Tags Posts tagged with "Toni-Elena Gallo"

Toni-Elena Gallo

File photo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Deer rutting may not be a common term to all, but it is important to understand this time of year.

Rutting is a behavioral pattern of deer, in which male deer — bucks — chase does. It is triggered by autumn’s decreasing daylight, which causes an increase in hormones for both bucks and does. The season begins in October and ends in early winter.

According to DMV data compiled by AAA Northeast, 2022’s mating season accounted for nearly 37,000 car crashes in New York state, where an “animal’s actions” was listed as a contributing factor — most of which involved deer. Additionally in 2022, Suffolk County ranked sixth among the state’s 62 counties with the most animal-related crashes, at 1,216. Deer-related crashes in Suffolk can see a significant increase this time of year, often cited as between 50% and 75% higher than other months. Most accidents have been found to occur during afternoon rush hour, as well as dusk.

With over 30,000 deer in Suffolk County alone, North Shore residents are advised to stay especially vigilant when driving down major roadways, such as Route 347, as deer frequently dart out into oncoming traffic.

The NYS Department of Transportation urges drivers to brake firmly, but not swerve if a deer runs in front of your vehicle. Swerving can cause a vehicle-to-vehicle collision, or cause the vehicle to strike a pedestrian or fixed object, such as a tree or utility pole — which reinforces the need for reduced speeds this time of year. Additionally, it is crucial to not approach a wounded deer as it may be frightened and potentially dangerous.

Alert 911 if a deer crossing creates a roadblock, as it can become a serious threat to oncoming traffic.

Ironically, with the increased creation of edge habitats, or transition zones between forest and open areas, deer have been provided with abundant food and shelter, dramatically increasing their Suffolk population, as a result. This is among a host of factors which has driven the North Shore’s deer population in recent years, including reduced hunting.

“We don’t have a natural predator for deer, so their numbers are increasing with no control,” Isabel Fernandes, of Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, said back in 2019. “Also, various towns and communities aren’t allowing hunting.” 

In recent years, the villages of Port Jefferson and Belle Terre are two local governments that have considered amping up culling efforts, to reduce deer’s impact on our ecosystem and traffic.

Video footage of Hadas Ehrlich, being played at North Shore Jewish Center, explaining the details of her experience in Israel on October 7, 2023. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

On Oct. 6, the North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station held a solemn memorial service, honoring those who lost their lives from Hamas’ attack on Israel which occurred October 7, 2023.

Hamas’ attack claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people. Approximately 100 of the 240 hostages originally abducted still remain in captivity, including four Americans.

Rabbi Aaron Benson speaks at the event. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

Rabbi Aaron Benson began the service by showing the congregation a donated Torah mantle, which has been dedicated to the memory of Israeli Sergeant Major Omer Smadja, HY”D, 25.

The top of the mantle reads Ecclesiastes 3:4’s “a time to grieve… a time to mourn and a time to dance,” because despite everything that has transpired since last October, “we will dance again.”

The night continued with words from U.S. Rep. Nick Lalota (R-NY1), a self-described Roman Catholic, who said he has been spending more time in synagogues lately, than churches.

“Our Jewish neighbors need us at this time,” he continued, because of “the serious times that we are in.”

Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), followed LaLota’s speech to the congregation, with a more personal account.

Kornreich, who has family in Israel, shared that “we can acknowledge complexities of the conflict which exists there,” but that it is important to keep in mind the severity of the attacks. He explained that, proportionally speaking, due to the small population of Israel, the number of deaths would be equivalent to around 40 to 45 thousand Americans.

Rabbi Joshua Gray of Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook spoke at the event. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

Guest Rabbi Joshua Gray of Stony Brook’s Temple Isaiah echoed the earlier sentiments of Rabbi Benson, saying that the Jewish people do not experience pain, joy or horror individually, but as “one voice together.”

“I think one of the things that keeps us so strong, and keeps us surviving through travails that seem so insurmountable is our ability to come together — to support one another,” Gray shared.

