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Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD
Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the woman who allegedly stole from a South Setauket store this month.

The woman pictured above allegedly stole health products from Target, located at 255 Pond Path Road on March 11, at approximately 4:50 p.m. She fled in an older model Toyota Corolla 4-door sedan. The vehicle had several stickers on the rear of the vehicle.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Three Village Central School District Athletic Director Kevin Finnerty, left, and Legislator Steven Englebright, right, with the Ward Melville High School Cheerleading Team. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office
Legislator Steven Englebright (center) with Three Village Central School District Athletic Director Kevin Finnerty, left, Head Coach John Diel, second from left, members of the Ward Melville High School girls soccer team and Assistant Coach Louise Williams. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office
Three Village Central School District Athletic Director Kevin Finnerty with the Ward Melville High School Cheerleading Team. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office
Three Village Central School District Athletic Director Kevin Finnerty, Head Coach John Diel and Assistant Coach Louise Williams with members of the Ward Melville High School girls soccer team. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) honored two Ward Melville High School teams at the Legislature’s General Meeting on March 4.

On hand to receive proclamations from Englebright were the high school’s cheerleading and girls soccer team members. Both teams were recognized for their wins at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) championship games in November.

Cheerleading

The cheerleading team, coached by Head Coach Georgia Curtis and Assistant Coach Maggie Hurley, emerged as the 2024 Class A state Game Day Champions at a competition held at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy on November 10. The team earned the state title with a 90.6. In March 2024, they also were the state champions after winning the Competitive Class A title.

“To the Ward Melville cheerleaders thank you for cheering on the Ward Melville Patriots football and basketball teams and for providing moral support to your fellow athletes,” Englebright said. “Most important of all, congratulations to all of you on your hard work and athletic accomplishments that make your school district and our county and community proud of each and every one of you.”

A few days after their trip to the County Legislature, the team traveled to the state championship in Binghamton, where they walked away the Competitive Class A champions once again.

Girls soccer

The Ward Melville Patriots Girl’s Soccer Team won the 2024 state Class AAA final, 1-0, at SUNY Cortland on November 17. The win was their third consecutive victory at the state championships.

In addition to winning the three state finals in a row, the team – led by Captains Maddie Costello, Breena Harrigan, and Sarah Jablonsky and coached by Head Coach John Diehl and Assistant Coach Louise Williams – hasn’t lost a game in three seasons. They completed the 2024 season, 20-0-1. According to Newsday records, the Patriots’ 63 games without a loss is a Long Island girls soccer record.

“The skillful seniors on this team will have wonderful memories of being part of a stellar team and leave a legacy that, I am confident, their younger counterparts will take good care of in upcoming seasons,” Englebright said.

 

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Photo courtesy of NYS Assemblywoman Kassay's office
Photo courtesy of NYS Assemblywoman Kassay's office
Photo courtesy of NYS Assemblywoman Kassay's office
Photo courtesy of NYS Assemblywoman Kassay's office

On February 28, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed A3923 into law, marking a legislative milestone for Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, as this is her first sponsored bill to be officially enacted. This law reflects the needs and duties of local governments across New York State, ensuring transparent governance while providing flexibility for smaller municipalities, according to a press release.

What A3923 Does:

A3923 amends the 2024 legislation A2852A, which required all local governments to establish and maintain official .gov websites to enhance public access to government officials and information. While still promoting consistency and transparency, the new law adjusts the requirement to accommodate the unique needs of smaller municipalities by:

  • Exempting municipalities with fewer than 1,500 residents from the .gov website requirement, allowing them to comply with transparency rules to the extent practicable. This includes Assembly District 4’s Villages of Belle Terre, Old Field, and Poquott.

  • Providing alternative compliance options for municipalities with more than 1,500 residents, allowing them to meet the website requirement by hosting their information under an overlapping municipality’s official .gov domain.

  • Clarifying website content requirements for municipalities with more than 1,500 residents that maintain .gov websites, ensuring that these .gov municipal websites include the essential information that municipalities are already required to provide to residents, such as:

    • Hours of operation and contact details

    • Names of elected officials

    • Public notices, including election dates, public hearings, and board meetings

    • Agendas and meeting minutes as required by the Open Meetings Law

    • Local codes, laws, and resolutions

    • Fiscal transparency reports, including annual budgets, independent audits, and financial plans

  • Extending the deadline for compliance from 180 days to one year.

