Greenport resident Anthony Thomas Corazzini died May 23, 2021. He was 98.
The family will receive visitors Wednesday, May 26, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A funeral service will take place Thursday, May 27, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Agnes Cemetery in Greenport.
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A new rooftop planetarium and event space will be the “crowning component” of the Long Island Science Center’s plans to expand its programming into the former Swezey’s building on East Main Street in Riverhead, the organization announced this week.
“The planetarium would be a full planetarium that would be built on the roof of the Science Center and have a 42-foot dome inside that would be projected upon,” said Cailin Kaller, the executive director of LISC, in an interview. “We’d be able to seat up to 100 people at a time. The seats lay back and you look up at the big dome you’re sitting under.”
The Science Center bought the property in April 2020 for $1.45 million, according to town records. It received an $775,500 Regional Economic Development Council grant in December 2019 in support of its move into the Swezey’s building, and is seeking additional grants this year.
Riverhead Town last Tuesday finalized its acquisition of three properties on East Main Street. It plans to demolish in two of the three buildings to open up a vista from East Main Street to the Peconic River as part of the Town Square.
The town’s news came as good news to the Science Center as well.
“The Board of Directors of the Long Island Science Center is thrilled and excited to learn the Town of Riverhead is closing on the property directly to the east of the 24,000-square-foot building the Science Center purchased last year on East Main Street,” said Laurence Oxman, president of LISC’s board of directors.
Science Center officials say that direct access to LISC from the Town Square will be possible under the town’s new plans.
“Instead of entering from the narrow sidewalks on Main Street or the back parking lot, a new and exciting entrance will be centrally located off the Town Square” once it’s completed, officials said.
Mr. Oxman said in an interview that the planetarium has been in discussion for some time. “We are just thinking it would be a wonderful design element and something that is really not available to the region, especially once you get out east,” he said.
Locally, the Eastern Campus of Suffolk Community College in Northampton has a planetarium, as does Southampton High School. There is also an observatory at The Custer Institute in Southold.
Ms. Kaller said the Science Center already has a portable planetarium that it has been taking to schools for about 15 years.
“It’s very popular, but it needs to be updated,” Mr. Oxman said. “But the programs are really amazing.”
The new Science Center will house interactive exhibit space that showcases Long Island technology and invention, as well as adult and youth makerspace,classrooms and a recording studio. A unique rooftop deck and observation area overlooking the Town Square and Peconic River are also being planned. Gardens and exhibits on solar energy and photovoltaics will be highlights of the large deck.
The Science Center also plans to have some retail storefronts on the ground level. Access to those stores previously would have been from East Main Street or the riverfront parking lot. Now, they will be also be accessible from the Town Square, Mr. Oxman said.
The retail outlets will occupy only a small portion of the Science Center’s overall space, he said.
“It helps us long-term with some income to make sure we are able to stay stable and make repairs to the building and keep everything in line,” Ms. Kaller added.
The nonprofit Science Center sold its original building at 11 West Main St. in 2016 to Peconic Crossings and operated from Rocky Point for three years before returning to Riverhead and leasing space on the ground floor of the Summerwind Square building. That space is considered a “demonstration” space.
The Science Center has been closed due to COVID-19 concerns and the demonstration space will no longer be used once the renovations to the Swezey’s building are complete, Mr. Oxman said.
Those renovations will bring the total space in the building to 30,000 square feet.
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The daily update is a podcast briefing on what’s happening across the North Fork.
Get the daily update delivered straight to your inbox each weekday morning by subscribing to our newsletter. Or listen through Apple Podcasts by subscribing to Closer Look.
Here are the headlines across the North Fork for Wednesday, May 26.
THE SUFFOLK TIMES
Long Island Science Center plans rooftop planetarium that could seat up to 100 people
NORTHFORKER
Hidden North Fork: This low-key farm stand will charm the kids (and you)
New owners of the Harvest Inn, a chef and a lawyer, give the B&B a makeover
WEATHER
Expect partly sunny skies today with a high temperature of about 76 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The low tonight will be around 61, with evening thunder showers in the forecast.
The post Long Island Science Center plans rooftop planetarium, New owners give B&B a makeover appeared first on The Suffolk Times.
Uncommon courage.
As the sun set on Third Street in Greenport Tuesday, speakers at an interfaith vigil hosted by Clinton Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church reflected on this idea.
The more than 100 people were in attendance to observe the solemn one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in Minneapolis.
“We’re here tonight because we want to work for justice. We want to work for racial healing and we want to be the change that this world needs to see,” said the Rev. Natalie Wimberly, delivering an impassioned call to action.
Rev. Wimberly said the theme of “uncommon courage” was inspired by Darnella Frazier, the teen who recorded the now viral video of George Floyd’s murder and gave powerful testimony during the trial of Derek Chauvin, the officer responsible for Mr. Floyd’s death.
“She displayed what uncommon courage looks like,” Rev. Wimberly said. “It requires audacity, risk, sacrifice, the use of voice and the willingness to do whatever is necessary so truth can come forth.”
In a Facebook post Tuesday, Ms. Frazier reflected on how the incident changed her life and stole a piece of her childhood. “It made me realize how dangerous it is to be Black in America,” she wrote, adding that she has suffered from anxiety and panic attacks since the incident.
