The Times of Middle Country - December 29, 2016

The

Times of middle counTry CentereaCh • selden • lake grove north

Vol. 12, No. 37

December 29, 2016

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PEO PL E O F T H E YE A R

2016 Honorees Kevin LaValle Mark Baisch & Joe Cognitore Crime Stoppers Keith Buehler Tom Manuel Jack Smith Alan Alda Rocky Point Middle School Kate Calone Mount Sinai Civic Assoc.

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PAGE A2 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

A message from the publisher

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The Times of Middle Country is proud to continue an annual tradition of honoring members of the community who have contributed in a significant manner to its residents and institutions during the past year.

These are the people who go the extra mile to improve the quality of our lives. In these pages, we salute their achievements. We also realize that these men and women are not unique. They are symbolic of the many who devote their efforts to the good of our hometowns. We salute them all and thank them for their service to the communities we love.

Three years ago, we changed the format of how we honor our People of the Year. Now we have one edition for each of the three towns we cover — Brookhaven, Smithtown and Huntington — combining winners from multiple papers.

We also eliminated the categories we previously used to organize the winners, such as medicine, sports or the arts, as we found that they were limiting in how we were able to

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December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A3

file photos from Town of Brookhaven

Clockwise from left, Brookhaven Town Councilman Kevin laValle, at center, is honored by Centereach VfW Post 4927 at its annual Gold Chevron Ball last month; laValle, on left, celebrated the Selden Dog Park festival in October with the unveiling of a memorial bench in honor of deceased police dog, ace; laValle, on right, welcomes paralyzed u.S. Marine Corps lance Cpl. William Ventura to his newly renovated and handicapaccessible home in Selden; and laValle honors Centereach High School Student of the Month, Troy lee, in October.

Kevin LaValle is a councilman you can count on

By Daniel Dunaief Brookhaven Town Councilman Kevin LaValle (R-Selden) has worked on big projects in the 3rd Council District, although it is his ability to hone in on some of the smaller quality-of-life details that impressed Bram Weber, a partner with the Weber Law Group in Melville.

Weber worked with Kimco Realty, the owners of Independence Plaza mall in Selden, which recently brought in new tenants and renovated the property.

LaValle has “noticed things I may not have noticed the last time I was at the property,” Weber said. “He digs deep into the details of his job.”

Indeed, LaValle, whose last name has become synonymous with public service on Long Island, is earning his own admirers as he focuses on everything from rebuilding roads, to continuing construction on a new park in Selden, to improving the aesthetics and ease of shopping in his district, to searching for businesses to bring into the area and create jobs.

For LaValle’s dedication to his work on behalf of his constituents, while maintaining a job as a mortgage loan originator at Lynx Mortgage Bank in Westbury, Times Beacon Record News Media names the councilman a 2016 Person of the Year.

“The fact that he can balance [his roles] is quite tremendous,” said Zahra Jafri, president of Lynx Mortgage Bank, who described LaValle as “honest, ethical and service-oriented.”

LaValle “does what he says he’s going to do.”

Councilwoman Jane Bonner (C-Rocky Point), who has known LaValle for 12 years, said he dug in from the moment he was elected.

“It’s impressive what he’s been able to accomplish so quickly,” Bonner said.

Indeed, Bonner cited the work the thirdyear councilman did to help bring businesses to Selden’s Independence Plaza.

“We were able to work with the property owner and redevelop that site,” which now has a Rite Aid and a Guitar Center, LaValle said. Five Guys Burgers and Fries is expected to move in within the next six months. “I am always looking to work with property owners who have vacant stores to bring in new businesses, whether they be big-name companies or new businesses just getting started.”

LaValle, whose district includes Lake Grove, Centereach, Selden and parts of Lake Ronkonkoma, Farmingville and Coram, said it is a challenge to fill large sites, and is excited that Ocean State Job Lot moved into the former Pathmark site in Centereach and Best Market took over the former Waldbaums site in Selden.

He sees his role as creating a way to share the community’s perspective with business.

At town board meetings, LaValle honors a business of the month. He instituted that process when he first entered office. He chooses a business that is recommended by a community organization, such as the chamber of commerce, for supporting the community through charitable acts.

Bonner said the spotlight on these businesses also helps deliver the message to residents to shop locally, work with fellow business owners and the Chamber of Commerce.

“You can tell he knows these businesses and has visited them,” town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) said. “He has taken a personal interest in knocking on doors and asking what’s going on, how can we help, and what is bothering you?”

Romaine has worked with LaValle on a sport complex in Selden that currently has what Romaine describes as two “world class” turf baseball fields, with dugouts, fencing and lights behind Grace Presbyterian Church.

LaValle was the “chief motivator and instigator in getting things moving” with this park, which sits behind Hawkins Path Elementary School, Romaine said. “He made sure everything stayed on the timetable we set.”

The park will be breaking ground soon on redeveloping a baseball field to a multipurpose field, which LaValle hopes will be done by the summer. In 2017, engineers will design the remaining part of the park as well as roadway improvements along Boyle Road and

Hawkins Road to handle the additional traffic.

LaValle worked to redesign a planned dog park. He said he met with residents to talk about the park, which is divided into areas for large and small dogs, and hosted a public meeting.

LaValle worked with the owners of a batting cage site in Selden that was the regular target of graffiti. He put the property owner in touch with a security company in California that uses wireless, motion-activated cameras to take a video whenever someone walks on the property. This should reduce the number of false alarms police responded to with the other types of security systems, LaValle said.

It will also help law enforcement catch those who are defacing the property.

LaValle said working as a councilman and a mortgage loan originator puts pressure on his schedule, which can require him to work 17 days in a row without a break.

“My family is understanding about my commitment,” he said. “If I show up late for a party, they get it. They understand what’s going on.”

His family has been down this road before. His cousin, Ken LaValle, has been a state senator (R-Port Jefferson) since 1976. Kevin’s brother, John Jay LaValle, is a former town supervisor and is the Suffolk County Republican Committee chairman.

“Invariably, someone comes to meetings and calls him Ken or John,” Bonner said. “He handles it really well. He has a good sense of humor about it.”

The councilman said each of the politicians in his family has his own style. He’s taken to the notion that working hard will bring

good results.

Those who have seen LaValle in action believe he practices what he preaches.

“He’s a hard worker,” said Donna Lent, Brookhaven town clerk. “I don’t think it has anything to do with his name. I judge people by what they do.”

A resident of Selden, LaValle graduated from Centereach High School. He earned a bachelor of arts from Salisbury University in Maryland. Before running for office, he worked for then-county Legislator Dan Losquadro (R) as his chief of staff.

Bonner, who also worked for Losquadro before becoming a councilwoman seven years ago, described how LaValle’s high energy benefits everyone in the office.

“I can hear him when he’s on the phone with residents and constituents, while he’s trying to solve their problems, he’s so high energy that he’s bouncing a ball against the wall,” Bonner said.

Having LaValle as a member of the council has put a “spring in the step” of other council members. “It’s impossible not to have that [energy] affect you.”

As the liaison with the highway department, LaValle collaborated with Losquadro, who is now highway superintendent, to complete a 23-road paving project near Centereach High School and Dawnwood Middle School.

As LaValle learned from watching his brother and cousin, he knows that he’ll hear from members of his constituency wherever he goes.

LaValle is “deeply engaged with the community,” Romaine said. “It’s been a joy to work with him. He has no reticence to take the initiative.”

PAGE A4 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

Duo builds homes for vets as hand up, not hand out

By Desirée Keegan desiree@tbrnewspapers.com Receiving keys can be a magical moment for anyone, but for Joe Cognitore and Mark Baisch, they’re more excited about handing them over.

The Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 commander and the developer and owner of Landmark Properties, respectively, have been building and giving homes to veterans for the last four years. They’ve created 11 homes so far, and this year, the duo amped up the intensity to build three homes, with a fourth in the works.

For their work in the community and for dedicating their time and efforts to honoring and helping those who served our country, Cognitore and Baisch are Times Beacon Record News Media’s People of the Year for 2016.

“It’s bittersweet,” Cognitore said. “There’s many candidates that we come across and

every one of them deserves the home. Just to hear their stories is amazing.”

Cognitore first met Baisch at a fundraiser Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro (R) was hosting. Not knowing anyone at the event, the two found themselves sitting at the same table, and Cognitore began talking about the possibility of building a home for a disabled veteran.

“I thought it’d be one and done,” Baisch said, laughing, while thinking about the first home. “I never thought it would get to this level, but what we’re able to do for these families is so good that it would be hard for me to think about not — Renée Cote doing this.”

The two recently unveiled the 11th home for returning veterans to the Cote family, who now own a home in Miller Place.

The Bonacasas and Johnsons also received homes this year.

“I’m at a loss with words for everything they did for me and my family,” Deborah

‘I don’t even think they realize what they’re doing. To first serve our country, and then to give back — and I mean give back in a huge way — it’s good to be surrounded by people like that.’

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Bonacasa said. She is an Air Force veteran whose husband, Staff Sgt. Louis Bonacasa from Coram, died after a suicide bomber detonated himself outside Bagram Airfield in northwest Afghanistan. “They’re professional and thoughtful. I think it’s great what they’re doing for veterans and recognizing and advocating and stepping up to do things for those who do so much for our country. This house is, and they are, a constant reminder that there are great people still out there willing to help people.”

Rocky Point social studies teacher Rich Acritelli said no one cares more about veterans — and the entire hamlet — than Cognitore.

“He’s always got the community at his heart,” he said. “He personifies everything that a citizen should be, in terms of national and local service, between being in the military and always working for the betterment of his community.”

Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) was proud to see how the two stepped up for the Cote family, who were kicked out of their home when the landlord let the Sound Beach property fall into foreclosure. The family has also struggled with illness. Mother Renée Cote has acute intermittent porphyria, a rare and painful metabolic disorder that requires expensive biweekly treatments, which she has undergone for 14 years at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson. Her 7-year-old son, Zachary, was diagnosed with Grade 4 medulloblastoma, brain cancer, in June 2014, and endured 42 rounds of radiation and nine months of intense chemotherapy, until he was also diagnosed with acute intermittent porphyria.

“They are literally warriors to those that

need help,” Anker said. “They get out there, they understand the struggles and they’re there to help, and that’s what’s so important.

When Mark heard about Zachary Cote’s situation, he came to the rescue. Talk about superheroes, they are our local superheroes.”

Cote’s husband Glen was a U.S. Army combat medic in the Gulf War, before coming home and suffering an on-the-job injury that disabled him.

“Anyone that met them couldn’t believe what a great family,” Cognitore said. “Especially Zachary, what a little gentleman.”

But Renée Cote said she can’t believe what a great group Cognitore, Baisch and the rest of the developers and donators are.

“I could sit there and write a million thank you cards, and to me, it would not be enough for what they’re doing,” she said. “And I don’t even think they realize what they’re doing.

To first serve our country, and then to give back — and I mean give back in a huge way — it’s good to be surrounded by people like that. They’re angels walking the Earth.”

