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A Message
from MAYOR MARGOT GARANT
It's hard to believe that yet another year has come to an end, and yet we welcome 2023 and hope for an amazing year for all our residents, partners, family, and friends!
As I think about years past, I easily see how the Village has grown stronger and stronger every day. Just last night, I met a young man who introduced himself, saying he and his wife lived at the shipyard apartment buildings for one year before they bought their new contemporary home in Harbor Hills. They "fell in love" with the Village and couldn't think of living anywhere else to raise their young family.
This story crystallizes the vision I had when transforming blighted sections of our Village into vibrant new places where people can come and be introduced to this beautiful, walkable Village and fall in love with our harbor, commercial business districts, our schools, our community spirit, and all the things we offer as a Port Jefferson family.
Although there have been some bumps in the road, we have largely persevered by acting strong together. Despite having differences amongst board members at times, I've been blessed to work with various trustees over the 14 years of my public service who have kept the best interest of this Village always at the forefront of every decision. Our board today is a dynamic group of individuals who bring young and old memories while advancing new, bright policies with an eye toward maintaining our quality of life while creating a vibrant, environmentally sound, and beautiful future for us all.
I really enjoyed working with all our not-for-profit partners in the year 2022! LISEC brought a dynamic new whale-boat building project to fruition. Village Historian Chris Ryon and "Man of the year" Mark Sternberg brought our unique spy ring history at the Drowned Meadow cottage back to life. The Conservancy partnered with us on the successful launch of the "Port Paws" event. The Explorium continues to bring STEM technology and science learning to our children. Our very own historical Society is helping us, along with Assemblyman Steven Englebright, save the historic TOOKER HOUSE to restore it to its days of glory in the 1600s.
We should be very proud of where we live! I, for one, am very proud of all the things we have here and built together as a community. I look forward with great enthusiasm to our days together in 2023 - and welcome the new beginnings and adventures we will surely have together!
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3.75 MILLION DOLLARS
Let's hear that again - $3,750,000.00
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With great pleasure, we announce that the Village of Port Jefferson will receive $3,750,000.00 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 's Pre-Disaster Mitigation program to protect the East Beach bluff from further erosion and storm damage. Thanks to the work of Village officials and the efforts of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to ensure the funding was included as part of the federal budget agreement signed into law.
The Village initially applied for the FEMA grant through Senator Schumer and former Rep. Lee Zeldin, and we would like to thank both of them for their efforts! Senator Schumer secured the funding as part of the just-passed federal budget bill and released a statement: "... I worked to secure funding as soon as Mayor Garant reached out to me, and I am glad that with her partnership, we have obtained this funding – not only to preserve Village assets but to ensure public safety and protect residents' pocketbooks.”
The East Beach Bluff Stabilization project is a critical part of the Village's overall plan to protect its shoreline from erosion and storm damage, which will now include an upper wall. Phase one of the project is the ongoing work to stabilize the bluff with a significant bulkhead, tow armor, and rock revetment system. Phase one also incorporates the re-vegetation of the bluff using nature-based features, biodegradable coir logs, and native plantings to stabilize the bluff face and restore its natural qualities. Phase two focuses on saving the building, accessory structures, and amenities of the country club campus. The upland wall will have a new anchored steel sheet pile greater than 50 feet in vertical length. It will effectively prevent further erosion and provide protection around the country club grounds. Phase two will be part of an integrated system designed to work with the lower wall currently under construction at the toe (phase one).
Mayor Garant said: "It has been our contention from the very beginning that the Country Club facility was an amenity that benefits the public at large worthy of being saved and a valid project for the appropriation of the Homeland Security pre-disaster funds. We are forever grateful that Senator Schumer and Congressman Zeldin secured the funding for our local community."
Congratulations to Senator Schumer, Rep. Lee Zeldin, Mayor Garant, and the Village Trustees! It is inspiring to have an effective team making extraordinary things happen in our Village!
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HONORING OUR CODE OFFICERS
with a Village Proclamation
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On Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, at the Village Board of Trustees meeting, five Constables were honored for their efforts to rescue a driver from a car that had driven into the harbor on December 16th.