The main focus of the night, following the words of the multiple Jewish leaders and other dignitaries in attendance, was the video testimonial of a young woman named Hadas Ehrlich.

Granddaughter of the synagogue’s former Cantor, Marty Ehrlich, z”l, Hadas works for Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service.

Ehrlich drove an armored ambulance in the attacked area on Oct. 7, despite having no training as a combat medic.

Video footage of the young woman addressing a congregation of her own showed Ehrlich explicitly describe the scenes she witnessed first hand, such as seeing a woman killed as she sipped coffee on a bench, and a young man who, she explained, was “surely about to experience his last moments.”

The young man had been laid on top of for three hours by a fellow EMS worker, whose bodily pressure had stopped him from bleeding to death. She recounted how she tried to bring a small sense of joy to his pain, by jokingly telling him, “Hey, we made a deal. I told you to stay awake,” which elicited genuine laughter from the man. He had almost lost consciousness three times during their ambulance ride.

“He called me annoying after a while,” she smiled.

After Ehrlich transferred the man to another ambulance, she told the paramedic to ensure that he “respects the end of his deal,” as his blood pressure plummeted.

A week and a half later, she received a phone call from an unknown number.

“My brother is awake, and he remembers you and he remembers your deal,” the voice on the other line said.

The service ended in prayer.

Correction: In the print editions of TBR, it was mistakenly printed that the Oct. 7 attack occurred on Rosh Hashanah.

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Setauket Presbyterian Church proudly displayed over 1,000 colorful, glass pumpkins, blown by artist Gregory Tomb during a fall fundraiser from September 27 to 29.

Tomb, who operates a glassblowing studio in Upstate New York, as well as Phoenix, AZ., has worked with a variety of charities, for many years, including the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Open Door Exchange, Long Island’s first and only furniture bank based in Port Jefferson Station, which provides anyone in need, crisis or life transition, with the furniture they need to begin their new lives.

Tomb says that when he is not teaching classes, or working private events, he derives great pleasure “from days like these,” which are about more than simply making money.

Ryan Haugstatter, the Director of Development at Open Door Exchange, was overjoyed to welcome Tomb through Setauket Presbyterian’s doors, and shared that “20% of the proceeds,” will directly support ODE’s mission of providing locals with the services they deserve.

For more information on Tomb, and his work, please visit glasspumpkinpatchfundraiser.com, and for more information on ODE, visit opendoorexchange.com.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. File photo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

On Monday, Sept. 23, County Executive Ed Romaine (R) held a virtual press conference, which explained the key points of his 2025 Suffolk County Recommended Operating Budget.

One of the first things Romaine mentioned is that he has ensured that this budget complies with tax caps “and all other requirements for both the county and the state.”

He added that the proposal allows for $4 billion dollars, which is an increase from last year’s budget of $3.9 billion.

Speaking more specifically on what he wishes to increase spending on, Romaine expressed a strong desire to further secure our communities’ safety.

The budget “will add 200 [police officers, also] deputy sheriffs, corrections officers and detectives,” Romaine said.

“We feel that the police department needs to be adequately staffed, to address any safety issues in all, including the discouragement of illegal activities, such as gangs, drugs, etc., and to prevent any increase in crime,” he added.

Romaine has increased law enforcement staffing, particularly in the District Attorney’s Office to aid in the Gilgo Beach investigation.

Another issue the County Executive intends to tackle is the diminished sales tax revenue, from this year to last, which has contributed to Suffolk slightly raising the property tax for 2025. Homeowners in Brookhaven, Smithtown and Huntington will see an increase of about $49 per year.

“Sales tax came in at about $50 million less this year than what was projected, pension costs went up by about $43 million and health care costs went up by $66 million, which accounts for the increase in the county budget,” Romaine explained.

“So while there is a small increase, it, nevertheless, is a solid budget, which will allow the county to deliver services and provide what is needed.”

As to why we have seen such a significant decrease in sales tax, Romaine chalks it up to residents’ reduced spending, as prices for items, such as gasoline, increased.

