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Times record port jefferson • belle terre • port jefferson station • terryville
Vol. 30, No. 5
December 29, 2016
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PEO PL E O F T H E YE A R
2016 Honorees Celina Wilson Keith Buehler Jack Smith Crime Stoppers Alan Alda Friends of the Greenway Mark Baisch & Joe Cognitore Gitto Family Rocky Point Middle School Tom Manuel Kate Colone Kevin LaValle John Cunniffe Mount Sinai Civic Assoc.
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PAGE A2 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • DECEMBER 29, 2016
A message from the publisher
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The Port Times Record 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 community we all 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 us in how we were able to honor people. Every winner is simply a person of the year, no matter what their concentration.
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DECEMBER 29, 2016 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A3
Founder of Port Jeff Station support center still serving community by Rebecca anzel
becoming unstable,” Wilson said. “I really want Port Jefferson Station to stay strong.” For her work advocating for Port JefferWhen Celina Wilson moved to Port Jefferson Station in 1985, she noticed her new son Station residents and fighting to combat community was underserved — and that drug abuse, Times Beacon Record News Meshe could help. Some Spanish-speaking dia is recognizing Celina Wilson as a Person female residents had problems accessing of the Year. “Celina Wilson is a resource for Port Jeff health care, specifically mammograms. A nurse and Spanish-speaker herself, Station — she’s been doing this for decades,” Wilson worked to partner with the Ameri- Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant said in an interview. “She does this can Cancer Association to because she cares so much bring these women inforabout not only her own chilmational materials, teach dren, but all our children, them how to conduct selfand I am just so impressed examinations and schedule by her.” mammograms with a moBridge of Hope uses bile 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 share information about get free health care by the “basics” of drug abuse partnering with other or— what changes it makes ganizations and communi— Celina Wilson in a user’s brain, risk facty leaders. As other issues the community faced came to her atten- tors that might lead to someone turning to tion, Wilson expanded the scope of Bridge drugs and signs someone is using. She shared that information in an edof Hope to include them. The organization gets feedback from ucational forum at Port Jefferson High residents and takes them straight to public School in mid-October. Also on the panel officials. So far, it has tackled issues such was a Stony Brook Children’s Hospital docas safety in schools post-Sandy Hook and tor of adolescent medicine and a scientist who focuses on addiction’s effect on the drug abuse awareness and prevention. “I believe that the more awareness you brain. The event marked the first time raise about issues communities face, the Bridge of Hope was able to host an educaless chance there is of our communities 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.’
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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 Facebook
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 in need of extra guidance. To contact Bridge of Hope Resource Center call 631-338-4340 or visit www. bridgeofhoperc.com.
PAGE A4 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • DECEMBER 29, 2016
Port Jeff guidance counselor and 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 pro-
gram 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 and his 8-year-old son Kougar 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.”
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.
DECEMBER 29, 2016 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A5
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.
PAGE A6 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • DECEMBER 29, 2016
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. Times Beacon Record News Media is recognizing Crime Stoppers as one of its People of the Year for the organization’s work fighting crime and the heroin epidemic in Suffolk County. Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) File photos above and below right from ScPD; file photo below left by Rebecca anzel said the organization is indispensable to the clockwise from above, members at a Patchogue benefit concert present crime Stoppers with a large check representing donations community. received; drugs recovered thanks to tips from crime Stoppers; and Mike DelGuidice at the concert fundraiser. “Crime Stoppers is a valuable asset and has created a great partnership with our police department to reduce crime in Suffolk County,” they have been doing without the support of she said in an email. “They work diligently to Police Commissioner Tim Sini, First Deputy coordinate information from the public and the Commissioner John Barry and Police Chief media to solve crime and make arrests. I am Stuart Cameron. Amarr has worked with four proud to support Crime Stoppers and appreci- administrations and said this one strategically ate the dedication of the police officers and vol- embraces Crime Stoppers as a partner and has done more in less than 12 months than he has unteers who keep our communities safe.” seen accomplished in the The organization is staffed by unpaid volun- ‘It gives the public a voice past 10 years. “We have reinvested teers, most of whom are in our partnership with former law enforcement and an understanding Suffolk Crime Stopor veterans. President Nick of how important pers,” Sini said. “It’s a Amarr, a Marine and Crime great, great, great way Stoppers volunteer for 14 law enforcement is in years, said the organiza- keeping our freedom and we’re able to engage with the public and tion’s real value is in providwe’ve done a lot of good ing residents with a safe way protecting our children.’ to help law enforcement — Nick AmArr for the communities.” The 8-month-old narprotect their communities. cotics tip line alone had “It gives the public a voice and an understanding of how important law enforcement led to a 140 percent increase in the amount of is in keeping our freedom and protecting our search warrants issued by August; hundreds children,” Amarr said. “That’s very important of drug dealers have been arrested; the police For Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue founder heard that parents across Suffolk County call department has seized a substantial amount of to me and everyone on our board.” Amarr also said Crime Stoppers’ employ- money; and is on pace to confiscate more ille- and president, Dori Scofield, whose son Dan- in information they hear from their children ees would not be able to continue the work gal firearms than ever before, according to Sini. iel died in 2011 from a heroin overdose, the about drug dealers and unsavory activities in work Crime Stoppers is doing to combat the their communities. “They’ve made a huge difference,” Kroll county’s heroin epidemic is invaluable. “The only way we’re going to combat said. “The police department can’t fight all this epidemic is by working together in dif- crime without any help and the Crime Stopferent forces and stopping the drugs in Suf- pers being a liaison between the public and folk County and helping our youth that are them is only a plus.” Tracey Farrell, formerly Budd, a Rocky already addicted and educating children and parents,” Scofield said. “This epidemic takes Point mother who lost her son Kevin to a hera village to combat and our police and the oin overdose in 2012, agrees the service Crime Crime Stoppers are an important part of that Stoppers provides is life saving to many kids. “In the few months that it [NARC line] village.” Crime Stoppers is funded completely by has been out, it has made a huge difference,” donations, which it uses exclusively for re- she said. “It’s nice that people see when they wards for tips leading to an arrest. In July, the make a phone call, something is happening. I organization hosted a benefit concert at The can’t say enough about how great this is.” Farrell also said she thinks residents are Emporium in Patchogue, raising $58,000 in one night. Amarr said it will host another less interested in the cash reward that comes after a reporting. fundraiser at the same venue next year. “I think they’re happy they have some Teri Kroll, chairperson of People United to Stop Heroin, part of Long Island Council on place to report things going on in their own Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, spoke at neighborhood,” she said. “[And Crime Stopthe event in support of Crime Stoppers five pers] needs to keep getting information out months ago. Since then, she said she has there wherever they can.”
DECEMBER 29, 2016 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A7
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PAGE A8 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • 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 PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A9
Friends of Greenway maintains nature trail for North Shore 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,
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. through volunteer days and being a prime location for Eagle Scout community service projects.” 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,
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she reports the issue. When she sees litter clutter on the landscape 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
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PAGE A10 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • DECEMBER 29, 2016
Duo builds home 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 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 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
File photo above from VFW Post 6249; file photo left by Kevin redding
above, VFW Post 6249 Commander Joe Cognitore speaks at an event; right, Mark Baisch sits as new homeowner Deborah Bonacasa signs papers for her new home; below, Megan and Joshua Johnson smile in front of their new home. 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 inthat disabled him. — Renée Cote jury“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
‘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.’
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 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
is the fact that without his help, the families wouldn’t be able to remain on Long Island. “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 looking for a pat on the back about it, he just feels passionately about it and does it because he thinks it’s the right thing to do,” she said. “And Joe is a tremendous advocate for veterans and a true Patriot. Their hearts are bigger than their wallets. It’s more about doing the right thing than it is about making money.” Baisch said as long as Landmark Properties is around, he’ll continue to do something like this. “It’s one of the best feelings of my life,” Baisch said. “I can’t explain it. I can’t come up with words enough to tell how wonderful it feels. The thought of not continuing doing this doesn’t even enter my mind.”
DECEMBER 29, 2016 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A11
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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.”
