October Message
from MAYOR MARGOT GARANT

I am very happy and proud to announce that after much consideration and careful planning, the Village will be hosting our 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival on the first weekend of December. Many of you may know how important this festival is as it was founded by former Mayor Jeanne Garant as part of an economic development initiative. Primarily the festival was to help bring commerce to our merchants during the soft months as Port Jefferson has traditionally been known to have a very strong summer tourist season.  This beloved festival proves to be a joyful event when residents and tourists alike enjoy our Village dressed in white lights and holiday decor with restaurants promoting  Dickensian menus while street character actors bring festive cheer and sing yule-tied holiday songs as they stroll the sidewalks. 

The festival can only take place because of the generous sponsorship of many of our local lead merchants and partners who support us year after year. Special thanks to them at this time for their generous support, especially during these difficult months due to the Covid pandemic. 

This year all of our favorites will return, Santa’s Workshop, our horse and carriage rides, resident skate night, magic shows, concerts, our Festival of Trees, and the Messiah - to name a few! Please be sure to visit portjeff.com/dickens for a complete schedule of events in the coming weeks and possible sponsorship opportunities.

We look forward to sharing our Holiday Season with one and all by bringing these events to you, Dickens' weekend and throughout December.
Dickens' Schedule at your fingertips.
Just use your phones' camera to access.
GRANT CORNER by Nicole Jean Christian, Grant Writer/Manager
The Village is currently administering the following grant awards:
1. Storm Isais reimbursement - totalling over $100K
2. COVID Expense costs - totaling over $100K
3. Harborfront Park walkway upgrade- $150K
4. Tennis Court bathroom upgrade to be ADA compliant: $150K
5. Completed Village Hall ADA bathroom upgrade: $140K
6. Village Hall ADA Vestibule construction - underway
RESIDENT PORTAL
Communication has never been easier!
This is the BEST NEWS! The Village has made it easy to communicate everything that's happening in the Village with the rollout of the Resident Self-Service Web Portal. It allows residents to submit requests, such as road issues, violations, complaints, permits, potholes, storm drain issues, etc., online. Once a request is submitted, a case number is assigned to the request to be tracked by the person who submitted it. The new streamlined process will make it more efficient to report and track your inquiry. **This is not an emergency reporting system. All Fire, Medical, Police, and other Life Threatening Issues must call 911.**

Here is how easy it is…
  • Go to https://portjeff.com/portal/
  • Click on the link or image for the Resident Self Service Portal
  • Fill out your information so we can follow up with your request. Note - Your name and email address are required.
  • Tell us what your issue/request is.
  • Tell us the location of the issue.
It is that efficient! 

Here is a list of the types of issues/requests are available to report:
Animal (deer) Inquiries 
Beach Inquiries
Birth/Death Certificates 
Branch Pick Up
Building Permit/Inspect/Fees
Code Violations
Country Club Inquiries
Court/Parking Tickets
Foil Public Record Request
Fire Marshal Permit/Inspection/Fees
Flooding
Kayak Applications
Leaf Pick Up
Opening a New Business
Parking Inquiries
Parking Stickers
Parks and Playgrounds
Pools/Fences/Sheds
Potholes
Recreation Programs
Sign Inquiries
Snow/Ice Removal
Storm Drains
Street Lighting
Tax Inquiries
Traffic Issues
Tree Trimming/Removal
Vacant Properties/Zombie Homes
Zoning Inquiries
Welcome to a highly effective way to communicate with the Village!
We look forward to working with you!
HURRICANE IDA RELIEF 
Federal, State, and Local Assistance Available…

Brookhaven Town residents whose homes were damaged by the unprecedented rains caused by Hurricane Ida can apply for federal FEMA grants and receive state and local assistance at the Storm Recovery Center set up in the Rose Caracappa Senior Citizen Center. The center is located at 739 Route 25A in Mount Sinai. The center will be open starting on Thursday, September 16th at 8:00 am and will operate seven days a week from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm until further notice.

