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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 summer. This six-part series of family-friendly events will take place every Saturday from July 12 to August 16. 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. Events are weather permitting.

2025 Pop-Up Saturdays Lineup:

JULY 12 — Magic of Amore from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15pm. Come be dazzled by a magic show from one of New York’s top- rated magicians!; Marty Macaluso Caricature Artist from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Get your caricature drawn by this talented artist.

JULY 19 — Uncle Tony’s Reptile Shack from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m to 3:15 p.m. Come meet snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more at this interactive show; ARF Animal Rescue from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. The ARF Animal rescue will be here with their mobile adoption van along with some furry friends!

JULY 26 — Pixie Dust Storytellers from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Pixie Dust Storytellers brings magical, family-friendly character experiences to events across Long Island.

AUGUST 2 — School of Rock Port Jefferson from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. At School of Rock students learn to rock out on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocals. They will be here to perform an exciting set; Hope for Cleo Animal Rescue from noon to 3:30 p.m. Hope for Cleo is a nonprofit animal rescue organization hosting a puppy adoption event. Stop by to pet some cute puppies!

AUGUST 9 — Johnny Cuomo  from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.  to 3:15 p.m. Johnny Cuomo is a musician, storyteller, naturalist, teacher and author who has been sharing folk tales with people of all ages for many years.

AUGUST 16 — Sweetbriar Nature Center from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Sweetbriar Nature Center provides natural science education services for Long Island residents of all ages and engaging in native wildlife rehabilitation services.

The 2025 Pop-Up Saturdays are generously sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and the office of Economic Development and Planning and Apple Bank. For more information, visit wmho.org.

The community gathers for free outdoor concerts at the Stony Brook Village Center every summer.
The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s much-anticipated Summer Concert Series returns to the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook this weekend. The series kicks off on July 6 at 7 p.m. with a performance by One Step Ahead in front of the Stony Brook Post Office. Following this, the concerts will continue at 7 p.m. every Sunday from July 13 to August 17. Bring seating. In the event of rain, the concerts will be canceled.
Concert lineup:

July 6th – One Step Ahead – One Step Ahead is a high-energy band with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry.

July 13th The Dance Mechanics – The Dance Mechanics are an extraordinary 12-piece band hailing from Kings Park, NY.

July 20th The Rustlers – A dynamic group delivering classic and contemporary country and rock and roll hits.

July 27th – NuGroove – NuGroove is a genre-blending band from Long Island that fuses disco, Motown, rock, country, pop, and today’s hits into high-energy mashups.

August 3rd – High Note – High Note plays Reggae, R&B, Rock and Dance music from your favorite bands!

August 10th – Common Ground – Travel back in time with classic hits from the 1980s MTV Generation.

August 17th – Just Sixties Band – Enjoy the timeless tunes of the longest-running sixties tribute band in the United States.

The Summer Concerts are generously sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and the office of Economic Development and Planning and Stony Brook Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals.
For more information, visit wmho.org or contact 631-751-2244.

By Caroline O’Callaghan  

Village of Head of the Harbor residents and local officials showed up Wednesday, May 7, to mark the triumphant ribbon cutting for the reopening of the scenic side street Mill Creek Road, which had been severely damaged from the catastrophic floods that occurred Aug. 18 2024, destroying the entrance to Harbor Road and the adjoining Mill Pond. Officials expressed their hope in what lies ahead for the massive reconstruction project of Harbor Road, since it is a critical access point for residents as well as emergency vehicles traveling to the nearby university hospital. 

In acknowledgment, Gloria Rocchio, president of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, spoke of the impressive completion of the road, which couldn’t have been orchestrated without the ingenuity of Excav Services Inc. Vice President Dylan Governale and team. 

“I just learned this morning that these pieces of steel, each one is 30 feet long, it’s 66 pieces of steel here, and it ended up being 23 sections. So, this man worked through sleet, snow, rain, fall leaves coming down and spring coming, and he did it in six months. He’s an amazing young fellow. We congratulate you,” Rocchio spoke of Governale. “To see this completed is extraordinary. It took a lot of effort from a lot of staff people and myself, but we accomplished it in six months, and I look forward to seeing the other road [Harbor Road] completed,” she continued.

