A proposal to strengthen Riverhead Town’s building and housing code that was put forward by Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith before the election was rejected by a short-handed Riverhead Town Board last Wednesday, when she and Councilman Jim Wooten were absent.

The proposal failed to gain the necessary three votes. Republican council members Jodi Giglio and Tim Hubbard voted against it and Democratic Councilwoman Catherine Kent voted in favor.

The proposal, which came at a time when residents have been asking for tougher rules on illegal and overcrowded housing, called for increasing fines to as much as $10,000 per day for property owners who fail to comply with building codes, and would treat each day of a continued violation as a separate additional incident.

Jail terms of up to 15 days could also be imposed, according to the proposal, and failure to comply with code would allow the town to revoke a building’s certificate of occupancy.

“I think that this is a great start and gives us the tools to fight against the landlords,” said Ms. Kent.

“I think this still needs some more work,” said Mr. Hubbard.

Ms. Giglio said she agrees with the higher fines but feels there are inconsistencies in the proposed changes. She suggested the town adopt the state Property Maintenance Code and take recommendations from the town’s code enforcement agencies, “and then go back out for public hearing before adopting something haphazardly.” She said Mr. Jens-Smith’s proposal was drawn up at the last meeting to present at a work session.

Ms. Kent said the proposed code is stronger than the state code.

“As a board, we have to make tough decisions,” she said.

Mr. Hubbard said that in order to change from the state code, the town would have to petition the state.

“I’m not looking to delay this,” he said. “I am in favor of increasing the fines.”

“They talk a good game about addressing code enforcement and overcrowded housing. They talk a good game, but when it comes to a vote, they voted it down,” Ms. Jens-Smith said in an interview Tuesday. “It wasn’t inconsistent with the state law; we made it stronger. Nothing has to go up at the state level.”

The supervisor said state approval is only needed if changes make the local code weaker than the state code, not stronger.

tgannon@timesreview.com

The post Short-handed Town Board rejects supervisor’s proposal to increase fines appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

After a “near-unprecedented” scallop die-off in Peconic Bay, Suffolk County legislators on Thursday outlined efforts underway to investigate the cause.

“The alarm has sounded,” Suffolk County Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory said at a press conference in Smithtown.

Experts with Peconic Estuary Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the state Department of Environmental Conservation have been working together to try to understand the problem, he said.

“We are seeing reports of die-off of 95%, up to 100% in some pockets,” Mr. Gregory said.

Steven Tettelbach, a shellfish ecologist with Cornell Cooperative, described the die-off as one of the most serious the East End has seen since the mid-1980s.

“We have done extensive population surveys of the scallops and confirmed what baymen had rumored, that the die-off was up to 100 percent in some locations,” he said. “Going forward, we need to address that and hopefully mitigate some of the die-off and the repercussions to the fishermen, especially.”

He said they believe the die-off was the result of a combination of “high water temperature and low dissolved oxygen levels, in conjunction with the spawning of the adult scallops.”

Both of those suspected factors may be linked to climate change, Mr.. Tettelbach said. However, he pointed out, this year does not hold the record for warmest water temperatures compared to the last five years. In 2018, he said, the water was warmer. Mr. Tettelbach also mentioned that oyster growers this year say 2019 has been one of their best harvesting years. Scallops, he said, are very environmentally-sensitive compared to certain other species.

“We think that the timing of scallop reproduction, which is actually a very physiologically stressful event for scallops, may have been more aligned with the highest water temperatures,” he said. “But the water temperatures in Flanders Bay and the western part of Peconic Bay this year were over 85 degrees and that’s getting very close to the lethal limit for bay scallops.”

If this is climate change, he said, the East End is at its mercy.

“We have to do what we can to save what we have left here,” he said.

Members of Cornell Cooperative Extension are collecting data on water quality, temperature records from various locations within the Peconic Estuary and targeted data from other scientific partners. Members of the Peconic Estuary Program are also compiling and reviewing similar data.

Sarah Schaefer, an environmental analyst and program coordinator for Peconic Estuary Program, said Thursday that “the scallop has been a longstanding icon.”

It is critical, she said, that restoration and water quality monitoring efforts continue in the watershed.

Ms. Schaefer said Peconic Estuary Program will be convening a scallop technical review committee in the coming weeks. Mr.. Tettelbach added that Cornell Cooperative is working to protect the remaining scallop population. His group will be meeting with members of the East End Seaport Museum in Greenport Thursday night to plan out a potential transfer of Peconic scallops that are located in areas where they have low chance of survival. Cornell Cooperative is also trying to obtain samples of live scallops to investigate the level of toxins in their tissues and check to see if disease might play a role. He is doubtful of that, he said, because there are still plenty of juvenile scallops in the bays.

“The risk of the population is if the juveniles get harvested,” he said. “And that’s been a big issue in the last couple of years is illegal harvesting of juvenile scallops … If it takes shutting down the fishery then that may be what it would take. It has happened in the past and it’s happened a lot in the past two years.”

Mr. Tettelbach did say that closing the fishery now might be a premature move.

Legislator Al Krupski (D–Cutchogue) said scalloping is a real part of the local economy and culture, adding that it is difficult to calculate the financial impact because many people go scalloping casually, without keeping record. Legislator Bridget Fleming (D–Sag Harbor) said the die-off may be a potentially catastrophic monetary hit on the industry.

“The experts are predicting more than a million dollars,” she said. “It may be well above that because we do have the family baymen … but also the retailers and the restaurant industries.”

Nov. 4 marked the first day of scallop season. Many local baymen predicted in the days leading up to Nov. 4 that the a bad season was in the future. Those thoughts were confirmed on opening day.

Ms. Fleming added that scallops are integral to the economic viability of North and South Fork tourism, urging people to back data because “science matters.”

Mr. Krupski said one positive is that there are many bugs, or juvenile scallops, in the bay now, of all different forms and sizes.

“Hopefully, that will bode well for next season,” he said.

Photo caption: Legislator Al Krupski. (Credit: Mahreen Khan)

mkhan@timesreview.com

The post ‘Alarm has sounded’ after scallop die-off of 95 to 100% in some areas appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Two educators at Pulaski Street School have been reassigned, Riverhead Superintendent Aurelia Henriquez confirmed Friday.

Principal Dave Densieski has been reassigned to the district offices. Orchestra teacher Christina Mercurio has been reassigned to the pupil personnel services office.

“As these are active personnel investigations, the district cannot provide any further comment,” the superintendent said in a statement.

At Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, the board formally appointed Callan Lonergan as assistant principal of Pulaski Street School to replace Patrick Burke. She is scheduled to join the district Dec. 2.

Mr. Densieski attended the meeting and discussed the search for Mr. Burke’s replacement with a reporter afterward, saying he wanted to find “a new, fresh set of eyes and perspective.”

