The Wolverines mug for the camera after a goal in a 2-1 victory over visiting Northport Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Northport senior forward Tim Birchwell traps the ball in a home game against Northport Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Northport senior Tage Oster heads the ball into the net to trail Newfield by 1. Photo by Bill Landon
Northport senior Tage Oster with a centering pass against Newfield Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield forward Steven Branco, right, settles the ball in a home game against Northport Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield midfielder Sonny Farrell #10 maintains possession in a home game against Northport Oct. 7. Bill Landon photo
Newfield’s Sonny Farrell #10 is congratulated by a teammate after scoring the opening goal at home against Northport Oct. 7. Bill Landon photo
Newfield midfielder Sonny Farrell #10 scores in a home game against Northport Oct. 7. Bill Landon photo
Northport senior forward Peter DeTolla with a take away against Newfield Oct. 7. Bill Landon photo
Northport senior forward Peter DeTolla, left, battles Newfield freshman Joe Fuentes Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Northport senior Peter DeTolla, left, battles with Newfield’s Gaven Oliviera in a League III matchup Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Northport senior Peter DeTolla, left, battles with Newfield’s Gaven Oliviera in a League III matchup Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Northport’s Michael Pinzone dribbles the ball in a League III matchup against Newfield Oct. 7. Bill Landon photo
Northport’s Michael Pinzone #9 fights for possession with Newfield’s Joe Fuentes Oct. 7. Bill Landon photo
Co-Captain Lorenzo Selini #3 is congratulated after scoring a goal in a home game against Northport Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Junior forward Kyle Gallagher drives the ball up-field for Northport in a League III matchup Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Freshman forward John Fuentes takes possession against visiting Northport Oct. 7. Bill Landon photo
Tigers celebrate after Oster’s goal in a League III matchup against Newfield Oct. 7. Bill Landon photo
Newfield midfielder Gaven Oliviera heads the ball against Northport in a League III matchup Oct. 7. Bill Landon photo
Northport’s Joseph Kearns makes the save for the Tigers in a League III contest against Newfield Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Northport midfielder Dan Costello settles the ball on the road against Newfield. Bill Landon photo
Chris Vientimilla with the header for Newfield against visiting Northport Oct. 7. Bill Landon photo
Newfield senior defender Chris Vientimilla, right, battles Northort’s Dan Costello in a League III matchup Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Newfield goalie Chris Cusimano clears the ball in a home game against Northport Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Northport midfielder Aidan Sheehan pushes up-field in a League III contest against Newfield Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Northport midfielder Aidan Sheehan pushes up-field in a League III contest against Newfield Oct. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Northport junior midfielder Aidan Sawczyk sends the ball deep on the road against Newfield. Photo by Bill Landon
The Newfield Wolverines, 4-3 in the league, hosted the Northport Tigers, who stand 4-2, Oct. 7.
Both teams looked to move into second place in League III behind Huntington and League III leader Smithtown West.
Sonny Farrell, the junior midfielder, broke the ice for Newfield scoring 21 minutes in when co-captain Lorenzo Selini scored an insurance goal with six minutes left to take it 2-0 into the halftime break.
Northport senior Tage Oster made a game of it heading the ball into the net 10 minutes into the second half but the Wolverines dug and held on for the 2-1 win. Chris Cusimano had four saves in net for Newfield, and Joseph Kearns stopped five for the Tigers.
Northport retakes the field when they host Hills East on Oct. 11, and the Wolverines will try their hand with Hills East on the road Oct. 16. Both games kickoff at 4 p.m.
Michelle LaBozzetta, Eric J. Hughes and Steven Uihlein in a scene from the show in 2019. Photo from Theatre Three
The cast of 'A Spooky Kooky Halloween'
Steven Uihlein and Michelle LaBozzetta in a scene from the show
Stuck together 'like birds of a feather'
Stuck together 'like birds of a feather'
Getting reading for Halloween
Yum ... toast!