The vehicle was traveling north on Barnum Avenue drove into the harbor. Our Code Officers heard the call over the radio, immediately responded, and were first on the scene. Investigator Murdocco and Officer Davis were the first to arrive. They immediately entered the 50° water (with an air temperature of approximately 42°.) to make every effort to get the driver to the shore. Sergeant Bohm arrived next and began coordinating on-site. Officers Callendar and Johnson came soon after and remained on the dock as spotters for Murdocco and Davis, who made several attempts to retrieve the vehicle's occupant. They were close to breaching the driver's side window when the car began to roll over, and both were forced away from the vehicle. Both Murdocco and Davis unavoidably had to leave the frigid waters due to exposure and exhaustion. Murdocco was assisted by Bohm, transported by ambulance, treated for exposure, and released later that night. Officer Davis was also treated and released. All officers that responded to this call acted quickly and with great courage!
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Investigator Murdocco’s Proclamation reads as follows:
Whereas, On the night of Friday, December 16th, 2022, as a vehicle accidentally entered the harbor, we thank you for your efforts to jump into the frigid waters in attempting to save the driver of the submerged vehicle; and,
Whereas, The actions of Jimmy and his fellow officers are well deserving of an official recognition. They are all positive role models to the community as these officers are not merely giving out tickets, but here to save lives also.
Therefore, as the Mayor of Port Jefferson Village, I do hereby recognize James Murdocco, on this 3rd day of January 2023, for your act of bravery and heroism and many years of public service. You are truly a valuable asset to our community, and we appreciate and applaud you.
We are so grateful to have these brave and courageous code officers protect our village! Thank you, gentlemen, your efforts have not gone unnoticed.
All officers received individual proclamations written for them.
It was our honor to recognize our code officers for their heroic efforts, with their family, friends, and approximately 20 Code/Constable personnel in attendance.
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There will be a public hearing on February 6th at the Village Board of Trustees meeting. The meeting is at Village Hall on the second floor starting at 6:00 pm.
The hearing is to hear public comments about the following proposed code change:
§ 117-8 Control and supervision of dogs.
A. Every owner of a dog shall keep his or her dog under restraint at all times and shall not permit such dog to be at large.
B. No person owning, harboring or having the control or custody of a dog shall permit such dog, whether licensed or not, to be upon any beach owned or operated by the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson, nor shall be he or she permit such dog to be upon any property of the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson, any part of which is used for bathing purposes, nor upon or in the fenced children's playground area within the Clifton H. Lee Memorial Parkland, the children's playground area in Harborfront Park or in Joe Erland Field, except during specified timeframes during a Village-sponsored public event.
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from Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden | |
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Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a beautiful holiday season with all the things you love!
I was honored to present Certificates of Commendation to our brave officers who so selflessly risked their own lives to save the driver of the vehicle that tragically entered the water at the boat ramp. Investigator Jimmy Murdocco, Officer Matthew Davis, Officer Darrel Callender, Officer Zack Johnson, and Sergeant Wayne Bohm, we are proud to have you on our force.
Something I am excited to share with you is our new resident permitting system which eliminates those pesky parking stickers. Now all you have to do is register online with your license plate and proof of residency, and you are automatically in the system to enjoy free parking throughout the Village!
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Remember to observe timed parking spaces. Further details can be found in the article herein.
Working as liaison to the Architectural Review Committee, Building and Planning Departments, and Zoning Board of Appeals. I can report all three departments have been very busy. Be on the lookout for new business signs, updated commercial buildings, and new construction uptown.
January 28th will bring us the Business Improvement District's fun and fabulous Ice Festival for 2023! Our parks department has already begun removing holiday decorations and moving the sparkling snowflakes to the festival areas. The blue lights will soon adorn our Dickens lanterns. Now, all we need is a little snow to complete the scene!
Have a wonderful January!
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Kathianne Snaden
Trustee
Deputy Mayor, Port Jefferson Village
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PARKING PERMITS ARE NOW DIGITAL
Here's how to get yours.