“We realize that a year ago was a far different world than where we are right now,” said the Rev. Natalie Wimberly. “Nevertheless, we still have a great deal of work to do.”
Tuesday’s vigil is the second hosted by the Greenport church. Last summer, hundreds of people filled Third Street to voice their shock, sadness and anger in the wake of Mr. Floyd’s death.
This time, speakers emphasized the importance of reinforcing words and sayings like ‘Black Lives Matter’ with action.
Greenport resident Valerie Shelby, who currently co-chairs the town’s Anti-Bias Task Force, asked those in attendance to make a pledge: “I am here to make a change. Count me in.”
Milton Vann, pastor of Jefferson Temple Church of God in Christ in Cutchogue, also spoke about unity. “You and I are going to have to figure out a way to come together and tear down the systems—not the individuals—but the systems of racism and the spirit of division,” he said.
Mr. Floyd, who was 46, died after Mr. Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. A jury last month convicted Mr. Chauvin of murder and he is set to be sentenced on June 25.
A former police officer and pastor at the Community Baptist Church in Southampton, Donald Butler said uncommon courage is also a theme current police officers should keep in mind. “It’s time to say something when you see something,” he said. “I am not anti police but I am anti police brutality . There are plenty of great police officers out there doing a wonderful job. It’s time for some good police officers to say something as well. The fight still goes on,” he said.
Jalisa Dixon, a student at Greenport High School, spoke about the toll the last year has had on her as a young Black woman and how it’s opened her eyes to systemic racism, racial trauma and other issues, including the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on Black and Latino communities.
“We need to take care of each other … so we can continue to rise up and know peace and the end of racism and inequity,” Jalisa said.
Rev. Wimberly said that since Mr. Floyd’s death, she’s waited “with bated breath to exhale,” but still feels like she cannot breathe. She cited a Newsweek article published Tuesday that lists at least 229 Black people who have died at the hands of police since Mr. Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020.
Some of those names were read aloud during the vigil, among them Rayshard Brooks and Daunte Wright, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop in April.
The police officer, who has since resigned, reportedly meant to fire a Taser instead of her handgun.
William Dickerson of the First Presbyterian Church in Southold acknowledged that that list and a lack of overwhelming reforms to the criminal justice system can be discouraging. But he said widespread peaceful protest and heightened awareness has had an impact on our culture.
“Concepts like systemic racism, police brutality and justice have worked their way into public consciousness and conversation in a way I’ve never seen before,” Mr. Dickerson said.
Jacqueline Edwards of Ridge, a retired Suffolk County Police Officer, agreed. In an interview, she said though the anniversary is sad, she’s heartened to see more people educating themselves about systemic racism and police brutality.
“As [Mr. Floyd’s] daughter said, he’s going to make a difference,” Ms. Edwards said.
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The state’s latest vaccine incentive could save future college students — and their parents — a whole lot of dough.
During a briefing Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the new “Get a Shot and Make Your Future” program, which will raffle off 50 full four-year scholarships that include tuition, room and board, to SUNY, CUNY and community colleges to 12-17 year olds who get vaccinated between May 27 and July 7.
Random drawings will be held each Wednesday and those who enter will be eligible for each subsequent weekly drawing, Mr. Cuomo said. Parents or guardians of eligible children can enter their child for a chance to win at ny.gov/vaccinescholarship starting Thursday.
“It’s a significant incentive for students and an incentive for parents worried about paying tuition,” the governor said. “It’s going to be among a small population, so your odds are good.”
As a statewide push to reopen the economy continues, state officials also announced that entertainment venues including arenas, stadiums and theaters, may operate at 100% capacity for fully vaccinated people.
Venues also have the option of offering seating sections for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, which limits their capacity.
“It’s time to start human contact, social contact,” Mr. Cuomo said.
More help is also on the way for small businesses and renters experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.
The governor announced another $800 million for the small business recovery grant program, which will offer up to $50,000 in grant funds small businesses can use to cover operating expenses. In addition, $2.7 billion in emergency rental assistance will also be made available for struggling New Yorkers, who can apply at otda.ny.gov/erap starting June 1.
An estimated 330,000 small businesses across the state will be eligible for the grants and applications open June 10 at NYSBusinessRecovery.ny.gov.
Mr. Cuomo urged those interested to begin preparing their application information, since the grants are awarded on a first come, first serve basis. “Getting the money out into the hands of small businesses … that’s how you’re really going to see the economy come back and come back quickly,” he said.
Statewide, the COVID-19 infection rate continues to trend downward. The positivity rate is 0.7%, the lowest reported since Aug. 30. By comparison, the national positivity rate is at 2.6%, making New York one of the top three lowest states for COVID positivity. Hospitalizations are at their lowest since Nov. 3 and 17 deaths were reported Wednesday.
The vaccination rate is also slowing down, with the state reporting a 47% decline in the number of daily doses administered since April 12. “It shot up, plateaued and is now declining,” Mr. Cuomo said.
To date, there have been 18.6 million doses of the COVID vaccines given statewide and 55.5% of the adult population is now fully vaccinated.
The governor said state health officials are now prioritizing the 12-17 year old age group, which has the lowest vaccination rate since eligibility was just recently expanded.
The tuition incentive is the latest in a series of creative ways to urge people to get vaccinated. Other recent programs offered include a $5 million state lottery incentive and a free two-day pass to any state park in exchange for a shot.