Visit the Town of Brookhaven website to find out more information https://www.brookhavenny.gov/1247/Hurricane-Ida-Resources
IMPORTANT COORDINATION with FEMA
Making sure that we receive the available funds.

Our administrative team met with Federal Emergency Management Agency recently. The meeting with FEMA was regarding municipality damages from Hurricane Ida. The damage sustained within the Village helped Suffolk obtain an emergency declaration. The Village is in the process of working with FEMA to secure funding to help repair, replace and/or rebuild the Village assets that were damaged during this storm. FEMA has also set up a command center at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mt Sinai for eligible residents and business owners to seek financial assistance from this storm.
from Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden
This month my beautification efforts continue with mums being planted throughout the Village. Large cement Planters are on order and will hopefully be in place in time for holiday decorating. We have also taken measures on Arden Place alongside the old Gap building to clean up and clear out the overgrown area. Two large evergreen trees remain there, and we are looking forward to having them decorated for the holidays. Additionally, be on the lookout for additional holiday and seasonal decorations to light up the Village this coming winter season. My beautification efforts continue with replacing the signs at East and West Beach.

Having been liaison to the 'Zombie House Task Force' one of the first homes I was charged with keeping track of was the
Tooker house on Sheep Pasture Road. I
recently attended a meeting with
Assemblyman Steve Englebright, preservation Long Island, and the local Historical Society regarding the Tooker house. Graciously, Assemblyman Englebright has pledged $500,000 for Phase 1 of this home's procurement, restoration, and preservation. I am excited to learn of the deep history surrounding his property.

Happy to report that our school district safety meetings have resumed since Covid. Many new safety measures will be happening at the school, including blue strobe lights on the property, camera upgrades, an updated district-wide safety plan, just to name a few. Partnering with the school district to keep our children safe remains one of my top priorities.
And finally, be on the lookout for the two new EV Chargers in the Baker's Alley parking lot. Happy to see all of our chargers getting so much use.
BEAUTIFICATION
Fall plantings and winter decorations.
Now that fall is here with its warm breeze and glorious color. You can't miss a chance to stroll through Port Jefferson. The harbor gets dressed from head to toe in gorgeous radiant colors. Mums are going in all around our beautiful Village. Both uptown and downtown will be getting some spectacular fall color! As you enjoy our Village, check out the Village Center, the Toast stairwell, and all of our pocket gardens. Take some photos and share them on social media with the hashtag #PortJefferson #PJBeautiful #LoveWhereYouLive.

As we head into the winter months, there will be holiday events to celebrate, beautifully decorated streets for Dickens and the Ice Festival, and ice skating for you and your family to enjoy. You can expect much more to come!

Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden wants to make sure that our team gets recognition for their hard work. "I am very pleased with how the beautification initiative is coming along. Our parks department has been fantastic assisting with taking an idea and bringing it to life." 

The beauty of our Village will take your breath away. These are the little details that make living here that much better!
PUBLIC HEARINGS
For your Information…

The Village will hold three public hearings at the November 1st PJV Public Meeting:


  • Special Use Permit to Operate a Bed & Breakfast – The Fox and the Owl – per Village Code Section 250-47

  • Amend Sections 250-9, 250-11, 250-16and 250-28 of chapter 250 of the Village Code to permit other uses in accessory structures.

  • To opt-out of allowing retail Cannabis Dispensaries and on-site Cannabis consumption for establishments to locate within the Village of PJ.

All residents are encouraged to attend.
from Trustee Bruce Miller
Your Port Jefferson Taxes and Transportation
Hello Port Jefferson Residents,

Late in August, I had a meeting with Phil Eng, President of the Long Island Rail Road, and his assistant, Hector Garcia. Barbara Sakovich, Joe Palumbo, and Kevin Wood were present from our Village administration. While I bridged the issue of our “Ride” with tact, I wanted to communicate that those who take the LIRR on the Port Jefferson Branch have a poor quality ride that is expensive (because of distance traveled). I tried to persuade Mr. Eng that it is Port Jefferson’s turn for electrification from Huntington to Port Jefferson. This is an expensive proposition but for a New York state-run system – “WE PAY TAXES TOO!”

