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{
"title": "From an eating disorder to health, wellness and a focus on women empowerment",
"slug": "from-an-eating-disorder-to-health-wellness-and-a-focus-on-women-empowerment",
"post_date": "2022-04-12 00:00",
"category": "People",
"authors": [
"Joanne Kountourakis"
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"content": "<p>When she was 15 years old, Sarah Maresca struggled with negative body image. A couple of years later, she began denying herself food. Now 22, the East Northport resident is hosting next month her first ever Women’s Empowerment Spring Gala, a women-only fundraiser with all proceeds set to benefit the <a href=\"https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/\">National Eating Disorder Association</a>.</p><p>“It is the most challenging thing I have ever gone through,” said Sarah of her eating disorder. She believes the right mentality is the key to recovery and, via social media, personal training, and events like the upcoming gala, is dedicated to helping girls and women become the best versions of themselves.</p><p>“I never want someone to have to feel the way that I felt,” she said.</p><p>In her midteens, Sarah would sometimes make comments to her family, comments concerning enough that they had her see a doctor. The doctor told her to gain weight, which she did.</p><p>“I never thought I would have the problem again,” said Sarah. As she got older though, things got worse.</p><p>“I was depressed every single day… I absolutely hated the way I looked,” she said. “It’s so sad now to think about it. But I was miserable. Every time I looked in the mirror, I just saw something completely different than what was there.”</p><p>The summer before her freshman year of college, Sarah began starving herself. She felt nauseous, dizzy, sick… “I couldn’t even see straight,” she said. She went to therapy and saw a few nutritionists, but her true road to recovery, she said, began after a “mental awakening.”</p><p>“I woke up one day and I really just sat there and I said ‘I cannot do this to myself,’” she recalls. She couldn’t do it to her family – her dad, her mom Erika and her brother Matt – either, she said. So she sought an outlet, something she could do to make herself feel better. She hit the gym, and loved it. She was still struggling with her disorder.</p><p>Sarah began researching how to fuel her body, how to eat properly so that she could build strength and stamina at the gym. “I was really so invested in trying to make myself feel better,” she said. “I couldn’t bear to live the rest of my life like that.”</p><p>By October of 2020, she knew she wanted to bulk up, to grow muscle. Every day she tried to eat more food. Every day she got a little better.</p><p>“I forced myself to love who I was,” Sarah said. “It took so much out of me.” Sarah thought that if she kept telling herself that she was confident and beautiful, that she would believe it one day. “And that’s what happened,” she said. “I was falling in love with the gym, I was falling in love with myself.”</p><p>On June 4, Sarah will compete at the National Physique Committee 2022 Bev Francis Atlantic States Championships in New Jersey, her first time ever on a competition stage.</p><p>She decided not to compete in the bikini division, which would have required her to lose weight, and entered instead the wellness category, a challenge which required her to bulk up. Wellness sits somewhere between bikini and physique in the competition world, and is intended for women “who wish to be athletic and aesthetically pleasing with a bigger body mass than in the bikini.”</p><p>She gained 20 pounds in her off season.</p><p>“And I loved it. I loved every second of it,” said Sarah. “I fell in love with my body at the thickest I’ve ever been in my entire life. And that is when I knew I was fully recovered. When I stepped on the scale, and the number got higher, and my face got happier.”</p><p>To others who may be struggling, Sarah reinforces that it’s possible to recover. “If you put in the work, you can do it,” she said. ‘You need to build a relationship with yourself, you need to fall in love with who you are as a person. You need to love yourself every single day. And then, everything around you will fall into place.”</p><p>Sarah has turned her experience into an outlet to help other women love themselves too, and now runs <a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/marescafit/\">Maresca Fit</a>, a business that includes personal training, club-themed workout classes, and lifting and self-defense classes for girls and women.</p><p>As her network of strong, empowered females continues to grow, Sarah is humbled and thankful for all the help and support she’s received so far, especially from her partner in and out of the gym, Nick Vitale, and her family – dad Jeff, mom Erika and brother Matt – for seeing her through her struggle and recovery. “My mom, my dad and my brother are the greatest things that happened to me,” she said.</p><p>Recently Sarah went shopping with her mom, a heartwarming experience, she said, as she and her mom were able to laugh over Sarah’s going up two dress sizes because of the mass and muscle she’s put on.</p><p>“And yes, I do get negative comments all the time,” said Sarah. People tell her she’s too muscular or getting too big. “And I laugh. That is how I know I am secure with myself. I am completely confident in who I am... I am so grateful to be here today, and to be able to be who I am. And to follow my dreams. And to help other women. It’s my passion and I am so grateful.”</p><p>The first annual Women’s Empowerment Spring Gala will be held at 6pm on May 11 at the Whale’s Tale in Northport. For more information, and to purchase tickets, click <a href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/302197208987?aff=efbneb\">here</a>. The fundraiser is an all women business event and will include female speakers in an inspiring and collaborative environment, said Sarah. There will also be raffle baskets and grand prizes including a brand new GT Palomar women’s bicycle, donated by Mineola Bicycle. Any women-owned business looking to donate an item, gift card, or anything to raffle off at the event, can find Sarah on her business’ Instagram page, <a href=\"http://www.instagram.com/marescafit/\">@marescafit</a>.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/marescaba.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>Full body transformation: Sarah Maresca at 19 years old (left), and now, as the 22-year-old prepares to compete at the 2022 National Physique Committee’s State Championships, in the wellness division.</p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "East Northport resident Sarah Maresca struggled with an eating disorder before finding an outlet – and her way to health and wellness – in the gym."
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"title": "Proposals of budgetary cuts mark BOE’s committee-of-the-whole on 2022-2023 budget",
"slug": "proposals-of-budgetary-cuts-mark-boe-s-committee-of-the-whole-on-2022-2023-budget",
"post_date": "2022-04-09 00:00",
"category": "Schools",
"authors": [],
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"content": "<p><i>(Updated Sunday, April 10, 12:00pm)</i><br /><br />The Northport-East Northport UFSD Board of Education’s discussion of the 2022-2023 budget occurred as a committee-of-the-whole, where trustees could express their opinions and ask their questions in an open exchange.</p><p>The April 7 meeting opened with the proposed budget sitting at a grand total of $177,931,084. This represented a budget-to-budget increase of 1.85% and had the tax levy at .66%, a roughly $53 increase to the average taxpayer. This, however, eventually changed, when the board decided to reduce the budget to $177,856,084 in an attempt to drive the tax levy as close to 0.0% as it could. The newly adopted budget represents a budget-to-budget increase of 1.81%.</p><p>As mentioned, much of the Board of Education meeting revolved around a proposed reduction in funds. Spurred by the pleas of many trustees, the Board expressed their concerns regarding the budget's proposed tax levy increase of .66%. The quote that seemed to mark the night was by Trustee Carol Taylor, unwavering in her persistence, when she stated that the district needs to “hit the pause button on all extra spending.”</p><p>BOE President Larry Licopoli expressed similar concerns regarding the tax levy increase, noting that “there is a day when we will have to reduce expenses.” Dr. Licopoli then posed a question to his fellow trustees in the form of a fictional scenario, where if “Armageddon,” as he called it, were to descend, what would the board cut from the budget?</p><p>It’s possible, Dr. Licopoli noted, for the tax levy to be whittled down to an even lower number than .66%. He explained that, when the New York State Legislature soon passes their annual budget and the district’s final state aid numbers are tallied, it could shave approximately .2% off the levy. A .4% reduction could then occur if certain budgetary cuts were made, he said.</p><p>Many budgetary cuts were proposed and vigorously discussed, the most notable being the possible reduction of four assistant principals (AP) in Northport High School to three following the resignation of Dr. Carlos Falcón. Three trustees – Donna McNaughton, Thomas Loughran, and Dr. Licopoli – spoke out against this staff reduction, while trustees David Badanes and Carol Taylor came out for it. Those trustees who were wary of the reduction noted that assistant principals are often the “first line of defense” for a high schooler’s mental health and academic record. It was argued by the other trustees, however, that classroom teachers are actually the first line of defense, and a fourth AP position simply eats up necessary funds through salaries and benefits. The discussion did not translate into policy, as no vote took place.</p><p>Other notable proposed reductions were the limiting of an increase in clerical staff positions, IT/RT positions in the lower-level schools, contingency positions (those positions which exist should more students join the district mid-year), and the purchase of “adult furniture” throughout the schools. The Board, after discussion, also proposed it would move the cost of Panorama, a survey instrument used by the district the past few years “to gauge a sense of belonging and connectedness for students, parents and staff” into its grant funds, confirmed district officials. It was also confirmed that services through CORE Collaborative, the same group recently contracted through the district as part of its goal surrounding equity and belonging for all, could possibly be used in place of Panorama, as discussed by the trustees during the meeting.</p><p>The board, after its conclusion of the committee-of-the-whole, passed the resolution of the budget at a grand total $177,856,084, which signified a decrease of $75,000 from when the meeting opened. The adoption of the budget comes just prior to what will be a busy budget and election season. The deadline for submission of completed candidate packets for election to the Board of Education is Monday, April 18, 2022. The annual budget vote and election of trustees is on May 17, 2022.<i><br /></i></p><p><i>Updated to include that on Saturday, April 9 a state budget granting Long Island public schools more than $457 million in extra state financial aid was approved. The NENUFSD will get for the 2022-23 fiscal year $19,818,671 in state aid, which is $2,748,950 more than last year, or a 16.10% increase.</i></p>",
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"caption": "Superintendent Robert Banzer (right, standing) at an April 7 committee-of-the-whole NENUFSD BOE meeting, which resulted in a newly adopted 2022-2023 budget of $177,856,084."
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"title": "New Village board swears in and gets to work at annual organizational meeting",
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"post_date": "2022-04-06 00:00",
"category": "Village",
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"content": "<p>Last night, the Northport Board of Trustees had its annual organizational meeting and the newly elected board members were sworn into office among a packed room of friends and family at Village Hall.</p><p>Several appointments and new positions were announced at the meeting. Joe Sabia was appointed deputy mayor and the board approved the following designations of commissioners, which was decided by Mayor Donna Koch:</p><p>Commissioner of Commerce: Trustee Dave Weber<br />Commissioner of Finance: Mayor Donna Koch<br />Commissioner of Public Works and Highways: Trustee Joe Sabia<br />Commissioner of Parks: Trustee Meghan Dolan<br />Commissioner of Docks and Waterways: Trustee Dave Weber<br />Commissioner of Personnel: Trustee Meghan Dolan and Trustee Joe Sabia<br />Commissioner of Police: Trustee Ernest Pucillo<br />Commissioner of Sanitation: Trustee Ernest Pucillo</p><p>J. Edward Gathman Jr. was appointed as Village attorney to replace Stuart Besen at the rate of $125,000 per year, plus $225 per hour if his firm Gathman & Bennett LLP is used for any litigated matters.</p><p>Besen’s law firm Milber Makris Plousadis & Seiden, LLP will still represent the Village of Northport on certain actions that are presently pending in court and administrative tribunals, including the lawsuits regarding the Northport Hotel and Northport Fish & Lobster Co. This decision was in the best interest of the Village, Mayor Koch explained, as it will avoid the costs that would be associated with changing law firms to deal with the Village’s pending proceedings.</p><p>Georgina Cavagnaro was appointed the full-time Village clerk at the rate of $90,000 per year, with a $4,500 annual payment in lieu of health care benefits. Joy Nygren was appointed deputy clerk at the annual salary of $65,000, plus $1,500 annually for attendance at monthly Planning Board meetings and $4,500 in lieu of health care benefits.</p><p>Skye Odegaard was appointed secretary to the Board of Zoning Appeals, with an annual salary of $57,000, plus $1,500 annually for attendance at monthly Board of Zoning Appeals meetings and $1,500 annually for attendance at Board of Architecture and Historical Review meetings.</p><p>The Treasury Department was also reorganized, with Treasurer Len Marchese retiring on May 31 and current Deputy Treasurer Siobhan Costello taking over as treasurer on June 1. Costello will be paid $102,000 a year, with a $7,500 stipend for her extra work as the IT manager. Janine D’Orio will serve as deputy treasurer with an annual salary of $81,000 and an additional $4,500 in lieu of health care benefits.</p>",
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"caption": "Newly elected Mayor Donna Koch gets sworn in at the April 5 Village board meeting."
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{
"title": "Town of Huntington earns Bronze-certified status as a New York State “Climate Smart Community”",
"slug": "town-of-huntington-earns-bronze-certified-status-as-a-new-york-state-climate-smart-community",
"post_date": "2022-04-04 00:00",
"category": "Outdoors",
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"content": "<p>Last week, the Department of Environmental Conservation announced that the Town of Huntington achieved Bronze certification status as one of only 90 certified <a href=\"https://climatesmart.ny.gov/\">Climate Smart Communities</a> in New York State and one of four on Long Island.</p><p>The Town of Huntington joined only three other Long Island towns previously certified and nine newly certified Climate Smart Communities (CSC) across New York State, bringing the total number of CSC-certified communities to 90. CSC-certified communities are recognized as models for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building local climate resilience.</p><p>“Earning this recognition as a Climate Smart Community underscores the Town of Huntington’s decades-long commitment to our environment. We are proud of the climate action prioritized and undertaken under the guidance of our Advisory Committee on Energy Efficiency, Renewables and Sustainability,” said Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth.</p><p>In May 2021, the town board hired Nicola Armacost as a CSC strategic advisor to assist the town in achieving Bronze Climate Smart Communities certification. Armacost helped the town in identifying and documenting its climate achievements. She previously supported several Westchester municipalities in achieving Bronze certification and Hasting-on-Hudson to achieve Silver certification.</p><p>Since Huntington took the CSC pledge in 2012, it has been awarded 193 points based on 31 completed environmental CSC actions, which include:</p><ul><li><p>Adopting the CSC Pledge, creating a CSC Task Force and appointing a CDC coordinator</p></li><li><p>Becoming involved in national/regional climate programs, including the New York State Climate Smart Communities Initiative, the NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities Program, the Long Island Green Homes Program, the Suffolk County Planning Commission Energy and Environment Task Force, the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition, and the USDOE Better Buildings Challenge</p></li><li><p>Adopting a Climate Action Plan and amending the plan to add a community-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction target</p></li><li><p>Conducting government building energy audits, upgrading the building energy management system, implementing clean fleets of advanced vehicles, and converting traffic signals to LED</p></li><li><p>Completing feasibility studies of solar and geothermal energy technologies</p></li><li><p>Deploying recycling bins in government buildings and implementing a residential organic waste/yard waste program</p></li><li><p>Promoting local food systems with organic gardens</p></li><li><p>Investing in and promoting biking, walking and alternative-fuel/electric vehicle infrastructure</p></li><li><p>Implementing a local forestry program and enacted zoning for the protection of natural areas.</p></li><li><p>Promoting water conservation and reuse as an EPA WaterSense Program partner</p></li><li><p>Contracting with farmers’ markets on town property</p></li><li><p>Implementing tax incentives for green businesses</p></li><li><p>Hosting pages on the town website dedicated to local climate action (<a href=\"http://huntingtonny.gov/green\">huntingtonny.gov/green</a>) and using town social media to communicate climate initiatives</p></li></ul>",
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"caption": "The Town of Huntington was recently awarded Bronze status as a certified Climate Smart Community – one of just four on Long Island. Photo of Heckscher Park courtesy of TOH Facebook page."
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"title": "Second oil spill closes part of Church Street; PSEG to repair or replace cable",
"slug": "second-oil-spill-closes-part-of-church-street-pseg-to-repair-or-replace-cable",
"post_date": "2022-04-01 00:00",
"category": "Village",
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"Joanne Kountourakis"
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"content": "<p>A second oil spill in less than three months occurred on Church Street in Northport Village this past Wednesday, March 30. The spill was located approximately 50 feet north of another dielectric cable fluid spill on January 9 of this year, from an underground transmission line.</p><p>The Northport Police Department was informed Wednesday afternoon of this second oil leak, just south of Scudder Avenue and not far from previous PSEG repair on the underground high voltage transmission lines, said Northport Village Trustee Dave Weber. “Once again our Village Administrator, Mr. Roland Buzard, did an excellent job of notifying all applicable jurisdictions and began containment of any hazards,” Weber said, adding that northbound Church Street would remain closed from Franklin to Scudder for PSEG to make any necessary repairs and cleanup.</p><p>The DEC Spill Response Unit responded to this week’s spill at 2:21pm on March 30. According to officials at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the spill – like the first – consisted of dielectric cable fluid, which is “generally made up of mineral oils or other types of non-conducting liquids that serve as electrical insulation for high voltage cables, transformers, etc.” Its purpose is to keep the transmission cable cool, so that it can reliably carry power.</p><p>The spill was contained to the immediate roadway and limited neighboring properties, said officials. No water bodies or storm drains were affected. An estimate of the amount of fluid spilled has not yet been determined.</p><p>A spill record in the DEC’s “Spill Incidents Database” indicates that the January 9 spill resulted in 3,900 gallons of transformer oil spilled, and affected surrounding soil, sewers and impervious surfaces (roads, sidewalks, etc.). PSEG installed a permanent clamp on the transmission cable to stop the leak in January.</p><p>After the latest spill, an environmental contractor was hired by PSEG and the cleanup of the fluid on the roadway was completed overnight, confirmed DEC officials. The contractor is currently excavating any contaminated soil on neighboring properties, and all properties will be fully restored with clean soil.</p><p>The transmission cable has been depressurized and a temporary clamp has been installed to reduce further contamination. PSEG will assess the condition of the cable and make a determination on the proper repair or replacement as necessary. The DEC will continue to monitor the situation to ensure protection of public health and the environment, said officials.</p><p>“Looks like this will be a long process,” said Trustee Weber on a Facebook post regarding concerns about the duration of the work. “PSEG are making the patch safe for now to drive on, but unfortunately will need to be back to make the repairs.”</p><p>According to Trustee Weber, PSEG did not confirm if the transmission line is the same one that caused the January leak, but said the transmission line in question this time is offline until permanent repairs can be made. “They are still in an investigation stage to determine what is happening [and] plan to X-ray the area lines today,” he said.</p><p>Trustee Weber has asked PSEG officials to attend the April 5 Village Board of Trustees meeting to answer resident complaints but, according to Weber, representatives were not able to confirm attendance by press time.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/oilspillscudder330.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>A portion of the dielectric cable fluid spill, in front of a Scudder Avenue homeowner’s driveway on March 30.</p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "Work continued yesterday on Church Street at Scudder Avenue, the site of an oil leak in Northport Village on March 30. An estimate of the amount of fluid spilled has not yet been determined."
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"title": "Great horned owls raising owlets near main Northport road",
"slug": "great-horned-owls-raising-owlets-near-main-northport-road",
"post_date": "2022-03-31 00:00",
"category": "Outdoors",
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"content": "<p>A great horned owl couple raising at least two owlets in a highly visible nest in Northport has garnered much attention lately, with cars lining the oftentimes busy road to get a peek of the neighborhood’s newest inhabitants. To protect the owl family from too many spectators, the <i>Northport Journal</i> will not disclose where the nest is, though many familiar with the area will know its location from the handful of people and photographers gazing up at the birds during the day.</p><p>According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), great horned owls are quite common statewide and can be found in a wide variety of habitats including open and secondary growth forests, agricultural and open fields, and urban and suburban areas. The NYSDEC lists Cold Spring Harbor State Park as one of its top five locations to see a great horned owl in New York State, and Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown is known to rescue, rehabilitate and release many great horned owls locally.</p><p>Sweetbriar Wildlife Care Coordinator Isabel Fernandez said the center has already renested two great horned owlets this year, including one in an East Northport backyard. Currently, four great horned owls – unable to safely return to their natural habitats – are permanent residents at the nature center.</p><p>Great horned owls are one of the earliest nesting birds in North America, beginning their courtship in November or December, said Isabel. They generally don’t build their own nests, preferring instead to build upon an already established one, perhaps a hawk or squirrel nest, she said.</p><p>Eggs will usually have hatched by the end of January – give or take, said Isabel – and the owlets will stay in the nest for four weeks, or until they get too big to be in there any longer.</p><p>When the young are about six weeks old, their feet are as big as they are going to get and incredibly strong. This is known as the “brancher stage” of a young great-horned owl’s life, reads a post on Sweetbriar’s Facebook page. If a heavy storm or wind knocks the nest over, they can use those strong toes to grip the surrounding branches. If they get blown out of a tree, their feet are strong enough to climb into low bushes.</p><p>“They’re not great flyers, so they’ll hang out on the branches of the tree, or some shrubs, somewhere they can get a little bit of cover,” Isabel explained. The owl parents will continue to feed them, and even when the owlets begin to hunt on their own, they’ll stay with their parents for a couple of months, becoming independent and seeking out their own territory around September.</p><p>The owls are most active at night, but may hunt during the day; Northport resident Francisco Rodriguez recently spotted – and photographed – the father owl securing a snake dinner before bringing it back to the nest, where mom fed it to the babies. Francisco says he first glimpsed an owlet in the Northport nest about ten days ago, though it’s likely the babies have been there for weeks.</p><p>“As a hunter, there are no other birds as proficient or as determined as the great horned owl,” reads another Sweetbriar post. “The primary purpose of the owl’s talons is to capture prey,” the post continues. “The great horned owl doesn’t launch its secret weapon straightaway; it extends its powerful talons when it is inches away from the prey…. When clenched, a great horned owl’s strong talons require a force of 28 pounds to open.” The talon itself is able to exert a pressure of 500 pounds per square inch – that’s stronger than a bald eagle’s and comparable to that of a golden eagle, or to that of a German shepherd's bite.</p>\n<p>“Here on Long Island, the great horned owl is our apex predator,” said Isabel; a healthy adult has no natural predators. Both adult and younger owls are generally not aggressive, and the adult owls are more afraid of humans than anything else.</p><p>“It’s always safe to keep a distance and not harass [the owls] because we don’t want to stress them out,” advised Isabel. Taking photos or observing great horned owls from a distance are fine, she said, but “once a bird is nervous and flying off the nest, or away from the young, or not able to feed the young, then that’s a problem.”</p><p>Should you come into contact with an owlet in distress, contact Sweetbriar Nature Center at 631-979-6344 between 9:30am and 4:30pm. Sweetbriar also has on its website a<a href=\"https://www.sweetbriarnc.org/did-you-find-an-animal-in-need\"> page</a> with instructions on what to do when finding an animal. Licensed wildlife rehabbers can also be found on the DEC's <a href=\"https://www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/sls_searches/index.cfm?p=live_rehab\">rehabber list</a>.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/greathorned1snake.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Daddy owl after securing a snake dinner for his owlets. Photograph by Northport resident Francisco Rodriguez, </span><a href=\"https://twitter.com/hipogrito\" target=\"_blank\">@hipogrito</a><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/greathornedmomwithowlets2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">The mother owl rests in the nest with her two owlets. Photograph by Northport resident Francisco Rodriguez, </span><a href=\"https://twitter.com/hipogrito\" target=\"_blank\">@hipogrito</a><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">.</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "A great horned owl couple in Northport Village, pictured here feeding the owlets in their nest. Photograph by Northport resident Francisco Rodriguez, @hipogrito."
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"title": "Special guest comes onstage at A Bronx Tale’s opening night, shocking cast and audience",
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"post_date": "2022-03-28 00:00",
"category": "People",
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"content": "<p>The Saturday, March 26 performance of<i> A Bronx Tale: The Musical</i>, which debuted at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport Village this weekend, was followed by a five-minute standing ovation with a very special guest.</p><p>The “streetwise musical” is based on Chazz Palminteri’s classic movie, which takes viewers to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s, where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. The doo-wop score tells a story about respect, loyalty, love and above all else, family.</p><p>At the end of Saturday’s show, Chazz Palminteri, who played Sonny in the 1993 movie and wrote the book that the play is based on, surprised the cast and audience when he walked onto the stage. “It’s really amazing what this theater did here…my hat goes off to an incredible cast and all of the people here at this incredible theater,” he said.</p><p>Chazz said the performance, which he watched with his wife Gianna, made him emotional, but then he thought, “What are you doing, you wrote this thing, stop it!” The moment was incredibly heartfelt and encouraging, as Palminteri shook hands with and blew kisses to cast members, who were noticeably shocked and excited to have him join them after the show.</p><p>“We are truly honored that Chazz and Gianna Palminteri were able to attend the opening night of <i>A Bronx Tale," </i>said Richard Dolce, co-owner of the Engeman Theater. “To be able to celebrate our production with the man who created this brilliant story was a moment that none of us will ever forget.”</p><p><i>A Bronx Tale: The Musical</i> runs through May 8, with performances on Thursdays at 8pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Some Wednesday and Sunday evenings are available as well. Tickets are $80 for matinees and Saturday evenings, and $75 for all other performances. They can be purchased <a href=\"https://www.engemantheater.com/abronxtale\">online</a>, at the box office at 250 Main Street in Northport, or by calling (631) 261-2900.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/northport-bronx-tale-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><i>A Bronx Tale: The Musical</i><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">, from left: Tyler Dema (Crazy Mario), Mike Cefalo (Calogero), Frankie Rocco (Handsome Nick), Steven Gagliano (Sally Slick). Photo courtesy Engeman Theater.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/northport-bronx-tale-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><i>A Bronx Tale: The Musical,</i><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\"> from left: Bryson Jacobi Jackson (Jesse), Mackenzie Meadows (Jane), Yasir Muhammad (Tyrone), Jasmine Lawrence (Denise), Nia Lee Nelson-Williams (Frieda). Photo courtesy Engeman Theater.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/northport-bronx-tale-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><i>A Bronx Tale: The Musical</i><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">, from left: Tyler Dema (Crazy Mario), Mike Backes (Rudy the Voice), Michael Barra (JoJo The Whale), Mike Keller (Sonny), Michael Deaner (Young Calogero), Jesse Sharp (Eddie Mush), Martin Bonventre (Frankie Coffeecake), Christopher DeProphetis (Tony Ten to Two), John Zamborsky (Swing), Frankie Rocco (Handsome Nick), Steven Gagliano (Sally Slick). Photo courtesy Engeman Theater.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/northport-bronx-tale-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">The cast of</span><i> A Bronx Tale: The Musical</i><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\"> with special guest Chazz Palminteri after Saturday’s show. Photo courtesy Engeman Theater.</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"title": "Budget talks: BOE focuses on revenue, fund balance and reserves in fourth of four detailed budget presentations",
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"post_date": "2022-03-25 00:00",
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"content": "<p>The Northport-East Northport UFSD Board of Education’s fourth discussion of the 2022-2023 budget, regarding the topics of “Revenue, Fund Balance and Reserves,” occurred on Thursday, March 24. The details of this week’s budget draft regarding these specific topics can be found <a href=\"https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/nens/Board.nsf/files/CCTLV6585866/$file/10.01%20Proposed%202022-2023%20Budget%20Revenue%20Fund%20Balance%20Reserves%2003_24_22.pdf\">here</a>.</p><p>The <a href=\"http://northport.k12.ny.us/Assets/2022-2023_Budget/BUDGET_BOOK_-_3822.pdf?t=637824313143870000\">entire proposed budget</a> has been made available by the district in a 148-page budget development book. It is worthy to note that the budget is a draft until it is finalized and adopted by the board. Now projected at a grand total of $178,377,668, the proposed budget represents a budget-to-budget increase of 2.11%. The current budget has been proposed at a tax levy of 1.01% under the tax levy limit of 1.79%. If passed under this 1.01% levy, the average taxpayer will see an increase of roughly $80.60. These newly revealed numbers are lower than what was presented at previous meetings.</p><p>As Mr. Robert Howard, Assistant Superintendent for Business explained, state aid is the second largest revenue consideration that the district collects, the first being the community’s real estate taxes. With regards to total New York State aid, the Northport-East Northport School District will receive $19,813,311, a 16.10% percent increase of roughly $2,500,000 from this year’s to next.</p><p>The category accounting for the largest increase in this collection comes under “Foundation Aid.” This is a specific type of aid which takes school district wealth and student need into account when allocating distributable state funding. Mr. Howard notably referred to this as the “most important aid category” because, for a number of reasons, it is recurring and “grows upon the prior year.” For the 2022-2023 school year, the district will receive an increase of $1,745,040 in this foundation aid, an increase of 17.49%.</p><p>This number, however, may grow even further, as foundation aid allocations often increase once New York State’s budget is adopted in early April. As Mr. Howard noted, there is a “likelihood of an improvement on state aid” after this occurs.</p><p>With regards to fund balance and reserves, the district will see a decrease in such, eventually landing at $21,133,241. By comparison, the 2021-2022 academic year saw a fund balance and reserve at $26,388,583.</p><p>This meeting also served as a vessel for a public hearing on the 2022-2023 proposed budget at large; three community residents spoke.</p><p>Trustee David Badanes and Mr. Howard, attempting to quell the economic concerns raised by community members, elaborated on why the district is seeing a budget-to-budget increase, despite the closing of two elementary schools last academic year. Because the school district is saving significant amounts of money by not keeping these two schools open, they are now, as was the chosen word, “reinvesting” that money into the district’s infrastructure and other capital projects.</p><p>Resident Christina Karman expressed her concern regarding the proposed reduction of $2,119,753 under the category of “1st-5th Grade Core Education,” a budget-to-budget decrease of 19.81%. Mr. Banzer replied that elementary school allocations have not decreased – they have just moved. When the district reorganization occurred last year, fifth grade education was reapplied in the budget’s literature to the middle school allocations. As Mr. Banzer noted, the district “took money from one area and moved it to another.”</p>",
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"title": "Mayor-elect Donna Koch has first public speaking engagement at Northport Chamber meeting",
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"post_date": "2022-03-23 00:00",
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"content": "<p>At last night’s Northport Chamber of Commerce meeting, Donna Koch debuted for her first public speaking engagement since being elected the new mayor of Northport on March 15. “One of the main things that I’d like to bring between the Northport Village Board and the Northport Chamber is a sense of community, togethership, leadership,” Mayor-elect Koch said to a room full of local business owners gathered at the Wine Cellar on Main.</p><p>Since the pandemic, local business owners have expressed frustration with the board’s willingness to think outside of the box to drive more business to the area, especially in the winter months when visits from out of towners are less common. Last night, several business owners expressed interest in keeping downtown open later than 5pm so that patrons can shop after eating out or before attending a show at the theater. Right now, only a few businesses are open past dinnertime, but owners are optimistically gearing up for a busy spring and summer, as well as the opening of the long-awaited Northport Hotel.</p><p>“I know you guys have some really fabulous ideas and I want your experience with the Northport Village Board to be a positive one. The Village Board does want the Village to succeed because when the Village succeeds, we all succeed. I do have some thoughts and ideas that I’ll share later on, going down the road, but… the board is going to be there to work with you, not against you,” she said.</p><p>Ms. Koch will be officially sworn in as mayor at the April 5 Village Board of Trustees meeting.</p>",
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"title": "Northport Village’s first grant-funded rain garden comes to Bluff Point Road",
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"post_date": "2022-03-22 00:00",
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"content": "<p>The beauty and tranquility of Northport Harbor comes with the responsibility to keep it clean and healthy, and for that reason, outgoing Northport Village Trustee Ian Milligan has been working on a project to install rain gardens in problematic areas that are prone to stormwater runoff throughout the Village.</p><p>Last week, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a 120,000-member organization that works with communities throughout New York State to advance environmental initiatives, announced that they will be providing a grant to fund the Village’s first rain garden along Bluff Point Road.</p><p>A rain garden is a depressed area in a landscape that’s used to collect thousands of gallons of rain water from the street, allowing it to soak into the ground instead of channeling into a harbor or waterway. “A rain garden is a nature-based solution to man-made pollution,” said Adrienne Esposito, the executive director at Citizens Campaign who spoke at a press conference last week on the project.</p><p>Ms. Esposito described Bluff Point rain garden as a cost-effective and easy way to fight pollution in the harbor, using native plantings for better water absorption to improve water quality. Instead of the flooding and channels of water that send contaminants into the harbor, the area will be reimagined and put to good use as a protective measure, she said.</p><p>This first rain garden will be along the Northport Yacht Club parking lot and Bluff Point Road. The garden will absorb one inch of rain, catching the pollution that comes with it, including pesticides, fertilizers and pet waste. There will also be a catch basin system for additional overflow during a very heavy storm.</p><p>The project involves a partnership between Citizens Campaign, the Village of Northport and the Northport Yacht Club. Also in attendance at last week’s press conference was Rich Boziwick, former commodore at the yacht club, Assemblyman Keith Brown, Janice Winter from the Women’s Committee, Village Trustees Ian Milligan and Dave Weber, and Nelson & Pope engineer Rusty Schmidt.</p><p>Trustee Milligan said at the press conference that he first saw a rain garden in Rhode Island, six years ago. He started to investigate and began constructing plans, along with engineer Rusty Schmidt, for multiple rain gardens in the Village. “It’s been a lot of work, and a lot of planning, and a lot of engineering, and I’m really happy to see that this is the first rain garden that’s going in Northport,” he said. With the grant funds awarded to Northport Village, three more rain gardens will be built this year, in areas including Northport Village Park, First Presbyterian Church on Main Street, and the William Bronson building property on Laurel Avenue. Trustee Milligan hopes that rain gardens will become a regular part of stormwater runoff mitigation, with even more being installed after the first four are completed.</p>",
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"title": "Volleyball tourney raises over $10K for suicide prevention",
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"post_date": "2022-03-20 00:00",
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"content": "<p>The Northport High School Academy of Finance hosted their third Volleyball Tournament for charity on March 10, raising over $10,000 for suicide prevention efforts. The event has grown from just three corporate sponsors in 2018 to now hosting twelve corporations throughout Long Island. “It’s exciting to see a homegrown tournament take off as this one has,” said Academy of Finance Coordinator Allison Schwabish.</p><p>“This is a great collaboration with the Academy of Finance Program and local corporate sponsors, where we have unified for the greater good of our community to be able to provide an amazing event right here in Northport,” Allison added.</p><p>The tournament was an effort to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; as a direct result of this event, over $10,000 will be donated to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. “We are also grateful to the PE Leaders, under the supervision of Aija Gipp and Sean Lynch, for their help in organizing a well-attended event,” said Allison.</p><p>The results of the tournament, as shared by the school district, are as follows:</p><p>First place team: Logan Chin, Sophia Yearwood, Alli Soule, Sophia Bica, Aidan Flinn and Justin Marques</p><p>Second place team: JJ Ahlstrand, Will Fitzpatrick, Aidan Foley, Joe Haubrich, Zack Zdrojeski and Nick Watts</p>",
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"caption": "Over 200 Northport High School students and local corporate sponsors participated in the Academy of Finance Volleyball Tournament, which raised money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Pictured is first place team, from left: Logan Chin, Sophia Yearwood, Alli Soule, Sophia Bica, Aidan Flinn and Justin Marques. Photo via NENUFSD Facebook page."
