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The Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society 
Jason Crane Landscaping 
Townhouse Antiques 
The Eye Care Center Of Bellport 
Mary Samuels
Artist, Studio
& Gallery
Houses
For Sale
Bellport Paint Designer Services 
Music Lessons- Piano, Violin
& Viola
PORTERS
on the lane
The Bellport 
Village Bistro 
Ron Albinson
Architect, PC
August 2010
The Students 4
Art “Meet The Artists Studio Visits” Program
Featuring Local Artists: Michael Ince, David Ebner, John Cino, and Mary
Samuels
Earlier this year, Students 4 Art, which is a committee
of the South Country Education Foundation, held a four session program
featuring the work of four local artists, Michael Ince, David Ebner, John
Cino, and Mary Samuels. The participants had an opportunity to spend an
afternoon "up close and personal" with each of the four artists in their
studios.
Click here to watch a video of
the program
Watch The Centennial Parade
If
you didn't have a chance to make it to the Centennial Parade, Bellport.com
was there for you. The weather couldn't have been better and everyone had a
wonderful time. Click the speaker below to watch the parade.
Students 4 Art Summer Art Program
After
a successful launch in 2009, The South Country Education Foundation was
excited to announce the return of this summer art program, The
Experience of Art, which was open to all students residing in the South
Country School District.
The program featured artists who worked with the students in
exploring different art mediums and techniques each day.
Below, you'll find photos of some of the indoor and outdoor activities
from the program.
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Thank You Joe Gagliano
If you remember, back in March we had that very strange storm that blew all the water out of our end of the Great South Bay. We posted photos of the dock area back in March, but we just received additional photos taken by Joe Gagliano in the area around Howells Point. Remember, that area should be under 4' to 6' of water!
July 2010
Legislator Browning Hosts Long Island Cares Mobile Outreach Unit
In
an effort to call attention to the increase in the number of Long Islanders
experiencing hunger or food insecurity, Suffolk County Legislator Kate
Browning hosted the Long Island Cares Mobile Outreach Resource Enterprise
vehicle at Miracle Plaza in Bellport. The event was a huge success as
families in the greater Bellport area received an estimated 500 pounds of
food.
Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Food Bank launched its new Mobile
Outreach Resource Enterprise program in March 2010 to reach out to
individuals and families that might be having a difficult time putting
nutritious food on their tables, and to provide information and referral
services to people in need of assistance with such issues as paying energy
bills, maintaining their homes and who also might be eligible for government
entitlement programs. The specially equipped vehicle also contains a mobile
pantry to distribute emergency food.
Bellport Day Festival
The annual Bellport Day Festival,
sponsored by the Bellport Chamber of Commerce, was held on Saturday, July
24th in downtown Bellport Village. Local
merchants held sidewalk sales and some even had
booths within the festival area. Local restaurants provided
ample outdoor dining. While dining, patrons could enjoy live music
performed by various musical artists throughout the day. Click
here for more information and photos from this year's Bellport Day Festival
Bellport Fire Dept Hook & Ladder Co. Craft Fair
The Bellport Fire Dept. Buzzard Hook and
Ladder Co. held their annual craft fair on Saturday, July 24th. Many vendors
were on hand with a wide assortment of crafts such as jewelry, children's
toys, giftware, hand-painted birdhouses, furniture, crochet and knit items,
dolls, country items, etc. Click here to see more photos from the Craft
Fair.
The 26th Annual Bellport Clipper Classic
Almost
every summer, Bellport holds the "Clipper
Classic" 5K Run and 1500 Fun Walk through the Village. The race starts at
the Gateway Theatre, loops through the Village, and finishes at the Marina.
With over 800 runners and dozens of walkers, this race is a huge event that
is not to be missed!
As usual, Bellport.com was there and you can watch our coverage of the event by clicking on the speaker below.
The South Country Education Foundation 12th Annual Cocktail Party & Auction Benefit
The South Country Education Foundation's 12th Annual Auction and
Cocktail Party was held on July 10th.
Each year, the event
provides scholarship and grant monies for the students
of the
South Country School District.
This year's event was no exception.
Click the speaker below to watch our coverage of this year's event.
Artists On The Lane 2010
The
hit of the July 4th weekend is always the SBAA's "Artists On The Lane."
2010 was no exception. The weather was great and the art was wonderful.
Click here for a small sampling of what the day had to offer
The 53rd Annual SBAA Members Exhibit
The 53rd Annual Members Exhibit
was held at the Phoenix Fine Arts Gallery in Bellport Village towards the
end of May and over the Memorial Day Weekend. SBAA member and past
President, Laurie Fosmire took some photos that we'd
like to share with you.
Click here to see some of the
exhibit
June 2010
The Rotary Club of Bellport's Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck Meeting
The
weather was threatening but the Rotary Club of Bellport, undaunted,
provided a pizza party for the campers at Camp Pa-qua-tuck complete with
sodas, and ice cream on Tuesday evening, June 29th.
Click here to read all about it
Bellport's New Trustees Are Sworn In
Bellport
Village's two new Trustees, Alison Neumann and Dorothy Terwilliger, were
sworn in at the June 28th Village Board Meeting. They both won the June 15th
Village Elections by a wide margin.