The reassignments come shortly after another longtime high school teacher was reassigned to the pupil personnel services office. Edward Grassman was removed from his teaching and coaching duties Oct. 30, the district said.

Mr. Densieski earns $183,382 and is one of the top 10 highest paid employees in the district, according to SeeThroughNY. Ms. Mercurio, who’s one of three music teachers at Pulaski Street, earns $112,419.

The post Pulaski principal, music teacher both reassigned, district confirms appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Thanks largely to its defense and Xavier Arline, the Shoreham-Wading River High School football team will have an opportunity to defend its county championship.

As it has for virtually all of this season, that defense/Arline mix has been a winning combination for SWR, and that was the case once again Friday night.

That defense made things difficult for Bayport-Blue Point’s offense, and Arline figured in all of SWR’s touchdowns, running for five of them and passing for the other. It added up to a 40-14 SWR victory in the Suffolk County Division IV semifinal, the Wildcats’ final game of the year at their Thomas Cutinella Memorial Field. With that, the second-seeded Wildcats earned a place in their fifth county final in six years and a shot at redemption. SWR (9-1) will face No. 1 Mount Sinai (10-0) for the championship Nov. 24 at Stony Brook University.

Mount Sinai had finished the regular season in first place with the aid of a 35-21 triumph at Shoreham on Oct. 12. The Mustangs won their semifinal Friday night over No. 4 Babylon, 28-6.

“It’s huge,” said guard/defensive end Matt Zahn, who made five tackles, assisted on another, batted down a pass and had one of SWR’s three sacks (the other two came from Jake Wilson and Mike Casazza). “But I think we set the expectation for ourselves early this season, and ultimately this is just another step closer to reaching our end goal, which is an LIC [Long Island championship], so I think we’re moving in the right direction, for sure.”

It would be hard to argue that point.

Arline, as he is prone to do, put on a show. The senior quarterback/cornerback ran for 214 yards on 20 carries. His final run was a beauty, an extraordinary 75-yard dash to the end zone in which he slipped away from tacklers and was the beneficiary of a key block by Zahn. Earlier, Arline showed speed and determination in racing around the right side before stretching near the pylon for his fourth TD of the game.

“It’s usual ‘X’,” Zahn said. “It’s crazy that we’re used to it at this point, but still, once you see it on film …”

On the passing end, Arline went 7-for-15 for 132 yards with an interception and an 18-yard TD pass in which he rolled to his left before finding Tyler Schwarz on an out pattern. He also threw a two-point pass to Wilson.

Arline seemed most excited, however, about his interception in the third quarter that set up one of his TD runs. After that pick, he turned toward the SWR sideline with his arms outstretched in a dramatic manner and the ball in his right hand. He has run for 34 TDs and passed for eight this season. Going into the game, he was Suffolk’s rushing leader with 1,602 yards, according to Newsday.

But Arline’s friends helped out a lot, especially on the defensive side of the ball. SWR held No. 3 Bayport (6-4) to only 39 rushing yards, 63 yards of offense and three first downs in the first half. For the game, SWR outgained the Phantoms, 424-216.

“We just came out from the first whistle, just wanting to set the tone early,” said Robert McGee, who made six tackles, three for losses.

Casazza, who made a game-high seven tackles from his middle linebacker position, said: “I just loved the hitting … I think we had an attitude tonight. We came in saying that we were going to hit some guys and move them around, and I think we did that all night.”

One player who did cause SWR trouble was Jameson Smith (seven catches, 109 yards). After SWR forged a 26-0 lead, Smith caught two TD passes from Luke Schartner (15-for-28, 149 yards), including a great grab of a 28-yarder in the end zone.

It was after that score, though, when SWR suffered a loss. Gavin Gregorek, returning the kickoff, had his left leg in an awkward position when a Bayport player fell on it. The senior, who plays running back and cornerback, was helped off the field without putting pressure on the leg.

“Obviously you hate to see it,” Zahn said. “He’s a great player, a great kid, but he’s just got to move forward, focus on recovering and someone else is going to have to step up.”

Casazza said: “It was an awful sight because he’s such a great friend and a great kid, and obviously I want him back on the field, but it seems serious, so hopefully he gets better down the road.”

SWR was already without running back/cornerback Max Barone (ankle).

Now SWR gets a shot at another county crown.

“Going back [to the final], it’s exciting, and we’re just looking to get it done,” said kicker Jake Ekert.

Casazza said: “It means everything, you know. The whole offseason, this was our goal, to come back here and just do it again, and I’m excited. I’m excited to be back.”

bliepa@timesreview.com

Photo caption: An exultant Xavier Arline reacts following his interception for Shoreham-Wading River, as does Bayport-Blue Point’s intended receiver, Logan James. (Credit: Daniel De Mato)

The post Football: SWR will defend its county title appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Two Riverhead Town residents were arrested outside Peconic Laundromat on East Main Street last Wednesday for criminal possession of a controlled substance, according to Riverhead Town police.

James Nowak, 40, of Calverton and Holly White, 33, of Riverhead were arrested shortly after 4 p.m. when Mr. Nowak was found to be trespassing on the property. Police found Mr. Nowak was in possession of a controlled substance. Police reports did not specify the substance.

Mr. Nowak was charged with three misdemeanors for criminal possession, resisting arrest and criminal mischief, and a town code violation for public urination. Ms. White was also charged with a misdemeanor for criminal possession.

• A Stony Brook man was arrested at the Riverhead Police Department on Howell Avenue last Thursday morning for criminal contempt, according to reports.

Around 8:20 a.m., Sean Joseph Corrigan, 22, was arrested in relation to court proceedings at the location. Additional information was not immediately available from reports.

Mr. Corrigan was charged with criminal contempt, a misdemeanor, and was processed at Riverhead Police Department headquarters, where he was held for arraignment.

• Police responded to a report of petit larceny that occurred Saturday afternoon at the Champion store at Tanger Outlets in Riverhead, according to reports.

Around 2 p.m., police responded to a report of theft. The individual stated that three women who were with a child entered the store and removed a $45 purple sweatshirt without paying for it. The women fled in a silver Honda in an unknown direction, reports said. Police reports said there is no video of the incident.

• Police are investigating a report of a for-sale motorcycle stolen from the side of Manor Road, reports said.

A caller reported that between last Thursday at 5:30 a.m. and Friday around 6 p.m., an unknown individual removed his unregistered 2002 Kawasaki motorcycle, valued at $2,500, from the side of Manor Road near Middle Road, where he had it parked and marked for sale.

The caller told police there are no known suspects and no surveillance video in the area. A stolen vehicle report was prepared, reports said, and forwarded to the Riverhead Police Department Detective Division.

A suspect has not been found, but would be charged with grand larceny, a felony.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

The post Riverhead Blotter: Two men arrested on drug charges appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

The Riverhead Town Board on Wednesday backed off a plan to declare a “negative declaration” for a proposed 191-acre solar farm in Calverton, a move that would have removed the requirement for an environmental impact study of the project.