I also emphasized that many Port Jefferson residents drive to Ronkonkoma Station to begin their commute, a not-very-green (or convenient) option for mass transit. Most of our travel to New
York is composed of many stops to Huntington or Hicksville, change at Huntington or Hicksville and many more stops to Jamaica – change at Jamaica for Penn Station.

Electrification is a very expensive option and other areas are competing with us for this option. There are, however, two “Dual Mode” (electric and diesel) runs in the morning and return in the evening where the commute is Local from Port Jefferson to Huntington and express from Huntington into Jamaica. This is a much better schedule.

Please note that an important experiment is being conducted on the Oyster Bay spur. Battery electric trains are being utilized. Mr. Eng was optimistic about battery technology.

All in all, this was a very positive meeting with a very down-to-earth administrator who is aware of our issues.

Let’s hope for a better future for all LIRR passengers in Port Jefferson.
LED LIGHTING, ICE and FLOOD DETECTORS, and SECURITY CAMERAS
Robust initiatives that increase our quality of life!
The administration is working with the New York Power Authority Smart Cities program to create a safer, more energy-efficient Village. NYPA has provided grants to develop efficiencies and safety measures where it will have the most impact.

We have already seen some results of this work. One example is the new LED lighting that has been installed throughout the Village. Our neighborhoods are safer and more cost-efficient!

The subsequent initiatives that are happening are the installation of Flood and Ice Detectors and additional Security Cameras. The Ice and Flood Detectors allow the Village to receive notifications through its electronic devices if a flood or icy conditions are developing at these locations.
Flood Detectors
• East Broadway & Main Street
• The creek on Barnum Avenue
Ice Detectors
  • East Broadway & Grant Street
  • Dark Hollow Road & Old Post Road West
  • Old Post Road East & Jefferson Landing
  • Winston Drive & Old Homestead Road
  • Belle Terre Road & Myrtle Avenue
These projects are expected to be completed by the end of the fall. These initiatives are bringing safety to our Village, protecting us from both cost and maintenance problems. It's a Win-Win situation for everyone involved!
THE 2021 VILLAGE CUP REGATTA
Sailing towards cures…
The 12th annual Regatta is a friendly competition between the Village of Port Jefferson and Mather Hospital. The crews consist of Yacht Club-skippered sailboats with employees from the hospital and Village helping to crew the boats. The Regatta is one of the most enjoyable events held in our Village, and team Port Jefferson brought back the trophy! Most importantly, the fundraiser broke their record and raised over $104,000 to fight Pancreatic Cancer and provide Palliative care! The teams had an exciting race that provided a fun day sailing and raising money for these worthwhile causes; the Lustgarten Foundation and Mather Hospital Palliative Care! 
The 2021 Village Cup was a huge success! Thank You to all of the donors and participants! 
from Trustee Stan Loucks
At the Country Club, we have some exciting things happening. Jake Anderson has been promoted to the position of Head Golf Professional, and we are excited to see him lead our game of golf into the future.

The golf course is scheduled to stay open until the end
of the year, so this is an excellent time for a new member to join. We will once again be offering "THE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL" New members who join on or after October 15th for the 2022 season will play the remainder
of this year and all of the 2022 season. That is a great deal! 
Our tennis season is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, October 17th. Office staff, court reservations, and Tennis Professional services will end as well. The nets will remain in place, and the gates will be open thru
the end of October for member play. 

