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A Special Dickens' Message
from MAYOR MARGOT GARANT
and ALLAN VARELA
Welcome to the 25th Annual
Village of Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival
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As fall sheds its leafy coat in preparation for winter, the first weekend in December once again plays host to the beloved Village of Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival. Join us as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary through our cherished traditions and spectacular new additions that will add a sparkle and a smile to this magical weekend. We are coming back into the light after the dark COVID days of 2020. However, we are advising that you wear a mask when at an indoor event. We will be following all New York State recommendations for masks and social distancing
regulations are set for the weekend as they become available. Some venues, like Theatre Three, have strict vaccine and masking rules. The main thing is
STAY SAFE AND HAVE FUN!
Hailed as Long Island's Best Festival for 2019 and 2020, Dickens begins on Saturday, December 4, running through Sunday, December 5. Produced by the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council in cooperation with the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson, friends and families from across the Northeast, from all 50 states and, indeed, from around the globe (over 50 guests from the EU in 2019), will gather to celebrate the beloved author as we once again turn our quaint seaport Village into a living Dickens stage.
Born Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870), Charles Dickens was arguably the literary superstar of his age, a status that lives on today. Ever the champion of the common man and the downtrodden, his inventive genius has inspired a raft of theatrical performances and a parade of films that portray the drama and redemption of life as a central theme. From A Tale of Two Cities to A Christmas Carol, Dickens managed to create some of literature's most iconic and memorable personalities. We are proud to carry on this time-honored tradition with our Dickens Festival.
The wondrous Festival of Trees, an artistic collection of magnificent Christmas creations are found at the Port Jefferson Village Center on the second floor and will be available for viewing the entire month. The whimsical Santa's Workshop, an incredible tribute to Christmas of yesteryear once again created by the celebrated confection artist Pat Darling, should be on every person's "must see" list because this magical presentation is not to be missed. Free tickets will be available on Eventbrite to avoid long lines. Look for it on the corner of Barnum and West Main Street. The Artisan Square, showing how hand-crafted works were made during Victorian England, resides in the parking lot by the blinking light where Main Street and East and West Broadway merge. The spectacular Tiny Tim's Train Station (a Toys for Tots location), presented by the Reed Family Train Project, will dazzle at the Harbormaster's building. The restaurants offer Dickensian inspired fare, while the wide range of shops in the Village stay open for extended hours for holiday shopping.
The Village, once again, will be rich with our troupe of Dickens' Street Characters and alive with a host of musical, magical, and theatrical presentations. The Grand East Main Street Opening Parade on Saturday morning at 11:00 am and Pickwick's Puppet Parade, this year featuring the new puppets worthy of a major Hollywood feature film, ends the festivities beginning at 5:00 pm on Sunday. Don't miss either one as each parade features awe-inspiring new attractions.
So, come one! Come all! A rapturous time for the young and young at heart, the Dickens Festival is sure to delight the Scroogiest of curmudgeons.
A splendid time is guaranteed for all.
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Margot Garant
Mayor, Village of Port Jefferson
Allan Varela
Chair, Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council
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OPTING OUT FOR CANNABIS DISPENSARIES AND ONSITE CONSUMPTION LOUNGES
Maintaining future choices...
This year, New York legalized adult-use recreational marijuana by signing the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) and creating an Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The OCM is responsible for the creation of regulations and implementation of the MRTA.
According to the MRTA, if the municipality does not elect to opt-out of permitting retail onsite consumption and retail dispensaries, it will be assumed the municipality wishes to participate in the retail market. The OCM is tasked with developing regulations for licensing dispensaries and lounges and providing the legal framework outlined in the MRTA. The OCM has not presented these regulations and most municipalities have adopted a "wait and see" approach after the regulations are clarified by the State. After a comprehensive public hearing and vote, Port Jefferson Village also opted-out of dispensaries and onsite consumption lounges within Village boundaries at this time. This action protects our ability to make these choices in the future because municipalities that choose to opt-out can later opt-in to the retail market at any time.
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NEW EMERGENCY COMMAND CENTER
Port Jefferson Village is presently in the process of building a new addition to the Building and Planning structure to be partially used as an Emergency Command Center (ECC). The new ECC will house additional emergency supplies and equipment needed by Village employees during and after an emergency event. The existing building will continue to house all Building and Planning department offices and staff.
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GET INVOLVED
Helping you find the right volunteer experience.