DECEMBER 29, 2016 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A13
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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 close-minded 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.” As part of the inviting school application process, the staff learned about what they do well, while also learning what areas to improve. Over 60 educators from all around the world came to visit the school, talk to students and observe classrooms. “It was a proud moment for me,” O’Brien said. “We took the things we needed to work on, and we starting working on them right away.” A survey to students was created to see what they thought was missing. An overwhelming majority wanted different ways to occupy their free time. So O’Brien partnered with the Parent-Teacher Association to use Box Top funds and create a recreation room where the kids can play during lunchtime. Inside the rec room is a basketball shoot, pingpong table, foosball table, air hockey table, an old school video arcade system, a television with a Nintendo Wii and video games, a stereo system and bean bag chairs. “It’s really been a big hit with our kids,” O’Brien said. “They love it.” The school also hosts club fairs at various times throughout the year to show students that there’s no one-time signup. He said he’s seen marked improvement in enrollment. “This is the age where they’re learning who they are, and they start forming their identity here, so the more opportunities we give kids at the middle school age to participate in activities, the better the end result will be,” O’Brien said. “There’s been a noteworthy
File photo above from scott O’Brien; photo below by Desirée Keegan
above, O’Brien and assistant Principal James Moeller, standing far left and second from left, with staff members after the school was named an inviting school; and below, rocky Point Middle school Principal scott O’Brien plays a student in air hockey, inside the new recreation room. increase in student achievement and graduation rate, and I feel very proud to be a significant part of that. I feel that we have such a strong culture and climate for kids and parents and staff.” English teacher Joseph Settepani, who was named a Teacher of the Year in 2016, runs the Natural Helpers club. The group raised more than $2,000 in November for its Dimes for Diabetes cause and is currently raising money for Dogs for Dylan, after a seventh-grade student 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 mem-
ber 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 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 30-year 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 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 PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A15
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CLOSINg daTES aNd TIMES Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published weekly on Thursdays. The closing for space reservations and copy for the Leisure section is 5 pm on Thursday of the week preceding publication. Closing date for reservations and copy in the other sections is 5 pm on the Friday preceding publication
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DECEMBER 29, 2016 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A19
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 A20 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • 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 volun-
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. teers — Open Door Exchange was 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
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.”
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-
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DECEMBER 29, 2016 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A21
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 A22 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • DECEMBER 29, 2016
LEGALS
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Leslie Krane, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 8-30-2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, County of Suffolk on 1-13-2017 at 9:00AM, premises known as 30 Huron Street, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, SECTION: 281.00, BLOCK: 08.00, LOT: 037.000, District: 0200. Approximate amount of judgment $171,651.00 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index#: 606557/2015. Marie E. Knapp, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-076558F00
ises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 23486/13.
634 12/15 4x ptr
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated September 22, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York, 11738 on January 9, 2017 at 10:00AM, premises known as 77 Standish Drive, Mount Sinai, NY 11766. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of NY, District 0200 Section 210.00 Block 02.00 Lot 187.000. Approximate amount of judgment $227,626.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 604763/2015.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, MNH SUB I, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. JOSEPH PANZELLA; ERNESTIN PANZELLA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly filed on September 14, 2015, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on January 09, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., premises known as 312 Clubhouse Court, Coram, NY. 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 and State of New York, District 0200, Section 493.40, Block 01.00 and Lot 312.000 together with an undivided 0.4937 percent interest in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $360,486.72 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 60307/13. Todd Lewis, Esq., Referee Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Ste. 590, Elmsford, NY 10523, Attorneys for Plaintiff 635 12/8 4x ptr NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Susan Tesseyman; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated August 2, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Townhall, 1 Independence Hall, Farmingville, NY 11738 on January 12, 2017 at 9:00AM, premises known as 42 Norwood Avenue, Selden, NY 11784. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of NY, District 0200 Section 540.00 Block 05.00 Lot 027.000. Approximate amount of judgment $527,511.61 plus interest and costs. Prem-
Malachy P. Lyons, Jr., Esq.,Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835 Dated: November 28, 2016 639 12/8 4x ptr NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Patricia Kinkaid a/k/a Patricia J. Kinkaid, Individually and as Administratrix of the Estate of Marie D’Angelo a/k/a Marie K. D’Angelo; Thomas Ficker a/k/a Thomas J. Ficker; Margaret Dante a/k/a Margaret A. Dante; Strathmore; et al., Defendant(s)
Charles Rosen, Esq., Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835 Dated: November 23, 2016 640 12/8 4x ptr NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff(s) vs. EDWIN ALEJANDRO; DEANA ALEJANDRO A/K/A DEANA VELARDI-ALEJANDRO; et al; Defendant(s) Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 2 Summit Court, Suite 301, Fishkill, New York, 12524, 845.897.1600 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on or about January 27, 2016, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738. On January 10, 2017 at 2:00 pm. Premises known as 18 HARRISON AVE, CENTEREACH, NY 11720 District: 0200 Section: 423.00 Block: 01.00 Lot: 005.000 ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Selden, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, known and designated on a certain map entitled, “Map of #2 of Jefferson Park, situated near Port Jefferson, New York” and filed in the Suffolk County Clerk`s Office on
December 18, 1906 as Map Number 447, as and by the Lots and all of Lots 27 and 28, part of Lots 26 and 29-32. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment $422,064.48 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 14361/11 A. Craig Purcell, Esq.; REFEREE
145 Huguenot Street - Suite 210 New Rochelle, New York 10801 (914) 636-8900
643 12/8 4x ptr
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein, Such & Crane LLP, 1400 Old Country Road, Suite C103, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff(s).