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We are excited to announce the implementation of our Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system, which allows Code Enforcement to know you are a resident just by reading your license plate. No more stickers are needed!
To Register your vehicles, go to www.portjeff.com/residentparking/
Click on Register HERE (see below)
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Click on View Permits (see below) | |
Click on the Register button for the permit you are applying for. (see below) | |
Create an account or sign in as a guest. (The advantage of making an account is you can auto submit for your next permit. It also gives you the ability to change your account information if you made a mistake. (see below) | |
Fill in your information, then click the blue button to add a vehicle (See below) | |
Fill in the vehicle information, then click the blue button to add the vehicle to your permit (See below) | |
Provide proof of residency: Proof of residency is obtained by submitting a scanned copy or picture of your driver's license and your vehicle's registration. Both addresses must be located in Port Jefferson Village (per the Village Tax roll records). Additional options for proving residency are any of the following: A notarized letter from your landlord, two utility bills, your bank statement, your voter registration card, or an auto insurance card. | |
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Note: When submitting for multiple vehicles, please submit a photo of all vehicle registrations in one file (1 photo or scan)
You will not receive a sticker anymore. They are no longer needed.
Please use medium-resolution scans and photos.
Once you are registered, your permit is good for two years if you are an owner and one year if you are a renter.
Happy parking, everyone!
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COMING SOON - STATION STREET WILL BE ONE WAY
Read on to learn about the upcoming changes.
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On January 3rd, the Board of Trustees held a public hearing to establish Station Street as a one-way street with no parking, standing, or stopping. It's expected to improve traffic flow in this area and help reduce congestion on Main Street. Right now, everything is still the same. But keep your eyes out for the changes coming soon!
Here are the upcoming changes:
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The entrance to the LIRR parking lot from Main Street will be closed off. Cars coming to the train station heading North on Main Street will turn right onto Station Street to access the LIRR parking lot.
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When traveling south on Main Street, there is no left turn onto Station Street. Instead, you can turn left on Perry Street to access the LIRR parking lot.
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Access in and out of the LIRR parking lot will be from Oakland Ave and Station Street.
Uptown is getting better by the day, and we couldn't be more excited.
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Buzzing Chainsaws, Horse-drawn Carriage, Live Music, Corn-hole, and Ice Skating…
The Ice Festival will be extraordinary!
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Put your chores on ice as the Village transforms into a winter wonderland as the ice festival storms in for two days of fun. Join us for the 4th Annual Port Jefferson Ice Festival on January 28th and 29th from 11 am to 5 pm (rain dates February 4th and 5th). The festival will highlight the sculptures of renowned ice sculptor and Guinness Book of World Records holder Rich Daly.
The event will feature unique interactive photo opportunities, including a graffiti ice wall, horse and carriage rides, live music, corn hole, ice games, and demonstrations of Figure Skating as well as dance performances… And it's all FREE!
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The Business Improvement District and the Village of Port Jefferson pulled together to create a fantastic experience for us all. And let's not forget the scrumptious Mac N' Cheese Crawl sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. This delicious event will fill the bellies of many happy participants. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.
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Check out our video review of last year! Look for your family or neighbors having a great time at the festival. Watch the chainsaws buzz wildly as they spray fresh ice into intricate sculptures.
To watch highlights of last year’s winter wonderland, CLICK HERE.
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Stop by the Village Center for our Latest Archival Exhibit. . . | |
Calling All Watercolor Artists | |
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The Night Herons is a watercolor painting group that meets on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Village Center.
You'll get to share ideas and techniques with other artists while making friends in the process. The best part? We have two art shows every year that hangs in the Village Center, so your work will be seen by all kinds of people who are interested in what you've created. And if you want even more inspiration, we also have guest artists join us from time to time—so get ready for a lot of fun! Come join us for fun, friendship, and inspiration!
Not sure if this is for you?
Consider sitting in as a guest for a fee of $10 per session.
