Archives

By Bill Landon

The Wildcats of Shoreham-Wading River paid a visit to Westhampton Beach for a Division II lacrosse matchup Thursday, April 25. On paper it looked as if it should have been a close game. The Hurricanes scored first in the first 45 seconds to take the early lead, but the Wildcats rattled off six unanswered goals before Westhampton could arrest the Wildcats scoring frenzy to trail 7-2 at the halftime break. 

Alex Kershis dished the ball to his brother Liam Kershis who split the pipes to put the Wildcats out front 8-2 in the opening minute of the third quarter. Sophomore attack Andrew Cimino stretched the net for his hat trick to put the Wildcats ahead 9-3 at the seven-minute mark of the third quarter. Liam Kershis struck again for his fourth goal of the game, then made it five to give the Wildcats an 11-4 lead.

First-year varsity player Noah Gregorek, an eighth grader, rattled off back-to-back goals as the Wildcats throttled the game clock for the 16-6 victory.

Liam Kershis led the way for the Wildcats with five goals and five assists, Gregorek notched three goals and two assists, and Cimino netted three with one assist.

Senior goalie and Fairfield commit, Jaden Galfano, had 11 saves in net.

MEET SUGAR!

She’s Sugar, spice and everything nice! Sugar is a delightfully sweet, and petite, chocolate-colored Min-Pin (Miniature Pinscher and Boston Terrier) Mix.  This six year old girl’s journey began under some very unfortunate circumstances, originally rescued by the Smithtown Animal Shelter from a terrible breeding situation where she was used, neglected, and discarded. After medical care for being malnourished and dehydrated, this tiny survivor was later adopted… only to be returned to the shelter two years later due to her fears when it comes to meeting new people. This poor girl has been failed by humans her entire life… and we are determined to find her a real happy furr-ever EVER happy ending!

As a result of all Sugar has endured, it takes her some time and understanding to warm up to people. The key to earning Sugar’s trust is simple; a little compassion, patience and understanding. She appreciates receiving doggy treats, which helps her to learn that there are good humans out there who are loving and want to care for her. This Sugar-Pie is highly intelligent and loves to learn. She is also energetic and eager to please.

Sugar can become protective of her people, however she will listen when corrected. She would be best suited in a quiet home with no other pets or children. Let’s get her story out to the world far and wide… if you’re not the right person for this sweetheart, you can still help by sharing her story on Social Media and with friends, neighbors and family.

If you are interested in meeting Sugar, please fill out an application  and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.

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.

 

 

By Steven Zaitz

The unstoppable Northport Lady Tigers lacrosse express rolled over its most recent opponent, the Walt Whitman Wildcats, 17-4 on Monday, April 29.

Under twilight skies and a small spit of raindrops, Northport stormed out to an 8-0 lead after the first quarter as sophomore attacker Kate Atkinson had two goals and three assists. Senior offensive machine Julia Huxtable, lurking around her office behind the net, benefited from Atkinson’s generosity with two goals, as did fellow senior Christina Lauro, who had two goals in the first 12 minutes — Atkinson assisted on one of those as well.

Senior midfielder Kennedy Radziul won 84% of her faceoffs and was blazing up and down the center of the field, controlling the ball and the tempo of the game. Northport dominated in the time of possession by an almost 2:1 margin.

Radziul had two goals from in close, the first of which came with just one second remaining in the first half, giving the Tigers an 11-1 lead.

Atkinson had four goals and four assists for the game, her teammate Huxtable had three goals and freshman phenom Riley Cash also had three for the game. Legendary coach Carol Rainson-Rose substituted liberally in the second half. Senior Kayleen Mulry came off the bench to net a pair and freshman Meg Florio got one with three minutes left in the game to finish out the scoring.

Northport, the reigning county champion, is now 10-0 in league play. Its last loss to a division opponent was almost a year ago, on May 5, 2023, to Commack. The Tigers faced those same Lady Cougars on May 1, but the results of that match were not available at press time. 

Northport and Commack are both 10-0 and leading Suffolk Division I with William Floyd and Ward Melville a game behind at 9-1, as these four superpowers careen toward the playoffs. After their Tiger-Cougar catfight, only three games remain in the regular season.