The post In newest vaccine incentive, students could receive a full ride to college appeared first on The Suffolk Times.
Listings prepared for Times Review Media Group by Suffolk Research Service, dated April 3-9, 2021.
AQUEBOGUE (11931)
• Giordano, A, to Oliva Palencia, Jorge & Edbil, 579 Church Ln (600-21-2-15.5), (R), $487,600
• Antanaitis, M, to Stone, Jason, 36 Broad Ave (600-85-2-65), (R), $520,000
BAITING HOLLOW (11933)
• Tortosa, F, to Courtney, Melissa, 102 Fox Hill Dr, Unit 102 (600-11.1-1-2), (R), $329,000
CALVERTON (11933)
• Fasanelli, G & C, to Wilson II, Robert, 84 Gregory Way (600-58-2-10.25), (R), $454,500
• Schembri, A, to Seda, Thomas, 84 Wildwood Dr (600-97-1-2), (R), $385,000
• Engmann, B, to Papageorgio, Leo, 164 Jakes Ln (600-99-2-4.35), (R), $510,000
EAST MARION (11939)
• Vidal, E & H Trust to Puglia, Mark, 7995 Route 25 (1000-31-2-29), (R), $750,000
FISHERS ISLAND (06390)
• Burr, J, to 411 Equestrian Avenue LLC, 411 Equestrian Ave (1000-9-4-3), (C), $495,000
FLANDERS (11901)
• Minister Real Estate to Chun Galvez, Melvin, 108 Bell Ave (900-142-2-21.1), (R), $540,000
• Fioto, M, by Executor to Chavez, Karla, 116 Glider Ave (900-142-3-32), (R), $336,850
GREENPORT (11944)
• Fisher, L, to Quietman Holdings LLC, 325 Bridge St (1000-34-3-49), (R), $625,000
• 525 Greenport LLC to Reeve, Emily, 525 Second St (1001-2-6-14.1), (R), $620,000
MATTITUCK (11952)
• Meskouris, Morin & Pasc to Flossos, Anna, 1325 Central Dr (1000-106-2-30), (R), $410,000
• Carter, M, to Kolgore, Zachary, 1525 West Mill Rd (1000-106-9-8.1), (R), $1,260,000
• Preszler, T, to Rieger, Nicolas, 2200 Wickham Ave (1000-139-3-25), (R), $950,000
NEW SUFFOLK (11956)
• Caridi, S, by Heirs to Lentini, David, 580 Kouros Rd (1000-117-6-19.1), (R), $785,000
ORIENT (11957)
• Schaefer, M & K, to Sennis, Kathryn, 1460 Hillcrest Dr (1000-13-2-8.24), (R), $1,375,000
• Varkoutas, A & A, to Busch, Daniel, 300 Hillcrest Dr (1000-13-2-8.31), (V), $375,000
PECONIC (11958)
• Catapano, M & K, to Peconic Park Properties, 33705 CR 48 (1000-74-2-12.2), (R), $1,570,000
RIVERHEAD (11901)
• Agarabi, A, to Hawkwind Bluffs, LLC, 2 & 2A Dolphin Way (600-4-1-2.1), (R), $875,000
• Carman, G, W & L, & Ingham to County of Suffolk, 4518 Sound Ave (600-19-1-3), (V), $8,368,902
• Frazier, B Trust to Riedman, Paul, 188 Scenic Lake Dr (600-82.2-1-188), (R), $440,000
• Evergreen Homes Cnstrc to Save More Homes LLC, 153 FoxRun & 10-37,40,46,48 (600-85-1-10.24), (V), $508,750
• Langhorn, M, by Executor to 752 Raynor Avenue LLC, 752 Raynor Ave (600-123-1-36), (R), $322,500
• Golembeski, V, by Admr to Avalos, Nelson, 411 Claus Ave (600-124-2-35), (R), $315,000
SOUTHOLD (11971)
• Gallagher, K, to Vigdorchik, Jonathan, 17975 Soundview Ave (1000-51-1-7), (R), $1,700,000
• Johnson, R & J, to Sridharan, Arthi, 605 Oriole Dr (1000-55-6-15.29), (R), $742,500
• Harroun, M, to 622 Church Lane LLC, 63745 Route 25 (1000-56-4-17.1), (R), $899,000
• Vitale, G, to Wachter, Jason, 230 Jockey Creek Dr (1000-70-5-8), (R), $925,000
• Rucconich, F & T, to Nuccio, Salvatore, 4490 Oaklawn Ave (1000-70-9-47), (R), $589,000
• Carnevale, V, to 675 Glenn LLC, 675 Glenn Rd (1000-78-2-7), (V), $299,000
• Ruggles, M, to Ruggles, Jacqueline, 1150 Nokomis Rd (1000-78-3-15), (R), $500,000
• Verostek, C & J Trusts to Lazarovic, Mark, 65 Grove Rd (1000-135-3-23), (V), $70,000
WADING RIVER (11792)
• Hoblin, T & G, to Healy, Kenneth, 255 Maple Rd (600-26-2-9.3), (R), $500,000
• Ortiz, A, to Mignano, Carlo, 2370 & 2374 N Wading River (600-36-2-17.2), (R), $407,500
• Kelly Trusts to Fuhrer, Jane, 727 Hulse Landing Rd (600-53-1-21.1), (R), $270,000
• Gieck, G, to Roman, Justin, 161 Overlook Dr (600-54-2-6), (R), $500,000
(Key: Tax map numbers = District-Section-Block-Lot; (A) = agriculture; (R) = residential; (V) = vacant property; (C) = commercial; (R&E) = recreation & entertainment; (CS) = community services; (I) = industrial; (PS) = public service; (P) = park land; as determined from assessed values in the current tax rolls.)