The speed spell
The cast of 'A Spooky Kooky Halloween'
By Heidi Sutton
As one of the country’s most beloved holidays draws near, Theatre Three gets into the act with Halloween treats of its own. While the theater thrills and chills on the Mainstage with “Jekyll & Hyde,” its Children’s Theatre offers “A Kooky Spooky Halloween,” the adorable tale of a ghost who is afraid of the dark. Written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Steve McCoy, the musical, which runs through Oct. 26, is the perfect way to kick off the spookiest of seasons.
A friendly ghost named Abner Perkins (played by Steven Uihlein) has just graduated from Haunting High School. With a diploma and a medallion of invisibility in hand, his first assignment is to become the spooksperson for Ma Aberdeen’s Boarding House, famously known the world over for being the most haunted house in Harrison County U.S.A. and for serving the best toast. There are only two rules he has to follow — he can only haunt at night and he can’t lose the medallion or he’ll be seen by the living.
Abner confides to his best friend Lavinda the witch (Michelle LaBozzetta) that he has an uncontrollable fear of the dark and, after a bit of teasing (“That’s like a vampire who’s afraid of necks!”), she gifts him a night-light and promises to assist him with his haunting duties for the first few weeks. When they arrive at the boarding house, they find Ma Aberdeen (Ginger Dalton), the finest toast maker in the land, and her guests in the kitchen stuffing treat bags for Halloween.
We meet Kit Garret (Nicole Bianco) who “just came from a small town to a big city with a suitcase in my hand and hope in my heart” and can’t wait to try Ma Aberdeen’s famous toast. We also meet the Petersons — Paul the periodontist (Andrew Lenahan), his wife Penelope (Krystal Lawless) and their son Pip (Eric J. Hughes) — who have the most curious habit of using words that start with the letter P in every sentence.
When Pip puts on a pumpkin pullover and proceeds to tell pumpkin jokes (see what I did there?), Abner casts a speed spell on the group, making them spin like a top, do jumping jacks and walk like a duck in double time, and then, straight out of a scene from “The Golden Goose,” has them stick to each other “like birds of a feather.”
Just as he is about to undo the spell, fellow graduate and ghost with a grudge Dora Pike (Beth Ladd) shows up and steals Abner’s night-light and medallion of invisibility and hides them in Black Ridge Gulch, the deepest, darkest gorge in the entire world. Now visible, Abner has to convince the boarders, who are still stuck to each other in “an unprecedented predicament,” to help him and Lavinda get his property back. What follows is a hilarious adventure that highlights the power of honesty, determination and friendship.
Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the eight-member adult cast embraces the brilliant script and presents a hauntingly fun afternoon both children and parents will love. Accompanied on piano by Douglas Quattrock with choreography by Nicole Bianco, the song and dance numbers are fun and catchy with special mention to the rap “A Need for Speed” by Abner and Lavinda and the group number, “It’s Ma Who Makes the Toast.” Costumes by Teresa Matteson and Toni St. John are spot on, from the Peterson’s black and orange outfits to the spooky white garbs for the ghosts. And wait until you see the special effects!
Souvenir cat, pumpkin, vampire and ghost dolls will be available for purchase before the show and during intermission for $5. Meet the cast in the lobby for photos on your way out.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will present “A Kooky Spooky Halloween” on Oct. 12, 19 and 26 at 11 a.m. and Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. Running time is 1 hour and 15 minutes with one intermission, and Halloween costumes are encouraged. Children’s theater continues with “Barnaby Saves Christmas,” from Nov. 23 to Dec. 28. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
Hundreds came out for the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village Oct. 6. Photos by Greg Catalano
On Oct. 6, hundreds attended the 26th annual Walk for Beauty in Stony Brook village. Each year The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts the event that raises money for a targeted research fund at Stony Brook Medicine for breast cancer research and The WMHO Unique Boutique for wigs.