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"title": "Budget talks: BOE focuses on personnel and benefits in third of four detailed budget presentations",
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"post_date": "2022-03-18 00:00",
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"content": "<p>The Northport-East Northport UFSD Board of Education’s third discussion of the 2022-2023 budget, regarding the topics of “Personnel and Benefits,” occurred on Thursday, March 17. The details of this week’s budget draft regarding these specific topics can be found <a href=\"https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/nens/Board.nsf/files/CCJRDP6D1233/$file/10.01%20Proposed%202022-2023%20Budget%20Personnel%2003_17_22.pdf\">here</a>.</p><p>The <a href=\"http://northport.k12.ny.us/Assets/2022-2023_Budget/BUDGET_BOOK_-_3822.pdf?t=637824313143870000\">entire proposed budget</a> has been made available by the district in a 148-page budget development book. It is worthy to note that the budget is a draft until it is finalized and adopted by the board. Projected at a grand total of $178,445,574, the proposed budget represents a budget-to-budget increase of 2.15%. If passed at the tax levy limit of 1.82%, the average taxpayer will see an increase of $141.60.</p><p>Irene McLaughlin, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, reported that staffing is measured in what are known as FTEs, or “full-time equivalents;” a full-time faculty member is accounted for in the budget’s data as a numerical 1, while a part-time staffer is allocated as a .5, and so on. The Northport-East Northport school district’s overall staff projections for the 2022-2023 school year will allocate roughly 974 FTEs throughout the district, a decrease of roughly 3 FTEs from this year.</p><p>Perhaps the most notable occurrence of this select data comes in the number of FTEs appropriated to specifically “instructional staff” (counselors and classroom teachers). Such staff will experience a decrease of roughly five FTEs, with the number of “support staff” (district nurses, teacher aides, security, and clerical workers) undergoing an increase of two FTEs to make up some of the difference.</p><p>A decrease in student enrollment has historically occurred within the district, and this year is no exception. Superintendent of Schools Robert Banzer said that he is again expecting “significant enrollment reductions throughout…which impacts our staffing and programs.” In total, the 2022-2023 school year will experience a projected loss of approximately 187 students, K-12, when compared to last year’s statistics taken in January. The largest decrease in student enrollment will occur in the sample of 5th, 9th, and 11th grades, with a decrease of 56, 43, and 58 students, respectively. Despite this, however, Ms. McLaughlin noted that “class size averages are all below the guidelines.”</p><p>To account for both this decrease in instructional staff and student enrollment, the proposed budget includes a number of other staffing initiatives meant to offset any potential burden. One notable initiative spoken about since the beginning of the budget's inception is the addition of an in-district, BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) specialist on special assignment. This in-house addition has been proposed to counterbalance the “reduction in contract services for outside consultants.”</p><p>As well, a World Language course is being proposed at each middle school to provide 6th grade students with a 20-week course on a world language of the district’s offering. This proposal is meant to expedite the foreign language education of any student who wishes to learn earlier than what the typical 7th grade language course prescribes.</p><p>Trustee Carol Taylor, when reviewing the district’s staff projections, expressed her disapproval at the likely decrease of SEL (social-emotional learning) staff within the 2022-2023 school year. Mr. Banzer answered her concern by replying that SEL staff have decreased only quantitatively. He continued by saying that, over the years, the numbers of SEL educators within the district have, in fact, increased from each year to the last; however, due to a declining student enrollment, the district does not need to maintain the entirety of their acquired SEL employees for the following academic year.</p><p>In addition, the implementation of solar panels is now a possibility and is being weighed with serious consideration. To seemingly quell the concerns that Trustee Donna McNaughton and BOE President Larry Licopoli expressed last meeting concerning the undetermined cost-benefit of solar panels, Robert Howard, Assistant Superintendent for Business, presented some newfound information regarding the installation.</p><p>To introduce solar panels, Mr. Howard explained, the high school's roofs first have to be replaced, a job set to occur next summer. In between now and then, the district has proposed a "resolution to authorize an exploration of a solar panel project." This resolution would include counseling and engaging with an expert on the "building/cost-benefit analysis" of the technology, complete with an environmental evaluation at the request of Trustee David Badanes as well.</p><p>As Mr. Howard detailed, there are innumerable benefits to such an installation. For one, solar panels, if a quality model is installed properly, may save the district large amounts of money in the future for what they would usually expend on utilities; "this may, in turn, have a revenue-positive impact," Mr. Howard noted. In addition, as per New York State, public schools can apply for state-aid if they install solar panels on their roofs. Architecturally, solar panels can help sustain the longevity of roofs as well.</p><p>The next Board of Education meeting takes place on Thursday, March 24, when the proposed budget will be discussed with reference to “Revenue, Fund Balance, and Reserves.” This meeting will also serve as a preliminary public hearing on the 2022-2023 proposed budget.</p>",
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"title": "Official election results: Koch to lead new board of trustees amidst multiple Village departures",
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"post_date": "2022-03-17 00:00",
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"content": "<p>The Northport Village election results were certified at yesterday evening’s board of trustees meeting, the last meeting for three current board members – Mayor Damon McMullen and trustees Ian Milligan and Tom Kehoe. Three winners from Tuesday’s election are scheduled to be sworn in on April 5; Ernest Pucillo, who won the race to fill the vacancy left when Mercy Smith resigned from her position, was sworn in last night, and immediately took his position on the board.</p><p><b>The winners</b> and their vote tallies from Tuesday’s election are as follows:<br /><b>Mayor: Donna Koch</b> with 1015 votes. Fellow mayoral candidate Dave Weber brought in 799 votes.<br /><b>Trustees, four-year term: Meghan Dolan</b> with 1034 votes, and <b>Joe Sabia</b> with 983 votes. The third candidate for trustee, James Izzo, received just ten votes less than Mr. Sabia.<br /><b>Trustee, two-year term:</b> <b>Ernest Pucillo</b> with 880 votes. Michael Bento received 716 votes.<br /><br /><b>Mary Louise Biunno</b> received 1274 votes and will return to her position as Village Justice. Robert Polizzo, who launched a last-minute campaign for Justice, received 177 votes as a write-in.</p><p><b>The turnout</b><b><br /></b>According to Village officials, 1,845 people voted in this year’s election. That number includes 131 absentee ballots. While higher than turnout in 2018 (1,532 voters) and 2020 (1,624 voters), the March 15, 2022 election failed to come close to a record turnout in 2004, when 2,777 people voted.</p><p>Newcomer, and perhaps the freshest face to Village politics, Trustee-elect Meghan Dolan brought more voters to the polls than any other candidate in the mayoral or trustee races. “I am so honored and humbled to have received the most votes of any candidate on the ballot in a contested race,” Ms. Dolan said in a written statement to the press. “It was a very strong message of support from the community and I am excited to get to work.</p><p>“I would also say that the campaign, being in our community, with my family and friends, and meeting so many residents was a highlight of the whole process,” said Ms. Dolan, adding that she looks forward to meeting even more community members and working hard over the next four years to keep an active connection to all residents in Northport Village.</p><p>Ms. Koch also pulled in a sizable win over Dave Weber in the race for mayor, bringing in over 200 more votes than the current trustee. Ms. Koch did not immediately return requests for comment but posted on her Facebook page the evening of her victory a photo of herself on Main Street with the caption: “Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I will make you proud.”</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/ernestpucilloswornin.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>The 2022 swearing in ceremony at Village Hall. Outgoing board members are also pictured.</p></figcaption></figure>\n<p><b>Also notable</b><b><br /></b>The March 16 board of trustees meeting, where the certification of the prior evening’s vote took place, included many other mentionables:</p><p><b><i>Trustee Pucillo</i></b><br />Ernest Pucillo was sworn in as trustee less than 24 hours after the polls closed. He began his two-year term immediately, taking a spot at the table next to outgoing trustees Ian Milligan and Tom Kehoe, both whom did not run for reelection.</p><p><b><i>Rain gardens</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b>After serving two consecutive terms, Trustee Ian Milligan used his last meeting to applaud the taking off of a rain garden program he worked on with the Village. “It took a long time, but it is really nice to see that the first project is going to get done,” he said. The Village will be installing three other rain gardens that will happen this year, he added. “It’s exciting, I think it’s a really good thing for the Village, and I think once we start building them we’ll realize that it’s a really economical way to control water runoff with the huge benefit of helping pollution in the harbor,” Trustee Milligan said. “I’m glad that… in the tailend of my term, I got to see it actually get off the ground.”</p><p><b><i>Friendly farewells</i></b><br />Trustee Milligan shared in the feelings of gratitude, from both other board members and members of the audience, during what was the final meeting for himself, Trustee Kehoe and Mayor McMullen.</p><p>“It’s been a great experience, I really enjoyed it, I learned a lot, I feel that I made a difference… that I was able to contribute and I feel that I am a better person coming away from it,” he said. After congratulating the new board, Trustee Milligan thanked all the Village employees and board members, singling out an emotional Mayor McMullen for his “tireless” work.</p><p>“I really don’t think people realize how much he did for the Village. He was not the one that went to the ribbon cuttings or was out kissing babies,” said the trustee. “He was here working, he treated it like a full-time job. The term he oversaw saw hurricanes, nor’Easters, a major theft from an employee, a minor theft from an employee, Covid, Trump rallies…” Despite this being one of the hardest terms that this Village has gone through, continued Milligan, the mayor made huge strides to “make the Village a better place for everyone, a better place to work, an easier Village to manage and run for the future boards coming.”</p><p><b><i>A shift in mood</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b>Dave Weber, who lost the race for mayor but retains his spot as trustee, thanked his fellow board members before their departures, publicly noting, despite occasional differences in opinion, his respect and admiration for Mayor McMullen. He also applauded Village Treasurer Len Marchese, Village attorney Stu Besen and Village clerk Amy Grandy, as well as Village Administrator Roland Buzard and Don Tesoriero, assistant to the mayor, for their work. Things turned, however, when Trustee Weber expressed disapproval of what he called “smirks in the audience,” and took a stance against recent election coverage in print publication, <i>The Observer.</i></p><p>“The reason why I’m sitting here is because I have the respect of enough people out in the community to come up here and put my life right here in this seat because they know I am going to do good,” Trustee Weber said. “I have dedicated my life, my family has dedicated their lives to the Village of Northport, it’s just what we do. I don’t expect anything from it, but I do expect a little bit of respect.”</p><p>A visibly affected Mr. Weber criticized local coverage of the election, referencing what he described as “a lot of innuendo, and hearsay and outright lies written in the paper.” The public reproach elicited responses from Mayor-elect Koch, as well as <i>The Observer</i> writer and editor Dave Ambro, both seated in the audience, before multiple board members called for Mr. Weber to move on.</p><p>“I’m trying to get the community to come together because that’s what this community is about… and we discussed that,” Mr. Weber said, nodding to Ms. Koch. “Over the next two years, I would really like for our community to come together and work together.”</p><p><b><i>A retirement</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b>Treasurer Len Marchese opened his report to the board by announcing his retirement after over close to 15 years with the Village, noting what he felt was a turning point in his work and career. “I think it’s time for me to kind of move on. I’ve been 35 years in public service, so I think I’ve earned it,” Mr. Marchese said. “I’ve had a good run, the Village has been really good to me, and I love the place.”</p><p>Mr. Marchese applauded the Village for being fiscally responsible in both normal times and in times of catastrophe, like Covid. “We don’t have to go scrambling for money, we have our money, we have our reserves…. We’re the last resort here. When I say we need reserves, it’s not because I want to hold people’s money, it’s because I am being the most responsible person in the room.”</p><p>Having had a “really good conversation” with Mayor-elect Koch earlier in the day, Mr. Marchese said he looks forward to working with the board over the next couple of months to enable a smooth transition. “I talked to Donna, I’d like to work with the transition to try and figure out who will be a great new treasurer,” he said. “I don’t want to drop the ball. We built a lot here.”</p><p><b><i>A resignation</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b>Northport Village Clerk Amy Grandy announced earlier today that she will be resigning from her position effective later this month. With the Village for one year, she said in a conversation with the <i>Northport Journal</i> that she’s enjoyed her work environment very much, and spoke fondly of her coworkers and the current board members. She does feel she’s leaving with unfinished business – things were just getting started, she said. But when incoming Mayor Donna Koch would not guarantee her position as clerk past six months, Amy said, she had to go with job security and accepted an offer to return to her former employer, Signature Bank. Her last day is March 29, 2022.</p>",
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"title": "Budget talks: BOE focuses on instruction, technology, BOCES, and special education in second of four detailed budget presentations",
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"content": "<p>The Northport-East Northport UFSD Board of Education’s second discussion of the 2022-2023 budget, regarding the topics of“Instruction, Technology, BOCES, and Special Education,” occurred on Thursday, March 10.</p><p>The entire proposed budget can be found <a href=\"http://northport.k12.ny.us/Assets/2022-2023_Budget/BUDGET_BOOK_-_3822.pdf?t=637824313143870000\">here</a>, in a 148-page budget development book made available by the district. The budget is a draft until it is finalized and adopted by the board. Projected at a grand total of $178,445,574, the proposed budget represents a budget-to budget increase of 2.15%. If passed to the tax levy limit of 1.82%, the average taxpayer will see an increase of $141.60.</p><p>Of this increase in overall expenditures, the district, as found in the budget’s prefatory remarks, has written the following: “For the past three years, the district has maintained the same tax levy for our community, despite rising costs. This year we are challenged with rising inflation, negotiated salary and benefit increases and increases to transportation contracts…. The district must be strategic and considerate of long-term financial stability in order to maintain the level of academic excellence our students deserve and our community expects.”</p><p>As listed in <a href=\"https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/nens/Board.nsf/files/CCCSEL723042/$file/10.01%20Proposed%202022-2023%20Instruction-Technology-BOCES-Special%20Education%2003_10_22.pdf\">Draft Two</a> of the 2022-2023 proposed budget, matters of Instruction under the four criteria “Curriculum Development and Supervision,” “Teaching - Regular School,” “Occupational Education,” and “Interscholastic Athletics” will undergo an increase of $223,890 (a 2.56% increase) from this year’s proposed budget to last. Mr. Robert Howard, Assistant Superintendent for Business, explained that there will be a 1.65% average increase in funds to most affairs falling under the umbrella of classroom instruction. Those increases are then offset by a reduction in the school lunch fund, which, due to its favorable results since implemented, can withstand a financial decrease.</p><p>Increases in overall instructional expenditures comes through a change in the price of material goods themselves, which have grown the “per-people allocations of materials to $15,” according to Mr. Howard. He also stresses that, while these allocations have not increased in over a decade, “inflationary pressures” have warranted the change.</p><p>A number of proposed initiatives were also given discussion during the meeting. One such proposal is the inclusion of an “in-district behavior specialist” for those students in need of such assistance. As was stressed, this specialist would be gathered internally from either the special education or psychology departments; they would simply be considered a “teacher on special assignment,” according to Mr. Howard.</p><p>Equipment and classroom technology were also widely elaborated on. One such policy that has already gone into effect throughout Northport High School is the replacement of SmartBoards (interactive displays projecting a blown-up image of a computer monitor) with the more modern, 4K, Promethean panel. The Promethean is also an interactive display, yet it is not a projection of a computer as the SmartBoard is; the Promethean is simply a large computer monitor mounted to the wall itself.</p><p>With each SmartBoard aging now over a decade, the district has slowly switched over to Promethean due to its cost effectiveness over the alternative. SmartBoards project their image through large light bulbs, many of which break every other year, leading to a $350-$400 expense continuously. To combat this, the district “decided to reevaluate and go to a new technology,” adding that “we had overwhelming support from our teachers” when a group of educators was assembled to vet and discuss the idea.</p><p>The technology of solar panels, brought up by Trustee David Badanes in past and present meetings, returned to the table, with the trustees weighing their opinions on the matter. The district expects, if implemented, that rooftop solar panels will pay for themselves in 17 years time, and that, whatever is decided, they will “make sure the product matches our needs.” This latter statement was a point of objection among trustees. Trustee Donna McNaughton expressed that, until she receives all the information regarding the cost-effectiveness, and, in her own words, “return on investment,” of the solar panels, she will not be in favor of a hasty installation. President Larry Licopoli agreed with Trustee McNaughton’s sentiment.</p><p>Such a capital project as solar panel installation would be funded with a mixture of both general fund appropriations and capital reserves funds. The latter needs an affirmative referendum by the public to be implemented in the proposed capital projects.</p><p>A number of other notable initiatives were introduced that received less comment. Such proposals include: a continued use of the Panorama survey “to identify, monitor, and support student social and emotional needs”; additional physical education opportunities at the district’s elementary schools; the expansion of a “20 week 6th grade World Language course”; a replacement of classroom printers, many of which malfunction or are no longer in working order; and “a partnership with Northwell Health to expand access to community mental health resources.”</p><p>Overall, the proposed budget, within the confines of “Instruction, Technology, BOCES, and Special Education,” lands at $30,928,423 and experiences a reduction of $408,367, or a 1.30% decrease from 2021-22 to 2022-23.</p><p>The next Board of Education meeting takes place on March 17, when the proposed budget will be discussed with reference to “Personnel and Benefits.” It should be noted that there is no public participation during March budget meetings, though community questions regarding agenda ideas are allowed; public participation will resume in April.</p>",
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"caption": "Equipment and classroom technology was discussed at the March 10 BOE meeting, the second of four detailed budget presentations. The replacement of SmartBoards with the more modern Promethean panel (an example of which is shown above) has already gone into effect throughout Northport High School. Image via http://prometheanworld.com."
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"title": "Editorial: A real transformation requires respect, innovation and action",
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"content": "<p>Transformation. It’s a word that has been used a lot lately in regards to the March 15 Northport Village elections, a race that will add four new faces to a board of just five members. It’s a complete overhaul, really, and certainly has the potential to be transformative.</p><p>For months, we have reported quietly and unbiasedly on the happenings at Village board meetings and have announced each new candidate to the public as they have revealed their intentions to run. We have printed every letter to the editor we received regarding Village politics and will continue to do so before Tuesday’s vote.</p><p>This weekend’s edition of local print publication <i>The Observer </i>listed endorsements for the Northport Village election that, if followed by Village residents, will be an offense to our community and all that can be achieved in the next four years. What’s being labeled as “transformative” by <i>The Observer</i> is really just more of the same governance… and possibly worse. We feel compelled, as a team of writers committed to nonpartisan reporting in our news section, to rebut some of Mr. Ambro’s endorsements here, in the <i>Northport Journal</i>’s first editorial/political endorsement since we began our digital publication.</p><p>Why? Because we too have been paying close attention and do not lack the foresight necessary to envision what kind of leadership is required to address the many modern issues facing our Village today. We also do not cater to a certain group of subscribers or advertisers, making endorsements to better serve the success of a newspaper. This is not a business decision for us, but a decision based on firsthand experience within a community that will be directly impacted by the election results.</p><p>The <i>Northport Journal</i> endorses Dave Weber for Mayor and Meghan Dolan for Trustee. Above all others, we feel these two candidates will be the most productive, hardworking, innovative and trustworthy leaders. We’re basing these endorsements not on campaign slogans, lawn signs or promises, but on actions these candidates have already taken within the Village.</p><p>There’s only a couple of days left. We’re asking all Village residents to get out and vote. But do your research. Look around – and if you haven’t been around, ask people who have. Who is actively engaged in the community, and effecting real, positive change?</p><p>A candidate can talk about the importance of mitigating stormwater runoff and improving our local ecosystem, but who is involved in programs that are taking actionable steps to combat these issues? Who has reached out and been involved in local charitable organizations like the Northport Native Garden Initiative, and is proactively using that relationship to put native gardens in front of Village Hall and draw up plans for rain gardens in our community? Who is organizing events that involve local children to clean our beaches and who seamlessly took over the FLUPSY program to reduce nitrogen in our harbor? Who quickly procured tens of thousands of dollars for revitalization efforts like the one scheduled to begin soon at our downtown basketball court, which will bring kids together in a safe and healthy setting? Who shows up and speaks out against injustice, attends ribbon cuttings for new local businesses, and seeks transparency from his colleagues by calling for a financial audit from a third party company? Dave Weber has done – and continues to do – all of these things.</p><p>A candidate can talk about inclusivity and tolerance, but who is active in these efforts and who is spending precious campaign time digging up dirt on their opponents? People can talk about transparency, but when the need to “stir the pot” supersedes a candidate’s ability to listen to voters, how in tune with the people can that candidate really be?</p><p>We need a leader, a voice unafraid to stand up and speak out, to follow through on projects, to make and nurture connections with <i>all</i> Village residents.</p><p>For those not yet in office, who is connecting with local leaders and groups prior to election day? Meghan Dolan is. Already actively involved in local groups, charities and organizations, she is also seeking relationships with Village officials and leaders she would work with<i> if </i>elected. Meghan has met with PBA President Stephen Kerekes, Engeman Theater owner Kevin O’Neill and several other village business owners. She’s met with founders of the Northport Native Garden Initiative, current village employees and labor union workers, candidates Donna Koch, Dave Weber, James Izzo and Michael Bento. She knocked on over 1,000 doors in the last few weeks, hearing from residents themselves on the issues that matter most to them and their families.</p><p>From what we understand, it is one of the few times a candidate has sought out so many opportunities and relationships before securing a vote. Why? Because Ms. Dolan cares and knows that this leadership role is not about her own personal agenda. Because she understands that a seat as trustee will have her actively engaged with these groups and leaders for the long term, and that cementing relationships now can only benefit the Village in the future. Her education, professionalism and experience as an assistant district attorney will be an asset to this Village. Her indefatigable spirit as a parent to three young children makes her real and relatable to families doing it all, too. She is personable, committed and genuine – truly a breath of fresh air for the entire Village.</p><p>So pay attention when you’re out and about. How well do these candidates work with others? Is there a history of connection, commitment, engagement and understanding, or one of negativity and pot stirring? When challenged, does a candidate double down and attack, or are they open to listening to <i>all </i>sides of an issue? Was most of this campaign spent outside connecting with voters, or finding (and reporting to the press) flaws in their competition?</p><p>Who stuck to their ideals of a “clean campaign" and who got dirty?</p><p><i>The Observer</i> endorsed for mayor this past Friday Donna Koch, who uses her experience as Village clerk as her singular platform. She has never had a leadership role in Village government and has yet to prove her ability to lead or even work well with board members. When Mr. Ambro states that it’s Dave Weber who should serve as trustee for two more years so he can “learn his way” and “continue to develop as a government official,” we wonder why Ms. Koch gets a free pass to the top?</p><p>As clerk, Ms. Koch was required to attend sensitivity training for her behavior under former Mayor George Doll, a fact confirmed to the<i> Northport Journal</i> by sources familiar with what occurred within the Village government at that time. Years later, Ms. Koch’s behavior forced her into early retirement, after she raised her voice at Mayor Damon McMullen, her boss, in front of a board member and employee. Mayor McMullen stated in a 2020 interview with <i>The Observer</i> that refusing Ms. Koch’s reappointment as clerk was something he was “thinking about for a long time” and it was in “the best interest of the Village.”</p><p>In the October 2, 2020 article, Ms. Koch defended her actions, saying “I will always fight for the Village and honestly, if I have to throw my hat in the ring for mayor in 2022, I will.” At last week’s Meet the Candidates forum, Ms. Koch said she had not decided on her run for mayor until after she “took a break” from working as Village clerk to “collect her thoughts.” She said it wasn’t until she realized she missed Village government and began attending meetings again that she made this decision.</p><p>Ms. Koch’s campaign strategy has been telling. Instead of focusing on her accomplishments, policies and goals, she trashed her opponent, Mr. Weber, at every opportunity.</p><p>Koch’s forum performance, the only chance residents had to judge her knowledge of the issues, was subpar at best. She did not offer any specific goals as mayor of the Village, aside from being transparent and able to “face challenges head on.” She was able to name some of the many issues facing the Village today, like stormwater runoff and parking, but offered no solutions. When asked about using native plantings to benefit the village, she talked about using an international arborist to choose trees with deep roots that “don’t shed too many petals.” Her answer to this environmental question was in stark contrast to the responses you get on this issue from Mr. Weber, who is a real-life environmentalist and has already shown progress in this area as an elected trustee.</p><p>Ms. Koch’s responses were short and ill-prepared, leaving undecided voters with little to work with. Yet, Mr. Ambro made note of Mr. Weber’s flawed responses during the forum and made no mention of Ms. Koch’s performance at all. Perhaps Ms. Koch thinks she can phone this in with an endorsement in <i>The Observer</i>, without making personal connections or proving her worth outside of her inner circle.</p><p>In his recent endorsements, Dave Ambro admits to making a mistake when he endorsed Tom Kehoe over Joe Sabia in the last Village election. Kehoe, Ambro states, “has been worse for the village government than anyone before him.”</p><p>For this election, <i>The Observer</i> applauded Mr. Sabia’s role as a watchdog, and endorsed him for trustee. But does Sabia’s reputation as a “pot stirrer” warrant a seat on the board? <i>It does not.</i> Joe Sabia has been filling this role for years as a member of the audience at board meetings, and can – and will – continue to do so if not elected. He will continue to lament the Northport Fish Market. He will continue to rely heavily on the Northport Village Police Department to mediate his personal issues with fish market manager Sam Luby, admitting to at least 60 calls and reports to the department regarding this issue. But are residents paying enough attention to his actual character, aside from his humor and willingness to speak up when something affects him personally? Are residents focused on his knowledge of the issues most pressing to a forward-moving, progress-oriented board?</p><p>One example: Regarding stormwater mitigation, Sabia said at last Tuesday’s event that “doing rain gardens and putting catch basins” hasn’t worked; that the “best we can possibly do” is put filters in the catch basins to catch the sand and protect the harbor from pollution. Ask any well-researched, well-read, knowledgeable founder of the Northport Native Garden Initiative for their input, and they would say Sabia is way off, that rain gardens have proven to work in other communities, and that there is much more the Village can do to protect its harbor.</p><p>Mr. Sabia was also the only candidate to lay out his dream slate, personally endorsing candidates for mayor and trustee via his spot at the table at Tuesday’s forum. The event was an opportunity for candidates to answer questions from Village residents, to prove their knowledge of the issues; it was not a place for anyone to endorse their favorite candidates while blatantly disregarding others. Yet Sabia did, and it was an obvious overreach and breach of the night’s purpose, a night that he demanded be fair for all in last week’s edition of <i>The Observer</i>.</p><p>It seems Sabia is intent on forming an alliance that can overtake the only person who will remain on the board no matter the outcome of this election, Dave Weber. Tuesday’s results will dictate if Weber returns as a trustee or the mayor. Is it possible that Mr. Ambro, after consecutive weeks reporting negatively about Mr. Weber and feeding into every campaign complaint set forth by Ms. Koch and Mr. Sabia, also wants to render Weber powerless?</p><p>And does the Village really need a group of faces – some retired, some going into this with a pre-existing alliance? The board should be a representation of <i>all</i> Village residents, including those with young children and new homeowners. They too play an important role in our community, patronize (and own) our small businesses, engage in local organizations and have children in our schools. Their aspirations for this Village matter and will continue to be ignored if <i>The Observer’s</i> endorsements hold enough weight.</p><p>While we respect Mr. Ambro’s right to his opinions and his endorsements, we felt it necessary to offer a counter to what seems like biased reporting, followed by endorsements that don’t take into account what the Village needs at this moment. We will end with this: Mr. Ambro, who rightfully could find no issue with Meghan Dolan as a candidate, and said there’s “no downside” to her winning the position, also stated he was certain, from her outreach and articulation, that her time would come.</p><p>We say her time is NOW.</p><p>We say we want an actual transformation, with a board made of respectful, innovative, communicative individuals who have already proven their value to Northporters.</p><p>So please, get to Village Hall this Tuesday, anytime from 6am-9pm, and VOTE. This election, this year, indeed carries the weight of transforming an entire Village.</p><p><i>Updated on March 14, 2022, 1:45pm</i></p>",
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"title": "Northport Historical Society welcomes new executive director",
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"post_date": "2022-03-11 00:00",
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"content": "<p>The Northport Historical Society introduced its new executive director, Caitlyn Shea, earlier this week.</p><p>Caitlyn comes to the society from the Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum in Huntington, where she was events and media director for three years. An accomplished artist specializing in large scale paintings and murals, Caitlyn is passionate about storytelling and looks forward to making historical knowledge even more accessible for visitors to the Northport Historical Society and beyond.</p>",
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"title": "Q&A draws large crowd eager to hear from candidates for Village mayor and trustee one week before election",
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"content": "<p>It was standing room only at Tuesday evening’s “Meet the Candidates Night,” the one opportunity this election season for residents to hear live and in-person from the people running for Village mayor and trustee. Hosted by the Northport Chamber of Commerce, the forum included an opening statement from each candidate, three rounds of randomly selected questions submitted by audience members and asked by event moderator Joe Schramm, and closing statements.</p><p>Present at the forum were the two candidates for mayor, Donna Koch and Dave Weber, Jr.; the five candidates running for trustee – Meghan Dolan, James Izzo, Joe Sabia, Michael Bento and Ernest Pucillo; and Northport Village Justice Mary Louise Biunno, who is running unopposed.</p><p>Ms. Dolan, Mr. Izzo and Mr. Sabia are running for two open positions for a four-year term; Mr. Bento and Mr. Pucillo are running for one seat for a two-year term.</p><p>Below are the opening comments from each candidate, in the order they were spoken, the answer to one audience question asked during the event, and a takeaway from closing comments. Some comments were edited for length. The Chamber did not stream or record the event; however, videos of the Q&A portion of the evening can be found on the <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/northportjournal\" target=\"_blank\">Northport Journal Facebook page</a>.</p><p>It should be noted that randomly selected questions were directed to candidates via a name draw; only one candidate answered each question; there were no rebuttals or debates allowed on any particular issue.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/villageelections2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>The standing room only crowd filled the American Legion in Northport Village at Meet the Candidates Night.</p></figcaption></figure>\n<p><b>Donna Koch</b><br />Most of you know me as a former Village clerk. After working full-time for over 25 years in Northport Village government, along with raising a family, I decided to take a break to collect my thoughts. I soon decided that I missed Village government and I started again to attend Village board meetings regularly. With a different perspective, I can see what the residents saw.</p><p>We’re here tonight because we all have one thing in common: the love for our Village and the need to preserve it for future generations. As a grandmother to a fifth-generation Northport Villager, I know the value of the decisions we make today will have a lasting impact.</p><p>The challenge we face is how we balance our success with the quality of our life. We know major problems such as stormwater runoff, infrastructure, vehicle and pedestrian congestion, parking, a clean harbor and a host of other challenges face the new administration.</p><p>As a retiree, I have the time, energy, background and knowledge to hit the ground running, and face these challenges head-on. As mayor, I will work with the new board of trustees, openly negotiate solutions to these and other tasks we face. I look forward to working with the different organizations, non-for-profits, Chamber, and we’ll join organizations such as the Suffolk County Village Officials Association to learn what successes other Villages have achieved.</p><p><b>Question from the audience</b>: What will be your policies around communicating with the public, regarding timelines of posting agendas, meeting notices and minutes.</p><p><b>Answer</b>: As the past Village clerk, I am very aware of timing when it comes to agendas and minutes. As mayor, I will insist that the agenda be ready and finalized on Friday afternoon. The minutes of each meeting are available after the board of trustees has approved them. It will continue that way. We will be open and honest with the residents, you can come into any board meeting, they are the first and third Tuesday of the month. They start at 6pm at this point, we might change the time. And come to the board meetings. Right now, we have about five to six residents who regularly attend Village board meetings. I’m going to present to you a board that is open, honest and inclusive government.</p><p><b>Closing remarks</b>: This is the first time in eight years that the position of mayor is being contested. During this campaign process, my opponent and I have spared for the position of mayor. As mayor, I will work alongside Mr. Weber and the entire newly elected board to bring you, the residents of this Village, a board that will work together on your behalf, be informative, transparent, one that you can be proud of.</p><p><b>Dave Weber Jr.</b><br />Growing up a third generation Northporter, in our community – I’ve raised my three sons here in this great Village and that has given me the belief that there’s no greater community than Northport. I’m a 26-year member and ex-captain of the Northport Volunteer Fire Department, a 26-year downtown business owner, and a supporter of many community organizations. I’m a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Marine Industries and the New York Marine Training Association, and I’m active in all three. I was a founding member of the Cow Harbor Warriors, which is a community-based veteran organization that brought OAF OIF veterans to Northport for a weekend of relaxation and recreation. I have a unique perspective on what this Village needs with those qualifications. What this Village needs is long-term growth and sustainability.</p><p>Joining the Board of Trustees in 2020, I have given our residents the voice that has been missing over the past administrations. Getting professional guidance and new eyes on our finances when wrongdoings occurred, fiscal responsibility, building relationships with federal, state and local officials, obtaining grant monies in order to approve recreational facilities for our youth, environmental initiatives, continuing stormwater mitigation along Main Street with state funding to continue to improve our water quality, aquaculture programs to clean and strengthen the condition of our harbors for future generations. I want to continue to make this positive impact on the lives of Village residents. Let’s make our Village affordable for families so that they can stay here, let’s make the Village enticing enough for new families to want to come into our community, and raise their children here just as I have, and my parents did, and my grandparents did.</p><p>How will we do that? By being engaged with the community. I’ll be out in the community every day that you’re out in the community. Actually listening to your needs, building public-private partnerships to keep costs down, that’s what I’m doing now and it’s what I’m going to do when I become mayor. At the same time, we are going to foster community spirit. All my life has been dedicated to community service because that is how I was raised right here by my parents in Northport Village. Please remember one thing: A better Village Hall is a better community for all of us.</p><p><b>Question from the audience</b>: If you are elected, what do you see as the most important issue for the Village?</p><p><b>Answer</b>: The divisiveness that’s going on in the country is just tearing us apart. Nobody wants to turn on the TV and see what’s going on these days. One of the amazing things about our community is the community feel. The families that get together for a purpose and get stuff done. I definitely want to see us come together. I think that’s the biggest issue – that we need to come together, no more dividing. We have people that are badmouthing trustees and mayors, it’s not the way we should be operating, we should be operating as a team up here.</p><p>The board is going to sit up here and they’re going to have to get stuff done, and we need to be working together. Out of the people sitting up here, there’s only a couple of them that have approached me and started to talk about what I’ve been doing in the Village. And I find that troubling because I’m going to be [on the board] here for another two years no matter what, so I’m either a trustee or a mayor… I’m going to be here having to work with everybody. So the way to work is you get together and work as a team. I think that’s going to be one of the big issues. We have all the other issues that are going on: stormwater mitigation, cleaning of the harbor, infrastructure, these are all things that are currently in the works. You might not think they are, but this is stuff that’s happening in the background… Those things are important also, and we’re going to do that too.</p><p><b>Closing remarks</b>: Your support is the reason I’ve been able to be in this position as trustee, and I appreciate that and I carry my duties right here, close to my heart. I want to thank you for giving me that opportunity. I want you to think about the power of words, actions, deadlines – they bring focus, but also convey urgency and meaning. And because of that, I’ve worked hard since being elected as trustee. I’ve stayed true to my platform of inclusivity, transparency and fiscal responsibility…Throughout my life, I’ve seen how collaboration, involvement, recognition and empowerment can shape communities, contributing to who we are and who we want to become.</p><p><b>Meghan Dolan</b><br />I’m so excited to be here tonight, to continue doing what’s been the best part of this process for me so far – meeting and talking to all of you. For those of you I don’t know, I’m Meghan Dolan. My husband Greg and I have been in Northport for almost ten years. He is a teacher and a high school football coach at Chaminade High School. We are raising three young children: Filomena is six, John is four and Luca is one. We are active parishioners at St. Philips. I am a preschool soccer coach, I am a class mom involved in the PTA, and a founding member of the local non-profit Not In Our Town. I’m also an avid yogi. In addition to being engaged in the community, I have been a litigator on Long Island for 13 years. I was first appointed an assistant district attorney in Nassau County, where I prosecuted misdemeanor felonies in conjunction with the Nassau County Police Department. Then I was trial counsel for a Fortune 100 insurance carrier, and most recently I was in private practice representing Long Island municipalities.</p><p>I am engaged with and dedicated to this community. I have been genuinely motivated by this community and the relationships I have developed here in the past few years of getting involved, with everybody from board members and Village staff, to local law enforcement leaders and elected officials. Those relationships are so important to me, and the support that I’ve had throughout this process from those people is so meaningful, on both a personal and professional level.</p><p>There is an opportunity in this election and a true desire from residents, as I’m learning, for new voices and new faces on this board. I am that person. I am someone who has shown that I’m engaged with this community. I have the professional experience to hit the ground running, and I am a zealous advocate for everything I put my mind to. I’m someone who has the best interest of this community at heart and is not seeking any personal gain from doing this. And that’s what people in this Village are entitled to in their leadership.</p><p><b>Question from the audience</b>: In light of the situation with Trustee Kehoe and his fraud in the Village of Northport, regarding his home construction, do you support changing the Village law to allow for impeachment of a trustee?</p><p><b>Answer</b>: I do think there needs to be ramifications, you all deserve that in your elected officials. It really has to do also with our code, the selective enforcement and people who might have sought this position at some point for their own personal gain. Now is the time for you guys to think about those types of things and who you are picking here. There absolutely should be accountability in your officials. You should be able to get in contact with your trustees if you want to, you should be able to have your emails answered, you should be able to know who they are and see them around town. This board needs selfless people who are dedicated and engaged in this community, who are not here for personal gain, and for people to be held accountable. So absolutely, if there’s an option for an amendment to hold people accountable, I would be in favor of that.</p><p><b>Closing remarks</b>: Being a Northport resident for almost ten years, my time here is really just beginning. My husband and I have committed to raising our family here, my parents have moved to Northport Village, I want to work to create a place where our children and grandchildren can thrive for years to come. That is what drives me to serve this community. There is a lot to be accomplished and I started to tell you before about my professional experience representing Long Island municipalities just like this, in state and federal court on everything from a slip and fall to employment issues, to constitutional claims for the eastern district. I have that experience and I have the dedication, selflessness and transparency that residents deserve.</p><p><b>James Izzo</b><br />It’s been a long time since I’ve interviewed for a job. I’ve been self-employed for 45 years. I love it and it’s taught me a lot. During that process, I’ve been involved with a lot of boards, I’ve done a lot of things, some I’m very proud of and some I’m not so proud of. I was a founding member of the Arthur Avenue BID. I’ve been involved with a lot of charities, but what brings me here is the desire to make Northport better, just like everybody else at this table, and that’s why you guys are here. And I think I can do a good job.</p><p>I initially wanted to run out of frustration. I was the president of the Chamber during Covid and we had a very abysmal response from our existing group of trustees and our mayor, and it really put a lot of our businesses in jeopardy. I’ve been in my own business all my life and I know what it is to dedicate every waking moment and every dollar to your own business, and the way we were treated was quite unfair. As I dove a little deeper and started going to Village meetings, I saw that it wasn’t just the business owners who were frustrated, it was the residents, everyone was frustrated at every level because of a lack of response. My goal and my ability is to respond, to listen. The name of my party is ACT: Accessible, Caring and Transparent. It’s not just an acronym, it’s what we need to be, and I can work with anyone up here and do that, but I need you guys to get involved too.</p><p>It’s easy to fix the problems we have. The real tough spot is to identify the future problems and avoid them before they come to fruition. So we can alleviate a lot of grief just by knowing what’s going on.</p><p><b>Question from the audience</b>: What local organization can the Village team up with to improve the village?</p><p><b>Answer</b>: Take your pick. We’ve got more organizations than people here. I’m involved with several, but depending on what your priorities are, I would come to us and if it doesn’t exist, we’ll make one. This is a community, this is a village, we’re all neighbors. If there is a need out there and we don’t have the wherewithal to address it today, well let’s get it in place for tomorrow. It’s real simple. That [question] was like “What’s your favorite color,” right? But thank you… I know as the Chamber, we split up into teams, and we had different teams addressing different issues, whether it be membership or holiday lighting, whatever. And only the Chamber members were the team leaders, but we had people in the community supporting us and working with us to get everything done. So yeah, if you want to get something done, the only thing I can tell you is if you have an idea, that’s terrific, but if you talk to me about it, be prepared to work on it. I’ll work on it with you, but again, people bring me ideas every day. I don’t need that. I need ideas that can be brought to fruition for the benefit of our community.</p><p><b>Closing remarks</b>: About 12 years ago, my wife and I were looking for a place to live. I knew I was going to be retiring and we really looked from Long Island City up to the North Fork, in Greenport. We kept gravitating back to Northport for a number of reasons. And we felt like this was the place that we wanted to settle down because we had a great experience coming here. It’s all about the Northport experience. Now everyone who’s here is a little disgruntled with what went on in the past, and that’s fine, it’s in the past. Moving forward, we want to maintain that Northport experience. We want our children to experience what we know it can be. And if elected, or if these people I’m here with get their way, it’s going to move forward. It’s going to move forward with your help. But the Northport experience is what we’re after. It’s what no one else has, it’s unique.</p><p><b>Joseph Sabia</b><br />I’ve been here many times before. I’ve been a Village resident since 1977. I own a business here, Sabia’s Car Care, and in that time I was a Northport police officer. I know how this Village runs. My wife was a court clerk before she passed away, and I raised my two daughters here. I was Vice President of the Long Island Gasoline Retailers Association. For politics, I used to fly to Washington and lobby the president, congressman and senators. I’ve been going to board meetings here for well over ten years. I’m very dedicated. I love this Village, it’s the greatest place in the world. I know what makes this Village work and I know what the people want from the Village trustees. I’ve been sitting on the other side of that table for ten years, and if I’m elected, I’ll give you the best shot I have and you will have decency, respect, courtesy and trust.</p><p>I’ve knocked on 800 doors. This is the fifth time up here running for office. I’ve lost before and I’m not ashamed of it because if I didn’t run, nobody ran, and you’d never have an election here, so it’s not the democratic process. So I always stuck my neck out to run. After knocking on 800 doors four to five times, the most important part is public safety. We have a police department here that’s far better than none. Well educated, well trained and well equipped. And what’s going on in the world today, we are number two in America for the safest place, we got to make sure that the police department stays that way. After going to Village board meetings for months, pounding the Village board, we needed a paid paramedic 24/7 in our Village, we didn’t have one, we were sharing one between here and East Northport…. We finally got a paid paramedic 24/7 in our Village. Thank God for that. What else do we need? We want our roads fixed, in front of us our roads are crumbling. The sidewalks on Main Street are horrible, people trip all the time on them…. We live in a Village, why do we want the Village? Because we want control. You call Village Hall, you get nothing. Our taxes, $8.4 million in reserves is ridiculous on a $17 million budget. I’m a fiscal conservative. With that budget, the reserves should be $4 million. This Village board took your money, with this mayor, and they robbed us. We should’ve never had a tax increase this year.</p><p><b>Question from the audience</b>: What is the most important environmental issue facing our Village?</p><p><b>Answer</b>: One of the most important things is the water runoff down Main Street going into our harbors. This Village has talked about doing rain gardens, putting in catch basins, and it hasn’t worked and they haven’t followed through on all the planning. We have to keep our harbor clean, we have to keep the rain water as much as possible from running down Main Street because it comes down Highland Avenue, it comes down Church Street and Ocean Avenue, it’s a very hard problem to fix. If we hire the correct engineers, there should be a fix for it. It will never be 100% fixed…, but we should try to stop it by putting filters in the catch basins and keeping all of our drain basins clean, not full of sand where the water just keeps running down. That’s about the best we can possibly do and that’s one of the main causes of the pollution in our harbor, and with every rainstorm, you find out that you can’t swim at our beaches because of water runoff and the algae problem.</p><p><b>Closing remarks</b>: With my amount of knowledge, all the board meetings I’ve been to, knocking on doors and speaking to everybody, seeing the problems, I will try to keep this as positive as I possibly can because there are a lot of deficiencies in this Village that must be taken care of…The Northport fish market and 51 Mariners Lane should’ve never happened. The people that live on a block with six burnt out houses and two boarded up houses, and I remember distinctly one on Ocean Avenue and one on Douglas Avenue, it’s not fair to our residents. It brings down your property value. If we don’t have a law on the books to do something about these… I think we should have a law on the books so we don’t have to look at these derelict homes anymore.</p><p><b>Michael Bento</b><br />My wife Victoria and I own our home here in Northport right by the Ocean Avenue Elementary School, and we are planning our first child. We decided to settle down here because I grew up spending my summers at my grandparent’s house in Asharoken, and that’s really how I got to know and love Northport. Right now, I am self-employed as an independent equities trader. I trade my own private portfolio. I’ve worked for Barclays and Morgan Stanley. I graduated from Queens College with both my Bachelors and Masters, the latter of which is history with a focus on public policy. I volunteer in the community at such events as the Cow Harbor Race and Lewis Oliver Farm seasonal cleanups. And last, but not least, I’m an avid boater and a lifelong fisherman, and these are the reasons why I love this Village.</p><p>I’m running to bring my unique experience as a financial professional to the board. As a younger person, just starting a family, I’m concerned with the future and where the Village is headed. We have a lot of fiscal problems ahead of us, chief of which is going to be what LIPA is doing to our school taxes. So I want to use my experience to help soften that blow at the Village level. We currently have $26.9 billion sitting with New York State for the federal infrastructure bill that was passed last year. I want to use my knowledge to fight for our fair share of that and take care of once-in-a-generation issues like our longstanding flooding on Main Street, meaningfully expanding sewers throughout the Village, but also, and more importantly, being proactive with regular infrastructure uses, and we can use that money to resurface roads, put in new sidewalks where needed, that’s going to help us within the next ten years. It’s going to make it so we can keep the infrastructure costs low because we’re using the federal money. I want to get as much of that federal money as possible to keep our taxes low. Additionally, I want to be a champion for our environment. We have a serious runoff problem in the harbor. We’ve done a lot over the years to clean it up, but more work needs to be done and that is another reason why I want to fight for this infrastructure money. It’s going to help us from preventing that water from going into the harbor and contaminating it. As a voter, I can see the green and brown tides we have and it’s not good for the ecosystem.</p><p><b>Question from the audience:</b> All of the improvements that are needed for sidewalks and the streets in the Village, can they become handicap accessible, what about handicap parking, and are you aware of the ADA laws?</p><p><b>Answer:</b> We are, first and foremost, a pedestrian-friendly Village. So I see no reason why if we are putting in new sidewalks, if we’re doing infrastructure improvements to the curves and roads, why we shouldn’t pay particular attention to making sure it’s accessible for everybody, no matter what your ability status. I want to get as much of that federal infrastructure money as possible and if we’re putting in replacements for sidewalks, we should absolutely put some ramps on the corners so that people who are otherly abled are able to use the sidewalks just as the rest of us.</p><p><b>Closing remarks</b>: If you honor me with your vote, I promise to work every day to ensure that your Village stays affordable. Raising a family here is expensive, especially in these uncertain times. In an economy beset by market downturns, high inflation and geopolitical conflict, peace of mind is hard to come by. That is why it’s very important to have someone on the board that’s well versed in the financial world and who can aid in navigating these troubled waters to keep our Village afloat for everyone who lives here.</p><p><b>Ernest Pucillo</b><br />I’ve lived in Northport for 30 years. My career has been 37 years in law enforcement as a deputy chief working throughout New York State. My focus was on emergency management planning and discontinuity planning. I led the counterterrorism unit in my department and I think I have a lot to offer to this position. I’m running for this position because I feel that I can bring something from all of my years of experience working and coordinating with other law enforcement and emergency workers throughout New York State.</p><p>I’m running for Trustee for the reason that all you people are here tonight. I looked at some of the issues and I realize we need to bring some consistency and clarity to government...</p><p>Why do we have a Village trustee in litigation against the Village? I mean, this is our government, why are we fighting ourselves? We need to have a unified board to work together. As I look at the budget, I look at the tax increases that have continued under the 2% cap, without any consideration for the people of Northport. We have a tremendous surplus, let’s give the residents a break. Let’s look at the budget, let’s be less conservative and look at ways we can save money, but reduce taxes. We have a $9 million surplus on a $12 million tax levy, it’s not reasonable. So we have to sit down and talk about the budget. We have to see where the mistakes are being made.</p><p><b>Question from the audience:</b> I see all of the “Stop the Hate” signs around and I believe that this promotes hate. Is there a big hate problem in the Village and who is hated by who?</p><p><b>Answer:</b> We’ve seen incidents of hate activity in the Village. You’ve read, probably, the story of hate and swastikas that we’ve seen, and other groups expressing hate against other ethnic groups. Yes, we always have to be weary of that. I don’t think it’s a big problem in the Village, but I think the problem exists in every community. There are always people who are intolerant of others’ beliefs, there are people who are intolerant of others’ religious beliefs, and we have to work to ensure inclusion for all people in the community. And that’s extremely important. Northport is a great community. Everybody knows each other, but there’s always going to be people from outside the community, or people from within, who move in, and we can deal with that. We have a terrific law enforcement group, we have a great community to deal with that and I think it was exemplified in the incident that occurred by Engeman Theater and how it was directed, and how it was handled by [theater owner] Kevin O’Neil and the Chief of Police, and the members of the board who sent out a letter to indicate the intolerance of prejudice against people in this community and that it’s not acceptable.</p><p><b>Closing remarks</b>: I feel that you’re looking for a change and this is your opportunity to get that change. To get that transparency in government, to get your officials to be more responsive. Sometimes change is worth it when we see problems within our government. When we see issues that are plaguing us, and leaking out into the newspapers.<br /><br />The Northport Village election takes place this Tuesday, March 15. Village residents only may vote at Village Hall from 6am to 9pm, and must be registered voters.</p>",
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"title": "Budget talks: BOE focuses on buildings and grounds, transportation, and security in first of four detailed budget presentations",
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"post_date": "2022-03-06 00:00",
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"content": "<p>The Northport-East Northport UFSD Board of Education’s first substantive discussion of the 2022-2023 budget, beginning with the topics of “Building and Grounds, Transportation, and Security,” occurred Thursday, March 3, just one day after a school mask mandate was dropped by the state. The meeting marked what will be a months-long conversation about the 2022-2023 budget, with follow-up meetings scheduled weekly in March, and continuing through April, leading up to the May 17 budget vote.</p><p>As detailed in <a href=\"https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/nens/Board.nsf/files/CC6TFL732A9F/$file/9.01%202022-23%20Proposed%20Budget%20BG%20Transportation%20Security%2003_03_22.pdf\">Draft One</a> of the 2022-2023 proposed budget, matters listed under Buildings and Grounds will experience a roughly $67,000 increase in appropriated funds as compared to 2021-2022’s allocations. Operation of the district’s infrastructure (natural gas, oil, water and various other utilities) account for the largest percentage of this increase due to growing utility costs. As Mr. Robert Howard, Assistant Superintendent for Business explained, “Budgeting flat in that area [utilities] is not prudent. We are trying to adjust to the new utility rates. We are currently seeing about a 50% increase in a lot of our utility costs.”</p><p>Besides these adjustments, funds will be going to the purchase of a four-foot blade snowblower for East Northport Middle School and various water fountain upgrades to better accommodate filtered and refrigerated water around the district. As well, a renovation of the high school’s courtyard is being planned, specifically what is known as the “Little Commons Courtyard,” a small tract of land that the district believes could be remade into an outdoor eating space for students, which is currently being used for very little.</p><p>In matters of Security, overall allocations within the proposed budget will decrease by a factor of roughly $95,000 from last year’s budget to the present. As was explained, the decrease in funds does not represent a depressed emphasis in matters of security; instead, many of the payments last year which inflated the security budget were one-time expenditures that do not need current allocation.</p><p>Infrastructure to be implemented this year will focus mainly on matters of lockdown security. For example, the district is proposing to install “blue light notifications” in both middle schools (as is already present in the high school) which alert “those who are arriving after a lockdown announcement has been made” to stay away from the premises. The installation of emergency access keypads for law enforcement is also being planned in the event of a lockdown. These measures are being discussed so that “you don’t have to do a whole lot of thinking in the event of a lockdown,” said Mr. Howard.</p><p>Staff security training is also being tossed about, specifically in the fields of “de-escalation and threat assessment training.” As was stressed, “there is nothing more important than a well-trained staff” in the event of an emergency.</p><p>As for Transportation, the 2022-2023 budget proposes an increase of roughly $807,000 over last year’s budget (a 10.3% growth). The increase was explained as such: “These increased costs are primarily for increased rates for our bus contractor, as well as an increase in vehicle cost.”</p><p>The Transportation department also proposed two initiatives to be considered by the public: attempts to recruit more bus drivers and research into electric school buses. The department is in an ongoing process of looking into electric school buses, going to product demonstrations, state conferences, and vendors, district officials said. As well, ever since the bus driver shortage began pre-pandemic, the department will continue to attempt to recruit more bus drivers for their services, because, as was put, the “driver shortage is hurting us all.”</p><p>A number of capital projects were also proposed. The primary project would be the replacement of roofs over the district’s schools; as Mr. Howard explained, if roofs are not fixed and replaced district-wide, there could be instances of “property damage and air quality issues.” A notable policy lauded by Trustee David Badanes was the proposed installation of solar panels that would come in tandem with the roof replacement. Such capital projects would be funded with a mixture of both general fund appropriations and capital reserves funds. The latter needs an affirmative referendum by the public to be implemented in the proposed capital projects.</p><p>The next Board of Education meeting takes place March 10, when the proposed budget will be discussed with reference to “Instruction, Technology, BOCES, and Special Education.”</p>",
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"title": "Letter: Professionalism, philanthropy and a focus on families will be assets to the Village",
"slug": "letter-professionalism-philanthropy-and-a-focus-on-families-will-be-assets-to-the-village",
"post_date": "2022-03-05 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Northport Village is an incredible place to live and raise a family. Our harbor, the amazing restaurants and businesses, galleries and theater, and most importantly, our residents and sense of community, are second to none. For that reason and more, it is of utmost importance that the Village is stewarded by competent, professional and representative leadership.</p><p>If elected as Trustee, I will be an asset to this Village. My background as a litigator in both the public and private sectors has not only prepared me for the substance of this job, but provided me the professionalism that this job, and Village residents, deserve.</p><p>I began my career in public service when I was appointed an Assistant District Attorney for Nassau County, handling cases ranging from misdemeanor DWIs to felony home invasions. During that time, I worked in partnership with the Nassau County Police Department. In private practice, I have represented Long Island municipalities and their police departments, in state and federal courts, on matters ranging from zoning and premises liability to civil rights claims and employment suits.</p><p>As a trial attorney, I am accustomed to paying close attention to documents, records and bills, interpreting and enforcing codes and statutes, zealously advocating for a position within the bounds of professionalism and common decency, and working with people from all walks of life. I will not shy away from holding people accountable, speaking up when needed, or advocating for what is best for the Village, our residents, and our small businesses. These are all qualities that Northport residents deserve in their Trustees.</p><p>My family’s adoration of the Village brings me great joy and I will use my role as Village Trustee to help benefit all families. I would be the only Trustee with school-aged children – as a current member of the Ocean Avenue PTA and class parent, and youth soccer coach here in the Village, it is important to me that I represent families and organize engaging activities and programs for our youth. Creating connections and showcasing the joy and vibrancy our young people bring to this community is as important as preserving the wonderful quaintness our Village has maintained throughout the years. I will dedicate myself to both of these endeavors.</p><p>I will also work hard to ensure our environment and infrastructure are safe and intact for generations to come. We must keep our harbor clean and sustainable, which will only happen if we begin fixing drainage issues, address pollution and run-off into the harbor, add more native plantings and trees in public spaces, and continue to support existing and new aquaculture programs.</p><p>One way I have already worked to nurture Northport’s true spirit of kindness and community is through philanthropy. As a co-founder of Not In Our Town (NIOT) Northport, I have worked with my fellow residents, our Village and school administration, and our police department to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion for everyone who lives and works here. Not only does NIOT stand up against hate and bigotry of any kind, we also spread kindness, empathy and a sense of togetherness to our neighbors. Our donation drives have raised thousands of dollars, money that has gone toward the purchase of fresh food at Thanksgiving, presents over the winter holidays, as well as school supplies, books and backpacks – all for local families who use Ramon’s Place, the Northport High School food pantry. In addition to other events, NIOT has supported local small businesses through our Gift Thy Neighbor initiative, purchased meals for local hospice workers, and invited authors to speak to the community. This work of bringing people together is what I am and have always been about. It reinforces the incredible sense of community I have seen firsthand in Northport Village – and it is what inspired me to enter this race. I look forward to continuing my work here in this new role, and to meeting and working together with many more of you.</p><p>Join me in showing up to VOTE DOLAN on Tuesday, March 15 at Village Hall.</p><p>Meghan Dolan<br />Candidate for Village Trustee</p>",
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"title": "Northport Village unveils new playground equipment at Scudder Beach, Harbor Park and Soper Park",
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"content": "<p>If you haven’t made your way to Scudder Beach in Northport Village in a while, now is a good time to check out the recent upgrades and improvements. Last year, Eagle Scout Thomas Serra installed a “Big Chair” so that residents could sit in an oversized Adirondack and enjoy the view, and this week, Village Trustee Dave Weber and the Village Board unveiled a brand new playground. On Wednesday morning, when the equipment was introduced to the public, excited preschoolers jumped from the slide, to the seesaw and merry-go-round. This addition solidifies Scudder Beach as a hidden gem for local families.</p><p>As part of the American Rescue Plan, Mayor Damon McMullen secured close to $750,000 for capital projects in Northport Village, with one of them being improvements to Village playgrounds. “Last year, our Mayor worked hard with the office of Congressman Tom Suozzi to bring our fair share of federal funds to this Village,” said Trustee Dave Weber, who worked with Village Administrator Roland Buzard to make these improvements come to fruition.</p><p>The upgrades include a brand new playground at Scudder Beach, a new merry-go-round in Northport Harbor Park, and a new slide, seesaw and play area at Soper Park.</p><p>“We are also looking at installing a rubber or synthetic turf at the playground in Cow Harbor Park,” Weber added, an upgrade that would be part of the basketball court revitalization project and would be little to no cost to the Village.</p><p>At the playground unveiling, Trustee Weber noted that these new park upgrades give the youth of Northport a safe and reliable place to exercise and interact with others. “With the new park equipment and our future plans, families can know that a day in Northport will be a fun one,” he said.</p><p>Also in attendance at the Scudder Park election-season event were mayoral candidate Donna Koch, who is running against Trustee Dave Weber, and Meghan Dolan, one of three candidates running for the two available four-year Village trustee seats.</p>",
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"caption": "Families enjoy a new playground at Scudder Beach, unveiled by Northport Village officials this past Wednesday, March 2."