The post Real Estate Transfers: May 27, 2021 appeared first on The Suffolk Times.
Southold Town’s civic associations held a virtual meeting with Town Board members Tuesday night to express concern about the construction of large homes on small lots, which is currently allowed under town code.
Gathered on Zoom were members of civic groups from the Orient Association in the east to Mattituck-Laurel in the west, with each speaker sounding the alarm that large homes already built or under construction will permanently damage the “small-town feel” of the North Fork and destroy the character of neighborhoods.
Drianne Benner of the Orient Association said that “reasonable limits” must be addressed in amendments to the town code that would bar the construction of oversized houses, which can currently be as large as 40,000 square feet.
She and other speakers asked the board to adopt new zoning regulations by September of this year.
“We must change the zoning code to limit house size before it’s too late,” Ms. Benner said, adding that “huge” homes “will change Southold Town forever.”
Speaker after speaker echoed the same sentiments and said time was of the essence.
In February, members of the Orient Association, East Marion Community Association, Cutchogue Civic Association, New Suffolk Civic Association and Mattituck-Laurel Civic Association made similar appeals at a Town Board work session. The Tuesday night Zoom presentation before the board was touted as an informal meeting.
Using slides, the civic groups showed that homes of more than 110,000 square feet have been built on the South Fork, where towns have now limited home size -— but only after huge mansions had already been built on prime farmland. The slides showed that Southold and Riverhead are the exceptions to strict size restrictions on the East End.
According to the slides, buildings of up to 40,000 square feet on two acres are allowable in Southold. On a half-acre lot, a building of up to 10,000 square feet is permitted. Houses of this size, the speakers said, dominate neighborhoods, block light to nearby homes and “visually overwhelm” other properties.
“We all live in a beautiful place that is changing quickly,” said George Cork Maul, director of the New Suffolk Civic Association, adding that the rural beauty in his hamlet is “under assault.”
He added: “This is the last chance we have to deal with this. We have to do something now before it’s too late.”
Participating in the Zoom session were Supervisor Scott Russell and board members Louisa Evans, Bob Ghosio, Jill Dougherty and Sarah Nappa. Each of them praised the groups for their work on the issue.
“The time to act is now,” said Anne Murray, director of the East Marion Community Association.
Ms. Benner urged the board to consider strict limits on building height as well as square footage in relation to lot size, suggesting a maximum of 12,000 square feet with a cap of 35 feet in height for a sloped roof and 25 feet for a flat roof.
Several speakers from the civic groups, and others who joined in the Zoom meeting, noted that such restrictions would have no impact on property values and, in fact, would enhance values. Eric Dantes, a builder and a member of the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals, said the groups’ presentation was “dead on,” adding that size restrictions would not hurt builders or the real estate industry.
Similar comments came from Bob DeLuca of Group for the East End, who added that passing restrictions now would “spare the town from nasty struggles from a land-use perspective down the road.”
Southold architect Meryl Kramer said she fully supports size restrictions and counsels her clients that “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” build a huge house. She said new building codes would “prevent people from insisting on larger structures.”
Near the end of the meeting, Mr. Russell said the board could not make any decisions then, adding that he anticipated this issue will come up at the next available work session.
The post Local civics sound alarm on ‘huge’ houses, ask town to reduce what’s allowed appeared first on The Suffolk Times.
The daily update is a podcast briefing on what’s happening across the North Fork.
Get the daily update delivered straight to your inbox each weekday morning by subscribing to our newsletter. Or listen through Apple Podcasts by subscribing to Closer Look.
Here are the headlines across the North Fork for Thursday, May 27.
THE SUFFOLK TIMES
In newest vaccine incentive, students could receive a full ride to college
Local civics sound alarm on ‘huge’ houses, ask town to reduce what’s allowed
One year later, Greenport community remembers George Floyd
RIVERHEAD NEWS-REVIEW
Faced with unique challenges to perform on stage, Riverhead Blue Masques turn to film
NORTHFORKER
Podcast: Our June issue is here and it’s jam-packed with ways to explore the North Fork and beyond
North Fork Seafood opens market below Anker restaurant in Greenport
WEATHER
Expect sunny skies today with a high temperature of about 79 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The low tonight will be around 55, with evening thunder showers in the forecast.
The post Students could receive full ride to college in latest vaccine incentive, Civics call for house size limit appeared first on The Suffolk Times.
On your next quiet drive across the North Fork, peek north and south at the business signs that dot the main roads. Odds are you’ll see plenty of other signs, too: those that read “help wanted.”
A nursery, a farm stand, a landscaper and a restaurant are all looking for help in Jamesport, for example. Drive just a couple of miles and you’ll see all kinds of employment opportunities.
It’s that time of year again, but employers say it’s been particularly hard this year to find help in preparation for the summer. It’s a phenomenon being felt across Southold and Riverhead towns.
“It’s been a total nightmare trying to staff for this summer. I just need bodies,” said Bunnii Buglione, manager at Ellen’s on Front restaurant in Greenport.