As most of us are aware, we are still waiting for the permits to repair the bluff below our country club and our tennis
courts. Because of the rapid erosion, there is a strong possibility that the upper courts will not exist next year as they are now configured. Because of limited space and limited funds, solutions to this dilemma are also limited. We are optimistic with regards to the permitting process, the repair process, and the solutions to save our club and tennis facilities.

Some good news from the parks department - 
We have plans to build an additional 16 kayak racks at East Beach. This will bring our total rack space to 156. Our goal is to have a rack for everyone that requests one. Reminder to the present rack renters; Vessels need to be removed by November 1st.

Great news from the Village Center -
Bus trips are back! Our website will give you the details of where and when the beloved bus trips are happening. We also have a complete listing of all youth and adult recreation programs on our website. Check the web for these and the upcoming winter programs. Go to  PORTJEFF.COM and click on RECREATION.
DICKENS' VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
SPONSOR AN EVENT
Feature your business
for thousands to see

Contact Allan at 631- 928-7974 or email: info@gpjac.org
SPONSOR a TREE at the FESTIVAL OF TREES
Be a part of the Dickens Festival…
The Annual Festival of Trees will be from December 1st - January 2nd at the PJ Village Center. The second floor will host a month-long extravaganza to kick off the holiday season. Businesses, civic associations, nonprofits, professionals, and even our residents who have a knack for holiday crafting, are invited to share their expertise and enthusiasm by decorating one of the many available trees.

For More Info Call 631-473-1414
PORT JEFFERSON COUNTRY CLUB
Our Village jewel, the Port Jefferson Country Club, is still going strong. Our premier golf and tennis club, on a beautiful waterfront setting, is winding down for the year. Tennis' closing date is October 31st, 2021, and Golf will close on December 31st, 2021. 

But, here is the exciting news. The Golf "Early Bird" opportunity will start on October 15th (rates will be announced soon). If you are thinking about becoming a golf member, now is a perfect time! You will play the rest of the 2021 season as well as the 2022 season for the cost of only the 2022 season. 

The rest of this year is at no charge. 
Wow! This is a great deal! 


Golf Tournament
Winners


Women’s
1st Flight: Annette Broderick
Champion Flight: Mary Jane Bartholomew

Men’s
Gold Tees: Joe D’Agrosa
Green Tees: Ray Sommerstadt
White Tee Flight #2: Rick Ledoux
White Tee Flight #1: Frank Mullady
Champion Flight: Shawn DeVincenzo
Tennis Tournament Winners

Women’s
Open Singles: Michelle Craddock
3.5 Doubles: Kris Adams and Christine O’Reilly
3.0 Singles: Angela Chui
3.5 Singles: Lily Tang
Open Doubles: Kris Adams and Michelle Craddock
Mixed Doubles: Dana Eng and Leo Sternlicht

Men’s
50+ Doubles: Leo Sternlicht & Richard Kahn
Singles: Kevin Day
60+ Singles:Kaza Hirasaka
70+ Singles: Charles Hamm
Open Doubles: Ben and Steve Craddock.
NEWS FROM THE COUNTRY CLUB
Our Head Golf Pro Announced… 
It is with great pleasure to announce that Jake Anderson has been promoted to the position of Head Golf Professional. We are thrilled to see Jake grow the game of golf here at Port Jefferson Country Club!
   
He completed his PGA coursework while working full time. He is now a Class A PGA Professional and has been teaching at PJCC for five years. He has developed popular golf programs for both adults and juniors that run from April through October and teaches private lessons throughout the year.
from Trustee Rebecca Kassay
Cued by September’s cooler weather, I find myself packing the shortening days full of both outdoor efforts and the organization of projects to plan over the winter and bring to fruition when the days warm and lengthen again in the new year. 