The 10K Hercules on the Harbor run complemented the 4K/6K walk where participants make their way through scenic Stony Brook.
After the walk and run, a pet costume contest was held, attendees had the chance to win raffles, musicians were on hand to entertain and HeartBeet Farms and the Stony Brook Cancer Mobile Mammography van was on-site.
Maya India of Florie's Finales with shoppers Betsy, age 3 and Ruby, age 6 of Port Jefferson
A sampling from Florie's Finales
Sun Park of Forward Roots
Karyn Villante of Made Here New York
A guest and Karyn Villante hold up a new flag patterned blanket from Made Here New York
Amy Leonard of AnTiAmy's Gifts
Laurel Bickford of Laurel's Butter
Donna Irvine of Jewelry Junkie
Lisa Lowe of Vines & Branches
Holly Hunt, Nicki Gohorel and Mayra Robayo
Mayra Robayo of Precise Gluten Free Foods
A shopper with Holly Hunt of Holly Hunt Photography
Middle Country Public Library in Centereach hosted the 19th annual Women’s EXPO on Oct. 3. Thousands came out to kick off their holiday shopping at the one-day event presented by the Middle Country Library Foundation and the library’s Miller Business Center.
More than 80 women entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to introduce their products, which included jewelry, children’s books, soaps, candles, chocolate, fall crafts, clothing and much more. Fifth Season restaurant offered lunch in the EXPO Café.
This year’s lead sponsor was Bank of America. The event was also sponsored by Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP of Ronkonkoma; People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union; BankUnited; TD Bank; Jefferson’s Ferry; and the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce. Vendors interested in participating in next year’s event are encouraged to visit www.womensExpoli.org. See more photos of the event at www.tbrnewsmedia.com.
Scenes from the Maasai tribe presentation at the Port Jefferson Village Center Oct. 6. Photos by David Luces
Scenes from the Maasai tribe presentation at the Port Jefferson Village Center Oct. 6. Photos by David Luces
Scenes from the Maasai tribe presentation at the Port Jefferson Village Center Oct. 6. Photos by David Luces
Scenes from the Maasai tribe presentation at the Port Jefferson Village Center Oct. 6. Photos by David Luces
Scenes from the Maasai tribe presentation at the Port Jefferson Village Center Oct. 6. Photos by David Luces
Scenes from the Maasai tribe presentation at the Port Jefferson Village Center Oct. 6. Photos by David Luces
Scenes from the Maasai tribe presentation at the Port Jefferson Village Center Oct. 6. Photos by David Luces
Chief Joseph Ole Tipanko and members of the Kenyan Maasai tribe returned to their “home away from home” Oct. 6 when they led educational presentations to a room full of local residents at the Port Jefferson Village Center.
Patrons learned about the history, customs and lifestyle of the tribe who reside in Kenya and Tanzania.
“They are the oldest indengious African tribe still functioning in Africa today, much in the way they did from the beginning of time,” said Virginia Armstrong, a local resident who partners with the Maasai Good Salvage Outreach Organization.
The presentation was organized by Armstrong, a former Mount Sinai educator, and the Maasai Good Salvage Outreach Organization, which builds schools for needy and vulnerable children.
Over the years, Armstrong and the organization have raised donations to help the Maasai communities. In July 2018, the educator and the Mount Sinai School District helped shipped 140 small laptop computers to children in both Sri Lanka and to the Maasai tribe. In 2015, they donated clothing and sneakers as part of an Athletes Helping Athletes clothing drive. They also helped build a school for the villages wired with electricity.
Chief Joseph spoke about life in his tribe.
“The Maasai are tranquil, nomadic and an indigenous group of people,” he said. “We have still kept of our lifestyle and traditions despite many changes that are happening in the communities.”
Joseph said since he has become the chief of the tribe, he has worked to move away from old customs of arranged and early child marriages and female genital cutting. With help from the outreach organization and others they have been able to give young girls an alternative by providing them with an education.