Hiring has been such a challenge this spring, the restaurant is offering a $50 gift card to anyone with a successful referral for employment.
Ms. Buglione said loosened restrictions, which have allowed restaurants to expand capacity, have created a rush on hiring, making it even more difficult. Offering a higher wage has helped Ellen’s retain staff, but they still need more.
A mix of factors, from a lack of affordable housing on the North Fork to pandemic-related enhanced unemployment benefits, are contributing to the challenge of staffing.
“There’s so much that plays into it,” she said. “I don’t want to blame the extra $300 a week, but if you can get that until September, what’s the incentive to go back to work?”
A recent change means New York State regulations now require recipients of unemployment to document their efforts to find a new job and submit proof. As part of the $300 federal bonus, President Joe Biden also said those on unemployment who are offered a “suitable” job must take it or risk losing their benefits.
Jeff Strong of Strong’s Marine, a multi-generational marina business operating in Mattituck and beyond, also suspects enhanced unemployment benefits are deterring people from returning to work.
“The federally subsidized unemployment is, in my opinion, way beyond its expiration date,” he said. “I think there was absolutely a need for that and [I’m] glad the federal government had that program, but in my view, that should have been ended many months ago.”
Mr. Strong is no stranger to the challenge of filling summer jobs. This year provided another hurdle, however, with the first full season of operation for Windamere, a restaurant at their water club in Mattituck, which was previously Pace’s Dockside.
Like many other hospitality businesses on the East End, Mr. Strong said he had been banking on using the J-1 visa program, which allows young people from abroad, often college students, to work here for the summer.
“We had been counting on [the program], which unfortunately seems to be very limited if not nonexistent” due to the pandemic, he said. “We’re hopeful that there will be a change in that.”
Bob Kern, president of the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce, said child care has also been a challenge for people who otherwise might be ready to reenter the workforce or still can’t work regular hours.
“I’ve spoken to employers who’ve said they have to juggle their regular people because of their child care,” he said.
“Previously they had children in school and both parents were out working. But when the schools aren’t [fully] open, it’s a nightmare,” Mr. Kern said.
Mr. Strong acknowledged that the restaurant/hospitality industry was among the hardest hit by Covid and other factors, like a lack of affordable housing.
“Housing — especially for full-time people — is definitely becoming more of a challenge,” Mr. Strong said, noting that his company has purchased houses to try and help address the workforce housing crisis.
But Mr. Strong wants to send this message to prospective employees: “During Covid, it got really, really quiet, but you can earn a really nice living back in a restaurant again,” he said.
While the North Fork remains in an affordable housing crisis, the standard housing market is booming and there are more people living on — and visiting — the North Fork than ever.
Lauren Lombardi of Lombardi’s Love Lane Market said that’s driving the need to have an even larger staff.
“We are definitely busier,” she said. “This winter and spring are busy. There are lots of new faces and far as business coming into the store. So that’s good, but I am still looking for help.”
She’s advertised for help but said it’s still a challenge finding candidates since so many other businesses are also looking.
“Of course I want to attract people to work here,” Ms. Lombardi said. “But I really don’t know why it is so hard right now. I think everyone is busy. I wanted an awning put up outside and the guy said he could do it in September.”
The population boom has also caused landscapers and pool companies to be busier than ever — with new plantings for recently purchased homes and pools for residents looking to avoid crowded beaches. They’re putting more crews to work and the hiring can’t come fast enough, several employers in those industries told us.
As a manager at one local pool company put it: “Covid changed everything.”
The post North Fork faces a summer help crunch with various factors making staffing tougher than ever appeared first on The Suffolk Times.
Memorial Day observances will take place across the North Fork Monday, May 31. Some will be slightly different this year, as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.
The following is a schedule of events marking the holiday:
SATURDAY, MAY 29
9:30 a.m.: A gravesite flag-placement ceremony will be held at Calverton National Cemetery. Preregistered veteran service organizations, Scout units and families will participate; volunteers will be limited. For information, contact Frank Bailey at delmarcomp@aol.com.
The Avenue of Flags will be displayed throughout the grounds until June 7.
No public Memorial Day ceremony will be held, but the cemetery will post photos of the flags on its social media channels.
MONDAY, MAY 31
7:30 a.m.: Orient’s annual Memorial Day parade begins at the Main Road firehouse and proceeds through the village before returning to the firehouse.
9 a.m.: Riverhead’s Memorial Day commemoration, hosted by the Combined Veterans of Riverhead, includes a parade and ceremonies that will start at Pulaski Street and Osborn Avenue and proceed to the World War I monument and down East Main Street, making final stops at the St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church and Riverhead cemeteries.
11 a.m.: Southold Town’s Memorial Day parade, which rotates its location every year, will take place in Southold and is co-hosted by Griswold-Terry-Glover American Legion Post 803. It begins at Boisseau Avenue and Main Road and ends at the Legion hall, where Boy Scout Troop 6 will serve free hot dogs and soda while they last. For more information, contact Charles Sanders, gtgpost803@gmail.com.
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After closing for 14 and a half months during the pandemic, Southold’s Senior Center hosted a lunch Monday that brought together town and county officials and grateful seniors glad to once again be able to enjoy a meal together.
