Sweetbriar Nature Center heads to Stony Brook Village for a Pop-Up Saturday event on Aug. 16. File photo by Serena Carpino
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) has announced the return of Pop–Up 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. Pop–Up 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 Pop–Up 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 Pop–Up 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.
L to R: Jane Taylor, Three Village Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) Director; Nicole Sarno, TVCC Board Member; Carmine Inserra, TVCC Vice
President; Susie Kaiserman, TVCC Board Member; Charlie Lefkowitz, TVCC President; Dr. Richard Rugen, WMHO Chairman; Katie Hart,
Proprietor of Kate’s Vintage Rose; Mary Van Tuyl, WMHO Trustee; Gloria Rocchio, WMHO President; Honorable Steve Englebright, Suffolk
County Legislator; Honorable Jonathan Kornreich, Councilman, Town of Brookhaven; Charles Napoli, WMHO Trustee. Photo from WMHO
L to R: Mary Van Tuyl, WMHO Trustee; Carmine Inserra, TVCC Vice President; Rebecca Kassay; Honorable Steve Englebright, Suffolk County
Legislator; Honorable Jonathan Kornreich, Councilman, Town of Brookhaven; Dr. Richard Rugen, WMHO Chairman; Gloria Rocchio, WMHO
President; Dr. Shane Wend, Proprietor of Wend Wellness Chiropractic; Charlie Lefkowitz, TVCC President; Nicole Sarno, TVCC Board Member;
Susie Kaiserman, TVCC Board Member; Charles Napoli, WMHO Trustee; Jane Taylor, TVCC Director. Photo from WMHO
L to R: Mary Van Tuyl, WMHO Trustee; Carmine Inserra, TVCC Vice President; Susie Kaiserman, TVCC Board Member; Honorable Jonathan
Kornreich, Councilman, Town of Brookhaven; Charlie Lefkowitz, TVCC President; Rebecca Kassay; Dr. Richard Rugen, WMHO Chairman;
Jennifer Arthur, Manager of Chico’s Stony Brook Village; Honorable Steve Englebright, Suffolk County Legislator; Gloria Rocchio, WMHO
President; Ray Weber, Community Affairs Liaison for Senator Palumbo’s office; Nicole Sarno, TVCC Board Member;
Ginger Belesi, Legislative Aide for Assemblyman Ed Flood; Jane Taylor, TVCC Director; Charles Napoli, WMHO Trustee. Photo from WMHO
L to R: Mary Van Tuyl, WMHO Trustee; Susie Kaiserman, TVCC Board Member; Rebecca Kassay; Carmine Inserra, TVCC Vice President;
Charlie Lefkowitz, TVCC President; Honorable Jonathan Kornreich, Councilman, Town of Brookhaven; Dr. Richard Rugen, WMHO Chairman;
Honorable Steve Englebright, Suffolk County Legislator; Julie McGuire, Proprietor of Cottontails; Dana McGuire, Proprietor of Cottontails;
Gloria Rocchio, WMHO President; Charles Napoli, WMHO Trustee; Nicole Sarno, TVCC Board Member; Jane Taylor, TVCC Director. Photo from WMHO
Celebrating at the recently renovated Sweet Mama's Restaurant with Proprietor Marios Patatinas and his family. Photo from WMHO
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/
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.
Children visited with Santa Claus at the WMHO's 44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J.Egan
Children visited with Santa Claus at the WMHO's 44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J.Egan
Children visited with Santa Claus at the WMHO's 44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J.Egan
Children visited with Santa Claus at the WMHO's 44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J.Egan
Children visited with Santa Claus at the WMHO's 44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J.Egan
Children visited with Santa Claus at the WMHO's 44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J.Egan
Children visited with Santa Claus at the WMHO's 44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J.Egan
The Grinch stopped by to visit Santa at the WMHO's44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo courtesy of WMHO
Children visited with Santa Claus at the WMHO's 44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J.Egan
Children visited with Santa Claus at the WMHO's 44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J.Egan
Children visited with Santa Claus at the WMHO's 44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J.Egan
Santa visited The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook Village after the 44th annual Holiday Festival. Photo by Rita J. Egan
The WMHO's 44th annual Holiday Festival culminated with a tree lighting on the Village Green. Photo from WMHO
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.