“People are tightening their wallets. This is a difficult time, an inflationary time. For example, gasoline sales, for the first six months of 2024, went down by 9.6 percent, to give you an estimate, and we do include sales tax on gasoline,” Romaine said. 

“That is an indication that the economy is debating its future. But we’ll see what happens. A lot will depend on the national election.”

Romaine’s budget proposal refers to his intention to improve Suffolk’s infrastructure, improve emergency service efficiency, by making changes including the reduction of 311 wait time to under five minutes and to continue support for veterans, as well as to increase staffing in underfunded departments like Child Protective Services and the Department of Social Services.

It also points to the allocation of funds for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and virtual CISO, following the 2022 cyber-attack. It will modernize the county’s IT infrastructure, to enhance security.

Additionally, Romaine wrapped up the press conference with a future initiative he hopes to see come to fruition.

“Once this budget is adopted, and once we see the revenues coming in in 2025, I am hoping to propose a reduction in the sales tax on home heating fuel. That’s propane, natural gas and, obviously, home heating oil. I find this tax regressive.”

The county Legislature must adopt the budget by Nov. 6.

By Toni-Elena Gallo

This past Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Caroline Episcopal and Setauket Presbyterian Churches held their annual Country Fair.

The live music added some electrifying ambiance to the over 70 available vendors — ranging in variety from arts and crafts to delectable baked treats — allowing for a memorable family experience.

Last Chance Animal Rescue was also on hand to try  and find pups forever homes, and boats on the premises were compliments of Great Oak Marina.

It was a magical weekend chock full of fun, and community spirit!

Olivia Ross’ bracelets, which read Stony Brook Strong or Save the Mill Pond. 100% of the proceeds are donated to reconstruction efforts. Photo courtesy Olivia Ross

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Olivia Ross may live in Port Jefferson now, but Stony Brook will always be where her heart is.

The devastating storm that hit Suffolk County on Aug. 18 and continued into the early morning hours of the next day, left Stony Brook in complete disarray, draining the Mill Pond and destroying businesses and homes. Ross, who grew up in the village, felt she needed to spring to action and help the community that has provided her with such happy memories.

“When I was little, all the way up to me taking my nieces and nephews there. So, when I saw that nothing was there, there was no life, it just broke my heart,” she said in an interview.

“Then I said, ‘Why not have this community come together and do something good? Something to unite all of us together?’ I knew I had to do something to help, because it’s so important to me — there will always be a piece of me [in Stony Brook].”

“I thought of this idea because when I was younger, and the BP oil spill happened, my aunt created these bracelets and sold them to give donations to a company that was helping clean up. So, I thought ‘What a great idea,’” Ross continued.

After meeting Ross down at Stony Brook Harbor Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals, Gloria Rocchio, president of The Ward Melville Heritage Organization, said that what she’s doing is “wonderful.”

“The paddleboard business is helping her with sales, and [when we spoke] she expressed incredible affection for the Mill Pond,” Rocchio said. “If the general public desires, they can support the community in this very difficult time.”

Ross said that 100 percent of the proceeds will go to The Ward Melville Heritage Organization for repair and restoration efforts.

“We’re backing them up, and we want to help restore such important parts of the community,” Ross added.

Ross customizes the bracelets, which she buys in bulk, to say “Stony Brook Strong” on one side and “Save the Mill Pond”’ on the other. The bracelets sell for $2 each but donations are also accepted.

“I wear mine every day,” Rocchio said.

Ross explained that with all the “negativity that goes on in the world,” she was pleased to see the positive reactions she received on Facebook, where her bracelets are available on both her and WMHO’s pages, as well as through her email, [email protected].

“I’ve sold over a hundred, and I’m almost up to a thousand dollars in donations, so I am trying to spread the word more. I’ve had a couple of businesses reach out to me asking if they could buy some in bulk, and then sell them in their stores. I love that idea,” Ross said.

And, as far as the damage that remains in Stony Brook, Rocchio explained that the WMHO is working with all facets of government, including at the federal, state, county and in conjunction with the towns of Brookhaven and Smithtown, to get Harbor Road rebuilt, among a host of other issues.