Bellport High School Students Create A "Flower Of Hope"
The devastation on January 13, 2010 near Port au Prince, Haiti touched a
substantial amount of lives. People from all around the world contributed
financial aid, support and time to those who survived the disastrous
earthquake. Ms. Conk’s sculpture class at Bellport High School created a
“Flower of Hope”. This “Flower of Hope” is dedicated not only to the people
who lost their lives but also to those who are and have been in turmoil due
to this catastrophic disaster. Ms. Conk’s sculpture class built this
memorial out of recyclable metal to show that when something seems
unfeasible it can still become something beautiful; as a symbol of hope to
Haiti survivors who believe their lives have been broken beyond repair.
This beautiful sculpture is now displayed in the Bellport High School Atrium
for all to reflect on as students and staff moves around the building.
“The Flower of Hope” was constructed under the direction of Ms. Lisa Conk,
Bellport High School Art teacher and the following students:
Keisha Allen, Tim Badillo, Kia Brothers, Nicole Cavaliere, Rebecca DeVaney,
Deanna Garbarino, Sebastian Gonzales-Santiago, Nakeisha Jackson, Sean Kempf,
Faye Lawlor, Jaquille Marcelle, Whitney Mc Burnie, Robert McKay, Kyle
Milken, Amir Mukhtarzada, Lindsay Petrocelli, Jessica Repetti, Lisa
Scatuccio, Robert Schwicke, Renee Sanzatimore, Angel Tharpe, Taylor Edwards,
Ximena Plaza-conce and Amanda Popielarski.
BHS Student Wins Peacemaking Essay Contest
Taylor
Drenzyk, a junior at Bellport High School, is the winner of the 2010
Peacemaking Essay Contest, conducted by Old South Haven Presbyterian Church.
He was presented with a $200.00 Savings Bond at the Sunday Morning Worship
Service at the Church, June 13, 2010, and read his essay for the
congregation.
The winner was chosen by a committee of three persons from the church and a
teacher from Bellport High School, who read the essays submitted. Nancy
Best, a member of the Session, the governing board of the Church, said this
is a new project for the Church and is conducted to encourage students to
think about “peace and those things that make for peace.” Each of the
students who submitted essays received a certificate from the Church
thanking them for their participation. Taylor’s family was present Sunday
morning and joined the congregation at a picnic held on the church lawn
following the Service.
Taylor and his family are residents of East Patchogue and attend Grace
Lutheran Church in Mastic Beach. Last July, Taylor went on a youth Mission
Trip, sponsored by his church, in Eastern Shores, Virginia, “for an
action-packed week of service to the community. In 2006, while still in the
middle school, he won first place in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay
contest. He is also a member of the high school newspaper staff. He is an
SC runner, a triple jumper, and is interested in music, especially singing.
Upon graduation, he hopes to attend Concordia College in Westchester.
The Pastor of Old South Haven Presbyterian Church is The Rev. Thomas J.
Philipp.
May 2010
Bellport Brookhaven Historical Society's Antiques Show & Sale
The
Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society's Antiques Show & Sale was a huge
success and the weather couldn’t have been better. There were vendors
offering antique furniture, Americana and primitives, mid-century modern
furniture and furnishings, paintings and prints, decoys, jewelry, silver,
rugs, dolls and toys, and collectibles.
Click on the speaker to the left to see a
slideshow of photos from the Show. If you own a Mac instead of a PC,
click here to download the latest version
of Windows Media Player specifically for Mac users! This download is FREE!
The "Bellport Pavilion" At The Bellport Brookhaven Historical Society's Antiques Show & Sale
Three local art and antiques companies came together to support the first Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society's Antique Show & Sale held on Sunday, May 30th. Pamela Lerner Antiques, Mary Samuels Art Studio and Townhouse Antiques occupied the "Bellport Pavilion." Below you’ll find photos of some of what they had to offer.
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The Bellport Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale
The
Bellport Garden Club's 4th annual Memorial Day Plant Sale was great! There
were garden gifts, wonderful annuals, perennials, sun-shade, trees, bulbs
and (this year) pineapple plants- plants for all ages! The plants were all
from members' gardens. They also had fabulous garden implements and gifts:
gloves, trowels, buckets and books. You’ll find photos of the event below.
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2010 Memorial Day Parade
The
Annual Memorial Day Parade began near the Village Hall and traveled up
Bellport Lane to the Four Corners, and then continued up Station Road to
the cemetery. It was a very special event and the weather couldn’t have
been better.
Click on the speaker to the left to see a
slideshow of photos from this year's parade.
If you own a Mac instead of a PC,
click here to download the latest version
of Windows Media Player specifically for Mac users! This download is FREE!
Meet The Top Three 2010 BHS Graduates
Valedictorian
- Katherine O'Connor
Katherine O’Connor, daughter of Leslie and Paul O’Connor of Bellport has
been named Valedictorian of the Class of 2010 at Bellport High School.
As a National Merit Finalist Katherine has a GPA of 4.51 and SAT score
of 2310. Katherine’s grade point average is highest GPA since the letter
grade system was implemented in the South Country School District.
Katherine has received the National Merit Battelle Scholarship and the
Brookhaven Science Associates Scholarship. Katherine has excelled in the
most challenging Advanced Placement classes offered at Bellport High
School. After taking 12 AP courses and receiving a 4.0 from Stony Brook
University in their Intro to Linear Algebra course Katherine is
currently enrolled in AP Biology, AP Government, AP English Composition
and Language and AP Statistics at Bellport High School. She has been
Editor of the school newspaper for the last two years, Captain of the
Science Bowl Team, and Captain of the Academic Team competing on the
television show The Challenge. Katherine participated and received a
perfect score on the Math Team, was a member in good standing in the
Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society and
the National Honor Society.