“It’s so great to be back here again,” said Adam Doroski as he waited for lunch to be served. “Before COVID I came two or three times a week, then it was shut down. This is unbelievable to be back again. I am very grateful.”
Before the meal was served, center director Karen McLaughlin praised her staff, who managed to deliver thousands of meals to shut-in seniors despite the long COVID closure.
For Mr. Doroski, this meant he could still receive meals while the center was shut down. “My granddaughter helped arrange it so I could get two and three meals a week all during COVID,” he said. “It was really a great thing.”
The center may have been closed, but the staff still cooked meals and delivered them or arranged for pick-ups, Ms. McLaughlin said. “This is so good to see everyone here,” she said. “We have missed you so much.”
If there is a success story in the more than a year of COVID-19 disruptions, it is Southold’s senior citizen program, which continued to run and provide services, including helping people make vaccination appointments online.
The staff and its efforts during the pandemic were praised by town Supervisor Scott Russell and county Legislator Al Krupski (D-Peconic), who both attended what felt like a grand reopening.
Mr. Russell pointed out that, all during the pandemic, meals were still prepared and delivered. “We got them to the homes where people needed help,” he said. He praised Ms. McLaughlin as “one of the most tireless people who has built this center into what it is.”
Looking out over the seniors who came for lunch, Mr. Russell added, “I just want you to know, you will never be overlooked.”
Mr. Krupski seconded the praise.
“This is such an incredible resource,” he said. “So much goes on behind the scenes to run something like this.”
Also in attendance was Holly Rhodes-Teague, director of Suffolk County’s Office of the Aging. She said more than 4,000 meals were served across the county each week during the pandemic. “There was a great need, and we helped everyone we could,” she said.
After the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of “God Bless America,” a hot lunch was served.
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The daily update is a podcast briefing on what’s happening across the North Fork.
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Here are the headlines across the North Fork for Friday, May 28.
THE SUFFOLK TIMES
North Fork faces a summer help crunch with various factors making staffing tougher than ever
Memorial Day ceremonies return: Here’s where to find them
Senior center welcomes back residents with return of in-person meals program
RIVERHEAD NEWS-REVIEW
Safety, noise concerns are top priority ahead of proposed drag racing series, organizer says
NORTHFORKER
The Summer Plan: North Fork kids share their favorite summer places
North Fork Open Houses: 10 listings to check out for the weekend of May 29
WEATHER
Expect mostly sunny skies today with a high temperature of about 64 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy rain and wind is in the forecast for tonight with a low of 48. The low tonight will be around 55, with evening thunder showers in the forecast.
Rain is likely Saturday and Sunday as well, clearing up in time for the holiday Monday.
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Southold resident Wilma L. Meehan, formerly of Sea Cliff, N.Y., died at her home May 22, 2021. She was 88.
Wilma was born July 22, 1932, in Mineola, N.Y., to Wilhelmina J. (Gundel) and John A. Long. She was a retired teacher from North Shore School District.
She was the beloved wife of the late John F. Meehan; devoted mother of Patricia (Angelo T.) Stanco, John (Roseann) Meehan and William (Rosemary) Meehan; cherished sister of Mary Leonardi, the late William C. Long and the late John J. Long; and loving grandmother of four wonderful grandchildren: Melissa, Jonathan, Sarah and Natalie. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and longtime friends.
The family will receive visitors Tuesday, June 1, from 3 to 7 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Southold, with Father John Barrett officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Rood R.C. Cemetery in Westbury, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital or St. Patrick’s R.C. Church would be appreciated.
This is a paid notice.
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Luck Ann Miller of Mattituck died May 27, 2021, at her home. She was 89.
The family will receive visitors Monday, May 31, from 3 to 7 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. A funeral service will take place at 4 p.m., with the Rev. Valerie Freseman officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Mattituck Fire Department.
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Southold Town police arrested a Greenport man for driving while intoxicated after receiving a report about a vehicle failing to maintain its lane and driving at a very slow speed along Route 48 last Thursday night.
Jose Chajon-Raxon, whose age was not included in a police report, was charged with DWI, police said.
• Two volunteers cleaning the prop room at the North Fork Community Theatre called police after finding a bag with two grenades, two smoke bombs and a large knife with a bayonet attachment Sunday afternoon.
Police retrieved the items, which were found to be non-active training grenades that did not pose a safety threat, and brought them to police headquarters to be destroyed.
• A Greenport woman was arrested for harassment after she struck a police officer during a dispute at the Sound View Inn last Monday evening.
A manager called police after two people had a disagreement and started yelling at patrons staying above them. A 61-year-old woman became irate and threw a trash can before police were called to remove her and a 54-year-old Greenport man from the property.
While speaking with police, she reportedly began to scream at an officer and struck him in the head with an open hand.
She was placed under arrest and taken to Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital after claiming she needed medical treatment. After being released, she was processed at police headquarters and released on an appearance ticket for second-degree harassment, which is a violation, officials said.
• Police responded to an unattended boat that was left running aground near Wickham Creek in Cutchogue last Tuesday morning.
An officer began searching to see if a person had fallen into the water before discovering that the owner fell off, swam to shore and was safe at a nearby dock shortly before 9 a.m.
• A man called police Saturday afternoon to report seeing a teenager driving a golf cart while texting on Deerfoot Path in Cutchogue.
Police were unable to locate the teen, reports said.