The Stony Brook Grist Mill will be getting help as early as Friday, from an excavation crew, which will begin digging out the sand damage from under the mill’s wheel, by hand, to allow it to turn once again.

It takes a village. 

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Alan Blanco is doing his part to keep two East Setauket staples alive: The Butchers Market, previously Setauket Quality Meats, at 232 Main St., and Setauket Seafood at 230 Main St..

Both establishments have been in existence for over 40 years — the fish store, previously owned by Eddie Lin, and the meat shop and butcher, most recently owned by Brittany McClung.

“I worked at Savino’s Hideaway, near Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai, for many years, and I had a relationship [with Eddie] because the restaurant has bought fish from him for years. So, one day, he said he was selling and that no one was interested in buying,” Blanco said.

“And [he turned to me] and said, ‘Do you want to buy it?’”

Coincidentally, the butcher shop was also up for sale, and Blanco decided why not buy both.

When speaking about the businesses’ beloved status in East Setauket, Blanco added, “I love this neighborhood, and I know the community did not want to see these businesses go under. And, I thought maybe it was time for me to go [into business] for myself.”

Blanco has owned the fish store for about six months and acquired the butcher’s around two months ago.

He says that his main priority is staying true to the customer experience the community has been accustomed to for generations.

“We want to keep the stores’ reputations high. Eddie is still helping me out,” Blanco continued. 

“I want to keep the businesses’ legacies alive and provide good, quality produce.”

The primary change Blanco is bringing to these institutions is the incorporation of prep-prepared, which he said will make it easy for customers to “grab and go.”

Both the fish and meat stores will offer selections such as sausage and peppers, chicken francese, Italian-style meatballs, cooked fish and even vegetarian options such as eggplant parmesan.

While Blanco continues to apply his personal touches to the shops, he is just glad that the stores did not have to “disappear forever.”

“I am very excited to be here, and I’ve received such positive feedback from the community. More food options will be available in the near future,” he said.

Former state assemblyman, Steve Englebright (D-Setauket,) displaying a map of the Setauket area, as he addresses the crowd on Monday night. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

On Monday night, Sept. 9, the Three Village Civic Association held a community forum, to discuss future plans for the revitalization of East Setauket Pond Park.

Through the years, the park has become dilapidated, as overgrown vegetation and broken fencing have taken over the aesthetic of a park that is an instantly recognizable staple of the Three Village community.

“When I started working for the town, and found myself in the enviable position of taking the baton and being able to move this project along, the thing that really struck me was because, as [civic president] Charlie [Tramontana] said, this is a generational project that will have an impact on this community for 50, 100 or more years,” said Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook).

“So, I started a process to try to get as many voices as possible involved, so that we could really make this a project that is of the community, for the community. I’m going to be listening carefully, and taking notes [tonight],” he added.

Kornreich’s comments were followed by statements from Suffolk County legislator and former state assemblyman, Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), who discussed the historical and natural significance of Setauket Harbor, emphasizing its historical place in the development of our nation. Englebright continued by explaining how the first colonial settlers of this area founded on the ideals of freedom, tolerance and religious freedom.

The rest of the meeting was run by Farmingdale State College architectural professor, and board member, Joe Betz, who shared some tentative planning ideas for the space.

One key concern Betz expressed was creating a “sense of place,” which the park currently lacks. He feels that it is important to create a park which draws the eye, and does not get lost in the commotion of 25A. The park would encompass an area from the Brewster House to the war memorial, including the proposed relocation of the Roe Tavern. There would be views across Setauket Harbor.

Additionally, East Setauket Automotive’s lease will expire at the end of July 2025, which creates possibilities, Betz said. “That’s a big chunk of land, and it’s in the heart of, essentially, what this park center is. So, when that comes up, what do you do with this vacant building?” He suggested the impressive facade of the building could be retained, with the rest of the premises converted into a pavilion for parkgoers. 

Betz continued his presentation with graphics he and his students had created, which show potential park designs. He discussed, possibly, crafting the pond farther back from 25A.