Baisch said his contractors and the community showed more support for the Cotes’ new home in Miller Place than on any other house. There were over 30 volunteers, some of whom have been helping Baisch since the first home. Many of them donate windows, garage doors, bathtubs and furniture. Local supermarkets and civic associations also give gift cards to help the new family acclimate to the area.

“They just continue to give and give and give every time we do one of these homes, and they never let me down,” Baisch said of his contractors. “It’s really the only way these homes could come together. We’re not

JOE & MARK continued on page A20

December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A5

Crime Stoppers reduces illegal activity on North Shore

SCPD branch involves the community to help with tips for investigations and arrests

By ReBecca anzel During its 22-year partnership with the Suffolk County Police Department, Crime Stoppers has served as a way for residents to share tips about crime anonymously in their neighborhoods without fear of punishment, and has helped cut crime and aid myriad criminal investigations The not-for-profit organization expanded its repertoire of resources to include a general tip line, 800-220-TIPS (8477); another tip hotline for information about drugs, 631852-NARC (6272); a website and a number for text messaging. Since 1994, its 22,287 tips generated by community members helped solve 42 homicides, closed 1,688 active warrants and led to 2,154 arrests, as at October.

For the organization’s work fighting crime and the heroin epidemic in Suffolk County, Crime Stoppers is one of Times Beacon Record News Media’s People of the Year for 2016.

Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) said the organization is indispensable to the community.

“Crime Stoppers is a valuable asset and has created a great partnership with our police department to reduce crime in Suffolk County,” she said in an email. “They work diligently to coordinate information from the public and the media to solve crime and make arrests. I am proud to support Crime Stoppers and appreciate the dedication of the police officers and volunteers who keep our communities safe.”

The organization is staffed by unpaid volunteers, most of whom are former law enforcement or veterans. President Nick Amarr, a Marine and Crime Stoppers volunteer for 14 years, said the organization’s real value is in providing residents with a safe way to help law enforcement protect their communities.

“It gives the public a voice and an understanding of how important law enforcement is in keeping our freedom and protecting our children,” Amarr said.

“That’s very important to me and everyone on our board.”

File photos above and below right from ScPD; file photo below left by Rebecca anzel; photo below right from nick amarr

clockwise from above, members at a Patchogue benefit concert present crime Stoppers with a large check representing donations received; drugs recovered thanks to tips from crime Stoppers; crime Stoppers president nick amarr; and Mike DelGuidice at the concert fundraiser.

Amarr also said Crime Stoppers’ employees would not be able to continue the work they have been doing without the support of Police Commissioner Tim Sini, First Deputy Commissioner John Barry and Police Chief Stuart Cameron. Amarr has worked with four administrations and said this one strategically embraces Crime Stoppers as a partner and has done more in less than 12 months than he has seen accomplished in the past 10 years.

“We have reinvested in our partnership with Suffolk Crime Stoppers,” Sini said. “It’s a great, great, great way we’re able to engage with the public and we’ve done a lot of good for the communities.”

The 8-month-old narcotics tip line alone had led — Nick Amarr to a 140 percent increase in the amount of search warrants issued by August; hundreds of drug dealers have been arrested; the police department has seized a substantial amount of money; and is on pace to confiscate more illegal firearms than ever before, according to Sini.

‘It gives the public a voice and an understanding of how important law enforcement is in keeping our freedom and protecting our children.’

For Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue founder and president, Dori Scofield, whose son Daniel died in 2011 from a heroin overdose, the work Crime Stoppers is doing to combat the county’s heroin epidemic is invaluable.

“The only way we’re going to combat this epidemic is by working together in different forces and stopping the drugs in Suffolk County and helping our youth that are already addicted and educating children and parents,” Scofield said. “This epidemic takes a village to combat and our police and the Crime Stoppers are an important part of that village.”

Crime Stoppers is funded completely by donations, which it uses exclusively for rewards for tips leading to an arrest. In July, the organization hosted a benefit concert at The Emporium in Patchogue, raising $58,000 in one night. Amarr said it will host another fundraiser at the same venue next year.

Teri Kroll, chairperson of People United to Stop Heroin, part of Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, spoke at the event in support of Crime Stoppers five months ago. Since then, she said she has heard that parents across Suffolk County call in information they hear from their children about drug dealers and unsavory activities in their communities.

“They’ve made a huge difference,” Kroll said. “The police department can’t fight all crime without any help and the Crime Stoppers being a liaison between the public and them is only a plus.”

Tracey Farrell, formerly Budd, a Rocky Point mother who lost her son Kevin to a her-

oin overdose in 2012, agrees the service Crime Stoppers provides is life saving to many kids.

“In the few months that it [NARC line] has been out, it has made a huge difference,” she said. “It’s nice that people see when they make a phone call, something is happening. I can’t say enough about how great this is.”

Farrell also said she thinks residents are less interested in the cash reward that comes after a reporting.

“I think they’re happy they have some place to report things going on in their own neighborhood,” she said. “[And Crime Stoppers] needs to keep getting information out there wherever they can.”

PAGE A6 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

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December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A7

Port Jeff guidance counselor, coach can’t stop helping kids

By Alex Petroski alex@tbrnewspapers.com In a day and age when heading down the wrong path can happen easily, Port Jefferson students have a counselor, coach, role model and friend who makes drifting much tougher.

Keith Buehler is in the midst of his 20th year in the Port Jefferson School District, where he has served as a varsity coach, an assistant coach and Middle School guidance counselor. He has children of his own but refers to the countless students he has interacted with during his time in the district as part of his family, too.

The feeling is mutual.

For his selfless service to the Port Jefferson School District and relentless dedication to improving the lives of students, Times Beacon Record News Media names Buehler a Person of the Year for 2016.

The Rocky Point resident said his secret to earning the trust of so many kids has been to be there for them at a young age, and that approach has allowed him to keep a close relationship with them beyond middle school years. The counselor said he spends time trying to learn a little something about every student as a way to establish a bond.

Buehler said after students move on to Port Jefferson high school, they often come back to visit and seek additional guidance.

“I think that Keith has kind of established himself in Port Jeff as a go-to person for the kids,” said Jesse Rosen, Buehler’s colleague and friend. Rosen, who coaches varsity baseball in addition to teaching global history at the high school, needed some help coaching the team last season. Buehler stepped up despite previously retiring from coaching to be able to spend more time with his own kids.

He has become famous for stepping up to the plate and filling multiple roles when called upon for the district.

“I’m ready to give it up, but it’s hard when the kids keep telling you to come back,” Buehler said, referring to the numerous times he’s thought it was time to step away from coaching, only to be pulled back for one reason or another. For the time being, he’s still at the helm for the varsity boys’ basketball team and is an assistant on the varsity football team. In his two decades at Port Jefferson, he coached middle school football and baseball and middle school track and field.

Success in the world of athletics is measured in wins and losses in most cases, but Buehler isn’t like most coaches. He said one year the varsity basketball team was 0-18, and it was one of the most enjoyable seasons he’d ever had. That’s not to say Buehler hasn’t been successful on the scoreboard as well. He has been a part of four Suffolk County championship-winning basketball teams.

The district’s former athletic director Deb Ferry, who was with the district for nine years, remembered her time alongside Buehler fondly.

“Keith is one of the finest assets to the Port Jefferson School District,” Ferry said in an email. “Keith has time and time again been there for all of the students and athletes. During my tenure there at Port Jefferson we always referred to Keith as the assistant athletic director. He truly did know the ins and outs of the athletic program there.”

Buehler has another unofficial title that he picked out for himself. He said he feels like the “mini mayor of Port Jefferson.”

Being the go-to guy for most problems, Buehler found himself helping others cope with some pretty substantial problems and tragedies.

Max Galub, who graduated from the district in 2012, lost his brother in 2001, when he was just 8 years old. His brother had played football for Buehler.

“He was pretty vital in my healing process,” Galub said, adding that on certain occasions Buehler would take him out of classes when he wasn’t feeling great and helped him stay out of trouble.

Galub called Buehler his “protector.”

He added that although Buehler wasn’t biologically a member of the family, he became like a second father.

It would seem Buehler’s plate is full enough with his own children. His son Hunter is a freshman at Stony Brook University, daughter Asha is a junior at Port Jefferson high school his 8-year-old son Kou— Jesse Rosen and gar and 9-year-old daughter Cessarina, from a second marriage, are currently in the Rocky Point school district. Still, Port Jefferson students who know Buehler said he’s always available in times of need.

Buehler recalled a story that has stuck with him during his tenure in the district. One of his students had asked to take him to a baseball game, when that student’s father said he could bring a friend. Confused by his son asking to bring along his guidance counselor, the father asked if he would prefer to bring one of his peers. The boy told his father that Buehler was his best friend and was who he wanted to take. So he did. Buehler said he remains close with the father and son.

“I try to be a true role model for the kids,” Buehler said. “I try to do the best I can to show them how to do the right thing.”

‘I think that Keith has kind of established himself in Port Jeff as a go-to person for the kids.’

File photo above by Bill lando; photo below from keith Buehler

Above, keith Buehler is hoisted in the air by a Port Jefferson football player after a game in 2014; below, Buehler rides a Jet ski during a family vacation.

PAGE A8 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

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December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A9

Tom Manuel is hitting the high notes at Stony Brook’s The Jazz Loft

By JOHN BROVEN On May 21, Stony Brook Village reverberated to the sounds of a New Orleans-style street parade to mark the opening of The Jazz Loft at 275 Christian Ave. That happy day brought to reality the dreams of president and founder Tom Manuel.

“In the brief seven months the Jazz Loft has been open we’ve been able to accomplish the goals of our mission well ahead of schedule,” Manuel said. “Our performance calendar has presented some of the finest local, national and international artists; our educational programming has established our pre-college Jazz Institute in collaboration with Stony Brook University; and Our Young at Heart program has introduced wonderful music therapy events to people with memory loss.

“In addition to all of this our lecture series, family concerts, sponsored concert series and acquisitions and installations of jazz memorabilia, art, photography and more are ongoing and ever growing.”

For establishing The Jazz Loft so quickly and effectively as a community resource, Manuel, a 37-year-old educator, historian and trumpet player, from St. James, is recognized by TBR News Media as a Person of the Year.

“Tom Manuel is a well-deserving nominee for Person of the Year,” Brookhaven Councilwoman Valerie Cartright (D-Port Jefferson Station) said. “The Jazz Loft is an incredible gift to the 1st Council District. Tom’s passion for jazz has been transformed into a vivid, vibrant, collection of jazz history and a home for local talent, musicians and performances. In a short time, The Jazz Loft has become an incredible community space for art, history, culture and music.”

Visitors are able to view the loft’s museum exhibits featuring greats such as saxophonist

Photo above by John Broven; photos below from The Jazz Loft

Clockwise from above, Tom Manuel (white hat at center) on opening day at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook, on May 21 of this year; Manuel with children during The Creole Love Song: Operation Haiti! mission; and Manuel leads the Jazz Loft Big Band on a bandstand at the loft, constructed from pieces of the original dance floor of New york’s famed Roseland Ballroom.