“We have been campaigning in our villages to end [the practices],” he said.
Last year, 11 at-risk girls graduated from the tribe’s local high school. Some have qualified to go to university, while others will join technical colleges. Currently, 12 girls are being supported in high school and eight are being sponsored in elementary school. Hot lunches, school uniforms and books are also provided for 28 preschool kids.
Other highlights of the presentations were Chief Joseph and John Kilenyi Ole Parsitau performing native songs and dances. The duo also let three attendees try on traditional Maasai robes.
Margot Garant, Port Jeff mayor, presented Chief Joseph and members of the Maasai with official village pins.
Chief and I met six or seven years ago when he came to the village and it was love at first site,” she said. “We adopted the Maasai tribe as our sister village and we are committed to finishing the girls dormitory and a pump for your well.”
On hand, the tribe had articles of jewelry, crafts and clothing for attendees to buy. All funds collected will go toward the children’s education and water projects in the villages. Patrons were encouraged to sponsor a Maasai child’s education.
To find out more about the Maasai tribe, visit www.magsaoutreach.org. To find out more about the tribe’s ties to Suffolk County or to donate, visit www.leavingfootprints.org.
Ward Melville junior Tommy Dellaporta splits the uprights for the point after against Longwood Oct. 4. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville wide receiver Steven Germain grids out extra yardage in the Lion's secondary in a Div. I road game against Longwood Oct. 4. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville junior Trevor Dunn, 4, finds an opening behind the blocking of Michael Fiore in a Div. I road game against Longwood Oct. 4. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior runningback Michael Fiore drags some Longwood defenders as he grinds out extra yardage against Longwood Oct. 4. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior runningback Michael Fiore plows his way up the middle in a Div. I road game against Longwood Oct. 4. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior runningback Michael Fiore finds an opening against Longwood Oct. 4. Photo by Bill Landon
Michael Fiore powers his way down the right sideline carrying a Longwood defender in a Div. I road game against Longwood Oct. 4. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville junior Jesse Behar hands off to senior runningback Michael Fiore in week 4 against Longwood. Photo by Bill Landon
Quarterback Jesse Behar scrambles out of the pocket for the Patriots in a Div. I road game against Longwood Oct. 4. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville junior Jesse Behar throws over the middle in week 4 against Longwood. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville quarterback Jesse Behar looks for an open receiver downfield in a Div. I road game against Longwood Oct. 4. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville quarterback Jesse Behar fakes a handoff in a Div. I road game against Longwood Oct. 4. Photo by Bill Landon
Trailing by one score to open the second half Ward Melville retied the game at 21-21 in a Division I matchup on the road against Longwood, but the Lions scored late in the fourth quarter to retake the lead, 27-21, to hold on for the win Oct. 4.
It was all Michael Fiore for the Patriots where the senior running back accounted for all three of the Patriot touchdowns grinding out 182 rushing yards on 35 carries.
The loss drops Ward Melville to 2-2 at the midway point of the season. The Patriots retake the field Oct. 11 when they take on Riverhead at home. Game time is 6:30 p.m.
Children wait to get their faces painted. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A family enjoys the fall festival and some corn. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Attendees had the chance to learn line dancing. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Children play with crafts at the Middle Country Public Library booth. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Vendors were on hand with fall decor and treats. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Among the attendees were Brookhaven Town Councilman Kevin LaValle (R-Selden) and Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma). Photo from Kevin LaValles office
The slight chill in the air Oct. 5 created the perfect feel for Bethel Hobbs Community Farm’s annual fall festival.
Hundreds joined the fun at the farm where there were bounce houses, pumpkins, music, tractor rides, face painting, vendors and more.
Country Line Dancing featuring Skip from Country Rhythms Long Island was on hand to provide line dancing lessons throughout the day.
