PEACE AND QUIET
This healthy flock of wild turkeys was spotted at a local cemetery this week enjoying solitude among the gravestones. Photo by Heidi Sutton
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Winners of 11th annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book contest honored
On April 7, board members and staff of Emma Clark Library in Setauket, along with the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, local elected officials, and representatives from the Three Village Central School district, honored teens at the 11th annual Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Award.
The Helen Stein Shack Book Contest calls for teens in grades 7 through 12 who live in the Three Village Central School District to create a children’s picture book. Each entry could be the work of a single author/illustrator or a collaborative effort between an author and an illustrator. The contest was divided into two grade categories, grades 7 through 9 and grades 10 through 12, with one First Prize Winner and one Second Prize Winner selected from each group.
Yen Lo, an 8th grader at Murphy Junior High School, won first prize in the Grades 7-9 category for her children’s book “Benny and the Lost Balloon” while Joyce Lee, a 10th grader at Ward Melville High School, won first prize in the Grades 10-12 category for “What’s a Friend?”
Second Prize in the Grades 7–9 category went to Athie Kim, an 8th grader at Murphy Junior High School, for “Dinky” while Elizabeth Wright, a 10th grader at Ward Melville High School, captured second prize for her book, “Kitty and Fish” in the Grades 10-12 category.
Library Director Ted Gutmann, along with the family of the late Helen Stein Shack, presented the winners’ books — bound and added to the Library’s Local Focus Collection — along with $400 checks to first prize winners Yen Lo and Joyce Lee and $100 checks for second prize winners Athie Kim and Elizabeth Wright. “The artwork in all of them and the stories are just great,” he remarked.
Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, and a staff member from Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s office were in attendance to present certificates to the winners. The winners also received certificates from New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich.
The award is named in honor of Helen Stein Shack, whose family approached the Library with the idea of establishing an endowment as a tribute to their mother, a teacher and lover of libraries, especially Emma Clark Library. Their gift covers the cost of the awards and passes along Ms. Shack’s joy of reading and lifelong learning to future generations.
Ed Taylor, Ms. Stein Shack’s son, told the guests that when he reflected on the contest, he thought of what he called the 3 C’s:
The first being creativity, of course. If you go look at the books, the first thing that strikes you is the artistic talent of these kids…they’re also very creative at storytelling. It’s not easy to invent your own story and even more difficult to invent a story and tell it in language of kids that are 10 to 12 years younger than you are…The second “C” is courage. Even though you have all that talent, it’s still not easy to put your stuff out there and have it judged by others…I didn’t have a third “C” so I thought and I thought, and then it hit me – cash!
Mr. Taylor’s gesture to the large checks beside him, which were given out to the winners later in the ceremony, received a chuckle from the audience.
Three Village Central School District Board President Susan Megroz Rosenzweig proudly addressed the winners, “You came up with a wonderful story, you created beautiful art, and then you gave us the gift of joyful reading.”
Library Board President David Douglas, Treasurer Suzanne Shane, Secretary Angeline Yeo-Judex, and Trustee Linda Josephs were also on hand to congratulate the winners. In addition to Susan Megroz Rosenzweig, Superintendent Kevin Scanlon, Assistant Superintendent Brian Biscari, Ward Melville High School Principal John Holownia, Murphy Junior High School Principal Michael Jantzen, Ward Melville High School English Department Chairperson Joanna Cadolino, and Murphy English Teachers Tina Costanza and Deidre Murphy were all in attendance.
Guests enjoyed sweets by The Bite Size Bake Shop, a local Three Village-owned business that has been donating desserts to the ceremony since the contest began.
When Supervisor Dan Panico spoke, he emphasized the importance of libraries and reading and commented, “To think that these books may be read by children themselves or perhaps by parents to their children and may end up being the books that children who go into adolescence and adulthood will remember, to me is something that is remarkable.”
To sum up the value of libraries and seeing our extraordinary youth through this annual contest, Legislator Steve Englebright stated, “You gave us a chance to preview the future.
The Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, located at 120 Main Street in Setauket and on the web at www.emmaclark.org, provides public library service to all residents of the Three Village Central School District.
Local Hands Off! protest in Port Jefferson Station joins global movement
By Sabrina Artusa
Port Jefferson Station was one of over a thousand across the country to participate in a “Hands Off!” demonstration on April 5.