Louis Jordan, the biggest AfricanAmerican star of the 1940s and a massive influence on the ensuing rock ’n’ roll era; heartthrob blues and jazz crooner Arthur Prysock; upright bassist Lloyd Trotman, a prolific session musician who provided the bass line on Ben E. King’s anthem, “Stand by Me”; society bandleader Lester Lanin; and the seafaring vibraphonist and composer Teddy Charles.

Jean Prysock, of Searingtown, donated the memorabilia of her late husband Arthur Prysock, who played the top theaters and clubs from the 1940s onward and recorded for labels such as Decca, Mercury, Old Town and MGMVerve. Why did she feel Manuel was worthy of support?

“He was young, he was enthusiastic, he was dedicated, he was sincere,” she said. “I first met him at a jazz bar in Patchogue. He led

an 11-piece band, which sounded as if it could have played at New York’s Paramount Theatre.”

Apart from conducting bands, Manuel is an expert trumpet player, who credits among his inspirations Chet Baker, Warren Vache, Bobby Hackett, Harry “Sweets” Edison and Roy Eldridge. As an indication of the Jazz Loft’s authentic atmosphere, Manuel said the impressive three-tier bandstand was constructed from the original dance floor of the famed Roseland Ballroom on New York’s 52nd Street, adding, “It was an extreme labor of love, but certainly worth the effort.”

Manuel has directed a full program at The Jazz Loft while holding an adjunct post at Suffolk County Community College and a faculty position with Stony Brook University directing the jazz program of the Pre-College Music Division. If

that’s not all, he has recently completed his doctorate, a DMA in jazz performance, at SBU and carried out charity work in Haiti.

“Tom is fully deserving of this award, not only for creating The Jazz Loft and making jazz available in our area, but also because of his remarkable spirit in bettering every community with which he engages,” Perry Goldstein, professor and chair at SBU’s Department of Music, said.

“He motivated seven volunteers to go to Haiti with him after the recent hurricane, where they distributed 200 pairs of sneakers, clothing and school supplies purchased through donations. Tom radiates positive energy in everything he does,” Goldstein said.

Manuel readily acknowledges the help of others in giving liftoff to The Jazz Loft, including board members Laura Vogelsberg and

Laura Stiegelmaier, many musicians and sponsors Harlan and Olivia Fischer who “donated our sound system, which is quite outstanding.”

Manuel’s philosophy is summarized by the title of his well-received talk at the Three Village Community Trust’s annual celebration, held at The Jazz Loft in November: “Collaboration: The Art of Possibility.”

The jazz facility is housed in a historic building, comprising the old Stone Jug tavern and the former firehouse station, which accommodated the first museum in Stony Brook, founded in 1935 by real estate broker and insurance agent O.C. Lempfert. With the backing of Ward and Dorothy Melville, the museum was formally incorporated as the Suffolk Museum in 1939 before evolving into today’s The Long Island Museum. The renovated building, which was accorded landmark status by the Town of Brookhaven in September, is leased long term to The Jazz Loft by The Ward Melville Heritage Organization.

“Tom Manuel is a unique individual who was born into a generation of musicians steeped in rock ’n’ roll, rap and new wave,” Gloria Rocchio, president of WMHO, said. “I got to know Tom because of a[n] … article about a ‘young man’ with a house full of artifacts and memorabilia relating to the jazz era. The Ward Melville Heritage Organization owned a vacant building … and Tom had a collection in need of a home. A year later The Jazz Loft opened in Stony Brook, where Tom shares his love of jazz with like-minded musicians and fans. Tom is truly a role model for the concept of accomplishing your dream through passion and dedication. We are proud to welcome The Jazz Loft and Dr. Tom Manuel into our community.”

PAGE A10 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

File photos above by elana glowatz; photo below by Kevin Redding

Clockwise from top left, Brookhaven Councilwoman valerie Cartright, Jack Smith, ed garboski of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association and Brookhaven Supervisor ed Romaine examine the gentleman’s driving Park; a ticket from a race day in 1892 was among Smith’s discoveries; and Smith at his home in Terryville.

Dedicated historical society founder keeps the past alive

By Kevin Redding kevin@tbrnewspapers.com

cal building in Terryville, and Smith convinced local legislators to buy it and obtain funding for interior restoration. Now sevWhen it comes to preserving local history, eral showcases dedicated to local historical industries are inside the building, for exJack Smith has paved the way — literally.

After he retired from his teaching job of ample, the Porter automobile factory.

There are also roughly 120 vintage phomore than 30 years, Smith was free to do tographs of the community on display. whatever he wanted.

Smith established Heritage Day, a beBut rather than just relax at home and take up a hobby, the passionate 66-year- loved event that exposes students from old founded the Cumsewogue Historical Comsewogue elementary schools to hisSociety instead, which has been integral in torical artifacts from the late 19th and early keeping the vast history of its surrounding 20th centuries and demonstrates what life was like in the community then. communities in the forefront.

Smith said the program helps give stu“I started to research the history of the area and realized there was quite a bit dents the unique opportunity to not only learn about the community’s here,” Smith said in an inhistory but also to see, touch terview. “So why not start and experience what life a historical society? There’s was like “before all the housa lot here and I thought it ing developments and shopwould be a fun thing to do.” ping malls.”

Smith even maintained But perhaps Smith and the original Algonquin spellthe historical society’s ing of Comsewogue for the greatest achievement so society; Cumsewogue loosefar came in October when ly translates to “the place the Gentlemen’s Driving where many paths meet.”

Park — the last VictorianFor all his work in bridgera harness racing track ing the gap between the on Long Island where past and present for the Terryville bettors once Port Jefferson area and gathered to watch horses beyond, Smith is a 2016 Times Beacon Record News — Mike Eiermann “race in heats” — officially opened to the public after Media Person of the Year.

Mike Eiermann, the Cumsewogue His- several years of work to resurrect the neartorical Society treasurer, called Smith a ly forgotten historical site.

The opening was attended by more than true “mover and shaker” in the community 100 people and served as a testament to during an interview.

“We have to try to keep up with him,” Smith’s dedication to his cause. He discovEiermann said. “He’s very dedicated, very ered a faint outline of the horse track from knowledgeable and is fully invested in a satellite image on Google Earth after hearing about its existence off Canal Road, viswhat he does.”

As president and founder of the histori- ited the leaf-covered path in the woods with cal society, which was formed in 2008 and his wife Pam, and ultimately reached out to has about 30 members, Smith has accom- then Brookhaven Councilman Steve FioreRosenfeld and other council members about plished a lot.

He and the group went to great lengths acquiring the entire 11-acre plot, clearing to preserve the old Terryville Union Hall as the overgrown path, and actively working their main headquarters in the time follow- to restore the track as close to the original ing the society’s inception. Built in 1887, 1880s footprint as possible. the union hall stands as the last histori“I am proud that our society has been

‘We have to try to keep up with him ... he’s very dedicated, very knowledgeable and is fully invested in what he does.’

able to preserve so much of our history that came perilously close to being lost,” Smith said.

He also uncovered various artifacts surrounding the track, including a pair of field glasses where the finish line was on the track, as well as a ticket to a race at the Gentlemen’s Driving Park on July 4, 1892, which is now on display at the historical society’s headquarters.

Without Smith, the horse track and its history would certainly have been erased, according to Brookhaven Town Historian Barbara Russell.

“He was very diligent in doing the research and finding all the information he could on the track and he’s been that way with all of his endeavors,” she said.

Brookhaven Councilwoman Valerie Cartright (D-Port Jefferson Station), who worked alongside Smith to restore the track, said in an email statement Smith’s work in the community makes him more than deserving of the Person of the Year honor.

“His passion, meticulous care and diplomacy are appreciated by all who know him,” Cartright said. “His efforts to create

and implement the annual Heritage Day, his comprehensive background and the lectures he gives at the library and his work and research to preserve the track are all done to celebrate the history of our community. I’ve had the privilege of knowing [him] both personally and professionally for many years.”

Smith said his love of history can be traced back to when he was in fifth grade, where his younger self first took an interest in consuming maps and all things geography related. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in history and master’s in special education, which would be utilized at Eastern Suffolk BOCES, where he taught high school students from 1974 until 2005.

It was there he met his wife Pamela, a secretary at the school. She said they didn’t realize it at first but the two actually grew up around the block from one another in Centereach and even went to the same high school.

She said her husband is “very caring and extremely interested in helping the community.” History, including his own personal history, is a part of his daily life.

December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A11

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PAGE A12 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

‘MASH’ star continues to effectively communicate science

By Daniel Dunaief In a world of tirades and terrifying tweets, the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University is encouraging its professors and students to do something the center’s namesake urges: Listen.

Tough as it is to hear what people mean behind an explosive expression that fuses reason and emotion, the scientists in training, established researchers and others who attend some of the lectures or workshops at the center go through an exercise called “rant” in which each person listens for two minutes to something that drives their partner crazy.

Afterward, the scientist has to introduce their partner to the group in a positive way.

The staff at the Alan Alda Center finds inspiration, a role model and a humble but willing listener in Alda, the highly decorated actor of “MASH” who has spent the last several decades drawing scientists out of dense shells constructed of impenetrable jargon and technical phrases.

For his dedication to forging connections for scientists, Times Beacon Record News Media is pleased to name Alan Alda a 2016 Person of the Year.

“He’s doing a wonderful job,” said Jim Simons, the former chairman of the Stony Brook Mathematics Department and hedge fund founder who shared the stage with Alda this summer as a part of a Mind Brain Lecture at Stony Brook. “I can’t think of anyone better to be an honoree.”

Simons described a moment with Alda, who is not a scientist nor does he play one on TV, when he was sharing some abstruse mathematics. Alda’s eyes “glazed over when I was first talking to him. He’s teaching scientists not to get a glaze over their audience’s eyes.”

Alda works tirelessly to share a method that blends scientific communication with the kind of improvisational acting he studied early in his career.

“Improv is not about being funny,” said Laura Lindenfeld, the director at the center.

“It’s about being connected.”

Last June, Alda was a part of a team that traveled to California to share an approach that is in demand at universities and research institutions around the world. The day of the workshop, three people who were supposed to help lead the session were delayed.

Photos by Constance Brukin, Cold Spring Harbor laboratory

alan alda, below left, received the Double Helix award from Cold Spring Harbor laboratory this month, at a ceremony at the american Museum of natural History. above, the lab’s president and CeO, Bruce Stillman, on left, presents the award to alda.

Alda suggested that he run the event, which would normally involve several instructors and break-out groups. Learning about the art of connecting with an audience from someone who reached people over decades through TV, movies and Broadway performances, the attendees were enchanted by their discussion.

“He’s the master,” said Lindenfeld, who was at the campus when the team received news about the delay for the other instructors.

As soon as the session ended, Alda headed for Los Angeles to conduct a radio interview.

“I handed him a granola bar,” recalled Lindenfeld, who joined the center last year. “I was afraid he hadn’t eaten.”

Alda celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year and shows no signs of slowing down, encouraging the spread of training techniques that will help scientists share their information and discoveries.

The Alda Center is planning a trip to Scotland next year and has been invited to go to Norway, Germany and countries in South America, Lindenfeld said.