• Police were called to a dispute between a park attendant and visitor at Cedar Beach in Southold Saturday morning.
A 35-year-old Plainfield, N.J., man accused the attendant of being racist for not granting him entry but apologized for the misunderstanding after learning that he needs a county park permit to enter.
• Police were called to a 7-Eleven in Southold Saturday after a 62-year-old Greenport woman became irate, destroyed several displays and dumped a cup of coffee on the floor shortly before 5 a.m.
The woman fled the area as police arrived to the store and an employee estimated she caused $200 in damage.
No charges were filed but police advised the woman she may be subject to arrest if she returns to the store.
• Two Peconic residents called police Saturday afternoon after discovering a group of youths trespassed on their Sound Avenue properties overnight.
One plastic bucket was taken from a backyard and taken down to a nearby beach, according to a police report.
• A 41-year-old Sunnyside, Queens, man was pulled over along Love Lane in Mattituck Saturday after police received an anonymous report of his vehicle failing to maintain its lane of travel.
The man told police he was eating chicken wings and didn’t realize he was failing to maintain his lane, police said.
• Police were called to a dispute between neighbors on Sigsbee Road in Mattituck last Tuesday evening.
• Four hosta plants that were for sale outside of a home along Route 48 in Greenport were reported stolen last Wednesday evening.
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The Peconic Land Trust has acquired a half-acre woodland parcel on Soundview Avenue in Southold that sits along a woodland corridor connecting three county parks: Goldsmith’s Inlet, Soundview Dunes and Peconic Dunes.
In a release, the Southampton-based Peconic Land Trust said the property was acquired from Edith Cosban-Iserman and the purchase was made possible by contributions from more than 25 residents of the area.
No sale price was given. The parcel was bought by the Trust on April 27 and will be called Soundview Avenue Preserve.
According to the release, “The woodlands have a variety of plant species, including native wildflowers and jack-in-the-pulpit, as well as grasses, mosses and shrubs that create a healthy habitat. This property also provides important groundwater recharge for our sole source aquifer.”
The release said the acquisition of the parcel connects “maritime freshwater interdunal swales,” which are a rarity on the North Fork.
Conservation biologist Louise Harrison said, “This parcel isn’t large, but it hosts a small freshwater wetland in a critically important forest corridor” that runs through the three county parks.
Isabelle Kanz, a donor and community member, said she watched the “For Sale” sign for several years.
“I knew I couldn’t protect it by myself,” she said. “I was overjoyed when the Peconic Land Trust joined in with advice and much hard work, making this a community effort, and fulfilling my dream of preserving this precious wild environment.”
Peconic Land Trust project manager Holly Sanford said it was a community effort to acquire the property.
“The result [is] a beautiful ecologically sensitive woodland conserved in perpetuity for wildlife habitat and water quality,” she said.
The trust is also involved in a fundraising effort to help preserve a tract of land on Deep Hole Creek in Mattituck where a seven-lot subdivision is planned. In a release, the trust said the property owners are willing to consider a conservation option for the New Suffolk Avenue site. The release said approximately $695,000 needs to be raised to preserve the property, with a fundraising deadline of June 15.
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On beaches across the North Fork piping plovers are beginning to hatch, and the North Fork Audubon Society wants everyone to know they’re out there and to be careful not to disturb their nests.
The chicks are hatching this week, Jennifer Murray of the society said, and people need to be careful when they walk on beaches, and respect the signs and fencing around nesting areas.
In particular, she said, it’s important to keep dogs leashed and, if they need to run, take them to dog-friendly parks and not to beaches where there are nesting areas.
Plover chicks, Ms. Murray said, “don’t fly until they are about a month old and their defense against predators is to just hunker down and look like a rock, and they can get stepped on.”
The piping plover is a federally protected bird species.
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When Joanne Goerler was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood cancer in which blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature, a doctor said her only option was to find a donor.
Three years later, Ms. Goerler, a teacher whose family owns Jamesport Vineyards, recalled a question her husband, Ron, asked that doctor.
“[He asked] about a second opinion, or about what would happen if we did nothing,” she said. “The doctor’s answer was clear: ‘She’s going to die.’ ”
Once Ms. Goerler was swabbed for the matching process, she waited for the registry to find a good match. After two months, some potential donors were identified. Thankfully, Beatrice Rodriguez of Massachusetts had registered for Be The Match, a national donor program, 22 years earlier.
“It’s bigger than ‘lucky,’ bigger than ‘fortunate.’ I would say it was ‘amazing,’ ” Ms. Goerler said, describing her reaction on learning that a donor match had been found for her. “It was very emotional.”
Especially impressive, the Cutchogue resident added, was that her donor, Ms. Rodriguez, had made the commitment 22 years earlier to see if her bone marrow could save another life. An immigrant from Brazil, she had taken part in a bone marrow drive seeking a match for a young girl. Although she wasn’t a match at that time, Ms. Rodriguez stepped up to keep her commitment when she learned that she was a match for Ms. Goerler.
“So many people offer to be a donor on impulse,” Ms. Goerler said, “then realize that they’re in a different place” when a recipient is found at a later time. “But she stood firm.”
At a minimum, donor and recipient need to have 10 markers that match; an additional two potential markers are less critical but desirable. “Beatrice and I matched on 11 of the 12 markers,” she said.