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"title": "Letter: A mayoral candidate worthy of consideration",
"slug": "letter-a-mayoral-candidate-worthy-of-consideration",
"post_date": "2022-03-02 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Dear Editor:</p><p>In evaluating the two candidates for Mayor of Northport Village, I found myself leaning toward Dave Weber. The reason for this is that he has a couple of years of experience as a Village Trustee. Yes, his opponent Donna Koch was Village Clerk for many years. However, she has no experience as a Trustee and there is a big difference between management experience as a Clerk implementing the policies of the Trustees, and governance experience functioning as a Trustee. I didn’t want to make this my sole criteria, and sought out Mr. Weber to get his position on three issues that are very important to me – holding the line on taxes in the face of the loss of LIPA tax revenue, rebuilding our Village’s business community with many vacant storefronts, and addressing issues of intolerance of diversity which occasionally rears its ugly head.</p><p>Mr. Weber was very responsive to my inquiries and said he shares my concern about holding the line on tax growth. He said that never piercing the 2% cap will be a challenge, but that under his leadership he plans to put a team in place that can accomplish this. I think this will be an even more important challenge as there is expected to be a period of increased inflation.</p><p>He also shared my concern about our Village businesses and the number that have closed in the past two years at least partly because of the impact of the Covid pandemic. He said a thriving downtown is important for all residents. He cited his experience as a businessman in the Village for many years providing him insight into the challenges our business owners face. He also mentioned that his involvement in the Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations that sponsor events that bring visitors and shoppers to the downtown will serve him well in his ability to continue to help businesses thrive.</p><p>Mr. Weber also shared my concern about issues of intolerance and pointed to relationships developed over his years as a Trustee with community leaders who are addressing intolerance, hate, and drug use. He said he intends to leverage these relationships in his role as Mayor to provide leadership and foster ongoing organized events to address these challenges.</p><p>After my conversation with Mr. Weber, I found my first impression to be reinforced. His experience as a Trustee, addressing the important issues of the budget, taxes, and holding the line on spending is critical. His experience as a businessman, responsible for employing people in the Village and supporting the tax base, give him keen insights on how to help our businesses thrive and keep the downtown vital for our community. His love for the people of the Village came through loud and clear when he expressed his commitment to actively support community leaders who are doing the tough work of addressing intolerance, hate, and drug use. I hope that readers of this letter will give him their full consideration.</p><p>Sincerely,<br />Joseph J. Tomaino<br />Northport<br /><b><br /></b><b>The Northport Journal</b><b><i> invites members of the Northport-East Northport community to share their opinions on all local matters via our Opinion and Letters to the Editor page. Send your letter or opinion piece to </i></b><a href=\"mailto:editor@northportjournal.com\"><b><i>editor@northportjournal.com</i></b></a><b><i>. Please include your name, address and phone number with your submission. Submissions may be edited for length.</i></b></p>",
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"caption": "Northport Village Trustee Dave Weber, pictured here at a playground unveiling at Scudder Beach, is one of two candidates running for mayor."
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"title": "Haven Gallery donates profits from Ukrainian artist’s work to families and soldiers in need",
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"post_date": "2022-03-01 00:00",
"category": "People",
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"content": "<p>Northport’s Haven Gallery is donating profits from works by Kseniia Boko, an artist based in Kyiv, to support families and people in need within Ukraine, including the artist herself. Boko is a full-time artist with a dreamy, ethereal style. Her collection entitled “Connection” is being featured at Haven Gallery until April 25, with two works still available for purchase. All profits made on these pieces will go exclusively to Boko, <a href=\"http://Rescue.org\">Rescue.org</a> and <a href=\"https://www.rescue.org/?fbclid=IwAR3Y4ZKtzpcrI1znA2igqfE5u5w0kimNWiM6Uxu1B9h8LYNppAWPMUwNtM4\">The Return Alive Foundation</a>.</p><p>Erica Berkowitz, the owner of Haven Gallery, told the Journal that the gallery is forgoing its profits to make donations to these important funds, and to ensure that Boko receives her pay while she stays home in Kyiv, unable to work.</p><p>In a recent statement posted on Instagram, Boko wrote, “War is my new reality. Today is the third day since my country was attacked. The third day I live in horror and fear. I had many plans, art projects and shows…but now I’m not sure about tomorrow.”</p><p>If you have questions about Boko’s works, email Erica at <a href=\"mailto:info@havengallery.com\">info@havengallery.com</a>. Haven Gallery is located at 90 Main Street in Northport Village.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/connection-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>Work entitled “Anna” by Kseniia Boko. Oil on linen canvas, $750. <a href=\"https://www.artworkarchive.com/rooms/erica-berkowitz/1f64ef/anna-erica-berkowitz\">https://www.artworkarchive.com/rooms/erica-berkowitz/1f64ef/anna-erica-berkowitz</a></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "Work entitled “Revival” by Kseniia Boko. Oil on wooden panel, $900. https://www.artworkarchive.com/rooms/erica-berkowitz/1f64ef/revival-erica-berkowitz"
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"title": "Finding Athena: Community rallies together to bring missing dog home",
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"post_date": "2022-02-28 00:00",
"category": "People",
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"content": "<p>A five-week-long search for a missing dog ended this past Thursday evening, when Athena, a rescue from Texas whose photograph on fliers dotted neighborhoods throughout East Northport and Commack, was found and reunited with her owner in the woods just off the Sunken Meadow Parkway. It was an emotional homecoming following weeks of harsh winter weather, maps of false and confirmed sightings, and the persistent teamwork of an entire community, said Teddy Henn of <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/lidogtrackers/\">Long Island Lost Dog Search and Rescue</a>.</p><p>Athena had just moved from Commack to East Northport with her owner, Randall Block, when she found her way out the front door on Saturday, January 22. A generally skittish dog “afraid of everything,” Athena was adopted from Little Shelter in Huntington by Randall when she was six months old. She enjoys a special bond with Randall, but takes her time in trusting other humans, he said. After learning about Long Island Lost Dog Search and Rescue on social media, Randall quickly reached out to Teddy and the nonprofit’s other members, including Lynn Fodale and Charmaine DeRosa, volunteers integral to Athena’s rescue, said Randall.</p><p>Teddy and his search dog, a long-haired dachshund named Winston, immediately began to look for Athena.</p><p>They went on a two-mile trek around East Northport, from Fifth Avenue to Pulaski and Larkfield Roads, where Winston eventually lost scent. Teddy thinks well-intentioned passersby chased a scared Athena down Fifth Avenue and toward Commack, quite a far distance away.</p><p>“We didn’t even know where to start from there,” said Teddy, who worked full days through rain, wind and snow storms to try and track Athena. With a scent trail wiped out by the weather, Teddy had to resort to other tactics: he looked for tracks, used drone surveillance, set up feeding stations with cameras and put out a call for neighbors to check their own cameras as Athena would likely be out at night when less people and cars were around. Community members flooded the area with fliers of the missing dog.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/athenaflier.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">This flier that made community members aware of missing dog Athena became a familiar sight in Commack and East Northport, as well as on social media.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<p>Teddy also searched the area’s train tracks, gas easements, and industrial areas by foot, going house to house until a homeowner said she had just seen a dog in her backyard the night before. When Teddy went into the backyard, he could see paw prints in the snow running along the property. A few minutes later, Athena ran out from under the deck, where she was likely taking shelter from the two feet of snow.</p><p>Teddy set up a feeding station and humane trap on the property but Athena never returned. Almost three weeks would pass before Teddy saw Athena again.</p><p><b>How one search and rescue led to hundreds more</b><b><br /></b>Described by Randall as a “really good-hearted man, always trying to do the best he can for the animals,” Teddy became involved with search and rescue efforts after suffering a loss of his own. “When my dog died, I was just brokenhearted, completely distraught over it,” he said. During a long grieving period, Teddy saw an alert about a dog that looked just like his, lost a few miles away.</p><p>“I thought ‘Let me go help find this one pet, he looks just like my Ginger,’” Teddy said. He found that dog at 12:30am, in the rain. “And then it went on from there. I swore I would never get another dog because I couldn’t handle the pain when you lose them. But I could help save them.”</p><p>So Teddy went on a few cases and began finding dogs. He took up trapping, and set his sights on a tracking dog. He learned about Kat Albrecht, a former police bloodhound handler, crime scene investigator, search-and-rescue manager, and police officer turned investigative pet detective. The founder of <a href=\"https://www.missinganimalresponse.com/\">Missing Animal Response Network</a> (MARN), Kat is a pioneer in the best applications of search dogs for lost pet investigations.</p><p>Teddy attended Kat’s boot camps and took her classes. When he was intent on getting a bloodhound, Kat suggested Teddy start with a dog he had helped find and rescue a few years earlier, a timid dachshund pup left for dead with ten others in a cemetery in upstate New York. Brought back to Long Island by a concerned passerby who had found him on the road, the pup ran out of the car and into the woods immediately upon arriving in East Patchogue. A search party led by Teddy eventually located and trapped him. He was covered in ticks and scabs. After a visit to the animal hospital, Teddy took the dog to his house, and began gaining his confidence and trust. Once he had his first bath, the dachshund felt at home.</p><p>“I pulled him out of the tub, and he just put his paws around me and put his head up against my neck and was just hugging me,” said Teddy. “That was it.” When the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) informed Teddy that the dog would be put in a shelter upon his return upstate, Teddy adopted him. That dog, now named Winston, attended tracking courses with Teddy for 14 months, learning from trainers including Kat Albrecht how to own, read and be a search dog.</p><p>“He spent the first seven months of his life scared to death, lost in the woods,” Teddy said. “Since then his life has been dedicated to finding lost dogs. Because he has been through it.” In his five years with Long Island Lost Dog Search and Rescue, Teddy – many times with Winston’s help – has found and reunited over 300 lost pets with their owners.</p><p><b>“She has to smell you…”</b><br />A sighting near the Sunken Meadow Parkway, in a wooded area where people often walk their dogs, this past Wednesday, February 23, brought Teddy his latest rescue in Athena. There he met Randall, and together they began to stagger four feeding stations on the east and west sides of the parkway, in the woods – an uncertain move with so many dogs and other wildlife visiting. While they were setting up the third station, Teddy started receiving alerts from the first station. A half an hour after they set it up, Athena was there eating.</p><p>“She found it right after we set it up. That’s the hardest part of trapping. It’s trying to get a bowl of food in front of the lost dog,” he said. “Once they find the food though, we’re golden. They’re going to keep coming back. And that’s going to lead to the capture.”</p><p>Randall and Teddy snuck back toward the first station and set a trap up, added some strongly scented food (Teddy called it “rotisserie BBQ”) but had no other sightings, all night, or the following day.</p><p>Describing the situation as critical – Teddy knew Athena was somewhere in the woods and didn’t want her to get spooked into running onto the parkway – Randall received the help of the Town of Smithtown’s Highway Department, who blocked off access to the section of easement trails Athena was suspected to be in. Together Randall and Teddy waited all day Thursday for Athena to return. By 430pm, Randall had to leave for Kings Park, where he works as a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist. At 5:50pm, he received a text from a mother and daughter whose dog spotted Athena laying in the woods, on the Sunken Meadow side of the fence. The daughter stayed to keep an eye on Athena from a distance while her mom met Teddy, and Randall hurried back from work.</p><p>Once on site, Randall walked through the woods, pointing his phone flashlight toward the tree Athena was spotted by. “And then I saw her there,” he said. “It was really her, she was sitting there. I’ve been walking around woods for a month saying her name as if she’s there, and now she was really there.”</p><p>Curious, but still not certain who was calling her name, Athena remained hesitant. Following Teddy’s advice, Randall got close, and let Athena smell his hat. A skittish dog in survival mode does not have the time to recognize its owners, said Teddy. “Their natural animal instinct is to run,” he added. “They must smell you to recognize you.” If anyone had any chance of getting Athena without trapping her, it was Randall, said Teddy. “She has to smell you.”</p><p>With Randall’s scent now close by, Athena approached the fence, stuck her nose through it and smelled Randall’s hand. “And then she started wagging her tail and dancing around,” he said. It took a few minutes to really sink in, said Randall, but both dog and owner felt the ultimate relief as Randall hopped the fence and was able to pick Athena up and transport her to safety.</p><p>After 24 hours at Commack Veterinary Emergency Group, where she received treatment for dehydration and malnutrition, Athena went home with Randall. She has lost significant weight but according to Randall, is doing well at home, and is back to consuming her full caloric intake spread out into four feedings a day, instead of two. She is a little lethargic, but so very happy to be home, he said. Randall expressed his gratitude in a Facebook post, thanking the community members and volunteers “who spent long hours every day and night for the last five weeks helping me find my baby.”</p><p>“It really was like a miracle how it happened at the end,” he said. He knew Athena was scared of most things, including people, a trait that prevented her from getting rescued earlier. The day she was found, said Randall, she didn’t run when confronted with people in the distance. “She was running from everyone the whole time. That last day, she was just done,” he said. Athena will celebrate her third birthday on March 15, at home.</p><p>Long Island Lost Dog Search and Rescue is a not-for-profit 501(c)3, working solely on donations and requesting no payment for any of their search-and-rescue missions. Donations are accepted here: <a href=\"http://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=68TUUB79BXT7\">www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=68TUUB79BXT7</a></p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/teddyhennwinston3.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Teddy Henn with his tracking dog, Winston. Photo courtesy Teddy Henn.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/athenadecksnow2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Athena near the deck she found shelter under after a heavy snowstorm hit the area. Photo courtesy Teddy Henn.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/randallathenareunited1.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Randall Block and his girlfriend Tara Bencivenga moments after they were reunited with Athena. Photo courtesy of Teddy Henn.</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"title": "Meet the Candidates Night will allow residents to submit questions and socialize",
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"post_date": "2022-02-24 00:00",
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"content": "<p>The Northport Chamber of Commerce is hosting its “Meet the Candidates Night” on Tuesday, March 8, from 7-9pm at the American Legion in Northport Village. This will be the only opportunity for residents to hear from the seven candidates running for Northport Village Board in a public question-and-answer forum.</p><p>On the night of the forum, printed forms will be available for attendees to submit written questions to the candidates. After their opening statements, each candidate will answer three of the submitted questions alternately. If there’s leftover time, additional questions will be asked before candidates are given the opportunity to make closing remarks.</p><p>Candidates can choose to answer any questions that were not addressed during the forum at another time and there will be a chance for socializing at the end of the evening.</p><p>All seven candidates will attend the forum, which takes place just one week before election day on March 15. There are four seats open in total: one for mayor, two for the four-year term of trustee, and one for the two-year term of trustee. Trustees Ian Milligan and Tom Kehoe, as well as Mayor Damon McMullen, are not running for reelection.</p><p>The American Legion is located at 7 Woodside Ave in Northport. The candidates for mayor and trustee are pictured below.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/village-nominees.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></figure>",
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"title": "Opinion: Election signs on vacant Kehoe property raise questions",
"slug": "opinion-election-signs-on-vacant-kehoe-property-raise-questions",
"post_date": "2022-02-22 00:00",
"category": "Voices",
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"content": "<p>Curious additions to a vacant property at 51 Mariners Lane in Northport Village have been raising eyebrows lately, as candidates for both trustee and mayor campaign for votes at the upcoming March 15 election.</p><p>The Mariners Lane property, owned by current Northport Village Trustee Tom Kehoe, remained mostly untouched this winter, until recently, when lawn signs for mayoral candidate Donna Koch, as well as Joe Sabia, who is running for trustee, appeared just outside the rented chain link fence that lines the property’s perimeter.</p><p>The Kehoe property has been under scrutiny since 2018, when the Village issued a stop work order on unpermitted construction there (it was previously determined that the foundation of the new home was too close to the property line). Then deputy mayor, Kehoe admitted to beginning construction without having the proper permits.</p><p>In 2019, Kehoe stepped down as deputy mayor but retained his spot as a Village trustee. This past October, he received the proper permits to continue construction, with a 1,750-square-foot limitation, almost half the size of his original plan. But the homeowner was recently listed as a resident who has not paid his property taxes; there currently exists an outstanding balance of $30,743, including a penalty fee of $3,293.</p><p>When a Village resident asked the board at a November 2021 meeting why variances were approved at the trustee’s property despite its status on the past due list, Kehoe responded that his attorney is currently negotiating with the Village. He stated that the cases are backlogged and his has not yet been addressed by the judge.</p><p>The image of campaign lawn signs at the Kehoe property is rife with irony, as many residents continue to speak out against what they call an inconvenience, eyesore and abuse of power, saying it highlights the shortcomings of a Northport Village government that still impact residents today.</p><p>Utilizing vacant pieces of property for lawn signs is not uncommon during election season. But the symbolism of signs at 51 Mariners Lane is rich for voters who seek a fresh start and more vigorous governing. Based on the many comments made during Village board meetings and on social media regarding the issue, the signs out front simply aren’t a good look and seem to negate any aspirations for tougher, more transparent leaders.</p>",
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"title": "Sophomore first NHS student named Section XI Division I Most Outstanding Wrestler",
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"post_date": "2022-02-20 00:00",
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"content": "<p>It’s been an incredible season for Northport High School student Matthew Marlow, who was named the school’s first ever “Most Outstanding Wrestler” by Section XI for the Division I tournament last week. In addition to winning the 118-pound championship title, being selected as “Most Outstanding Wrestler” is a unique accomplishment that celebrates both overall performance throughout the season and sportsmanship.</p><p>To earn this title, each of the varsity wrestling coaches throughout Suffolk County vote on the student who had the most impressive tournament out of the 13 individual weight class champions in the county. The award is not only a reflection of Matthew’s physical performance on the mat but also speaks to his consistently respectful treatment of both opponents and teammates.</p><p>This season alone, Matthew has entered three separate individual tournaments and has been named “Most Outstanding Wrestler” in each of them.</p><p>Matthew is led by Head Coach Thad Aliberti and Assistant Coach Andrew Marlo – Matthew’s dad. “For the other coaches to bestow an honor like that on Matthew was beyond my expectation and is a special honor for our program at Northport. It validates what we strive for: winning the right way,” said Coach Marlo.</p><p>“As a parent and coach, I truly feel blessed to have had the opportunity to coach my sons and all of the other great student athletes at Northport over the past three seasons. We are doing special things here in Northport,” he added.</p><p>Matthew, a sophomore, has two more years to continue honing his talents and perfecting his skills. He will head to the state tournament in Albany on February 25 and 26.</p><p>“Our hope for Matt in the future is to have him continue to lead the program by example,” said Coach Aliberti. “Matt is consistently working to improve and challenge himself by seeking out the best competition in the country.</p>",
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"caption": "Northport High School sophomore Matthew Marlow on the mat after winning the champion title. Photo courtesy of the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District."
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"title": "Traditional family events return to Northport Village this summer",
"slug": "traditional-family-events-return-to-northport-village-this-summer",
"post_date": "2022-02-18 00:00",
"category": "Village",
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"content": "<p>At this week’s Northport Village board of trustees meeting, the board approved several well-loved and traditional events that will take place this summer, some for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic.</p><p>The Chamber of Commerce’s request to hold two “Family Nights” was approved for consecutive Tuesdays, July 12 and 19, from 6-9pm. Family Nights draw a crowd of hundreds, including strollers, toddlers and children being entertained with live performances, a DJ, bouncy slides and, of course, ice cream. In years past, Main Street restaurants set up tables outside and local businesses set up booths for passersby. Family Night hasn’t been held since 2019, so it’s a welcomed return this summer.</p><p>Also approved by the board was “Summerfest,” which involves live music on Wednesday nights in August at the gazebo bandstand. The Halloween Hayride and Annual Tree Lighting are also on the calendar for 2022.</p><p>In addition to the Chamber of Commerce events, the Board received a request to approve the “Blessing of the Fleet,” which will take place on Saturday, June 11 at 11am.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/family-night-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>Last summer’s Blessing of the Fleet at Northport Village Harbor.</p></figcaption></figure>",
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"title": "Nearly 50 years later, a symbol of everlasting love – graffiti-style",
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"post_date": "2022-02-14 00:00",
"category": "Village",
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"content": "<p>It has stood the test of time, a simple phrase spray painted onto a Bayview Avenue sidewalk in Northport Village.</p><p>“Still in Love.”</p><p>Written in all capital letters, the phrase has boldly proclaimed its “relationship status” since 1964 when, according to sources on social media, a newlywed celebrated his first wedding anniversary by memorializing his feelings on the concrete walkway – Northport Harbor in the background – while in town with his wife.</p><p>The couple would go back and have a “caper” each summer to repaint the words as they faded, so the story goes. Their innocent escapade has brought smiles to thousands of passersby over the years, with anonymous neighbors recently taking over to make sure the phrase is always visible. (It’s been reported that the original artist passed away in 2019, after 56 years of marriage.)</p><p>Also ensuring the proclamation’s longevity are local officials. According to a 2012 article in <a href=\"https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/village-still-in-love-with-its-graffiti-1.3527678?fbclid=IwAR0-ld5J8046pCjX00LN9kdwe1i0rYDLQgFWQBfK_bVts-ZSLc3PfBUeFxY\">Newsday</a>, the graffiti enjoys special Village protection; the Highway Department was told if there’s ever a need to do maintenance on the sidewalk, “they're not allowed to remove that slab," said then-Mayor George Doll. “And if they do have to remove it, and they put the new slab down, they have to repaint it.”</p><p>Stay in love, Northport.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/stillinlove2006.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>And pictured here in 2006, the familiar phrase took on a fresh layer of blue.</p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "The graffitied \"Still in Love\" (pictured here on Valentine's Day 2022) has been a part of the Village since 1964."
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"title": "Northport Village Board candidates turn in petitions, receive spot on ballot",
"slug": "northport-village-board-candidates-turn-in-petitions-receive-spot-on-ballot",
"post_date": "2022-02-12 00:00",
"category": "Village",
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"content": "<p>The Northport Village Board race has officially begun. Petitions were due this past Tuesday, February 8, and positions on the ballot randomly assigned yesterday morning. Candidates now have a little more than one month to campaign for a win. There’s a total of four seats open on the board and seven candidates.</p><p>Below is a breakdown of each seat and the candidates running for that position. Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the March 15 ballot. The Northport Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a Meet the Candidates Night on Tuesday, March 8 at the American Legion in Northport. More details and coverage to follow.</p><p><b>Candidates for Mayor, 4</b><b><i>-</i></b><b>year term</b></p><p><b>Donna Koch</b><b><br /></b>Donna Koch worked as the Northport Village clerk for 25 years before resigning in 2020. She also served as a Village crossing guard. Koch was born and raised in the Village and decided, after entering retirement in fall of 2020, that she’d be running for mayor to put her many years of local government experience to work.</p><p><b>Dave Weber, Jr.</b><b><br /></b>Dave Weber is currently serving as a Northport Village trustee. He serves as the Commissioner of Public Works, Highway and Waste Water Management. If he is elected mayor, he will have the opportunity to appoint a Village resident to fill his trustee seat. Weber, who was raised in Northport Village, is also the owner of Seymour’s Boatyard on Bayview Avenue, where he has served as the General Manager for the last 26 years. He’s also a volunteer at the Northport Fire Department.</p><p><b>Candidates for Trustee, 4-year term</b><b><br /></b><b><i>Two seats available</i></b></p><p><b>James Izzo</b><b><br /></b>James Izzo is the owner of Cow Harbor Realty on Main Street in Northport Village. He works as a real estate broker and owns several commercial buildings in the Village, including the properties that are occupied by Jewelry Collection and Hydrangea Home. He served as the Northport Chamber of Commerce president until 2019 and is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Northport. Prior to opening Cow Harbor Realty, Izzo owned Modern Food Center, a grocery store on Arthur Avenue in Bronx, New York.</p><p><b>Meghan Dolan</b><b><br /></b>Meghan Dolan is an attorney with thirteen years of experience representing Long Island municipalities, businesses and individuals in state and federal courts. She’s a former prosecutor and member of law enforcement who served as the Assistant District Attorney for Nassau County, with degrees from Harvard University and St. John’s University School of Law. Dolan moved to Northport Village with her husband nine years ago. She has three school-aged children and volunteers as a youth soccer coach.</p><p><b>Joseph Sabia</b><b><br /></b>This will be Joseph Sabia’s fourth run for Northport Village Board, with the last attempt being as a write-in candidate in 2020. He has owned Sabia Car Care on Fort Salonga Road since 1977, served as a member of the Northport Police Department and was on the Northport-East Northport school board from 2011 to 2014.</p><p><b>Candidates for Trustee, 2-year term</b><b><br /></b><b><i>One seat available</i></b></p><p><b>Michael Bento</b><b><br /></b>Michael Bento settled down in Northport with his wife in 2017, first as renters and now homeowners. Before moving to Northport permanently, he spent summers in Asharoken until 2014. In 2017, he finished his Masters in History, with a focus on public policy and legal history. After graduating, he worked in compliance for Barclays and Morgan Stanley. Today, he’s working towards his Series 65 license to become a licensed investment advisor and trades a family office portfolio.</p><p><b>Ernest Pucillo</b><b><br /></b>Ernest Pucillo worked for the MTA Police Department for over 37 years and was the Deputy Chief of Police and Commanding Officer of the Eastern/Southern Region. He achieved a Masters degree in Public Administration from Marist College in 2014 and works as an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Department at SUNY Farmingdale.</p><p>The Northport Village election is on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Absentee ballots are available <a href=\"https://northportny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Absentee-Ballot-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">online</a> or at the Village Clerk's office.</p>",
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"title": "Letter: Join in as we learn about Northport’s Black history with Thelma Jackson-Abidally",
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"post_date": "2022-02-12 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Dear Editor,</p><p>On Thursday, February 17, we will have the opportunity to learn about Northport’s Black history from Thelma Jackson-Abidally, a local historian and author. In her impeccably researched book, <i>African Americans of Northport: An Untold Story,</i> Ms. Abidally chronicles the lives of the Black community in and around Northport.</p><p>Ms. Abidally was born in Selma, Alabama in 1957 and later moved to East Northport, where she worked for over twenty years in the Northport-East Northport School District. She began researching the role and impact of Black residents since the turn of the last century, and learned, among many other interesting things, that a small group of residents came together and built the A.M.E. Church on Church Street in 1910. (That congregation is now located in Huntington.) Ms. Abidally also learned that Booker T. Washington, the Black educator, author and activist, spent his summers in a house in Fort Salonga during the early 1900s and would shop along Northport Village’s Main Street. These are just a few of the interesting and important events documented in her book.</p><p>Alongside the numerous contributions made by Northport’s Black community, <i>African Americans of Northport: An Untold Story</i> also reveals the pervasiveness of racism that Black residents experienced in Northport, Booker T. Washington being one of them. Ms. Abidally writes about Northport’s chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, including information about a recruitment event in 1924 and their torching of the Kent family’s house on 16 Makamah Beach Road in 1935. The Kents were one of very few Black families living in Northport at that time. Of course, those events are overt acts of racism and violence against Black residents and there are other, more subtle, expressions of racism that Ms. Abidally writes about in her book.</p><p><i>African Americans of Northport: An Untold Story </i>is enthralling. It gives the reader a different lens through which to view the community; that lens, of course, is the local Black experience.</p><p>Not in Our Town (NIOT) Northport will host Ms. Abidally’s virtual visit; you can register now at <a href=\"http://www.niotnorthport.org\">www.niotnorthport.org</a>. Her book is available for purchase from the Northport Historical Society and for loan from the Northport-East Northport libraries.</p><p>Molly Feeney Wood</p><p><i>Editor's note: Molly Feeney Wood is a founding member of NIOT Northport.</i></p>",
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"title": "Fight for “parental choice” continues as board anticipates dropping mask requirement",
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"post_date": "2022-02-11 00:00",
"category": "Schools",
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"content": "<p>A motion to make masks optional for the district’s students and staff following the expiration of Governor Kathy Hochul’s state mandate on February 21 was passed unanimously by board members at last night’s board of education meeting.</p><p>Governor Hochul, however, said as recently as Wednesday that the state’s schools mandate will not expire as scheduled on February 21 and that she would revisit the question of whether to continue requiring masks in schools in the first week of March, after most children return to school following winter break. Board members acknowledged her announcement, and asked that district officials ensure a plan is in place to best prepare both students who choose to wear masks and those who don’t for a mask-optional environment, whether in a couple of weeks or next month.</p><p>It was noted early in the meeting by Superintendent of Schools Robert Banzer that the board would be entertaining a resolution stating that “once the state’s mask mandate expires, or is rescinded, there will be no requirement in schools necessitating students, staff or visitors to wear face coverings or masks.”</p><p>The resolution, as read by board president Dr. Larry Licopoli as the meeting commenced and repeated by Mr. Banzer upon request at the end of public comment, states that the individual discretion to wear a mask would begin following the February 21 expiration or its earlier appeal “and provided no other law, rule, regulation, decision and/or order is subsequently enacted, adopted, and/or issued requiring face coverings in P-12 schools.”</p><p>During the public comment section of the meeting, approximately 14 residents spoke out against the school mandate and in favor of parental choice, with some insisting that the board not wait for the mandate to expire and make masks optional immediately.</p><p>“It has become very clear that the line between politics, education and personal civil liberties has become blurred,” said Northport resident and educator Jeanette Roberto. “Many of the policies that have come to light as of late have slowly chiseled away the precious rights that allow us to pose questions, gather facts and formulate conclusions. It is my concern that the future political decisions will continue to wear away our rights as parents to make personal decisions for ourselves and our families.</p><p>“I am hopeful that our school district and our community will stand together and stand up to those political powers that wish to wipe away our rights to decide for ourselves about issues that are personal and should always remain as such. I ask that we stand strong, we stand together to fight for parental choice."</p><p>East Northport resident and district parent Frank Labate questioned how long the district would follow the “arbitrary standards” and metrics of the state. “The debate is over, we know the right thing to do… The right thing to do is to direct the superintendent at the end of this meeting to send out an email tonight, effective immediately that masks are optional,” he said.</p><p>Board member Victoria Buscareno, speaking before she voted in favor of the resolution, commented on what she hopes to be the end of the mask mandate in February or March, and the tolerance and acceptance she expects all staff and students receive, no matter their decision to wear a mask or not.</p><p>“The part of this that is going to fall on us is that we’re having conversations with our kids at home so that they come to school prepared, knowing,” she said. “So that’s why we’re putting this out here. Because we want to be prepared, we want our staff, our students and our families to feel comfortable with whatever decision that they decide. So that conversation starts now. It’s going to happen in my house and it should be happening in everyone’s homes. Because then this way, when that day comes… we just create that environment in our schools where our kids feel safe.</p><p>“I’m really hoping that we have enough time to digest all of this, prepare our kids and be accepting of whatever people’s personal opinions are.</p>",
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"title": "Middle school PTSA and Superintendent advocate for extended hours for crossing guards to cover “zero period”",
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"post_date": "2022-02-09 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Since late November, Superintendent of Schools Robert Banzer and the Northport Middle School Parent Teacher Student Association (NMS PTSA) have advocated for the safety of students who walk to school for “zero period.” Attended by nearly 90% of the middle school’s students, zero period begins at 8am and includes courses such as band, orchestra and chorus, as well as special education services.</p><p>Safety concerns centered around students navigating busy intersections before crossing guard shifts began at 7:45am. Mr. Banzer and the PTSA board requested that crossing guards, who are employed by the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), be assigned to their posts from 7:30-9:15am in order to cover the time slot before zero period.</p><p>In a December 9 letter to the SCPD Commissioner, members of the the NMS PTSA board explained that students were “crossing State Route 25A – a very busy and dangerous road with a speed limit of 40mph near the school – at three heavily-trafficked intersections starting at 7:30am, well before crossing guards arrive at 7:45am.”</p><p>What was even more alarming, according to the PTSA letter, was that the student body at NMS is younger than previous years, with the district reorganization putting grades 5-8 in the middle school buildings. “Elementary students as young as 9, 10 and 11 years old are crossing these dangerous intersections from 7:30-7:45am without the protection of a crossing guard,” the board wrote.</p><p>On February 3, NMS Principal Tim Hoss notified school families that after careful review, the SCPD authorized an earlier start time (7:30am) for the crossing guards. In his email to NMS parents, Mr. Hoss thanked the crossing guards for their cooperation and continued efforts to ensure that all students get to school safely, and he wished to “acknowledge the hard work of our families and NMS PTA who took the time to write to the Commissioner and spearhead the effort to make this change happen.”</p><p>NMS PTSA board member Julie Atkins said that the letters by Mr. Banzer and the board were helpful in explaining the issue and advocating for a change. In addition, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, who represents the NMS district, was pivotal in making this happen, along with support from Legislators Stephanie Bontempi and Manuel Esteban.</p>",
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"title": "Girls indoor track and field team takes home county championship",
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"post_date": "2022-02-08 00:00",
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"content": "<p>The Northport High School girls indoor track and field team secured its first county championship in over a decade last weekend thanks to the combination of senior Allison Reid’s big wins and an overall team effort.</p><p>Allison secured championships for both the 1,000- and 1,500-meter races, inching out teammate Emily Wickard in the 1,500. Additionally, sisters Emily, Mia and Finnley Wickerd took home second in the 1,500-meter race, first in the 3000-meter race and second in the 3000-meter race, respectively.</p><p>Junior Katie Hayes has also been an asset to the team, placing third in the 1,500-meter. Senior Olivia Jaworski showed her sprint skills by placing third in the 300-meter and 4x4 relay and Lianna Greenstein kept getting better and stronger to help contribute to the team score. Teammates Karen Stehlik and Jamie Inzerillo also helped the team score in the 4x4 relay.</p><p>“We are fortunate enough to have a small group of talented athletes who could score in the top 6 at the Large School Championship meet,” said head coach Beth Zebuth. "Coach Cantwell has done a nice job in working with the distance runners, who scored many of the points on Sunday. It was fun to watch them compete and come together as a team.”</p><p>“This is an unbelievable accomplishment,” said Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Mark Dantuono. “The members of our girls winter track and field teams are truly dedicated, as they are often training outside in tough climate during the winter months. Our coaches put an enormous amount of time in preparing them and that is evident in the success they have achieved this year.”</p>",
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"caption": "Senior Allison Reid took home first in both the 1,000- and 1,500-meter races, helping secure the championship win for Northport High School. Photo courtesy of the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District"
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"title": "Social Justice Ambassadors Program aims to connect and empower students",
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"post_date": "2022-02-07 00:00",
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"content": "<p>An innovative partnership between the Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center (SYJCC) and the Huntington Anti-Bias Task Force (HABTF) is aiming to connect and empower local high school students, including students from Northport High School, interested in learning about social justice.</p><p>The 2021-2022 Social Justice Ambassadors Program, which launched last week, offers an opportunity to bring together high school students in the Town of Huntington and equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to be leaders and agents of positive change in their schools and communities, explained program director Jane Pashman. Co-facilitating the program with Jane is Kaneez Naseem, a professor at Monroe College.</p><p>Ambassadors will meet for a series of six workshops from February through May 2022. During each session, students will explore topics of bias, learn to identify resources and strategies to combat bias, and work collaboratively to develop projects to share their knowledge with their school and community, said Jane. Open discussion and dialogue are encouraged during the program, and the students are able to learn, not only from guest speakers – including Holocaust survivor Werner Reich, ERASE Racism’s Nicole Grennan, and community activist Joselo Lucero, whose brother was murdered in a 2008 hate crime – but also from their peers in other neighboring schools and communities.</p><p>As a culminating activity, students will work with their school groups to apply what they’ve learned in the program to create an action plan and innovative project that addresses bias in their school and community.</p><p>Schools participating in the Social Justice Ambassadors Program include Northport High School, Harborfields High School, Huntington High School, John Glenn High School, and Walt Whitman High School. The program is made possible by support and funding from UJA-Federation of New York, the largest local Jewish philanthropy in the world.</p>",
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"caption": "Local high school students at the first meeting of the Social Justice Ambassadors Program, a partnership between the Suffolk Y JCC and the Huntington Anti-Bias Task Force. Photo courtesy SYJCC."