Time to shop! Black Friday returns to the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main Street, Stony Brook on Friday, November 24. Shop Black Friday store sales all day long throughout the village, with holiday favorites by the Celestial Holiday Carolers and a petting zoo by Rocking Horse Farm in the inner court from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Make a stop at The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame to view their new exhibit: Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.limusichalloffame.org.
A full list of Black Friday sales will be available online at stonybrookvillage.com. For more information, call 631-751-2244.
Above, one of the entries from last year’s competition. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
On December 3, participants of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s (WMHO) Holiday Tree Competition will bring holiday cheer to Stony Brook Village and decorate 40 premium 5 to 6 foot balsam trees that will line the open-air center’s walkways at the 44th Annual Holiday Festival. One tree will be selected by votes from the public between Dec. 3 and Dec. 19 to win a $150 gift certificate to Stony Brook Village and its establishments.
Registration for this event is required as there are only 40 trees available. You can pick up a registration form at any of the shops in Stony Brook Village, or you can download it digitally from the events section of the Stony Brook Village Center website.
To enter this competition, please return the completed registration form, with entry fee to the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, P.O. Box 572, Stony Brook, NY 11790. Registration form and an entry fee of $47 is due by Nov. 22. The decorated trees will remain in the village for viewing until Jan. 3.
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) hosted ribbon cutting ceremonies for three Stony Brook Village Center establishments — D.K. Brothers by Madison’s Niche,Michael Macrina Architect and Village Hair Studio — on Oct. 24.
Ribbon cutting for D.K. Brothers
D.K. Brothers by Madison’s Niche is a boutique offering a curated collection of men’s apparel, lifestyle gifts, and luxury pet accessories by the owners of Madison’s Niche in Stony Brook Village Center. Guests can expect to shop popular men’s clothing brands like Tommy Bahama, UGG, Ralph Lauren, Levi’s and many more. Plus, they have a wide selection of products for a man’s best friend with a section of the store dedicated to pet products like special outfits, accessories, toys, bowls, beds, treats, and more.
In 2012, Karen McAvoy established Madison’s Niche, drawing inspiration from and naming it after her daughter, Madison. Her daughter Madison has recently joined the business as Vice President. Alike Madison’s Niche, D.K. Brothers takes its concept and name from Karen’s sons, Daniel and Kenneth.
D.K. Brothers is located at 97K Main Street in Stony Brook Village. They are open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-779-6457.
Ribbon cutting for MMA
Michael Macrina Architect (MMA) has moved their office into the heart of Stony Brook Village. MMA was previously located at the corner of 25A and Main Street for the past 11 years. Established in 2006, MMA has been in business for 17 years and handles all permits required for construction and renovation. They offer interior & exterior renovations, residential architecture, exterior facelifts, new additions, new homes and more. To learn more about Michael Macrina Architect, call 631-686-6585 or visit www.mmarchitectaia.com.
Ribbon cutting for Village Hair Studio. Photo from WMHO
Village Hair Studio is a hair salon designed to create a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere for any client. They are currently offering haircuts, hair coloring, hair smoothing treatments, make-up services and bridal services. In addition, they offer massages and facials to enhance the beauty and relaxation experience. The salon will soon provide special hair and makeup services for those experiencing hair loss from diseases like alopecia or cancer.
The Village Hair Studio is located at 97D Main Street in Stony Brook Village. They are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment call 631-675-0987 or visit https://www.villagehairstudiony.com/.
The ribbon cuttings were attended by Michael Ardolino, Assistant Secretary, Three Village Chamber of Commerce (3VC); Carmine Inserra, Vice President, 3VC; Ed Flood, NYS Assemblyman; Robert Fonti, representing Suffolk County Executive, Steve Bellone; Madison McAvoy, Vice President of Madison’s Niche; Karen McAvoy, Proprietor of Madison’s Niche and D.K. Brothers; Ed Romaine, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor; Gloria Rocchio, President, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO); Dr. Richard Rugen, Chairman, WMHO; Jonathan Kornreich, Councilman, Town of Brookhaven; Alexander Piccirillo, representing Senator Anthony Palumbo; Martha Stansbury, Treasurer, 3VC; Ken Kroncke, Board Member, 3VC; Mary Van Tuyl, Trustee, WMHO; Charles Napoli, Trustee, WMHO; Emily McAvoy; Daniel McAvoy; Kenneth McAvoy; Kenneth McAvoy Jr.; Chuck Lohmann, Trustee, WMHO; Daniel J. Panico, Deputy Supervisor and Councilman, Town of Brookhaven; Charlie Lefkowitz, President, 3VC; Collette Frey-Bitzas, 2nd Vice President, 3VC; and Thomas McLaughlin, representing Senator Mario Mattera.