The board’s three Republican council members, Jodi Giglio, Tim Hubbard and Jim Wooten, had called for the special meeting Wednesday to vote on allowing the Town Board to be the lead agency in the review of Calverton Solar Energy System’s application for a site plan and special permit for 22.9-megawatt commercial solar energy production facility at 149 Edwards Avenue and River Road in Calverton, and to declare the negative declaration.

The board’s two Democrats, Councilwoman Catherine Kent and Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith, both opposed the resolution calling for the special meeting.

Ms. Jens-Smith said that necessary information for the application was not completed until the end of October.

“I don’t think we should be railroading this through,” Ms. Kent said.

The project is facing a Nov. 17 deadline from LIPA, according to Ms. Giglio. She accused the supervisor of stalling the project, something Ms. Jens-Smith denied. Ms. Giglio told audience members that the resolution being voted on was not to approve the project.

The project is partially located on the former Calverton Links golf course, and is one of several large solar projects either approved or under review in the Edwards Avenue area.

After hearing from some residents who criticized the process and the lack of information on it, and questioned why the project was being rushed, Mr. Hubbard suggested that the resolution be postponed to a future meeting, and the full board agreed.

Ed Graham, who’s the founder of RiverheadMagazine.com and also has a web site called “Stop the Solar Farms in Calverton,” said that solar panels contain cadmium and lead, and are water soluble, meaning that when it rains, contaminants are carried into the groundwater.

He urged the board to reject the project and said the state currently has no plan in place on how to dispose of the panels after they are doing being used.

Former Councilwoman Barbara Blass said the information provided to the public on the application was lacking.

“I’m delighted that you have chosen to consider tabling this, because, quite honestly, it was not ready for prime time,” she said.

Until yesterday, none of the documentation was online, she said.

“The public is supposed to be included in this process,” she said. “Why are we continually discouraged and excluded from this process?” she said.

Ms. Blass said body of the resolution wasn’t on the town web site, and it doesn’t say the acreage of the project or how many solar panels were being proposed.

Ms. Blass said there also are a number of questions that are unanswered by the proposal, such as the potential health concerns caused by the project.

Dean Del Prete, who leases land on the site for Calverton Sports Park, said that “the people that go there don’t want solar panels.”

tgannon@timesreview.com

The post Future of proposed solar farm in Calverton stirs debate appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

The Riverhead school board has unanimously appointed Callan Lonergan as assistant principal of Pulaski Street School.

Ms. Lonergan replaces former assistant principal Patrick Burke. She will join the district Dec. 2 at an annual salary of $130,536, according to district records.

The West Islip resident recently celebrated her 16th year as an elementary school teacher in the Bethpage School District. She previously served as a teacher-mentor and currently teaches second grade..

She graduated from Adelphi University with a degree in communications and earned a dual master’s in special education and elementary education from Brooklyn College. She completed her educational leadership with distinction in 2016 through Mercy College.

Ms. Lonergan said she plans to bring her experience in special education to Pulaski, along with a focus on social and emotional learning.

“It’s hard to summarize, but essentially it’s that great cognitive growth occurs through social interaction,” she said. “It’s flexible, and there’s focus on language — so when you’re speaking to children, you’re understanding their parents, their families and where they’re coming from.”

In December 2018, Superintendent Aurelia Henriquez announced that Pulaski had been designated a “targeted support and improvement school” by to the State Education Department. Four other schools in the district were placed in “good standing” at that time.

Pulaski principal Dave Densieski said Tuesday night there is a lot of work that needs to be done with regard to the designation. He feels that Ms. Lonergan can help advance the school. (Mr. Densieski later in the week was reassigned to the district offices for undisclosed reasons. Read more here.)

During the search for a new assistant principal, Mr. Densieski said, he wanted to find “a new, fresh set of eyes and perspective.”

“That’s what Callan really has brought to the table,” he said. “As the process was going on, I really liked some of her fresh ideas, new ways to look at things.”

Mr. Densieski said he’s worked as principal for so long that he’s familiar with the school. Bringing Ms. Lonergan in will provide alternative options for how to move forward.

“I felt really excited that that’s what she’s going to bring to the table,” he said. “I think that’s what the school needs, that’s what I need. So, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Photo caption: Callan Lonergan. (Credit: Kate Nalepinski)

knalepinski@timesreview.com

The post New assistant principal appointed at Pulaski Street School appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

On the way to the team’s postgame meal in Cortland, N.Y., on Saturday night, there were plenty of smiles and happy faces on the Shoreham-Wading River High School girls soccer team’s bus.

There was good reason why.

The Wildcats’ magical season and quest for a state championship continued on Saturday afternoon as they toppled top-ranked Jamesville-Dewitt in the Class A semifinals, 1-0, at SUNY/Cortland.

“Oh my God, we’re so happy,” said senior back Sara Hobbes, a key figure in the Wildcats’ defensive effort. “Best feeling ever. Really unreal.”

It was the first time the fifth-ranked Wildcats reached the state final. They had never played in a state semifinal previously.

“Definitely very proud of everyone,” said Ashley Borriello, whose goal some two minutes after kickoff turned out to be the difference in a game that was played in 20-degree temperatures. “I think we deserve it. We worked really hard from the beginning of the season. So, now we’re putting it all out here in the states.”

Shoreham coach Adrian Gilmore has seen all that hard work come within a game of a state title.

“It’s just an amazing feeling,” she said. “It’s a great group of girls. They’ve worked so hard. A lot of them have been in the program since seventh grade … It started in August, and it has carried through.

“We played great soccer. We tried to be first to every ball. The girls worked together as a unit. They covered for each other. We played high intensity, two-touch soccer. We played very smart soccer.”

Class A GSoc Semifinals:

Congrats to Shoreham-Wading River on their 1-0 win over Jamesville-DeWitt! #NYSPHSAA pic.twitter.com/Zwvopud7mc

— NYSPHSAA (@NYSPHSAA) November 16, 2019

Shoreham (16-2-2) will face third-ranked Spencerport (16-3-2) of Section V in the final in Cortland Sunday at 1:15 p.m. Spencerport advanced to the title match by recording a 4-2 shootout win over No. 4 Pearl River (16-2-5) after playing to a scoreless draw through overtime.

“They play very similar to us,” said Gilmore, who watched Spencerport in the first semifinal. “They play two-touch soccer and kick to feet. It will be a good matchup.”

Hobbes said she felt the team should “take the momentum from this game and bring it in tomorrow. We scored really early. We need to come out with the same pressure and same drive that we had today.”

In contrast to the Wildcats’ 2-1 overtime win over MacArthur in the Long Island championship game, they did not wait for any dramatic, 11th-hour goal to decide this confrontation. Instead, Shoreham struck early.