For the last four years Katherine has displayed her musical talents by
playing the flute in the Wind Ensemble and the Flute Choir. She also
participated in the Pit Orchestra at the annual musical performance at
Bellport High School having also participated in the All-Country Music
Festival Orchestra. Serving her community has been rewarding for
Katherine as she has been an altar server at Mary Immaculate Church for
nine years and plays the flute in the Church Choir as well as other
community and school district functions. During the summer, Katherine
will continue working part time for an on-line math course correcting
students’ problem sets. The Valedictorian of the Class of 2010 at
Bellport High School will be attending MIT in the fall majoring in
Mathematics.
Salutatorian-
Grace Healy
Grace Healy has been named this years Salutatorian at Bellport High
School with a 4.35 GPA and SAT score of 2090. Grace is the daughter of
Leslie and Terence Healy of Bellport. Grace has challenged herself
academically by enrolling in Advanced Placement Literature, French,
Calculus, Physics and Government. Grace has demonstrated her leadership
skills as the President of Students for Environmental Quality, President
of the French Club, Vice President of the Athletes Helping Others and a
member in good standing in the Outdoor Club, The Clipper, Math Honor
Society, Science Honor Society, French Honor Society and the National
Honor Society. Grace is an accomplishment Cello player. Out of the
classroom and off the stage, Grace was the Captain of the Varsity Girls
Soccer Team being named All-League and All-County, Captain of the
Varsity Girls Winter Track Team, and Captain of the Varsity Girls
Lacrosse Team being named All-League and All-County Honorable Mention.
Grace is the recipient of the Suffolk Zone Award for Physical Education.
She has volunteered at the Special Olympics, Autism Surf Camp and Great
Brookhaven Clean-up and tutoring of students. Grace’s summer plans
include working at Quantuck Beach Club as an ocean lifeguard, The
Bellport Restaurant as a bus person and attending Brown University
Lacrosse Camp. As the Salutatorian for the Class of 2010 at Bellport
High School Grace will be playing lacrosse at Brown University.
Essayist-
Ian Lundstrom
Ian Lundstrom, son of Clare and Scott Lundstrom of East Patchogue is
Bellport High School’s Essayist with a 4.18 GPA and SAT score of 1700.
Ian has taken several Advanced Placement classes including Chemistry. He
is a member in good standing with the National Senior Honor Society and
the Science, Tri M Music and French Honor Societies. He is also a member
of the Students for Environmental Quality Club. Ian, an avid violinist
performs with the Bellport High School Chamber Orchestra and is
principle with the Concert Orchestra. He has participated in the 2010
Long Island String Festival, NYSSMA since 2006 and performed with the
Daedalus Quartet. Ian has volunteered his musical services for the
Bellport Garden Club, South Country School District Health Fair, and the
South Bay Strings Program. He participated in the Open Space Stewardship
Program at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Summer plans include teaching
sailing to the youth in our community through the Bellport Bay Sailing
Foundation. The Essayist for the Bellport High School Class of 2010 will
be attending Stony Brook University majoring in Engineering.
It's
a good thing that the water isn't any deeper at the "stick" dock. The boat
is lying on its side on the bottom.
We're told that the boat wasn't tied
up properly so as the tide came in, it poured into the boat. We hope no
serious damage was done.
Author, Therone Shellman Speaks
On Wednesday, May 12th, Author, Therone Shellman spoke about his newest
book, "Survivor: I changed the rules, part 1" at the South Country Library.
His autobiography is about surviving impossibilities and in the end,
dictating and defining your own reality.
Therone
Shellman is a product of a broken home. Throughout his youth, Mr. Shellman
moved in a world of crime and violence which landed him in prison. He
persevered and not only survived, but transformed himself. With those
present, Mr. Shellman discussed his journey from a tough beginning to his
current life as a successful author and a positive voice for today's youth.
Bellport High School’s Creative Spirit Shines
Three
Bellport High School Students, Valerie Bodden, Renee Senzatimore, and
Bianca Lastra were recently acknowledged for their skillfully crafted
and heartfelt poetry. Valerie and Renee were presented with an award
during a ceremony hosted by The National League of American Pen Woman on
Saturday May 8, 2010 at the Farmingdale Public Library.
The National League of American Pen Woman sponsors an annual “All Cities
Branch” poetry contest. This year, participants from twenty four school
districts throughout Long Island submitted entries. Four students
received equal merit awards, while an additional ten students received
honorable mention.
Valerie Bodden, a freshman at Bellport High School, was one of four top
award winners for her poem “Mathematical.” Renee Senzatimore, a junior,
received honorable mention for her poem “Love is Right” as did Bianca
Lastra for her poem, “A Wire a Dream and a Hand." Rene and Valerie are
also members of Inkwell, a writer’s club formed by Bellport High School
teacher Don Uhrie in the beginning of the 2009 / 2010 school year.
Pictured from left to right are Renee Senzatimore, Don Uhrie, and
Valerie Bodden.
Braving winds at speeds up to 25 knots, three local
sailors raced against the top 185 optimist sailors in the country. J.C.