“This legislation takes into account the needs of smaller local governments, while providing greater government transparency and cybersecurity across New York State. It ensures that while transparency remains a cornerstone of good governance, smaller municipalities have the necessary flexibility to comply with the state regulation passed last year,” said Assemblywoman Kassay.

“With the prevalence of online scams, I am always looking for ways to increase cyber security. Only governmental entities can create a .gov website, so residents can more confidently navigate and interact with government websites, where they might be providing sensitive information,” she said.

“By ensuring that local governments have flexible options for securely sharing important public information rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we are empowering municipalities to serve their residents in the way that suits their needs and abilities,” she added.

Assemblywoman Kassay’s office was advised that the Village of Port Jefferson is currently in process of migrating from a .com to a .gov website. The discussion about this migration began during Kassay’s tenure serving as a Port Jefferson Village Trustee.

“As Assemblywoman Kassay’s first bill to be signed into law, A3923 represents an important step forward in her legislative efforts to represent the needs of local governments, support fair and balanced policies, and uphold the values of transparency and security for our residents,” read the release.

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Photo from SCPD
Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Police on March 16 impounded a vehicle in Shirley that was wanted for unlawful fleeing from a car meet that occurred on March 15 in Hauppauge.

Members of the Street Takeover Task Force attempted to pull over a 2015 BMW M3 as it fled from the car meet in a reckless manner at approximately 9 p.m. The driver of the BMW turned off the vehicle’s lights and accelerated through multiple traffic signals while evading police.

An officer from the Task Force located the vehicle travelling northbound on William Floyd Parkway in Shirley and successfully pulled it over on March 16 at 11:15 p.m.

The driver, Clyde Jean Baptiste, 23, of Mastic Beach was issued multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law citations and the vehicle was impounded as evidence of Unlawful Fleeing from the previous night’s incident.

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Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournament held at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, on March 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District
Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournamentheld at Smithtown High School East and in honor of former student, Valerie Kratochvil, onMarch 5. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District

The Smithtown Central School District community came together on March 5 to honor the memory of beloved student, Valerie Kratochvil, who passed away in 2024.

Students and faculty faced off in a “Volley For Val” volleyball tournament at Smithtown High School East, featuring former field hockey and track teammates of Valerie, as well as athletes from Smithtown High School West. 

Valerie was involved in field hockey, track, the club Athletes Helping Athletes and was an All-County musician.  

The Smithtown High School East Chamber Choir started the event with a beautiful rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” East student Maggie Worontzoff addressed those in attendance. “Let’s play today with the same passion and spirit that Valerie had, and let’s carry her spirit with us always,” she said.

A raffle was held with all proceeds benefitting the Kratochvil family.

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'Reflection; by Myungia Anna Koh
'Flight Lesson' by Ross Barbera
'The Day' by Adam Smith
'Isles of Mist by Christopher Hanson
'House of Sand' by Howard Pohl
'Rejuvenation' by Marianne Andresen Main
'Dark Night' by Matthew Mantle
'Blue Bird' by Nicholas Valentino
'Belmont Lake State Park' by Robert Benson

It’s time to honor the best of the best. The Smithtown Township Arts Council will present its annual Winners Showcase Fine Art Exhibition at the Mills Pond Gallery in St. James from March 15 to April 11.

The exhibit features over 60 works of art from nine prize-winning artists from past juried exhibitions in various forms of medium including acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, pencil, Silver Gelatin film photography, carved plaster and mixed media. Featured artists include Christopher Hanson, Matthew Manthe, Howard Pohl, Adam D. Smith, Myungja Anna Koh, Robert Berson, Nicholas Valentino, Ross Barbera and Marianne Andresen-Magin.

Christopher Hanson (Rocky Point) specializes in figurative and narrative pieces which range in many different styles and subject matters using Oil and Graphite. Also proficient in digital media, Chris explores many facets of Fantasy, Science fiction, and Horror in his professional illustrations.

Matthew Manthe (Miller Place) has been sketching since childhood, always with a pencil and paper in hand. “I have spent hundreds of hours filling my walls with artwork.”  He exhibits in galleries across the Northeast.  “I have a passion for filling every inch of the page with detail, a practice that has fueled my art for years.”