For more info email:
Mary Cochrane, cochranema@gmail.com
Leslie Hand, reddoxies@yahoo.com
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Back by Popular demand in February. . . | |
from Trustee Lauren Sheprow
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Happy New Year!
If you didn’t hear the news conveyed by Mayor Garant and Trustee Loucks at the most recent Board of Trustees meeting on January 3, you missed a good one! These highlights from that meeting may be referenced in their updates but they are worth repeating and emphasizing from the perspective of a fellow Board member, so here it goes.
Gapping the Gap The Mayor announced that there has been an acquisition of the building formerly known as The Gap! I think everyone in our Village and beyond can agree that this was a long time coming, and it will be incredible to watch the transformation of that building, which is truly an anchor location on Main Street.
It’s a Christmas Miracle! The Mayor also announced that the East Beach Bluff Project has received a commitment of $3.75 million in Federal funding to help pay for the Phase II stabilization. It’s amazing to know that our representatives in Washington DC – former Congressman Lee Zeldin and Senator Chuck Schumer – are looking out for Port Jefferson! Senator Schumer’s response to the Mayor’s outreach and his advocacy to secure the funding is incredible! Also, a well deserved shout out to PJV resident Jim Burke, who back in March contacted Congressman Zeldin’s District Director Mark Wooley, to help get the Village grant application and this project on Congressman Zeldin’s radar. Help comes in many forms, and there is nothing more important than residents working together for the best outcome in the name of the Village of Port Jefferson. This funding will help transform the PJCC campus, and it will be incredible to see this Village gem restored to and even exceed its original luster!
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Welcoming a Five-Tool Manager at PJCC Another incredible development that has the potential to transform the Port Jefferson Country Club from the inside out: the Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved the appointment of Tom Natola as the Club’s first ever General Manager. Tom has been working with the Danfords organization as its “task force general manager” for the past six months which includes the Country Club food and beverage services, so he has an understanding of PJCC. His background is deeply rooted in the country club management and hospitality industry. It started at Worcester Country Club where he cut his teeth as a 10 year-old working as a caddie and where he subsequently held almost every position in country club operations. He was later recruited by the Arnold Palmer organization – Palmer Golf – ultimately managing all their facilities along the eastern seaboard east of the Mississippi. Impressive! The best way to describe Tom is by likening him to a five-tool baseball player – he has all five tools needed to help Port Jeff Country Club get to the next level: budgeting and fiscal oversight; marketing and customer service; communication and board engagement; membership experience, and golf course management. The PJCC has an exceptional and dedicated staff and Trustee Liaison in Stan Loucks, all of whom deeply care about its success. Tom is just the person to bring it all together to create an atmosphere that supports members, residents, employees and guests. PJCC is run independent of taxpayer money, and it has been profitable over the past several years. It will be remarkable to see how far it can go with an experienced and dedicated General Manager at the helm.
Lauren Sheprow
Village Trustee
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RECREATION PROGRAMS TO GET YOU MOVING THIS WINTER
Sign up and enjoy!
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Sign up for the Men's Open Basketball. If you are 15 and up, you'll get the chance to play basketball with your friends and other members of your community!
The season starts on January 25th. It's free to participate for residents and $20 for non-residents. To sign up, go to PortJeff.com/recreation> click Adult Village Center Programs> Free recreation programs> Click Register, and you are on your way to join in the fun!
You can also start your Sundays off right with a little Sunday Morning Stretch with Alec! You'll focus on breath and the power of breath to calm, center, and heal; building strength and flexibility allows us to maintain joint mobility and fluid motion in our bodies as we age.—all in one workout! To sign up, go to PortJeff.com/recreation> click Adult Village Center Programs> click Huner's Fitness Programs > click Register.
Get your junior athletes ready for Floorball Hockey! Floorball Hockey is a fun, fast-paced game that's played with a ball and sticks. It teaches kids to think quickly, make quick decisions, and work together as a team, and a great way to get your junior athletes moving and make them feel like they're part of the action. Register online at Portjeff.com/recreation
If you are looking for different activities, there are still spots open for the Seniors club on Wednesdays and the "Writers Journey" classes on Tuesdays and Modern Art Masterpieces with Rima Potter for children grades 1-6 starting January 12th.