Hermus, age 10, Sarah Hermus, 14, and Liza O'Connor, age 15, qualified to
attend the regatta by their strong finishes at the New England Optimist
Championships held last summer in Newport RI.
Sailors flew in from all parts of the country to face each other in the
waters of Galveston Bay in the annual Optimist Team Trials, a four-day event
consisting of 13 races. The top finishers represent the U.S. at Optimist
Championships across the globe.
All three sailors are Bellport Village residents and learned to sail at the
Bellport Bay Sailing Foundation, where they continue lessons each summer.
Ranking at 10th girl in the country, Liza O'Connor has qualified to attend
either North American Optimist Championships in Kingston, Canada or the
British Optimist Nationals in Weymouth England, site of the 2012 Olympic
Sailing Event.
Congratulations to our young sailors!
Mother's Day Breakfast At The Bellport Fire Dept
The Occumbomock Engine company held a very special
breakfast for Mom on Mother’s Day. There was a lot to eat and a lot of
people to say hello to now that we’re all coming out of our winter caves and
starting to enjoy the Spring in Bellport. A raffle was also held for a
basket of cheer and two $100 gas gift certificates for Monti’s Gas Station.
It really was a wonderful way to start off the day. Thank you Bellport Fire
Department!
April 2010
The inaugural Smith Point Triathlon will be held on
August 8th, 2010 at Smith Point County Park. It is a sprint-distance
triathlon and the race will be raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation of Long Island, the Wounded Warriors of Long Island, as
well as numerous local charities.
Starting at the immaculate Smith Point County Park, the race starts with a
500-meter Narrow’s Bay swim. The swimmers will be exiting the water at the
newly constructed Suffolk County fishing pier. The swim will be followed by
a flat 12-mile bike ride over the Smith Point Bridge to the entrance of the
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge and back. The race concludes with a scenic
3.1-mile run over the bridge ending at the start. With ample parking, a
race-day-expo, and the allure of a post-race ocean beach day, this race is a
must-do for athletes of all abilities on Long Island.
“By focusing on health and fitness through the safe and fair conduct of
races, we want to place a strong emphasis on ‘Empowering Yourself’ through
the completion of a triathlon. We not only raise money and awareness through
our Long Island Triathlon Tour races, but we foster the opportunity for the
average Long Islander to make incremental health goals, which creates a
stronger Long Island,” stated Steve Tarpinian of Event Power.
The triathlon will be produced by Event Power, Long Island’s Premiere
Triathlon Event Company, and by Getco Company creators of Get Healthy Long
Island. The organization of the race was spearheaded through Suffolk County
Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley).
“Legislator Browning has been tremendous in getting together all the
different groups in one room so we can make this race a reality. The various
governmental agencies and civic groups of the area have been warm and
accommodating,” stated Shawn Getchell, President of Getco Company “we are so
proud to be working with such professionals as we put together this race.”
The Smith Point Triathlon’s organizers have extended invitations to local
officials in an attempt to “Get Healthy Long Island”. By having our
officials lead by example we will be able to significantly reduce the top
five chronic diseases that affect Long Islanders; heart disease; diabetes;
cancer; lung disease and cirrhosis.
Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko has signed up for the race and is
training to compete in the triathlon. “The Town of Brookhaven supports this
event and is proud to be a sponsor. This event complements our 'Brookhaven
is Fit' program, which focuses on fitness and wellness," said Supervisor
Lesko, "I am looking forward to participating in the race."
Suffolk County Legislators Kate Browning and Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches)
will be volunteering. “The race will showcase the beauty and amenities of
the Tri-Hamlet community and Smith Point County Park,” stated Legislator
Kate Browning. “The citizens of this outstanding community have always known
this area to be a diamond-in-the-rough, and this race will help highlight
beautiful neighborhoods and waterfront views. I am proud of being a part of
bringing this event to our area.”
“In our ability to work together, we are focusing on generating funds for
research and local community outreach through race sponsorship. We want all
Long Islanders to become active participants in reinvigorating the Island’s
physical and economic potency,” said Maureen Getchell, Getco Company.
Online race registration is now open at
www.smithpointtri.com. If you are interested in participating,
or inquiring about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the above website
for more information.
Rosie's Handmade Revolution Has Its Grand Opening
Rosie's, Bellport Village's newest addition, had its
Grand Opening on April 10th. The photos below will give you only a small
idea of what a wonderful shop Rosie's is and what an asset to the Village
it's going to be. In one of the photos, you'll even see "Rosie" herself, aka
Amy Fox, behind the counter helping a customer.
Rosie's Handmade Revolution is a wonderful, airy, boutique featuring all
handmade clothing and accessories. Everything in the shop has been
handcrafted by independent designers from all over the world and the focus
is on supporting independent artisans and encouraging creative minds.
Click here for more information
and stop by Rosie's for a real treat (they have coffee and goodies too).
They are located at the four corners, in the heart of Bellport Village.
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Easter Egg Hunt
On
Saturday, April 3rd, Bellport's annual Easter Egg Hunt was held at the
marina. The weather was gorgeous and everyone had a great time hunting for
eggs. Special thanks to Irv Gordon for taking the photo
featured here.
March 2010
Bishop Announces Energy Grant For Bellport Village
Congressman
Tim Bishop announced that the Village of Bellport has been awarded $70,703
from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funding
will allow the Village to install an 8.51kW (kilowatt) solar electric system
on the roof of two Village buildings.