This past month, I had the honor of meeting with members of the Port Jefferson Harbor Education & Arts Conservancy and David Guzzetta to begin planning a grand show to celebrate the life and collection of Nancy Altman Guzzetta; Nan’s 40+ years of dedication to her art here in Port Jefferson Village helped residents live in history. This show will feature her Suffragette collection as well as a celebration of the Women’s Suffrage movement. We ask residents to email digital copies of their own photos featuring Nan’s costumes to trustee-kassay@portjeff.com

I began sending requests to Village nonprofit organizations for information about their volunteer opportunities for the
creation of a user-friendly “Get Involved!”
tab for portjeff.com. This will serve as a resource to help residents of any age find organizations where they can donate their time and talents. 

October will be another month full of planning, planting, and productivity. I am ecstatic to be taking the next step on one of the projects that inspired me to run for a seat on the Board of Trustees: the Six Acre Park Committee will meet for the first time in early October to begin planning the beautification of Village parkland along Highland Boulevard. 

I will also continue leading my Pollinator Garden Learn-and-Lend-a-Hand series, with the next event on Sunday, October 17th, from 2-5 pm at the Triangle Garden (corner of High St and Spring St). Additionally, the PJV Beach Street Community Garden is hosting a volunteer effort to spread woodchips between the garden beds that same morning, Sunday, October 17th, from 9 am-12 pm. This is a great way to learn about the garden, as well, if you’re interested in submitting for a raised bed in the 2022 season.


As always, please email me at trustee-kassay@portjeff.com with any thoughts, questions, or resident concerns. Best wishes for a festive, colorful October! 
Gardening
Invasive plants, what our responsibilities CAN be!
An "invasive" is a plant that is not native to the ecosystem. Once introduced to an area, it causes harm to that environment, affects the health of native plants, which trickles down into harming the habitat!
Most invasive species have been brought here for their attractiveness, others by accident through imported plant material or the bottom of boats, etc. Invasive's, thrive because they didn't originate from here. Therefore, there are no predators. It becomes a competitor to the native plants that naturally grow in an area. They eventually invade our natural ecosystems and outgrow the native flora.

Two main factors are creating our worldwide biodiversity loss.
Habitat loss & The introduction and spread of invasive species.

In 2008 it was determined that there were about 140 invasive plant species on Long Island. Some plants are prohibited from being sold. There is a New York State - Do not sell list. The management list for invasive plants also recommends that certain plants be removed from our yards or monitored. Please research and utilize more information on the Cornell Cooperative Extension website www.ccesuffolk.org. The Cornell Cooperative has a wealth of knowledge. This is just a small sample of what I see around our Village that should not be planted.

Mugwort 🔹 Japanese Knotweed 🔹 Purple Loosestrife 🔹 Mile a minute weed 🔹 Creeping Jenny 🔹 Yellow Flag Iris 🔹 Norway Maple 🔹 Black Locust 🔹 Japanese Barberry 🔹Red Norway Maple 🔹 Burning Bush Callery Pear 🔹 Japanese Wisteria 🔹 English Ivy

Let's all try to help each other and where we live by being a conservationist!
Caran Markson
Your Village Master Gardener, Certification through Cornell Cooperative Extension 
The power is in the flower
School is Back in Session
Slow Down...

This means we will have kids walking to and from bus stops on every street and corner of the Village.  Multiple complaints come in each week about cars speeding down our streets. Let's avoid a tragedy and all drive slowly and safely throughout the Village. Just take a moment to think how you'd feel if you hit a child with your car, and it could have been avoided by paying attention and slowing down!

Code Chief Fred Leute
Retired Police Officer, Volunteer Firefighter, and an Emergency Medical Technician, Certified instructor for CPR/AED, Bleeding Control Management, (B-CON), EPI Pen/Auto-Injector, and Narcan. 
Animal Rescue
Turtle Crossing!!!
There are a variety of different turtles and tortoises right here on Long Island. The Eastern Box Turtle is the most common. It is very important to know that a box turtle spends most of its life (which could be between 20 and 40 years) within a one-mile radius. Never disturb a turtle or move it unless it has a visible injury or is in imminent danger. Do not attempt to relocate it. If a turtle is relocated, it is said that it will spend the rest of its life trying to get back to its original home. If you see a turtle crossing the road, you can assume that it is in imminent danger of being hit by a car, so please stop and help him cross in the direction he was already headed. He will be forever grateful. If you find a turtle that has already been hit by a car or injured, it is amazing how resilient it can be. They are very easily rehabilitated, even with a crushed shell. Please contact a wildlife professional.