Howard Pohl (Lindenhurst)  Howard built his first darkroom in which to develop black-and-white film in 1985. Despite the popularity of today’s Digital photography, Howard still finds the traditional method of analog photography to be motivating and continues the process to this day. He is passionate about capturing the blacks, whites, and shades of gray that make up the monochromatic palette which allow him to stay true to the negative image.

Adam D. Smith (Selden) Growing up on family boats on the waters of Long Island,  Adam has always been inspired by the beautiful coastline and the magic of  water. “I relish the challenge of translating our environment onto canvas. Whether a coastal scene, a nautical-inspired work, or simply a water portrait, I love finding the right colors to invoke a response.”

Myungja Anna Koh (Stony Brook) Anna bases her paintings on inspiration within her mind, specifically to capture and improvise the unique energy of objects. She wants to leave traces of paint on paper or canvas by using momentary, impromptu energy. She works in acrylics, watercolors, and digital art. Also a children’s book author, Anna immerses herself in storytelling in her art and her writing.

Robert Berson (Northport) has lived on Long Island all his life except for a 2-year stint in the army. As a physician for some 40 years, he did not always have the time to take lessons in drawing or painting but periodically would be drawn back to art and try to squeeze it into his days. Now retired  10 years, Robert has become more serious about his pastel art.

Nicholas Valentino (N. Babylon) “Attending Parsons School of Design gave me the skills and confidence to pursue my creativity.” Nick brings a unique and personal perspective to his art. Working with mixed media and “throw-away” items, Nick’s passion is creating a new spin on automotive parts “giving them new life and purpose through my art.”

Ross Barbera (Ronkonkoma) is inspired by the interplay and rich diversity of textural surfaces, form and color in landscape environments. Many of his works explore the visual interaction that occurs between streams, ponds and bodies of water with their surrounding landscape environments.   Ross taught at St. John’s University,  Department of  Art and Design, where he served as  chair  for three years.

Marianne Andresen-Magin (Huntington) has always loved to draw and paint. She specializes in illustration art and loves to  feature animals in her artwork. Working  in many mediums including ink, marker, watercolor, and colored pencils the beauty of nature and animals inspire her. Marianne is also an award-winning children’s book author.

The Mills Pond Gallery is located at 660 Route 25A in St. James. Regular gallery hours are Wednesdays to Fridays from 10 am. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission to the gallery is always free. All parking in rear lot: GPS parking address 176 Mills Pond Rd., St. James, NY 11780.

For information or directions visit millspondgallery.org or call 631-862-6575.

 

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Ash and Ember
Ember
Ash
Ember
Ash

MEET ASH AND EMBER!

This week’s featured shelter pets are Ash and Ember, a stunning brother-sister duo up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Both estimated to be approximately seven years old. Ash (male) and Ember (female) both boast beautiful brown tabby coats with adorably unique flecks of white patching. They found their way to the shelter after years of living in a home crowded with many other cats. Nothing would make these inseparable siblings happier than to bring warmth and sparkle to one lucky family’s heart and home.

Ash and Ember’s sweet and loving nature shines through to everyone lucky enough to meet them! While they may be a little shy at first, a gentle touch and a little patience are all it takes to earn their trust—and once you do, you’ll have two lifelong cuddle buddies. Not only are they absolutely stunning, but they’re also incredibly sweet, playful, and full of charm. Get ready for double the purrs, lap naps, and snuggles with this adorable duo! These two will keep you entertained for hours with their playful antics, filling your home with laughter, love, and endless joy. Ash and Ember are guaranteed to brighten your world!

Ash and Ember would thrive in most homes, including a family with other cats, older children and possibly dogs. They are a brother and sister who have never been separated and would do best if adopted together.

If you are interested in meeting Ash and Ember, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with them in the shelter’s Meet and Greet room.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

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Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
Suffolk County Police Officers from the 6th and 7th Precincts joined about 100 local kids for an afternoon of bowling at Coram Country Lanes. Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers

About 100 Suffolk County kids spent an afternoon bowling with officers from the Suffolk County Police Department’s 6th and 7th Precincts at Coram Country Lanes in Coram. The second annual event, entitled “Bowling with a Cop,” was free for the kids and took place on Saturday, March 8.

Hosted by the 6th and 7th precincts, the event was sponsored by the 7th Precinct Community Unity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing joy and connection to children and families in need. “Bowling with a Cop” is designed to give kids the opportunity to have fun while getting to know their local police officers in a casual setting.