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST EVA C. PRESTIGIACOMO, JASPER J. PRESTIGIACOMO, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated August 23, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hall, Farmingville, NY 11738, on January 13, 2017 at 12:30PM, premises known as 46 Joan Avenue, Centereach, NY 11720. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0200, Section 518.00, Block 01.00, Lot 005.002. Approximate amount of judgment $123,297.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment for Index #068034/2014. Michael T. Clancy, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 651 12/15 4x ptr SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF SUFFOLK WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 20076 ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-6, Plaintiff against JOSEPH PELLICANE, et al, Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 17, 2016. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the front steps of the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, N.Y. on the 19th day of January, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. premises 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 and State of New York. Said premises known as 88 Magnolia Drive, Selden, N.Y. 117842047. Tax account number: SBL#: 446.00-0400-023.000, District: 0200. Approximate amount of lien $ 409,927.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 01716-12. Frederick N. Vogeney, Esq., Referee. McCabe, Weisberg, & Conway, P.C. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff
655 12/15 4x ptr NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff against KEVIN M. KIERNAN, A/K/A KEVIN KIERNAN ,et al Defendants
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale Entered JUNE 28, 2016 I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the BROOKHAVEN TOWN HALL, 1 INDEPENDENCE HILL, FARMINGVILLE, NY 11738 on JANUARY 19, 2016 at 10:30 A.M.. Premises known as 46 IROQUOIS TRAIL, RIDGE NY 11961. District 0200 Sec 151.00 Block 1 Lot 31. 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 and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $258,988.23 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 27736-12 . THOMAS S. ZAWYRUCKA, ESQ., Referee 659 12/15 4x ptr NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, doing business as Christiana Trust, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Trustee for BCAT 2014-11TT, Plaintiff AGAINST Christopher Gogarty a/k/a Christopher J Gogarty; Nicole Gogarty; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated August 2, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hall, Farmingville NY 11738 on January 19, 2017 at 10:30AM, premises known as 2904 Newport Avenue, Medford, NY 11763. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of NY, District 0200 Section 659.00 Block 03.00 Lot 049.000. Approximate amount of judgment $298,900.09 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 34597/12. Karyn E. Bell, Esq., Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835 Dated: November 23, 2016 663 12/15 4x ptr VILLAGE OF PORT JEFFERSON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE VILLAGE BOARD of TRUSTEES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the
Village Board of Trustees of the Village of Port Jefferson, Suffolk County, N.Y., pursuant to Section 505(3) of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York, shall consider an Urban Renewal Plan for the area within the Village generally located between Sheep Pasture Road/North Country Road to the north, Walnut Street to the east, Long Island Rail Road tracks and property to the south, and a line mid-way between Main Street and Texaco Avenue to the west. The proposed Urban Renewal Plan and Blight Study are on file at the Office of the Village Clerk. If you require any further information, prior to the scheduled hearing date, please appear in person at Village Hall, 121 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, New York. All persons interested in the proposed