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"title": "Town board and CDA offer free at-home Covid-19 tests and onsite testing to TOH residents",
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"post_date": "2022-02-06 00:00",
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"content": "<p>The Huntington Community Development Agency (CDA) will be distributing over 10,000 over-the-counter Covid-19 test kits to Town of Huntington (TOH) residents beginning this Monday, February 7 at Manor Field Park in Huntington Station.</p><p>The initiative is funded by the 2020 CARES Act Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) program and sponsored by Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth, the Huntington Town Board and the CDA. “These at-home test kits will provide Huntington families peace of mind that it is safe to gather and visit with at-risk family members,” said Supervisor Smyth.</p><p>At the February 1 Community Development Agency meeting, the CDA board authorized the distribution of 10,080 Covid-19 home rapid tests to TOH residents. The tests were purchased with $151,200 in CDBG-CV funds awarded last year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.</p><p>“Due to the recent spike in coronavirus cases, and with the demand of test kits outpacing the supply, the Town of Huntington and the Community Development Agency felt it was imperative that we address the issue,” said Leah M. Jefferson, Director of the Community Development Agency.</p><p>At the same meeting, the CDA board also approved the execution of a contract with Value Drugs for the purpose of administering approximately 2,000 rapid Covid-19 tests to TOH residents onsite at the Value Drugs at 106 Broadway in Greenlawn.</p><p>“The Town has faced enough difficulties during the pandemic, and we are grateful for the generosity of Value Drugs which has allowed us to meet the demand for rapid testing, and ultimately keep our community safer,” Jefferson noted.</p><p><b>Pre-registration for at-home test retrieval is required</b>. Recipients must be Town of Huntington residents and each household is eligible to receive up to four OTC Rapid Result Covid-19 test kits. Apply online at <a href=\"http://huntingtonny.gov/covid-test-kits\">huntingtonny.gov/covid-test-kits</a>.</p><p>Distribution will start on February 7, 2022 at Manor Field Park (on East 5th Street in Huntington Station) until test kits are depleted. Hours of operation will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9am to 2pm, Wednesdays from 3pm to 7pm, and Fridays from 1pm to 4pm, while supplies last. The distribution site will not be open on federal holidays.</p><p><b>Onsite testing at the Greenlawn Value Drugs is available now to pre-registered residents</b>. Apply at <a href=\"http://huntingtonny.gov/valuedrugscovid19testing\">huntingtonny.gov/valuedrugscovid19testing</a> to receive a voucher for a free test. Once approved, residents can schedule their appointment with Value Drugs. Tests will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.</p>",
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"title": "Northport Village Trustee Dave Weber announces campaign endorsements at fundraiser",
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"post_date": "2022-02-01 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Northport Village Trustee Dave Weber hosted a fundraiser for his mayoral campaign on Wednesday, January 26 at Robke’s Northport. The event was well attended, with many Village employees and residents present. Trustee Weber addressed the attendees toward the end of the evening, making an announcement that he described as beneficial for Northport and his campaign.</p><p>During his speech, Trustee Weber touched on the initiatives he worked toward during his first two years on the Village board, including securing a $75,000 NYS State and Municipal Facilities (SAM) grant to complete the Cow Harbor Park basketball court, working with Cornell Cooperative and NYSDEC on an aquaculture program that reduces nitrogen in Northport Harbor, establishing relationships with local organizations such as the Northport Native Garden Initiative, Not In Our Town Northport and the Huntington Anti-Bias Task Force, and working with the clerk’s office to establish a “Resident Complaint” procedure that ensures proper documentation.</p><p>Trustee Weber also announced that he had secured the support of both the Northport PBA and the Local 342 International Longshoreman’s Association. “Having the support of every Village union employee, including highway employees, sewer employees, police dispatchers, fire dispatchers and our uniformed police officers, proves these employees have the confidence in my leadership,” he said.</p><p>On the Local 342 Union website, it says that they “work tirelessly to ensure better contract, wages, working conditions and overall quality of life” for every member. In an interview with the Journal, Trustee Weber emphasized the importance of retaining and taking care of employees who work within the Village.</p><p>“Throughout my life, I have seen how collaboration, involvement, recognition and empowerment can shape communities, contributing to who we are and what we become,” he said.</p>",
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"title": "Opinion: COVID-19, from a student’s perspective",
"slug": "opinion-covid-19-from-a-student-s-perspective",
"post_date": "2022-01-30 00:00",
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"content": "<p>There is a certain complexity that comes with being a student. One must simultaneously grow and stay grounded, develop selfhood and become selfless, fly from the nest and yet treasure it too. The schoolhouse is that institution where a young person, such as myself, learns to be human while already on the job, a daunting task for those not equipped with the necessary provisions. The school may just be the most essential body a nation – and a community such as Northport-East Northport – can possess.</p><p>This is why it seems to me so tragic (and comic) that the public schoolhouse should be the battleground of one of America’s most hyper-partisan scuffles: masking and Covid.</p><p>The dispute reached its zenith when, on Tuesday, January 25, due to a decision by Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Thomas Rademaker, Northport-East Northport went mask-optional for one day. The decision in question involved the constitutionality of Governor Hochul’s mask policy in schools and businesses, which Rademaker said had to first go through the State’s Legislature.</p><p>Based on my own anecdotal observations from the halls of Northport High School, I would estimate approximately one-half of the student body went maskless on that mask-optional day, while a large majority of teachers kept theirs on. As the school day came to a close, New York State appealed the decision to the State’s Appellate Division, where a judge granted a stay in the lawsuit over the mask mandate. The mandate will thus remain in place while the ruling is appealed.</p><p>Some clarification: It is not one particular faction of this dispute I find quite tragic – no, it is the simple fact of the egregiousness of its discourse that I differ with instead.</p><p>For the majority of us who do not relegate ourselves to a particular camp on these issues – mask or no mask, mandate or no mandate – one can begin to feel less than, both as a politically involved citizen and an emotionally driven human being. It feels almost inhumane to not try both, pick a side, and marry it resolutely. This position, however, is often the default of the student; a hyper-partisan issue has been crammed into a nonpartisan body, yet we expect this to have no effects – it is in this sense I find the current age both beneficial and dreadful.</p><p>First, the former. It is always an interesting phenomenon to have curriculum <i>literally</i> enter the classroom, and the mask debacle is no such exception. The issue at hand, and the subsequent blocs that have consumed the debate like an avian scavenger, is a delicious cocktail of curricular checkpoints any political science course surely has covered by now: federalism, bodily autonomy, mandates, appellate courts, individualism versus collectivism, and grant-in-aid programs, not to mention the central tenets of argumentative speaking and critical thinking.</p><p>The student now simply cannot escape civics; he wears it on his face, he injects it in his arm, he hears it at the dinner table scattered among chicken fingers and french fries. Never before have I felt the local government more alive than right now. Whether this is a positive, I cannot say; I can just point out its existence as I see it. As well, there are some wonderfully interesting and difficult questions hidden under all this spit and blood: What does it mean to be an American citizen? At what point does the role of Caesar cease? Does the State have imagination, and if so, how far may one exercise it?</p><p>If an educator or parent would simply ask the curious student such questions, our democracy would finally break its stagnation and begin to thicken up a bit.</p><p>Secondly, the latter. The walls of the Northport-East Northport public schools have, over the past two years, begun to change hue – either red or blue, depending on how you see it. This inherent political bend simultaneously bends the students; once the properties of the schoolhouse change, the students passing through its body alter organically with it.</p><p>Accepting this hypothesis, the dutiful men and women our public schools are attempting to create – because, as we cannot forget, education teaches us to be human – are now destined to become more divisive, rhetorically unassuming, dogmatic, hot-headed, unpersuasive, and irrational as a result. As I say, this debacle is a verse play of undetermined genre. It is both comic and tragic; all the players involved seem to possess both humor and hubris in undefined proportions. Yet the play need not be this bloody, inhumane, or redundant.</p><p>I, for one, am a “hopeful optimist” (this is not to be confused with the syntactically similar yet altogether antithetical “optimist who is hopeful”). I would venture to guess many of us are alike in this respect – we hope for optimism, yet don’t necessarily expect it. It is in this grasping for hope that we attempt to, as the late Joan Didion put it, look for the “sermon in the suicide.”</p><p>To find such a sermon, if there should be one, I feel we should turn to an anecdote of Shakespeare I heard recently and have not stopped thinking about since. It goes as follows: A simple-minded old lady sees the play <i>King Lear</i> performed on the stage and is outraged that such a poor old man should be so made to suffer. The old lady discovers Shakespeare on the street one afternoon and airs such a grievance to him, to which Shakespeare retorts, “I agree, ma’am, it was quite painful. I could have, after all, arranged for Lear to take a sedative at the end of Act One. But then, ma’am, there would have been no play.”</p><p>Without this truth presented to him, the student may come to believe that the pandemic, and its idiosyncrasies, masks, and so on, has all been in vain. Yet this isn’t so. If we wish for the next generation – my generation – to truly multiply from this situation, we must present to him, as quickly as possible, the following truth: That suffering, tragedy are all part of the drama, and that one must go through the play entirely to see why one had to suffer at all.</p><p><i>Harrison LeBow is a senior at Northport High School. He plans on majoring in Education and hopes to be a high school teacher.</i></p>",
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"title": "#FreezerBern fame helps land local snow sculptor in international competition",
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"post_date": "2022-01-27 00:00",
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"content": "<p>It’s an image etched into many of our minds: a masked and frozen Bernie Sanders, sitting crossed-legged on a Northport Village park bench, readily available for selfies and group photos with amused passersby.</p><p>The life-sized snow sculpture was transported to the bench in Cow Harbor Park last February by its creator, Northport resident Brandon Osman. Images of it, shared during a cold, bleak stretch of Covid, quickly went viral. “This is the energy we all need right now,” read a comment on one of dozens of photos that traversed social media in the following days. This year, the same frozen Bernie that gained local renown has landed Brandon Osman in Colorado, at the<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/breckissc/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUSalXp6vQC9jtDTovWu1nzLGVPOFFPBtsVi_Q1jqRxUVAz51YqAcdffkIpICUq6qdhU8LDDe0OMH2qTzMzfptrzApfzkBwoLyTVNxzNSOd6ZapX6BPLKL0CEd9UEPf6Mgk61wuJ8D2HQiWXTDXufR-JIv8Z-uWLH5BowSdmQKssA&__tn__=kK-R\"> Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships</a>, where he’s currently representing New York – and the United States of America – in a four-day international competition.</p><p>Carving at the competition began on Monday, January 24 and will be completed this Friday, January 28. Fourteen international teams from places including Mexico, Ecuador, Germany, and the USA are participating by sculpting 20-ton blocks of snow into extraordinarily large pieces of art. Brandon’s design, if executed to completion by him and his team, will stand 18 feet tall.</p><p><b>It all began with Bernie</b><b><br /></b>About one month after an Inauguration Day image of Senator Bernie Sanders made waves across the internet, Brandon took the inspiration of thousands of photoshopped memes of the senator to a new level, and element – the snow.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/osmansnow1.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">The #FreezerBern snow sculpture at its original residence, before being transported to a park bench in Northport Village last winter.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<p>Brandon did have prior experience; he’s been making snow sculptures since he was a child and now, as a father of two little girls, Amelia and Juliet, uses his skills to sculpt characters the kids can enjoy: Olaf and other Disney favorites, the famous Easter Island heads, even a food-dyed Grogu (commonly referred to as Baby Yoda). “They’re not your standard snowmen,” said Brandon.</p><p>Last winter, Brandon singlehandedly sculpted the life-size Bernie Sanders figure in his backyard in about four hours, while the kids were sledding, he said. That night, “it got really, really cold and basically the sculpture froze over. My friends and I decided to take it and put it in the back of my car and ship it to the local park where it could be appreciated by people.”</p><p>After some reconstructive surgery on site (a lower leg amputation was necessary to get the senator into the trunk of Brandon’s car), Bernie was as good as new on the bench, a view of Northport Harbor right in front of him. The rest is widely documented, news-circuit worthy history.</p><p><b>The next big thing</b><b><br /></b>After his Bernie sculpture, appropriately hashtagged “FreezerBern” on social media, achieved viral status, Brandon was contacted by organizers of an ice sculpture contest in Japan but felt, with a full-time job and family at home, he wasn’t ready “just yet.”</p><p>Instead Brandon researched more local competitions, finding one in Breckenridge (where organizers knew of his Bernie sculpture), and submitted a design to participate.</p><p>“And they accepted it. So now I’m in the competition,” he said.</p><p>In Breckenridge, Brandon and his team are creating an 18-foot-tall giant woolly mammoth, a sculpture inspired by recent news of well-funded geneticists looking to bring the extinct creature back to life and reintroduce it to the Arctic (go on, Google it).</p><p>Brandon is joined by his wife Rebecca, a teacher at Weekday Nursery School in Northport Village, and his two best friends from childhood, Aaron Blaine and Adam Cohen. On the first day of competition, the team of four was provided with a 10x10x12-foot-high snow block; rules permit them to go up an additional three meters with snow from the site. The mammoth will be the largest sculpture Brandon has ever attempted.</p><p><b>A snow sculptor’s dream</b><b><br /></b>In a conversation with the Journal, Brandon seemed undaunted by the scope of his project. “I have it in my mind what it should feel like because I’ve been making snowmen my whole life,” he said. The time off from his day job helps, too. “I don’t have to work for four days,” he said. “I can devote myself to making this snow sculpture for <i>four</i> days.”</p><p>Despite having never taken a formal art class, Brandon was inspired by art and graphic design growing up, and found good role models in his brother and mother, who are artists. He currently works with clay sculptures and enjoys 3D modeling work, is a licensed drone/aerial photographer, and works remotely for a media company doing graphic and web design.</p><p>A Harborfields High School graduate, Brandon moved to Northport three years ago, he said, with a vision. “I was always so envious of the Northport art program they had in the high school,” he said. “Being someone who loves art, I really wanted my kids to be in that sort of environment and school. Northport is such a great quaint town, where it’s just these small businesses, and local artists can thrive… that’s why I was really attracted to it.”</p><p>You can wish Brandon luck and follow his team’s progress in Breckenridge on his personal competition <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/SnowSculptor\">Facebook page</a>. Teams have until 9am on January 28 to complete their sculptures. Gold, silver, bronze and artists’ choice awards will be presented that evening.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/osmansnow2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">The Osman girls pose with a snow version of Senator Bernie Sanders in Cow Harbor Park last year. All photos courtesy Brandon Osman.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/osmansnow3.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Brandon Osman with an earlier work, an Easter Island head made of snow. All photos courtesy Brandon Osman.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/osmansnow4.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">An 18-foot-tall woolly mammoth, designed by Northport resident Brandon Osman, takes shape at the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships. All photos courtesy Brandon Osman.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/osmansnow5.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">An 18-foot-tall woolly mammoth, designed by Northport resident Brandon Osman, takes shape at the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships. All photos courtesy Brandon Osman.</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "Team \"Colossal Resurrection\" at the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships earlier this week. Northport resident Brandon Osman (far left) found local fame after transporting his Bernie Sanders snow sculpture (inset) to Northport Village Park last February."
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"title": "Letter: “A great opportunity for new voices and new leadership”",
"slug": "letter-a-great-opportunity-for-new-voices-and-new-leadership",
"post_date": "2022-01-26 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Dear Editor,</p><p>“I am running for Northport Village Trustee on March 15.” Words I never thought I would say, but when I think about why I am called to do this right now, one major reason is that representation in our Village matters. The voices of families, parents, women and young people are essential to this Village and its policy- and decision-making. The interests of families and our children must be represented and protected financially, environmentally, and socially, now and for the future. There is a great opportunity in this election for new voices and new leadership, and I know I can do the job well.</p><p>A graduate of Harvard University and St. John’s School of Law, I began my legal career in public service when I was appointed an Assistant District Attorney in Nassau County in 2009. As a former prosecutor and member of law enforcement, I am well-versed in representing the interests of others as well as the challenges and intricacies of policing, a major part of the Village’s responsibilities. I have also worked as in-house trial counsel for a Fortune 100 insurance carrier, and most recently as a litigator in private practice here on Long Island. I have represented not only businesses and individuals, but also multiple municipalities across Long Island on cases ranging from civil rights litigations in federal court to criminal defense, commercial litigations, employment matters, and zoning disputes, to name a few. With my varied experience, I know I will hit the ground running on all of the issues facing our Village.</p><p>Recently, as a co-founder and local leader of Not In Our Town Northport, I have worked closely with Village officials and administrators, as well as local, state and school leaders, to organize events and educational initiatives to advance Northport’s reputation as a safe, inclusive community. It is of utmost importance that this work continues in order to preserve this reputation and the quality of life for all Village residents. I am so inspired by the positive changes I have seen happen when smart, hard-working, empathetic residents and leaders come together in this Village.</p><p>As a mother of three young children, a member of our PTA, and a coach for my four-year-old’s Northport Youth Center Soccer team, I am committed to the future of this Village. A clean and safe harbor, innovative infrastructure to protect that harbor and our environment, financial stability, modern solutions to bolster our small businesses, and honest, brave leadership with integrity are of utmost importance to me, and I believe imperative to Village residents and families as well.</p><p>I am excited to get to work and I am so grateful for all the support Northport has already shown me. I ask for your vote on March 15 so that I can serve our wonderful Village within this new role. I look forward to hearing from many of you: <a href=\"mailto:dolanfornorthport@gmail.com\">dolanfornorthport@gmail.com</a>.</p><p>Meghan Dolan<br />Northport Village</p>",
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"caption": "Northport Village resident Meghan Dolan, pictured here with her husband and their three children, announced her intention to run for Northport Village Trustee last week. Photo courtesy Meghan Dolan"
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"title": "District superintendent: Masks in schools optional “until further notice”",
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"post_date": "2022-01-25 00:00",
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"content": "<p><i>Updated January 25, 2022, 6:03pm: Late this afternoon, a New York State appeals court judge granted a stay in the lawsuit over the school mask mandate. The mask mandate will remain in place while the ruling is appealed.</i></p><p>Yesterday, Judge Thomas Rademaker, a State Supreme Court judge in Nassau County, ruled that Governor Kathy Hochul’s statewide mandate ordering all students and staff to wear masks indoors at schools is unconstitutional. Within hours, Gov. Hochul responded that the state would appeal Rademaker’s decision. “We strongly disagree with this ruling, and we are pursuing every option to reverse this immediately,” she said.</p><p>Following Rademaker’s ruling, school officials throughout Long Island, including in the Northport-East Northport school district, announced a new “masks optional” policy, effective immediately.</p><p>Last night, at 10:53pm, Superintendent of Schools Robert Banzer sent district parents an email stating that the district had “received conflicting information” about mask wearing in schools but that in compliance with Rademaker’s ruling, “masks will be optional in schools beginning tomorrow, January 25, 2022 until further notice.”</p><p>He added that the Attorney General took the position that the filing of an appeal “automatically stays the Court’s decision,” and that the Commissioner of Education sent an email that the appeal would be forthcoming and advised school districts to continue to require masks in schools.</p><p>“Please note that should the appeal go into effect; the mask mandate will then be reinstated,” the superintendent added.</p><p>This morning, at 8:36am, Banzer sent out another email stating that it was “unclear if the stay to reinstate masks has gone into effect,” but that it’s very likely the mandate will be reinstated, possibly as soon as today. He also informed parents that mask wearing on buses is still required per federal mandate.</p><p>In a letter sent to Superintendent Banzer and board of education members this morning (and later shared with the <i>Northport Journal</i> by it authors), the King family of Northport wrote:</p><p>“Because you were aware that the mask ruling would be appealed and that that appeal would stay a decision issued by a Nassau County Court, we are surprised that you would send a late-night email essentially stating that the mask mandate would not be in effect for a number of hours before the Attorney General’s inevitable appeal was docketed. Your email created confusion and may have put the health and safety of students and staff at risk. More deliberation and thought should’ve been exhibited by you and the Board here.”</p><p>According to a school district official familiar with the situation, however, Superintendent Banzer made the late-night decision after “consultation with attorneys” and did not have a conversation with the board of education before sending out yesterday evening’s email.</p><p>The board of education is expected to convene into an emergency executive session via Zoom at 6pm tonight “to discuss matters pertaining to potential litigation,” according to the district website. Executive sessions are not open to the public.</p>",
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"caption": "A new “masks optional” policy is effective immediately in all district schools, though a mask mandate may soon be reinstated, announced NENUFSD Superintendent Robert Banzer in a late-night email. Mask wearing on buses is still required per federal mandate."
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"title": "Northport resident Christopher Viviano, FDNY, mourned on Main Street",
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"post_date": "2022-01-24 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Northport resident, active FDNY firefighter and World Trade Center first responder Christopher Viviano was laid to rest at St. Philip Neri Cemetery in Northport today, following a funeral mass at St. Philip Neri Church on Main Street. Firefighter Viviano died on January 19, 2022 from Covid-19. He was 53 years old.</p><p>According to the FDNY, who posted news of the firefighter’s death on its social media accounts, Viviano was a 22-year veteran of the department. He joined the FDNY in August 1999, was assigned to Ladder Company 157 in Brooklyn, and was cited once for bravery. “Firefighter Viviano is the 16th member of the Department to die due to Covid-19,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “We have lost far too many incredible people like Christopher to this terrible illness. He dedicated his life to the noble mission of bravely protecting life and property in our city. Our entire Department mourns his loss.”</p><p>Firefighter Viviano is survived by his wife, Laura, their children Gabriel, Darian and Cayden, his parents Frank and Nancy, his brothers Frank (wife Patricia) and Matthew, as well as his niece and nephews Kate, Patrick, Spencer and Nathan. He is also survived by his father-in-law Joseph (late mother-in-law MaryAnn) and his sister-in-law Mary.</p><p>In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Firefighter Viviano be made to: The Firefighter Christopher Viviano Children’s Scholarship Fund on the FDNY Foundation donation page. (Visit the following link and select “FF Christopher Viviano Children’s Scholarship Fund” from the dropdown menu: <a href=\"https://www.fdnyfoundation.org/donate/\">https://www.fdnyfoundation.org/donate/</a>.)</p>",
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"caption": "A funeral mass was held at St. Philip Neri Church on Main Street today, January 22, for FDNY firefighter and Northport resident Christopher Viviano. He was 53 years old."
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"title": "Fish market fence draws criticism despite expected reimbursement",
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"post_date": "2022-01-22 00:00",
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"content": "<p>If you’ve been paying attention during Northport Village board meetings, you will have heard about “the fence” along Cherry Street, just off Fort Salonga Road, that begins on the Northport Fish & Lobster Co. property. Since last month’s meeting, when Trustee Dave Weber was asked about the fence and its cost, there have been a handful of letters to the editor printed in <i>The Observer</i> that seem to be using the wooden structure to make readers question Trustee Weber’s intentions and transparency, on the cusp of a Village election.</p><p>When asked about the fence, Trustee Weber explained to the Journal that a curb cut was being added to the east side of the fish market, along Cherry Street. At some point in years past, the Village installed curbing in front of the property to the north, according to Trustee Weber. The Village decided that this curb should be continued along the west side of Cherry Street to allow for water runoff down the street and onto 25A, where it is collected in a catch basin. The newest curb cut would complete the area, while resolving other issues pertaining to the fish market, too, said Weber.</p><p>“This has been a property of great concern to many residents,” the trustee added, explaining that the market manager, Sam Luby, would often cut through the side of the property with his vehicle in order to drive around the building.</p><p>In order to install the curb cut, the existing fence on the property had to be temporarily removed, and then reinstalled. “All fencing, poles and fastening materials were on site and re-used by construction crews. At no time did the Village of Northport have to purchase any materials for this job,” Trustee Weber said.</p><p>He added, “I understand residents are concerned and frustrated by this property owner and Village officials have been doing everything within their control to get them into compliance. By eliminating the ability for this property to be used as a cut-through around the back, the noise and disruption to neighboring houses and residents has been reduced drastically.”</p><p>According to Trustee Weber, and verified by Village Administrator Roland Buzard at the January 4 board meeting, all costs associated with this job have been requested to be reimbursed by the NYS Department of Transportation CHIPS (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program) funds, thereby costing residents nothing from the Village budget.</p><p>Some Village residents seem displeased that Trustee Weber did not have the cost information available when asked about the curb and fence at the December 21 board meeting. When residents Blair Beaudet and Josephine Rizzuto asked about the cost,Trustee Weber said that he’d get the exact figures from Mr. Buzard, but that they were putting the existing fence back in place and the entire project was expected to be covered by CHIPS.</p><p>Other residents don’t think the Village should be spending any money (whether they are reimbursed or not) on remediating fish market-related issues. And to this, Trustee Weber explained that the curb cut wasn’t done for the fish market, specifically, but to finish an existing and incomplete project.</p><p>The fish market has been a recurring topic at Village meetings, brought up often by Cherry Street resident Joe Sabia (who is running for Village Trustee in the upcoming election). He has, on several occasions, complained about trucks and trailers driving into the back of the property and disrupting residents, sometimes in the middle of the night or very early in the morning. He has also noted his frustration with the appearance of the fish market, including the side and back of the property, as have other Cherry Street residents. Sabia has called the Village Police Department on several occasions, and the mayor has made several visits to the property, as have the village administrator and fire marshall.</p><p>Below is a breakdown of the total costs for the curb cut and reinstalled fence, which has been requested for reimbursement:</p><p><b>Shoulder</b><br />Traffic protection: $750<br />Shoulder prep: $1000<br />Shoulder prep – remove/replace fencing: $800<br />Shoulder grading: $750<br />Total: $3,300</p><p><b>Concrete</b><br />Excavation: $400<br />Subbase: $600<br />Saw cut asphalt: $720<br />Cast in place concrete curb: $3,800<br />Traffic: $386.40<br />Total: $5,906.40</p><p>Total request for reimbursement through CHIPS: $9,206.40</p>",
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"title": "NHS graduate aims to make life “better every day” for Afghan guests at Liberty Village",
"slug": "nhs-graduate-aims-to-make-life-better-every-day-for-afghan-guests-at-liberty-village",
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"content": "<h5><b><i>Excerpts from an </i></b><a href=\"https://www.militaryspot.com/news/nj-air-guard-supports-operation-allies-welcome\"><b><i>article</i></b></a><b><i> originally published on </i></b><a href=\"http://www.militaryspot.com\"><b><i>www.militaryspot.com</i></b></a><b><i> and featuring Northport High School graduate Bernadette Maldonado are shared below, with the permission of the article’s author, Master Sergeant Matt Hecht of the New Jersey National Guard. A member of Northport’s Class of 1987, Col. Maldonado credits her father as being her biggest mentor. “When he was alive, he was ever so inspiring to remind us kids we can accomplish anything we set our minds to,” she shared with the Journal.</i></b></h5><p>More than 80 New Jersey Air National Guard Citizen-Airmen from the 108th Wing and 177th Fighter Wing have supported Operation Allies Welcome at Liberty Village on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst since August.</p><p>The Airmen work at various levels throughout the village, from village governor and mayor to logistical and security support to Afghan guests.</p><p>Col. Bernadette Maldonado, commander of the 108th Mission Support Group, is one of two governors at Liberty Village.</p><p>“Our mission here at Task Force Liberty is to provide Department of Defense support for our civilian authorities, specifically the Department of Homeland Security,” said Maldonado.</p><p>“We’re helping our Afghan guests by providing housing, medical care, and immigration processing. It’s an absolutely fulfilling mission. One time I was having a challenging day and I was coming into the office and this little girl wrapped her arms around me and hugged me and said, ‘Thank you,’ and I knew this is why I’m here.”</p><p>Maldonado said a system of village governors and mayors was chosen to create a more relatable leadership structure for the Afghan guests. The leadership has town hall meetings with tent elders weekly to discuss any issues.</p><p>“Our motto here is ‘better every day,’ and we do everything we can to make sure it is better every day for our guests,” said Maldonado. “We want to make sure that their transition to the United States and their life in America goes as smoothly as possible.”</p><p>Operation Allies Welcome is a joint mission. New Jersey Citizen-Airmen work with their active-duty counterparts and with the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, and numerous government agencies.</p><p>“The best experience has been the camaraderie we’ve developed with the Airmen and other service members from all across the country, interacting with the children, parents, and grandparents, teachers, and other volunteers. It’s just been a great experience,” said Staff Sgt. Darrell Willis, with the 108th Maintenance Group.</p><p>“Just simply knowing that we have a huge mission here that changes people’s perspective of this uniform, of this country and their outlook of what’s possible,” he said. ”It’s been a great opportunity, we might not see the impact now, but it will be felt in five, 10, 20 years down the line, when we say, ‘Wow, we were there, we had a part in that.’”</p><p>As Afghan guests have made their way through the immigration process, families have left the camp, but their impact is still felt by the Airmen.</p><p>One note left by an Afghan family said: “Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry. The smiles fade. But the memories live on forever. We will never forget your kindness.”</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/maldonado1.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Col. Maldonado is a member of Northport High School’s Class of 1987, and commander of the 108th Mission Support Group. Photo courtesy of Bernadette Maldonado.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/maldonado2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Col. Bernadette Maldonado called the Task Force Liberty mission “absolutely fulfilling.” Photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht, New Jersey National Guard</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "Col. Bernadette Maldonado (center), commander of the 108th Mission Support Group, is one of two governors at Liberty Village. Photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht, New Jersey National Guard"
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"title": "Security and surveillance company ranks Northport the second safest city in America",
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"post_date": "2022-01-20 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Strong messages of praise and approval flooded local Facebook pages today, as Northport, New York was declared the second safest city in America by CCTV Camera World, a leading CCTV (closed-circuit television) equipment distributor in the USA.</p><p>The Founder and CEO of CCTV Camera World, Ray Ansari, published on January 12 an <a href=\"https://www.cctvcameraworld.com/safest-cities-in-america.html?fbclid=IwAR2X8jhJcsMTteQc5ams49KI0aMVACxlVj_BPvrN-mxq1tXmoVJwwPyg7AQ\">article</a> that highlighted the 100 safest cities in America, and according to his data, Northport ranks number two. CCTV Camera World is a private security and surveillance systems company founded in 2009.</p><p>Ansari examined the FBI data on crime rates from 2020 and 2021 to formulate his rankings. “The rankings were based on the total crime rate in 7,000 cities across the country,” he wrote. “The total crime rate is all crimes such as violent crimes (murder, rape, assault, etc.) as well as property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson).”</p><p>Ansari found that New York state has ten of the 25 safest cities in America, with Northport ranking as the second safest overall. Northport had a total crime rate of 27.56 per 100,000 people, according to the company’s findings. Ansari also noted the ten safest big cities in America, with New York City being the third safest, after El Paso in Texas and San Diego in California. In 2020, New York City’s crime rate was below the national average.</p><p>The number one spot on the list went to Wayland, Massachusetts, which has a population of 14,000 people and reported one crime, an aggravated assault. Cities with very small populations that reported zero crimes were not included in the report and therefore omitted from the list because they lacked actual data from the FBI. All but one Illinois city was excluded from the list because they did not have arson or larceny-theft data, which is “by far the most common single type of crime,” according to Ansari.</p><p>At the end of his report, Ansari provides tips to keep your home and family safe, with installing a smart security camera (and a link to the CCTV Camera World website) as the first recommendation.</p>",
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"title": "Freemasonry and Northport: A long history of ritual and relationships",
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"post_date": "2022-01-17 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Peter Walters must have passed the Masonic lodge in Northport Village hundreds of times growing up. Not once did he think it would play such a big role in his life. “I used to drive up and down Main Street. I didn’t know the Masons were still here,” he said. “I thought they were done.”</p><p>Though his father and grandfather were Masons, Peter had no real interest in becoming one himself, he said. Then, after his grandmother died, he received a box of her keepsakes from his father. Inside he found his great grandfather’s Masonic information. Peter now proudly calls himself a fifth-generation Mason, and was this year elected into the top leadership role at Northport’s Alcyone Lodge No. 695, a charter group of the Freemasons, the oldest fraternal organization in the world.</p><p>“I have a son, and I said ‘Maybe I should go look into this, just so if my son wants to become a Mason I can keep the line going,’” he said. Despite his indifference, Peter said he entered the Masonic lodge in Northport – the same lodge he thought was nonoperational decades ago – open-minded. “I wasn’t really excited,” he said. “I just wanted to make sure I kept the continuity of the family line going. And then I got hooked.”</p><p>Five years into his Masonic journey, Peter said he continues with the brotherhood for the ritual, the socialization, and the education. His path of learning began quickly after joining the lodge, and continues to this day. “All of a sudden I learned I could memorize things, I could understand things, it was one of the better things that happened to me,” he said. “That’s one of the things I got out of being a Mason. I learned how to learn.”</p><p><b>What is a Mason?</b><b><br /></b>While most people agree that Freemasonry began during the Middle Ages in Europe as a guild of skilled builders, some Masonic documents trace the sciences of geometry and masonry to the time of ancient Egypt and the building of King Solomon's Temple. According to the national organization’s <a href=\"https://beafreemason.org/\">website</a>, the modern-day experience of becoming a member of a Masonic lodge is divided into three ceremonial stages known as “degrees.” These three degrees – Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason – are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate medieval craftsmen. At each educational stage, a craftsman was required to achieve proficiency before moving to the next stage. Symbolically, the degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood, and age.</p><p>With the decline of cathedral building, the focus of the society shifted. Today, Alcyone Lodge invites “all men of excellent reputation” and “high moral character” to join its fraternity, reads the Lodge’s <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/AlcyoneLodgeNo695\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook page</a>. “Do you ask yourself what's the purpose of life? Do you want to enlarge your circle of friends, meet men of different opinions and ideas? Are you looking to give back to your community? Find out what generations of men before have learned through Freemasonry,” reads another post. The Freemasons, they say, make good men better.</p><p>Freemasonry, including the Northport chapter, welcomes men of every religion, race, and opinion, said Peter. Though Freemasonry is not considered a religion – or a substitute for a religion – any potential Freemason must believe in a Supreme Being; agnostics and atheists are not allowed to join. (It should be noted that the Catholic Church has condemned Freemasonry since 1738; the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reiterated the ban on Catholics joining the Masons in 1983.)</p><p>Serving a higher calling – for Peter, that’s God, though applicants may be Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. – predicates that members are accountable for their actions and lends to self-improvement, a primary goal of the sworn brotherhood, said Peter. Other requirements to becoming a Mason include being 18 years of age or older, being motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit, and being “desirous of earning knowledge and willing to conform to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity.” While some lodges have chapters for women and programs for youth, Alcyone does not.</p><p>Petitioners are thoroughly vetted, first by members of the lodge itself and then by the Grand Lodge (the overarching Masonic governing body in each state). If the lodge votes to accept an applicant, the Grand Lodge completes a comprehensive background check, and then an initiation ritual is performed, accepting the petitioner into the brotherhood as an apprentice, said Peter. Once they are in, they’re family, he said.</p><p>When asked about the biggest misconceptions about Freemasonry, Peter is quick to answer: “We’re not secret. You don’t have to give up your religion to come here. We’re not a cult.”</p><p>While the lodge’s location is publicly known and open to the public, Peter does not shy away from admitting that there are secret ways of functioning as a Mason. The ritual aspects of the brotherhood and its ceremonies are not shared with non-Masons, and there seems to be a few secret signs, words, and ways to recognize a fellow Mason (and determine if he’s in good standing). Though the Masons promise a brotherhood of inclusivity, its exclusive practices and secret rituals have at times been steeped in controversy, conspiracy and scandal.</p><p><b>Northport Alcyone Lodge No. 695: Then</b><br />According to “A Hundred Years of Light,” a booklet published by Alcyone Lodge No. 695 in 1969 and currently available for viewing at the Northport Historical Society, Alcyone received its charter in 1869 and has occupied its current home at 162 Main Street since 1916.</p><p>Benjamin T. Robbins, the architect behind the Second-Empire style building, originally built the structure to house his newspaper, the <i>Suffolk County Journal</i>, which later became the <i>Northport Journal</i>. Shortly after Robbins’ death, the Masonic lodge purchased the building. (Second Empire style, also called the French Second Empire style or Mansard style, was an immensely popular style throughout the United States in the 1860s and 1870s. It was used extensively in the northeastern and midwestern parts of the country.)</p><p>In 1867, there were approximately 20 Master Masons residing in the villages of Northport and Commack, most of whom hailed from Jephtha Lodge No. 494 of Huntington (chartered in Huntington in 1860, the Jeptha Masons built their own temple in 1905 on New York Avenue in Huntington Village, where it still stands). “Desirous of forming a lodge in the village of Northport,” the booklet reads, “they organized a Masonic club and began the preliminary work of organizing a Masonic lodge. By-laws were written, an initiation fee of $25 and annual dues of $3 were agreed upon, officers for the proposed lodge were selected, and numerous meetings were held to rehearse the ritual to assure proficiency in the standard of work.”</p><p>William H. Sammis, who had served as both Junior and Senior Warden in Jephtha Lodge, persuaded the Huntington lodge to grant its consent of the Northport Village lodge on September 28, 1868. A committee was formed the following year to officially name the lodge.</p><p><b>Against the odds, it's Alcyone</b><b><br /></b>According to "A Hundred Years of Light," the odds were stacked against the Alcyone name. In reply to the petition to establish the lodge, “the Grand Master stated that he would not grant dispensation under a place name” and that the name of the lodge should have some Masonic significance. He provided a list of several names, from which the brothers could select one for the proposed new lodge. William Sammis and Ebenezer Parotte, both in the brotherhood, were appointed as a committee for the purpose of selecting the name for the new lodge.</p><p>The choice was narrowed to two names; Alcyone was the one favored by Sammis, while Aquila was favored by Parotte. It was decided that Parotte would write each name on four sheets of paper and that Sammis would draw one slip from a hat, “thus leaving the name of the new lodge to be settled by fate,” reads the booklet. “It was not until years afterward that it was learned from a letter written by Bro. Parotte, who had relocated in the far West, that seven of the eight slips of paper in the hat had contained the name Aquila, whereas the one drawn by Bro. Sammis was the only one bearing the name Alcyone.”</p><p>On March 5, 1869 the first communication of Alcyone Lodge was held in a building on the north side of Main Street, later occupied by the Long Island Express Company. William Sammis was appointed Master, John Dickerson was appointed Senior Warden, Archibald M. Brewster was appointed Junior Warden, and Ebenezer G. Bennet was appointed Secretary. At this meeting, five petitions for membership were received from Charles T. Sammis, Henry E. Sammis, Jesse E. Ketcham, David E. Scudder, and Joseph A. Scudder.</p><p>It is believed that membership in the lodge by April of 1869 was 27.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/alcyonemasonsmid.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>A display of past Master Masons just outside the lodge’s meeting room.</p></figcaption></figure>\n<p><b>Northport Alcyone Lodge No. 695: Now</b><b><br /></b>In the Northport lodge, a bible sits atop an altar in the center of the lodge; it’s an old copy of the John Brown Self-Interpreting Bible, which George Washington, a Master Mason himself, subscribed to when he was president and living in New York. Seats line the room’s perimeter and symbolism abounds. The “All-Seeing Eye” is used in the room to represent the omniscience of God, while a builder’s square and compass, the most well-known Freemason symbol, rest on the Bible. When a meeting is in session, a Tyler (or Tiler) guards the door. The Tyler is a Master Mason armed with a symbolic sword to protect everyone from eavesdropping, and imposters, shared Peter. What happens during a meeting is largely private and as far as tradition and ritual goes, not much has changed. There are still temples, a moral code, worship services, and a hierarchy of leadership.</p><p>Today, Freemasons make the same pledge to every member: that he will be offered assistance if he, or his family, ever requests it. “We look out for each other,” said Peter. “If you see a brother in trouble… the rules are basic, if you can help a brother, you’re supposed to help your brother. Just like I look out for my family. Except my family is bigger now.”</p><p>Peter sees in what he is learning now pieces of his childhood, a foundation his late father, also named Peter, instilled in him. “I was raised a Mason all my life, I just didn’t know it,” he said.</p><p>2019 marked the 150th year of uninterrupted occupancy by the lodge in Northport. The anniversary was well-attended, Peter said, and one of the last big celebrations to occur before Covid-19. The last couple of years have been challenging for the lodge with the pandemic limiting in-person meetings and gatherings. Pair that with the loss of “the youth” to television, social media and the Internet, as well as an overall decline in voluntary associations, clubs and fraternities, said Peter, and it’s easy to understand why many lodges are facing membership issues.</p><p>The lodge is still a place for men of honor and integrity, charity and obligation, said Peter, and is open to anyone looking for a “family, friends, brothers, a community.” Today the lodge, he said, “is looking for a few good men.”</p><p>In the same building that houses the lodge, in a separate room open to the public, Masons and non-Masons are able to socialize, share stories, and discuss current issues. Outside of the lodge people all have different beliefs, he said. “And they’re all welcome.”</p><p>So how does this fraternal group – a collection of men from what Peter describes as different backgrounds and beliefs – manage to stay “brotherly” during a time of such intense polarization and division?</p><p>“We don’t discuss religion in the lodge, and we don’t talk politics in there. You want to go slug it out outside (of the meeting room) later, that’s up to you,” Peter said, adding that dialogue is more civil in the building because it’s a face-to-face exchange, unlike those happening on social media – exchanges that are too quick and reactionary.</p><p>“That’s what’s wrong with society in my mind,” he said. If everyone would just stop and listen – listening to understand instead of listening to react – conversations would be more civil, he added. “If we have a disagreement, it’s ok. We may not move on, we may harp on it for an hour. But we’re going to have a discussion about it,” Peter said. “And we’re going to leave as brothers.”</p><p>The Masons meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the lodge, on the third floor of 162 Main Street in Northport Village, with the official meeting starting at 8pm. Visitors are welcome to stop by before the meeting (beginning around 7pm) or afterward.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/alcyonemasons1.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Masonic Hall, circa 1910. Built in 1876 by Benjamin Robbins, the building was later purchased by the Masons, and has been home to Alcyone Lodge No. 695 since 1916. Photo courtesy of the Northport Historical Society.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/alcyonemasons2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">William H. Sammis, Alcyone Lodge's first appointed Master Mason.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/alcyonemasons3.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Peter Walters is a fifth-generation Mason and currently holds the top leadership role at Northport's Masonic Lodge.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/alcyonemasons4.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">A copy of the John Brown Self-Interpreting Bible sits atop the altar in the lodge, where all meetings, rituals and rites take place.</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"title": "The Takeout Project returns, calling residents to support local eateries and neighbors in need",