The protest was organized as an objection to the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s involvement in government affairs. Residents stood along the intersection of Route 347 and Route 112 voicing their opposition to the Department of Government Efficiency, the sidelining of climate issues, cuts to veteran affairs, deportations and the increased tariffs.
The North Brookhaven Democratic Club was the main host of this arm of the “Hands Off!” movement.
Dee Hensen, president of the club since its inception 6 years ago, said this protest was the largest one she has ever attended.
“It was really energizing and it gives you a little bit of comfort knowing there are so many people out there with similar concerns,” Hensen said. “It is great to be a part of a big movement.”
The communal passion and dedication exhibited during the protest revitalized Hensen in her mission. “It gives you confidence that you can fight these things and make it better,” she said.
This protest comes after several protests across the Brookhaven, Smithtown and Huntington areas since President Donald Trump (R) took office. In March, there was a protest every weekend. Furthermore, residents have taken to demonstrating outside the offices of their elected officials. Congressman Nick LaLota (R, NY1) has had two protests outside his Hauppauge office, with residents criticizing his lack of town halls and compliance with some federal initiatives.
Michael Vincenti, a Stony Brook resident who attended a “Hands Off!” march in New York City, said, “It was great to be surrounded by like-minded people. I was astounded to see so many people show up in the rain and stop traffic for miles.”
Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve expands wildlife conservation with handcrafted bird and bat houses
Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve in Commack has launched an inspiring new project to support local wildlife and ecosystem health throughout the Town of Smithtown’s parks and beaches.
With a deep commitment to conservation and environmental education, the preserve has introduced 26 handcrafted wooden homes for bluebirds, wrens, bats, and Eastern screech owls, all designed and built by Hoyt Farm Groundskeeper, Kellie Wehrheim.
“Kellie has always had a deep love for birds and wildlife, and her fearless nature when it comes to caring for and protecting them is truly inspiring. From a young age, she’s never hesitated to lend a hand to an animal in need, and today, that same tenacity and work ethic shines through in her work at Hoyt Farm. Her commitment to conservation and stewardship—especially in creating safe habitats for native birds and bats that play a crucial role in our ecosystem—makes me incredibly proud. Smithtown is lucky to have her making such a meaningful impact, and as her dad, I couldn’t be prouder.,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
The initiative aims to provide safe nesting habitats while also encouraging public engagement with nature. The newly constructed homes include six bluebird boxes, six wren boxes, six screech owl boxes, and eight bat houses. These boxes will be installed at optimal locations and heights within Smithtown’s parks and beaches, ensuring they benefit local wildlife populations.
“This project is not only about providing a safe habitat for our native wildlife but also about promoting education and environmental awareness… Each box will be clearly labeled to identify which species it was designed for. We hope this initiative inspires the residents of Smithtown to get outdoors, explore nature, and share in our mission to protect the wildlife that lives among us,” added Hoyt Farm Preserve Manager Jeff Gurmin and Park Interpretive Specialist Sheryl Brook.
The Importance of Supporting Native Wildlife
Providing safe, dedicated spaces for these species has a lasting environmental impact:
- Birdhouses help birds thrive by offering protection and nesting opportunities. In return, birds contribute to weed and insect control, pollination, soil fertilization, seed dispersal, and biodiversity.
- Bat houses provide critical roosting and breeding sites, helping declining bat populations while offering natural mosquito and pest control, reducing the need for pesticides.
- Screech owl boxes provide safe nesting spots for these nocturnal predators, supporting natural rodent and insect control and encouraging local biodiversity.
Beyond their ecological benefits, these bird and bat houses serve as an educational tool—offering a unique opportunity for residents, students, and nature enthusiasts to observe and learn about native wildlife up close.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for these beautifully crafted homes at Smithtown parks and beaches. Whether taking a stroll at Hoyt Farm, Paul T. Given Park, or the Nissequogue River Headwaters, nature lovers will soon spot these new additions, offering shelter to local birds, bats, and owls.
This initiative reflects the Town of Smithtown’s continued dedication to environmental stewardship, ensuring that our wildlife, parks, and natural habitats thrive for generations to come.
Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve is located at 200 New Highway, Commack.
Wanted for alleged South Setauket Petit Larceny
Just released! 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 merchandise from a South Setauket store in February.
The woman pictured allegedly stole merchandise, valued at approximately $380, from Target, located at 265 Pond Path, on February 17 at 7:26 p.m.
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.