On the scoring sequence, Elizabeth Shields set up Gianna Cacciola for a shot. Cacciola found Borriello in the penalty area and the junior striker and turned around and drilled a shot into the corner.

“I knew that I could shoot far post,” Borriello said. “The goalie wouldn’t get there.”

The Wildcats realized they could not just play defense for the remaining 78 minutes. So, they continued to pressure as much as possible.

“That goal set it up for the rest of the game. We kept our intensity high,” Borriello said.

The Wildcats’ defense — team, back line and goalkeeper — also held Jamesville-Dewitt at bay as senior goalkeeper Alison Devall (four saves) wasn’t tested too often. “Much of that’s a credit to the defensive line,” Gilmore said.

The back four consisted of sweeper Maddy Joannou, stopper Brooke Langella and outside backs Alex Constant and Hobbes.

Gilmore singled out Hobbes for her stellar all-around play in the back. “Sara Hobbes in my eyes was relentless today and really kept us in the game,” the coach said. “She didn’t allow anything back. She would come out of nowhere, step up and serve the ball back down the line. She was smart, she played to feet, was good in the air when we needed it. She would step up and break up counterattacks. She just gave us time to get back and restructure our defense.”

For the first time this season, the Wildcats will play back-to-back games. In an optimum soccer situation, it is best to have at least one day of recovery.

Gilmore, however, felt her players would find a way to get through that.

“It’s the first time we’ve had to do that all year, but a lot of these girls play travel soccer or travel lacrosse with tournaments,” she said. “They’re very good at bouncing back. We talked about eating well tonight and getting a good rest, icing and stretching, make sure we take care of our bodies.”

Photo caption: Shoreham-Wading River’s seniors, shown following their team’s victory in the Long Island Class A final, will get to play in a state final with their younger teammates. (Credit: Bob Liepa, file)

The post Girls Soccer: Borriello’s early goal sends SWR to state final appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

The Shoreham-Wading River girls soccer team defeated Spencerport 2-0 Sunday afternoon to win the first Class A state championship in program history.

Elizabeth Shields scored a second-half goal to put the Wildcats ahead 1-0 and Ashley Borriello added an empty-netter in the final seconds to secure the win at SUNY/Cortland.

The Wildcats did not allow a goal in either state final four game.

The Wildcats finish the 2019 season 17-2-2.

See more photos of the championship win below:

Photos by Rich Barnes

The post State champs! SWR wins 2-0 in finals against Spencerport: Photos appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

There is no other feeling like it in the world.

Just ask the Shoreham-Wading River girls soccer team.

As the final whistle sounded Sunday, the Wildcats bolted toward goalkeeper Alison Devall to celebrate reaching the pinnacle of New York high school soccer as Class A champions.

The Wildcats hugged each other, shouted and screamed after capturing a long-sought first state title, having defeated Spencerport, 2-0, at SUNY/Cortland on a cold afternoon.

“I was ecstatic,” said senior midfielder Elizabeth Shields, who connected for the game-winner in the second half. “There is no way of putting that feeling into words. It’s something that you can only feel by being there. That feeling of that we accomplished our goal and we did it to the best that we can do it and leaving that field with no regrets was the best feeling I could possibly have.”

Shields wasn’t alone in her enthusiasm.

“I was so excited because we made history,” said senior midfielder/forward and co-captain Gianna Cacciola, who set up Shields’ goal. “We are the first [Shoreham soccer] team to win the states.”

• See more photos of the state championship

The Wildcats (17-2-2) have forged one of the finest Long Island girls’ soccer programs but couldn’t reach the state final four until this season. During Adrian Gilmore’s nine years as coach, Shoreham has won eight league titles, reached the county final on four occasions, won three Suffolk County crowns and one Long Island championship, and now has a coveted state championship.

The journey began with a 1-0 non-league defeat to Northport (Class AA) on Sept. 4. Three days later Shoreham bested Kings Park in its first divisional game, 1-0, and the squad never looked back. There was another hiccup along the way, a 2-1 loss at Half Hallow Hills West Sept. 26 before the Wildcats started a 14-game unbeaten streak. They dispatched West Babylon, Hauppauge and Harborfields in the county tournament before defeating MacArthur for the Long Island title.

“It’s something that obviously as a coach we’ve always had our eyes on — winning a Long Island championship, getting a chance to go to states and winning states,” Gilmore said. “It’s so emotional. I played soccer growing up and played in college. I never had a chance as a player to be on that platform. So, to be here as a coach, it was truly so special and amazing. Just so proud of the girls for all their accomplishments, big and small this year.”

Given some top-flight Class A teams, it’s not easy to meander through the postseason.

“There’s a lot of things that can go wrong,” Gilmore said. “From the start of the year, you have to stay healthy. They have to gel as one. Can’t play individually, have to play as a unit. We overcame many things throughout the year, little things. But those little things led to some great things for our team.”

Road to the Title

State Semifinals: Early goal lifts SWR

L.I. Finals: OT win for first title

County Final: SWR earns an ‘A’

County Semis: Strong wind can’t slow down SWR

If there were two qualities that defined the Wildcats, it was an attack that had the potential to score at any time and a tenacious defense. Both were on display this weekend.

On Saturday, junior striker Ashley Borriello tallied two minutes into the match and Shoreham held on for a 1-0 semifinal win over Jamesville-Dewitt.

On Sunday, the Wildcats were stingy on defense and saved their offensive heroics for later.

Shields, who tallied the game-winning overtime goal in the Long Island final, scored with 15:30 remaining in regulation Sunday. Cacciola took a throw-in from Sara Hobbes and raced down the flank before finding Shields just outside the six-yard box. She deposited a volley into the net for a 1-0 advantage.

“As the ball was coming across the six, the only thing entering my mind was this has to hit the back of the net,” Shields said. “I just gave it everything I had.”

Borriello gave the Wildcats some breathing room after the Rangers (16-4-2) brought up their goalkeeper on a last-minute corner kick. Maddy Joannou headed the ball out of the penalty area to Lakin Ciampo, who found Borriello. Borriello sent a 60-yard shot into an unattended net for a 2-0 lead with 40 seconds remaining.

“Running down the field, I just knew we got this,” Borriello said.

She did, much to the excitement and relief of her team.

“Soccer is a funny game,” Gilmore said. “You have to play to the last whistle. Anything can happen. It was nice to get that big clear out by Maddy. She’s been a staple in the back for us the last four years. Just really the heart of the defense, her, Sara Hobbes, Brooke Langella and Alex Constant.”

It put an exclamation point on one special season.

“It was very magical,” Borriello said.

Added Shields, “It was insane. Coming out to winning states is an unreal crazy feeling.”