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"post_date": "2022-01-15 00:00",
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"content": "<p><a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/thetakeoutproject\" target=\"_blank\">The Takeout Project</a> was created by Northport Village resident Barbara Bolen, who in winter 2021 devised a unique way to get warm meals into the hands of families in need, all while supporting local businesses.</p><p>Last year, the Project raised approximately $9,000 in donations and inspired several other Long Island communities to start their own projects. Donations came in the form of gift cards, which were purchased from 35 different Northport and East Northport restaurants, as well as Northport Dollars that can be used at dozens of participating businesses.</p><p>This month, with the help of Northport resident (and editor of the <i>Northport Journa</i>l) Joanne Kountourakis, the Takeout Project has relaunched in an effort to continue supporting local people and businesses in need as the community endures yet another Covid surge on top of the area’s typical slow season.</p><p>“When we wrapped up the Project last year, I had strong hopes that it would have been a ‘one and done’ endeavor," Barbara explained to the Journal. “Like everyone else, there was the hope that the availability of vaccinations would have returned us to a fairly normal state this winter. Unfortunately, soaring Covid positivity rates are once again having a negative impact on our local restaurants as people are fearful of eating out and catching the virus.”</p><p>Barbara thought about bringing the Project back this year, but wasn’t sure if people were as motivated as they were one year ago. Last year, she said, “there was more of a sense of ‘We are in this together’ and therefore a stronger desire to help those who are hurting.” This year, she feared that the prolonged nature of the pandemic could have cultivated a sense of apathy within the community.</p><p>It was Joanne reaching out to Barbara that solidified the relaunch. “She reached out to me out of the blue and offered her help. Her energy and willingness to help addressed both of my concerns. Of course, the spark to help is still alive and well in our amazingly civic-minded community,” Barbara said.</p><p>With the partnership solidified, the Project kicked off again on January 1. Contributing is easy. First, go to any local restaurant or eatery and purchase a gift card for a local family in need. Then drop it off at one of these participating locations:</p><p>The Nest on Main, 135 Main Street, Northport<br />Einstein’s Attic, 79 Main Street, Northport<br />Southdown Coffee, 72 Main Street, Northport<br />Mario’s Pizzeria, 311 Larkfield Road, East Northport</p><p>Barbara and Joanne collect the gift cards weekly, then bring them to the Ecumenical Lay Council’s food pantry in Northport and the St. Anthony of Padua’s Saint Vincent de Paul food pantry in East Northport, who have agreed to distribute them.</p><p>With the Takeout Project, local restaurants benefit from some added income during this challenging time, and neighbors who are struggling are able to enjoy the simple pleasure of a chef-cooked hot meal. It’s a win-win that serves as another example of how Northport-East Northport residents continue to support one another throughout these trying times.</p><p>To purchase Northport Dollars, send a check made out to the Northport Chamber of Commerce and mail it to:<br />Barbara Bolen<br />46 Woodbine Ave. Ste. 4<br />Northport, NY 11768</p>",
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"title": "Northport High School varsity wrestling wins League II championship",
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"content": "<p>Northport High School’s varsity wrestling team took home a 43-16 win over Commack High School this past Wednesday, January 12, to secure the Section XI League II championship.</p><p>Led by coach Robert “Thad” Aliberti, the team is undefeated in League II and has an overall 15-4 record thus far. The Tigers will go on to compete in the Section XI playoffs next week and the individual league, county and state tournaments next month.</p><p>Coach Aliberti called the win a “complete team effort” and shared how excited students were to have achieved it. He also thanked the parents and team booster club for their support.</p>",
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"title": "Town of Huntington residents take part in the “Betty White Challenge” for dogs in need",
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"content": "<p><i>Updated January 19, 2022 3:58pm</i></p><p>What better way for the (self-proclaimed) Capital of Long Island Dog Lovers to honor Betty White than to take part in the “Betty White Challenge,” a charitable endeavor encouraging fans of the late actress, who was an animal advocate, to donate $5 to animal rescues and shelters in her name.</p><p>In addition to local small business Nest on Main promoting the fundraiser on their <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/nestonmainmarket\">Facebook page</a> earlier today and providing a donation box at their store, Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth just endorsed the cause, too. “In honor of what would have been the legendary Betty White’s 100th birthday on January 17, I’m asking her fans – and all dog lovers who can afford to do so – to <a href=\"https://www.giveadogadream.org/donate\">donate $5 in her name to our Give a Dog a Dream charity</a>, which funds medically necessary surgeries for shelter dogs in need, or donate a <a href=\"https://www.huntingtonny.gov/shelter-wish-list\">wish list item</a> to our shelter,” said Smyth.</p><p>Give a Dog a Dream Inc. is a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that specializes in veterinary care and advanced dog behavior modification training. In addition to funding surgeries, proceeds go toward behavior modification training for Town of Huntington Animal Shelter dogs.</p><p>You may also choose to donate directly to the Huntington Animal Shelter in East Northport, which takes donations of all types, including blankets, detergent and food, and has provided a <a href=\"https://huntingtonny.gov/shelter-wish-list\">wish list</a> of items the shelter needs most, such as flat collars (sizes M, L, XL), flat leashes, treats and indestructible toys.</p><p>The Huntington Animal Shelter is located at 106 Deposit Road in East Northport. Due to COVID-19-related staffing shortages, the shelter is open by appointment only. Please call 631-754-8722 ahead of time to drop off items.</p><p>The Town of Huntington Cat Shelter, located next door to the dog shelter (at 104 Deposit Road), is managed by Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center. For details on donating to the cat shelter, please call 631-651-9788.<i><br /></i></p><p><i>Update: Supervisor Ed Smyth announced the Town of Huntington Betty White Challenge raised $9,585 from over 451 donations for Give a Dog a Dream in one week. The Huntington Animal Shelter also received donations of collars, leashes and treats for the town’s shelter dogs.</i></p><p><i>“Our generous residents made Betty White proud,” said Smyth. “Huntington loves our shelter dogs.”</i></p>",
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"title": "Open call to young performers for Engeman Theater’s Frozen Jr. production",
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"content": "<p>The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport Village is having virtual auditions for <i>Frozen Jr. </i>in preparation of its winter production. The theater is seeking young performers between the ages of 10 and 18, only.</p><p>Auditions are submitted electronically and call backs will be in person and held by appointment at the theater. To audition, performers must prepare 16-32 bars of a song from Frozen or a similar Disney production and complete this <a href=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZhzWjl69Y0hZpKeppFecs7kHf7PyXEhRA0C5avXSa6gidwQ/viewform\">form</a>.</p><p>Rehearsals begin January 26 and the show runs on weekends from February 12 through March 13. Potential performers are asked to indicate any scheduling conflicts for rehearsal and production dates.</p><p>There are thirteen roles open for the <i>Frozen Jr.</i> production, including the following:</p><ul><li><p><b>Young Anna</b>: Young actress who appears 8-10 years old. Female, Vocal range: D5-A3</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>Anna</b>: Anna is a hopelessly optimistic extrovert at all ages, but as she grows older, she longs for connection with others, especially her sister, Elsa. Each version of this warm and determined princess requires a strong singer with great comic timing. Female, Vocal range: B4-G3</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>Young Elsa</b>: Young actress who appears 8-10 years old. Female, Vocal range: C#5-A3</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>Elsa</b>: Elsa has been born with magical powers that can overwhelm her when she becomes afraid and harm others if not handled with care. Fearful of hurting anyone, especially her beloved sister Anna, Elsa becomes anxious and withdrawn as she grows older, before eventually learning to take control of, and become confident in, her powers which she masterfully uses to manipulate the snow. Female, Vocal range D5-F#3</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>King Agnarr</b>: The warm-hearted ruler of Arendelle is committed to protecting both his family and the Townspeople from his eldest daughter's powers.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>Queen Iduna</b>: The queen possesses a sense of rightness and kindness that guides her in her protection of her two young girls.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>Pabbie and Bulda</b>: Pabbie and Bulda are the mystical leaders of the Hidden Folk who have a soft spot for "strays." Ever-benevolent, these parental figures want what's best for Kristoff, even if they are a bit misguided in their efforts.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>Kristoff</b>: Kristoff is a hardworking ice harvester. Kristoff has a sarcastic veneer and a rough-around-the-edges exterior that hides a big heart. Taken in by the Hidden Folk when he was young, he loves Pabbie and Bulda dearly, but is a bit of a loner with a reindeer for a best friend – until he meets Anna. Male, Vocal range: A3-G2</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>Sven</b>: Gender: Any, Vocal range: A4-A3</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>Hans</b>: The ambitious Prince of the Southern Isles and overlooked thirteenth son of a king. Hans constantly strives to find a way to make good and stand out. He boasts an exceedingly charming façade. Male, Vocal range: B3-G2</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>Weselton</b>: A visiting duke who possesses a huge inferiority complex. A bombastic, overbearing sycophant, Weselton's sole purpose is to hobnob with influencers and royalty.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>Olaf</b>: The magical snowman created by Anna and Elsa when they were young. Olaf is endearingly delighted by everything – especially the idea of summer. Goofy and sweet. Vocal range: D4-F#2</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><b>Oaken</b>: An exceedingly cheerful and convivial wandering salesperson and ardent devotee to all things cozy and comfortable. Oaken's "Hygge" is a showstopper.</p></li></ul><p>If you have questions regarding auditions, contact <a href=\"mailto:jcollester@engemantheater.com\">jcollester@engemantheater.com</a>. To purchase tickets for <i>Frozen Jr</i>., use this <a href=\"https://engemantheater.com/childrens-theater/\" target=\"_blank\">link</a>.</p>",
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"title": "Main break causes odd-colored liquid to bubble from road, closing down Church Street",
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"post_date": "2022-01-10 00:00",
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"content": "<p>UPDATED January 10, 8:35pm</p><p>Dear Residents,</p><p>Yesterday (Sunday, January 9), at approximately 11am, the Northport Police Department received calls regarding an odd-colored liquid bubbling from the road in the 100 block of Church Street. Northport PD responded and notified our sewer department, who determined it was a water main or electrical break.</p><p>Due to an oily substance in the water, our highway department was notified and began spreading sand to minimize and contain the water. Northport Fire Department Chief Sheridan, Village Administrator Roland Buzard, Suffolk County Water Authority, PSEG, Town of Huntington Oil Response, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and Miller Environmental were all on scene to stop the leak and remove any contaminated debris. As Northport’s commissioner of Public Works, I was on scene for hours to ensure no other resources were needed.</p><p>I would like to thank our village workers who despite frigid temperatures, did a remarkable job. I would also like to let our village residents know that at no time did the professionals feel the public was in any danger, taking appropriate actions to minimize and control the scene. Unfortunately, due to continuing work, Church Street will remain closed between 25a and Scudder Avenue.</p><p>Northport Village Trustee Dave Weber</p><p><i>Update from the Northport Journal: On Monday evening, at approximately 6pm, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provided the Journal with the following statement:</i></p><p><i>DEC's Emergency Spills Response Unit received a report of a spill in Northport on Jan. 9 at about 5 p.m. PSEG determined it was a dielectric oil leak from an underground transmission line and the Village of Northport DPW diked the street with sand to help contain the spill. The road remains closed from Scudder Avenue to NY Route 25A. As of 1:30 p.m., PSEG was installing a permanent clamp on the transmission cable to stop the leak. Work will continue tomorrow to finalize the storm drain cleanup. DEC will continue to oversee the cleanup to ensure public health and the environment are protected.</i></p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/water-break-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>Crews worked at the site of a water main or electrical break into the night. The situation is ongoing and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will soon be updating the Journal with a statement with the latest information. Photo courtesy of Dave Weber.</p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/water-break.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>Crews worked at the site of a water main or electrical break into the night. The situation is ongoing and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will soon be updating the Journal with a statement with the latest information. Photo courtesy of Dave Weber.</p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "On Sunday, January 9, an odd-colored liquid started bubbling from the road on Church Street in Northport Village. Photo courtesy of Dave Weber."
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"title": "Letter: Make your 30 under 30 nominations now",
"slug": "letter-make-your-30-under-30-nominations-now",
"post_date": "2022-01-08 00:00",
"category": "Voices",
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"content": "<p>Dear Editor,</p><p>Every year, the [Huntington Chamber of Commerce] celebrates 30 individuals under 30 who have made a notable contribution to their business, industry, and community. From artists to entrepreneurs, teachers to financial advisors, our previous classes of honorees are making an impact throughout Long Island.</p><p>We are currently looking for nominations for our Class of 2022. Nominations of candidates from the private, public, government, and not-for-profit sectors are welcome.</p><p>The Chamber’s Young Professionals Committee was formed in 2006 to serve the younger members of the Chamber of Commerce with specific programs and networking events. Programs have included timely issues such as first-time home buying, networking skills, cleaning up your credit, and business planning. The committee’s goal is to encourage young influential people from all lines of work, to come together to share their experiences, utilize each other’s resources, generate business, work with chamber members and build their careers.</p><p>With the recent news about Long Island losing young talent to other parts of the country, the Young Professionals Committee will promote the success stories of those younger professionals who have chosen to stay and work on Long Island. All the honorees are truly committed to their business and civic communities and we are thrilled to recognize their talent! The Chamber believes these young leaders exemplify a ‘winning’ spirit and are dedicated to achieving success and improving the quality of life in local communities. Their work deserves to be recognized and celebrated as these young professionals are the future of Long Island.</p><p>To qualify,</p><ul><li><p>The nominee must NOT be 30 years of age before May 1, 2022</p></li><li><p>The nominee not only contributes in their industry/field, but they also have an emphasis on community service</p></li><li><p>The nominee must live on Long Island</p><p>Have someone in mind? You can fill out the nomination form on our website, <a href=\"http://www.huntingtonchamber.com\">www.huntingtonchamber.com</a>, or email <a href=\"mailto:kelly@huntingtonchamber.com\">kelly@huntingtonchamber.com</a> with the name and email address of the nominee in mind.</p><p>The deadline for nominations is January 28, 2022.</p></li></ul><p>Thank you,<br />Huntington Chamber of Commerce</p>",
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"caption": "2018 photo (via huntingtonny.gov website) shows then Huntington Town Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci alongside the 30 young professionals honored at the Huntington Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Celebrate Long Island’s Young Professionals” event."
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"title": "Northport Chamber of Commerce launches 19th year of Operation Warmth",
"slug": "northport-chamber-of-commerce-launches-19th-year-of-operation-warmth",
"post_date": "2022-01-07 00:00",
"category": "Village",
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"content": "<p>Today is the launch of Operation Warmth, the Northport Chamber of Commerce’s warm clothing drive that has been going strong for almost two decades. The Chamber is collecting gently used and clean jackets, coats, hats, gloves and scarves in all sizes, from children to adults.</p><p>The donations are given to Family Service League and TRI-CYA in Huntington. “All donations are given directly to those in need and always appreciated,” said Dorothy Walsh, the Chamber’s Recording and Corresponding Secretary.</p><p>Clothing can be donated between January 7 and January 21, at any of these five Northport drop-off locations:</p><p>Jones Drug Store<br />100 Main Street</p><p>Cow Harbor Realty<br />67 Main Street</p><p>Copenhagen Bakery (rear lobby)<br />75 Woodbine Avenue</p><p>Dutch Girl Cleaners<br />705 Fort Salonga Road</p><p>People’s United Bank<br />836 Fort Salonga Road</p>",
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"caption": "Donations of gently used and clean warm clothing can be made at five Northport locations for the next two weeks as part of the Operation Warmth drive."
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"title": "District providing weekly Covid-19 testing to Northport-East Northport community members",
"slug": "district-providing-weekly-covid-19-testing-to-northport-east-northport-community-members",
"post_date": "2022-01-05 00:00",
"category": "Schools",
"authors": [
"Joanne Kountourakis"
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"content": "<p><i>Updated January 18, 2022 8:15am</i></p><p>Last week, the Northport-East Northport UFSD announced it would offer Covid-19 testing for the school community at Bellerose Avenue Elementary School, a building mothballed after the board of education voted in favor of its closing in April 2021. The location has, and is still, being used as a testing site for unvaccinated teachers required to undergo weekly Covid-19 testing. District staff and teachers currently use the facility once a week to take either nasal swab or saliva collection tests.</p><p>On December 29, in response to rising Covid-19 numbers, the district opened up testing at Bellerose to a steady stream of school community members, from children to the elderly. Earlier this week, the district sent residents a message announcing that it would continue to offer testing to the entire community on Wednesdays, from 9am to 5pm, at the school. On January 14, the district changed and updated community testing to the following dates; testing will NO longer take place on Wednesdays:</p><ul><li><p>Tuesday, January 18</p></li><li><p>Monday, January 24</p></li><li><p>Monday, January 31</p></li><li><p>Monday, February 7</p></li><li><p>Monday, February 14</p></li></ul><p>Testing takes place in Bellerose’s all-purpose room, with RT-PCR results available online within 24-72 hours. Wait times for both testing and results vary, depending on volume and demand.</p><p>Rainy and cold weather may have kept residents away earlier today; at 10am only a handful of cars could be seen in the property’s parking lot, and no one was waiting outside to get tested.</p><p>The tests are performed by the district’s third-party testing provider, A2Z Diagnostics. There are no appointments and testing is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents wishing to receive their results must register on the PatientXChange website before the test, whether from home or while in line.</p><p>Bellerose Avenue is located at 253 Bellerose Avenue in East Northport.</p>",
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"caption": "No waiting, no lines: an A2Z Diagnostics truck, and only a handful of cars, outside Bellerose Avenue Elementary School earlier today. The school is being used on Wednesdays as a testing site made available to the Northport-East Northport community by the district."
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"title": "Tentative budget includes 1.96% tax increase, salary increases and funding for sewage project",
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"post_date": "2022-01-03 00:00",
"category": "Village",
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"content": "<p>The annual budget for Northport Village is up for a virtual public hearing tomorrow, January 4 at 6pm. This year’s proposed budget is based on a 1.96% tax increase, which is just below the New York State mandated tax cap regulation.</p><p>The upcoming year’s fiscal spending plan includes several sources of revenue, including a 25% increase in mortgage tax revenue and a 15% increase in sales tax received from Suffolk County. The Village also has an appropriated fund balance of $225,000, which will help to offset additional tax increases.</p><p>The proposed tax increase is the result of several expenditures, including a general salary increase of 2.5% across the board for all Village administrative and blue-collar workers, according to a presentation made by Village treasurer Leonard Marchese during the December 7 board meeting. In addition, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) provides for a 2.7% increase in salary for employees of the Village Police Department.</p><p>Other expenditures in the proposed budget include:</p><ul><li><p>An additional $25k to the fire department retirement fund</p></li><li><p>Funding for the fire department equipment reserve account</p></li><li><p>Funding for 24-hour paramedic services</p></li><li><p>Funding for an additional code enforcement officer, primarily for the weekends</p></li><li><p>Funding for additional Village vehicles in the police, highway and parks departments</p></li><li><p>Funding for improvements to Village Hall, including bathroom and courtroom renovations, the installation of a secure separate court transaction counter, and an updated front entrance</p></li><li><p>Funding for the Village-wide street and park lighting modernization project</p></li><li><p>Funding to complete the Bluff Point Avenue sewer treatment hook-up project</p></li></ul><p>On the list of appropriations (or dedicated assets) for 2022-23, which totals $22,549,655, the top five costs include:</p><ul><li><p>Sewer project: $4,982,710</p></li><li><p>Employee benefits: $4,459,053</p></li><li><p>Police department: $3,916,344</p></li><li><p>Fire department: $2,477,805</p></li><li><p>General government support: $2,457,504</p></li></ul><p>The budgeted salaries for Village employees or departments are as follows:</p><ul><li><p>Mayor: $21,538</p></li><li><p>Trustees (four): $43,076</p></li><li><p>Treasury department</p><ul><li><p>Treasurer: $64,063</p></li><li><p>Deputy treasurer: $73,800</p></li><li><p>Payroll clerk: $78,925</p></li><li><p>Stipend: $7,500</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Clerk’s office</p><ul><li><p>Village clerk: $87,125</p></li><li><p>Deputy clerk: $63,960</p></li><li><p>Counter clerk: $45,729</p></li><li><p>Clerk: $53,300</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Engineers</p><ul><li><p>Village administrator: $102,500</p></li><li><p>Assistant to Village administrator: $56,592</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Assistant to the mayor: $102,500</p></li><li><p>Municipal court</p><ul><li><p>Village court clerk: $52,268</p></li><li><p>Assistant court clerk: $45,450</p></li><li><p>Justice: $21,013</p></li><li><p>Acting justice: $2,563</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Police Department</p><ul><li><p>Chief: $249,502</p></li><li><p>Lieutenant: $191,132</p></li><li><p>Sergeants (4): $175,959 each</p></li><li><p>Detective: $161,244</p></li><li><p>Police officers (10): $1,026,405 total</p></li><li><p>Crossing guard: $62,369</p></li><li><p>Public safety dispatchers (4): $332,344 total</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Automotive mechanic: $85,634</p></li><li><p>Meter Personnel (1 FT, 1 PT): $72,075 total</p></li><li><p>Fire Department</p><ul><li><p>Senior firehouse attendant: $91,522</p></li><li><p>Firehouse attendant III: $85,509</p></li><li><p>Firehouse attendant II (3): $230,836 total</p></li><li><p>Temporary department houseman: $28,000</p></li><li><p>Paramedics: $234,375</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Code Enforcement</p><ul><li><p>Code compliance (2): $49,268 total</p></li><li><p>Fire Marshal: $37,310</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Highway Department</p><ul><li><p>General foreman: $109,522</p></li><li><p>Assistant foreman: $88,974</p></li><li><p>Auto mechanic: $85,974</p></li><li><p>Maintenance mechanic (3): $250,880 total</p></li><li><p>Heavy equipment operator: $78,216</p></li><li><p>Laborers (6): $386,644 total</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Parks Department</p><ul><li><p>Senior groundskeeper: $84,960</p></li><li><p>Laborer: $85,216</p></li><li><p>Beach managers/attendant/lifeguard: $62,000 total</p></li><li><p>Dock master (4): $25,000 total</p></li><li><p>Pumpout boat operator (2): $15,000 total</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Sewage</p><ul><li><p>Senior plant operator: $90,022</p></li><li><p>Plant operator (3): $242,923 total</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Boards</p><ul><li><p>Zoning appeals: $1,500</p></li><li><p>Planning board: $1,500</p></li><li><p>Fire commissioners: $1,500</p></li><li><p>Architectural review: $1,500</p></li></ul></li></ul><p>The public hearing to consider the proposed budget will be held tomorrow, January 4 at 6pm via videoconferencing access only. The link to attend the meeting is here: <a href=\"https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rcuqgqTsuHNYkUFX2Evs2rJR1SKFyXzi4\">https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rcuqgqTsuHNYkUFX2Evs2rJR1SKFyXzi4</a></p><p>You can find the entire tentative budget here: <a href=\"https://northportny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2022-Tentative-Budget-20211222.pdf\">https://northportny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2022-Tentative-Budget-20211222.pdf</a></p>",
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"title": "Boy Scout Joseph Luft rebuilds steps on Vanderbilt Museum Trail",
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"post_date": "2022-01-03 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Northport Boy Scout Joseph Luft rebuilt the steps on a steep trail at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum as part of his project to become an Eagle Scout.</p><p>Joseph, a junior at Northport High School and member of Troop 41, reconstructed the hill and the steps leading from the Wishing Well Garden at the Vanderbilt Mansion down to the boathouse on the waterfront. He said the process taught him a lot about how to organize fundraisers and write professional-sounding emails.</p><p>“I also learned something about time management and how strong a community Northport is when it comes to people supporting each other,” he added.</p><p>Jim Munson, the Vanderbilt’s operations supervisor, said the old steps had begun to fail and became a safety concern. Joseph noticed the deterioration on a Troop 41 trip to the museum in 2020 and decided he wanted to make the trail his Eagle project, Munson said.</p><p>“We’re grateful to Joe for his important contribution to the Vanderbilt,” said Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan, the museum’s executive director. “The rebuilt hill, steps, and trail are crucial not only to the beauty and accessibility of the estate grounds, but also to the enjoyment and safety of visitors who hike the trail.”</p><p>Joseph chose the project because he loves hiking, and started planning it a year ago. He began work on the trail in August with assistance from his family and troop, and thanked “14 incredible scouts” for both their fundraising efforts and helping him complete the trail.</p><p>“The most surprising aspect of the project,” Joseph said, “was how willing people were to lend a hand whenever I needed help or volunteers. Whether it was purchasing supplies or scrubbing down cars, someone was always there with me to help make sure it was done right. The people at the Vanderbilt were incredibly flexible with timing and with occasionally lending us one of their golf carts to haul tools.”</p><p>Joseph, who is about to complete the Eagle Scout requirements, said it felt “amazing” to finish the project: “It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, a lot of stress and work. But the project was finally done and all I could do was sit back and look at everything accomplished with a smile.”</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/luftvanderbilt.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>Northport Boy Scout Joseph Luft on the trail and steps he rebuilt on the Vanderbilt Estate. Vanderbilt Museum photo</p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "Local dad Kyle Roelofs, troop members Michael Monda, Connor Jorgensen, James Posillico, Joe Luft, Ryan Edebohls, Will Ponder, and Joe’s dad, David Luft, at the Vanderbilt Museum Trail."
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"title": "New festival seeks to engage local high school students in the arts/theater",
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"post_date": "2021-12-30 00:00",
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"content": "<p><i>Updated February 24, 2022, 2:35pm</i></p><p>A Young Playwrights Festival, presented by the Northport Arts Coalition (NAC) and the John W. Engeman Theater, has put out a call for submissions open to all Huntington township high school students. It’s the first year of what Amy Connor, NAC’s new executive director, hopes becomes an annual event.</p><p>The festival aims to fulfill one of NAC’s new goals: to appeal to and engage more young people in the arts, both as participants and as audiences, Amy told the Journal.</p><p>“The arts can and should be more than just a special performance attended a few times a year,” she said. “They're a vital part of life and we hope that by involving people at an early age we can help them integrate the arts into their everyday lives.”</p><p>Amy said Engeman Theater owner and producing artistic director Richard Dolce was very enthusiastic when NAC approached him in September about the festival; since then the NAC has begun contacting high school theater programs, as well as students not normally involved in theater. “We've created all our advertising materials in both English and Spanish, we've reached out to teachers of ESL/ENL as well as to advisors of multicultural clubs and organizations within the schools, and we've sent materials to various Huntington youth organizations outside the school districts,” she said.</p><p>Each submitted play will be read and critiqued by theatrical and literary professionals; young playwrights will receive feedback by April 1, 2022 with four to six plays chosen to receive a professional staged reading at the Engeman Theater in May.</p><p>The playwrights chosen to receive a staged reading of their plays will be completely involved in the process, Amy explained. Each play will have a director who will work with the author on any suggested revisions and students will be invited to attend auditions and rehearsals, including any technical rehearsals at the theater before the festival performance.</p><p>Submissions to the Young Playwrights Festival must be the original work of the author (no adaptations) and no longer than 20 minutes. The competition is open to all Huntington township high school students including those attending in Cold Spring Harbor, Commack, Elwood (John Glenn), Half Hollow Hills East, Half Hollow Hills West, Harborfields, Huntington, Northport-East Northport, South Huntington (Walt Whitman) and St Anthony’s. The deadline for submissions has been extended to March 15, 2022.</p><p>For more information on the submission process, including how and where to submit, visit the NAC’s Young Playwrights Festival <a href=\"https://www.northportarts.org/youngplaywrights\">webpage</a>. Tickets for the festival performance go on sale April 1, 2022.</p>",
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"title": "Michael Dowling recognized as one of the “Most Influential People in Healthcare”",
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"post_date": "2021-12-29 00:00",
"category": "People",
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"content": "<p>Northport resident and Northwell Health President and CEO Michael Dowling has been named one of Modern Healthcare magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare,” ranking third overall. This is the CEO’s 15th consecutive year making the prestigious list.</p><p>Dowling ranked alongside Albert Bourla, the Chairman and CEO of Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals, who was given the number one spot, and Stephane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, who ranked second. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra also made this year’s list.</p><p>Dowling leads the largest healthcare provider and private employer in New York State. During his tenure as CEO, which began in 2002 after spending six years as executive vice president and chief operating officer, he has developed Northwell Health into New York State’s largest health system with 22 hospitals, approximately 830 ambulatory and physician practices, and $15 billion in annual revenue. In October, Northwell’s staff reached 100 percent vaccination, due in part to the state’s mandate for health care workers. The state-issued mandate was the cause of protests along Ocean Avenue, in front of Dowling’s home, where there continues to be security presence to this day.</p><p>In 2020, Northwell Health bore the brunt of the first wave of the pandemic, with New York City as its epicenter. To date, the healthcare provider has treated over 254,000 Covid-19 patients across its networks and this year, Northwell offered vaccines and booster shots to residents across the New York metropolitan area.</p><p>“This past year has shown us how vulnerable we still are to various pandemics facing health care, and how important it is to collaborate with our dedicated frontline workers and vanguard leaders to solve problems quickly in order to help our patients, families and communities through extraordinarily difficult times,” Mr. Dowling said.</p><p>In addition to his achievements within Northwell Health, Northporters recognize Dowling as a philanthropist who contributes to businesses and organizations throughout the community, including the Northport Historical Society and the John W. Engeman Theater. Earlier this month, the Northport Historical Society honored Dowling during their annual benefit gala. “His leadership through this health crisis has been remarkable, and we are honored to recognize his contributions, and thank him for his support of both the larger community, and of the society's work locally – preserving Northport’s history,” read the society’s press release for the event.</p>",
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"title": "Letter: With gratitude for the community’s kind and caring spirit",
"slug": "letter-with-gratitude-for-the-community-s-kind-and-caring-spirit",
"post_date": "2021-12-28 00:00",
"category": "Voices",
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"content": "<p>Dear Editor,</p><p>This year, nearly 100 community members participated in NIOT Northport’s Gift Thy Neighbor program, a community gift exchange created to spread kindness while supporting local business. Each registrant was tasked with gifting an assigned neighbor a locally purchased gift for approximately $10 or less. In return, they too would receive a gift from a neighbor.</p><p>The response was overwhelming, and the outcome a much needed reflection of the kind and caring spirit holding steady in our Northport and East Northport communities.</p><p>We would like to thank all those who participated in the program, who shopped at local businesses, wrote uplifting messages on our NIOT Northport gift tags, personally delivered their gifts to the doorsteps and mailboxes of their neighbors, and shared the gifts they received on our social media pages. It reinforced that we can do great things together, and that this spirit of kindness and generosity will prevail if we keep making space for it.</p><p>Gift Thy Neighbor, now in its second year, brought over $1,000 in local purchases to Main Street and the surrounding area, and showcased the unique offerings of a multitude of mom-and-pop stores that deserve all the attention and praise they received, now and throughout the year.</p><p>Thank you to Dave at Minuteman Press in East Northport for getting our gift tag job done in no time at all, and to Southdown Coffee for being our gift tag pick-up point and always agreeing to take part in community initiatives.</p><p>Our deep gratitude goes to the Northport Native Garden Initiative as well, for not only participating in the program, but pledging one native plant, to be installed in our community, for every gift purchased through the Gift Thy Neighbor gift exchange. Their pledge will put approximately 100 native plants in the ground, in public spaces for all of us to enjoy. Thank you, NNGI!</p><p>We created Gift Thy Neighbor one year ago to spread kindness during a difficult time. The community has returned that kindness to us, lighting the way to more personal relationships and positivity between residents, business owners – and neighbors.</p><p>Sincerely,<br />NIOT Northport</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/niotletterfirefly2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">A beautifully presented gift, paired with wintergreen, a plant native to the Northeast, shared during this year's Gift Thy Neighbor program.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/niotletterfirefly2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Participants in the Gift Thy Neighbor gift exchange shared items purchased from local businesses with their neighbors.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/niotletterfirefly3.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Participants in the Gift Thy Neighbor gift exchange shared items purchased from local businesses with their neighbors.</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "A handmade ornament from Heartichoke in Northport Village, given from one neighbor to another through NIOT Northport's Gift Thy Neighbor gift exchange."