When the University of Dundee received a grant from the Leverhulme Trust to create the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, officials in Scotland, one of whom knew Lindenfeld personally, researched the Alan Alda Center’s mission and decided to forge a connection. Lindenfeld helped coordinate a congratulatory video Alda sent that the Scottish centre played at its opening ceremony.

“Everyone present from the highest Law Lord in Scotland, through to the principal of the university and the Leverhulme trustees did not know it was going to happen, and so it was a huge surprise that stunned the room into complete silence,” recalled Sue Black, the director of the centre in an email. “Brilliant theatre of which Mr. Alda would have been proud.”

Established and internationally known scientists have expressed their appreciation and

admiration for Alda’s dedication to their field. women in science.

The training sessions “drag out of people The glass ceiling is a “real issue for womtheir inhibitions and get them to think about en in science,” said Valerie Lantz Gefroh, the interacting with the public in ways that they improvisation program leader at the center. might not have felt comfortable doing before,” “We’re hoping to give [women] better comsaid Bruce Stillman, the president and CEO of munication tools so they can move forward in Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. This month, their careers.”

The center is also adding new courses.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory gave Alda the Double Helix Medal at a ceremony at the Next fall, Christine O’Connell, who is a part of American Museum of Natural History in New a new effort at Stony Brook called the Science Training & Research to Inform Decision and is York City.

Stillman described the public understand- the associate director at the center, will teach ing and perception of science as “poor.” To a course on communicating with policy and bridge that gap, Alda’s programs “induce sci- decision makers.

That will include encouraging scientists to entists to feel comfortable about talking to the invite state senators to see their field work, gopublic about their ideas and progress.” ing to Congress, meeting with Nobel Prize winner Eric a senator or writing position Kandel suggested that Alda’s acpapers. In political discussions, complishments exceed his own. scientists often feel like “fish “There ain’t many Alan out of water,” O’Connell said.

Aldas, but there are a lot of The course will give scientists Nobel Prizes out there,” Kanthe “tools to effectively endel said. While Kandel is “exgage” in political discussions. tremely indebted to having Scientists don’t have to be won the Nobel Prize,” he said “advocates for or against an isthe totality of Alda’s accomO’Connell said, but they plishments are “enormous.”

— Jim Simons sue,” do have to “be advocates for The Alda Center is working with Columbia University, where Kan- science and what the science is telling us.”

Given an opportunity to express her appredel is the director of the Kavli Institute for Brain Science and a professor, to develop ciation directly to Alda, Black at the University an ongoing program to foster scientific of Dundee wrote, “Thanks for having the faith to collaborate with our centre so far away in communication.

Kandel, who considers Alda a friend, ap- Scotland, where we are trying to influence the preciates his support. Kandel said Jeff Lieber- global understanding of forensic science in man, the chairman of the Department of Psy- our courtrooms — where science communicachiatry at Columbia, asked Alda and Kandel tion can make the difference between a guilty to give a talk on issues related to neurosci- or an innocent verdict and in some places, the ence. Lieberman “was my boss,” Kandel said, difference between life and a death sentence.”

To borrow from words Alda has shared, “I had to be there, but [Alda] didn’t have to and that the staff at the center believe, “Real be there. He goes out of his way for people.”

In 2017, the center will not only share its listening is a willingness to let the other communication techniques around the world, person change you.” Even if, as those who but it will also create conferences for timely have gone through some of the sessions, the scientific topics, including climate change and speaker is ranting.

‘He’s teaching scientists not to get a glaze over their audience’s eyes.’

December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A13

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PAGE A14 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

Photos left by Desirée Keegan; file photos above and below right from scott O’Brien

Clockwise from left, rocky Point Middle school Principal scott O’Brien goes up against a student in a round of air hockey, while other students play inside the new recreation room; O’Brien and assistant Principal James Moeller, standing far left and second from left, with some staff members after finding out the school was named an inviting school; O’Brien is full of eagles pride; and students raise money for their Dogs of Dylan fundraiser.

Middle School principal helps Rocky Point students soar

By Desirée Keegan desiree@tbrnewspapers.com Walking into Rocky Point Middle School, you’re greeted with smiles and hellos everywhere you turn. The hallways are filled with Eagles pride, whether it’s the large painting of the school’s mascot on the wall or children’s classwork lining the hallways.

Students are laughing, working diligently in classrooms or holding raffles for clubs with good causes.

The Middle School was one of just five middle and high schools in New York to receive the 2016 Inviting Award from the International Alliance for Invitational Education.

The feat wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for Principal Scott O’Brien, who was also named Administrator of the Year by the Council of Administrators and Supervisors.

O’Brien wanders about the hallways, as students smile, wave or greet him, he stops to help a student who is having trouble opening her locker. Rounding the corner he enters several classrooms to see how the teachers’ days are progressing, or to let the home economics teacher know he loved her homemade cookies.

Social studies teacher Dawn Callahan has

noticed the improvements O’Brien has made first hand, being in the district for 21 years.

“It was a big change; a 150 percent turnaround of what we were experiencing,” she said, adding that she takes a lot of pride in what goes on in the district, because she grew up in Rocky Point. “Things used to be so closeminded years ago, and he made it that you had a voice. You could run ideas by him and he does the same back — you feel included in what’s going on in the building. I think all the positive change is a reflection of how hard everyone works together, and for the students.”

Because of O’Brien’s dedication to the district, and change in culture he’s created at the helm of the school, he and the rest of the staff at Rocky Point Middle School are Times Beacon Record News Media’s People of the Year for 2016.

To O’Brien, 2016 was one of the most productive and exciting years to date.

“We had many new initiatives that yielded incredible results beyond our expectation and imagination,” he said. “Getting to a place where you can be recognized and acknowledged for that high-level atmosphere takes time. I don’t think it’s something that happens overnight and it certainly isn’t something that

just has to do with me as a principal.”

O’Brien said. “They love it.”

The school also hosts club fairs at various As part of the inviting school application process, the staff learned about what they times throughout the year to show students do well, while also learning what areas to that there’s no one-time signup. He said he’s improve. Over 60 educators from all around seen marked improvement in enrollment.

“This is the age where they’re learning the world came to visit the school, talk to who they are, and they start forming their students and observe classrooms. identity here, so the “It was a proud momore opportunities we ment for me,” O’Brien give kids at the middle said. “We took the school age to particithings we needed to pate in activities, the work on, and we startbetter the end result ing working on them will be,” O’Brien said. right away.”

“There’s been a noteA survey to students worthy increase in stuwas created to see what dent achievement and they thought was missgraduation rate, and I ing. An overwhelming feel very proud to be a majority wanted different ways to occupy their — Kristen LaBianca significant part of that.

I feel that we have such free time. So O’Brien partnered with the Parent-Teacher Association a strong culture and climate for kids and parto use Box Top funds and create a recreation ents and staff.”

English teacher Joseph Settepani, who was room where the kids can play during lunchtime. Inside the rec room is a basketball shoot, named a Teacher of the Year in 2016, runs the pingpong table, foosball table, air hockey ta- Natural Helpers club. The group raised more ble, an old school video arcade system, a tele- than $2,000 in November for its Dimes for vision with a Nintendo Wii and video games, a Diabetes cause and is currently raising money for Dogs for Dylan, after a seventh-grade stustereo system and bean bag chairs.

“It’s really been a big hit with our kids,” ROCKY POINT MIDDLE SCHOOL continued on page A22

‘You can take anything to his desk, and he never puts a damper on any of your ideas. He’s the best thing to ever happen to this school.

He came into our lives and we all benefited from it.’

December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A15

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PAGE A16 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

Open Door Exchange helps those in need make a house a home

By Donna newman donna@tbrnewspapers.com Furniture is a necessity. It allows a family to sit at a table and eat together. It gives children a place to do homework. It provides the opportunity to open one’s home to guests. It’s essential for a good night’s sleep.

People transitioning from homelessness, domestic violence shelters, military service or displacement following a disaster need more than just a roof over their heads.

Inspired by a youth mission trip to a furniture bank just outside Washington, D.C., Kate Calone wondered if such a service would fly on Long Island. For some, this might have been a daunting task, but Calone set about researching and planning. She organized a feasibility committee and piloted the group to take off.

The Open Door Exchange is rounding out its second year of operations, having served more than 300 Long Island families and individuals in need. Referred by social service agencies and nonprofits, people can “shop” with dignity, by appointment at the organization’s rented Port Jefferson Station warehouse, which is configured to resemble a furniture store. All pieces are free of charge.

For her compassion, determination and leadership in helping Long Islanders in need, Calone is one of Times Beacon Record News Media’s People of the Year for 2016.

A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School, Calone spent six years as an attorney before entering the Princeton Theological Seminary. When she and her husband Dave, who ran against Anna Throne-Holst in the 2016 Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District and Suffolk County judge, returned to Long Island to raise their three children, Calone worked at the First Presbyterian Church in Northport before joining the Setauket Presbyterian Church as associate pastor, to work with the Youth Group.

When she returned from D.C., she told retired Setauket businessman and church member Tom Kavazanjian her idea and asked if he’d be interested in helping. Having great respect for Calone and her worthwhile cause, he said yes.

“Kate’s leadership is unique,” he said. “She leads with a quiet confidence and is one of the most unassuming and selfless people I know.

Everything she does, she does with such grace.”

With a lot of planning — and the help of a group of dedicated volunteers — Open Door Exchange was

File photos by Susan Risoli

above left, residents walked on the Greenway Trail to raise funds and awareness for open Door exchange. above right, Kate Calone checks out an end table at the organization’s warehouse in Port Jefferson Station. launched in January 2015, recounted Stony Brook resident and retired school teacher Diane Melidosian, who was also an early recruit.

“This was no easy undertaking,” she said. “Since there is no cost to the recipient, all costs associated with this program are handled through fundraising, grant writing and contributions.”

There were lots of logistics to be worked out and the committee used A Wider Circle, the furniture bank in the outskirts of D.C., as a

model.

East Setauket resident Bonnie Schultz said being a part of the creation of Open Door Exchange energized her.

“I’d never been part of a startup,” she said. “It’s exciting. And [the organization] has grown by leaps and bounds. The amount of furniture that goes in and out of [the warehouse] is incredible.”

She said even some clients come back to volunteer.

Another member of the ex-

ploratory committee, Stony Brook therapist Linda Obernauer, said the youngsters who traveled on the mission played an important part in advancing the idea of a Long Island furniture bank.

“Kate got more interested as the kids got into it,” she said, adding that Calone has served as a role model to many of them. “People who are ‘of the fiber’ do the right thing. Kate doesn’t have to have accolades, she helps people because that’s who she is.”

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December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A17

PAGE A18 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

LEGALS LEGAL NOTICE

LEN 868 LLC. Art of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/19/2016.

Office location in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC to the LLC, 868 Little East Neck Road, West Babylon, NY 11704. Purpose: any legal activity.

664 12/15 6x tmc NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff against MICHAEL B. NEIKAM; MEGAN E.

