennon’s residency in Cold Spring Harbor in 1979 (the summer before his murder), Paul McCartney’s current home in the Hamptons, and Paul and Ringo’s continued performances at venues across Long Island,” said LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo. “We are excited that the first concert held on our balcony follows in the tradition of the Beatles legendary last live concert for the “Let It Be” sessions, held on the rooftop of Apple Corps.”

This is the first free concert from the LIMEHOF balcony and will be viewable from the parking lot. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. For details on this and upcoming events please visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org/museum/

About LIMEHOF

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms.  In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

Sweetbriar Nature Center heads to Stony Brook Village for a Pop-Up Saturday event on July 13. File photo by Serena Carpino

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) has announced the return of PopUp Saturdays in Stony Brook Village! This six-part series of family-friendly events will take place every Saturday from July 13 to August 17, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Filled with animals, music, art, and magic, these events promise fun for all ages and will be held rain or shine. PopUp Saturdays are free to the public and will be located in Stony Brook Village’s Inner Court, near Crazy Beans and the Waterfall Garden.

2024 PopUp Saturdays Lineup:

•     July 13: Sweet Briar Nature Center – Enjoy interacting with a variety of animals.

•     July 20: Johnny Cuomo “Tales & Tunes” & the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF)– Johnny Cuomo is a musician and storyteller. ARF will be hosting an adoption event from 11am – 2pm.

•     July 27: Pixie Dust Storytellers – Delight in entertainment from fairytale characters.

•     August 3: Magic of Amore – Be amazed by a captivating magician show.

•     August 12: Caricatures by Marty – Receive a free caricature drawing from a professional artist.

•     August 17: Uncle Tony’s Reptile Shack – An interactive, fun, and educational presentation featuring snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more.

Sponsors: The 2024 PopUp Saturdays are generously sponsored by Apple Bank, Armor Pest Control, and NY Life Insurance.

Join WMHO for a summer filled with interactive and engaging activities for the whole family. For more information, visit wmho.org or contact 631-751-2244.

The community gathers for free outdoor concerts at the Stony Brook Village Center every summer.
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) has announced the much-anticipated return of the Summer Concert Series. The concerts will be held at 7 p.m. every Sunday from July 7 to August 18 in front of the Stony Brook Post Office.
Concert Lineup:
•     July 7th: Just Sixties – Enjoy the timeless tunes of the longest-running sixties tribute band in the United States.
•     July 14th: Martini Garden – Described as the Eagles meeting Stevie Wonder, this band offers an eclectic mix of Rock and Roll, Blues, R&B, Jazz, and Country.
•     July 21st: Common Ground – Travel back in time with classic hits from the 1980s MTV Generation.
•     July 28th: The Equity Brass Band – A vibrant six-piece ensemble performing in the tradition of New Orleans Brass Bands.
•     August 4th: One Step Ahead – A high-energy band with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry.
•     August 11th: The Precisions – Relish the golden age of rock and roll with this vintage rock group.
•     August 18th: The Rustlers – A dynamic group delivering classic and contemporary country and rock and roll hits.
In the event of rain, the concerts will be canceled. Concerts are generously sponsored by Tantillo Auto Group, Camco Services of NY, Inc., Realty Three LLC, Affordable Cesspool Sewer & Drain, and Stony Brook Harbor Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals.
Join WMHO for a summer filled with music, community, and fun. For more information, visit wmho.org or contact 631-751-2244.

On March 21, the Stony Brook Village Center was delighted to shine a spotlight on five establishments in the village. The festivities, which were attended by Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Village of Port Jefferson Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay, and Three Village Chamber of Commerce and Ward Melville Heritage Organization board members, included ceremonial ribbon cuttings to mark the grand openings of Kate’s Vintage Rose and Wend Wellness Chiropractic, alongside honoring the remarkable milestones of Chico’s 30th anniversary and Cottontails’ 10th anniversary in Stony Brook Village. Additionally, guests gathered to celebrate the unveiling of Sweet Mama’s Ice Cream Parlor, following its recent renovation.

