logo logo logo logo

East Hampton Press / Community / Southampton Press / Column / Community / Sag Harbor Express / Column / 2276477

Community News, August 1

icon 17 Photos
Seven rising seniors at Westhampton Beach High School are spending their summer immersed in science through Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Student Partnerships for Advanced Research and Knowledge program. Two of the students participating this year returned to the SPARK program to continue work on their Advanced Placement Research projects. Abigail Curran is studying microplastic association with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and Graelyn LoRusso is exploring sunscreen accumulation in larval clams. Both are using the lab’s Frontier Infrared Spectroscopy Beamline technology for their research. So far, new SPARK participants Halle Gellerew, Fahtima Iqbal, James Monseratte, Jordan Razzano and Zoey Rudolph have learned about infrared spectroscopy, designed and conducted a microplastic analysis experiment and determined the chemical composition of the plastic using infrared microscopy. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Seven rising seniors at Westhampton Beach High School are spending their summer immersed in science through Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Student Partnerships for Advanced Research and Knowledge program. Two of the students participating this year returned to the SPARK program to continue work on their Advanced Placement Research projects. Abigail Curran is studying microplastic association with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and Graelyn LoRusso is exploring sunscreen accumulation in larval clams. Both are using the lab’s Frontier Infrared Spectroscopy Beamline technology for their research. So far, new SPARK participants Halle Gellerew, Fahtima Iqbal, James Monseratte, Jordan Razzano and Zoey Rudolph have learned about infrared spectroscopy, designed and conducted a microplastic analysis experiment and determined the chemical composition of the plastic using infrared microscopy. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT

The artwork of Hampton Bays High School student Mackenzie David is now on display as part of a new Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce communitywide art installation. The Shell Statue Art Project aims to showcase the Hampton Bays community through the installation of 32”x40” shell statues painted by Hampton Bays High School students and community artists. A total of 17 statues will be placed at various locations in the hamlet. David’s painted shell was the first to be unveiled during a ceremony on July 5 at Ponquogue Beach, where it will be permanently installed. It features a surfing theme. Future shells to be placed around the hamlet will feature a variety of other themes. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT

The artwork of Hampton Bays High School student Mackenzie David is now on display as part of a new Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce communitywide art installation. The Shell Statue Art Project aims to showcase the Hampton Bays community through the installation of 32”x40” shell statues painted by Hampton Bays High School students and community artists. A total of 17 statues will be placed at various locations in the hamlet. David’s painted shell was the first to be unveiled during a ceremony on July 5 at Ponquogue Beach, where it will be permanently installed. It features a surfing theme. Future shells to be placed around the hamlet will feature a variety of other themes. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Students enrolled in Southampton Intermediate School’s Summer Academy are advancing their English language arts and math skills through an engaging four-week program. In addition to instructional time, students are participating in themed, weekly social-emotional learning activities that focus on self-acceptance, self-management, responsibility and social awareness. They also have taken field trips to Heart of the Hamptons and the Southampton African American Museum. Each week concludes with a full-filled spirit day that features games such as summer reading bingo, complete with prizes. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Students enrolled in Southampton Intermediate School’s Summer Academy are advancing their English language arts and math skills through an engaging four-week program. In addition to instructional time, students are participating in themed, weekly social-emotional learning activities that focus on self-acceptance, self-management, responsibility and social awareness. They also have taken field trips to Heart of the Hamptons and the Southampton African American Museum. Each week concludes with a full-filled spirit day that features games such as summer reading bingo, complete with prizes. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Sean Koski, Jill Zarin and Brian Kelly at MEND skincare's Jill Zarin Annual Luxury Luncheon on July 20. Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com

Sean Koski, Jill Zarin and Brian Kelly at MEND skincare's Jill Zarin Annual Luxury Luncheon on July 20. Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com

Sean Koski, Jill Zarin and Brian Kelly at MEND skincare's Jill Zarin Annual Luxury Luncheon on July 20 in Southampton. Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com

Sean Koski, Jill Zarin and Brian Kelly at MEND skincare's Jill Zarin Annual Luxury Luncheon on July 20 in Southampton. Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com

On Flag Day at the Hampton Bays Elementary School, Superintendent Lars Clemensen honored Sylvia Smith, 99, of the hand Aldrich American Legion Auxiliary Unit 924. Smith will be 100 on September 11 and has attended many of the school district's veterans ceremonies. COURTESY PAM RYAN

On Flag Day at the Hampton Bays Elementary School, Superintendent Lars Clemensen honored Sylvia Smith, 99, of the hand Aldrich American Legion Auxiliary Unit 924. Smith will be 100 on September 11 and has attended many of the school district's veterans ceremonies. COURTESY PAM RYAN

Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons Executive Director Kim Nichols, Kidd Squid owners, Grainne Coen and Rory McEvoy and Tess Pintchik, with Ashton and Alyssa at the ARF Hamptons 50 Pilsner release party and adoption event on Saturday at Kidd Squid Brewing Co. in Sag Harbor. KYRIL BROMLEY

Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons Executive Director Kim Nichols, Kidd Squid owners, Grainne Coen and Rory McEvoy and Tess Pintchik, with Ashton and Alyssa at the ARF Hamptons 50 Pilsner release party and adoption event on Saturday at Kidd Squid Brewing Co. in Sag Harbor. KYRIL BROMLEY

Bridgehampton Chamber Music founders Ken Davidson and Marya Martin at

Bridgehampton Chamber Music founders Ken Davidson and Marya Martin at "For the Love of It," benefit gala on Saturday at the Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton. RICHARD LEWIN