NEIKAM ,et al Defendants Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein, Such & Crane LLP, 1400 Old Country Road, Suite C103, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale Entered MAY 2, 2016 I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738 on FEBRUARY 1, 2017 at 2:30 P.M..

Premises known as 25 NEW LANE, SELDEN, NY 11784. District 0200 Sec 474.00 Block 07.00 Lot 003.000. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York. Approxi-

mate Amount of Judgment is $397,075.65 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 064312/2013 .

NATASHA MEYERS, ESQ. , Referee 694 12/29 4x tmc LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the organizational meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Selden Fire District will be held on January 1, 2017, at 10:00 A.M., time then in effect, at the Office of the Board of Fire Commissioners, located at 44 Woodmere Place, Selden, New York.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE, that the Board of Fire Commissioners will conduct any other business that may come before it on that date.

DATED: December 20, 2016 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS SELDEN FIRE DISTRICT MARION WARREN, SECRETARY 707 12/29 1x tmc LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE SELDEN FIRE DISTRICT: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the SELDEN FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New

York, on the 20th day of December, 2016, subject to a permissive referendum as provided for

by Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: The SELDEN FIRE DISTRICT maintains a Capital Reserve Fund designated as the Capital Reserve Fund for Repair, New and Rebuilt Apparatus, Equipment and Communication known as Capital Reserve #2 under Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law in which account there is sufficient funds to accomplish the purpose hereinafter set forth; namely, the purchase of an ambulance and associated equipment, and it proposed to contract for such vehicle in order to maintain the high standards of performance of the SELDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT in the discharge of its duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the community, and said purchase is deemed in the best interests of the residents of the SELDEN FIRE DISTRICT. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Section 6(g) Capital Reserve Fund #2 of the SELDEN FIRE DISTRICT a sum not to exceed Two Hundred Sixty Thousand ($260,000.00) Dollars for the purchase, and the District Treasurer is authorized to effect such transfer from time to time to effect such purchase.

effect until thirty (30) days unless in the meanwhile a mandatory referendum as provided for in Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law is required to be held.

DATED: December 20, 2016 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS SELDEN FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN ATTEST: MARION WARREN Secretary 709 12/29 1x tmc LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the 2017 Meetings of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Selden Fire District will be held on the following dates at the office of the Board of Fire Commissioners located at 44 Woodmere Place, Selden, New York at 7pm January 10th & 27th, February 14th and 24th, March 14th & 24th, April 11th & 28th, May 9th & 26th, June 12th & 23rd, July 11th & 28th, August 15th & 25th, September 12th & 22nd, October 10th & 27rd, November 14th & 28th, December 19th

Dated: December 20, 2016 Selden, New York 708 12/29 1x tmc

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December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A19

File photos above by desirée Keegan; photo below left by Kevin Redding; file photo below right by giselle Barkley

Clockwise from left, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner, left, and Supervisor ed Romaine, right, present proclamations to Ann Becker, Lori Baldassare, Fred drewes and deirdre dubato; the civic association’s 100th anniversary cake; a scene from a carnival at Heritage Park in Mount Sinai; and civic association President Becker at a recent meeting.

Civic association enhances Mount Sinai’s quality of life

By Kevin Redding kevin@tbrnewspapers.com In October, the Mount Sinai Civic Association celebrated its 100th anniversary and further cemented its role in providing the look, helping with the maintenance and ensuring the overall quality of life of the community. Considering its centurylong list of accomplishments, the civic association is still going strong.

“The success of the civic association in terms of its longevity is a reflection of how much residents of Mount Sinai care about their community,” Mount Sinai Civic Association Vice President Brad Arrington, a member since 2004, said. “It’s a mechanism to have an input in the future of my community and a place I plan to stay in for quite a long time.”

For their tireless efforts and infinite contributions, the more than 180 members of the Mount Sinai Civic Association have been recognized as Times Beacon Record News Media’s People of the Year for 2016.

Made up of volunteers, the organization has been, and continues to be, built on local residents stepping forward and having a voice in shaping the place in which they live.

It all began on Oct. 5, 1916, when the civic association was founded as an offshoot of the Mount Sinai Taxpayers Association for the main purposes of obtaining better roads, improving conditions in Mount Sinai Harbor and figuring out ways to protect against fires, which would ultimately lead to the establishment of the Mount Sinai Volunteer Fire Department standing today.

The original officers elected at the first organizational meeting were Jacob Schratweiser, president; Philip C. Scherer, first vice president; William R. P. Van Pelt, secretary and Lorenzo H. Davis, treasurer.

They paved the way for decades’ worth of major civic issues that include successfully stopping the dredging of Mount Sinai Harbor in the 1960s, suing Brookhaven for overdevelopment to reduce the number of housing units built in 1996 and working with state, county and town officials to purchase and preserve “The Wedge” propWhat initially prompted her involveerty as Heritage Park. Developers initially planned to construct a Home Depot where ment was the proposal for a giant commercial shopping center on the corner of the park is today.

Plymouth Avenue and Canal Road, right Members of the civic behind her home, which association work toward would have been inconsisimproving their commutent with the aesthetic of nity, protecting its coastal the primarily residential environment and, perhaps neighborhood. Naturally, most importantly, protestthere wasn’t a lot of suping against overdevelopport for the planned develment to keep their hamlet opment, and so the public quaint and suburban.

— through the civic asso“We want to [continue] ciation — rallied against protecting the open space it and the shopping center Mount Sinai has,” Mount never came to be.

Sinai Civic Association PresiBecker said the civic dent Ann Becker said. “The association is always on woodlands, beach areas ... the lookout for problems preventing overdevelopment and concerns residents is [crucial] because that can might have with the ulalso have negative impacts goal of working on taxes, quality of life and — Brad Arrington timate on behalf of everyone to even things like crime.”

Becker, an active member since 1984, reach the best possible outcome and make said she joined the organization because of a difference.

Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane the direct impact its work had on quality of Bonner (C-Rocky Point), whose office is life and families in the area.

‘The success of the civic association in terms of its longevity is a reflection of how much residents of Mount Sinai care about their community.’

currently working closely with the civic on two developmental projects, called Becker “a force to be reckoned with.”

“She’s exactly what a civic leader needs to be,” the councilwoman said. “The Mount Sinai community is very fortunate that Ann and the group continue to step up to the plate. They are a great group of volunteers and it’s an honor and a privilege to work with them.”

Fred Drewes, one of the civic’s long-serving members, joined in 1970, feeling it was important to be an active participant in the community and give constructive suggestions to help develop the quality of it.

Drewes, with the help of fellow civic member Lori Baldassare, projected his vision of a “central” park to help bring people together and have a location for community activities. It didn’t take long before the civic purchased the almost-a-Home Depot parcel and developed Drewes’ “Ivory Tower” idea.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that the development of our hamlet,” he said, “has benefited from the input of members of the Mount Sinai Civic Association.”

PAGE A20 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

File photo above from VFW Post 6249; file photo left by Kevin Redding

Above, Mark Baisch, at left sitting at table, has new homeowner Deborah Bonacasa, right, sign papers for her new home made possible by himself and VFW Post 6249 Commander Joe Cognitore, standing on right. Left, the Cote family’s new home in Miller Place.

Joe & Mark Continued from page A4 a charity; we consider these homes a hand up, not a hand out. They do the best they can and it’s amazing how much they keep giving.

It shocks me after 11 houses that they’re like ‘Mark, let’s do more.’”

Cognitore said he enjoys creating a community of veterans.

“Once they get into these homes, they’re a great neighbor, a great citizen, they keep up their homes, they pay their taxes, so everything works out,” he said. “It’s a win for everybody.”

The veterans appreciate that as well.

“It makes me feel at home knowing there are veterans out there like me,” Bonacasa said. “If we ever needed each other, we’re right there.”

Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (C-Rocky Point) said she’s thankful that most of the homes have been built in her district.

“It’s very heartwarming,” she said of the welcome-home ceremonies. “It’s impossible to not get choked up. Especially the most recent one with the Cote family — they’ve had some significant challenges. They were struggling, and Joe and Mark saved them.”

Baisch said that the real tragedy of it all

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“They had no real chance of having a family here and living here if it weren’t for these homes, so that’s the all-encompassing enjoyment out of it,” he said. “These people would have been long gone, and they’re not the types of people we’d like to see leave Long Island. They served their country and they’re Long Islanders, each and every one of them. For them to have to leave because they can’t afford to live here, there’s something wrong with that.”

Bonner said what the “dynamic duo” does shows their true character.

“Mark is very altruistic, and he’s never

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December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A21

Founder of PJ Station support center still serving

by Rebecca anzel

want Port Jefferson Station to stay strong.”

For her work advocating for Port JefferWhen Celina Wilson moved to Port Jef- son Station residents and fighting to combat ferson Station in 1985, she noticed her new drug abuse, Times Beacon Record News Mecommunity was underserved — and that dia is recognizing Celina Wilson as a Person she could help. Some Spanish-speaking of the Year for 2016.

“Celina Wilson is a resource for Port female residents had problems accessing Jeff Station — she’s been doing this for dehealth care, specifically mammograms.

A nurse and Spanish-speaker herself, Wil- cades,” Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant son worked to partner with the American said in an interview. “She does this because she cares so much about Cancer Association to bring not only her own children, these women informational but all our children, and I materials, teach them how am just so impressed by to conduct self-examinations her.” and schedule mammograms Bridge of Hope uses with a mobile service. education as a tool to help She founded Bridge of show community memHope Resource Center in bers why drug use is dan1998 with her husband to gerous. Wilson said she continue helping Port Jefthinks it is important to ferson Station residents get share information about free health care by partnerthe “basics” of drug abuse ing with other organizations — what changes it makes and community leaders. As in a user’s brain, risk facother issues the community — Celina Wilson tors that might lead to faced came to her attention, someone turning to drugs Wilson expanded the scope and signs someone is using. of Bridge of Hope to include them.

She shared that information in an edThe organization gets feedback from residents and takes them straight to public ucational forum at Port Jefferson High officials. So far, it has tackled issues such School in mid-October. Also on the panel as safety in schools post-Sandy Hook and was a Stony Brook Children’s Hospital doctor of adolescent medicine and a scientist drug abuse awareness and prevention.

“I believe that the more awareness you who focuses on addiction’s effect on the raise about issues communities face, the brain. The event marked the first time less chance there is of our communities Bridge of Hope was able to host an educabecoming unstable,” Wilson said. “I really tional event in a school.

‘I believe that the more awareness you raise about issues communities face, the less chance there is of our communities becoming unstable.’

The goal of the forum, Wilson said, was to educate parents and others in attendance about the “root causes” of drug abuse. She expressed to parents there are signs to look for and risk factors that might lead their children to turn to drugs — such as not understanding the world around them and a lack of confidence and selfesteem — and stressed the importance of keeping an open line of communication with their children.

“It’s important that parents are educated about these things so they don’t feel helpless,” Wilson said. “I found out a week or two later the parents there were receptive to the information we shared at the forum, which was a big accomplishment for us.”

Other educational efforts include publishing an article called “The Amazing Human Brain” on the Bridge of Hope website that focuses on brain function and working to create a traveling museum exhibit to make the community more aware of drug abuse.