Village of Head of the Harbor Mayor Michael Utevsky was also in attendance. He recalled the early days of the road’s reconstruction as chaotic. “There was no road here, there was no bluff — the whole bluff was collapsing. Trees were falling into the creek. The creek had been diverted to this side, right against the bluff, so there was continuing erosion of the bluff,” said Utevsky. “The first thing that [Governale] did was rechannel the creek back where it belonged. Then they had to rebuild the bluff. They had to drive in the steel files. They had to put in vertical deadmen to hold it, so this is just artificially built to reconstruct what used to be here.” 

Before billowing floodwaters reclaimed the street-lined bluff, the asphalt on Mill Creek had stood since 1888 and was 1 foot thick — a very prestigious feat of engineering for that time period, according to Utevsky. “Most roads in our village are old carriage paths which have very little foundation and not much asphalt, so I’m surprised by how much asphalt they found here,” Utevsky said. 

Despite the celebratory turnout, officials who have been overseeing the restoration of Harbor Road and its surrounding area since August remain discouraged over the lack of progress that’s been made to the main road. Legislator Steve Englebright (D, East Setauket) felt that it was important to center the natural disaster in the discussion, rather than project blame on human failure. “The event was an act of nature…What we need to do is acknowledge that this storm — which killed three people in Connecticut and damaged the whole north central part of Long Island — wasn’t any human being’s fault. If we can acknowledge and agree to that then we can go to the next step which is to agree to work together to solve this problem,” said Englebright. 

Englebright emphasized the main priority of restoring Harbor Road would be to service residents in emergency situations, he continued, “Harbor Road being out [of service] right now worries me because for the residents who might have a need for emergency care, or need to get to the university hospital right now, they have to go the long way around and that could cost lives.” 

The project was not without challenges. Most of the road was done in January, then Governale had to wait for some items in order to finalize it. 

Governale hopes the build can offer residents a sense of relief that the task of an effective, total restoration for Harbor Road is coming. 

He said, “It will restore some normalcy to the residents that live down this road, finally.”

It is said that all good things come in threes and the The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s  event on April 11 was no exception as it hosted ribbon cuttings for Stony Brook Village Center establishments Georgio’s Coffee Roasters; North Shore Injury Lawyer Mark Freeley, Esq.; and The Little Cheese Shop.

For over 20 years, Georgio’s Coffee Roasters has been perfecting the art of roasting coffee in Farmingdale. Now they are thrilled to expand their legacy with a new location at 131 Main Street in Stony Brook. Founded by Lydia and Georgio Testani, the coffee shop offers Georgio’s signature roasted coffee beans and freshly ground coffee, available in 21 varieties. Their extensive drink menu features specialty lattes, cappuccinos, and rich hot chocolate, featuring house-made syrups. For those on the go, Georgio’s also serves delicious to-go items, such as bacon, egg, and cheese tacos and challah peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They are open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-841-1700 or visit georgioscoffee.com.

North Shore Injury Lawyer, Mark Freeley, Esq., brings over 30 years of personal injury litigation experience to his new office at 111 Main Street in Stony Brook. A longtime local resident and Senior Partner at a respected law firm in Woodbury, Freeley offers clients in the Three Village area personalized legal services backed by the strength of a full legal team. He is available by appointment in Stony Brook with a flexible schedule. In addition to handling injury cases, Freeley provides free reviews of auto insurance policies to help ensure proper coverage. Known for his daily walks with his rescue dogs and his volunteer work with Last Chance Animal Rescue, he is a familiar face in the community he proudly serves. By appointment only, call 631-495-9435 or visit northshoreinjurylawyer.com.

Little Cheese Shop at 127 Main Street in Stony Brook is run by Chris and Krystal Abate—industry professionals with over 20 years of experience in the food world. The charming boutique cheese shop offers an impressive selection of over 30 international and artisanal cheeses, many of which are rare finds on Long Island. In addition to cheese, the shop is stocked with gourmet pantry staples including jams, spreads, crackers, and mustards, as well as a curated selection of charcuterie. Perfect for entertaining or gifting, they also offer custom cheese platters, grazing tables, and beautifully packaged gift baskets. Cheese lovers can enjoy their full sandwich and grilled cheese menu, featuring over 20 delicious options made fresh to order. To learn more or place an order, call 631-223-0245 or visit littlecheese.shop.

By Rita J. Egan

Thousands felt the holiday joy throughout Stony Brook Village Center on Dec. 8 as the Ward Melville Heritage Organization presented its 45th Annual Holiday Festival.