For more information about turtles, you can contact Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons located in Jamesport. They are a great resource!

Lisa Jaeger
Founder of Jaegers Run Animal Rescue, NYS Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator 
Meet our team. Their stories are inspiring, and they provide excellent service to all who live here and visit. We will highlight a new professional every month and introduce you to the most amazing and talented individuals that make Port Jefferson Village so special. These are people who bring their experience and dedication every single day.  When they say it takes a Village, they’re talking about the people of Port Jefferson Village!

MEET ELIZABETH KIDNEY - She is our Justice Court Clerk. She is an asset at the highest level. She masterfully balances the intricacies of the law with the human aspect of dealing with the public. Effective management skills are plentiful in Ms. Kidney. Just listen to what the judges of the Court have to say about her.

"Elizabeth is an absolute pleasure to work with in the PJV court. She is very intelligent (high school salutatorian), highly motivated, and very mature for her young age. She has single-handedly turned the court office into an efficient, organized, and user-friendly place. While the Court can be a scary unknown for most defendants, Elizabeth is polite in guiding the defendants through the process while carefully refraining from giving them legal advice. Elizabeth's work ethic is rare, and her easy-going personality and quick wit make her a pleasure to work alongside." says Judge Higgins. 

Judge Reilly explains, "Elizabeth is an outstanding Court Clerk. She has overhauled and streamlined the workings of the Court Clerk's Office. The Office is run in an efficient and professional manner which I attribute to the management skills of our Court Clerk, Elizabeth. 
The Clerk's Office deals with the public on a daily basis with phone calls regarding parking tickets they received and they want to VENT. Elizabeth manages to remain calm and deal with each incident in a very professional manner.
The Village and I, as Village Justice, hold Elizabeth's caliber of work as the Court Clerk in the highest esteem." 

Ms. Kidney can assist you with parking tickets, Village code violations, and New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law violations that occur inside the borders of Port Jefferson. She is the contact person for directions on making payments or scheduling hearings. When we asked her about the best aspect of her position she replied "I love working with Judge Higgins and Judge Reilly. They are both knowledgeable, personable, and kind. I am grateful that they are always willing to help me understand the ever-changing legal system."

Her efficiencies are a considerable benefit to the Village. Elizabeth is continually working to upgrade the Court to make things safer and more efficient for both staff and visitors. In her time with the Village, she has reduced the amount of paper we depend on, collaborated with other departments to implement a new parking ticket system, and was awarded a grant to purchase a metal detector at minimal cost to the Village. 

Her co-workers are appreciative of Elizabeth's outstanding skillsets.  Ms. Dioguardi from the Constable Bureau tells us, "When Elizabeth sees a problem, she is always looking for a solution and seems to easily provide people with ideas to move forward, no matter what the situation or need is." she continues, "I admire her work ethic. Elizabeth treats everyone equally with the same positive attitude. Her laughter is contagious, and she puts people at ease. She is also a good friend!"

Elizabeth's tip for our residents is; Don't forget to check the expiration date of your resident parking permits every January! If your permit is expired, you may end up with a ticket that could have easily been avoided. Resident permits are free and easy to renew.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for bringing the Village your effective solutions, commendable work ethic, and professional and compassionate demeanor! You are a true asset to our Court system and our Village.
• There is a Suffolk County Police Department Community Meeting on October 12th, 10:00 am at the 6th Precinct. 400 Middle Country Rd, Selden, NY 11784. You can share your safety issues with SCPD and hear about the things happening in the 6th Precinct.