Join Mather Hospital, 75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson for the annual Northwell Health Walk at Port Jefferson to support the Fortunato Breast Health Center on Sunday, May 19

Presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the Walk brings together family, friends and team members for a five-mile walk through the scenic villages of Port Jefferson and Belle Terre. The day includes music, raffles, photo props, a walker warm up session, and our popular Pink Your Pooch contest for the best “pinked” pup!

Sponsored by New York Cancer & Blood Specialists and CSDNET, the Northwell Health Walk at Port Jefferson benefits the Fortunato Breast Health Center and serves to raise awareness of the need for regular breast cancer screenings starting at age 40. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024 about 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and about 42,250 women will die from breast cancer.

Walk for a family member or friend fighting breast cancer, a breast cancer survivor, or in memory of someone whose life was cut short by this disease. Helpto raise funds for the Walk and collect Walk Fundraising Rewards! Participants can begin earning rewards by raising just $100! All rewards will be waiting for you at the Walk. Form a team with family, friends, or co-workers, join a team or walk as an individual, or sponsor a team or walker. Sign up for the Northwell Health Walk at Port Jefferson at Port Jefferson and we’ll see you on May 19!

Registration opens at 8 a.m and the Walk steps-off at 10 a.m. For more information or to register in advance, visit www.northwellhealthwalk.com.

By Samantha Rutt

Stony Brook University students set sail on the 35th annual Roth Pond Regatta Friday, April 26. Since 1989, this beloved tradition has been making waves on campus, marking the beginning of final exams with a spirited competition like no other.

Students put their creativity and ingenuity to the test as they constructed one-, two- and four-person homemade boats with nothing more than cardboard, duct tape, string and paint. Each year, the student-made makeshift vessels attempt to navigate across the 200-yard Roth Pond in a race to the finish line.

This year’s theme, A Fairy Tale Regatta: This Is Our Swamp, provided a whimsical twist to the competition. The race featured several judges who awarded points based on design, appearance, seaworthiness, originality, spirit, environmental sustainability, endurance and adherence to the rules. 

Notably, the Roth Pond Regatta has earned recognition beyond campus borders, winning the National Association for Campus Activities Your Best Campus Tradition contest for schools with more than 5,000 students.

In coordination with the SBU School of Communication and Journalism, the entire Roth Pond Regatta was broadcast live on YouTube and is available for subsequent viewing. 

Simple Gifts Productions, a professional performing arts company for kids and teens, will present “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 at First United Methodist Church of Port Jefferson, 603 Main Street, Port Jefferson. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m.

This “revised” version is a fresh approach to the all-time 1967 classic, based on the beloved comic strip by Charles Schulz. Featuring all your favorite Peanuts characters, this charming revue of vignettes and songs is fun for the whole family (ages 4 and older). Running time is 1 hour.

Tickets are $15. For Reserved Seating, tickets can be purchased online. Visit www.simplegiftsproductions.com for more information. Tickets for General Seating will also be sold at the door before each performance.

Celebration of Spring at Long Island’s Original Agricultural College

Calling all gardeners! Farmingdale State College (FSC) will hold its annual Plant Sale from Tuesday, May 7 to Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (daily) at the Farmingdale State College campus, located at 2350 NY-110, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

The Plant Sale will feature a wide selection of flowers, vegetables/herbs, perennials, houseplants, succulents, and tropical plants for the patio. Much of the plant material is grown on-campus by College staff and students, while the remainder is grown locally on Long Island.

The Plant Sale at Farmingdale State College is managed by the Department of Urban Horticulture and Design, a legacy program with a storied past dating back more than 100 years, when the institution opened its doors as an agricultural school.

“Over the years, the Department of Urban Horticulture & Design has developed a strong partnership with the local horticulture industry, since many local professionals complete their training at Farmingdale,” said Dr. Jonathan M. Lehrer, Chairman of the Horticulture Department.

Horticulture students learn their skills in the department’s classrooms, studios, labs, and greenhouses. Perhaps most important is the “living” classroom, the renowned Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens. Beyond its iron gates rest 5+ acres of theme gardens that are carefully designed, planted, maintained, and treasured by students as an integral component of their training, during the semester and as part of the Summer Garden Intern Program.

The Gardens are also a source of inspiration and education for the campus and Long Island community. They are open to the public daily during the growing season.

All proceeds from the Sale are used to support Horticulture students and the Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens. Customers are encouraged to bring their own wagon for convenience.

About Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale State College offers 46-degree programs focused on emerging, high-demand, and relevant careers to help prepare the next generation of leaders in technology, engineering, business, healthcare, science and the arts. With nearly 10,000 students, FSC is SUNY’s largest college of applied science and technology. More than half of our graduating seniors leave debt-free and 82% are employed six months after graduation or enrolled in graduate school. FSC is home to Broad Hollow Bioscience Park, which supports the development of biotech start-up companies and partners with surrounding businesses and research institutions along the Route 110 Business Corridor. Our engaging student experience, highly inclusive campus and sustained commitment to accessibility, affordability, and student support, helps make FSC one of the best values in higher education.

By Heidi Sutton

The Village of Port Jefferson hosted its first annual Arbor Day Celebration on April 24. The event, organized by the newly formed Tree Committee members Anne Leahey and Avril Coakley, was attended by local officials and community members.

Port Jefferson Village Deputy Mayor and Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability Rebecca Kassay served as Master of Ceremony and introduced speakers Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and Port Jefferson Village Mayor Lauren Sheprow. Former Mayor Sandra Swenk, Leahey and Port Jefferson Village Trustee Bob Juliano also spoke at the event.

Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano read a poem that he wrote for the occasion titled “The Tree Stands Tall” followed by the planting of two native trees — an American Hornbeam (Carbines Carolinians) and a Hackberry tree (Celtis Occidentalis) in the Maple Street parking lot.  All attendees were given a native tree or shrub sapling to plant in their own yards.

Reached after the event, Port Jefferson Deputy Mayor Kassay said, “As Port Jefferson Village’s first Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability, I’ve been honored to bring together and galvanize our community’s tree enthusiasts. Last year, I helped to form the Village’s first Tree Committee with a group of residents who shared the goal of making PJV a “Tree City, USA” under the Arbor Day Foundation canopy. We have successfully worked towards this goal, including creating a budget line for tree plantings, and an annual Arbor Day event. Their work to plant trees this year will serve their neighbors for decades to come. Many thanks to all who came out to celebrate the planting of two new trees in the Village, our young poet laureate of the event, and the distribution of native tree and shrub saplings.”

Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and the NYS Urban Forestry Council, Port Jefferson Village is now one step closer to achieving a Tree City USA designation.

by -
0 749

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two people who allegedly stole a woman’s wallet and then used her credit cards last month.

A woman distracted an elderly female at ShopRite, located at 839 New York Ave. in Huntington Station, while a man allegedly stole the victim’s wallet out of her purse that was in a shopping cart on April 13 at approximately 1:30 p.m. Credit cards from the wallet were used at Apple and Bloomingdale’s in the Walt Whitman Mall later that day. 

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.

by -
0 1063

Over 100 music students from Newfield High School embarked on an enriching field trip to Boston, Massachusetts, marking a memorable chapter in their academic journey. 

The exploration of Boston’s cultural treasures continued with a visit to the New England Aquarium, where students marveled at the diverse marine life and engaged in hands-on learning experiences. Adding their artistic flair to the trip, students were able to perform at the famous Quincy Market showcasing their musical talents.

Students delved into a whirlwind of cultural and educational experiences, exploring the vibrant city and immersing themselves in its rich history and artistic offerings. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the mesmerizing performance by the world-renowned Blue Man Group. Students were captivated by the innovative blend of music, comedy, and technology, experiencing an evening of entertainment. 

In addition to the Blue Man Group performance, students enjoyed a plethora of recreational activities, including bowling, laser tag, and arcade games, fostering camaraderie and team spirit among classmates. 

The excitement continued with a Boston Duck Boat tour, offering panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks and historical sites. Additionally, students were even ready to view the solar eclipse with their protective eyewear on the Boston harbor.

Of course, no field trip to Boston would be complete without exploring the city’s world-renowned educational institutions. Students visited the Harvard University Campus, immersing themselves in the prestigious academic atmosphere and gaining insights into higher education opportunities. The educational journey extended to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, where students delved into the life and legacy of one of America’s most iconic leaders, deepening their understanding of history and politics.

The field trip provided students with opportunities for personal growth, cultural enrichment, and artistic expression. Through these experiences, they not only enhanced their musical skills but also cultivated a deeper appreciation for the arts and the world around them. As they return to school, these students carry with them cherished memories and newfound inspirations, ready to continue their academic journey with renewed passion and enthusiasm.

For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.