The free event featured a visit from Santa Claus, who arrived on an antique fire truck, followed by the jolly elf sitting for a few hours listening to children’s gift wishes and taking photos. The Legends & Spies Puppet Procession kicked off at 2:15 p.m., as handlers held puppets of local heroes, such as Culper Spy Ring members Major Benjamin Tallmadge and Caleb Brewster, prominent shipbuilder Jonas Smith and philanthropists Ward and Dorothy Melville. The Ward Melville High School Marching Band led the procession.

The day also included performances from The School of Rock ‘n Roll Choir, the St. James Junior Choir, Roseland Dance Studio and the Celestial Singers Holiday Carolers. WALK 97.5 FM provided music and Steppin’ Out Ponies hosted a petting zoo in the inner courtyard.

The festivities ended with a performance by the Bethel AME Choir and a tree-lighting ceremony on the Village Green.

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) has announced the unveiling of its new exhibit, People, Places, and Programs, which celebrates the rich legacy of the organization and its lasting impact on the community. This engaging exhibit highlights the people, places, and programs that have defined WMHO’s history and continue to shape its future.

Located in the hallway near Premiere Pastry Shop at the Stony Brook Village Center, 117 Main Street, Stony Brook, the free exhibit provides a unique opportunity to learn about the individuals who played pivotal roles in the community, WMHO’s historic properties, and the wide array of educational and cultural programs that WMHO offers.

Featured individuals in the exhibit include The Melville Family, T. Bayles Minuse, Dr. Erwin Ernst, Robert Cushman Murphy, Richard Haviland Smythe, Jonas Smith, William Sidney Mount, Walter Hazlitt, H.V. Kaltenborn, Herodotus “Dr. Dan” Damianos, and Ernie “Santa Claus” Rositzke.

“This exhibit is a reflection of the tremendous contributions made by individuals who helped shape the Ward Melville Heritage Organization and the community we serve,” said Dr. Richard Rugen, Chairman of the WMHO Board. “We are proud to honor their legacy and invite future generations to connect with our shared history—because this legacy belongs to the entire community, not just WMHO.”

The People, Places, and Programs exhibit will evolve over time, with plans to periodically update the featured community members and introduce an audio experience, offering deeper insights into the lives and legacies of those who have had a lasting impact on the organization and the community. 

To learn more about the Ward Melville Heritage Organization and its ongoing programs, visit 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.

Time to vote! Above are just a few of the 43 unique and creative scarecrows of all shapes, sizes and characters that line the walkways througout the Stony Brook Village Center for the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 34th Annual Scarecrow Competition. 

You have until Friday, October 25 to vote for your favorite in three categories: Professional, Adults/Family, and Children. Winning scarecrows will win cash prizes based on the number of votes they receive from the public. Ballots can be found in all the shops and restaurants. Once completed, ballots can be returned to any shop to be counted in for voting. Winners will be announced at the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 34th Annual Halloween Festival on Oct. 31.

This year’s event is generously sponsored by Suffolk Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy, Green Towers Group, Apple Bank, Dr. Rocco Morelli, and Dr. Robert Quilty.

 For more information, call 631-751-2244.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) invites the community to participate in its exciting “Fall for All” fundraising events this October, set against the backdrop of the historic Thompson House (c. 1709) and Brewster House (c. 1665) in Setauket. The unique tours will allow guests to explore these century-old treasures, while raising vital funds to support the Stony Brook Grist Mill (c. 1751) following the severe flooding on August 19.

Tours of the Thompson House, 91 North Country Road, Setauket will be held on Monday, Oct. 14  (Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day) at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. Guests will delve into the life of patriot, farmer, and doctor Samuel Thompson and discover the rich history of those who lived and worked in the Thompson House. A special exhibit, “Pharmacy through Time,” created by the WMHO Youth Corps, will showcase the evolution of medicinal remedies.

Tours of the Brewster House, 25 Brewster Lane, Setauket will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. Step back in time at the historic tavern and inn, where guests will engage with historic characters in an immersive, family-friendly experience. Enjoy colonial crafts, activities, and entertaining skits, alongside guided tours by knowledgeable docents.

Tickets to each tour are $12 adults, $5 children or purchase a Bundle Ticket (both events) at $20 for adults, $10 for children. To register for these events, please call WMHO at 631-751-2244.