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What's New in Recreation for January
Easy online Registration @ www.PortJeff.com
(631) 802-2160
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Oil Painting with Frederick
Mendelsohn
Adult Beginner Tennis
Adult Intermediate Tennis
Open Basketball
Bridge Class
Cornhole League
Dog Training Classes
Mediterranean Food Demo
Pickleball
Senior Clubs
Writer's Journey
Huner's Fitness Programs:
Call (631) 974-4747
Horseback Riding:
Call (631) 802-2160
Karate by Tae Kwon Do:
Call (631) 630-6575
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Art
Coed Youth Baseball 2023
Basketball Coed
Floorball Hockey Coed
Sand Art Show - Event
Teen Tennis Club 12-17vrs
Tennis Coed
Youth Tennis Green 7-10 yrs
Youth Tennis Orange 6-7 yrs
Youth Tennis Red 4-6 vrs
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NY Botanical Gardens
Broadway: Camelot
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Senior Clubs - Art Class
Senior Clubs - Book Clut
Senior Clubs - Sittercise
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from Trustee Rebecca Kassay
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Happy New Year! I hope yours is off to a fantastic start.
Believe it or not, spring is around the corner, and so the PJV Beach Street Community Garden will soon be sprouting up snap peas, radishes, lettuce, and other early-season crops. Will you be there sowing and reaping? The lottery is now open for one of twenty raised beds at the Beach Street Community Garden; these individual beds are 3x5 feet, have timed drip irrigation, and are surrounded by deer-proof fencing. To enter the lottery, visit portjeff.com/communitygarden and follow the instructions. Looking forward to another productive, beautiful year at this garden by the harbor!
Our Arbor Day efforts are already underway. We have ordered white spruce, witch hazel, American hazelnut, and red osier dogwood saplings for student and community distribution this spring. Keep this in mind as you gaze out
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your windows dreaming of spring: one or more of these species can be added to your yard to provide year-long beauty and support for wildlife. We'll announce further details in April.
A group of Conservation Advisory Council members and residents are in the process of creating educational signage for the Village's pollinator gardens located at Harborfront Park and the 'triangle garden' at the corner of Spring St and High St. These signs aim to share intriguing information about the important species in and supported by these gardens, as well as provide inspiration for homeowners to seek pollinator plants next time they're plant-shopping. The group is aiming to have this signage up in time for summertime blooms- they'll be here before we know it!
Meanwhile, have a cozy January and enjoy the serenity of Port Jefferson's wintertime.
Enthusiastically,
Rebecca Kassay
Port Jefferson Village Trustee
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ENTER THE LOTTERY FOR THE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Spring is around the corner!
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If you're looking to grow your own farm fresh produce and also meet some new people, we've got the perfect solution for you: the PJV Beach Street Community Garden.
The lottery for raised beds at the PJV Beach Street Community Garden is now open! Start your journey to fresh produce by CLICKING HERE. Read and fill out the rules and contract. Then get your request to Village Hall by January 31st to be entered in the lottery!
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There are 20 raised beds available for rent ($40/bed for residents | $75/bed for non-residents annually) for individual or family use, with four communal herb/flower beds for registered gardeners. All beds have timed drip irrigation and are surrounded by deer fencing. Four of the raised beds have higher sides for gardeners with different abilities.
To get the Community Garden Newsletter - fill out this FORM.
- To receive an application for gardening space in one of the garden's raised beds.
- Read about how the community garden pilot program is coming along.
- Be alerted when community programming (gardening tips, cooking lessons, children's story-telling, health, and wellness) is scheduled.
- Let the Community Garden Committee know how you could help the garden grow.
Whether or not you have a raised bed at the PJV Community Garden, you and anyone else are welcome to attend programming hosted at the garden throughout the season.
We can't wait for the spring to see your gardens grow!
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DRIVING FRIENDLY REMINDERS
Helping to keep our roadways safe.