Crimes Victims Center launches SAFE Training Program in Ronkonkoma
The Crime Victims Center, CVC, announced the official opening of its Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) and Rape Crisis Response Training Program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their Ronkonkoma training site on April 4. This groundbreaking initiative brings renewed hope and vital essential resources to Suffolk County and the surrounding region, addressing a critical gap in care for sexual assault survivors caused by a lack of trained forensic examiners.
The event was attended and supported by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Deputy County Executive Dr. Sylvia A. Diaz, PhD, LMSW, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, NYS Senators Monica R. Martinez and Dean Murray, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Suffolk County Legislators Jim Mazzarella and Jason A. Richberg, along with representatives from the Suffolk County Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office. Additional support came from federal, state, and county lawmakers with staff in attendance, including US Senator Charles E. Schumer, US Congressman Nick Lalota, NYS Senator Alexis Weik, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, and Suffolk Legislators Sam Gonzalez, Chad Lennon, and Nick Caracappa.
The unveiling of the training site marks a significant step forward in building capacity in Suffolk County and the region. The CVC SAFE Program offers specialized training for medical professionals, ensuring that sexual assault survivors receive timely medical, forensic, and trauma-informed care. The Program is approved by the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN) – an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on accreditation.
The launch of the SAFE Training Program demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the CVC, policymakers, lawmakers, and community stakeholders to advocate for survivors, provide compassionate care, and drive systemic change in responding to sexual violence. The first training starts on April 7, 2025.
For more information about the SAFE Training Program or to join CVC’s mission to support survivors, please contact (631) 689-2672.
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The CVC is a NYS DOH Certified Rape Crisis Program, and NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Domestic Violence Services Provider and SCPD’s Crime Victims Center, providing trauma-informed support and services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and all victims of violent crime.
Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Sadly, 70% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police. Join us in our efforts to raise awareness during SAAM.
Vandermeulen High School performs classic fairy tales with ‘Into the Woods’
Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in the Port Jefferson School District recently presented a production of Into The Woods from March 28 through March 30.
A Stephen Sondheim musical, Into The Woods debuted on Broadway in 1987 and intertwined the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, reimagining them as if they all took place at the same time. Vandermeulen High School presented the show through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
The Port Jefferson production, which was directed by Anthony Butera and narrated by Marlo Pepe, starred Gianna Vivano as Cinderella, Patrick Hutchinson as Jack, Albert Jack Peterson as the Baker, Rose Meliker-Hammock as the Baker’s Wife, Eve Cruz as Little Red Ridinghood, Victoria Snaden as the Witch, and Isabela Thornsen as Rapunzel.
“Into The Woods is a show that I am incredibly proud of, and I know the cast and crew are too,” said Anthony Butera. “It was extremely special to share all of our hard work with the Port Jefferson community.”
For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org and follow its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools.
Wanted for alleged Melville petit larceny
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole liquor from a Melville store in March.
A man allegedly stole a bottle of Don Julio tequila from Barrels & Stills, located at 685 Walt Whitman Road, on March 20 at approximately 7:15 p.m. The subject fled the store in a gray Nissan sedan.
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.
Cold Spring Harbor students take polar plunge for marine rescue fundraiser
By William Stieglitz
Students from the Cold Spring Harbor Central School District plunged into the water at Lloyd Harbor Village Park Beach on March 29 to raise money for the New York Marine Rescue Center. This was the second CSH Polar Plunge to be hosted by the school’s marine biology club, which had been planning the event since September. The group, which has about 50 members and does volunteer beach cleanups, is led by science teacher Erin Oshan.
“We are a coastal town. The kids all live near the water, so they’re familiar with the water and the issues that face our marine life,” said Oshan, who teaches biology, marine biology and physics. She emphasized that habitat loss, pollution and microplastics can cause the biggest problems. “So there’s a bunch of kids that are passionate about trying to fix some of those issues.”
About two dozen students participated, consisting mostly of grades 8-12 as well as some elementary schoolers who came with their parents. It was a $20 donation to plunge, with people also able to donate through the purchase of sweatshirts, cookies and hot chocolate. Students described the water as “freezing,” though thankfully not as cold as it had been last time.
“We had a polar plunge here two years ago. It was in February, though, when there was snow,” said ninth grader Molly Yulico. “This one’s nice because it’s, like, 75 degrees out, so it’s pretty warm in the outside temperature.” Several students, after coming out of the water, decided to go back in.
“It was a great success,” said Cold Spring Harbor Superintendent Joe Monastero, who emphasized his pride in the students. “We get our kids down here to participate in an activity to help support marine life and our local ecosystem, and it really brings us together as a community.”