Offering a carefully curated selection of new women’s clothing infused with vintage charm, Kate’s Vintage Rose invites patrons to explore an exquisite array of trendy apparel and accessories. Many of the whimsical items featured in the shop are handmade, from headbands to hand-embellished vegan suede hats. Amidst the joy and excitement of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Katie, the visionary behind Kate’s Vintage Rose, eagerly awaited the arrival of her baby boy. Just days after the celebratory event, she welcomed her son, Broden, into the world. During this time, the shop’s hours will temporarily vary. Kate’s Vintage Rose is located at 143 Main Street in Stony Brook Village. To learn more, you can call (631) 285-2339 or visit https://katesvintagerose.com/.
Wend Wellness Chiropractic opened its doors at 21 Main St., Stony Brook, NY, offering chiropractic services, wellness and fitness consultations and plans. Wend Wellness is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 8:00am to 7:00 pm and on Tuesday, from 8:00am to 3:30 pm by appointment only. To make an appointment, call (631) 485-3643. You can also find more information by visiting online at https://wendwellness.com/.
Chico’s, nestled in the heart of Stony Brook Village, proudly holds the distinction of being the first Chico’s boutique in the state of New York. Since its opening in 1994, it has offered patrons a curated collection of chic, unique women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. Chico’s proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary in Stony Brook Village this year. Chico’s is located at 139 Main Street and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. To learn more, call (631) 689-6426.
Cottontails is a cherished destination for baby and children’s essentials in Stony Brook Village. Proprietors Julie and Dana McGuire celebrate 10 years of serving the Stony Brook community. Cottontails is located at 113A Main Street. It is open from Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. To learn more about Cottontails, call (631)-689-9147.
Sweet Mama’s Restaurant a beloved eatery known for its delectable American classics and comforting cuisine, proudly announces the grand unveiling of its newly renovated ice cream parlor. The Ice Cream Parlor boasts an extensive selection of over 20 flavors of ice cream, alongside ice cream sodas and uniquely crafted milkshakes. They are open every day from 9am – 8pm. For more information about Sweet Mama’s Restaurant and the newly renovated ice cream parlor, please contact 631-675-9263 or visit https://www.sweetmamasli.com/

 

Photo courtesy of WMHO

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) recently unveiled a new self-guided audio experience at T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park in Stony Brook Village. Titled “Beyond the Plaque,” this new audio experience gives participants the opportunity to learn about the people named on 16 plaques at the picturesque park. As they wander through the tranquil pathways, they’ll discover more than just names and dates — they’ll delve into the compelling stories and extraordinary journeys of the individuals commemorated on the plaques.

Many of the plaques are dedicated to members past and present of the Stony Brook community, each leaving a lasting impact on those they touched in their lives. Among the notable individuals you can learn about is T. Bayles Minuse, the very namesake of the park.

“Our idea of creating an audio experience dedicated to the people beyond the plaques originated two years ago during the unveiling of the newly rehabilitated T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park,” said Dr. Richard Rugen, WMHO Chairman. “We are thrilled to unveil this to the public, just in time for spring.”

The Beyond the Plaque Audio Experience is offered completely FREE of charge, and accessible to all, anytime, and anywhere. To embark on this captivating tour, individuals can simply scan the QR codes located on informational signs within the park or visit audio.stonybrookvillage.com.

To learn more about events and activities in Stony Brook Village Center, please visit stonybrookvillage.com.

By Rita J. Egan

Wet weather couldn’t stop Santa Claus from visiting Stony Brook Village Center as promised Dec. 3.

Santa’s appearance was part of the 44th annual Ward Melville Heritage Organization Holiday Festival. In addition to photos with the jolly elf, attendees spent the afternoon visiting with animals at the petting zoo and viewing the promenade of trees decked out for the holidays and the train display at W.L. Wiggs Opticians. Carolers also performed throughout the shopping center.

“Despite the weather, hundreds of people came out to see Santa arrive in Stony Brook on the antique fire engine for the 44th time,” said Gloria Rocchio, WMHO president. “What was added this year was a Grinch character to complement Santa, which the children loved. People noted the tree looked fuller than usual and was decorated beautifully. Hundreds tuned into the tree lighting in person and also remotely on our website.”

WMHO trustees and elected officials were on hand for the center’s tree lighting later in the day, followed by a private reception at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame. Santa showed up once again, telling guests he was surprised that not one child asked for a Barbie doll. He added the popular gift request this year was a Taylor Swift-branded acoustic guitar.