With so many wonderful local volunteer opportunities, the question is not "if" but "where" to Get Involved! The Get Involved tab on the PortJeff.com webpage is designed to help you find your ideal way to Get Involved based on your age, availability, and interests. You will see Port Jefferson Village-based nonprofit organizations seeking volunteers like you to contribute time and talent to a wide range of dynamic community efforts. Whether you decide to donate 3 or 300 hours each year to your community, this gift of time greatly enriches all that the Village of Port Jefferson offers to you, your neighbors, and Village visitors.
Check it out…
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ACCESSORY STRUCTURE CHANGES
Who doesn't love a 'She Shed" or a 'Man Cave"?!?!
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The Village administration has created more options for our property's accessory buildings. In addition to the PASSIVE use buildings we already have, our new bundle of joy is an ACTIVE use accessory building. Building permits are required, and Village code and state regulations must be followed. If your new addition will be an you wish to construct one of these new accessory structures or convert an existing one; you can start the process by contacting the Building and Planning Department through the resident portal https://portjeff.com/portal/ or by calling 631-473-4744.
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Passive Accessory Structures are simple structures like a tool shed.
These are some highlights of the requirements:
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It is not to exceed 15 feet in height
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It is set back 5 feet from any lot line
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It is located at least 10 feet from the principal building
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It may contain electricity.
- Plumbing, heating, and cooling are prohibited.
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Active Accessory Structures have more to them, like a pool house or office.
These are some highlights of the requirements:
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It is not to exceed 15 feet in height
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On lots of half an acre or less, the building shall not exceed 250 square feet in size.
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On lots of over half an acre, the building shall not exceed 300 square feet in size.
- Cellar or below-grade stories are not permitted.
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It is set back at least 10 feet from any lot line and at least 10 feet from the principal building.
- It may contain electricity, plumbing, and heating.
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The building may include a toilet and sink, showering facilities only permitted if accessible from the exterior of the structure ONLY.
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These are just quick views of some basics. Check with the Building and Planning Department for the full details on our newest family member - the Active Accessory Structure. |
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KAYAK RACK DEADLINE HAS PASSED
Please pick up your vessels immediately
Please note that we will be removing all vessels on the kayak racks at Harborfront Park, East Beach, and Crystal Brook Hollow. Please pick up your vessel immediately if you want to avoid paying a storage fee. So save yourself some time, money, and hassle and head down to pick up your vessel. Thank You!
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PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE
Be sure to save the date! Our regular monthly meeting has been moved. All residents are invited to join us on December 13 at 7:00 pm at Village Hall for the Port Jefferson Village Public Meeting. There will be a lot of information disseminated, including three public hearings. As always, we welcome public comments.
We hope to see you there, bring a friend!
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
For your Information…
The Village will be holding a Public Hearing on November 15th concerning the renewal of the franchise of Suffolk Cable Corporation in the Village of Port Jefferson.
Additionally, the village will hold 3 Public Hearings on December 13th at 7:00 pm at Village Hall.
- To change the Code to shorten the parking space requirements from 20’ to 18’.
- To remove language from the Heliport Code that conflicts with the FAA Requirements.
- Add a stop sign at Landing Lane and Old Homestead.
All residents are encouraged to attend.
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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
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DICKENS
Some events that are not to be missed
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The Grand East Main Street Opening Parade:
The Grand East Main Street Opening Parade will play host this year to the Amityville Highland Pipe Band. The band members come together to celebrate the tradition of the Scottish. The Black Watch with stirring music of the pipes and drums. The Amityville Highland Pipe Band is the ONLY civilian band in the world that has been commissioned by Her Royal Majesty, the Queen of England, to wear The Black Watch tartan.
The opening Parade will also feature our extensive cast of street characters and singing groups who provide outdoor entertainment both days and the traditional Port Jefferson-Bridgeport Ferry Float. The parade starts at 11:00 AM and travels from East Main and Main to the Port Jefferson Village Center for the opening ceremony.
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Pickwick’s Puppet Parade – Hollywood: Hold Your Breath!
The Festival’s closing Pickwick’s Puppet Parade will feature the super artistic look for the giant puppet versions of Marley’s Ghost, Christmas Past, Christmas Present and an awe-inspiring Christmas Future brought to us through the creative efforts of Genevieve Varela and Vin Blangiardo. Supported by a grant from Riverhead Toyota, Gen and Vin have built the stunning new puppets from simple cardboard and Papier-mâché imbued with amazing intensity by this artistic duo. They promise an experience that will last a lifetime. But the action doesn’t stop there as the parade will feature the entire 138-piece Longwood High School Marching Band with instruments alight as a special treat. Also included this year is the Hook and Ladder Party Company fire truck. Our honorees, Margo Garant and Allan Varela will be on the Port Jefferson-Bridgeport Ferry Float, accompanied by the Arts Council’s artist in residence, Andrea Rhude. We also have a surprise guest star joining us on the float – stay tuned. Please join us for the amazement and fun!
