Where To Find Us Page 3
Thursday, June 11, 2026 ~ Volume 138 ~ Issue Number 30 ~ $1.00
Station Yards’ Second Phase Opens By Matt Meduri One of the more ambitious redevelopment projects in Suffolk just cut the ribbon on its second phase. Station Yards in Ronkonkoma is emerging as one of the largest and most transformative redevelopment projects. The new hub sits atop a site of former blight and poverty and now offers an array of rental units, mixeduse zoning for local businesses, and a village green for large gatherings and events. Situated on Hawkins Avenue right across the street from the Ronkonkoma LIRR station, a major transit hub in its own right, Station Yards is perhaps the pinnacle of transit-oriented development (TOD) in Suffolk. Continued on page 5
Coughlan family members cut the ribbon on Station Yards Phase 2B (Credit - Matt Meduri)
A New Era for the Calderone Theatre By Matt Meduri The hamlet of St. James is as historic as it is quaint. The cornerstone of much of the history is the Calderone Theatre, now called the St. James Community and Cultural Arts Center. Created by Manhattan’s vibrant vaudeville scene nearly a century ago, the Calderone was one of three playhouses in the area that served as the de facto “Hamptons” for Broadway. Over the years, it transitioned from a playhouse to a movie theatre, but later fell into disrepair and obscurity. Many still are unaware of the cultural and historic gem that sits right off Lake Avenue. However, the nonprofit that operates the theatre and arts center, Celebrate St. James, has been run by a tenacious team whose long-shot goal of completely revitalizing the space continues to materialize. Continued on page 10
Celebrate St. James members and Town officials cut ribbon on the Calderone Theatre’s future (Credit -Town of Smithtown)
FULL STORIES ON:
Commack Pitcher is Rookie of the Year Page 12
The Mattera Report Page 15
Attend the ‘Mane Event’ at Pal-O-Mine Page 18