Actors Brent Morden and Melanie Acampora portraying Miles the miller and Katie
Actors Brent Morden and Melanie Acampora portraying Miles the miller and Katie
Sarah Golden as Rebecca Mills Brewster;
Sarah Golden as Rebecca Mills Brewster;
Cassandra St. George portraying Phoebe Satterly Thompson
Cassandra St. George portraying Phoebe Satterly Thompson
Cassandra St. George portraying Phoebe Satterly Thompson
Gabrielle Lindau with photos taken in the Mount House
Amelia Huckel-Bauer portraying Ruth Mills Hawkins
Amelia Huckel-Bauer portraying Ruth Mills Hawkins
By Beverly C. Tyler
Many Long Islanders had the opportunity this past Saturday, on a beautiful fall day, to enjoy the stories of four Revolutionary War era women set in four historic buildings in Stony Brook and Setauket that are owned by the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. Titled Courageous Women of the Revolutionary War, the theatrical event presented a charming glimpse into the lives of these women portrayed by costumed professional actors.
Those who attended one of the three scheduled two-hour tours met at the WMHO Educational & Cultural Center in Stony Brook, received a bag containing program and historical details, WHMO materials and a snack and were directed to board one of four trolleys.
Assigned Bus A for the 11 a.m. tour we were greeted by Nancy Dorney, an active member of the Daughter of the American Revolution who explained the program and answered questions. At each stop we were greeted by another guide who ushered us into the historic building.
Our first stop was the circa 1725 Hawkins-Mount house in Stony Brook. We sat in the parlor and were soon greeted by Ruth Mills Hawkins who told us how difficult it was to raise her children, assist her husband Jonas in running the general store from their home, help cover his activities as a spy for the Culper Spy Ring, and do all of this with British forces in control of Long Island, watching their every move.
Outside the Hawkins-Mount house, WHMO’s Gabrielle Lindau showed tourgoers photos of the paint samples tried out on the walls of the upstairs room where William Sidney Mount worked on many of his paintings.
Next was the circa 1665 Joseph Brewster house where we met his wife Rebecca Mills Brewster, a fiery Irish lass who helped her husband run their tavern and inn while being reviled and insulted by British authorities.
In the circa 1709 Thompson House, we met Phebe Satterly Thompson, wife of Dr. Samuel Thompson, who was quite ill and described her symptoms, her husband’s work as a doctor and how she was dealing with her disease at a time when many of her neighbors were also infected.
Our last stop was the circa 1751 Stony Brook Grist Mill where we enjoyed the byplay between Miles the miller and Katie, an indentured servant from Cork, Ireland, who was living rough after the home she lived in was taken over by British troops. Everyone on our trolley thoroughly enjoyed the pleasant, instructive and well-organized tour, and the weather was delightful.
Christmas came early for many little girls and boys as two members of the Radio City Rockettes, Mindy Moeller (left) and Taylor Shimko, stopped by the Smithtown Library’s Main Branch on Sept. 25 to meet their fans and take part in a kids craft program.
Each child took an instant photo with the Rockettes that was placed in a keepsake snow globe. The globe was then decorated with stickers.
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim presented the two dancers with a proclamation thanking them for their time and “the joyful memories made today with the children and families of Smithtown.”
The day was especially meaningful for the supervisor’s 6-year-old granddaughter Danica (in the pink ballet outfit) who loves to watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular show and aspires to become a Rockette when she grows up.