Scene from the 33rd annual WMHO Halloween Festival. Photo from WMHO
Scene from the 33rd annual WMHO Halloween Festival. Photo from WMHO
Scene from the 33rd annual WMHO Halloween Festival. Photo from WMHO
Scene from the 33rd annual WMHO Halloween Festival. Photo from WMHO
Scene from the 33rd annual WMHO Halloween Festival. Photo from WMHO
Scene from the 33rd annual WMHO Halloween Festival. Photo from WMHO
Scene from the 33rd annual WMHO Halloween Festival. Photo from WMHO
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) hosted their 33rd Annual Halloween Festival on Oct. 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. in Stony Brook Village. The festival was a huge success and brought more families than ever to the Village Center to celebrate Halloween.
Families enjoyed music from WALK 97.5, trick-or-treating throughout Stony Brook Village Center, dancing with Monster Merlin and games for children.
Nightmare Before Christmas
WMHO announced their 33rd Annual Scarecrow Competition winners during the festival. The winners are as follows:
Category A- Professional
1st Place – #310 Nightmare Before Christmas
2nd Place – #111 Grim
Category B – Adult and Family
1st Place – #305 Mr. Margaritaville
2nd Place – #301 Edgar Allen Scare-Poe
3rd Place – #102 On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink
Category C – Children
1st Place – #206 Barbie: You Can Be Anything
2nd Place – #303 Bubblegum Witch
3rd Place – #110 Barbie
This event was sponsored by Long Island Speech, Green Towers Group, News 12 Long Island, Goldfish Swim School, Dr. Robert Quilty, Ph.D and Dr. Rocco Morelli, DDS.
Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) and the Stony Brook Fire Department (SBFD) for Family Fun Day in Stony Brook Village on Saturday, September 30th with WMHO’s Annual Scarecrow Competition and the Stony Brook Fire Department’s Annual Fire Prevention Day and Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is free to the public.
Throughout the Stony Brook Village Center there will be over 35 scarecrows lining the sidewalks. Voting for WMHO’s Annual Scarecrow Competition will begin on Family Fun Day. Vote for your favorite scarecrow creation using ballots found in all shops and eateries in Stony Brook Village.
The SBFD Annual Fire Prevention Day and Open House will take place behind the Stony Brook Fire Department in Stony Brook Village. Here are several activities planned for people of all ages to enjoy!
— A Touch-A-Truck display allowing people of all ages to get an up-close look at big trucks and emergency vehicles such as firetrucks, ambulances, and the Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal’s Mobile Command Post.
— The SBFD will be providing a knockdown house, which allows kids to operate a fire hose to knock down flames in a mock-up of a small house.
— Stony Brook University Fire Marshal’s Office will attend with their Fire Extinguisher Simulator allowing members of the community to learn how to use a fire extinguisher first-hand.
— Terryville Fire Department will be present with a Fire Prevention/Safety Trailer which has the ability to teach fire safety within a simulated home and also what to do at the sound of a smoke detector.
— The Explorer Post #0528, will provide information to children about junior firefighting and provide firefighting gear that kids can try on.
— There will be giveaways for children and adults. SBFD plans to raffle off smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers while teaching community members the importance of safety with these items. Servpro will giveaway desktop calendars, activity books and pens/pencils
— The SBFD will demonstrate vehicle extrications and how to put out stove top fires throughout the day.
— Stony Brook Medicine will be in attendance with their Mobile Stroke Unit, a specialized ambulance designed to provide specialized, life-saving care to people within the critical moments of stroke.
To learn more about the Stony Brook Village Family Fun Day and to learn more about the WMHO, call 631- 751-2244.