Photo caption: The Wildcats celebrate a goal. (Credit: Rich Barnes)

The post Girls Soccer: ‘Magical’ ride for SWR culminates with first state championship appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Riverhead senior Christina Yakaboski ran the fastest time for a Suffolk County Class A girl in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Cross Country Championships Saturday. Yakaboski, competing in her first state meet, clocked a time of 17 minutes, 44.2 seconds, bringing her 29th place on the less-than-three-mile course at cold SUNY/Plattsburgh. She qualified for next week’s federation meet at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls, according to coach Justin Cobis.

North Rockland senior Katelyn Tuohy was first in 15:36.5, finishing 25 seconds ahead of the next runner, Fayetteville-Manlius senior Claire Walters.

In Class B, Shoreham-Wading River senior Nicole Garcia, another state meet first-timer, was 11th in 17:42.6. Mount Sinai senior Sarah Connelly charged in first in 16:47.1.

Class C Mattituck competed in the state meet as a team for the eighth year in a row. The Tuckers, led by junior Bella Masotti and senior Payton Maddaloni, were seventh in the team scoring with 185 points. Camden was the champion with 75. Camden senior Elizabeth Lucason won in 16:51.6.

Masotti (18:48.7) and Maddaloni (18:52.1.) were 42nd and 44th. Later crossing the finish line for the Tuckers were sophomore Emily Nicholson (64th in 19:30.4), sophomore Kate Schuch (76th in 19:51.2), junior Emma Reidy (115th in 21:31.0) and Abby Rosato (117th in 21:35.2).

Southold had three girls in the Class D race: senior Olivia Lynch (42nd in 19:55.4), her sister, freshman Francesca Lynch (51st in 20:35.2), and sophomore Evelyn Helinski (93rd in 24:01.6). Tully junior Brooke Rauber was the Class D champion in 16:01.2.

On the boys side, SWR’s Adam Zelin ran in his third state meet. The senior came in 46th in the Class B race in 15:47.9. Pittsford Mendon senior Sam Lawler (14:26.1) won that race.

In Class C, Mattituck freshman Trevor Zappulla, in his first cross-country season, came in 79th in 16:45.7. Also running for the Tuckers were junior Luke Altman (111th in 17:31.2) and senior Eric Palencia (127th in 18:12.7). Skaneateles junior Caleb Bender won the Class B race in 14:41.6.

In Class D, Southold sophomore Isaiah Mraz completed his second straight state meet in 16:34.7, bringing him 33rd place. Southold’s other participants were eighth-grader Flynn Klipstein (68th in 17:38.7), freshman Jack Goscinski (82nd in 18:02.4), senior James Hoyt (86th in 18:12.8) and freshman Robert Doering (91st in 18:28.2). Shelter Island senior Kal Lewis took first in 14:28.1.

Photo caption: Riverhead senior Christina Yakaboski was the first Suffolk County Class A girl to finish in the state meet at SUNY/Plattsburgh. (Credit: Justin Cobis courtesy photo)

The post Cross Country: Good showings by Yakaboski, Garcia at states appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Approximately 50 feet in front of Southold American Legion Post 803 is a monument to the Southold men who served in the Civil War. For the history- and date-challenged among our readers, the Civil War was fought over the institution of slavery from 1861 to 1865. The monument, which sits proudly right where Main Road takes a sharp bend to the east, was erected by a group called the Ladies Monument Union in 1887, a time when veterans of that conflict still lived in town.

There are 84 names carved on that monument. It is worth a brief stopover, if you happen to be driving by on errands some day, to take the time to look over the names.

We were thinking about the men whose names appear on the monument Monday morning, Veterans Day, when post commander Charles Sanders played patriotic music and thanked the many veterans of more recent wars who came out on a blustery morning to be recognized for their service. Those veterans also still live in this town, as do others in Riverhead and on Shelter Island. They are here, among us. We can’t forget them. They didn’t ask why — they just signed up, or were drafted, and went.

A similar event was held Monday at Suffolk County Historical Society in Riverhead, also honoring the legacies of those who unselfishly served their country and remembering the fallen and why they died. Speaking at that ceremony, Riverhead Councilwoman Catherine Kent thanked “those who tirelessly watch over our veterans. Let us remember and honor all of our veterans for what they have done to build a more peaceful future for us and generations to come.”

We bring up the Civil War memorial because, with its close proximity to Monday’s ceremonies, it is important to look back and understand that our towns have sent thousands of young men and women to serve their country in times of conflict. Several hundred from Riverhead and Southold served in World War I, which ended in November 1918 and was celebrated as Armistice Day, which has now become Veterans Day.

Those vets who attended the Riverhead and Southold events sat or stood quietly, not calling attention to themselves. They were there to put their hands over their hearts and to do what must be done, always: remember the names of those who served and died. That includes remembering the names on the Civil War memorial in Southold, and on other memorials to that conflict in Southold and Riverhead towns.

One man who quietly stood off to the side at the Southold event was Joseph St. Pierre, who served in the Marines in Vietnam in 1965. When Mr. Sanders, in his talk, mentioned that so many Vietnam veterans were disrespected when they returned home from that war, Mr. St. Pierre wiped tears from his eyes. Yes, he said, it was true. He saw it himself.

Mr. St. Pierre was not there to talk about himself; he was there in solidarity with fellow veterans, to honor their sacrifice. That is what Veterans Day is about, and should always be.

If you have not seen it, visit this newspaper’s website and watch “The Work We Do” video on Robert Bissonnette. He is a caretaker at Calverton National Cemetery. He’s worked there since 2013, after serving in the Marine Corps for eight years, and is currently in the Navy Reserves. Here is what he says in the video that is so apropos to Veterans Day, particularly on that very hallowed ground in Calverton.

“We’re here, obviously, as people come in to grieve, but we make it nicer, or better, I would say. It’s a beautiful place and we put a lot of hard work into it so that it is that way. I don’t ever like to look at it in a negative way because coming to work every day, outside, in a gorgeous environment with shrines everywhere paying homage to veterans is gratifying.”

Say amen, somebody.

The post Editorial: A time and a place to honor those who served appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Palpable grief filled the air Monday morning as mourners gathered at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck to remember the life of 27-year-old Kelley Blanchard.

Kelley, a Southold High School graduate who lived in Riverhead, died in a tragic boating crash in Mattituck Nov. 10. Her sister Megan, 29, suffered serious injuries in the crash and has been recovering at Stony Brook University Hospital. She overcame her injuries to join over 100 family members and friends for the services Monday.

From the altar, Monsignor Joseph Staudt delivered a moving homily after reading a passage from the Bible.

He recalled a discussion he had nearly 40 years ago with an atheist.

“[He said] look at all the suffering that people go through. If there really was a God, would God let his children suffer? I said, ‘You know what, that’s a very understandable argument.’ I get asked at times, ‘Where is God?’ Very understandable questions with no specific answer…Faith involves somewhat of darkness,” he said.

“If we can believe in the resurrection, if we can believe that Kelley is more alive than you and I, that can help us in our grief and sorrow,” Msgr. Staudt said. “The bonds of love are not destroyed by death.”