Dori Scofield, founder of Dan’s Foundation for Recovery, worked with Wilson on the exhibit, which will launch next year.

She said she loves the work Bridge of Hope does making a difference in the community.

“Celina is amazing and I love working with her on community issues,” she said.

“She is an inspiration to all of us who work in the field of improving life for all.”

Bridge of Hope also works in Brentwood, Central Islip and Bay Shore, but creating a support system for residents in Port Jefferson Station is not any less important to Wilson now than it was when the orga-

Photo from celina Wilson

Helping the Port Jefferson Station community has been celina Wilson’s, center, mission since the 1980s.

nization was founded 18 years ago.

“We really want our community to stay strong and our families to have stability. We don’t want to hear about our youths overdosing,” Wilson said. “We work to make sure that when you look at Port Jefferson Station, people know it’s a community that’s got it together and can weather any problems.”

The organization also offers mentoring opportunities for teens who are in need of extra guidance.

To contact Bridge of Hope Resource Center call 631-338-4340 or visit www. bridgeofhoperc.com.

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PAGE A22 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

Stony Brook architect has clear vision, desire to serve

BY DOnnA newMAn DOnnA@tBRnewSPAPeRS.cOM To John Cunniffe, a person who lacks a knowledge of history is like a tree without roots.

So to make sure the history of the Three Village community is alive and vibrant, he’s spent the last decade offering his considerable architectural acuity to various organizations dedicated to doing just that.

Cunniffe sees the value in preserving heritage. He pays attention to the smallest of details, striving for historical accuracy while providing renovations that work in today’s world.

“There are many professionals in our community who give generously of their services to our local nonprofit organizations, often pro bono or for reduced fees, but none quite like John Cunniffe,” said Robert Reuter, president of the Frank Melville Memorial Foundation. “He has helped jump-start and advance more important historic building projects throughout the Three Villages than I can count.”

For his considerable contributions to the work being done by courageous nonprofits in preserving local historical edifices, for his unflagging willingness to lend his expertise to important local architecture projects and for his extreme generosity of time and spirit, John Cunniffe is one of Times Beacon

‘When someone essentially does ‘pro-bono’ work in their area of expertise — that made John’s involvement just that much more selfless.’

— david Sterne Record News Media’s People of the Year for 2016.

Raised on Long Island, the 45-year-old Stony Brook resident received his architectural degree from the New York Institute of Technology. He has worked for the Weiss/ Manfredi firm where he honed his design pedigree.

The Cunniffes decided to return to Long Island from Virginia 10 years ago and settled not far from the Soundview area of East Setauket, from which his wife Colleen Cunniffe hails. There they are raising their two daughters.

Now known for prestigious residential projects that value historic preservation, while creating contemporary architecture for his clients, he has also become the go-to architect for important restoration and preservation projects throughout the Three Village area, Reuter said.

Cunniffe donated his services to create the documents and secure the permits necessary to relocate and restore the historic Rubber Factory Worker Houses for the Three Village Community Trust. Soon he was handling work for the Setauket Neighborhood House, the Three Village Historical Society, the

Frank Melville Memorial Park, The Long Island Museum, projects in the Bethel–Christian Avenue–Laurel Hill Historic District as well as the Caroline Church, Reuter added.

“They all needed an architect,” Reuter said. “They got more than they asked for — they got thorough project planning and exceptionally good design, as well as the necessary documents and permits.”

Along the way, Cunniffe represented the Stony Brook Historic District as a volunteer on the Town of Brookhaven’s Historic District Advisory Committee and advised the Setauket Fire Department on planning and design for the new headquarters building on Route 25A in Setauket.

Setauket Fire District Manager David Sterne said he feels grateful to have had Cunniffe’s participation in the planning for the new fire department structure.

“John was an integral part of the community committee for the planning and design of the new firehouse,” he said. “He attended most meetings and his insights, especially from his architect’s point of view, were invaluable. It’s one thing for a person to take part as a volunteer, but when someone essentially does

‘pro-bono’ work in their area of expertise — that made John’s involvement just that much more selfless.”

Brookhaven Town Historian Barbara Russell remembers where and when she first encountered Cunniffe.

“I first met John when he was the representative from the Stony Brook Historic District to the Town’s Historic District Advisory Committee,” she said. “He always brought sound knowledge of architecture, a willingness to hear out the applicants and helpful suggestions to the meetings.

Beyond his education in architecture, he has a sense of the importance of historical structures and how they fit into our community today.”

Russell said it is unique how Cunnife considers style, materials, location and history of a structure as well as how it has to conform to fit in today’s world.

“Whether it be its location in the community or the owner’s lifestyle, balancing all those variables takes a keen eye, and a heart for the type of work he does,” she said.

Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) said the Three Village area is a special place because of people like Cunniffe.

“Our extraordinary community

Rocky Point Middle School Continued from page A14 dent lost his three dogs in a house fire.

“I’ve had many experiences in different school environments and this is an amazing building,” he said. “Everyone comes together as a team to do everything they can. These are very, very altruistic, caring kids. They feel they can’t do enough.”

Assistant Principal James Moeller added that other changes he and O’Brien made were mixing the grade levels during lunch.

“You’d think that was a great way to keep things separate so there would be less problems, but we integrated the grades, and we found the kids interacted more with others and there was less influence of clicks,” he said.

“They sort of self police one another.”

Since the school doesn’t have a playground, being that the building shares space with the high school next door, it’s tough to have recess, but a system has been worked out where during warmer months, kids can go outside and run around. Moeller said the staff loves it as teachers have noticed when the kids can burn off some energy, they’re more focused during the rest of the school day.

Pride cards were also established as a part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Students are awarded pride cards when a faculty member sees someone displaying positive behavior, whether it be holding the door open for someone or picking up a classmate’s books after they’ve fallen on the floor.

“The idea behind it is to reward kids for

File photo from Scott O’Brien

Rocky Point Assistant Principal James Moeller, left, and Principal Scott O’Brien, right, during O’Brien’s Administrator of the Year party in March doing the right thing, as opposed to being reactive and giving them a consequence when they make a mistake,” Moeller said.

Being a part of the school since it opened in 2002, Settepani, like Callahan, has also seen the changes O’Brien made for himself.

“It’s been an amazing transformation,” he said. “It’s evolved light years. We’re finally all on the same page. We speak about how fortunate we are to work in this type of environment — to feel supported, respected and validated. No one cares about taking credit for anything, and everyone just thinks about what they can do to help.”

Art teacher Kristen LaBianca, who has been in the district for 23 years, came over to the school the same time as O’Brien and said the positive atmosphere he has created isn’t confined within the school walls — it gets out in the community.

“Ideas are never turned away,” she said.

“You can take anything to his desk, and he never puts a damper on any of your ideas.

He’s the best thing to ever happen to this school. He came into our lives and we all benefited from it.”

Spanish teacher Bruce Wolper, who has been at the school for five years, said he’s enjoyed the changes during faculty meetings.

He said O’Brien always starts with something positive, asking who has good news whether it be personal or in the classroom, and there’s always a laugh.

“I would walk through fire for him, and for Jim Moeller, too, who is just as good,” the 30year teacher said. “They’re a great team. They play off each other fantastically.”

O’Brien thinks it’s a great age to feed into the kid’s self-esteem and is constantly seeing students come back wishing they were still a

Photo by Donna newman

John cunniffe in his Stony Brook Avenue office.

is defined by caring people like John Cunniffe, whose professional architectural vision and personal commitment to volunteerism is a gift that enhances our sense of place,” he said. “We are indeed fortunate that John has chosen to invest his considerable talent and energies here.”

Reuter compared the architect’s work to another famous designer who worked in the area: Ward Melville’s architect.

“Richard Haviland Smythe did these sorts of community projects for his patron who generously funded them,” he said. “John Cunniffe is our modern day Smythe — if only we had modern day major patrons to move these many projects forward. John has been a wise, goodhumored and essential partner.”

part of the school. Because of that, he takes tremendous pride in the work the school does.

“Other people brag about where they teach, but I feel like I really mean it,” he said, laughing. “I’ve always been able to get out of bed and say I love what I do, I can’t wait to go in and I look forward to another 20 years.”

While academic rigor and programs that challenge kids are also right up there, he said he thinks that without the right environment, the rest falls by the wayside. Although his plate may already seem full, the principal also teaches an administrative program at St. John’s University and The College of St. Rose, to instill these ideas in other future leaders.

“I know I made the right choice,” he said of choosing to become a special education teacher at the Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School 20 years ago, before becoming an assistant principal and principal at the building before making the move to the middle school.

“I’ve had the opportunity to impact the lives of thousands of kids for the better and there’s nothing more meaningful than to hear from a parent years later telling me all I did for their children and appreciating the impact we’ve had on them. Not many jobs get to do that.”

He said that while garnering recognition and accolades is appreciated, he feels there’s something almost wrong with the notoriety, and said despite that, the school will continue work on improving.

“We have to challenge ourselves to do more — something bigger, something better — that drive needs to continue,” he said.

“I’m so appreciative of the accolades but I feel that this is what I’m supposed to be doing. To get the recognition sometimes feels weird because this is how it’s supposed to be. And I don’t feel like my work is ever done.”

December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A23

Family of developers goes the extra mile for the community

By Alex Petroski alex@tbrnewspapers.com A prominent Port Jeffersonbased real estate development company opened a 38-unit apartment building in upper Port Jefferson earlier in 2016, but the father-son team behind the project is about much more than turning a profit.

Port Jefferson native Tony Gitto, who now lives in Belle Terre, and his son Rob have been in the business of developing communities together since 2002, when Rob joined the family business.

Their apartment building on Texaco Avenue, which opened in July in upper Port, is not only a business venture for Rail Realty LLC, a division of The Gitto Group, but also a major step in a villagewide effort to revitalize uptown and turn it into a suitable gateway for Port Jefferson’s downtown, waterfront community.

For their impact on the Port Jefferson community and dedication to making it a great place in which to live, Times Beacon Record News Media names The Gitto Group as People of the Year for 2016.

When the company decided to build The Hills at Port Jefferson on Texaco Avenue, the plan was to develop in two stages because they weren’t sure if there would be enough demand to fill the units.

A month ahead of the designated opening of the first phase, which housed 38 units, a waiting list already existed for phase two. Thirtysix more apartments will be filled in the summer of 2017 when the building is estimated to be ready.

“I think they took a lot of risk to put the shovel in the ground,” Port Jefferson Village Mayor Margot

top photo by Alex Petroski; all other photos from rob Gitto

top, rob Gitto and his son ryan ride the Gitto Group’s float during Port Jefferson Village’s 2016 santa Parade; above, rob Gitto, left, and tony Gitto, right, make up the Gitto Group; and below, the Hills at Port Jefferson opened in upper Port in July.

Garant said in an interview. “It’s a huge undertaking to do a project like that.” Garant actually grew up across the street from the Gittos.

Rob Gitto said the group saw an opportunity to try to improve a part of the community that needed attention. Garant said the village is actively seeking state and county grants to aid in the development of Port Jeff, and 74 housing units could have a massive impact in achieving that mission.