Protesters of all ages came to Hauppauge to speak out against climate change inaction. Photo by David Luces
Kallen Fenster, 13, speaks about the impact of climate change. Photo by David Luces
Protesters of all ages came to Hauppauge to speak out against climate change inaction. Photo by David Luces
Protesters of all ages came to Hauppauge to speak out against climate change inaction. Photo by David Luces
Protesters of all ages came to Hauppauge to speak out against climate change inaction. Photo by David Luces
Protesters of all ages came to Hauppauge to speak out against climate change inaction. Photo by David Luces
Protesters of all ages came to Hauppauge to speak out against climate change inaction. Photo by David Luces
Protesters of all ages came to Hauppauge to speak out against climate change inaction. Photo by David Luces
Kallen Fenster, 13, speaks about the impact of climate change. Photo by David Luces
Protesters of all ages came to Hauppauge to speak out against climate change inaction. Photo by David Luces
Protesters of all ages came to Hauppauge to speak out against climate change inaction. Photo by David Luces
“Climate change is not a lie, please don’t let our planet die,” a crowd of more than 50 people yelled in unison in front of Suffolk County’s H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge Sept. 27. Students, community groups, environmental activists and elected officials gathered to call for immediate action by governments and corporations on the current climate emergency.
Kallen Fenster, 13, speaks about the impact of climate change. Photo by David Luces
The protest came on the last day of the Global Climate Strike, spearheaded by 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg, who joined some 250,000 protesters in Manhattan Sept. 20.
Kallen Fenster, a 13-year-old middle school student and founder of the youth organization Leadership for Environmental and Animal Protection, spoke on the effects climate change could have on future generations.
“Myself and the others here are like millions around the world that we represent today that are worried for their lives and yours,” he said. “Entire species are dying, our oceans are filthy with plastic waste, our beaches are unsafe to swim in, the air is polluted. What hope is there for my future children, or even worse, theirs?”
The middle schooler called on lawmakers to put more of an emphasis on climate change policy.
“Tonight, we the youth demand that local, state and federal lawmakers put climate policy first,” Fenster said. “We ask every adult to be a climate action hero and advance policy that will protect communities and its families. It will take all of us, it will take work and it will take sacrifices, but we have no choice, we have no ‘planet B.’”
Other youth activists who spoke at the protest had similar sentiments.
Gabe Finger, a 7-year-old elementary student, said he wants more people to take this movement seriously.
“I want people to stop seeing climate change as a political belief and look at it as the dire crisis it is,” he said. “More and more people are seeing that global warming is something not to be ignored. This is not just a fight for the environment, but a fight for our lives — do whatever you can to help because hope is not lost yet.”
Camilla Riggs, a student at The Laurel Hill School in East Setauket, mentioned climate change will affect everyone.
“You may not believe in the science but it doesn’t mean you are immune to it or your children’s children. This is not about us anymore, this is about the future of all of us,” she said.
Elected officials called out the current White House administration, which has dialed back on climate change reform.
“This president has engaged in an assault on all previous efforts to control and contain these greenhouse gas emissions, leaving the Paris accord was an embarrassment, said state Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove). “It is hard to imagine an American president would hire the worst polluters to run the agencies that are supposed to protect us.”
Lavine said despite that, the state has started to move in the right direction in curbing greenhouse emissions. He mentioned the state Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, congestion pricing going into effect in New York City and a ban on single-use plastic as key steps forward.
State Sen. Jim Gaughran (D-Northport) said we hopefully haven’t run out of time when it comes to climate change.
“We have to hand [the Earth] over to them responsibly but, to be honest with you, my generation hasn’t been responsible and we have to step up to the plate,” he said.
Elmer Flores, of New York’s 2nd District Democrats, spoke on how climate change is already affecting certain communities.
“Our low-income communities and minority population will disproportionately feel the negative impacts of climate change,” he said. “Research has shown that climate change, if left unaddressed, will worsen or cause unintended health consequences.”
Flores mentioned that when it comes to air quality, Hispanic and Latino residents have an asthma hospitalization rate that’s three times more than their white counterparts.
Cheryl Steinhauer, special events manager of Hauppauge-based Long Island Cares, which helped organize the event with Action Together Long Island, spoke on the importance of calling for change.
“I feel like this is a necessary thing to do. There are a lot of issues at the moment but really this is at the top and most important, at least to me, is taking care of our planet,” she said.