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"title": "Northport community quick to display generosity after Main Street house fire",
"slug": "northport-community-quick-to-display-generosity-after-main-street-house-fire",
"post_date": "2021-12-27 00:00",
"category": "Village",
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"content": "<p>Last week, a fire destroyed the home at 145 Main Street in Northport Village, just behind well-known store Heartichoke. Three adults and one dog lived in the home, which consisted of two apartments. All occupants escaped unharmed, thanks to the quick actions of a passerby who noticed flames on the porch and began pounding on the door to wake the residents and get them out, according to reports by community members.</p><p>The three survivors fled the fire in just their pajamas, losing everything inside the building. Just hours after the flames went out, the community sprang into action. Amy Connor, a Main Street resident whose sons were on the scene as volunteer firefighters, began collecting clothes for the residents – two men and one woman – and set up a <a href=\"https://www.gofundme.com/f/Christmas-Cheer-for-Northport-Fire-Victims?utm_campaign=p_lico%20share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR0naPHRQC0doWZyUSsbgmnXM_Wj1TH-sv1zDrG2peAdfihXZYX5jlagvVU\">GoFundMe</a> page to help them get back on their feet. In five days, the community donated over $16,000 to the victims, money that will be split evenly among the two families living in the home.</p><p>Amy wrote in a Facebook post earlier today, “This week I got to experience a true Christmas and it made me proud to be from Northport.” She said that within two days, she collected enough clothing and food for the residents, adding that there were hundreds of dollars in gift cards donated as well, for everything from clothes to food.</p><p>The GoFundMe campaign will close on New Year’s Day and the money will be distributed to the residents, but, Amy said, “the memory of this generosity I witnessed from this community will stay with me always.”</p>",
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"title": "Village basketball court to take shape after $75,000 state grant enables total revitalization",
"slug": "village-basketball-court-to-take-shape-after-75-000-state-grant-enables-total-revitalization",
"post_date": "2021-12-24 21:25",
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"content": "<p>Organizers of the Northport Cow Harbor Basketball Court received a big boost from a New York State grant earlier this week, funds that could have kids playing on the new (and drastically improved) basketball court by fall.</p><p>At the Tuesday, December 21 Northport Village Board meeting, the Incorporated Village of Northport, in collaboration with New York State Senator James Gaughran, announced the procurement of a $75,000 State and Municipal Facilities (SAM) grant, enabling the Village to begin reconstruction of the court.</p><p>Located in Cow Harbor Park on Woodbine Avenue, the community court had fallen into a state of disrepair over the years. This past summer, members of the Northport High School 1995 Long Island Champion Boys Basketball team spearheaded a campaign to revitalize their old stomping ground. On July 6, the team’s starting lineup – Doug Trani, Greg Dunne, Rob Sanicola, Tom Radman, and Chris Wiebke – presented their plan to Village board members; the plan has continued gaining momentum ever since.</p><p>A GoFundMe page established in early August with the help of the Eatons Neck Youth Club has raised over $15,000 more than its original goal. “We are incredibly grateful to the 228 donors who have to date contributed over $66,000 to refurbish the Northport Cow Harbor Basketball Court over the last four months,” said Doug, a Northport resident who along with his former teammates have persisted in making the new court a reality. “The NY State and Municipal Facilities grant… assures the ability to construct a beautiful space the community can celebrate. My teammates and I are honored to give back to a community that supported us in our youth.”</p><p>Renovation plans include two new commercial-grade tempered glass backboards, state-of-the-art rims and poles, and a completely refinished and repainted surface with court markings. A concept plan shared by Northport Village officials also indicates the incorporation of native plants in the surrounding area, a new 4-foot aluminum fence, and a new paver walkway with a stone seat wall.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/cow-harbor-park-concept-plan-12-8-21-final.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>The Cow Harbor Park concept plan, as released by Northport Village this past week.</p></figcaption></figure>\n<p>“With the help of NY State Senator Gaughran and his office, this project will be fully funded and will go from a dream on paper to reality for our community,” said Village Trustee Dave Weber.</p><p>“I look forward to working with Trustee Weber and the Village Board in making this project a reality,” said Senator Gaughran. “It is my hope that community children will find this an inviting and safe space while enjoying the beautiful surroundings Northport Village parks have to offer.”</p><p>When the court is complete, it will be dedicated in honor of John Kennedy, lifelong Northport and East Northport resident, father of four and “personification of the good qualities we would all want our kids to learn from sports,” said members of the 1995 championship team. A youth basketball coach, mentor, and player, John played a vital role in the on-the-court upbringing of the basketball players, dedicating his time not only to basketball, but to charity work around town as well.</p><p>Doug and his fellow Northport High School alumni have recently been working with professionals on the design and execution of the new courts. They hope to break ground in spring of 2022 with a goal of kids playing on the court by fall, he said.</p><p>It is estimated that the revitalization project, once finalized, will cost approximately $150,000. Community members and project supporters can donate to the basketball court fund <a href=\"https://www.gofundme.com/f/downtown-northport-basketball-court-revitalization\">here</a>. “We plan to recognize all who have made a donation to the basketball court project,” said Doug; any leftover funds after the project is completed will go toward the ongoing maintenance of the court.</p>",
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"title": "“Disturbing trend” continues as threats to high school, hateful messages shared in chat room",
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"post_date": "2021-12-22 00:00",
"category": "Schools",
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"content": "<p>A violent threat against Northport High School, made in a gaming chat room by Northport High School students, was reported to the community by Superintendent of Schools Robert Banzer this past weekend, just days after a viral TikTok challenge threatening violence at schools caused concern nationally and locally.</p><p>Both the TikTok and chat room threats were investigated by local police and deemed non-credible.</p><p>“Late yesterday evening, high school administration was made aware that unidentified students participating in a gaming chat room made a violent threat against Northport High School, which they claimed would take place on December 23rd,” Mr. Banzer wrote in a December 18 email. The email came just two days after the superintendent addressed “several disturbing Tik Tok posts” threatening schools – part of a nationwide TikTok challenge – in an email to the Northport-East Northport community.</p><p>Disturbing racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic videos were also posted in the chat, Mr. Banzer said of the December 17 incident.</p><p>“Once again, I am extremely disappointed to be sharing a letter such as this. Not only are threats against our school community completely unacceptable, but the racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic messages are beyond deplorable and will not be tolerated,” he wrote.</p><p>According to the email, district officials contacted the Suffolk County Police Department immediately after learning of the threat and the videos. The individuals involved were identified and “will be subjected to discipline according to the Code of Conduct, effective immediately,” said Mr. Banzer.</p><p>Last month, the district launched the “Safe School Helpline,” a 24/7, anonymous helpline for students, staff or parents to report information about situations that might affect safety in the district, from depression and violence to illegal activity. District officials could not confirm, however, whether this most recent threat was reported through the helpline or via another channel.</p><p>“To help protect the identity of the individuals who brought the information forward regarding the non-credible threat, we cannot provide further information about how it was reported or the details of the investigation,” said Mr. Banzer in an emailed response to the Journal.</p><p>Mr. Banzer thanked the Suffolk County Police Department, district security, high school administration and the individuals who reported the chat room incident for their cooperation and hard work to ensure that there was no credible threat.</p><p>When asked about the repercussions the now identified students might face, Mr. Banzer said: “Depending on the seriousness of an incident involving a student, violations of the Code of Conduct can range from a verbal warning to a long term suspension.</p><p>“In addition to holding those involved accountable and issuing an appropriate consequence, we want any students who engage in this type of behavior to realize the seriousness of their actions and the impact and hurt it causes others so that it doesn’t happen again.”</p><p>In his December 18 email, Mr. Banzer strongly urged families to speak to their children about these most recent matters “and help us put an end to this disturbing trend.”</p>",
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"title": "Chromebooks set to come home in the event district or individual schools go remote",
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"post_date": "2021-12-22 00:00",
"category": "Schools",
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"content": "<p>A rise in Covid-19 cases both nationally and in the community has got school district officials thinking proactively and today, December 23, they’ll be sending all students home with their Chromebooks in the case that the district is forced to go remote after holiday recess.</p><p>Long Island currently has the highest Covid-19 infection rate in New York State, according to data from the New York State Department of Health. “While the rise in cases certainly presents a challenge, we remain hopeful that we can keep students learning in-person for both their academic and social-emotional wellbeing,” said Superintendent of Schools Robert Banzer when asked by the Journal if the district had plans to alter in-person learning before or after the break.</p><p>“At this time, the district does not intend to proactively go remote; however, we will be prepared in the event that we are forced to go remote either due to an inability to properly staff one or more buildings, or any state mandates,” he continued.</p><p>Mr. Banzer shared an email with the school community regarding the proactive Chromebook measure on December 21, stating that although it is not the current plan, the district would be “fully prepared to have students attend all classes remotely with minimal disruption” should the district or an individual school have to go remote.</p><p>“Once again, there is not currently a plan to go remote following the break; however, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that no matter what the next two weeks may hold, our students are able to continue learning,” Mr. Banzer added.</p>",
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"caption": "Northport-East Northport school district students will be sent home with their Chromebooks today, in the case that the district is forced to go remote after holiday recess."
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"title": "Owners of longstanding community bike shop Adams Cyclery set to retire this month",
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"post_date": "2021-12-17 00:00",
"category": "Business",
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"content": "<p>Denise and Chuck Adams of Adams Cyclery in East Northport have announced their retirement.</p><p>Adam’s Cyclery ranks with fellow landmark businesses Fred’s Carpet, Beckman’s Florist and Karp’s Hardware as some of the oldest businesses on Larkfield Road.</p><p>“Since we first opened our doors over 72 years ago, we have found success in East Northport, by always putting our customers first, sharing our love of riding, and welcoming everyone who visits us, whether they are an experienced mountain biker, a first-time roadie, or a family with children,” the couple said in a December 17 email to customers. “After a great deal of consideration, we have decided that the time has come to retire. We are very excited to be starting this next chapter, and spending much more time with our family and friends!”</p><p>Chuck celebrated his family’s 70 years in business with a store renovation in 2019, and back in June told the <i>Northport Journal</i> that he counts himself as “very blessed” to be one of the businesses to survive the pandemic, thanks to a bike boom no doubt brought on by social distancing and an uptick in outdoor activities. 2020 was a record year for the store, Chuck said, with sales earlier this year showing no signs of slowing down.</p><p>In today's announcement, the Adams said they would be partnering with Trek Bicycle, who “will take what we have created here at Adams Cyclery, and build on it, continuing to serve our community in bigger and better ways, while always sticking to the same core principles of treating our customers like family and delivering outstanding customer service,” the email read.</p><p>“We are confident Trek Bicycle will immediately become a central support network for all the cyclists in our community. While there will be some changes, we hope you find them as exciting as we do, and know we are leaving you in very good hands.”</p><p>Adams Cyclery will be closed from Christmas to the early part of January for the transition to occur, with a new team welcoming customers back in January.</p>",
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"caption": "Denise and Chuck Adams of Adams Cyclery in East Northport have announced their retirement. 2019 photo via Facebook."
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{
"title": "TikTok challenge causes concern nationally and locally; threats deemed “non-credible”",
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"post_date": "2021-12-17 00:00",
"category": "Schools",
"authors": [
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"content": "<p>A nationwide TikTok “challenge” gone viral has caused concern among school employees, parents and students this week, as today, December 17, has been labeled “National Shoot Up Your School Day” on the social media platform popular with young people. The videos on TikTok are said to warn of school shootings and bomb threats.</p><p>In an email to the community sent yesterday, December 16, Superintendent of Schools Robert Banzer reiterated reports from Suffolk County officials that there were no credible threats to local schools, including to the Northport-East Northport School district, said Banzer.</p><p>“Districts across the country, including on Long Island, have been made aware of several disturbing Tik Tok posts threatening schools,” he wrote. “These threats have been thoroughly investigated both nationally and locally and were found to be non-credible. Most importantly, we are in contact with the Suffolk County Police Department and there is no specific threat against our district.”</p><p>A small police presence was spotted at Northport High School Friday morning and approaching the afternoon, while drop-offs at the elementary schools seemed routine. It was noted on social media however, that some parents chose to keep their children home out of an abundance of caution.</p><p>According to the <a href=\"https://www.chds.us/ssdb/\">Center for Homeland Defense and Security,</a> there have been 222 school shootings in 2021, which is over double the amount of shootings from 2019 and the worst year on record.</p>",
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"title": "Two major decisions made at Huntington Town Board meeting: “Yes” to Matinecock Court and “No” to cannabis sales",
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"post_date": "2021-12-16 00:00",
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"content": "<p>It was another very long Huntington Town Board meeting, with dozens of speakers coming to the podium to express their approval for the Matinecock Court development slated to be built at the corner of Elwood and Pulaski Roads.</p><p>Over two hours into Tuesday's 2pm meeting, after recognizing that the forty remaining residents yet to speak were in favor of passing the new limited equity structure for the development, and that no one else opposed the proposed model, Supervisor Chad Lupinacci moved forward with calling the vote.</p><p>The Matinecock Court development was originally approved as a mix of 70 rental units and 76 condominiums, affordable to household incomes between $47,000 and $95,000. In May of this year, developer Peter Florey of D&F Development Group proposed that all units be merged into limited equity cooperatives, instead of the previous mix of rentals and ownership.</p><p>Councilwoman Joan Cergol read the resolution as the sponsor and Councilman Mark Cuthberton seconded it. Then Councilman Ed Smyth spoke, saying that he disagrees with the new structure and doesn’t believe that limited equity is equity at all, it’s actually a “rental project.” He said that this resolution “eliminates affordable home ownership” and noted that the final resolution on this matter was emailed to the board just two hours before the meeting began, which is “no way to govern,” according to the councilman.</p><p>On the motion, Councilwoman Cergol said, “If we keep doing what we’re doing, we are going to keep getting what we’re getting – no shovel in the ground. It’s time to move this forward.” The resolution was adopted 4-1 and after the vote, residents in the audience rose in applause, many shaking hands and offering congratulations.</p><p>The board also voted to opt out of allowing cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption establishments within the Town of Huntington at Tuesday’s meeting. The 5-0 vote was done prior to the December 31 deadline set in place by the state as part of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. Under the bill, each city, town and village is responsible for making a decision about cannabis sales for its jurisdiction.</p><p>Councilman Mark Cuthberton noted after his vote that he didn’t agree with the state making each municipality decide on the measure. He also said that by opting out now, the future board will be able to opt in at a later time, if desired. This is the “wait and see” approach that many towns and villages across Long Island will be taking as adult-use dispensaries and establishments begin to open next year.</p><p>During the brief discussion on the vote, Supervisor Lupinacci reminded the public that adults are still permitted to grow their own cannabis plants at home, with three mature and three immature plants per person being allowed under the law. Delivery services will also be permitted within the Town of Huntington, even after the board opted out.</p>",
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"caption": "The Huntington Town Board voted 4-1 in favor of the new limited equity structure for Matinecock Court, an affordable housing development being built at the corner of Pulaski Road and Elwood Road. Image via Google Earth."
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"title": "Elementary school students raise over $1,000 to purchase gifts for families in need",
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"post_date": "2021-12-14 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Fifth Avenue Elementary School students helped brighten the holiday season for families in need this past month, raising over $1,000 to purchase gifts for numerous families, thanks to an initiative led by the school’s SHARE and Student Leadership Club.</p><p>In November, students in each grade were given a paper gift to color at home, as well as asked to do a chore to earn money to donate to the school’s Holiday Gift Giving Program. Once they completed the chore, the students colored the paper gift, and attached to it their donation to the program. By the second week in December, the staff, students, and families of Fifth Avenue raised more than $1,100 to purchase gifts for families in need.</p><p>On Friday, December 10, students in SHARE and Student Leadership Club took a trip to Target to purchase gifts. The children worked in groups to brainstorm ideas, compromise about gift decisions, and stick to their budgets. The students were able to purchase several exciting presents for the families in need.</p>",
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"caption": "Fifth Avenue Elementary School students celebrated a successful trip to purchase gifts for families in need. Photo courtesy of the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District."
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"title": "Letter: Michael Bento announces run for Northport Village Trustee",
"slug": "letter-michael-bento-announces-run-for-northport-village-trustee",
"post_date": "2021-12-12 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Dear Editor,</p><p>Today [December 10] I am announcing that I am running in the March 15, 2022 election to become a Northport Village Trustee. It’s a job I take seriously because our village needs a reliable, honest, and hard-working elected official to make sure that our precious quality of life is protected now and for future generations. The last thing we need on our board is someone who bends the rules just to profit themselves. I will bring integrity, honesty, and competency to this important role.</p><p>For my neighbors who haven’t met me yet, let me introduce myself. Born on Long Island in 1989, I spent the best summers of my life here at my grandparents’ house. In 2018 when I married my wife Victoria, we wanted to move to Northport because we know it’s a great place to raise a family.</p><p>I want to bring my experience working in the Investment Banking sector to make sure our hard-working taxpayers get what they pay for. I have a unique talent for finding value and coming up with forward-thinking investments. Considering the State of New York is expected to receive $26.9 Billion from the Federal Infrastructure Bill, we know our village will need to depend on someone with the fiduciary talents I have to make sure that Northport gets our fair share of that important allocation.</p><p>As Northport Village Trustee, I will look for ways to lower costs and increase revenues without sacrificing the high quality of life we expect here. I will make sure that our public employees, including our fantastic police force and volunteer firefighters, can do their jobs without fear or favor.</p><p>I promise to do all I can to protect our environment and ensure that we leave it in better shape than ever before. Let’s make the Village go green. With the new infrastructure money, let’s finally fix the serious flooding problem on Main Street. We can restore our harbor, so people don’t have to worry about getting sick from the fish they catch off the dock downtown. Let’s upgrade the streetlamps in our Village with cost-effective LED bulbs while becoming a vital partner in Huntington’s Dark Sky regulations and give our residents a beautiful canopy of stars after sunset. And let’s finally expand the sewer system to enable many more homeowners to stop their properties from leeching nitrates into our surrounding waters.</p><p>If you honor me with your vote on March 15, 2022, I will fight every day to keep our property taxes low, to make sure we get the services we count on, and to provide a fantastic future for generations to come.</p><p>I look forward to meeting every one of you. And if you see me walking in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to say hello and share your concerns. After all, I want to be your voice on the Northport Village Board of Trustees. That’s why I have entered this race.</p><p>Michael Bento<br />Northport Village</p>",
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"title": "Cherished ballet gets a local twist with Posey’s production of the Northport Nutcracker",
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"post_date": "2021-12-11 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Elsa Posey was just 13 years old when she began teaching classes at the Northport Village dance school she opened in 1953. This weekend, the semi-retired founder and current artistic director of Posey School of Dance celebrates her seventh annual production of the “Northport Nutcracker Ballet,” a special version of the traditional ballet adapted to highlight the Northport Village community.</p><p>But the Nutcracker wasn’t always part of Mrs. Posey’s curriculum.</p><p>“Mrs. Posey had it with the Nutcracker when I first met her. She wanted nothing to do with it,” said Kimberly Wager, who has been with Posey School for 15 years and is now its director, as well as one of the school’s ballet teachers. With some convincing from Kim, however – and a sign from Mother Nature – Mrs. Posey had a change of heart. She describes the moment it all came together in this year’s ballet program:</p><p><i>When Kimberly Wager and I decided to produce a “Nutcracker Ballet” for Posey Dance Repertory Company, we knew we wanted the traditional ballet as performed in the late 1800s in Russia, and recreated by George Balanchine for the New York City Ballet in 1952-3. We also knew that we wanted something special, something that would make our “Nutcracker” special.</i></p><p><i>Then it snowed. If you have been in Northport Village when it snows you’ll know what I mean when I say it inspired me to do a “Northport Nutcracker.” The Victorian homes on Main Street slowly turned white, the gazebo in the Village Park under snowfall – that is where I wanted our Snowflakes to waltz!</i></p><p>Mrs. Posey and Kim consulted with the Northport Historical Society to find the names of families living on Main Street in 1893, the year the building at 57 Main Street, where Posey School still operates today, was built. The ballet takes place at the home of the Sammis family on Main Street, and its first scene is set in a beautiful snowstorm as the Villagers begin to celebrate the holiday with their families.</p><p>Every year the production gets a little bigger, and better, said Kim.</p><p>“We couldn’t spend a lot of money [that first year] because we didn’t have it, so we did whatever we could and we just kept building it year by year,” she said. “Now we have the professional sets and scenery and costumes. We try to get better every year.”</p><p>Posey School of Dance focuses primarily on ballet, though there are classes for jazz, tap, modern, and contemporary dance as well. All of the dancers in the Northport Nutcracker are members of Posey’s school community who auditioned for the Posey Dance Company of Northport (the nonprofit that organizes and runs the Northport Nutcracker Ballet) production.</p><p>“We don’t hire the professionals because our dancers are so close to looking like professionals,” said Kim. She describes Posey as an education-based school and says that, in addition to the school’s philosophy, students also learn dance history, choreography, composition<i> and</i> technique. This kind of “full dance education” is similar to what students would find in higher education, Kim said, and the lack of recitals is a welcomed feature of the school.</p><p>Not every student in the school is a member of the Posey Dance Company of Northport, but you must be a school member to take part in the school’s productions. There is no pressure to perform in a production, but a commitment to dance is strongly encouraged; most Posey dancers practice on site three to five days per week.</p><p>With a background in dance education from NYU, Kim specializes in, and teaches, the Cecchetti system of dance at the school. She’s also in charge of all of the dance company’s productions and has been with some students since they first joined Posey at three years old. She says Mrs. Posey and the students are like family, and likes to emphasize the importance of a well-rounded dance education. “We try to keep everybody learning,” she said. “It’s the process, not just the product.”</p><p>Many students take part in outreach events and performances in the community, and some are accepted into the school honor society, with the requirement of maintaining good grades and being exemplary students outside of Posey, too.</p><p>This weekend’s production of the Northport Nutcracker will take place at Northport Middle School, as it has every year of its seven-year run, save last, when Covid required an outdoor performance at the Vanderbilt Museum. The sold-out event is made possible not just by the teachers and students, but a tirelessly supportive group of parents who volunteer, organize and help fundraise for the event. A lot of time, money and heart go into making sure the show stays true to Mrs. Posey’s original vision of a historic Northport, and the school’s standard of always improving.</p><p>“We like to imagine it is back in time in Northport with those families,” said Kim. “I think it makes everyone in Northport feel special. This is about us. This is our tradition. This is our Nutcracker. It’s not just the Nutcracker, it’s the Northport Nutcracker.”</p><p><b><i>Want to help keep the tradition alive? Tax-deductible donations can be made by check to “Posey Dance Company of Northport” and mailed to Posey School of Dance, 57 Main Street, Northport, NY 11768. All money raised goes directly back to funding this and future productions.</i></b></p><p><b><i>Speaking of future: Posey’s next performance, coming this spring, will be Alice in Wonderland. With all new choreography, it will be the school’s first time producing this show. Auditions begin January 8, 2022.</i></b></p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/posey-nutcracker-slideshow1.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>The Posey Dance Company of Northport, pictured here at dress rehearsals, puts on its sold-out production of a “Northport Nutcracker” this weekend. The show, in its seventh year, is adapted to highlight the Northport Village community. All photos by Janette Pellegrini.</p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/posey-nutcracker-slideshow4.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">The Posey Dance Company of Northport, pictured here at dress rehearsals, puts on its sold-out production of a “Northport Nutcracker” this weekend. The show, in its seventh year, is adapted to highlight the Northport Village community. All photos by Janette Pellegrini.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/posey-nutcracker-slideshow4.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">The Posey Dance Company of Northport, pictured here at dress rehearsals, puts on its sold-out production of a “Northport Nutcracker” this weekend. The show, in its seventh year, is adapted to highlight the Northport Village community. All photos by Janette Pellegrini.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/posey-nutcracker-slideshow4.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">The Posey Dance Company of Northport, pictured here at dress rehearsals, puts on its sold-out production of a “Northport Nutcracker” this weekend. The show, in its seventh year, is adapted to highlight the Northport Village community. All photos by Janette Pellegrini.</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "The Posey Dance Company of Northport, pictured here at dress rehearsals, puts on its sold-out production of a “Northport Nutcracker” this weekend. The show, in its seventh year, is adapted to highlight the Northport Village community. All photos by Janette Pellegrini."
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{
"title": "Small business spotlight: Nest on Main",
"slug": "small-business-spotlight-nest-on-main",
"post_date": "2021-12-10 00:00",
"category": "Business",
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"content": "<p>When Donna Moschella speaks about the origins of Nest on Main, she gets a little emotional. Her one-of-a-kind home marketplace is a platform for small businesses, a brick-and-mortar space that allows local artisans to showcase their work in a creative, supportive and engaging environment. “That’s what Nest is. Before I even opened, that was my thought,” said Donna. “I wanted to have a place, because Northport is filled – and all of Long Island – with so many talented people.”</p><p>When Donna first moved to Northport about a decade ago, she joined and volunteered in local groups to meet people. As a member of the board of directors at the Northport Historical Society, Donna said, she worked with wonderfully creative people while helping to plan events.</p><p>Donna was running a medical billing business at the time (and for 18 years prior to her most recent calling). “I was done,” she recalled. But she wasn’t ready to retire. “I said ‘This can’t be the last thing I do.’ I wanted to do something creative.”</p><p>A friend who recognized Donna’s knack for interior design suggested she open a “small home decor place.” Despite her limited experience, the more Donna talked to people, the more the idea materialized. And then the space at 135 Main Street – far from small – became available.</p><p>“I get emotional thinking about it because it was so serendipitous,” she said, choking up a little. “It came together on a wing and a prayer. I think if I had actually planned out a business model the way that I should have, I don't know if I would have had the courage to do this.”</p><p>Nest on Main was born in 2017. At the time, 10 vendors had their work in the store. Donna now showcases over 60 small businesses within the Nest, all local Long Islanders who rent space there or offer their work on a commission basis. “We try to find space for everything that fits,” said Donna. “It’s the most collaborative environment, given how many people and moving parts there are. It’s been an amazing experience. Everyone supports one another.”</p><p>While Donna occasionally solicits vendors, most of the artisans displayed in the Nest come via recommendation and word of mouth, and quickly form burgeoning relationships. The symbiosis, cohesion and overall business philosophy is evident in the store, and its schedule. The Nest hosts community workshops and pop-ups that bring attention to small businesses throughout the year, and for the first time this year is holding a holiday market for four consecutive weekends both inside the Nest and on its back patio.</p><p>“We wanted to make it in the spirit of the way they do the holiday markets in the city and in Europe,” Donna said. While she hopes that the Village will eventually follow suit and incorporate a market-like shopping event for the holidays on Main Street, “I thought it would be nice to start it in a small way here,” she said.</p><p>The holiday market runs every Saturday in December and brings an additional eight to ten rotating vendors into and outside of the market, selling everything from desserts to greetings cards, cheese, driftwood planters, succulents, and clothing for kids. Donna learns from each week that passes and is now incorporating music, demonstrations and free treats to entice shoppers to see all the market has to offer.</p><p>Nest on Main hosts its third of four holiday markets at 135 Main Street this Saturday, December 11, from 10:30am to 4pm, and its final holiday market on December 18. For more information, including Nest’s extensive schedule of workshops and other events, visit <a href=\"http://www.nestonmainmarket.com\">www.nestonmainmarket.com</a>.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/nestslideshow1.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><a href=\"https://jenniferscullydesigns.com/shop/\" target=\"_blank\">Jennifer Scully Designs</a><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">’ line of “home decor with a conscience,” is ethically sourced, sustainable and vegan.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/nestonmainslideshow2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Various items from </span><a href=\"https://www.sunkenorchardceramics.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sunken Orchard Ceramics</a><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\"> are on display throughout the store.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/nestonmainslideshow3.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">An eclectic collection of work from over 60 talented local artisans on display at Nest on Main.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/nestslideshow6.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">“Electrified” serving trays by </span><a href=\"https://weingartenwoodworks.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Weingarten Woodworks</a><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/nestonmainslideshow4.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">An eclectic collection of work from over 60 talented local artisans on display at Nest on Main.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/nestonmainslideshow5.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Goat milk bodycare brand, </span><a href=\"https://beekman1802.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Beekman 1802</a><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">.</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"title": "Middle school playgrounds designed to give a new and active outlet to students in grades 5-8",
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"post_date": "2021-12-08 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Playgrounds recently installed at both Northport Middle School and East Northport Middle School will be ready for students to use this week and may be used by all students in the buildings, grades 5-8, confirmed school officials yesterday afternoon.</p><p>According to the district, the playgrounds provide various opportunities for students to play and will include gathering tables, obstacle courses, a climbing structure, adaptive gaga pit and a serenity spot, which is designed to support students with special needs or sensory processing differences that may need a space to play freely without the excessive noise and movement typically found on a playground.</p><p>The choice of equipment was done in consultation with students from both middle schools “to ensure that the playgrounds would meet the needs and wants of those who would be using them,” said district officials.</p><p>The new playgrounds are set apart from the playgrounds found at the elementary school level, as they include more challenging climbing structures, obstacles, and an increasingly popular playground feature: the gaga pit. (Gaga ball is a fast-paced variation on dodgeball in which individual players direct the ball with an open or closed hand near the ground rather than catching and throwing it.)</p><p>District parents began advocating for playgrounds at the middle schools once it was decided via a board of education vote earlier this year that the district would close two out of six of its elementary schools and move to a K-4, 5-8 and 9-12 model as part of its reorganization. Funding of the playgrounds was worked into the district’s revised budget, which passed on June 15; the original budget failed in its first attempt in May.</p>",
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"caption": "Playground installation nears completion at East Northport Middle School. New playgrounds at both Northport Middle School and East Northport Middle School will be ready for students to use this week, said district officials. Photo courtesy NENUFSD."
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"title": "Northport Village Board opts out of cannabis sales",
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"post_date": "2021-12-08 00:00",
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"content": "<p>The Northport Village Board voted to opt out of allowing cannabis dispensaries or on-site consumption establishments within their jurisdiction at last night’s board meeting. The decision comes as no surprise, as the three trustees and mayor had already voiced their opinions on the matter, before residents spoke at the Village’s two public hearings in November.</p><p>Trustee Dave Weber, who recently announced that he’ll be running for mayor in the March 2022 election, said at the November 16 public hearing, that “one of the ways to protect our residents is to give them safe ways to purchase legal marijuana.” But he decided to vote to opt out because the state hasn’t “established enough regulations” and “the prudent decision would be to wait and see what happens in the other towns.”</p><p>Trustee Tom Kehoe said from early on in the discussion that he’s opposed to allowing cannabis dispensaries in the Village, and voiced concern about “the children and grandchildren” who live here. Just because the state voted for cannabis legalization, “doesn’t make it right,” he noted.</p><p>Last night, Trustee Ian Milligan explained that there are a “lot of unknowns” regarding cannabis sales and the Village should “take a step back and not be the trailblazers.”</p><p>Although the board officially opted out last night, they can still “opt back in” at a later date, if they so choose. The future of cannabis in the Village depends heavily on the March election and who will be filling the seats for all four trustees and the mayor. Mayoral candidate Donna Koch thanked the board for opting out at last night’s meeting and noted in a letter to the editor published in <i>The Observer</i> that if she were elected in 2022, the board would stay opted out.</p><p>Two candidates for trustee, Jim Izzo and Joe Sabia, voiced their opinions on the issue during the Village’s public hearings as well. At the November 3 hearing, Izzo questioned the financial benefits of opting in. He said that if the impetus is financial, “we don’t know the numbers yet” and that adult-use cannabis sales “sound like it’s going to cost us $5 to make $2” because of the potential need for additional paramedics and police officers. He also spoke about a dispensary degrading property values in the area. But Izzo noted that this decision should be part of a public referendum in March so that residents can vote on it themselves.</p><p>At the same hearing, Sabia said that he is “anti drugs” and opting in would “tie our police officers’ hands” because they’d be using their time enforcing driving under the influence laws. He said that we don’t need the “clientele that’s going to come here, smoking marijuana.”</p><p>As of now, the Towns of Babylon, Brookhaven and Riverhead have voted to opt in, and leaders at Shinecock Nation in Southampton voted in September to allow for the sale and growth of adult-use cannabis on their land.</p><p>The Huntington Town Board is set to vote on the matter at this coming Tuesday’s 2pm meeting. The overall tone of the Huntington public hearing on local cannabis sales was noticeably different than that of Northport Village. Many more participants spoke in favor of allowing sales of regulated and taxed cannabis within the town. The Huntington board, however, has been silent on their intentions to opt in or out.</p>",
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"title": "Letter: Free holiday concert full of big band music for all",
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"post_date": "2021-12-07 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Dear Editor,</p><p>The Northport Community Band is thrilled to once again present a LIVE Holiday Concert, this year joining forces with the Northport Community Jazz Orchestra (NCJO) Big Band, on Friday, December 10 at 8pm in the Robert W. Krueger Center for the Performing Arts at Northport High School. The NCJO Big Band will be swinging the sounds of the season starting at 8, featuring guest vocalist Tanya Vassallo, and will then join the Community Band for the remainder of the program. Traditional favorites such as Leroy Anderson's <i>Sleigh Ride</i> and <i>A Christmas Festival</i> will be performed, along with traditional Hanukkah songs and other seasonal surprises.</p><p>Admission is free, but as always, "Bring a Can to the Concert" (or other non-perishable food donation) for Long Island Cares. Our loyal audience is requested to wear masks and observe social distancing, and those who prefer to enjoy from home can see the livestream at <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/NCB1959\">www.facebook.com/NCB1959</a>.</p><p>Wishing a peaceful, joyful holiday season full of music for all.</p><p>Don Sherman<br />Director, Northport Community Band</p>",
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"caption": "Members of the Northport Community Band, seen here in a July 2021 performance in Northport High School's Robert W. Krueger Center for the Performing Arts."
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"title": "Small business spotlight: Einstein’s Attic",
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"post_date": "2021-12-06 00:00",
"category": "Business",
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"content": "<p>It’s the final stretch of the year, what’s referred to as “quarter four” in retail. And this year, it started earlier than ever as supply chain and staffing issues necessitated some serious foresight. It’s a good thing Lori Badanes, owner of neighborhood toy store Einstein’s Attic, is a planner.</p><p>Lori began placing her holiday stock orders as early as July, and her timing was spot on; as of October 1, no new orders were being accepted by her vendors and suppliers, she said.</p><p>“I never leave any deliveries to quarter four because if they cancel them, you just don’t get them in,” she said. “It’s just ingrained in me, to get it early, and we really did.” Einstein’s Attic receives 100 boxes of merchandise a week, shipments that remained steady enough to fill her store with gift ideas for kids of all ages well into 2022.</p><p>With a background in developmental psychology, Lori chooses to stock hands-on toys that have real “play power,” she said. Yes, there are pizza-shaped inflatable mattresses for sale, and other “just for fun” options, but as the store’s sole curator, Lori focuses most of her energy on items like robotics and the highly in-demand “Rainbow Bagel Making Kit” by Farm Steady, which gets kids experimenting in the kitchen.</p><p>“Unless I see how your children are going to play with it and what’s going to happen with it, I just can’t buy it,” she said.</p><p>The pandemic, while challenging for so many small businesses, also pushed Einstein’s into a world of online convenience; the store now offers local delivery and ships wrapped gifts anywhere in the United States. Customers can shop online, or make wish lists to share with family and friends near and far.</p><p>More than anything, Einstein’s is a labor of love, said Lori, who likes to participate in community events, toy drives and other fundraisers throughout the year.</p><p>“My biggest joy is having the platform to help all of our community,” she said. “I’m just really thankful for the whole store. And I’m so thankful for everyone that supports us.”</p><p>Einstein’s Attic is located at 79 Main Street in Northport and is open from 10am to 6pm, every day. Shop online at<a href=\"https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopeinsteinsattic.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2O0r8QOU-e0j8Ua_rQ1e-DChQ8Q9Slo8qAT85HHkvi1hqJmU1l7Gomu4c&h=AT01wiZLiYJSJ4061lqzNVSoWFBho5BY7spOaAQVBL24Gb0XvcbXT89JjgWGperf1eRdcXtu3aodFl-akhYXSZRawk7o2bmBFs-rnqi7l643HX5uKHaS5uC7Vi8yUR8aRbKHD2-mUw&__tn__=-UK-y-R&c%5B0%5D=AT21YobeQrjpPgBFiJJ4Irn8BVG4uWpagtRWoKcW-GFxHbEa-MdQ0jagAoh3fwI_8Bbxw2xMzdiCzHvoypgFBk-xT15xRerXiZ4OeaLvI3n-222HvuhTwBhJ5DARq-ZHF9aD56Gv7WDDo4clqVPL25ZZct79FrisGH2rbJe6s0Mjo_3Y_oPqgSFjMLgbwYulEmK3x_ahE2mP0pambG5Te5YLd8L6GgwsnCKT0qBIvv2sAa4\"> </a><a href=\"http://www.shopeinsteinsattic.com\">www.shopeinsteinsattic.com</a>.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/einsteins2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">More fully stocked shelves at Einstein’s.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/einsteins2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Books paired and packaged with their main characters (in stuffie form) are a popular choice.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/einsteins3.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">A wide selection of Jellycat and other stuffed animals.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/einsteins4.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">A section for the youngest learners includes this popular activity cart for 12+ months.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/einsteins5.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Jabber Bot, a remote control talking robot.</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "Main Street toy store Einstein’s Attic was fully stocked long before the holidays."
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"title": "A “taste of history” for the holidays: Isabelle Quinlan’s gingerbread cookie recipe",
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"post_date": "2021-12-05 00:00",
"category": "People",
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"guestAuthor": "Terry Reid",
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"content": "<p>Isabelle Mary Dann was born in 1857 in Roscrea (County Tipperary), Ireland to Quaker parents, Isaac and Mary. When Isabelle fell in love with Cornelius Quinlan, the Catholic boy who lived across the street, her parents forbid them from marrying. So the couple eloped and ran away to America in 1881 with only $28 in their pockets. They first went to Brooklyn to live with an uncle. Cornelius found employment working with racehorses on the August Belmont estate. He had a wonderful way with animals, and was offered a job as superintendent of Beacon Farm on Eatons Neck. Isabelle was a cook and helped manage the farm as well. The couple raised their seven children there, who also went to work on the farm.</p><p>The Quinlans lived and worked on Beacon Farm for 30 years, until they retired in 1911 to a house on Vernon Valley Road. Isabelle left behind her ledger of daily activities on Beacon Farm and contained within are many of her recipes for things such as fruit cake, buttermilk biscuits, pot roast and piano polish.</p><p>Throughout the past year, the Northport Historical Society has hosted several events which tie in with its exhibit, <i>Immigrants of Northport and East Northport</i>. On December 11, the society will be holding a Christmas cookie decorating event, using Isabelle’s gingerbread cookie recipe. Enjoy a glass of wine and snacks while decorating these special Christmas gingerbread cookies, alongside local artist JeanAnn Travers. Find out more about the event at <a href=\"http://www.northporthistorical.org\">www.northporthistorical.org</a>.</p><p>Perhaps you would like to have a taste of history and create a new tradition with your family by baking Isabelle’s cookies. Here is the recipe:</p><p>Isabelle Dann Quinlan’s Gingerbread Cookies</p><p>Heat to boiling point:</p><ul><li><p>½ cup molasses</p></li><li><p>Turn down heat to medium and add: ¼ cup sugar</p></li><li><p>3 tablespoons of butter</p></li><li><p>1 tablespoon of milk</p></li><li><p>Mix until sugar is dissolved, and keep warm.</p></li></ul><p>Sift together:</p><ul><li><p>2 cups flour</p></li><li><p>½ teaspoon of baking soda</p></li><li><p>½ teaspoon of nutmeg</p></li><li><p>½ teaspoon of cinnamon</p></li><li><p>½ teaspoon of powdered cloves</p></li><li><p>½ teaspoon of powdered ginger</p></li></ul><p>Pour a small amount of wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mix, then repeat until all ingredients are combined.</p><p>Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters in shapes of your choice. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees. Let cool, then use icing to decorate.</p><p><i>Terry Reid is curator and deputy director at the Northport Historical Society.</i></p>",
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"caption": "Isabelle and Cornelius Quinlan on Beacon Farm in Eatons Neck, circa 1900. Photo courtesy of the Northport Historical Society."
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"title": "Updates and reconstruction of two local playgrounds at or near completion",
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"post_date": "2021-12-03 00:00",
"category": "Outdoors",
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"content": "<p>Renovations, replacements and reconstructions of two East Northport playgrounds are at or near completion, with new equipment at Kew Avenue Park now available and open to the public, and work at the playground at John J. Walsh Memorial Park expected to be finished by this time next week, weather permitting.</p><p>An old piece of equipment was removed and replaced at Kew Avenue Park, on the corner of Kew Avenue and Poe Place, thanks to years of advocacy by East Northport resident Karen Steinhaus, and Environmental Open Space and Park Improvement funds approved by the Town of Huntington earlier this year.</p><p>A nearby playground reconstruction at John J. Walsh Memorial Park, adjacent to the East Northport Library, is expected to be completed next week if the weather cooperates; installation of the rubber top/color course requires it to be sunny and above 50 degrees out.</p><p>The completely reconstructed playground includes multiple slides, play panels, swings and climbers. Special inclusive elements include a rubberized surface, ramps and accessible swings. The full playground renovation also includes new fencing and, according to Town of Huntington officials, cost approximately $500,000.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/enplayground.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>Work nears completion, weather permitting, at a reconstructed playground at John J. Walsh Memorial Park in East Northport.</p></figcaption></figure>",
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"caption": "New playground equipment at Kew Avenue Park in East Northport has been installed and is open to the public."