• The Port Jefferson School District Homecoming Parade is on October 23rd at 11:00 am. Immediately after the parade, there will be activities 'in the bowl' until the varsity football game against Bayport - Bluepoint starts at 2:00 pm. Come out and celebrate our school pride.

• Historians Georgette Grier Key and Mark Sternberg are submitting documents related to the Roe building to get it entered into the National Registry of Museums.

• Port Jeffersons Building and Planning Departments are going Digital! We are at the final steps of converting our records. This will make it easier for staff to navigate, saving time and creating an easy process for retrieval. This upgrade allows staff to access any information that you need regarding your property quickly.

• We're nearing the finish line for the repaving of Rt. 25A. DOT milling crews have made it to Port Jefferson Village, and paving crews will start immediately after the milling is completed. We are all looking forward to the end results and smooth sailing along that busy road.

• Electricians are running power lines for another set of Electric Vehicle Chargers at the Bakers Alley Parking Lot. We are committed to protecting the environment, reducing air pollution, and reducing our carbon footprint. Thanks for supporting our efforts to make Port Jefferson a greener, more eco-friendly town. 

• Do you have any photos of yourself or your family members in costumes from Antique Costume and Props by Nan Guzzetta?  If you do, please email trustee-kassay@portjeff.com. They are being collected for a Village Center Show Honoring Nan Guzzetta and the Suffragette Movement in March 2022.

• The Pollinator Garden Learn and Lend a Hand Program Series has been extremely successful so far, engaging residents in stewardship and learning. The next event is October 17th, 2-5 pm, at the Triangle Garden at the corner of High and Spring Streets. 

COMING SOON: The "Get InvolvedTab for portjeff.comWe've invited over a dozen of Port Jeff nonprofits to tell us about the volunteer opportunities available to the community. Please send any recommendations for Port Jefferson Village nonprofits to trustee-kassay@portjeff.com. Soon, the answer to the question, "How can I help?" will be at your fingertips!
Port Jefferson Village is full of unsung heroes: these neighbors don't wear capes, but their volunteer efforts make this Village the place that we all love to call home. Every month, we'll sing some praises, highlighting a Village resident who has made the extraordinary choice to donate their time, talent, and passion to our community.

The Village of Port Jefferson is grateful for each and every one of our local volunteers, each and every day. Want to nominate someone? Email trustee-kassay@portjeff.com to tell us about your nominee.
SAY "HI" TO LISA PERRY
She's a businesswoman and philanthropist whose list of accomplishments is impressive! She is the gift that keeps on giving, and we want to share her with you. Her talents and diversity are remarkable, and we'd like to take you on a journey with us as we share more about her. 

Lisa is the president and a founding member of the Port Jefferson Harbor Education & Arts Conservancy, president of Long Island Foundation For Education and Sports, chairperson of the Country Club Management Advisory Committee. 

Now, let's break that down. 
First, the Port Jefferson Harbor Education and Arts Conservancy (Conservancy) is the fundraising arm of the Village. It has been instrumental in co-sponsoring many events such as The Dickens Festival, The 1910 Hill Climb, the Harvest Festival, and many others. The Conservancy sponsors the art exhibits at the Village Center. They also partnered with the Village to fundraise the money to renovate Rocketship Park and other park projects. They recently purchased the large format printer at the Village center, and the list goes on. Under Lisa's leadership, the Conservancy has set a high standard for supporting our Village, making our events and experiences in the Village better. 

Next, the Long Island Foundation For Education and Sports (LIFFES) a nonprofit that runs the Before and After Care Program at the Village Center. This program is an invaluable resource for the parents in our community whose work hours interfere with school hours. For these residents, Lisa's time and attention given to operate such a valuable program is priceless!

Lastly, the Country Club Management Advisory Committee (CCMAC) is responsible for overseeing many aspects of running the country club. They recommend rates and policies to maintain a high-quality club. Our Village residents can join the club at a discounted rate, so we get multiple benefits from Lisa's time on task!