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Special Treats:
Traveling around the Village during both days visiting restaurants and shops will be The Dickens Carolers, Directed by Bonny Grice, and the fabulous Jewel Tones. These exceptional singing groups will join our traditional street characters, carolers and street plays entertaining Dickens Festival attendees. Our special musical groups and characters will be performing on and around the Village both days. This year, the North Shore Choir will be performing Handel’s Messiah at the Methodist Church, located at the corner of Main Street and Spring Street across
from Theatre Three. As a very special treat, internationally known mandolinists Buddy Merriam and Taylor Ackley will give a concert in the Methodist Church starting at 7:00. New for this year will be a special presentation of three concerts featuring traditional instruments from 1850. The performances will happen in the Harbor Cove Room in the Village Center, third floor street side, featuring Erika the Harpist, Rose Tree (Dulcimer) and Fairchild & Becherer on Sunday December 5 starting at 12:00.
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25th Annual Charles Dickens Festival Honorees
Mayor Margot Garant and
Allan Varela, Chair of the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council
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As the Mayor of Port Jefferson Village for the last 13 years, the annual Charles Dickens Festival holds a very special place in the heart of Mayor Margot Garant. Founded by her mother, former Mayor Jeanne Garant, 25 years ago, this Best of Long Island event brings joyous merriment to all those who take part in the festivities. Having been directly involved for those 25 years, Margot takes particular delight in carrying on the time-honored traditions so treasured by our community, while opening the door to new events and programs that can carry the spirit of the Festival throughout December.
The Dickens celebration requires year-round planning that Mayor Garant coordinates in conjunction with the Arts Council, with full recognition that all this would not be possible without the continued support of the local community and the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District. Although planning is a year-round endeavor, Mayor Garant affirms, “The elation the festival brings through the mingling of the visitors and residents alike makes all the hard work worth it!” In recent years Margot began the tradition of turning over the Key to the Village to the Street Character Lord Mayor as part of the opening ceremony so she can become magically “chimney-ized,” transforming into a chimney sweep. Margot makes the rounds in her sweeping regalia to take photos with visitors and personally thank all the merchants, all the while “keeping spirits light,” according to Margot. She plans on supporting the Charles Dickens Festival into the future, keeping the tradition alive in the hearts of all those who share the holiday spirit.
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Allan Varela is a composer and performer having released two albums back in 1977 and 1980 with his namesake Varela Band. He is also a noted technical writer having worked for several major trade publications covering digital systems entering movie and music production including Variety Magazine. Along the way, Varela has always helped groups that serve our community and is celebrating his 30th year on the Board of Directors of the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council, having joined the organization in 1991. In 2005, he became the Executive Producer of the Charles Dickens Festival as the production responsibilities were given over to the Arts Council. Since that time, the Festival has evolved into a voted Best of Long Island powerhouse of family fun and community engagement, drawing attendees from all 50 states and six European countries. Attendance averages 25,000 visitors over the celebrated two-day event.
According to Varela, “Producing an event of this size truly takes a Village in every sense of the word. Our Board members take on the many different tasks of gathering volunteers and sponsors to ensure the Festival is a grand success.” This outreach includes street play and street character rehearsals that begin in August, yielding a host of some 130 costumed characters roaming the streets and visiting the restaurants to the delight of the attendees. This year the production covers some 129 events from magic shows, a contra dance party and pictures with Santa, to horse and wagon rides and concerts that are, for the most part, free to be enjoyed by the public. The main traditions include Santa’s Workshop, Tiny Tim’s Train Station, Artisan Square and, of course, the fabulous Festival of Trees. “I am very privileged to help to lead this titanic effort put forward by so many people,” says Varela. “This Festival puts smiles on faces with appeal to both the young and young at heart. This is the 25th anniversary and plans are already being set for the 26th.
In addition to producing the Dickens Festival, the Varela Band is back together after some 42 years planning a reunion concert… a busy time indeed for Allan!
The community is happy to recognize these two individuals for all the time and talent applied over the years to keep the Dickens Festival alive and growing. This is why Margot and Allan are this year’s honorees.
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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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Village Officials
Upcoming Village Meetings
Nov 15th @ 3:30 pm at Village Hall
Dec 13th @ 7:00 pm at Village Hall
Port eReport
Editor-in-chief - Kathianne Snaden
Editor - Charmaine Famularo
Graphic Artist - Sue Orifici
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