Ms. Rodriguez was visiting Brazil at the time so they had to wait a few months for her to return and then quarantine.
In addition to finding a donor, the treatment required Ms. Goerler to undergo chemotherapy for four or five months to prepare her blood. Once the transplant date was set, she underwent six days of intense chemotherapy in September 2019, followed by one day of rest and then the transplant, at Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan.
Ms. Rodriguez, at the same time, received injections to stimulate cell growth. Her blood was centrifuged “to take out what they don’t want,” Ms. Goerler explained, and the remainder put back, in a six-hour process.
For Ms. Goerler, the transplant process took 11 minutes, with “a minute amount of a hot-pink-colored liquid.” Six weeks in isolation at the hospital followed, with monitoring as the undesirable numbers in her blood went down to zero. “I had to laugh,” she said, because aches in her legs reminded her of what people tell their children, “It’s just growing pains.” Her medical team explained that those pains were a good sign, meaning that the transplant was working.
Although the treatment was successful, the side effects were considerable. She’d been advised that because the donor was not a relative, the chances for a graft vs. host reaction were high. “Everything they said could happen did,” Ms. Goerler said, ranging from a rash to diabetes to a pulmonary embolism. But she endured, and when she reached the one-year mark after the transplant, there was plenty to celebrate.
An even more emotional high point came recently, when she and Ms. Rodriguez, who had connected only via phone and video, finally got to meet in person.
Ms. Rodriguez traveled via the Cross Sound Ferry to Ms. Goerler’s home , where they were surrounded by Ms. Goerler’s parents, Joe and Beanie Zuhoski of Cutchogue, siblings and extended family.
“Everyone welcomed her with open arms,” Ms. Goerler said of the emotional gathering among the vines of her family’s Jamesport Winery.
Beatrice Rodriguez was married but had no children; she likened the experience of being a donor to “making a life.”
When she later traveled again to Brazil, she and her mother chatted by video with Ms. Goerler, who recalled, “her mother called me her ‘baby daughter.’ ”
In honor of Ms. Goerler, the East Hampton school community is hosting an outdoor “Swab for Life” bone marrow drive at John M. Marshall Elementary School on Saturday, June 5. Ms. Goerler has taught at the school for over 30 years.
Be The Match is inviting residents of East Hampton and the surrounding communities on both the North and South forks and Shelter Island to a drive-through, no-touch swabbing event. The June 5 drive will be held from noon to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the school at 3 Gingerbread Lane in East Hampton.
Individuals ages 18 to 44 years are encouraged to attend the drive to become part of the Be The Match Registry and have the opportunity to save a life. Participants will be instructed to register from their mobile phones and will be given a quick, painless swab of the inner cheek. It only takes about 10 minutes to register. Registry members will only be called for further testing if they are identified as a potential match for a patient in need of a transplant.
For further information, contact Gina Kraus at 516-449-0829 or gina.kraus@ehschools.org; or Dr. Ron Jacobs, Be The Match, rjacob2@nmdp.org
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Eugene B. Perino of Aquebogue, N.Y., formerly of East Islip, N.Y., East Marion, N.Y., and Bonita Springs, Fla., died on May 27, 2021, in his 86th year.
He was the beloved husband of 62 years to Barbara (Lomnicki) Perino; devoted father to Susan Forte (Edward), Thomas E. (Carin) and John F. (Patricia); loving brother of Joseph and Richard; dear cousin of George Hubert; and adored grandfather of Deana, Garrett, Kaitlin, Samantha, Travis, Harrison, Brianna and Nicholas.
Memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, June 2, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead, N.Y. A memorial Mass will take place at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, June 3, at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church in Riverhead, with burial immediately following at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Cutchogue, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eugene’s name to East End Hospice, www.wwh.org.
This is a paid notice.
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President Biden has set a timeline to pull American forces out of Afghanistan, where 2,312 U.S. military personnel have lost their lives. On Monday, Americans will honor the unselfish men and women who lost their lives wearing an American uniform in all of our wars. Their lives were not given in vain, because they answered the call and gave, as Abraham Lincoln said, “the last full measure of devotion” to their country.
Since the 19th century, a day in late May has been a time when Americans — some of them, anyway — put aside all the fuss and bother of daily life for a moment and think about something that isn’t easy for most of us to grasp. It’s difficult to understand the willingness of our airmen, seamen, Marines and soldiers to place themselves in mortal danger in the service of their country. Their sacrifice is what we must take time to consider and appreciate.
More than 150 years ago this month, a military order came down to place flowers on both Union and Confederate graves at Arlington National Cemetery. What was originally called “Decoration Day” was created, when families would go to cemeteries to clean the graves of their loved ones and plant flowers. And remember.
On Memorial Day 2009, President Barack Obama eloquently eulogized those who died wearing American uniforms: “If the fallen could speak to us, what would they say? Would they console us? Perhaps they might say that they were willing to sacrifice all for their country; that while they couldn’t possibly know they would be called to leave this world for another, they were willing to take that chance to save the lives of their brothers and sisters in arms.”
President Bill Clinton issued a proclamation 21 years ago setting a “national moment of remembrance” lasting one minute at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. Its purpose was for Americans “to pause and consider the true meaning of this holiday.”
We’re lucky that America hasn’t forgotten why we have a holiday to honor those who have died. As President George H.W. Bush said on Memorial Day 1992, “Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor.”
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