Urban Renewal Plan will be given an opportunity to be heard on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 7:00 PM. at Village Hall, 121 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, New York. Dated: December 7, 2016 Robert Juliano Village Clerk 657 12/15 3x ptr ACCESSORY APARTMENT REVIEW BOARD TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN Pursuant to the provisions of section 85-258 of the Building Ordinance of the Town of Brookhaven, notice is hereby given that the Accessory Apartment Review Board of the Town of Brookhaven will hold a public hearing at Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY, at 6p.m. on 01/05/2017 AA018134 PIRRAGLIA LAURETTA 8 JOSEPHINE BLVD SHOREHAM NY 11786 AA018743 SINGH OPINDER & VARINDER SINGH 14 UNIVERSITY DR PORT JEFF STA NY 11776 AA018753 PINEIRO KARL & TANIA 36 WASHINGTON AVENUE MILLER PLACE NY 11764 AA018762 CLARK NANCY & WILLIAM 15 SCHOONERS CV SETAUKET NY 11733 AA018764 DAGOSTINO JAMES & DAGOSTINO NANCY DAGOSTINO STEPHEN 25 SWEETBRIAR DR MASTIC NY 11950 AA018766 OZGUR OZKAN 112 BOYLE RD SELDEN NY 11784 AA018767 COSTANZO HUGO & ROSE 7 N LEXINGTON RD SHIRLEY NY 11967 AA018771 XERRI JANE & JOSEPH 10 HEATHER DRIVE CENTER MORICHES NY 11934 AA018772 RAMANAND THANJAVUR R & BUVANESWARI 440 CANAL RD PORT JEFF STA NY 11776 AA16632 OLCZAK IWONA
62 PINE EDGE DR E MORICHES NY 11940 Irene D’Abramo Accessory Apartment Review Board Town of Brookhaven 676 12/29 1x ptr NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY CHRISTIANA TRUST, A DIVISION OF WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE FOR KNOXVILLE 2012 TRUST; Plaintiff(s) vs. CIRO MARINO; DIANE M. MARINO; et al; Defendant(s) Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 2 Summit Court, Suite 301, Fishkill, New York, 12524, 845.897.1600 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on or about August 22, 2016, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738. On January 25, 2017 at 11:00 am. Premises known as 28 MARGIN DR W, SHIRLEY, NY 11967 District: 0200 Section: 978.70 Block: 03.00 Lot: 001.023 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 and State of New York, known and designated as Lot Number 74 on a certain map entitled, “Map of Woodland Estates at Smith`s Point” and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on May 1, 1986 as Map Number 8105. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment $603,803.01 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 068542/2014 Keith O`Halloran, Esq., Referee 678 12/22 4x ptr NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST JOSE R. CALDERON, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated August 02, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hall, Farmingville, NY 11738, on January 25, 2017 at 8:30AM, premises known as 36 STUART ROAD, SHIRLEY, NY 11967. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Shirley, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk, State of New York, DISTRICT 0200, SECTION 907.00, BLOCK 07.00, LOT 076.000. Approximate amount of judgment $409,824.10 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment for Index #2026/2010. Kevin R. Johnston, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 682 12/22 4x ptr
DECEMBER 29, 2016 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A23
LEGALS NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2012-1T, Plaintiff AGAINST LOURDES LIMA COLLAZO A/K/A LOURDEES E. LIMA, A/K/A LOURDES E. COLLAZO, A/K/A LOURDES LIMA, A/K/A LOURDES ELIZABETH LIMA, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated July 25, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hall, Farmingville, NY 11738, on January 27, 2017 at 12:00PM, premises known as 15 EDGEWOOD AVENUE, PORT JEFFERSON, NY 11776. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Port Jefferson Station, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, DISTRICT 0200, SECTION 160.00, BLOCK 07.00, LOT 026.000. Approximate amount of judgment $459,911.16 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment for Index #29796-13.