“Our whole goal with rebranding upper Port was making sure when you came to the [train] tracks, you have that same sort of gateway that you get down the hill,” Garant said. “You can’t do it by yourself. You need that private sector person to be willing to make the investment and then you as a municipal government, you need to be there to support them if it’s the right project.

I think a lot of times ‘developer’

just gets such a negative connotation. We’re building our future.”

Garant said she hopes the influx of residents will have a large impact on businesses in the village.

“Tonight is going to be a cold and quiet night in the village — these merchants still have rents to pay,” she said.

Rob Gitto, who has since moved to Poquott, acknowledged that lifting up a community where he and his family grew up is an added bonus to business success.

“We’re a business and we’re looking to make a profit, but at the same time we’re hoping it jump-starts revitalization up there,” he said. “A lot of our tenants go to [PJ Lobster House] and use the dry cleaner. Hopefully [the businesses] are feeling the effect of people living up there.”

The elder Gitto, who remains involved with the business, reiterated his son’s sentiments regarding the

balance between business success and community service that the group has achieved.

“I believe that the village has the potential to be one of the finest communities on Long Island with all that it has to offer residents, visitors and businesses,” he said in an email. “The Hills development was an appealing option for The Gitto Group as it provided an opportunity to improve the uptown area, and provide facilities for young people to stay in the community and be the future of the community. In addition, the development was a great economic opportunity for our company.”

Barbara Ransome, the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce director of operations, said she appreciates the Gittos for their impact on the village’s business world, but their love of landscaping and dedication to beautifying their properties and other village properties is part of what makes them so special to the community.

Rob Gitto said they also contribute donations throughout the year to the village and local charities.

“The family is just first class,” Ransome said in an interview.

“It’s not just a flash. It’s consistent. They’ve been very generous to this community and they’re a nice family.”

Ransome said their properties, like the CVS on Main Street near Barnum Avenue, are stunning in the springtime after thousands of flowers are planted.

Garant called the father-andson team “perfect gentlemen,” and recognized them for embracing Port Jeff’s slogan and their efforts to make it come true. It encourages visitors to stop by the destination village “for a day, or for a lifetime.”

“The only way it’s going to work [in upper Port] is if everybody does their part,” Rob Gitto said. “Hopefully we can make it a better location for people to come visit and live. We don’t want people to just drive through uptown anymore.”

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Religious ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

STONY BROOK CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Connecting to God, Each Other and the World

400 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket (631) 689–1127 • Fax (631) 689–1215

www.stonybrookchristian.com Pastor Troy Reid Weekly Schedule Sunday Worship w/nursery 10 am Kidmo Children’s Church • Ignited Youth Fellowship and Food Always to Follow Tuesday Evening Prayer: 7 pm Thursday Morning Bible Study w/Coffee & Bagels: 10 am Friday Night Experience “FNX” for Pre K-Middle School: 6:30 pm Ignite Youth Ministry: 7:30 pm Check out our website for other events and times

BYZANTINE CATHOLIC RESURRECTION BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH

38 Mayflower Avenue, Smithtown NY 11787 631–759–6083 resurrectionsmithtown@gmail.com www.resurrectionsmithtown.org Father Tyler A. Strand, Administrator, Joseph S. Durko, Cantor Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 11:15 am Holy Days: See website or phone for information Sunday School Sundays at 9:15 am Adult Faith Formation/Bible Study: Mondays at 7:00 pm.

PrayerAnon Prayer Group for substance addictions, Wednesdays at 7 pm A Catholic Church of the Eastern Rite under the Eparchy of Passaic.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. GERARD MAJELLA 300 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station (631) 473–2900 • Fax (631) 473–0015

CATHOLIC

ST. JAMES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 429 Rt. 25A, Setauket, NY 11733 Phone/Fax: (631) 941–4141

Mission Statement: In faith we come together to celebrate the Eucharist as a Parish Family; and as a Catholic community of faith, we are sent to be Christ to the world around us.

Rev. James-Patrick Mannion, Pastor Rev. Gerald Cestare, Associate Pastor Rev. Jon Fitzgerald, In Residence Weekday Masses: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday 8:00am, 9:30 am (family), 11:30 am (choir), 6:00 pm (Youth) Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Baptisms: Sundays at 1:30 pm (except during Lent) Reconciliation: Saturdays 4:00 – 4:45 pm or by appointment Anointing Of The Sick: by request Holy Matrimony: contact the office at least 9 months before desired date

CONGREGATIONAL MT. SINAI CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai • (631) 473–1582 www.mtsinaichurchli.org “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here”

Service of Remembrance to be held on December 21 at 7 pm Worship hour is 8:30 am and 10 am Sunday School and Childcare offered at 10:00 am open to all children (infants to 8th grade).

The last Sunday of every month is our Welcome Sunday Service.

This service has been intentionally designed to include persons of differing abilities from local group homes.

We are an Open and Affirming Congregation.

CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

www.stgmajella.org All are Welcome to Begin Again. Come Pray With Us. Rev. Jerry DiSpigno, Pastor Office of Christian Formation • 928–2550 We celebrate Eucharist Saturday evening 5 pm, Sunday 7:30, 9 and 11 am Weekday Mass Monday–Friday 9 am We celebrate Baptism Third weekend of each month during any of our weekend Masses We celebrate Marriage Arrangements can be made at the church with our Pastor or Deacon We celebrate Reconciliation Confession is celebrated on Saturdays from 4–5 pm We celebrate You! Visit Our Thrift Shop Mon. – Fri. 10 am–4 pm + Sat. 10 am–2 pm

www.crossoverchristianchurch.com Pastor Lesaya Kelly Weekly Schedule: Sunday Worship w/Children’s Church 9:30 - 11am We offer weekly small groups and monthly meetings for men and women.

We exist to love God with everything we have. We are a small, vibrant community reaching out to our world with love in action.

INFANT JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

EPISCOPAL

110 Myrtle Ave., Port Jefferson, NY 11777 (631) 473-0165 • Fax (631) 331-8094

www.www.infantjesus.org Reverend Patrick M. Riegger, Pastor Associates: Rev. Francis Lasrado & Rev. Rolando Ticllasuca To schedule Baptisms and Weddings, Please call the Rectory Confessions: Saturdays 12:30-1:15 pm in the Lower Church Religious Ed.: (631) 928-0447 • Parish Outreach: (631) 331-6145 Weekly Masses: 6:50 and 9 am in the Church, 12 pm in the Chapel* Weekend Masses: Saturday at 5 pm in the Church, 5:15 pm in the Chapel* Sunday at 7:30 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm in the Church and at 8:30 am, 10 am, and 11:30 am (Family Mass) in the Chapel* Spanish Masses: Sunday at 8:45 am and Wednesday at 6 pm in the Church *Held at the Infant Jesus Chapel at St. Charles Hospital Religious Education: (631) 928-0447 Parish Outreach: (631) 331-6145

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CROSSOVER CHRISTIAN CHURCH Finding Faith As A Way of Life

Meeting at the Heritage Community Center 633 Mt. Sinai Coram Rd., Mt. Sinai (631)734-0204

ALL SOULS EPISCOPAL CHURCH “Our little historic church on the hill” across from the Stony Brook Duck Pond

Main Street, Stony Brook • (631) 751–0034

www.allsouls–stonybrook.org • allsoulsepiscopalchurch@verizon.net Please come and welcome our new Priest: The Rev. Farrell D. Graves, Ph.D., Vicar Sunday Holy Eucharist: 8 and 9:30 am Religious instruction for children follows the 9:30 am Service This is a small eclectic Episcopal congregation that has a personal touch. We welcome all regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey. Walk with us.

EPISCOPAL

CAROLINE CHURCH OF BROOKHAVEN The Rev. Cn. Dr. Richard D. Visconti, Rector

1 Dyke Road on the Village Green, Setauket Web site: www.carolinechurch.net Parish Office email: office@carolinechurch.net (631) 941–4245

Sunday Services: 8 am, 9:30 am and 11:15 am Church School/Child Care at 9:30 am Church School classes now forming. Call 631-941-4245 for registration.

Weekday holy Eucharist’s: Thursday 12 pm and First Friday of the month 7:30 pm (rotating: call Parish Office for location) Youth, Music and Service Programs offered.

Let God walk with you as part of our family–friendly community.

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 127 Barnum Ave., Port Jefferson (631) 473–0273 email: ccoffice@christchurchportjeff.org www.christchurchportjeff.org

Father Anthony DiLorenzo: Priest–In–Charge Sunday Services 8 am & 10 am Sunday Eucharist: 8 am and 10 am/Wednesday 10 in our chapel Sunday School and Nursery Registration for Sunday School starting Sunday after the 10 am Eucharist Our ministries: Welcome Inn on Mondays at 5:45 pm AA meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm/Prayer Group on Wednesdays at 10:30 am/Bible Study on Thursdays at 10 am.

It is the mission of the people of Christ Church to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and to make his love known to all through our lives and ministry.

We at Christ Church are a joyful, welcoming community. Wherever you are in your journey of life we want to be part of it.

EVANGELICAL THREE VILLAGE CHURCH Knowing Christ...Making Him Known

322 Route 25A, East Setauket • (631) 941–3670 www.3vc.org

Lead Pastor Josh Moody Sunday Worship Schedule 9:15 am:Worship Service Sunday School (Pre–K – Adult), Nursery 10:30 am: Bagel/Coffee Fellowship 11:00 am: Worship, Nursery, Pre–K, Cornerstone Kids (Gr. K–4) We offer weekly Teen Programs, Small Groups, Women’s Bible Studies (day & evening) & Men’s Bible Study Faith Nursery School for ages 3 & 4 Join us as we celebrate 55 years of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ!

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION

430 Sheep Pasture Rd., Port Jefferson 11777 Tel: 631-473-0894 • Fax: 631-928-5131 www.kimisis.org • goc.assumption@gmail.com

Rev. Demetrios N. Calogredes, Protopresbyter Sunday Services Orthros 8:30 am - Devine Liturgy 10 am Services conducted in both Greek & English* Books available to follow in English* Sunday Catechism School, 10:15 am - 11:15 am* Greek Language School, Tuesdays 5 pm - 8 pm* Bible Study & Adult Catechism Classes Available* Golden Age & Youth Groups* Thrift Store* Banquet Hall available for Rental* For information please call Church office*

To be listed in the Religious Directory, please call 631–751–7663

December 29, 2016 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • PAGE A25

Religious JEWISH

CHABAD AT STONY BROOK

“Judaism with a smile” Future site: East side of Nicolls Rd, North of Rte 347 –Next to Fire Dept.