Reading from statements submitted by family and friends as well as Kelley’s obituary, Msgr. Staudt spoke about her vibrant, larger-than-life personality.

“When it comes to describing a loved one’s personality, most everyone always describes that person as being full of life and passionate about their family,” he said.

“And that’s true. But that wouldn’t do justice to who Kelley was.”

Those seated in the pews nodded along as Msgr. Staudt spoke about how Kelley was full of “animation,” how her smile could light up a room, how dearly she loved her family, animals and the East End and how she became a role model to colleagues.

He urged those in attendance to live by her example.

“God put Kelley here for a reason…you have to figure out what’s your job. Do you make the world a better place? [Kelley] did in her own unique way.”

Though the circumstances of Kelley’s too-soon death are painful, he urged family and friends to remember and pray to Kelley for guidance when life inevitably gets tough. But he urged them to leave with a sense of peace.

“Kelley, from what I’ve heard of her, wouldn’t want us to be heavy with that grief and to be walking around as though life has to be coped with and endured,” he said. “She would probably say ‘live your life.’ Learn from her.”

Following the church service, family and friends gathered at the American Legion Hall in Southold before a private burial ceremony.

Memorial donations may be made to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Photo caption: The casket is brought out of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck Monday morning. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

tsmith@timesreview.com

The post Family, friends bid farewell as Kelley Blanchard laid to rest appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Julio Xajapsinai, 23, of Hampton Bays was arrested last Wednesday around 2:18 a.m. for driving while intoxicated, according to Southampton Town police.

Mr. Xajapsinai, who has a prior conviction in the last 10 years, was arrested on a host of charges, including operating a motor vehicle without financial security, a valid license, a valid inspection certificate or valid registration.

Police observed him driving on Old Quogue Road in Riverside and when he was stopped for a traffic violation, he allegedly put his vehicle in reverse. He also admitted to police that he drank four beers.

He was also charged with first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a felony. Police found his vehicle had a number of safety issues, including unsafe tires and license plate violations.

• Joshua James Dupree, 42, of Riverhead was arrested last Monday around 11:38 a.m. for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Mr. Dupree allegedly tried to discard a tissue on the ground while officers were interviewing him. Officers determined that a quantity of crack cocaine was located inside the tissue and they arrested Mr. Dupree near Galilee Church of God in Christ on Old Quogue Road in Riverside.

• Angeliqua Molina, 32, of East Hampton was arrested last Tuesday around 11:33 p.m. for third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. Police determined when they pulled Ms. Molina over near Flanders Road and Cross River Drive in Riverside that her license had been suspended in August for administrative action.

She was released with a traffic ticket.

• Angelina Passantino, 27, of Wading River was arrested last Wednesday around 10:30 p.m. for third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Police said they observed Ms. Passantino driving 58 mph in a 35 mph zone near Southampton Elks Lodge in Tuckahoe and later determined that her license had been suspended in February for failure to answer a summons. She was released with a traffic ticket.

• Daquan James Robinson, 25, of Wading River was arrested near the Suffolk County Center in Riverside last Thursday around 2:14 p.m. for second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, a misdemeanor. Police said Mr. Robinson had been involved in a motor vehicle accident. When they checked his record, they determined that his license had been suspended, with a total of 34 suspensions on seven different dates.

• A Riverside man reported last Thursday around 6:24 p.m. near Flanders Road that someone stole a gray iPhone 6, valued at $175, and $800 in cash from his unlocked vehicle. An investigation is ongoing, according to police.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

The post Southampton Blotter: Hampton Bays man with prior DWI conviction arrested appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

There is no other feeling like it in the world.

Just ask the Shoreham-Wading River girls soccer team.

As the final whistle sounded Sunday, the Wildcats bolted toward goalkeeper Alison Devall to celebrate reaching the pinnacle of New York high school soccer as Class A champions.

The Wildcats hugged each other, shouted and screamed after capturing a long-sought first state title, having defeated Spencerport, 2-0, at SUNY/Cortland on a cold afternoon.

“I was ecstatic,” said senior midfielder Elizabeth Shields, who connected for the game-winner in the second half. “There is no way of putting that feeling into words. It’s something that you can only feel by being there. That feeling of that we accomplished our goal and we did it to the best that we can do it and leaving that field with no regrets was the best feeling I could possibly have.”

Shields wasn’t alone in her enthusiasm.

“I was so excited because we made history,” said senior midfielder/forward and co-captain Gianna Cacciola, who set up Shields’ goal. “We are the first [Shoreham soccer] team to win the states.”

• See more photos of the state championship

The Wildcats (17-2-2) have forged one of the finest Long Island girls’ soccer programs but couldn’t reach the state final four until this season. During Adrian Gilmore’s nine years as coach, Shoreham has won eight league titles, reached the county final on four occasions, won three Suffolk County crowns and one Long Island championship, and now has a coveted state championship.

The journey began with a 1-0 non-league defeat to Northport (Class AA) on Sept. 4. Three days later Shoreham bested Kings Park in its first divisional game, 1-0, and the squad never looked back. There was another hiccup along the way, a 2-1 loss at Half Hallow Hills West Sept. 26 before the Wildcats started a 14-game unbeaten streak. They dispatched West Babylon, Hauppauge and Harborfields in the county tournament before defeating MacArthur for the Long Island title.

“It’s something that obviously as a coach we’ve always had our eyes on — winning a Long Island championship, getting a chance to go to states and winning states,” Gilmore said. “It’s so emotional. I played soccer growing up and played in college. I never had a chance as a player to be on that platform. So, to be here as a coach, it was truly so special and amazing. Just so proud of the girls for all their accomplishments, big and small this year.”

Given some top-flight Class A teams, it’s not easy to meander through the postseason.

“There’s a lot of things that can go wrong,” Gilmore said. “From the start of the year, you have to stay healthy. They have to gel as one. Can’t play individually, have to play as a unit. We overcame many things throughout the year, little things. But those little things led to some great things for our team.”

Road to the Title

State Semifinals: Early goal lifts SWR

L.I. Finals: OT win for first title

County Final: SWR earns an ‘A’

County Semis: Strong wind can’t slow down SWR

If there were two qualities that defined the Wildcats, it was an attack that had the potential to score at any time and a tenacious defense. Both were on display this weekend.

On Saturday, junior striker Ashley Borriello tallied two minutes into the match and Shoreham held on for a 1-0 semifinal win over Jamesville-Dewitt.

On Sunday, the Wildcats were stingy on defense and saved their offensive heroics for later.

Shields, who tallied the game-winning overtime goal in the Long Island final, scored with 15:30 remaining in regulation Sunday. Cacciola took a throw-in from Sara Hobbes and raced down the flank before finding Shields just outside the six-yard box. She deposited a volley into the net for a 1-0 advantage.

“As the ball was coming across the six, the only thing entering my mind was this has to hit the back of the net,” Shields said. “I just gave it everything I had.”