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As we get ready to celebrate the new year, we want to prompt residents with some driving-friendly reminders. Our neighbors come to board meetings to bring attention to some traffic issues causing safety concerns. One of the most common issues is "blocking the box" and speeding through our neighborhoods.
Blocking the box is a common issue on North Country Road and Thorne Street. The only way the residents on Thorne street can get out of their neighborhood is on North Country Road. Please be courteous and do not block these areas, which can cause accidents and delays for emergency vehicles trying to get through during an emergency. It also creates congestion for residents coming in and out of their road. Also, look out for others at the intersection of Stonyhill Rd and Belle Terre Rd (West of Mather Hospital). One on Sheep Pasture Rd and Overton Ave
We love our neighborhoods, and we want to keep them safe for everyone who lives here. While driving through residential areas, please be aware of children playing and walking around your neighborhood. It's essential to keep your speed below 20 mph. This will help prevent accidents within our community and help keep residents safe.
Sometimes all we need is a friendly reminder to be aware of some safety issues in our beautiful Village. Our residents are the Village's most valuable assets - let's make every effort to keep us all safe.
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As we say goodbye to 2022, I want to extend wishes to everyone for a healthy and Happy New Year.
This past year has been challenging in many ways with Covid, the extended drought, and changes in Village personnel. Despite the challenges, we all need to be aware of the many positive happenings in our Village. We remain fiscally sound. We have been able to sustain and improve our infrastructure, continue the uptown renewal, and move forward with the preservation of the bluff to protect our beaches. As we move into the new year, as the Liaison to the Country Club, I look forward to the many new and positive developments at the club. We have hired a new Assistant Golf Professional ( Larry Scortichini ) to work alongside our Head Pro ( Jake Anderson ). We have hired a General Manager ( Tom Natola ) to oversee the entire operation of the Country Club. Tom comes to us with an extensive and impressive background in administration relating to Clubs such as ours. At one point in his career, Tom was the manager of Arnold Palmers’ golf courses. The addition of Larry and Tom will certainly add to the quality of our club.
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As we are all aware, we went thru a very hot and dry summer, and many of our fairways were damaged. The good news is that ( thanks to Pat Sullivan, our Superintendent, and Jeff Welischar, our assistant Superintendent ) those fairways have been repaired and will be better than ever in the springtime. Although the course is now closed for the Winter…. Pat, Jeff, Jake, Larry, and Tom will be hard at work to make the coming season better than ever.
Important to remember - member sign up for 2023 is now underway - there are price increases on February 1st and March 1st, so it is important to get your membership activated prior to those dates.
We have received many questions relating to the Tennis courts at the club. We have plans in place to return Tennis and to also introduce Pickleball to the Country Club. We are exploring possible ways to have memberships and open the facilities to the residents as well. It is my hope to have these facilities ready sometime during the coming season. So... as you can see, we have some exciting challenges ahead of us. I am confident that we will meet each with positive results!
Again, wishing everyone a healthy and Happy New Year!
Stan Loucks
Trustee, Port Jefferson
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TOYS FOR TOTS
Magic Happens When You Give!
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Port Jefferson Village has come together to make Christmas magic happen, and we are so happy to see how much you care about your community.
Our Village Treasurer, Denise Mordente, is the Toys for Tots gift drive chairperson on behalf of the Long Island Village Clerks and Treasurers Association (LIVCTA). Denise, alongside our Village Clerk, Barbara Sakovich, the Suffolk Director of LIVCTA, made it all happen!
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We want to thank everyone that donated toys and gifts to the program. Your kind donations will bring the Joy of Christmas to many children who need it most. The Toys for Tots program is sponsored by the US Marine Corps and delivers toys to less fortunate children at Christmas.
Thank you for your generous donations! There is no greater joy than knowing that you have made someone's holiday wish come true!
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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! | |
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Meet Paul Penske. He is the Foreman of the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the assistant to Superintendent Steve Gallagher. But most importantly, he is a great guy! He is always ready to help you solve your challenges within the DPW.