AGAINST David Bradley a/k/a David J. Bradley; Meaghan Bradley a/k/a Meaghan A. Bradley; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated June 27, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York, 11738 on January 23, 2017 at 8:45AM, premises known as 163 Grove Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11776. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of NY, District 0200 Section 205.00 block 05.00 Lot 037.000. Approximate amount of judgment $465,420.54 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 069352/2014. David Besso, Esq., Referee Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 759-1835 Dated: November 30, 2016 687 12/22 4x ptr
Mark A. Cuthbertson, Esq., Referee
SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK-BROOKHAVEN
Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221
CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -against- ANTHONY MELIA, LISA MELIA, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated April 25, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY on January 25, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in Port Jefferson, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at the Southerly corner of the hereinafter described premises the following two courses and distances from the corner formed by the intersection of the Westerly side of Pine Street and Southerly side of Canal Road; 1. Southerly along the Westerly side of Pine Street, 4695.5 feet; 2. North West, 320.00 feet to the point or place of beginning; THENCE North West 381 feet; THENCE North East 155.50 feet; THENCE South East 381 feet; THENCE South West 155.50 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. Said premises known as 133 SOUTH HICKORY STREET, PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY Approximate amount of lien $507,367.50 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 9460/2011. JAMES MCCARRICK, ESQ., Referee
681 12/29 4x ptr NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST KATHALEEN ASH, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated August 26, 2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738, on January 26, 2017 at 10:00AM, premises known as 44 HEARTHSIDE DRIVE, MOUNT SINAI, NY 11766. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Mount Sinai, Town of Brookhaven, County of Suffolk and State of New York, DISTRICT 0200, SECTION 210.00, BLOCK 02.00, LOT 065.000. Approximate amount of judgment $428,422.63 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment for Index #063330/2014. Donna England, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 683 12/22 4x ptr NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK U.S. Bank, N.A., successor trustee to LaSalle Bank National Association, on behalf of the holders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust 2007-HE6, AssetBacked Certificates Series 2007HE6, Plaintiff
David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 95-25 Queens Boulevard, 11th Floor, Rego Park, NY 11374 File# 7682.198 698 12/22 4x ptr
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK –DITECH FINANCIAL LLC F/K/A GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC, Plaintiff, against ANDREW GARBARINO, ESQ. AS GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOR THE RESPECTIVE HEIRS-ATLAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH LYNN ALLEN WHO MAY BE DECEASED BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN, OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN TH REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF LYNN ALLEN, KELLY ALLEN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LYNN ALLEN, KERRY ALLEN-LEVER A/K/A KERRY ALLEN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LYNN ALLEN, DAVID ALLEN, JR. AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LYNN ALLEN, KARIN DASCH A/K/A KARIN ALLEN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LYNN ALLEN, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT), DefendantsIndex no. 607824/16. Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial situs of the real property. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until (60) days after service of the Summons; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE; New York State law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the Summons and Complaint in this Foreclosure Action, you may lose your home. Please read the Summons and Complaint carefully.
You should immediately contact an attorney of your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the tollfree helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services’ at 1-800-2690990 or visit the Department’s website at http://www.dfs. ny.gov. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. We are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable John H. Rouse, Acting J.S.C. filed December 2, 2016. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 79 Washington Avenue, Mastic Beach, New York located at District 0209 F/K/A 0200 Section 012.00 F/K/A 974.90; Block 01.00 and Lot 015.000 Dated: December 5, 2016 Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, Peddy and Fenchel, P.C., Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Carly Bazerman, 100 Garden City Plaza, Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 222-6200. 700 12/29 4x ptr NOTICE OF RESOLUTION SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Port Jefferson Fire District at a regular meeting thereof held December 14, 2016 duly adopted the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED pursuant to the Town Law of the State of New York that the Port Jefferson Fire District expend from the Apparatus Reserve Fund for the purchase of a 31 foot Boston Whaler Fire Rescue Boat, a sum not to exceed $400,000.00 and be it further RESOLVED that the cost of said purchase, together with any incidental costs, including publishing, contracts, equipment, etc. to be paid out of the Apparatus reserve fund, presently existing, and be it further RESOLVED, that the resolution is adopted subject to permissive referendum as provided in the General Municipal Law of the State of New York and be it further RESOLVED, that the secretary of the Fire District, within ten