The solar panels are estimated to save Bellport over $1,750 a year in energy
costs, and will help reduce energy consumption. The Recovery Act, which
Congressman Bishop supported, was intended to create jobs and improve the
country’s economic stability. Economists estimate that the Recovery Act is
responsible for the jobs of about 2 million Americans who would otherwise be
unemployed.
NYSERDA received more than 300 proposals which were evaluated on a
competitive basis. Primary selection criteria included technical viability,
cost-effectiveness, demonstration of compliance with program requirements,
and cost sharing. Each awardee must still successfully enter into contract
and meet all ARRA requirements prior to funding being released.
It's
not every day that you see a seal on the beach around here! We received the
following photo and note from Lori Horsley: "On
Thursday (3/18) my brother-in-law, a friend and I were out for a late
afternoon walk starting from Smithpoint and we made it almost to Old Inlet.
As we headed back we came across the little seal sunning himself. At first
we thought he might have been hurt but then we realized that he was just
enjoying the beautiful day like we were!"
South Country School District Art Festival
On
Saturday, March 20th the Art Department from the South Country School
District held an Art Festival at the Bellport Middle School. The 9th
annual festival was open to the entire community. Under the direction of
Art Chair Suzette Fandale the gymnasium was transformed into “hands on”
experiences with a myriad of art projects available for students.
Creativity and originality were expressed by students participating in
sand art, cartoon character drawing, papermaking, face painting, tie dye
t-shirts to name a few. Students were greeted and worked alongside over
30 student volunteers and art teachers in the South Country School
District. Two beautiful glass mosaic windows were created at the
festival under the direction of art teacher Lisa Conk and will be
donated to the South Country Education Foundation’s Annual Cocktail
Auction.
Pictured from left to right: Brittany Miller and Faye Lawlor help out at
the papermarking station at this year’s Art Festival.
The Harlem Wizards Visit Kreamer Street Elementary School
The
gymnasium of Kreamer Street Elementary School was recently transformed into a
basketball court for professional basketball players from the Harlem Wizards.
Principal Sean Clark challenged his students to read 50,000 minutes during the
month of March as part of the Parents as Reading Partners Program. After
reaching their goal the PTA from Kreamer Street School arranged for this reward
assembly. The Wizards “Scoop” and “Skycam” selected students Carson Nagle and
Andrew Grundstrom to show their talents and entertain the students. At the
conclusion of the assembly Carson and Andrew were given official Harlem Wizard
basketballs.
Pictured from left to right: Wizard Scoop, Wizard Skycam, Andrew Grundstrom and
Carson Nagle
Dip Into The Inkwell And Explore Your Creative Side
The
South Country School District recognized the Inkwell Writer’s Club advisor Don
Uhrie and club member Hilda De Los Santos at its bi-monthly meeting Wednesday
March 10th.
In a celebration at Bellport High School for Black History Month, Inkwell
provided the literary component by reading poetry from such prominent authors as
Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes. Another, less prominent, but aspiring young
writer, Hilda Del Los Santos, brought her creative flair to the celebration by
reading her own original poem entitled “Two People.” Her heartfelt and powerful
words were well received by all. Other club members also attended and
participated in the celebration.
Shortly thereafter, the district requested that Hilda share her poem at the
Board of Education meeting on March 10th. Both Hilda, and the Inkwell club
advisor, Don Uhrie, were recognized for their outstanding participation in the
Inkwell Club.
Inkwell was formed early in the 2009 / 2010 school year. The club was initiated
by its current advisor Don Uhrie, who teaches English at the Bellport High
School. Inkwell was formed in order to provide an environment to nurture the
creative side of Bellport High School’s many talented and spirited students. The
goal was to create a forum that provided our students with a safe and nurturing
environment conducive towards self expression of the written word. By nurturing
the writer within our young people, Bellport High School’s Inkwell Club has
provided another vehicle to aid in the academic as well as personal growth of
its students.
Pictured: Mr. Uhrie, Inkwell Club Advisor and student writer Hilda De Los
Santos.
Blow’n In The Wind... Or, Should We Say, “Where Has All The Water Gone?
If you were in town over the weekend, you know how bad
the wind and rain were Saturday night. We’ve lived in Bellport for 39 years
now and we’ve never seen the water blown out of the bay the way it was on
Saturday. If all of the water was blown out of the marina, leaving only mud,
Freeport, at the other end of the bay, must have been underwater!
Once again, our intrepid Bellport.com photographer, me, was out there taking
photos for all of you out of towners. I hope you enjoy the photos.
We also received the following note and photos from Hank Maust...
"You no doubt have (or soon will have) received a zillion of these (photos) but I thought you might find these of interest. In all my 66 years here, I never remember seeing the tide so low."
Congressman Tim Bishop Holds Another "Living Room Conversation"
On
Friday evening, March 12th, Congressman Tim Bishop held another of his
“Living Room Conversations” at the home of Diane Pettit in Bellport. About
50 members of the community attended and rather than being a “fundraiser,”
the evening was a chance for members of the community to share with
Representative Bishop what they were thinking and feeling. It also gave the
Congressman a chance to share the latest information regarding the work of
his office in Washington on our behalf.
The topics discussed were far ranging from health care, to the economy, to
the state of politics in the US today. It was a truly enlightening
experience and gave those present a much better understanding of the
challenges facing our representatives while at the same time giving those
present a chance to share, first hand, their concerns with the Congressman.