The NYMRC, which received all profits from the event, had an information table set up to explain the work they do in the rescue and protection of marine animals such as sea turtles, dolphins and whales. “We’re in seal season right now,” said intern Lex Reveal. He explained that seals can get stranded for many reasons, but it mostly results from human interaction and pollution.
“Whenever we see a seal that is in an area that’s not safe for it to be in, so in someone’s backyard, for example, we’ll relocate it. If it’s injured, whether that’s from an entanglement situation or it’s been hit by a boat or it’s just sick for any reason, we will come by. We will take it back to the rescue center. We will go through the whole treatment process and then we will release it back into the water when it is healthy again.”
In terms of preventative measures, Reveal said that the best solution is education. “To get out there, tell people why interaction is bad and hopefully try and prevent it in the future.” He explains that interactions such as trying to feed, talk to or take selfies with the seals can be dangerous, not just for the animals but for humans too, especially with some species like the gray seal weighing around 400 pounds.
Reveal encourages anyone who finds a stranded marine animal not to get near it, and instead call the rescue center’s 24-hour hotline at 631-369-9829.
Suffolk County’s Vietnam veterans honored on 50th anniversary of the end of war
By Caroline O’Callaghan
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) and other Suffolk County representatives spoke on the lawn in front of the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on March 29 to a crowd of around 400 people to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Most in attendance were some of Suffolk’s estimated 21,000 Vietnam War veterans – the largest gathering of Vietnam veterans in Suffolk’s history. The event hosted veterans and their families to food vendors and live performers.
There’s a temporary museum that’s open to the public until April 4 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War ending. The exhibition houses preserved relics such as vehicles. “We are here on this beautiful day to say, ‘Welcome home,’” Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY1) began the commemoration.
LaLota was flanked by members of VFW Post 6249 (Rocky Point) who contributed to the “colors ceremony” of the event, in which military members raise and lower the national flag as a display of patriotism before the start of a ceremony.
On March 29, 1973 the U.S. military assistance command over Vietnam was officially disestablished. In 2012, former President Barack Obama (D) proclaimed the date as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Five years later, President Donald Trump (R) declared the holiday as a date of annual observance.
Many veterans felt a sense of gratitude for the gathering, not only because of the unprecedented warm weather. “Out of respect for all veterans, I’m thankful that we live in country that honors veterans,” said Jack Gozdziewski, proudly sporting a smile and his army-green cap.
Romaine hosted the gathering to offer the veterans “a little bit of closure” on behalf of Suffolk County and the country. Romaine continued, “It [the Vietnam War] was probably one of the most memorable events of their [the veterans] lives…”
For many of the veterans, the gathering was well overdue. Upon initially returning home from the war, many veterans were not acknowledged for their bravery in combat due to the geopolitical climate that had perpetuated a harsh rhetoric toward the U.S. troops. Kevin Cleary, a marine who served from 1967-1968, experienced backlash at his college for being a veteran. Cleary recalled there being “real enmity for veterans” at universities in the post-Vietnam era. “We [veterans] got blamed for starting the war,” said Cleary.
“They never felt like they were welcomed when they arrived home from the war, and this ceremony is to reinforce that. To thank them for their service, and welcome them home once again,” said Romaine.
There were those in attendance who were vocal about feelings of being forgotten. John Weldon Sr., a Purple Heart awarded combat veteran, verified that the gathering was long-delayed. “It’s about time they [U.S. government officials] did something for us. It took them 50 years.” said Weldon Sr.
Commitments to the veterans were made by the representatives who spoke at the ceremony. Representatives didn’t neglect to acknowledge the 1,576 U.S. Vietnam veterans who remain Missing In Action (MIA) to this day. They promised to uphold their legacy. This was after a prevalent statement made by Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), who promised to oversee hat “all veterans that served in combat will be welcomed home correctly” from now on in Suffolk County.
Those who gathered this past Saturday spoke of a unified front in spite of facing postwar adversity for decades. Veterans emphasized the importance of comradery and representation. Ed German is a radio personality, author and former U.S. marine who served in the war from 1967-1970. German explains, “it’s just good to be around a bunch of guys who all have one thing in common and it’s that we served in Vietnam.”
“Every chance I get to put on the ‘full-metal jacket’ –that’s what I call my uniform since it has all my medals on it – I do it because I’m here to represent what we did,” German continued. “And I don’t want it to be erased from history.”
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