Borriello gave the Wildcats some breathing room after the Rangers (16-4-2) brought up their goalkeeper on a last-minute corner kick. Maddy Joannou headed the ball out of the penalty area to Lakin Ciampo, who found Borriello. Borriello sent a 60-yard shot into an unattended net for a 2-0 lead with 40 seconds remaining.

“Running down the field, I just knew we got this,” Borriello said.

She did, much to the excitement and relief of her team.

“Soccer is a funny game,” Gilmore said. “You have to play to the last whistle. Anything can happen. It was nice to get that big clear out by Maddy. She’s been a staple in the back for us the last four years. Just really the heart of the defense, her, Sara Hobbes, Brooke Langella and Alex Constant.”

It put an exclamation point on one special season.

“It was very magical,” Borriello said.

Added Shields, “It was insane. Coming out to winning states is an unreal crazy feeling.”

Photo caption: The Wildcats celebrate a goal. (Credit: Rich Barnes)

The post Girls Soccer: ‘Magical’ ride for SWR culminates with first state championship appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

The 20th annual holiday parade and bonfire in downtown Riverhead is scheduled for Dec. 14.

The Riverhead Business Improvement District and the Town of Riverhead will host the event. The Lions Club Holiday Parade starts at 3 p.m. and will head west to east along Main Street. It will finish along the riverfront at approximately 3:45 p.m. The parade will feature fire trucks, floats, marching bands, tractors and Santa.

Visitors can see Santa inside his gingerbread house as free candy canes and hot chocolate will be provided.

The bonfire will be going until 7 p.m.

Riverhead restaurants, bars and breweries will be serving food and drinks all day and night.

“We are thrilled to once again host this annual event with the positivity and participation of the town and people of Riverhead, making this a special holiday tradition for hundreds of families and children every year,” said Riverhead BID Executive Director Kristy Verity in a press release.

Carolers, performers, businesses, youth groups and community organizations are encouraged to enter a float, decorated vehicle or march in the parade. Email riverheadbidma@gmail.com for more information.

Bidawee’s Mobile Adoption Van will also be at the event with dogs and cats in need of adoption. Local radio stations will also broadcast from the event.

See more information here. A rain date is set for Dec. 15.

The Riverhead Town Board will vote on a resolution Tuesday night to formally set the date for the free holiday festivities.

The post Holiday parade, bonfire set for Dec. 14 in downtown Riverhead appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Two of Thomas Murphy’s close friends testified Tuesday that they did not believe the Holbrook man was drunk when he struck a pack of Boy Scouts while driving in Manorville last year, killing one and severely injuring another.

The testimony of Chris DiMaria of Holbrook and Ray O’Brien of Maspeth about how Mr. Murphy behaved after having drinks at Swan Lake Golf Club on Sept. 30, 2018 differed from prior testimony given by the fourth man in their group that day. Steven Meola of Astoria, the one friend who did not drink that morning, testified last week that he believed Mr. Murphy to be unsteady on his feet and slurring his speech and that he did not think his friend was sober enough to drive in the moments before the crash that claimed the life of 12-year-old Andrew McMorris of Wading River.

But on the trial’s fourth day before Judge Fernando Camacho in Riverside, Mr. DiMaria, who admitted to bringing some of the vodka the three friends shared during the round of golf they played, and Mr. O’Brien testified that Mr. Murphy showed no visible signs of intoxication that day.

“If I was concerned .. and aware of his condition, I wouldn’t have let him drive,” said Mr. DeMaria, who described himself as a close friend of Mr. Murphy for more than 30 years.

In his cross examination of Mr. O’Brien, defense attorney Steven Politi asked if based on his earlier testimony the Queens man believed none of the three friends “was exhibiting signs of intoxication” at the golf course.

“Yes, that’s correct,” he said.

MORE TRIAL COVERAGE

Day 1: Prosecutors say Murphy turned down ride from sober friend moments before fatal crash

Day 2: Text messages, friend’s testimony tell a story of day of Scout crash

Day 3: Defense calls into question the character of key witness in Murphy trial

Among the evidence prosecutors have used to attempt to prove Mr. Murphy was drunk is a pair of videos he shot on the golf course that day.

Assistant District Attorney Brendan Ahearn played both clips Tuesday, as he had previously done when Mr. Meola took the witness stand last week. The first video shows Mr. O’Brien dancing, before panning to Mr. DiMaria as he does the robot.

“That’s my boy, love it,” Mr. Murphy says in the clip. “Go ahead, Chris. I love this. My two [expletive], besides Joey, my two [expletive] buddies.”

While Mr. Meola testified that he believed Mr. Murphy slurred his speech in each of the two clips, Mr. DiMaria said he did not. Mr. O’Brien then testified that he could “hear a very slight slur” in the clips.

“I’ve heard him talk when he’s inebriated and that’s not even close,” Mr. O’Brien testified.

Mr. DiMaria and Mr. O’Brien also gave a shorter time frame for the drinking that occurred that day, saying Mr. DiMaria poured the first drink around the 10th hole. Mr. Meola had stated that the drinking might have started as early as the third hole. Each of the three men stated that the bottle of vodka Mr. DiMaria had in his golf bag was about one-thirds full, though the size of the bottle has been a source of contention.

On Tuesday, Mr. Ahearn showed Mr. DiMaria a 1.75 liter bottle of vodka and asked if it was the same size bottle as the one at the course that day, to which he said yes, but “not with 100 percent certainty.” Mr. Politi was quick to point out that the men had previously described the bottle to investigators as the size of a wine bottle. A standard wine bottle is 750 milliliters.

Mr. DiMaria said that after the men finished the bottle, Mr. Murphy bought each of them an airplane sized bottle of vodka. They mixed each of the drinks they had that day with iced tea or Gatorade and had ice in the cups, he said.

Mr. Ahearn also questioned Mr. DiMaria and Mr. O’Brien about their own behavior following the crash, including their decision to leave the scene of the accident soon after police arrived, meetings they had both with and without Mr. Murphy in the days following the crash and Mr. DiMaria’s decision to retain an attorney for himself.

“I had a few drinks myself and I just wanted to move on,” Mr. DiMaria, a retired FDNY firefighter who was also briefly a police officer, said of the decision to leave as a patrolman questioned their friend at the David Terry Road crash scene.

“Were you scared?” Mr. Ahearn asked.

“Yes,” he responded.

While the role alcohol might have played in the crash was disputed by Mr. Murphy’s friends Tuesday, jurors will soon hear from the arresting officer and a toxicologist who are both expected to testify at trial that he was drunk.

Prosecutors have previously said a blood test of Mr. Murphy taken nearly four hours after the crash showed a blood alcohol content of .13. The toxicologist is expected to testify that Mr. Murphy’s likely BAC was .19, more than twice the legal limit, at the moment of impact.