On behalf of all those present, we’d like to thank Congressman Bishop for
taking the time to meet with us.
BHS Track Athlete Named Fastest Runner
Jaquan
Holland, a Senior at Bellport High School, is the fastest runner in the 300m
indoor track event among all public school runners in New York State. Jaquan
Holland is also ranked 8th in the US in the 300m indoor track event. Jaquan
won the New York State Championship for public school runners in the 300m
event held at Cornell University on March 6, 2010. His time of 34.62 placed
him in 2nd place in the Federation which includes all public and parochial
schools in New York State.
Jaquan is the sole remaining member of the 2008 indoor track team which set
Suffolk County records and represented Suffolk County in the Milrose Games
at Madison Square Garden, as well as the New York State Championship.
He was joined at the NYS meet by Derek Palafox, a Sophomore at Bellport High
School, who represented Suffolk County in the Intersectional Medley Relay
event. Derek ran the 1000m leg of the relay, along with other athletes from
Suffolk County who ran the 300m, 600m and 1600m legs. Members of the
Intersectional Medley Relay team were chosen because they were the 3rd place
finishers in their respective events at the State Qualifier which was held
last month. Derek's split time of 2:39 was his fastest time of the season.
February 2010
Bellport’s own ferry captain, Tom Linden,
sent us this photo of the bay. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the
bay come up this high at high tide. All the wind and snow we’ve received
lately has pushed a lot of water into the east end of the Great South Bay.
The Village Residents’ Response To The Village Board... A Packed House!
The
February 22nd Village Board Meeting was a packed house in response to the
Village Board’s proposed new law to regulate “Special Events.” Speaker after
speaker, speaking for themselves as residents and as representatives of
various community organizations, told the Village Board how bad they thought
the proposed new law was. All of the speakers felt that the new law would
hurt rather than help the Village and that it should be scrapped.
The Village Board’s response was to put off action on the new law. Although
the audience requested that a committee, made up of representatives of the
organizations that would be affected by the new law, be created to discuss
what regulation of such events was really needed, the Village Board put off
any actions or decisions.
Former Mayor and Local Publisher Frank Trotta Appointed To Stony Brook University Council
Frank
C. Trotta, II, a successful publisher, entrepreneur and lifelong resident of
the Village of Bellport, has been appointed to the Stony Brook University
Council, a board appointed to serve as an oversight and advisory body to the
campus and to Stony Brook’s president and senior officers. In accordance
with New York State Education Law, the Council comprises ten members; nine
of whom are appointed to seven-year terms by the Governor of the State of
New York, and one student member elected in alternating years from among the
campus’ undergraduate and graduate students.
“I am honored to be serving SUNY Stony Brook and bringing my business,
community and academic background to this nationally recognized
institution,” said Mr. Trotta. “The impact of Stony Brook on our region will
become even greater over the next decade as Stony Brook becomes a major
economic engine for Long Island during these challenging times. I look
forward to being part of that success.”
Diana
Berthold of Bellport is entering her latest creation in the Long Island
Quilters’ Society’s biennial quilt show, “Asian Inspired,” in Garden City at
the Field House at 295 Stewart Avenue (formerly St. Paul’s school) on March
20 and 21, 2010. Ms. Berthold’s Pray for Peace for the People & Our Planet
is typical of quilted items created throughout this country’s history.
Berthold felt a real sense of déjà vu while creating this quilt, having
grown up during the Civil Rights and Peace Movement, the first Earth Day,
and tie dying jeans and recycling other clothing and household items. She
says, “This quilt is a tribute to children all over the world as we pray for
peace for people of the world and for the care of our planet.” It is an
original collaboration in design and execution with her daughter, Elizabeth.
Berthold chose the well-known Peace symbol to depict the world. It is made
of buttons sewed onto tie dyed fabric, which signifies the world’s oceans,
and was fashioned by her daughter. Berthold designed “the outer borders of
bright colors, like the peoples of the world, [to] frame the quilt.” This
quilt received an award when it was exhibited at the Eastern Long Island
Quilter's Guild Show in June 2009. It was also displayed at an event for
“Veterans for Peace," in November 2009.
Anyone interested in viewing Berthold’s completed work may do so at the Long
Island Quilters’ Society’s biennial quilt extravaganza, “Asian Inspired” on
Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday March 21, 2010 from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Garden City Field House (a new location for this
show), located at 295 Stewart Avenue (near the Garden City LIRR Station).
The show will feature more than 200 traditional and art quilts created by
regional quilters. The event will also include vendors, Members’ boutique,
Challenge quilts on display, along with a fashion show at 2:00pm on Saturday
featuring locally-made quilted garments. March 20 is National Quilting Day
and the Guild plans quilting demonstrations, charity quilt construction and
sharing information about the quilt making process with the general public.
Admission is $8. For more information, e-mail to
info@liqs.org or visit the Guild’s web
site at www.liqs.org.
Bellport High School Alumnus Signed To Baylor University
Recent
Bellport High School grad, and track and field star, Dennis Scruggs has been
signed to Baylor University for the 2010-2011 academic year. Baylor track
and field head coach Todd Harbour had this to say about Scruggs, "Dennis is
a quality young man that has also had Baylor as one of his top choices for a
long while. He has great range as he has run quality times from 200 meters
to 600 meters and will do very nicely in our program."