(10) days of the adoption of this resolution, publish a notice within the Times-Beacon-Record Newspaper setting forth the date of the adoption of the resolution and an abstract of the resolution concisely stating the purpose and effect thereof and that the resolution was adopted subject to a permissive referendum. Dated: December 20, 2016 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OF THE PORT JEFFERSON FIRE DISTRICT Barbara Cassidy Secretary 702 12/29 1x ptr NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Russell Mohr, C/o Vistas of Port Jefferson, LLC, 377 Oak Street, Suite 110, Garden City, NY 11530 has made application to the Town of Brookhaven Planning Board for approval to construct 245 Planned Retirement Community (PRC) rental units in twenty-eight 2-story buildings, new roadways, storm water detention areas, clubhouse, swimming pool, outdoor recreation area, and associated site improvements, located on W/S of Bicycle Path, 1,171’ S/O S.R. 112 (Port Jefferson – Patchogue Road), Port Jefferson Station, Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York and described as follows: NORTH: by land n/f of Port Plaza (E & A), LLC; EAST: by land n/f of PLS Properties, LLC; by land n/f of Andromidas Nancy Trustee, C/O Cushman & Wakefield Verizon Portfolio Management; by land n/f of Decastro Realty, LLC; by land n/f of Fradelos, LLC; by land n/f of Elliot Bicycle, LLC & Kalin Bicycle, LLC & Dempsey Bicycle, LLC & Ors; by land n/f of County of Suffolk; Bicycle Path; SOUTH: by land n/f of Ramon & Gabino & Leo & Ana Rodriguez; by land n/f of Ronald & Mary Roode; by land n/f of David Greisch & Erin McGuire Greisch; by land n/f of Nue & Drana Camaj; Alpine Street; by land n/f of Christina Burns & Michael Burns; WEST: by land n/f of William A. Jr. & Lauren N. Lupinacci; by land n/f of Steve & Patricia Sulikowski; by land n/f of John J. Pacifico & Amy J. Dobias; by land n/f of Robert & Carol Buskey; by land n/f of US Bank National Association; by land n/f of Douglas Sapala & Christine Cervo; by land n/f of Joseph & Laurie Dobias; by land n/f of Alan & Diane Kind; by land n/f of Nese Ince Yilmaz; by land n/f of Frank Wade & Samatha Wade; by land n/f of Luci Minuto & Mario Minuto; by land n/f of Shakil Ahmad & Anjum Malik by land n/f of John A. Carberry & Corinne A. Hurkala; by land n/f of John & Geraldine La Cherra; by land n/f of Marybeth Eide; by land n/f of Michael Perrin; by land n/f of James F. Lanze &
Dianna M. Davanzo; and by land n/f of Deusdedi & Carrie Perez. Notice is hereby given that the Town of Brookhaven Planning Board will hold a public hearing in the Town Office Building 2nd floor auditorium, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, New York on Monday, January 9, 2017 @ 4:00 P.M., when adjacent property owners and/or others interested in any way in the proposed site plan with variances may appear before the Board to be heard. This notice is advertised in accordance with the requirements of Town law. DATED: December 20, 2016 Vincent Pascale, Chairman 705 12/29 1x ptr TERRYVILLE FIRE DISTRICT 19 JAYNE BOULEVARD PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY 11776 NOTICE OF ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE TERRYVILLE FIRE DISTRICT PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the 2017 Organizational meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Terryville Fire District will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 6:00 PM (prevailing time) at the Fire District Office, 19 Jayne Boulevard, Port Jefferson Station, New York. The Regular meetings of the Board of Fire Commissioners will be held on the Second and Fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM (prevailing time) during 2017. By Order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Terryville Fire District Dated December 22, 2016 Frank Triolo District secretary 718 12/29 1x ptr
Legal advertisement guidelines Deadline is 12 noon, Friday 1 week prior to publication date. E-mail your text to: legals@tbrnewspapers.com For additional information please call 631.751.7744
PAGE A24 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • DECEMBER 29, 2016
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
©152976
D irectory
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 PORT TIMES RECORD • 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 PORT TIMES RECORD • 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 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 se-
cure 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 encoun-
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.
photo above by Donna newman; photo below by Desirée Keegan
above, John cunniffe in his stony Brook avenue office; and below, the setauket Fire Department is getting upgrades thanks in part to cunniffe’s efforts. tered 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 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.”
D irectory
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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DECEMBER 29, 2016 • THE PORT TIMES RECORD • PAGE A27
File photo above by desirée Keegan
Above, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner, left, and Supervisor ed Romaine, right, present proclamations to Ann Becker, Lori Baldassare, Fred drewes and deirdre dubato.
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” property as Heritage Park. Developers initially planned to construct a Home Depot where the park is today. Members of the civic association work toward improving their community, protecting its coastal environment and, perhaps most importantly, protesting against
overdevelopment to keep their hamlet quaint and suburban. “We want to [continue] protecting the open space Mount Sinai has,” Mount Sinai Civic Association President Ann Becker said. “The woodlands, beach areas ... preventing overdevelopment is [crucial] because that can also have negative impacts on taxes, quality of life and even things like crime.” Becker, an active member since 1984, said she joined the organization because of the direct impact its work had on quality of life and families in the area. What initially prompted her involvement was the proposal for a giant commercial shopping center on the corner of Plymouth Avenue and Canal Road, right behind her home, which would have been inconsistent with the aesthetic of the primarily residential neighborhood. Naturally, there wasn’t a lot of support for the planned development, and so the public — through the civic association — rallied against it and the shopping center never came to be. Becker said the civic association is always on the lookout for problems and concerns residents might have with the ultimate goal of working on behalf of everyone to reach the best possible outcome and make a difference. Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (C-Rocky Point), whose office is 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.”
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