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"title": "Small business spotlight: On a Lark",
"slug": "small-business-spotlight-on-a-lark",
"post_date": "2021-12-02 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Decades of experience in fashion and jewelry – in iconic but now closed Northport spaces Studio East and Gemport – have come together in On a Lark, a new venture on Larkfield Road looking to make fashionable clothes accessible to women of all ages.</p><p>Huntington resident Diana Bellino brings her knowledge of clothes buying and “all things retail” to On a Lark after working for 20 years at Studio East. She curates a selection of popular boutique brands at the East Northport location, including tops, sweaters, shackets (a shirt jacket), capes, and casual coordinates.</p><p>Susan Cormier, whose family owned Gemport on 25A for over 43 years, worked at Tudor Jewelers on Main Street in Northport Village before setting out on her own. She knew Diane from Studio East and the two have teamed up now, at On a Lark. A longtime gemologist, Susan has a display of jewelry at the store, but focuses mostly on custom and repair work, as well as appraisals for estates, liquidations and homeowners’ insurance.</p><p>As the ladies approach their one-year anniversary at On a Lark, they continue to grow their presence both on site and on <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/On-A-Lark-Boutique-105259951648051\">social media</a>. Diana and Susan are nurturing a sense of community by offering in-store workshops and taking part in charitable events, and love to offer a personalized shopping experience to their customers. Diana recently added some holiday glow to Larkfield Road via the shop windows, which passersby appear to appreciate, she said.</p><p>Diana shops for clothes that would appeal to women anywhere from age 20 and up; her oldest client is a stylish 92-year-old. While the store focuses on clothing, Diana carries some things on consignment, including bags and jewelry, home decor and candles. One of her most popular non-clothing items is a faux succulent plant that doubles as a diffuser.</p><p>She and Susan envision On a Lark as a place where a woman can get a top for a night out, as well as an outfit for her daughter; where you can buy a friend a gift, whether it be a sweater or a candle (or both), and take something home for yourself.</p><p>While they admittedly had a slow start acclimating to their new space, the duo are looking to gain traction as they grow their audience. “People are finding us now,” Diane said. On a Lark is located at 165 Larkfield Road, next to the Religious Goods store, in the “Natural Remedies” storefront. Just look for the pretty window display.</p><p>The store is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm, Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and on Sunday, December 12 and 19, from 12 to 4pm. They are offering 20% off sale clothing and accessories through Saturday, December 4.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/onalark1.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">A casual mix and match outfit, styled by Diana.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/onalark2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">This new top, perfect for a night out, just arrived at On a Lark.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/onalark3.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">One of On a Lark’s most popular sweaters.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/onalark4.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">A candle pairs with a jar of matches for a nice gift.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/onalark5.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">A holiday display in one of On a Lark’s windows.</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"title": "Small business spotlight: Hydrangea Home",
"slug": "small-business-spotlight-hydrangea-home",
"post_date": "2021-12-01 00:00",
"category": "Business",
"authors": [
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"content": "<p>Dawn Mohrmann began selling handcrafted home goods out of her garage in Kings Park in 1995. She called her space “Hydrangea Home” because of the many large hydrangeas she had on her property. “People used to come shopping out of the garage,” Dawn said. “I was home with the kids, so we wanted to do it there.” Her business has continued to be a family effort ever since; in 2017, she set up her first brick and mortar “down the alley” on Main Street in Northport Village and now occupies a much larger space at 67 Main Street, also in the Village.</p><p>Dawn’s husband, Fred, is in charge of building and assembling store furniture, while the couple’s four children, Taylor, Max, Jake and Sophia, all contribute to the shop’s handcrafted and unique inventory. Taylor creates macrame pieces that can be found throughout the store, Max contributes with his nature photography, Jake makes beaded bracelets and Sophia is responsible for many of the illustrations in the space. “They all have their own little side thing” in addition to their full-time jobs or school work, said Dawn.</p><p>There’s something very peaceful about shopping at Hydrangea Home, like the love that goes into curating the space is left in the air for its customers. It’s truly a creative space that’s perfect for finding a thoughtful gift. For the holiday season, Dawn is designing special gift baskets, creating unique floral arrangements and hand painting ornaments, among other creative pursuits.</p><p>Hydrangea Home is open Sunday and Monday from 11am to 5pm and Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. She’s closed on Tuesdays so that she can spend that time creating new products for the space.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/hydrangea-home-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Nothing says "home for the holidays" like the smell of a sweet candle.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/hydrangea-home-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Jewelry by Northport resident Kate Sydney is ornate and timeless.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/hydrangea-home-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Diffuser reeds are a natural way to add fragrance to your home or office.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/hydrangea-home-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">You'll find a range of handmade holiday decor at Hydrangea Home.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/hydrangea-home-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Unique leather earrings are the perfect match for a loved one with a playful style.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/hydrangea-home-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Stationary and notecards are a thoughtful gift for teachers and coworkers.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/hydrangea-home-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Hydrangea Home has handmade jewelry by several vendors, including cuff bracelets, earrings and necklaces.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/hydrangea-home-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Dawn's hand painted ornaments make a thoughtful gift for teachers, secret Santas and friends.</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"title": "Lighting of the menorah a joyous celebration in Northport Village",
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"post_date": "2021-11-30 00:00",
"category": "Village",
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"content": "<p>Rabbi Ian Silverman and Cantor Steven Walvick joined parishioners from the East Northport Jewish Center and other local supporters of the congregation for “Chanukah at the Harbor” yesterday evening, an annual tradition that celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights with song, prayer and plenty of joy.</p><p>Huntington town councilman-elect Dr. Dave Bennardo called the parishioners “family” and joined in on the festivities, which included the lighting of the menorah and a combination of traditional and cleverly parodied songs like “Greased Latkes” (sung to "Grease Lightning," words by the cantor himself).</p><p>The event ended with a slightly adapted version of Tom Lehrer’s “Hanukkah by the Sea,” sung by Cantor Walvick and Rabbi Silverman. It ended with this special added verse:</p><p>I’m trying harder in Northport Harbor<br />I’m looking out at seagulls screaming at the sea<br />I’ll do a hora by this menorah<br />As we gaze upon the twilight reverie<br />These eastern winters, they sure can freeze us<br />The snippy wind and sleet and snow can sometimes really tease us<br />But this December, this is the place for me<br />To light these bulbs of the menorah burning bright like the aurora<br />It’s a symbol of out torah and happiness in stor-a<br />For every person and every family that you see…</p><p>The East Northport Jewish Center will be hosting a Chanukah party this Sunday, December 5, at 2:30pm. The outdoor celebration, with latkes, sufganiyot, s’mores and hot cocoa, is BYOM (bring your own menorah) and will include music, dreidel games and more. Donations will be accepted. Bring family, friends and a food donation.</p>",
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"title": "Small business spotlight: Penny & Cooper",
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"post_date": "2021-11-28 00:00",
"category": "Business",
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"content": "<p>Donna and Katie Donigian just celebrated the fourth birthday of their bath, body and home store at 154 Main Street in Northport Village. The mother-daughter team reside in Eatons Neck and handcraft their own products right in the back of the store. They focus on offering natural, high quality goods, including candles, soaps, bath salts, lotions and hand washes. Their fresh scents are inspired by the ocean and all products are crafted in small batches.</p><p>For the holidays, Donna and Katie are featuring special winter scents including “fresh balsam” and “sugar plum.” They offer grab-and-go baskets made in store – a perfect gift for moms, daughters, teachers and more. This Monday, they are running a “Cyber Monday” special of 25% off all online purchases. (Use code CYBER25 at checkout.)</p><p>Penny & Cooper is open seven days a week, from 10am-6pm Monday through Saturday, and 11am-5pm on Sunday. You can shop online at <a href=\"https://www.pennyandcooper.com\">https://www.pennyandcooper.com</a>.</p><p><i>Our local businesses support the community through fundraisers, charity events and sponsorships all year long. Let’s return the love this holiday season and forgo big box retailers in favor of our neighborhood treasures. Shop small, support local now and throughout the year!</i></p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/penny-and-cooper1.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Natural and hand-made products from Penny & Cooper are made right in the back of their shop by owners Donna and Katie.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/penny-and-cooper2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Pre-made holiday gift sets are available in seasonal scents.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/penny-and-cooper3.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Bar Soap in holiday scents "fresh balsam" and "sugar plum." $7</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/penny-and-cooper4.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Historical candles make for a perfect gift for Northport lovers. $30</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/penny-and-cooper5.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Reed Diffuser in seasonal scent "fresh balsam." $26</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/penny-and-cooper6.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Northport Christmas Mug Candles make for a cozy, thoughtful gift. $24</span></p></figcaption></figure>",
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"title": "An in-depth look at Ramon’s Place, Northport High School’s very own food pantry",
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"post_date": "2021-11-26 00:00",
"category": "Schools",
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"guestAuthor": "Harrison LeBow and Nick Crafa",
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"content": "<p>In March of 2018, Northport High School student Ashleigh Basel pitched an idea for her Girl Scouts project: What if we put a food pantry in the high school? What may have at first seemed a typical community service project would soon grow into something larger than anyone ever predicted, amassing three storage closets worth of food, serving countless Northport-East Northport families, and raking in nearly $25,000 in a single year.</p><p>Soon after its creation, the food pantry was chartered under the hospice of the high school’s Key Club, a national student-led organization providing community services through volunteerism. While the Key Club organization is national, the impact of each charter is entirely local.</p><p>As an involved community resident and member of Northport High School’s Tiger Marching Band, Ashleigh knew what she wished to call her project from the get-go: Ramon’s Place Food Pantry, named after the late Ramon Guerrero, a caring father in the community and beloved photographer-in-residence of the Tiger Marching Band.</p><p>From 4 to 6:30pm every Monday night, Northport-East Northport families in need (the food pantry serves exclusively community residents) may shop around the food pantry, filling two large shopping bags with any food or cleaning items they’d like. The pantry can expect 15-30 families per week, according to Bill Slagle, Northport High School teacher and co-director of the food pantry.</p><p>The pantry acquires their food stock through multiple means, the first of which is the most gratifying: community members themselves. Since its beginning in 2018, Northport-East Northport residents have donated vast amounts to keep the pantry stocked; residents can donate knowing full well their food is going to a good cause – their neighbors.</p><p>There are some items the food pantry is always in need of, and that’s where community members come in. According to Ms. Denise Keenan, Northport High School assistant principal and co-director of the food pantry, “We are always in need of cleaning supplies, personal hygiene, personal care items, things like that, in addition to the pastas, the sauces, the cereal, the peanut butter, et cetera.”</p><p>Residents can drop off their donations to the high school’s reception anytime the school building is open, or any Monday between 3 and 6:30pm.</p><p>“One of the things I love is that the whole community is involved," said Ms. Keenan. "We have families from Fifth Avenue all the way up to Ocean Avenue who donate and who access the pantry. We are helping families across the whole district.”</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/foodpantry.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></figure>\n<p>The high school also turns to Island Harvest, Long Island’s largest hunger relief organization, for assistance with the pantry’s stock. As Mr. Slagle describes it, Island Harvest is a “pantry for pantries,” and the work Ramon’s Place Pantry does would not be possible without their generous donations and hard work. Says Mr. Slagle of Island Harvest, “Each week, I drive to Island Harvest with my van and fill it with non-perishables…. Island Harvest has been a huge godsend in helping us keep the pantry stocked.”</p><p>Yet another contributor is Key Club’s parent organization, Kiwanis. From the start, Kiwanis has been immensely helpful regarding the upkeep andpreservation of the pantry. Their assistance has been key to the organization's success; without them, Key Club would not have the time nor the budget to continue and maintain the ambitious project.</p><p>For example, the pantry is currently in need of a refrigerator and freezer to preserve donations of frozen food – Kiwanis is working in tandem with Mr. Slagle and the pantry to bring this to fruition. In fact, on November 18, Kiwanis gifted the food pantry a $1,000 check to ensure the good work they do continues well into the future. Kiwanis is “always there when we need them,” said Mr. Slagle.</p><p>Student co-chairman of the food pantry and senior Jackson Schmidt agrees. “Any single time we contemplate a fundraiser, Kiwanis is always on it…. We are so thankful for them,” he said.</p><p>The fourth and final donors who help keep the high school’s pantry alive and kicking are Northport-East Northport’s beloved local restaurants. One among them, Del Vino Vineyards, donated hot meals to the food pantry at the height of the pandemic to be given to 40 families every Monday and Thursday.</p><p>“It’s more generous than you can imagine. They never really think twice – they just give,” says Ramon’s Place co-director and Northport High School social studies teacher Courtney Clark.</p><p>Though Key Club devotes much of its time to operating Ramon’s Place, one singular after-school club is often not enough to maintain the pantry full time. In recent months, Mr. Slagle has urged other extracurriculars to get involved in the effort. These various clubs – French Club, the Class of 2025, and others – run the pantry on Monday nights when food is being distributed to families.</p><p>Even the district’s elementary and middle schools have begun to pitch in. All of this is due to the pantry’s vision of being, as Mr. Slagle puts it, “a district-wide project,” where the pantry is no longer solely operated by Northport High School’s Key Club.</p><p>This fact is slowly being proven true. On Saturday, November 13, the food pantry held four concurrent food drives scattered throughout Northport-East Northport: the National Junior Honor Society, run by high school counselor Ms. Lenore Kmiotek, held a drive in front of the school; Our Town 2000, a club which pairs high schoolers with elementary and middle school students to “foster student leadership skills,” held a drive at IGA Fort Salonga; the Class of 2023 held a similar drive at IGA Larkfield; and the high school’s Transportation Department were at Stop & Shop for their “Stuff-A-Bus” drive. At the day’s end, they had collected $470 in donations and filled the bus completely with food.</p><p>What’s more is that the food pantry has seen growth at an almost astronomical rate. Last year, the pantry received a single check for $10,000,gifted to them by a deceased donor who wished to give a portion of their will to an organization involving students and charity; Ramon’s Place Food Pantry was a perfect fit. Last year alone, Mr. Slagle estimates the Key Club “raised in the neighborhood of $25,000.”</p><p>Of the food pantry’s work, Ms. Keenan stated, “We’re helping families be families. Think about food and what brings families together. We are providing a means for families to share a meal together. It’s one of the most basic human needs, and we are providing that.”</p><p>Mr. Slagle hopes the lasting legacy of Ramon’s Place will be a positive one, one that shows the true character of Northport High School. In conversation, Mr. Slagle emphasized that he quickly became disheartened following the discovery of swastikas and other hate symbols scrawled into a Northport High School bathroom stall. He was disappointed not only in the hatred, but in the fact that the entire school system quickly became defined by the hatred. That doesn’t define us, he stressed. Ramon’s Place Food Pantry does.</p>",
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"title": "Labor of love: East Northport Christmas house is back, with major fundraising event this weekend",
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"post_date": "2021-11-25 00:00",
"category": "People",
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"Joanne Kountourakis"
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"content": "<p>It’s a tradition many families can relate to: kids in the backseat of the car, sipping hot chocolate in their pajamas, while parents navigate neighborhoods near and far in search of the best holiday displays. That radio station, the one that plays nonstop holiday music from the day before Thanksgiving until the arrival of the new year, that’s playing in the background.</p><p>This year, a well-known and well-loved local display is back, and launching on Saturday with the Tomeos’ Annual Holiday Lights Fundraiser, right here in East Northport.</p><p>James Tomeo brought the tradition from Elwood, where he grew up, to his new home in East Northport in 2015. The holiday lights display and fundraiser ran for four years, before Covid and the birth of his daughter halted the event – temporarily.</p><p>This Saturday marks the return of his East Northport Christmas House, a strenuous but rewarding endeavor that requires about 200 hours of labor, James said. He began work on the display right after Halloween, and put in most of the hours himself. (He admits to not being very good “at heights” and has a friend help him with the roof.) Four weeks of work later and the display is almost ready for viewing.</p><p>It’s a labor of love that began when James was just a kid.</p><p>When he was eight years old, James’ mom Jacki passed away from leukemia. The following year, he and his father began a festive display that honored Jacki’s love for the holidays and how they brought family together.</p><p>“It started off with snowmen and Santa on each side of a planter,” James said. “And then it evolved.” The display now consists of over 1,000 pieces; most of the decorations are blow molds, which lend a nostalgic feel to the scene. There are pieces from James’ childhood, as well as those that have been handed down from other families, many who return to see their memories brought back to life in the Tomeos’ display. James said a fair amount of the display has also been purchased, at garage sales, and around town. As the display grew, James and his dad raised funds that were donated to the Leukemia Research Foundation.</p><p>Since the move to East Northport, proceeds from the fundraiser, and any contributions made throughout the month, are donated to Cohen Children’s Medical Center. James’ wife Karissa had surgery for hydrocephalus when she was just eight months old and continues to monitor an arachnoid brain cyst to this day. In 2018, the display raised upwards of $3,000 for Cohen’s.</p><p>This year the holiday lights fundraiser will include raffle baskets and gift certificates, a photobooth with Santa as well as appearances by Mrs. Claus and Rudolph, a letter writing station, hot chocolate and a mailbox with a direct line to the North Pole.</p><p>Holiday wreaths and displays from James’ business, Seasonal Scapes LI, will also be available for purchase, with a portion of sales going toward the fundraiser. The display will be lit for the month of December; visitors can make donations at any time.</p><p>“I enjoy seeing the families come and make those memories together,” James said of the stream of cars certain to stop in front of his house for the next month. “It’s something I did as a kid.”</p><p>The East Northport Christmas House is located at 16 Mansfield Lane South in East Northport. The annual holiday lights fundraiser takes place this Saturday, November 27, from 5:30 to 8:30pm.</p><p><b><i>So what happens when it’s over?</i></b> When not in use, the lights and decorations are stored “everywhere,” said James, from a storage unit and the shed, to the attic and garage.</p>",
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"title": "Coogan’s Way: Award-winning documentary by Northport High School alum gets local air time tonight at 9pm",
"slug": "coogan-s-way-award-winning-documentary-by-northport-high-school-alum-gets-local-air-time-tonight-at-9pm",
"post_date": "2021-11-24 00:00",
"category": "People",
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"content": "<p>A journalist, documentarian, professor and 1998 Northport High School graduate, Glen Osten Anderson premiered his first feature-length documentary at the Harlem International Film Festival this past May, where it won the 2021 Audience Award. <b>View the trailer here:</b></p>\n\n<p>“Coogan’s Way” hits even closer to home tonight, Wednesday, November 24, on WLIW21, Long Island’s PBS station. “Even though I no longer live in Northport, it is kind of a big deal for me that my film is playing on my hometown PBS affiliate,” Glenn said in an email conversation with the Journal.</p><p>The film tells the story of Coogan’s Irish pub, a landmark bar and restaurant in New York City’s Washington Heights, a neighborhood that in the late 1980s and early 1990s, was considered the epicenter of America's crack cocaine epidemic. Coogan’s served as “a safe space, a political hub, a cultural center and a home-away-from-home” for a diverse community, welcoming patrons and staff of all races, religions and interests.</p><p>“Specifically, it looks at how the bar had a positive impact on the neighborhood and how the community fought hard for the pub when they faced a huge rent hike in 2018,” said Glenn.</p><p>Born in Manhattan, Glenn lived in Northport for two decades before graduating from Northport High School. He was a national champion in track in the racewalk event and said that although he didn’t study media/journalism/film while at the high school, his European history teacher, Leonard Romano, and foreign language teacher, Frances Killelea, were tremendous influences on him then, and continue to be today.</p><p>Glenn went on to get his undergrad in Hispanic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and did a research masters in European Literature at Oxford University in the UK. “I knew I wanted to go into academia, but the practical side of filmmaking/media production really called to me more than humanities research,” Glenn said.</p><p>While at the NYU Grad Film program (Tisch), Glenn began working as a freelance journalist and sports TV producer. He frequented Coogan’s for everyday events and special occasions, and said it was his favorite spot in New York City. When a drastic rent increase threatened to shut Coogan’s down, its loyal clientele fought to keep it around. And Glenn filmed it all.</p><p>But Coogan’s couldn’t survive last year, when Covid-19 began to ravage the dreams of so many small businesses. The beloved bar closed its doors on St. Patrick’s Day, 2020.</p><p>Coogan’s Way is having a great run on the film festival circuit, winning multiple audience awards and screening in New York City, Virginia, California and Australia. Glenn is back to teaching at the college level and is now in his second year at The Catholic University of America. “I love being in D.C. and working with students who are excited about non-fiction filmmaking,” he said.</p><p>You can watch Coogan’s Way tonight at 9pm on WLIW21. The film includes a cameo from Lin-Manuel Miranda and actor Jared Harris is an interviewee and does voiceover work. Newsday alum Jim Dwyer is one of the film’s anchor interviews, one of his last before he passed away.</p>",
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"caption": "Northport High School alumni and producer and director of “Coogan’s Way,” Glenn Osten Anderson (center) with, from left, cinematographer Greg McMahon, Coogan's co-owner Peter Walsh, Coogan's co-owner Tess McDade, and Coogan's co-owner Dave Hunt. Photo credit: Harlem International Film Festival"
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"title": "Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe sells 1,300 pies for 15th annual Thanksgiving fundraiser",
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"post_date": "2021-11-23 00:00",
"category": "Business",
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"content": "<p>Today was pickup day for Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe’s annual Thanksgiving pie fundraiser, which more than doubled last year’s sales. The beloved local bakery sold 1,300 pies for a fundraiser that will positively impact several local schools and organizations, including Ocean Avenue, Pulaski Road, Norwood Avenue, and Fifth Avenue elementary schools, as well as Northport High School’s Students for 60,000 and Boy Scout Troop 403, among others.</p><p>For each pie, $5 is donated to school PTAs, clubs and organizations, making this year’s donations $6,500 in total. Jessica Greenbaum, a Northport High School graduate and the current head of operations at Copenhagen, said the fundraiser started in September with her “first batch of emails.” Jessica is in charge of “everything and anything” for the fundraiser, including the paperwork (that’s a lot of orders!), communicating with customers and counting pies.</p><p>“All of the pies were baked yesterday and I was here at 5:30am, started boxing them and didn’t leave until 4pm,” Jessica explained. “And trust me, there were eight people boxing pies to get them all packed! The orders were due Friday night and I stayed up until five in the morning counting them,” she added.</p><p>Jessica, who attends Adelphi University for nursing, has been working at the bakery for six years. “Fleming [Hansen, bakery owner] has been participating in this fundraiser for as long as I can remember and is an integral part of the Northport community. He donates everything that is not sold on Thanksgiving to local food pantries and hospitals, in addition to donating leftover bread and danish every day,” she said.</p><p>This year marks Copenhagen’s fifteenth Thanksgiving pie fundraiser. Thanks to the bakery’s efforts, important community initiatives have grown a little richer this Thanksgiving, in more ways than one.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/copenhagen-bakery.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>The crew at Copenhagen enjoys the fruits of their labor today, after 1,300 pies were baked, boxed and counted.</p></figcaption></figure>",
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{
"title": "Letter: Choose a mayor that is willing to work for you, the people of the village",
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"post_date": "2021-11-23 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Dear Northport Village Residents,<br /><br />As I reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving, I can’t help but to be grateful to this village for a life well lived. One year ago, the residents of our village gave me an opportunity to serve them, an opportunity to make purposeful change to our community by electing me to sit on the Village Board as Trustee, and for that I am thankful. It is with this gratitude I hereby announce my intention to place my name on the March 15, 2022 ballot for the position of Mayor of our fine village, so that I can continue to serve the residents.<br /><br />Over this past year, I have championed for a more sustainable village. Teaming up with other organizations, I was able to continue our Aquiculture program for a healthier harbor, set plans in motion for our village-wide energy efficient LED streetlight replacement program, look for solutions to continue our sewer expansion project to all homes along the waterfront to lower nitrogen levels in the harbor, and help beautify Village Hall with native species of plants to help with runoff along Main Street while making our Village Hall more attractive. Yes, these projects have been a labor of love, but there is so much more we need to do as a community. I look forward to finding that solution to the flooding on Main Street, expanding our FLUPSY and oyster seeding program, and continuing to find ways to make Northport a more progressive, sustainable community we all can be proud of.<br /><br />Having owned and operated a local business in the village for the past 25 years has allowed me to come to this Board with the knowledge and fiscal skillset to make tough decisions daily. The decisions I’ve been making on the Board are educated, responsible, inclusive and most of all transparent. If given the opportunity to become the Mayor, I will see that we continue these practices for the greater Northport.</p><p>In closing, I would like to say it’s been an honor representing you as Trustee and it is my hope that when you get to the polls in March, that you choose a mayor, and native Northporter, that is willing to work for you, the people of the village. I am that worker, and I am asking for your vote. Happy Thanksgiving.</p><p>Dave Weber, Jr.<br />Trustee<br />Incorporated Village of Northport</p>",
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"title": "Vote on Matinecock Court tabled as local high school students and others speak in support of affordable housing development",
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"post_date": "2021-11-21 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Community members who showed up and were prepared to hear discussions on the Matinecock Court affordable housing development’s future at Thursday night’s town board meeting were left hanging when the amendment was removed from the agenda last minute, a move that would have delayed a vote until next year.</p><p>When questioned why the amendment was removed, Councilman Ed Smyth said “nobody would sponsor it,” adding that he only just received the legal language of the amendment, which wasn’t enough time to review and make a decision. But the night unfolded differently than expected after several passionate speakers, including students from Northport High School, voiced their disappointment with the board for yet another delay on this project, which has been in the works for over 40 years.</p><p>Although the resolution on Matinecock Court was removed from the agenda, residents were permitted – and ready – to speak on the topic during the public portion of the board meeting. Sadie Callahan, a sophomore at Northport High School and member of the Huntington Youth Court, spoke first in support of the Housing Help Inc. project. “With this housing project, we have the chance to bring people from all different backgrounds together,” she said. “It’s inspiring to think of the people that I can soon become neighbors with.”</p><p>She expressed her belief that the Northport-East Northport School District and greater Huntington area will benefit from the new students this housing development could bring into the classrooms. She said that they’d contribute “new ideas, new cultures and new opinions” and would help the future of Northport become more diverse.</p><p>Inara Denise, another Northport High School student and member of the Students for 60,000 club, spoke on behalf of Doctor Richard Kubek, president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition, who wasn’t able to attend the meeting. Inara read his testimony, which noted that there’s a lack of affordable housing options for many Huntington residents and he cannot believe that he’s forced to address this issue with the town board, again.</p><p>Northport High School freshman Grace Mulroy also attended to speak about the affordable housing project. She said she’s a “very lucky girl” because she’s receiving a quality education in the Northport school district, is part of many clubs including Students for 60,000, and has “food to eat, clothes to wear and a roof over my head.” She said that many kids her age don’t have these same opportunities simply because they can’t afford to live in the area, which is why Matinecock Court “needs to take place,” as it will ensure “equity and equality for everyone that moves into the area.”</p><p>Many other residents spoke in support of the affordable housing development. Lois Fricke from the Long Island Builders Institute called out Councilman Smyth, noting that she was disappointed in his Facebook posts leading up to the meeting that called the new limited equity co-op structure “deceiving.” Councilman Smyth said that this amendment was added to the agenda behind his back. He asked why this is “being done at the last minute, why the fire drill?” and said he found out this past Saturday that the amendment was being voted on during the meeting, when the board had previously discussed waiting until next year.</p><p>Councilman Mark Cuthbertson said Councilman Smyth “created a poisonous atmosphere” going into this meeting, and to Councilman Smyth’s claim that he didn’t have enough time to discuss the resolution and come to a determination, Councilman Cuthbertson said, “We’ve discussed this in prior months, it’s not coming out of thin air.”</p><p>Pilar Moya, the executive director of Housing Help Inc., also spoke and asked the board to add the resolution regarding Matinecock Court to the agenda by the end of the year. She spoke about the importance of this project for low income residents and people with special needs and said the town needs to ensure that families have the “adequate housing that they need and deserve.”</p><p>In total, dozens of speakers questioned why the board was pushing off a resolution after 43 years of work on this project. “I know that Mr. Smyth would like to take control of this, but I’d like to say that I have been a proponent of a limited equity co-op structure,” said Councilwoman Joan Cergol. “I’m prepared to support it and I’m prepared to sponsor it. Do I have two other votes?” Her statement was followed by a round of applause.</p><p>“This enables people to get into a home,” the councilwoman said later, while the board discussed adding the resolution back to the agenda, four hours into the meeting. “No, this is not your traditional cooperative, it’s a limited equity co-op. I think the developer has been quite crystal clear on that issue from the beginning. I don’t think there’s been any deception,” she said.</p><p>Councilman Cuthberton seconded the resolution and Councilman Eugene Cook joined to vote in favor of adding it as a “late starter” to the agenda. Councilwoman Cergol said that she’d agree to, as requested by Councilman Smyth, hold off the resolution and “table it” until the December 14 meeting, at which point they will vote to accept or reject the<a href=\"https://northportjournal.com/business/huntington-town-board-will-vote-to-accept-or-reject-limited-equity-cooperative-structure-for-matinecock-court\"> limited equity cooperative structure for the development</a>.</p>",
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"title": "Operation Shoe Drop hits Brosnan building in demonstration against potential vaccine mandates for children",
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"content": "<p>Over 180 pairs of shoes, left in the walkway and on the steps leading up to the William J. Brosnan building in Northport this past Thursday evening, were displayed in a silent demonstration against potential state mandates that would require a Covid-19 vaccine for students.</p><p>The shoes represent each child that will be pulled from the school district if a mandate goes through, said local parent Nicole Richichi who, along with her husband Paul, helped organize the protest at Brosnan.</p><p>After hearing of the island-wide shoe drop event, Nicole contacted people in the Northport-East Northport community she thought would want to participate in the demonstration, and word spread from there. “I feel like it was a really good turnout,” she said from her East Northport home. In a day and a half, approximately 150 pairs of shoes, all from district residents, Nicole said, were dropped off at her house. On Thursday evening, just before the regularly scheduled board of education meeting, Nicole’s husband Paul put the shoes on the walkway leading up to the Brosnan building entrance. About 30 more people dropped shoes off throughout the evening. At 10pm, Paul collected the shoes and the following day, brought them to a mutli-district display at the Dennison building in Hauppauge. The shoes were then donated to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless.</p><p>“As a parent who does not believe in the proposed vaccine mandate, I was honored to lead this with my husband's help,” Nicole said. “I have never been prouder of this community.” The intention was to have members of the board of education see the shoes as they arrived for the meeting, and to have the demonstration be as peaceful as possible, she added.</p><p>Children ages 5 to 11 started receiving the Pfizer-BIONTech’s pediatric Covid-19 vaccine in early November, after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the shots. On October 24, Governor Kathy Hochul said Covid case numbers in the state were low enough to “hold judgement” on whether she was considering implementing a vaccine mandate, but said she would “keep all options on the table” should numbers begin to rise.</p><p>The day after the demonstration, Nicole told the Journal her personal message is simple: the decision to have children vaccinated against Covid-19 should be a parent’s, and vaccinations should not be required for children to attend school.</p><p>Similar demonstrations took place across New York State on Thursday, with local shoe drops photographed and shared on an Operation Shoe Drop <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/groups/285505306796448\">Facebook page</a>. Drops of various sizes occurred islandwide – participants from neighboring districts including Commack, Huntington, Elwood, Cold Spring Harbor and Harborfields also documented and shared images of their events on the social media page.</p><p>In Northport, each pair of shoes, as requested by Nicole, was accompanied by a personal note, or sign. Some simply listed a family’s name on it, others left messages of “We will not comply” or “Parental choice, no mandates.”</p><p>“I have a right to both my body and an education,” read one sign. “My kid, my choice,” read another larger sign, placed directly under the building’s flagpole. At least one note included verses from the Bible, and another, written by a child and addressed to Superintendent Robert Banzer and the board of ed, said “There is no one that should make me wear a mask. Have you ever heard of the saying ‘My Body, My Choice’? Can you please ask the state to change this law now and please let this world go back to normal.”</p><p>Nicole worries about the consequences a vaccine mandate would have on the district itself, as well as on its students. She questioned both the fiscal impact that families pulling so many children out of school would have on the district, and the socio-emotional impact it would have on the kids.</p><p>According to the <a href=\"http://health.ny.gov\">health.ny.gov</a> website, the current “New York State Immunization Requirements for School Entrance and Attendance" include vaccinations against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, poliovirus, measles-mumps-rubella, varicella, Hepatitis B, the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster and meningococcal conjugate. While New York State has not mandated Covid-19 vaccinations for students in grades K-12, some parents worry the state will “simply add” the vaccination to the existing schedule of requirements. Currently neither teachers nor students of any age in the Northport-East Northport school district are required to have the vaccination, though unvaccinated teachers must undergo weekly Covid testing.</p><p>“It’s a hypothetical but we know it’s coming,” said Nicole, who understands the board of education is limited in action if a state mandate were to happen. “The governor has been very clear that there will be mandates for children 5 through 11. We really feel like this is going to happen. We’re really concerned about it. We’re not going to sit back and not at least try to do something.”</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/operation-shoe-drop.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p>A sign left by a "future parent" at an Operation Shoe Drop at the Brosnan building in Northport.</p></figcaption></figure>",
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"title": "Shop small: Weekend giveaway promotes local shopping with a chance to win a $350 gift card",
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"content": "<p>‘Tis the season to shop local, with a growing number of campaigns encouraging residents to support neighborhood shops, stores and restaurants this holiday.</p><p>The Great Northport Holiday Village Giveaway, sponsored by JK Consulting, is set for this weekend, with a chance to win big for anyone who shops local on November 20 and November 21. The concept is simple: spend $25 at five Northport Village shops and/or restaurants this Saturday and Sunday, and you can enter to win a $350 gift card to a Village venue of your choice.</p><p><b>How does it work? </b>Just pick up a giveaway envelope from JK Consulting, available on their front door this weekend, shop to your heart's content, return the five receipts in the giveaway envelope via JK Consulting’s mail slot, and you’ll be entered to win. The winner’s name will be announced on the JK Consulting <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/j.kcreative/\">Instagram page</a> as well as posted on the JK Consulting door on Monday morning.</p><p>JK Consulting is a new brand, marketing, and philanthropy company in Northport Village. Members of JK Consulting celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Northport Village last month, and are heavily involved in local community outreach.</p><p>“While we do not have a commerce store, we think it is especially important for people to shop local this year,” said Kelly Henneberry of JK Consulting. “We are doing this for goodwill and to give back to the Northport community.”</p><p>The Great Northport Holiday Village Giveaway is also sponsored by Dave Weber for Mayor (2022) and James Izzo for Trustee (2022).</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/giveaway-flyer.jpg\" alt=\"\" /></figure>",
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"title": "Huntington Town Board will vote to accept or reject limited equity cooperative structure for Matinecock Court",
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"post_date": "2021-11-17 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Forty years after plans began for Matinecock Court, an affordable housing development slated for the corner of Pulaski and Elwood Road in East Northport, the Huntington Town Board will vote again tomorrow night to determine its future.</p><p>The development was originally approved as a mix of 70 rental units and 76 condominiums, affordable to household incomes between $47,000 and $95,000. But this past May, developer Peter Florey of D&F Development Group proposed a new structure that would merge all units into one residential cooperative. Now the town board must vote to authorize Supervisor Chad Lupinacci to execute an agreement with Matinecock Court and accept the new terms to convert the development to a “limited equity cooperative.”</p><p>But there’s already opposition from Councilman (and newly elected town supervisor) Ed Smyth, who wrote on his Facebook page this week that the new proposal is a “deception” and the nonprofit Housing Help, Inc., who owns the property, and Florey are “misleading the public about what this really is.” Smyth added that it’s a “conversion from actual owner-occupied units to effectively 100% rental units.” Smyth explained that shareholders are not able to sell their units on the open market, but are required to sell the shares back to the co-op. He said, “Residents are owners in name only. It’s like having a star named after you.”</p><p>Housing Help, Inc., put out a rebuttal post stating that “there have been a number of misleading claims circulating about Matinecock Court,” and they believed it was necessary to “address such claims and explain the truth” behind the new structure. Housing Help, Inc. wrote that calling the units rentals is “entirely false” and “under the new agreement, 100% of Matinecock units will be owned.” They added that this structure allows more future residents to build equity than what would have occurred under the current agreement, where only half of the units are owned. “The amount of equity per household will be based on an allocation of annual surpluses that the Cooperative generates on an annual basis, and will accrue to each household until the time they move out,” they wrote.</p><p>In June, Florey hosted a virtual meeting that allowed community members to ask questions about the newly proposed structure. He explained that as a limited equity cooperative, residents would be responsible for a “down payment” that’s equal to their monthly payment and includes their mortgage, taxes and maintenance fees. He said that monthly payments would range from $1,300 to $1,900, depending on the unit, and that a shareholder would earn $1,000 to $2,000 in equity after three years of ownership, and that the rate would grow over time. After five to ten years, equity would be in the $5,000 range and recipients could use the money any way they choose, including to purchase a new home, according to Florey.</p><p>In addition to concerns about the equity structure, opponents of the affordable housing development also note the possibility of increased traffic and school enrollment after the Northport School District just closed two elementary schools last year.</p><p>The Huntington Town Board meeting is Thursday, November 18 at 7pm in Town Hall. The resolution pertaining to Matinecock Court is 2021-633. You can view the meeting agenda <a href=\"https://huntingtonny.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=3&event_id=1451\">here</a>.</p>",
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"title": "National Grid offers a second explanation of odor: fuel oil vapors from a storage tank",
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"post_date": "2021-11-16 00:00",