“We are trying to build relationships between the police department and the children who grow up around us,” said Officer Stacie Pollio, a School Resource Officer with the 7th Precinct who founded the 7th Precinct Community Unity with three other police officers. “We raise money and then put 100% of the funds back into the community to pay for events like Bowling with a Cop, charter boat fishing trips, pumpkin picking, and others, which are all free for children and their families.”

During Bowling with a Cop, several officers, including Pollio, went around from lane to lane to spend time with the kids. In addition to two games of bowling, the kids were treated to pizza and soft drinks.

“We were thrilled to once again work with the men and women in blue on this wonderful community event,” said Joe LaSpina, Vice President of Maple Family Lanes, which owns Coram Country Lanes. “Bowling is a fun activity that brings people of many different ages and backgrounds together, and we enjoyed seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids and officers as they bonded over bowling and pizza.”

 

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Alyssa Lorefice banks two for the Bulls. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West senior Kate Braun drives the lane. Photo by Bill Landon
Loose ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West’s Catherine Piccininni shoots. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West senior Kate Braun nails a three-pointer for the Bulls. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West’s Catherine Piccininni sets the play for the Bulls. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West senior Rosa Pistone passes to an open shooter. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West’s Bella Marciano shoots for the Bulls. Photo by Bill Landon
Kate Braun scores for Smithtown West. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West’s Catherine Piccininni lays up for the Bulls. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West’s Ashley Mennella banks two for the Bulls. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

Having managed a come from behind win in the Suffolk County semi-final round against Centereach the previous week, the Bulls needed that same magic for the Class AA final when they faced the Hurricanes of Westhampton at Farmingdale State College on March 9. There would be no magic as the Bulls stayed within striking distance, but a dominant Westhampton defense kept Smithtown West at bay for the 54-40 victory.

Two juniors topped the scoring chart for the Bulls with Alyssa Lorefice notching 11 points and Catherine Piccininni added 10.

Seniors Kate Braun and Rosa Pistone concluded their varsity careers netting 9 points and 2 points respectively. 

The Bulls finished their 24-2025 campaign with an impressive 17-3 record and with it a league IV championship.

— Photos by Bill Landon     

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Meet your Suffolk Class A champions. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai point guard Mia Betancourt banks two for the Mustangs. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior Sophia Caruso looks for an open shooter. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai point guard Mia Betancourt scores for the Mustangs. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior Sophia Caruso banks two for the Mustangs. Photo by Bill Landon
The Stable. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior forward Kyla Orlando banks two for the Mustangs. Photo by Bill Landon
Victory is near. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior Sophia Caruso lays up for the Mustangs. Photo by Bill Landon
The Stable. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai sophomore Alexa Cergol drives the lane for the Mustangs. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai point guard Mia Betancourt goes to the rim for the Mustangs. Photo by Bill Landon
Mt. Sinai senior Sophia Caruso shoots for the Mustangs. Photo by Bill Landon
The Stable. Photo by Bill Landon
Victory is near. Photo by Bill Landon
Victory is near. Photo by Bill Landon
Victory. Photo by Bill Landon
Victory. Photo by Bill Landon
Victory. Photo by Bill Landon
Meet your Suffolk Class A champions. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

Mount Sinai, the No . 2 seed, earned a bye in their Suffolk County playoff run picking off Kings Park on March 3, to advance to the county final on March 9 where they squared off against Islip, the No. 4 seed, and would trail the Buccaneers the entire way until the 3-minute mark of the fourth quarter.

Deadlocked at 37-37 with 3:52 left in regulation, it was the Mustang defense that answered the call, holding Islip to just 5 points in the final 8 minutes of play, allowing the Mustangs slowly slip away to capture the Class A title 47-40, at Farmingdale State College.

Mount Sinai’s Mia Betancourt, a junior, led the way for the Mustangs with 10 field goals and 6 free throws for a team high 26 points. Senior forward Kyla Orlando finished with 8 points and Alex Cergol, the sophomore, netted 6.

The win lifts the Mustangs to the Long Island Championship round where they will face Wantagh the No. 2 seed (22-2) on March 15 again at Farmingdale State College. Game time is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://gofan.co/app/school/NYSPHSAAXI.

— Photos by Bill Landon

 

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