Speaking outside the courtroom, Andrew’s mother, Alisa McMorris, said of the testimony Tuesday that “none of it matters.”

“What matters is he had a .13 blood alcohol level [nearly four hours] after they killed my child,” she said. “I hear [Andrew’s] scream echoing in my head every time.”

Prosecutors will call new witnesses Wednesday and the trial is expected to last several more weeks.

Mr. Murphy, 60, is facing a top charge of aggravated vehicular homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.

FACEBOOK COMMENTS ADDRESSED

Prior to the jury entering the courtroom, Judge Camacho, at Mr. Politi’s request, directed prosecutors to subpoena Facebook for the identity of certain individuals who the attorney alleged posted threatening messages against him.

“Over the weekend, even though I don’t really care and I don’t look at these things because the people who write them are idiots, there’s been countless death threats against me,” Mr. Politi told Judge Camacho. “If the people have the subpoena power [to subpoena Facebook] maybe they can identify [the commenters].”
He pointed to one post, in which someone wrote that they hope the attorney’s family gets hit by a vehicle, as particularly troubling.

“I’d ask [the DA’s office] to take the time to investigate these animals,” he said.

gparpan@timesreview.com

The post Friends testify that despite drinking, Murphy did not appear drunk on day of crash appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Palpable grief filled the air Monday morning as mourners gathered at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck to remember the life of 27-year-old Kelley Blanchard.

Kelley, a Southold High School graduate who lived in Riverhead, died in a tragic boating crash in Mattituck Nov. 10. Her sister Megan, 29, suffered serious injuries in the crash and has been recovering at Stony Brook University Hospital. She overcame her injuries to join over 100 family members and friends for the services Monday.

From the altar, Monsignor Joseph Staudt delivered a moving homily after reading a passage from the Bible.

He recalled a discussion he had nearly 40 years ago with an atheist.

“[He said] look at all the suffering that people go through. If there really was a God, would God let his children suffer? I said, ‘You know what, that’s a very understandable argument.’ I get asked at times, ‘Where is God?’ Very understandable questions with no specific answer…Faith involves somewhat of darkness,” he said.

“If we can believe in the resurrection, if we can believe that Kelley is more alive than you and I, that can help us in our grief and sorrow,” Msgr. Staudt said. “The bonds of love are not destroyed by death.”

Reading from statements submitted by family and friends as well as Kelley’s obituary, Msgr. Staudt spoke about her vibrant, larger-than-life personality.

“When it comes to describing a loved one’s personality, most everyone always describes that person as being full of life and passionate about their family,” he said.

“And that’s true. But that wouldn’t do justice to who Kelley was.”

Those seated in the pews nodded along as Msgr. Staudt spoke about how Kelley was full of “animation,” how her smile could light up a room, how dearly she loved her family, animals and the East End and how she became a role model to colleagues.

He urged those in attendance to live by her example.

“God put Kelley here for a reason…you have to figure out what’s your job. Do you make the world a better place? [Kelley] did in her own unique way.”

Though the circumstances of Kelley’s too-soon death are painful, he urged family and friends to remember and pray to Kelley for guidance when life inevitably gets tough. But he urged them to leave with a sense of peace.

“Kelley, from what I’ve heard of her, wouldn’t want us to be heavy with that grief and to be walking around as though life has to be coped with and endured,” he said. “She would probably say ‘live your life.’ Learn from her.”

Following the church service, family and friends gathered at the American Legion Hall in Southold before a private burial ceremony.

Memorial donations may be made to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Photo caption: The casket is brought out of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church in Mattituck Monday morning. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

tsmith@timesreview.com

The post Family, friends bid farewell as Kelley Blanchard laid to rest appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

More than 100 people attended Riverhead Town’s Community Forum Thursday night on what downtown should look like.

The plan for downtown is to develop what’s known as a “pattern book.”

“As you know, Riverhead has hired Urban Design Associates to work with us to assist us in planning our downtown area,” said Councilwoman Catherine Kent. “UDA was founded in 1964 and is an international urban design practice headquartered in Pittsburgh.”

Barry Long, the president and CEO of Urban Design Associates, addressed the group at the outset and had them break into groups of about 10 people and make lists of downtown Riverhead’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

“So what are we going to do tonight? We’re going to be primarily listening to you,” Mr. Long told the audience.

The pattern book will guide the development of future community character for the Main Street area, he said.

The key principals are that the study will be community-driven, based on resident involvement and locally controlled, Mr. Long said.

Things that frequently showed up in downtown’s strengths were its restaurants, major events like the cardboard boat race, its historic character, attractions like the Long Island Aquarium and the Suffolk Theater and the Peconic River.

Things that frequently showed up in the weaknesses were lack of retail, flooding, vacancies, overcrowded housing, loitering and reputation — deserved or not — as a dangerous area.

A number of responses also suggested overly tall buildings, and particularly the under-construction Riverview Lofts building on East Main Street and McDermott Avenue.

While some of the issues pertaining to downtown have been the subject of heated debate, such as building height and overcrowded housing, there were almost exclusively peaceful exchanges Thursday night.

Mr. Long said the next steps will be to tally up the results of the questioning done Thursday, after which there will be two online surveys and another meeting.

Mr. Long said the goal is to finish the pattern book by the first quarter of 2020.

Photo caption: Barry Long of Urban Design Associates. (Credit: Tim Gannon)

tgannon@timesreview.com

The post Community forum on downtown Riverhead draws more than 100 people appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Thirteen Riverhead High School seniors will continue their athletic careers in college. The students, mostly girls lacrosse players, wore their college apparel during a signing ceremony Friday in the district’s athletic office.

The early period for signing a National Letter of Intent began Nov. 13.

The 11 girls signing for lacrosse represent the biggest college showing for the program. The girls lacrosse team last season finished fourth in Division I and reached the semifinals of the Class A playoffs, losing by one goal to top-seeded Middle Country.

With the deep class of seniors returning this year, the Blue Waves should be primed to make a run at the program’s first county title.

The students who signed are:

Emma Conroy, lacrosse, Binghamton University;

Katherine Goodale, lacrosse, Syracuse University;

Lauren Kenny, lacrosse, Stony Brook University;

Ce’Ahnie Khan, lacrosse, Southern Connecticut State University;

Megan Kielbasa, lacrosse, Johns Hopkins University;

Megan McIntosh, soccer, Molloy College;

Emma Panciocco, lacrosse, University of Florida;

Delu Rizzo, lacrosse, University of Massachusetts;

Sophia Salgado, lacrosse, Binghamton University;

Christine Thomas, lacrosse, University of Maryland;

Kristy Troyan, lacrosse, Pace University;

Leah Zenk, lacrosse, Marquette University; and

Caleb Zuhoski, lacrosse, St. John’s University.

The post Riverhead girls lacrosse stands tall on college signing day appeared first on Riverhead News Review.