Current location: 821 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove (631) 585–0521 • (800) My–Torah • www.ChabadSB.com

Rabbi Chaim & Rivkie Grossbaum Rabbi Motti & Chaya Grossbaum Rabbi Sholom B. & Chanie Cohen Membership Free •Weekday, Shabbat & Holiday Services Highly acclaimed Torah Tots Preschool • Afternoon Hebrew School Camp Gan Israel • Judaica Publishing Department • Lectures and Seminars • Living Legacy Holiday Programs Jewish Learning Institute Friendship Circle for Special Needs Children • The CTeen Network N’shei Chabad Women’s Club • Cyberspace Library www.ChabadSB.com Chabad at Stony Brook University – Rabbi Adam & Esther Stein

YOUNG ISRAEL OF CORAM

Coram Jewish Center 981 Old Town Rd., Coram • (631) 698–3939 YIC.org-YoungIsraelofCoram@gmail.com

RABBI DR. MORDECAI AND MARILYN GOLSHEVSKY RABBI SAM AND REBECA GOLSHEVSKY

“THE ETERNAL FLAME-THE ETERNAL LIGHT” Weekly Channel #20 at 10 am Shabbat Morning Services 9 am. Free Membership. No building fund. Free Hebrew School. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Shabbat and Holiday Services followed by hot buffet. Adult Education Institute. Women’s Education Group-Internationally prominent Lecturers and Women’s Torah Class. Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Kaballah Classes. Jewish Holiday Institute. Tutorials for all ages.

Put Meaning in Your Life 631-698-3939 Member, National Council of Young Israel All welcome regardless of knowledge or observance level.

NORTH SHORE JEWISH CENTER

385 Old Town Rd., Port Jefferson Station (631) 928–3737 www.NorthShoreJewishCenter.org Rabbi Aaron Benson

Cantor Daniel Kramer, Rabbi Emeritus Howard Hoffman Executive Director Marcie Platkin Services: Daily morning and evening minyan Friday at 8 pm; Saturday 8:45 am and one hour before sundown • Tot Shabbat Family Kehillah • Sisterhood • Men’s Club • Seniors Club • Youth Group Award–winning Religious School • Teen Community Service Program Nursery School • Mommy and Me • Preschool Summer Program Continuing Ed • Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Judaica Shop Thrift Shop • Kosher Catering Panel We warmly welcome you to our Jewish home. Come worship, study and enjoy being Jewish with our caring NSJC family.

Member United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

TEMPLE ISAIAH (REFORM)

1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook • (631) 751–8518 www.tisbny.org

D irectory LUTHERAN–ELCA

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND ANCHOR NURSERY SCHOOL 46 Dare Road, Selden (631)732-2511 Emergency number (516) 848-5386 Rev. Dr. Richard O. Hill, Pastor email: hopelutheran@msn.com • website: www.hopeluth.com Holy Communion is celebrated every week Saturdays 5 pm and Sundays at 8 am, 9:30 am and 11 am

ST. PAULS LUTHERAN CHURCH

309 Patchogue Road, Port Jefferson Station (631) 473–2236

Rev. Paul A. Downing, Pastor email: pastorpauldowning@yahoo.com • pastor’s cell: 347–423–3623 church website: wwwStPaulsLCPJS.org Services: Sundays-8:30 and 10:30 am-Holy Communion Bibles and Bagels 9:30 am Sunday School during 10:30 service Wednesday evening 7:30 pm-Holy Communion Friday Morning-Power of Prayer Hour 10:30 am

LUTHERAN–LCMS

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH Messiah Preschool & Day Care 465 Pond Path, East Setauket www.messiahny.com (631) 751–1775

Rev. Charles Bell, Pastor We welcome all to join us for worship & fellowship Sunday Worship Services 8:15 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am Sunday School at 9:30 am We have a NYS Certified Preschool & Day Care

METHODIST SETAUKET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 160 Main Street, Corner of 25A and Main Street East Setauket • (631) 941–4167

Rev. Steven kim, Pastor

www.setauketumc.org • SUMCNY@aol.com Sunday Worship Service & Church School 10 am 10 am Worship with Holy Communion Mary & Martha Circle (Women’s Ministry) monthly on 2nd Tuesday at noon

STONY BROOK COMMUNITY CHURCH UNITED METHODIST

216 Christian Ave., Stony Brook, 11790 Church Office: 631-751-0574 stonybrookcommunitychurch@gmail.com www.stonybrookcommunitychurch.org Rev. chuck Van Houten, Pastor Connecting people to God, purpose and each other Sunday Worship 10:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am

Renewing, Restoring, Reviving for the 21st Century!

PRESBYTERIAN

SETAUKET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5 Caroline Avenue ~ On the Village Green (631) 941-4271

Making God’s community livable for all since 1660!! www.setauketpresbyterian.org Email: setauketpresbyterian@verizon.net

Rev. Mary, Barrett Speers, pastor Rev. Dr. Craig Malbon, Visiting Minister

Religious Directory continued on next page

METHODIST BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 33 Christian Ave/ PO2117 E. Setauket NY 11733 (631) 941–3581 Rev. Gregory L. Leonard–Pastor

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Lectionary Reading and Prayer Wed. 12 noon Gospel Choir Tues. 8 pm Praise Choir and Youth Choir 3rd and 4th Fri. 6:30 pm

COMMACK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 486 Townline Road, Commack Church Office: (631)499–7310 Fax: (631) 858–0596 www.commack–umc.org • mail@commack–umc.org Rev. Linda Bates–Stepe, Pastor

Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel Cantor Carol Chesler Rabbi Emeritus Stephen A. Karol Rabbi Emeritus Adam D. Fisher Cantor Emeritus Michael F. Trachtenberg

Sabbath Services Friday 7:30 pm and Saturday 10 am Religious School • Monthly Family Service • Monthly Tot Shabbat Youth Groups • Senior Club • Adult Education Sisterhood • Brotherhood • Book Club-more

To be listed in the Religious Directory, please call 631–751–7663

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A warm and caring intergenerational community dedicated to learning, prayer, social action, and friendship.

Member Union for Reform Judaism

PAGE A26 • THE TIMES OF MIDDLE COUNTRY • December 29, 2016

Friends of Greenway maintains nature trail for North Shore

By SuSan RiSoli What could have been a highway nobody wanted became a nature trail everyone loves. The nearly-3.5-mile Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail is maintained by hometown people, with a little help from members of local and state governments.

The volunteer organization Friends of the Greenway, and civic groups that support its work, are Times Beacon Record News Media’s People of the Year for the attention paid to a place enjoyed by many.

Community activism for the trail started in the 1980s, with a task force formed by state Assemblyman Steve Englebright (DSetauket). The group wanted to stop the proposed construction of a four-lane Route 25A bypass highway, on New York State Department of Transportation land stretching from East Setauket to Port Jefferson Station. Englebright

secured $2.1 million in state funds for design and construction of a greenway. The first section of the trail opened in 2009, and the project was completed with $5 million in federal transportation funds obtained by U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop (DSouthampton).

Friends of the Greenway, a group affiliated with the Three Village Community Trust, grew out of the concern of those who wanted to watch over and improve the trail. Chairman Charlie McAteer said that through the friends’ trail stewardship program, people can “adopt” a section of the greenway.

By taking ownership, volunteers agree to walk the path, removing litter and debris.

Stewards prune and mow vegetation, and supervise cleanups in their section. Any problems the trail stewards can’t resolve on their own — a fallen tree or broken lights — are referred to the community trust, to the Town of Brookhaven or to the DOT. “Ultimately, government can only do so much,” McAteer said.

“You always need people looking after things and helping maintain.

You need those eyes and ears.”

Englebright said that just as the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station greenway connects communities, the Friends of the Greenway is the group that works to bring people together and engages them.

“Through scheduled cleanups and community programing, the Friends of the Greenway work step-by-step to encourage a culture of caring and connection that results in making the greenway a better place,” he said. “The friends should also be applauded for bringing local Scout troops into the mix, through volunteer days and being a prime location for Eagle Scout community service projects.”

Photo above by and at left from nick Koridis

above, The first section of the greenway opens in 2009. Charlie Mcateer (red shirt) watches as Herb Mones and Steve Englebright (holding scissors) cut the ribbon. at left, Eagle Scout nick Brigantino (in uniform), from Boy Scout Troop 229 in Selden, leads an effort to install a bat house.

Herb Mones, a member of the Three Village Community Trust’s board, said at first, some didn’t understand what a greenway could bring to their lives.

“There are many greenways around the country, but not many in Suffolk County,” he said, adding he feels that once the trail became a reality people embraced it. “A lot of people use it every single day because now they can see, feel and touch it.”

Trail steward Susan Colatosti keeps a close eye on the trail from her own property bordering the greenway. If she sees a sign knocked down or garbage cans overflowing, she reports the issue. When she sees litter clutter on the landscape

Religious UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP AT STONY BROOK

380 Nicolls Road • between Rte 347 & Rte 25A (631) 751–0297 • www.uufsb.org • office@uufsb.org

Rev. Margaret H. Allen (minister@uufsb.org) Sunday Service: 10:30 am

Religious Education at UUFSB: Unitarian Universalism accepts wisdom from many sources and offers non-dogmatic religious education for children from 3-18 to foster ethical and spiritual development and knowledge of world religions. Classes Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Childcare for little ones under three. Senior High Youth Group meetings Sunday evenings.

Registration is ongoing. For more information: dre@uufsb.org.

while walking, she picks it up. Colatosti and other volunteers planted daffodils along the trail.

“The trail has preserved this open space for posterity,” Colatosti said. “It’s a wonderful way for people to walk safely and see their neighbors.”

Boy Scout unit commissioner Nick Koridis spreads the word to local Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops, who have held car washes to raise funds to buy recycled plastic lumber for benches along the trail, and have donated labor to install the benches.

Other projects have included installing mile markers, birdhouses, bat houses and street crossing signs.

Younger kids clean up the trail with their parents.

“It’s all for the community,” Koridis said. “For the Scouts themselves, taking care of the greenway lets them have fun outdoors while learning the skills of working together.”

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) also has been involved with the trail since its beginning.

The greenway is “sustained by the labor of devoted volunteers, and because of their care the trail binds the hearts of two communities,” Hahn said. “The partnership of government and community has become the foundation of a recreational space that not only unites these hamlets to one another, but also to all people from across Long Island.”

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UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF HUNTINGTON

109 Brown’s Road, Huntington, NY 11743 631–427–9547

UNITY UNITY CHURCH OF HEALING LIGHT 203 East Pulaski Rd., Huntington Sta. (631) 385–7180 www.unityhuntingtonny.org

www.uufh.org

Rev. G. Jude Geiger, Minister

(minister@uufh.org) Starr Austin, religious educator (dreuufh@gmail.com) Sunday Service 10:30 am, Children’s Religious Education 10:30 am Whoever you are, whomever you love, wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome here.

Our services offer a progressive, non-creedal message with room for spiritual seekers.

Services and Religious Education each Sunday at 10:30 am Youth Group, Lifespan Religious Education for Adults, Adult and Children’s Choirs. Participants in the Huntington Interfaith Housing Initiative. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Rev. Saba Mchunguzi

Unity Church of Healing Light is committed to helping people unfold their Christ potential to transform their lives and build spiritual community through worship, education, prayer and service.

Sunday Worship & Church School 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Service 7:30 p.m.

Sign Language Interpreter at Sunday Service

To be listed in the Religious Directory, please call 631–751–7663

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