Scruggs won the NJCAA Region I title in the 200 meters in 2009 and the
4x400-meter relay in 2008. He placed fifth individually at the NJCAA
Championships in the 200 meters and 10th in the 400 meters. Scruggs became
the first New York state champion ever from Bellport High School when he won
the state 600-meter title. Scruggs also placed third at the state meet in
the 4x400-meter relay. He owns the Suffolk County records at 400 meters and
600 meters and Was ranked second in the United States in the 400 meters and
600 meters as a senior in 2008. He led Bellport High School to a bronze
medal at the 2008 Millrose Games in the 4x400-meter relay.
Bellport High School To Host "Relay For Life"
South
Country School District is hosting the American Cancer Society Relay for
Life at Bellport High School June 18th – 19th, 2010. Ms. Diane Poulos,
Health Teacher and Mr. Joseph Cipp, Head Football Coach, co-chairs, have
organized this community event to help fight cancer. Ms. Poulos along
with her group of volunteer students known as “Team Poulos” are asking
the community to participate. For information please contact
dpoulos@southcountry.org
or
www.relayforlife.org/southcountryNY or
gail.tuohey@cancer.org.
Pictured from left to right:
Joanna Benavides, Nicole Hamill, Sylvia Glover, Lauren Fujii, Meagan
Briggs, Kelly Palace, Tyler Furia, Vanessa Verni, Brittney Miller, Anna
Strano and Lauren Staudt
BHS Student Awarded St. Joseph's College Presidential Grant
Mr.
Nelson C. Briggs, Principal of Bellport High School and Mrs. Darlene
Dowler, Guidance Counselor are proud to announce that Candace Claudio
has been selected to receive the St. Joseph’s College Presidential
Grant. This prestigious award covers full tuition to St. Joseph’s
College for four years.
Charles Marvin Finn Remembers Bellport
Click here
to read about Charles Marvin Finn's memories of Bellport from his youth
BHS Students Get Visit From Varsity Basketball Captain
Bellport Boys Varsity
Basketball Coach Peter Grossi and Captain Connor Fedge recently were the
topic of discussion in Mr. Wayne Caldicott’s class during a current
events/language arts lesson with Ms. Kathy Mulligan, Speech Pathologist
at Bellport High School. Mr. Caldicott’s students selected a sports
article from Newsday detailing Bellport’s win over Deer Park. The
article featured Connor in a great action shot doing one of his
trademark moves to the basket. Connor joined the class for the lesson
and signed copies of the article. Coach Grossi gave the students the now
popular “Clipper Crazies” tee shirts and students were personally
invited to attend the next home game.
Seated: signing copies of
the article is Captain Connor Fedge. Standing: Coach Peter Grossi,
students Dashawn Young and Nicole DiGiogia
BHS Student Finalist For National Merit Scholarship
Katherine F. O’Connor a
senior at Bellport High School has met all requirements to advance to
Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Katherine
is one 16,000 semifinalists named in September 2009 who will be
considered for a National Merit Scholarship to be offered in 2010.
Katherine has advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit
Scholarship Program of 2010 by demonstrating through distinguished
performance high potential for future academic accomplishment.
49 Bellport Students Selected For SCMEA All-County Music Festival
The
Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) selected
49 South Country School District musicians as
members of the 2010
All-County Music Festival. Bellport has representatives in all three
performing organizations, including the All-County Band, Chorus, and
Orchestra. Selections of All-County students were made from NYSSMA Solo
Festival evaluation sheets / scores and nominations submitted by
district music teachers. The SCMEA All-County Music Festival recognizes
Suffolk’s most accomplished music students in grades 5-10.
Click here for a full list of all of the Bellport Students selected for
the All-County Music Festival.
The Bellport High School Math Team Excels
The
Bellport High School Math Team is now ranked 17th out of 104 teams in the
county. At the December Meet at William Floyd High School Katherine O’Connor
scored a perfect six out of six. Gourav Khadge scored four correct out of
six. January’s meet at Patchogue Medford High School had two students,
Katherine O’Connor and Gourav Khadge scoring perfect with six out of six.
Begum Mavruk, Berk Mavruk and Arya Seghatoleslami all scored five out of
six. A county meet was held on January 8, 2010 at Suffolk Community College.
Katherine O’Connor had a perfect score on the multiple choice questions.
High scorers were 11th grade Gourav Khadge, 10th grade Berk Mavruk and 9th
Grade Emily Hoff. Mrs. Patricia Bodkin is the Math Team Advisor.
January 2010
Jimmy Vaughan Has Been Selected As The Long Island Advance’s Man Of The Year
Bellport
Village’s newest Trustee, our own Jimmy Vaughan, has been selected as the
Long Island Advance’s Man of the Year! Jimmy, a former member of the South
Country Schools Board of Education, has been an advocate for veterans for
many years. He served in Vietnam in 1969 and ever since he has worked very
hard on the behalf of both homeless veterans and veterans needing
assistance. He has served with the East Patchogue Veterans of Foreign Wars,
Post 8300, since 1977 and he has also been very active with the Northport VA
Hospital and the Calverton National Cemetery Memorial Committee.
We can’t think of anyone who is more deserving of this award.
Congratulations Jimmy!!!