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"content": "<p>What began as concern from Northport residents regularly confronted with a strong smell of gas outside of their homes has turned into a small-town saga, unfolding mostly on social media, as residents attempt to uncover the truth behind the smell.</p><p>For what some residents say has been months, people living in and around Steers Pit, on Ocean Avenue and along Eatons Neck Road, as well as those attending soccer games at both Steers Fields and Northport Soccer Park, have been noticing strong odors of what seems like gas in the air. The smell is similar to what homeowners would smell if gas was leaking from a burner in their home, residents say, and despite it being outside in the open air, can be noxious, nauseating and headache-inducing.</p><p>Just last week, National Grid said the source of the odor was a leak from a main on the corner of Ocean Avenue and Eatons Neck Road. Yesterday, representatives from the Grid provided a statement to the Journal that indicated fuel oil vapors from a storage tank located right next to Northport Soccer Park as a potential source of the odor.</p><p>The lack of concrete answers has some residents seriously questioning the air quality in their communities.</p><p>Reports of the smell began on social media on October 16, when local dad Francisco Rodriguez brought up what he noticed in a community Facebook group.</p><p>“Terrible smell of natural gas at the soccer park today,” his post read. “In a year going there for my son's games, I have never smelled it this bad.” An online dialogue ensued, with many residents chiming in with their own reports of the odor. When asked about his experience at Northport Soccer Park, Francisco told the Journal the smell was unusually strong on the day in question, “and that was why I posted the message in the Facebook group, directly from the field while the game was happening, because that was not normal.”</p><p>Taking the lead on the issue more recently is local resident Sarah Anderson, who lives in the Village and frequents Northport Soccer Park with her children. Sarah began conversing with Assemblyman Keith Brown in the same local Facebook group and has since teamed up with him in what is a grassroots effort to find answers.</p><p>In a November 5 post on his public Facebook page, later <a href=\"https://northportjournal.com/village/national-grid-source-of-gas-odor-was-a-leak-from-a-main-at-the-corner-of-ocean-avenue-and-eatons-neck-road\">reported on by the Journal</a>, Assemblyman Brown shared an emailed response from National Grid about what was initially thought to be the cause of the smell.</p><p>“Our Gas Field Operations personnel from our Greenlawn Yard repaired a Class 3 leak today from a 3” steel main at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Eatons Neck Road. We are hoping that we were able to address the source of these gas odor calls that have been reported by the local residents especially by the soccer fields,” the email from National Grid read.</p><p>But the smell persisted in the days after that email.</p><p>Early last week, both Sarah and Assemblyman Brown met with Joseph Warren, director of the Northport Power Station, at the location of an oil tank immediately adjacent to Northport Soccer Park. The smell as they approached the tank, Sarah said, was “like hitting a wall.” Mr. Warren told them the odor residents have been reporting “is an oil odor coming off the oil storage tank next to the fields,” said Sarah. “Apparently if the tank heats up, or if the oil is moved, these odors are released.” Sarah was told operations involving that tank would be halted on the weekends of the soccer season.</p><p>Halting operations on the weekend may provide a temporary respite from the smell, but what about people who live there and are exposed to the odor on a daily basis, Sarah asked.</p><p>“Clearly, there is not an easy fix,” she said in an update on the Facebook page. “And to be totally honest, as a mother of an asthmatic child, I shudder at the mention of burning oil into our air. The natural gas is bad enough.”</p><p>Northport Soccer Park is situated directly adjacent to the LIPA stacks; the storage tank now believed to be the source of the odor is on the property as well. According to <a href=\"https://www.lipower.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/5a.-Northport-Repowering-Study_2020.05.20-Secured.pdf\">LIPA’s Repowering Feasibility Study</a>, conducted in 2020, the capability to burn natural gas was added to the steam units beginning in 1993. Prior to that, they only burned fuel oil.</p><p>Natural gas is supplied by a natural gas pipeline routed under the Long Island Sound and fuel oil is delivered to the steam units via ship through an offshore unloading terminal in the Long Island Sound, approximately two miles from the site. Mr. Warren testified in early 2019 that the plant’s units used natural gas about 95 percent of the time. In recent months, however, when natural gas prices rose significantly, residents reported noticing an <a href=\"https://northportjournal.com/village/billows-of-dark-smoke-draw-attention-curiosity-and-concern-from-residents\">increase in oil deliveries</a> to the site.</p><p>On Monday, November 15, National Grid media representatives confirmed with the Journal that the company “identified a potential source of the odor as being fuel oil vapors from one of the storage tanks.” To address the odor, they said, workers on November 9 – the same day Sarah and Assemblyman Brown visited the tank – began transferring additional fuel oil into the tank to reduce both the vapor space at the top of the tank and the fuel oil’s temperature. “We apologize for the inconvenience the odor has caused the community,” their statement read. “The source of the odor has been difficult to confirm because it was intermittent and not always present… So far, this appears to be working, but we have workers on site 24/7 who will continue to monitor any odor issues, we are determined to find a solution.”</p><p>Complaints of odors are still coming in, as recently as this past weekend when families again took their children to games at Northport Soccer Park. Sarah made accessible to residents a Google form which they could use to document and track reports of odors, “so that we have outside triangulation of information,” she said, adding that all reports of odors should also be filed with National Grid.</p><p>Sarah has also contacted Senator James Gaughran, the Suffolk County Department of Health (SCDOH), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and reached out more locally to Town of Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci and Northport Village Mayor Damon McMullen.</p><p>According to Don Tesoriero, assistant to Mayor McMullen, the Village is aware of the gas odor, and has been involved in troubleshooting the issue. He confirmed with the Journal via email that the areas being discussed – the stacks and the oil tank by the plant – are beyond the Village's jurisdiction. “With that said, we understand the concern of our residents and are in contact with local officials to bring clarity to the issue and hopefully a solution,” he added.</p><p>When contacted for comment, Town of Huntington Clerk Andrew Raia said that although he is not involved in policy making and has no oversight on the issue, he is “acutely aware of the situation and [has] spoken to a number of residents” about this issue. The SCDOH told the Journal it did not have jurisdiction in these matters, and recommended contacting the NYSDEC.</p><p>“It doesn’t seem like the channels are working the way they are supposed to,” said Sarah, who believes a third party should be monitoring the situation, and that the community’s elected representatives should make sure that third party is involved. If no one is monitoring the environmental conditions around the plant, we’re not protected,” she said. “Local officials should be looking into this and finding a way to communicate what is happening back to the residents in this area. It shouldn’t be up to me to figure that out. We have to hold the officials responsible, and they have to hold the companies responsible.”</p><p>This evening, the NYSDEC confirmed that it received recent complaints about odors in the vicinity of the Northport Power Plant and said both the DEC’s Air Resources and Spill Response staff began compiling information about the facility’s recent operations. According to the DEC, the "facility is conducting an investigation into the odors under DEC oversight and DEC will work with the facility to help address any causes that are identified to prevent future odors and ensure the protection of public health and the environment.”</p><p>Residents who smell natural gas are encouraged to immediately contact the National Grid Emergency Number at 800-490-0045 and report the issue. Residents can also contact plant personnel at 631-262-6550. The Google form created by Sarah can be found <a href=\"https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYDGIbgM0-c-eGOMNBLQ-05N_8VcMAl-HXIYBSnzHIM5Rysg/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1v_4xED6T3ykLiO_3eDbTRhS4AksNN6dZ_WqLrL9hPYXhpjwooXtLb97s\">here</a>.</p>",
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"title": "Tigers field hockey ends season with flawless record and state championship",
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"post_date": "2021-11-15 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Nothing would get it in the way of the Northport girls varsity field hockey team this weekend – or this season – as the Tigers finished their perfect season 21-0, claiming the title of New York State Champions with a win over Shenendehowa in the NYSPHSAA Class A field hockey final yesterday, November 14.</p><p>Though the weekend brought soggy weather and a game-delaying tornado warning, the girls continued their winning streak unperturbed, first with a 5-0 win over Clarence High School in the semifinals on Saturday, followed by Sunday's 1-0 victory over Shenendehowa for the title.</p><p>“We are the champions, we are the champions….” sang elated team members as they arrived back by bus to Northport High School yesterday evening. Fire trucks with sirens blaring led the girls toward the school; proud parents, family and fans awaited the team in the parking lot.</p><p>The Tigers' season-long mantra of #notdoneyet has shifted to #finallydone, and with that finality comes some impressive stats. The playoff run capped off a 32-game winning streak for the undefeated Tigers, who did not let up one goal in postseason play. They outscored their opponents 109-6 during the regular season, and 26-0 postseason.</p><p>On November 7, the team captured another Class A Long Island Championship by defeating Massapequa High School 7-0.</p><p><b>More impressive news:</b><br />Coach Gina Walling was named the Suffolk County Coach of the Year (again) and selected to coach at the Suffolk County All Star Game. Tiger Sophia Bica was chosen to represent Northport on the All Star Team but couldn’t participate because it conflicted with Northport’s run for the state title.</p><p>Earlier in the season, Sophia and teammate Hailey Roethel were named to the All Long Island Regional Tournament Team.</p><p>Go Tigers!</p>",
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"caption": "Congratulations to the Northport High School field hockey team, pictured here after claiming the title of New York State Champions with a 1-0 win over Shenendehowa yesterday, November 14. Photo credit: Northport Field Hockey Booster Club"
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"title": "A thrilling game and heartbreaking loss ends Tigers football season in semifinals",
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"post_date": "2021-11-14 00:00",
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"content": "<p>It was a beautiful night for football as the Tigers took on Lindenhurst in the Division II County semifinal this past Friday, November 12.</p><p>The Tigers had the ball to start the game and moved the chains a few times but were forced to punt. A long drive by Lindenhurst lasted the rest of the first quarter, leaving the team with the ball on the 1-yard line. On the first play to start the second quarter, the Bulldogs punched in the end zone. The Northport special teams unit blocked the extra point and Lindy had a 6-0 lead.</p><p>The Tiger offense came up empty on the next drive and the defense returned to the field. On a fourth down play Danny Eagers snuffed out a screen pass and dropped the running back for a loss and a turnover on downs. With the ball back, and on third down, Owen Johansen hit a streaking Drew Miller for a 20-yard first down reception. Eagers ran 21 yards on first down, and followed it up with an 11-yard run. Johansen dropped back to pass but decided to make a break for the end zone and barreled over a Bulldog linebacker and across the goal line for a 7-yard touchdown run. The Tigers had a 7-6 lead heading into halftime.</p><p>The Bulldogs had the ball to start the half when, on third down, Patrick Sweeney got his hands on a pass attempt and broke up the play, forcing the Bulldogs to punt. The Tigers got the ball back deep in their own territory. A clutch third down run by Johansen kept the drive going. This run was followed up by a 33-yard scamper by Eagers, who broke multiple tackles and somehow stayed on his feet before finally getting dragged down. With the ball now on the Bulldogs’ 42-yard line, Johansen dropped back and threw a pass to Jack Helrigel who jumped up, blocked out the defender with his body and came down with the ball. He took it home for a touchdown and a 14-6 Tiger lead.</p><p>On defense, it would again be Patrick Sweeney who batted down another third down pass attempt to force a Bulldog punt. Back on offense, Danny Eagers took a handoff on first down for a 26-yard gain, and the Tigers were starting to control the line of scrimmage. Great blocks were made by Stelios Politidis, Luke Lamendola, Mason Hecht, John Locke, Andrew Canales and Max Brustmeyer.</p><p>On third down, Johansen hooked up with Drew Miller for a 31-yard reception to close out the third quarter. This drive fizzled out and the Tigers lined up for a field goal attempt from 34 yards out. A delay of game penalty pushed the Tigers back five yards out and they decided to go for it instead of kicking. Johansen took the snap, dropped back, saw JJ Ahlstrand open and stuck it right into his hands in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. The Tigers had a 20-6 lead early in the last quarter.</p><p>The Tiger defense forced another turnover on downs but there was still time left in the game. The offense came back and took very little time off of the clock, before Lindenhurst was able to get a touchdown and 2-point conversion to cut the Tiger lead to 20-14.</p><p>The Tiger offense again had trouble moving the ball and a penalty pushed them back deep into their own territory, forcing them to punt. The Bulldogs got the ball back near midfield, with three minutes still left on the clock. They brought the ball all the way down to the 1-yard line with 32 seconds left in the game. Bulldogs star running back Jake Trovato punched it in the end zone for a tie game.</p><p>The Tiger special teams unit was looking for another blocked attempt to keep it tied but kept going offsides. The Bulldogs now had the ball inside the 1-yard line and attempted the 2-point conversion and cashed in. The Tigers did not have enough time to score and suffered a heartbreaking loss, 22-20.</p><p>A note from John:<i> I would like to thank everyone for reading my articles and giving me feedback and encouragement. I would also like to thank the players for being such fine outstanding young men and always taking my calls and answering the questions in good times and bad, as well as Coach Campbell. I decided to not interview anyone this week as it was a crushing loss. This team was very easy to root for and they certainly lived up to the mantra of “Class, Character and Commitment.”</i></p>",
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"title": "Assemblyman Keith Brown talks cannabis, the healthful environment proposition, and more on Cow Harbor Conversations",
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"post_date": "2021-11-13 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Assemblyman Keith Brown sat down with Doug Roberts for another episode of Cow Harbor Conversations. The two spoke about Brown’s election to the New York State Assembly for District 12, which includes Northport Village, Eaton’s Neck, East Northport and parts of Fort Salonga.</p><p>Brown said that the best thing about his elected position is his daily interactions. “I’m a relationship person,” he said, “so one of the best things is getting to meet so many really interesting and wonderful people who are trying to make a difference in the world.” He also spoke about the mutual respect that he experiences in Albany, especially when on the floor debating a bill. He said that you’re not allowed to refer to assembly members by their first names because “it’s not personal.” He notes that he tends to be most interested in the “unintended consequences” of a bill and “always likes looking at things in context” so that the real impact and meaning isn’t lost.</p><p>In his conversation with Doug, Assemblyman Brown discussed his opposition to the environmental proposition that passed on November 3. He said that changing the law, which was designed to guarantee every resident’s right to clean air, clear water and a healthful environment, would “open up Pandora’s Box” and allow for citizen lawsuits based on “anything, because it’s so vaguely written.” When considering the worst case scenario, like residents suing for poor air quality during a pandemic, the state could be liable, he said. It would allow “NIMBYs to dominate by challenging everything,” and you’ll have “paralysis of analysis, so nothing will get done,” he added. Brown does think, however, that the desire for clean air and water crosses party lines, but “it’s how we get there” that matters.</p><p>Brown said he “led the charge” against legalizing marijuana in New York. He said his real concern, and something that he’s spoken out about, is the impact it will have on kids. He told Doug about losing his nephew three years ago to a heroin overdose. “My position is forged by the fact that I think legalized marijuana will promote the wrong message to young people that it’s okay to smoke marijuana, and where that potentially leads to,” he said. “Does it lead to it in every single case, no it doesn’t, but it’s a really bad message that it’s okay.”</p><p>Brown is trying to get a bill passed that creates a vape and marijuana diversion program in all of the high schools, he said. He doesn’t think that, under the new marijuana legalization act, giving a minor a $75 ticket and pamphlet on marijuana dangers is enough when they’re caught using marijuana products. He did add, though, that what adults do in their own homes and living rooms is none of his business, but he’s focused on the kids, which is why he’s suggesting amendments to the law.</p><p>Next year, Assemblyman Brown will be up for reelection and he said he “definitely” plans to run again because he “loves this job.” You can follow <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/AssemblymanKeithBrown\">Assemblyman Keith Brown’s Facebook page</a> for updates on his initiatives and listen to this episode of Cow Harbor Conversations to hear more.</p>",
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"title": "JK Consulting kicks off first of three ribbon cuttings for local business community",
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"content": "<p>Members of JK Consulting, a brand, marketing, and philanthropy company in Northport Village, celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony late last month, surrounded by family and friends in front of the Main Street location.</p><p>Also present for the ribbon-cutting was Northport Village Trustee Dave Weber and Town of Huntington Councilwoman Joan Cergol.</p><p>Long Island natives and business partners Jennifer Pinto and Kelley Henneberry head JK Consulting, a team of “discerning, whip-smart, nimble, figure-it-out-flawlessly individuals and partners who bring their own expertise and flavor to execute on our client's goals.” Their business motto is “Whatever it takes.” Decades in the brand, marketing, and experiential sphere have brought diverse work, successful programs, talented team members, and happy clients.</p><p>Not only does JK Consulting focus on brand identity and development, but the team is heavily involved in local community outreach and military philanthropy – the JK Consulting Team will be presenting their eighth service dog at the NY Giants “Salute to Service” game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, November 7, at Metlife Stadium.</p><p>JK Consulting is located at 256 Main Street. To learn more, visit their website <a href=\"http://www.jandkconsult.com\">www.jandkconsult.com</a>.</p><p><b>More ribbon-cuttings to come!</b><b><br /></b>Two more ribbon-cuttings are scheduled for next week. The Northport Chamber of Commerce and neighbors will welcome new owners of <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/artisanhousenorthport?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXb8IqiKTf-pQW8ameVSAtdPJnmj6MmqXyZCub0S7wetL-ISibHQnOjXVeXye6mKx8Ki8RQp_GZy8kb92PMUp9U40ttV45iymEKJ4E9KPAH3ZxOiJBSx7C-mJ9AyTQxyigAzUJakkttj7QeARceymTu&__tn__=-%5DK-R\">Artisan House</a>, Randi and Ron Meyer, to Northport’s business community on Monday, November 15 at 3:30pm at the boutique (80 Main Street in Northport).</p><p>On Thursday, November 18, at 4:30pm, Jackie DiDonato of <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/PandemoniumBoutique/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXb8IqiKTf-pQW8ameVSAtdPJnmj6MmqXyZCub0S7wetL-ISibHQnOjXVeXye6mKx8Ki8RQp_GZy8kb92PMUp9U40ttV45iymEKJ4E9KPAH3ZxOiJBSx7C-mJ9AyTQxyigAzUJakkttj7QeARceymTu&__tn__=kK-R\">Pandemonium Boutiques</a> will also celebrate with a ribbon-cutting at her store. Pandemonium Boutique is located at 1030 Fort Salonga Road in Northport.</p>",
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"title": "Northport Alliance: a selective group of neighbors plan and prepare how to “best navigate and even survive these uncertain times”",
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"post_date": "2021-11-11 00:00",
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"content": "<p>Since late summer, signs advertising a new group in town – the Northport Alliance – have been appearing on the windows of vacant storefronts. Taped to the outside of windows in the Village, the blue and white flyers share a list of concerns, from government overreach and medical tyranny to human rights and freedom of choice, with a specific call to action. “If you recognize the importance of joining forces on a local level for safety and security measures as well as a united voice, then we are your community,” the signs read.</p><p>Northport Alliance flyers have since been spotted taped to the inside of at least one local and operating business, as well as on social media, and were shared with <i>Northport Journal </i>reporters at a board of education meeting by an audience member who said he was given the flyer outside, found the group interesting and would “check them out.”</p><p>Current Northport Alliance members have a relatively broad, yet explanatory mission statement, as shared with the Journal in a recent email: “To grow a community of like-minded individuals to support one another and ensure self-sufficiency during times of need, and do our part to preserve the freedom of Americans for ourselves and future generations.”</p><p>Reporters from the Journal initially contacted the Northport Alliance by email in early August after seeing two flyers posted on vacant business windows in Northport Village. At that time, members refrained from sharing information on the record, stating that the group was in its infancy and not looking for press. They preferred people find them through friends, or organically, if the flyers resonated with them, they said.</p><p>When contacted again earlier this month about their group, Northport Alliance members were more open to discuss their goals. They shared via email a vision statement and 13 “fundamental tenets” that explain what they, as a group, believe in and work to achieve.</p><p>The group’s first tenet is to welcome all races and religions, vaccinated and unvaccinated. They “believe that in these uncertain times, it is important to build closer relationships and familiarity with like-minded neighbors, and to establish emergency contact procedures.” The group also mentions the value of a vibrant “Main Street,” and the desire to interact with business owners to “determine those that might benefit from fundraising efforts.” They encourage that businesses “refrain from unlawful and immoral discrimination of any kind.”</p><p>In addition to the open-minded beliefs stated in their tenets, the group hits on several points related to self-sufficiency. A major emphasis of the group is power in numbers; that during uncertain times chances of survival increase when the “wide array of skills, knowledge, and resources within the community” are acknowledged and utilized.</p><p>“We recognize the need to share information and teach one another basic survival skills such as preserving food, farming, safety, barter, etc. in the event of supply chain breakdowns,” reads one tenet. The group relies on good will and the cooperation of a close-knit community, reads another, as “government is not always able to respond adequately in times of urgency and crisis.”</p><p>The group also shared its belief in the need for schools, but notes that when a school fails to demonstrate the ability to teach children how to be self-confident, creative, happy, ethical, compassionate and independent adults, or to “maintain a safe, yet emotionally healthy environment which does not promote racism,” that it’s “not only the parents’ right, but their responsibility to find alternative means of educating their children.”</p><p>They believe in limited government “as originally intended by the founders of our nation” and said that a flourishing free society requires freedom of speech, self expression and candid debate. They believe in freedom of choice as a fundamental right and express the importance of upholding all constitutional amendments and concepts of liberty written in the Declaration of Independence, and maintain that it’s their duty to oppose any unconstitutional coercion or threats from government, but in a nonviolent, peaceful way.</p><p>The Alliance currently solicits new members and communicates through a ProtonMail email account that doesn’t expose the names of any group members. According to its website, ProtonMail uses end-to-end encryption and zero access encryption to secure emails. All of its servers are located in Switzerland and all user data “is protected by strict Swiss privacy laws.”</p><p>Members emailed responses to the Journal in PDF format, and signed emails with the group name only: “Northport Alliance.” When asked why they choose to stay anonymous, group members described themselves as selective, not secretive, and reiterated that they “are not looking for a lot of publicity, it’s a private group.”</p><p>They explained that before a new member can join the group, he or she will communicate with the Northport Alliance via email and if they agree about their concerns, “we invite them to a new member meeting where they can learn more about us, and we can learn more about them.”</p><p>Members meet at various homes and businesses periodically, with weekly meetings for new members and a general Town Hall-style meeting for all members once a month. Recently, they met for a class in pressure canning and sprouting, likely as a way to prepare for potential supply chain breakdowns, another top concern as listed on the group’s flyer.</p><p>Members hope that through the Alliance, they will gain support from neighbors to “plan and prepare how to best navigate and even survive these uncertain times.”</p><p>“We also help members to navigate issues which they may be facing concerning schools, or employment,” and research and advocate for freedom as outlined in their tenets, the Alliance stated in its email. Being part of this kind of network, they said, is “emotionally and physically comforting,” and supports their main vision: to thrive in a free society with a large, close-knit community which works together to build a safe and supported network of neighbors.</p>",
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"title": "High school schedules presentation by the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center",
"slug": "high-school-schedules-presentation-by-the-holocaust-memorial-and-tolerance-center",
"post_date": "2021-11-10 00:00",
"category": "Schools",
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"content": "<p>On the afternoon of October 8, 2021, Superintendent of Schools Robert Banzer notified district residents and parents that “several hateful words and symbols, including a swastika and racial and homophobic slurs, were found in a [Northport High School] bathroom stall.”</p><p>Of this incident, Banzer elaborated, “These words and symbols of intolerance and hate are completely unacceptable. This district is committed to making all students feel safe, supported and welcome in our buildings, and these despicable acts do not represent that mission.”</p><p>Certain mitigation practices have gone into effect since the incident occurred; to enter any and all bathrooms within the campus of Northport High School, students must present their IDs and manually sign in, reporting both their name and the time they entered and exited the facility. When using the building’s smaller bathrooms, only two students are allowed in at the same time.</p><p>While these physical precautions are meant to cease the vandalism in the short-term, Mr. Robert Dennis, principal of Northport High School, has taken further action: he formed a committee of student leaders dedicated to the preservation of inclusivity and the abandonment of hate in our schools.</p><p>The committee’s first step toward a more accepting and comprehensive Northport-East Northport school district comes in the form of a virtual presentation to be given by the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County on Monday, November 15 at 7pm.</p><p>According to Mr. Dennis, “During this discussion, entitled <i>Deconstructing Symbols of Hate</i>, participants will have an opportunity to learn about bias, symbols of hate, and the power that one individual can have to create a positive influence and rebuke words, symbols, and acts of hate.”</p><p>Founded in 1992 by a group of Holocaust survivors, clergy, and politicians, and originally called the Holocaust Memorial and Educational Center, the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County states its mission as such: “To teach the history of the Holocaust and its lessons through education and community outreach. We teach about the dangers of antisemitism, racism, bullying and all manifestations of intolerance. We promote resistance to prejudice and advocate respect for every human being.” In 2018, the institution “provided Holocaust and Tolerance programming to 23,000 students across Long Island.”</p><p>The group provides resources for teachers, including educational events and programs available from the elementary to the college levels, and even houses in its Louis Posner Memorial Library Long Island’s largest collection of Holocaust, genocide, anti-bias, and anti-bullying materials.</p><p>While the presentation is specifically geared toward parents of Northport High School students, the organization will give students the same presentation in-person on the school days of December 14 and 16. Because this Monday's presentation is virtual, parents are not required to register ahead of time. A specific link for the presentation will be emailed by Mr. Dennis to parents this Friday, November 12.</p><p>More information regarding the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center can be found <a href=\"https://www.hmtcli.org/\">here</a>.</p>",
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"caption": "A virtual presentation given by the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, pictured above, is planned for Northport High School next week. Photo via the HMTC website."
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"title": "Northport Fish & Lobster Co. drama continues as store manager violates court orders",
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"post_date": "2021-11-09 00:00",
"category": "Village",
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"content": "<p>At the end of last Wednesday’s Northport Village Board meeting, the board went into executive session and then agreed on a resolution to authorize Village attorney Stuart Besen to take action in Supreme Court with regard to filing a motion to hold Sam Luby, the manager of the Northport Fish & Lobster Co., in contempt of court for violating court orders to stay off the property.</p><p>This comes just one month after Luby made a public apology to the community and the board at the October 5 Village board meeting. “I’d like to apologize to the community for what’s going on at the Fish and Lobster,” he said. “We are really trying our best to get things up to grade, and I want to thank the Village for all their help.” He also apologized to the market’s neighbors before saying, “Let’s just all get along.”</p><p>A longtime Northport resident, Luby said he and Northport Fish & Lobster Co. owner Eric Gusew were trying to get the store on track. And all signs point to that being true, with work being done at the location daily within the confines of the court order. But Luby still isn’t permitted to be on the property, and that’s where the drama comes into play, again.</p><p>At last week’s Village board meeting, Joe Sabia, who lives on Cherry Street and owns the car mechanic shop right next door to the fish market, said that Luby is on the property at all hours of the night. Sabia said that one night, he called Mayor Damon McMullen at 4am because Luby was there making noise on a trailer when he shouldn’t even be on the property. Sabia said, “We can’t keep playing this cat and mouse game. They are disrupting the neighborhood, they are disrupting everyone on Cherry Street and on Soper Avenue... It’s gone on too long.”</p><p>Mayor McMullen explained that permits were issued to Gusew so that the building can be brought to compliance. At this time, Gusew is allowed to be on the property with the general contractor. He said that “things change on a daily basis” and when Gusew or Luby are there when they shouldn’t be, they are asked to leave by law enforcement.</p><p>Because Luby isn’t permitted to be on the premises by court order, but continues to visit the site, the board decided to move forward on filing a motion to hold him in contempt of court.</p>",
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"title": "“Complete team” effort secures first round playoff win for Tigers; Lindenhurst up next",
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"post_date": "2021-11-08 00:00",
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"content": "<p>On a sun-splashed Saturday afternoon, the Lions from West Islip were looking to avenge a 21-7 week two loss to our Northport Tigers. The Tigers were also looking for revenge from last spring’s playoff loss to the Lions. Something had to give in this round one playoff matchup.</p><p>The Tigers won the coin toss and elected to kick off to start the game.</p><p>Coach Carol Rose, filling in for Coach Lynch as the PA announcer, gave Tiger fans a great laugh when she quipped, “And the tackle was made by… the entire Tiger defense.” Little did she know how much this moment of levity would pertain to what would transpire during the game.</p><p>On fourth down and short, West Islip decided to go for it. Ryan McEnroe shot through the line and dropped the back for a loss, giving the Tigers the ball on the Lion’s 40-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, QB Owen Johansen hit a wide open JJ Ahlstrand in stride for a 40-yard touchdown reception, giving the Tigers an early 6-0 lead.</p><p>The Tigers got the ball back deep in their own territory and started a drive. This drive consisted of great blocking from the offensive line and some smashmouth football. Jackson Campbell compiled 80 yards running during this drive as the first quarter came to a close. The drive stalled out, however, on the Lion’s 3-yard line and the Tigers elected to attempt a field goal. Brendan Connolly would put it through the uprights for a 9-0 Tiger lead.</p><p>The Lions cut the lead to 9-7 in the second quarter. On the kickoff, Evan Gaumont received the ball at the 9-yard line and brought the ball back all the way to the fifty on a beautiful return. The offense mixed it up on the next possession with Ahlstrand, Jack Helrigel, and Aidan Campbell all making a reception for first down yardage. This drive was finished off by Jackson Campbell when he busted a touchdown run from three yards out, giving the Tigers a 16-7 lead.</p><p>With 1:11 left in the half, the Lions drove all the way down to the Tiger 2-yard line with 2 seconds left in the half. The Lions went for it and scored on a QB keeper, cutting the deficit to 16-14 heading to the half.</p><p>Northport’s first drive stalled and the Tigers had to punt it away. The defense came on the field and the Lions were moving the ball with authority. The Tiger D got the Lions in a fourth down situation and needed a big play. It would come in the form of a sack from lineman Wes Camillone. The Tigers got the ball back and wasted no time scoring. Jackson Campbell took a handoff, made a few moves while getting hit, avoided others, got out to the sideline and raced all the way to the end zone for a 57-yard touchdown run. The blocking by the line, and the relentlessness of Jackson made this touchdown possible.The Tigers had a 23-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter.</p><p>The Lions refused to give up. They drove all the way to the Tiger 7-yard line before a huge play was made by defensive lineman Jack Pokiwicz. The exchange between the Lions quarterback and running back was fumbled and Pokowicz had the presence of mind to jump on it and give the ball back to the offense.</p><p>“It feels so good to be able to make a play of that magnitude,” said Jack after the game. “It didn’t register to me how important that play was until I came back to the sidelines and my teammates were all congratulating me and then I looked at the clock and then it hit me.”</p><p>The Tigers took the ball all the way down to the Lion’s 4-yard line after the turnover and went into victory formation as Johansen took a knee giving the Tigers the 23-14 win.</p><p>As Coach Rose said “by the entire defense,” this was an entire team win. The Tigers team got contributions from all of the regular players and then some. Asked about the win, Stelios Politidis had this to say, “ This was the most complete team win we have had by a country mile.”</p><p>Jackson Campbell, who was forced to miss the playoff game against West Islip last spring but was a major contributor to this win, said when asked if he was even more pumped up because of last year’s quarantine: “It feels very special to beat them in the regular season and then in the playoffs, especially at home. The crowd was also a great motivator.”</p><p>The Tigers’ playoff quest continues next Friday night at 6pm in Lindenhurst. The Bulldogs beat the Tigers 20-14 in a week five matchup. This will be another tough game between two very good teams.</p>\n<figure><img src=/file_import/tigere-vs-west-islip-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><figcaption><p><span style=\"color:rgb(63, 77, 90)\">Running back Dan Eagers brings in the Tigers flag at the onset of last Saturday’s first round playoff game. Captains Andrew Canales (left) and Owen Johansen are at his side. Photo by Laura Holden.</span></p></figcaption></figure>\n",
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"caption": "Quarterback Owen Johansen makes some space in a 23-14 victory against West Islip on November 6. Photo by Laura Holden."
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"title": "Beloved candy shop Carl’s Candies set to close after five years on Main Street",
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"post_date": "2021-11-07 00:00",
"category": "Village",
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"content": "<p>Carl’s Candies opened on Main Street in Northport Village in 2016. Sisters Gina Nisi and Angela Nisi-Macneill were inspired to open the candy shop in honor of their beloved grandfather, and former Northport resident, Carl Foglia. Carl also owned a business on Main Street, a meat market, and to many was known as the “unofficial mayor of Northport.”</p><p>Carl’s Candies features nostalgic candies to celebrate Carl’s life and legacy; the business run by Gina and Angela has satisfied the sweet teeth of community kids (and their adults), garnering love and praise from local families since opening. The store also hosts the iconic “leg lamp lighting,” an annual holiday event based on a scene in the movie “A Christmas Story.”</p><p>But this week, Gina and Angela announced that they’d be closing the shop, writing in an Instagram post, “Carl’s Candies had an amazing five years in business in Northport Village. We are moving on and will be closing our Northport shop. Thank you all for your patronage and support over the years.”</p><p>Gina, who was born and raised in Northport, told the <i>Journal</i>, “As a native Northporter and business owner, the Village is a wonderful location for a small business. Throughout our time in Northport and during the pandemic, we had so much support from our village and surrounding towns.”</p><p>Although they haven’t announced their future plans yet, the sisters did allude to a new venture in their post, noting that they’d keep their friends and customers updated. For now, Carl’s Candies lovers have a few more weeks to enjoy the space and sweets. Gina said they’d be selling their inventory, which is currently 25% off, and they’d have some “fun candy sales,” too.</p>",
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"title": "Board of ed crafts letter to Governor Hochul advocating for optional masking in schools",
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"content": "<p>Near the end of this past Thursday’s board of education meeting, just before the scheduled public comment section, Superintendent Robert Banzer read aloud a letter he said trustees would sign and send to the state, advocating for optional masking in schools.</p><p>“Since our schools opened in September, there has been negligible spread of COVID-19 within school buildings despite the reduction of social distancing to three feet and the removal of desk barriers,” the letter begins. “We have followed the mask mandate and other protocols mandated by the state.</p><p>“As we continue to see a decline in cases and lack of spread within schools, we ask that you work in tandem with our local health department to provide districts with clear metrics so we can determine an appropriate time to make mask wearing optional within schools,” the letter stated.</p><p>As Mr. Banzer read the final lines of the letter, many of the meeting's 20 in-person viewers clapped and cheered in appreciation, noting later in the time reserved for public comment their gratitude for the board’s initiative. The letter was met with acceptance among board trustees as well; while there was much deliberation regarding the language and syntax of the letter, the sentiment remained the same throughout.</p><p>A copy of the revised letter will be sent to Governor Kathy Hochul; incoming NYS Commissioner of the Department of Health Dr. Mary Bassett; Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone; Commissioner of Suffolk County’s Department of Health Services Dr. Gregson H. Pigott; President of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association Michael Kelly; and the New York State School Boards Association. The letter will be signed by all seven board of education trustees and Superintendent Banzer.</p><p>This is now the second time the board will have sent a letter to the state regarding masks. Back in June 2021, when infection rates dipped below 1% in Suffolk County, the district wrote to former Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker seeking the removal of the mask mandate. As cases rose sharply in July and August, the district willingly complied with a mask mandate, with the “understanding that stopping the spread of COVID-19 should be prioritized.”</p><p>With Suffolk County’s seven-day average infection rate currently falling at roughly 2.4%, according to the NYSDOH, the board is once again seeking a move “forward towards normalcy, while still putting health and safety first.”</p><p>The Board also cited Suffolk County’s increased access to vaccines, with the shot now available to all ages 5 and above, as reason to make masks optional. Currently, 74% of Suffolk County residents have received one dose of the vaccine, with 67% fully vaccinated.</p><p>With what the board called a “negligible spread of COVID-19 within school buildings,” coupled with Suffolk County’s vaccination percentages, the letter gave Gov. Hochul and her fellow recipients a call to action: “Now that we once again find ourselves with a significantly low infection rate and lack of spread within buildings, we are requesting that you reevaluate the need for such a [mask] mandate.”</p><p>Many of those community members who spoke during the meeting’s public comment section gave the letter their seal of approval. One Northport resident, Joseph Stewart, said: “The letter was very nice. Thank you for trying to do it. You [the board] didn't create this pandemic, it landed on you, and it’s been a tough time for a lot of people. It’s uncharted waters. The letter was very good. Thank you.”</p><p>The signed letter will be posted on the district website by this coming week, reported Superintendent Banzer.</p><p>The next board of education meeting is scheduled for November 18. In a follow-up recap of the meeting sent on Friday, November 5, Mr. Banzer noted the following changes to future meetings: All BOE meetings will return to the William J. Brosnan building moving forward. The meetings will continue to be livestreamed, “however public participation will no longer be offered remotely. Residents who wish to address the board may do so in-person at meetings or send the Board of Education an email.”</p>",
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"title": "Residents divided on whether or not to allow cannabis sales and/or consumption sites in Northport Village",
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"content": "<p>“Potheads.” “Junkies.” “Idiots.”</p><p>Those are just some of the words used to describe cannabis users at this past Wednesday’s public hearing regarding the possibility of allowing cannabis sales and/or consumption sites in Northport Village. While some residents spoke passionately about keeping the sale of marijuana off of Main Street, and out of Northport Village’s business corridor, others spoke in favor of an industry that would allow the sale of a regulated, safer product to community members.</p><p>Some residents simply wanted to remove the stigma surrounding cannabis use, stating that everyday people and productive, contributing members of the community have been consuming cannabis for a long time and will continue to do so, no matter what the Village’s decision on cannabis sales is.</p><p>The state requires at least one public hearing to occur before the Northport Village Board of Trustees renders a decision to either opt in, or out, of allowing adult-use cannabis sales and onsite cannabis consumption establishments within its jurisdiction. This past Wednesday’s hearing was considered unofficial because it wasn’t advertised properly; there will be an official hearing on November 16. The board had already announced late last month its “legislative intent” to opt out of allowing retail dispensaries and consumption sites in the Village. That intent was further confirmed Wednesday evening, when the board’s three trustees and Mayor Damon McMullen either reiterated their opt-out stance, or stated it was not the right time to opt in.</p><p>An official decision must be made by the state deadline of December 31.</p><p>It seemed as if proponents of opting in would have an uphill battle early on in the evening, when speaker after speaker voiced why they thought cannabis sales shouldn’t be allowed in the Village.</p><p>Northport resident Steve Chassman is a licensed clinical social worker, and credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor. He explained how being in the middle of a pandemic could lead people to feelings of grief, fear, social isolation and anxiety, all factors that serve as breeding grounds for self-medication. “The overdose rates of 2020 were astronomical,” he said, with alcohol and opioid-related fatalities hitting an all time high. “What does that have to do with marijuana?” Steve asked. “History is prologue and we have to learn from our mistakes...when you pit monetary gain against public health, public health has been losing, and in a major way,” he continued.</p><p>Steve explained that marijuana has played a role in the increase of substance abuse and addiction, and it should not be made more readily available during such a difficult time in our community, during the height of a global pandemic.</p><p>The sentiment of now just not being the right time to allow for cannabis sales was shared by many in the room, including Trustee Dave Weber, who said that opting out this year and perhaps allowing cannabis sales in the future may be the most reasonable decision at this time. “I think the reason why New York created this law was to give our residents of the state a better option for a regulated product,” he said, adding that he would want to wait for clarity on regulations and further training for Northport Village police officers in drug recognition, something also brought up at the meeting.</p><p>Trustee Weber said plans for a Northport Village police officer to receive drug recognition training were in the works, and that the Village had access to DREs – drug recognition experts specially trained to recognize when someone is under the influence of certain drugs.</p><p>Assemblyman Keith Brown said that he too would like to see more comprehensive research on the issue before considering the Village opt-in. He said the marijuana used today is “not the marijuana from the 1970s” and discussed dabbing, which is popular among younger people and provides a very potent form of THC.</p><p>Sharon Richmond explained to the board that her son Vincent said that marijuana was his gateway drug. He later died of fentanyl poisoning; the opioid was unknowingly laced into a product he bought. “It’s been known that marijuana use can lead to substance abuse disorder and right now our state agencies are lacking the expertise or the experience to be able to take this into consideration…” she said. Sharon is also fearful that people will be driving under the influence of marijuana when there’s no clear way to detect its use by police officers, and asked that the board wait until there is more information and enough research to show the safety of marijuana use and sales.</p><p>Chrissy Ruggeri, a natural health writer and hemp shop owner who works with people across Long Island on proper hemp and cannabis use, explained that the majority of adults using cannabis do not go on to use harder substances, and opioid use disorder has proven to be multifactorial, with issues like trauma history and untreated psychiatric conditions playing important roles in drug abuse. She believes that whether or not the village opts in, the board should still focus on promoting programs like those run by the Drug and Alcohol Task Force so that children and adults have the tools they need to make wise decisions regarding alcohol, cannabis and other substances.</p><p>Chrissy told the board that by opting out ”you are impeding local and legal access to cannabis for Northport residents. You are forcing them to drive further into another municipality, and you’re forgoing the tax revenue from these inevitable sales.”</p><p>She spoke about the presence of bars and stores selling alcohol within the village, even though alcohol has proven to be more dangerous to both minors and adults. “We outwardly support the alcohol industry in Northport,” she said. “We even have community events that include alcohol, but we are steadfast to restrict the sale of regulated and lawful cannabis?”</p><p>Chrissy explained that inside a licensed dispensary, you will find regulated and lab-tested cannabis that’s grown in licensed growing facilities. Cannabis products cannot contain heavy metals, toxic ingredients or synthetic cannabinoids, she said. “If you’re concerned about safety, then this is the safer way to go,” she said.</p><p>Northport resident Joe Stewart, who spoke after Chrissy, responded to her assertion that educated, productive neighbors are already smoking cannabis in their houses on Bayview Avenue, in Crab Meadow, Asharoken, and Eaton’s Neck, and if the Village opts out, they’ll be driving to other areas on Long Island for their cannabis, or have it delivered from another location.</p><p>“If the idiot in Eaton’s Neck or wherever has to go buy their marijuana over in Huntington Station, I’ll tell you what, sell your house and go move there,” he said. “Get out, pothead. That’s the answer…. What a waste to live here 25 years to find out that I’m going to have junkies down on Main Street. It’s disgusting.”</p><p>Village resident Lauren Pluchino didn’t plan on speaking, but came to the podium in direct response to Joe’s claim that many cannabis users are dirtbags, and absentee parents. “I want to introduce myself as one of those junkie, pothead, dirtbag people who doesn’t know how to raise their kids,” she said. Lauren, who described herself as a hard worker and productive member of the community who focuses on her health, job and children, said that marijuana is medicine for a lot of people – especially now during the challenging times of a pandemic. “On a personal level, the amount of narcotics and controlled substances that do not exist in my life because of cannabis… it’s a healthier route.”</p><p>Northport High School graduate Owen Martinelli also attended the meeting to listen in on the conversation, but then decided to speak. He has worked in the cannabis industry since 2017 and owns a dispensary in Massachusetts, and said he sees “both sides of the argument” – the best thing the town can do is “go to the right sources of information,” he said. Residents are allowed to grow up to six cannabis plants at home and that “cannabis is here, it’s already in our town,” he said. He noted that starting a legal, regulated cannabis business is a tremendous investment, and that selling to minors can lead to losing a license. He also said that the cannabis people are currently obtaining on Long Island is “not healthy” because of the presence of microbes and additives. In a legal market, he added, you can trace all of that, “from when the plant’s grown to when it’s sold.”</p><p>“I think we can all agree that this is a polarized discussion,” said Trustee Ian Milligan at the end of the public hearing. “Even though this room may be slanted to one direction, just knowing the conversations I’ve had with people, this is a polarizing topic.” Trustee Milligan explained that it’s difficult to detect marijuana use from a law enforcement standpoint and although we have a Northport police officer who may be trained in drug recognition, said the Village isn’t ready to opt in yet. He agrees that getting regulated cannabis is potentially safer than what you find on the black market, adding that “it makes sense to take a back seat, opt out at this point, and wait for technology and training.”</p><p>Both Trustee Tom Kehoe and Mayor Damon McMullen shared their intentions to opt out at this time.</p><p><b>So, what’s next?</b></p><p>The next (and official) public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16, at 6pm. It looks, as of now, that the Village will opt out of cannabis sales and/or consumption sites within its jurisdiction. Should the board opt out now, it may opt back in to allow adult-use retail and/or onsite consumption licenses in the future, by repealing the existing law that established prohibition.</p><p>If the Village does not opt out by December 31, it will be unable to opt out at a future date. If the Village opts out by the deadline, the local law is subject to what’s called a “permissive referendum,” allowing voters to petition the outcome and place a new local law allowing cannabis sales and onsite consumption on the ballot at the next general election, which for Northport Village is March 15, 2022.</p>",
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