He envisions a larger field area and a bandstand for summer concerts, as well as the pavilion.

Betz, also, discussed designing infrastructure with a more European, “English landscape” look which is something he asked community members to consider.

While nothing is set in stone, Betz implored the community to keep having conversations with local officials, as this will, ultimately, define the image of the Three Village community, and he hopes it will be enjoyed by the community, and tourists alike, for future generations.

To access Monday night’s presentation, which contains two different design approaches and detailed information on tentative plans for the park,  please visit the link below.

Portfolio | Setauket Pond Park (betzja.wixsite.com)

The next civic meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 7, at the Setauket Firehouse on Route 25A, and begin at 7:30 p.m.

By Toni-Elena Gallo

The Three Village Historical Society held its 10th annual Culper Spy Day Sept. 7, creating an event of fun and history for all who attended.

The day was cloudy and a bit rainy, but families were not deterred as they ventured out to learn about the area’s rich, revolutionary story.

The Culper Spy Ring was what was to become America’s first web of espionage. The information relayed along this tri-state route, was instrumental in George Washington’s victory during the Revolutionary War.

In front of the Three Village Historical Society headquarters, visitors could stop by the tents of George Washington and his Huntington militia, as well as the red coats.

“Here we have a cartridge box, for ammunition. It would hold paper cartridges, filled with gunpowder for the musket balls. A powder horn, carved from a cow’s, also held gunpowder in battle,” said Vinny, a member of the “Continental Army” all decked-out in authentic-styled period clothing.

At another station, a daughter and mother listened intently as a woman dressed as Anna Smith Strong — a woman notable for using her laundry line as a secret signal system, to communicate with fellow Culper spies — explained the intricacies of key players Robert Townsend, Austin Roe, Caleb Brewster and Benjamin Tallmadge’s system of providing Gen. Washington with vital intel in Westchester.

According to “Strong,” Townsend would create messages in invisible ink, to be distributed in his Manhattan shop, which would, then, be picked up by Setauket tavern owner, Austin Roe. Setauket farmer, Abraham Woodhull, would correspond with Roe, and from there, Brewster would take the information across the Sound, into Connecticut. Lastly, Tallmadge, the ringleader, would ride on horseback to wherever Washington was stationed — whether it was upstate New York or New Jersey.

Throughout the festival, historical meals, such as succotash, which is a type of stew, originated by Native Americans and added onto by colonial settlers, were available to be sampled. But, for those in the mood for some modern-day treats, those were on hand, as well.

For more information on how to tour the trails of the Culper Spy Ring, visit www.tvhs.org.

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society held its 15th annual Music Fest on Saturday, Aug. 31. The event takes place each year between Huntington Bay and Lloyd Harbor and brings together lovers of the sea and lovers of rock ’n’ roll.

In 1985 the lighthouse was scheduled for demolition, but the nonprofit HLPS took it over and has worked to preserve and restore it ever since.

A variety of bands, ranging in genre from reggae to classic rock, played from 11 a.m. to dusk, at the top of Huntington Lighthouse, a historical landmark that has existed in its current incarnation since 1912, and housed the families of keepers from the 19th- to the early 20th century.

The unique design of this festival — it is only accessible by taking a boat for about a 10-minute ride out of Huntington Harbor — adds to the excitement it generates among boaters.

“We’ve got 1,500-plus boats here from Connecticut, New Jersey, Westchester, Rhode Island. They come from all over the place,” said Pam Setchell, president of the preservation society. “There is no music fest, anywhere in the world, that is performed on top of a working lighthouse. That’s the ace in the hole. As long as my roof is in good shape, we’re good,” she said with a laugh.

The Next Level, one of the festival’s acts, was thrilled to be back performing for the third time.

“It is awesome. We love playing here,” said Althea, the group’s lead singer.

And, to top off the day of festivities, lights illuminate the small lighthouse as dusk approaches, creating a colorful spectacle.

The festival was free to attend, and all proceeds from the 50/50 raffle went toward lighthouse restoration.