Bellport High School Students To Appear On TV's The Challenge
Tune
in to Channel 14 at 6:30pm on January 25th to see Bellport High School's
Long Island Challenge team take on Central Islip in the 1st round of
this annual academic tournament. The BHS team is composed of members
Paul Celentano, Connor Fedge, Gourav Khadge, Katie O'Connor (Captain)
and Meredith Weber. The team next competes on March 3rd for rounds 2 and
3. The show will be re-broadcasted at the same time and channel on the
26th. In addition, for those viewers who don't get channel 14, it also
be seen on Channel 12 on Jan 31st at 6:30pm.
Bellport High School Sports Teams Updates
The Winter 2009/2010 season is in full swing. Here are
some highlights up to this point in the season.
Boy’s Bowling: The boys are in the middle of the pack
in League 4 with the following bowler’s having a nice
season.
Nicolas Fuoco -188 avg. - 225 high game
Sean Millsap -186 avg. – 258 high game
Steven Taylor -179 avg. - 246 high game
Girls’ Bowling: The girls are also in the middle of the
pack in League 2 with the following girls’ having a nice
season.
Caitlin Colichio - 175 avg. - 236 high game
Crystiana Butler - 162 avg. - 244 high game
Brianna Mele - 148 avg. - 191 high game
Boy’s Basketball: The Clippers sit in second place in
League 4 with a record of 4-1. They have had wins
against Sachem East, West Babylon, E.S.M., Smithtown
West, and a win over Riverhead during the Holiday
Tournament @ St. Joseph’s College. They had a tough loss
to Copiague 63-62 and loss to Nassau powerhouse
Uniondale. Connor Fedge, Antione Rountree, Melvin
Ruffin, and Darren Yancy have all played well thus far
for the Clipper’s. They host H.H.H.W. on January 25th @
6:45.
Girls’ Basketball: The girls’ had two wins against Bay
Shore and H.H.H.West this year and are being led by La
Shanna Garrison and Afua Bediako. The girls’ play this
week on Tuesday (Deer Park) and Thursday (Riverhead).
Wrestling: The team had wins against Copiague and
Mattituck and losses against West Babylon and H.H.H.West.
Eddie Carson, John Rose, Hezekiah Johnson, and Able
Reyes are having a nice season for the clipper’s.
Girls’ Winter Track: The girls’ had a successful trip to
Yale University this past weekend with the 4x 200 team
of Caitlyn Pabst, LaQuanna Willett, Victoria Crump, and
Victoria Rountree winning their event and turning in the
best time of the season. The League Championships are
being held @ Suffolk Community College in Brentwood on
January 23rd ,2010 @ 9a.m.
Boy’s Winter Track: The boy’s are having a competitive
season with their 4x800 relay team ranked 5th, Ryan McGlynn in the top 5 in the Freshman/Sophomore 1000 m,
and Jaquan Holland with the fastest 300m time in the
county.
Cheerleading: While the girls’ were in Jacksonville,
Florida representing Bellport High School they qualified
for the Nationals. They have also qualified for the Long
Island Championships being held later this month.
Dance Team: The team has just started their competition
season this month. You can catch them at a home
basketball game later in the season.
Fall 2009 Update:
Senior Dillon Kenul was named to the “Golden 11”, which
is the top scholar/athlete football player’s in Suffolk
County. Congrats to Dillon and his parents.
Junior Ryan Sloan was named 1st Team ALL-LONG ISLAND and
1st Team ALL-STATE. Congrats to Ryan and his family as
well, this is a tremendous honor for a player who is
only a junior.
Last year, we had great ice and a lot of iceboating on the bay. We shot
lots of video of the iceboating, but we didn’t have time to edit the
footage. Well, with the cold weather the entire country has been having,
it’s time to make “lemonade” from all these cold weather lemons we’ve been
getting. Let’s start thinking about iceboating and we can’t think of a
better way than to finally show you the video we shot last year “Looping The
Dock” while the iceboating was going on. Enjoy!
Click here for more "Virtual
Loops Of The Dock."
Click
on the speaker to the left to see a video from the
loop!
If you own a Mac instead of a PC,
click here to download the latest version of Windows Media
Player specifically for Mac users! This download is FREE!
BHS Students Exhibit At The Parrish Museum In Southampton
Artwork
created by 19 Bellport High School students is being exhibited at the
Parrish Museum in Southampton. The show entitled Students View American
Views was open December 12th through January 10th. The artwork of the
students from Bellport High School is in response to the collections at
the Parrish Museum using a variety of mediums including drawing,
painting, photography and mixed media.
Pictured: Ali Blumenthal, a junior at Bellport High School stands beside
her work Tractor, pen and ink
Bellporter To Be Honored By British Queen
Dr.
Barbara Hendrie, daughter of Elaine and Joseph Hendrie of Bellport will
receive the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth II at an
investiture ceremony to be held soon. This honor was formally announced in
the 2010 New Year Honours List which appeared in the London Gazette on
December 31. All honors are so announced by the British throne.
Dr. Hendrie, a social anthropologist, holds dual American and British
citizenship and therefore is eligible for this honor. She was educated in
Long Island schools and graduated from Bowdoin College Magna cum Laude. She
went on to serve as a famine camp volunteer during the first Ethiopian
famine and then did her graduate work at University College, London. She is
a Senior Civil Service Officer in the British government Department for
International Development and recently returned from nine months posting in
Iraq. At present she is in New York City where she is serving as Counselor
to the British Mission to the United Nations for Development and Human
Rights.