Wow, that's a lot on her plate! Those all sound like full-time positions, and Lisa manages them seamlessly along with her other full-time job. Lisa is a real estate broker at the Jolie Powell Agency on Main St. 

What drives her to be engaged is that she loves our community and cares about its success. For over 20 years, Lisa has participated in several opportunities, like the Recreation Committee under Former Mayor Jeanne Garant. With each experience, Lisa gained valuable knowledge and contributed significantly to their success. "I love our Village and enjoy giving back. My involvement has evolved over the years. My background has led me to these organizations, and I am happy to contribute to every one of them." Lisa continues, "I became involved with nonprofits many years ago through my affiliation with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), then with LIFFES. It was an easy transition to volunteer and get involved with the Village. One of the most significant benefits is that I have been blessed to form many great friendships through my volunteerism!

The rewards of volunteering are endless. "The Conservancy has been so rewarding. I am proud of the time and effort the Rocketship Park Committee spent over a few years to complete the project. I feel the background I bring to the CCMAC has been rewarding, and of course, the ability to provide the After Care Program for our families is fulfilling. 

"I think it is so gratifying and worthwhile to volunteer. I encourage others to look at the many nonprofits in our Village. I think they would all welcome volunteers. Find something you are passionate about and jump in!" encourages Lisa. 

Lisa's altruism is impressive, and her results are outstanding! Her latest venture in giving back is for Save A Pet, a local animal shelter. She donates a percentage of her commissions to this amazing organization. Lisa explains why "I LOVE them! I have gotten many, many beloved pets from them both for me and my family and friends. When I was exploring ways to give back to our furry friends, this initiative came to mind - #MACGIVESBACK." Mac is Lisa's canine friend and family member, and she donates in his honor.

Yeah, so Whew! I hope you enjoyed this journey! I am exhausted just comprehending the level of time and energy that Lisa dedicates to our community. Thank you for all of your hard work, Lisa. Your efforts lift us all! We are grateful for our gift that keeps on giving!
TECH TIP
It is that easy…. 

Have you ever wanted to share a Youtube video at a precise location in the video? Here’s how you do it. 
Pause the video at the point you want it to be shared.
Click the SHARE button underneath the video.
Click the box that says Start at It will show you the exact time that the video will start.
Click COPY next the the videos web address
Paste the link into your text, email or social media.
When someone views the link, the YouTube video will automatically skip right to the point you chose. Thats it! It is so simple!
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
Protecting our streets and parks is a top priority. Our 'See Something - Say Something' campaign is designed to make you a part of the solution. Signs are being posted throughout Main Street, in both uptown and downtown areas. The phone number of the supervising Code Officer is prominently displayed on each sign. We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity or other hazards. If you see something unusual or witness any concerning behavior, call (631) 774-0066. The Code Enforcement Bureau will secure the scene immediately, investigate the situation and work with SCPD. Our Code officers have a well-established relationship with SCPD. Many of them are retired, active or auxiliary officers. We also have security cameras on our streets. SCPD’s real-time crime center is tied into our camera system and can monitor them when necessary. All crimes are reported to Suffolk County Police. It will take all of us to be proactive and diligent to continue with the good work that has already been established.
Village Officials
Mayor Margot Garant email: mayor@portjeff.com
Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden email: trustee-snaden@portjeff.com
Trustee Stan Loucks email: trustee-loucks@portjeff.com
Trustee Bruce Miller email: trustee-miller@portjeff.com
Trustee Rebecca Kassay email: trustee-kassay@portjeff.com

Upcoming Village Meetings
October 18th @ 3:30 pm at Village Hall

November 1st @ 7:00 pm at Village Hall

November 15th @ 3:30 pm at Village Hall

Port eReport
Editor-in-chief - Kathianne Snaden
Editor - Charmaine Famularo 
Graphic Artist - Sue Orifici
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