Paul has a vast array of responsibilities in the Village. He sets up the crews and oversees the duties of the DPW - things like our leaf pick-up program, Fall and Spring branch programs, maintaining optimal road conditions, and managing the lighting throughout the Village. That is no minor feat! He is the one you will contact if there is a light out on your street or if there is an issue with a road in our Village. He also oversees the insurance requirements for our fleet of vehicles.
Paul started as a laborer and rose through the ranks. With 22 years of working for the Village under his belt, he is an expert in DPW operations. If you have a question, Paul is the guy you want to answer it! His knowledge goes further than his time as an employee. "I'm a lifelong resident born and raised here. My parents have been residents since 1964. My wife and I purchased our first home in 1997 and are still residents. My parents, me, and my children are all Port Jefferson High School graduates." Says, Paul. When asked what his favorite things about Port Jefferson are, he talks about our rich history, beaches, and the harbor.
Paul takes his job very seriously and works hard to ensure the Village is in top shape. "Paul has been a great asset to the DPW for many years, helping provide a high level of service to the residents of Port Jefferson Village with his dedication and professionalism." Says Superintendent Gallagher, confirming the value our residents receive from Paul's work ethic.
Thank you, Paul! We appreciate your hard work and dedication!
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Allan Varela is a creative master dedicated to using his artistic talents as a force for good in the community. His work brings people together to enjoy concerts, festivals, and documentary films. If you have ever met Allan, we guarantee that you know he is the "King of Puns." He makes every conversation a journey in laughter! He brings his boundless enthusiasm, sharp wit, and unwavering commitment to transforming our community through art.
Right now, the main focus of his volunteering is the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council. He has been actively involved in the council since 1988 when he helped stage the Winter Arts Celebration. He has been a board member since 1991, and in 2000, he became the first Executive Director. In 2009, when the recession took over, they almost closed. So in 2010, he changed his role to "Chair" and started rebuilding the organization. Along the way, he helped around 60 non-profits around Long Island with technical help for web design and grant writing. He works closely with the Long Island Explorium, LISEC, Theatre Three, and stocked poetry sections of the Port Jefferson library and the Historical Society. The Arts Council started producing The Dickens Festival in 2005 for the Village. "The Arts Council always needs volunteers, especially in marketing and raising money, as well as the vast array of programs." Shares Allan, just in case you are interested in volunteering.
Volunteering and music are passions for Allan. "Music has been in my soul since I was ten years old. As a touring musician, using my skills with sound systems and organizing made the Arts Council the natural place for me to volunteer." His volunteerism goes beyond the Arts Council. He was Vice Chair of the Coalition of Disabled Musicians. He put together all the corporate filings for the Long Island Music Hall of Fame (now the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame) and accomplished getting the organization museum status with the New York State Board of Regents. He was a founder and Chair for The Hands that Rock (a charity out of Rhode Island), sponsored by Jon Bon Jovi and Katie Perry. Hands that Rock would tally up the money and donate to a music program for an underserved community in the local area of each particular concert. Allan has been involved with the Society of Professional Audio Services (SPARS), starting an intern service for audio students looking to work in the Hollywood industry and beyond. Most recently, he formed the Mandolin Heritage Association to raise money to preserve musical compositions centered on the Mandolin.
Allan usually puts in around 20 volunteer hours weekly, even when working full-time. He estimates that he put in about 1,000 hours for the Dickens Festival over the months leading up to the event. "Volunteering is a part of my belief that we all should be out there making our communities better, nicer, and more inclusive. I have many talents and believe sharing my skills is a good way of life," said Allan. "Since 2005, the Arts Council has been producing the Charles Dickens Festival. The rewarding experience I feel (as do all the members of the BOD) centers on the thousands of attendees who experience the event. Putting that many smiles on faces is a good thing." he continues. Allan's efforts help us live better within our community.
Allan is returning to his musical roots. The Varela Band will be putting out some new music soon. So check it out!
Thank you, Allan! Your work creates beautiful memories for our community!
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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.
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