Bridgehampton Chamber Music founders Ken Davidson and Marya Martin at

Bridgehampton Chamber Music founders Ken Davidson and Marya Martin at "For the Love of It," benefit gala on Saturday at the Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton. RICHARD LEWIN

Art Nagle, Toni Vreeland and Andy Steffan at

Art Nagle, Toni Vreeland and Andy Steffan at "For the Love of It," benefit gala on Saturday at the Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton. RICHARD LEWIN

Arlene and Alan Alda at

Arlene and Alan Alda at "For the Love of It," benefit gala on Saturday at the Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton. RICHARD LEWIN

Tony Augustine and Valerie Angeli with Mercy at the

Tony Augustine and Valerie Angeli with Mercy at the "No Dogs Left Behind" benefit on Saturday at the Breakwater Yacht Club in Sag Harbor. LISA TAMBURINI

Jeff Beri, center, founder of

Jeff Beri, center, founder of "No Dogs Left Behind,"with Mark and Candy Udell, Scott and Jessica Udell, Randi and Scott Alper, Samantha and Bobby Talas

Tony Augustine and Valerie Angeli with Mercy at the

Tony Augustine and Valerie Angeli with Mercy at the "No dogs Left Behind" benefit at Breakwater Yacht Club on Saturday in Sag Harbor. LISA TAMBURINI

Westhampton Beach Fire Department’s Captain Robert Eckles, Jr. at the East Hampton Fire Department's 125th Anniversary Parade on Saturday in East Hampton. Courtesy Westhampton Beach Fire Department

Westhampton Beach Fire Department’s Captain Robert Eckles, Jr. at the East Hampton Fire Department's 125th Anniversary Parade on Saturday in East Hampton. Courtesy Westhampton Beach Fire Department

Hope for Depression Research Foundation Executive Director Louisa Benton and Southampton Village Trustee Robin Brown at Veronica Beard on July 25, at the launch of the sixth annual Week of Hope in Southampton to raise mental health awareness. The Ninth Annual Southampton Race of Hope on Sunday, August 4 at 8:30 AM around Lake Agawam. This year’s celebrity Grand Marshal is Founding Senior Master Instructor at SoulCycle, acclaimed author and mental health advocate Stacey Griffith. DANA SHAW

Hope for Depression Research Foundation Executive Director Louisa Benton and Southampton Village Trustee Robin Brown at Veronica Beard on July 25, at the launch of the sixth annual Week of Hope in Southampton to raise mental health awareness. The Ninth Annual Southampton Race of Hope on Sunday, August 4 at 8:30 AM around Lake Agawam. This year’s celebrity Grand Marshal is Founding Senior Master Instructor at SoulCycle, acclaimed author and mental health advocate Stacey Griffith. DANA SHAW

Southampton firemen Chris Olczak and David Raynor in the East Hampton Fire Department 125th anniversary parade on Saturday in East Hampton. COURTESY OF THE WESTHAMPTON BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT

Southampton firemen Chris Olczak and David Raynor in the East Hampton Fire Department 125th anniversary parade on Saturday in East Hampton. COURTESY OF THE WESTHAMPTON BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT

authorStaff Writer on Jul 29, 2024
YOUTH CORNER Tumbling with Rachel Haab Project Most Community Learning Center, 44 Meadow Way in East Hampton, will host Toddler and Teeny Tumbling with Rachel Haab, for toddlers ages 18... more

You May Also Like:

'Bled by Our Side'

The combination of the new Ken Burns documentary on the American Revolution and the rosy image of the first Thanksgiving led me to recall a 1778 event that exemplifies the true relationship between the white settlers and the Indigenous population. And that relationship spread west as the settlers did. During the war, the Stockbridge Mohicans, along with the Oneida, Tuscarora and a handful of other Indigenous nations, allied with the American colonists in their struggle for independence from Britain. Many of these communities hoped that their military support would ensure recognition of their sovereignty and protection of their lands. Instead, ... 26 Nov 2025 by Tom Clavin

Another Chance

Will Governor Kathy Hochul sign, or again veto, a bill to protect horseshoe crabs that again passed by large majorities in the State Legislature earlier this year? Hochul vetoed the same bill last year. She claimed then that the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act was “well intentioned,” but their management should best be left with the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation. She said the DEC has “significant rules and regulations regarding commercial and recreational fishing in the state.” It currently has an annual quota of 150,000 horseshoe crabs that can be taken. Environmentalists have been actively calling on Hochul to sign ... by Karl Grossman

Thankful, and Not

Thanksgiving is synonymous with harvest. Reaping what you have sown, you walk across the threshold of the field, your machete idle but ready to swing, to neatly lob off a head of broccoli. The level of satisfaction is hard to replicate in layman’s terms, somewhere between basketball’s slam dunk and capturing the flag. Harvest is what gave us some primordial ease, that the dark, cold months will not be hungry ones. The ancient discovery that successful agriculture could offer its practitioners self-reliance — to a degree — is what set us on the path to discovering other things, like gratefulness. ... 24 Nov 2025 by Marilee Foster

Wind Symphony

The wind has been blowing hard enough to bring the outdoor cat in. And while it is not truly cold, the wind makes it feel like winter, which is nice for a change. The developing trend is late autumn warmth, heat that makes it risky to store potatoes much earlier than mid- to late October. The storage barns are cinder block hallways built into or banked by earth. They are improved mid-century root cellars, designed to the specs of a regional growing season that once seemed permanent and perpetual. If your occupation does not put you in regular contact with ... 20 Nov 2025 by Marilee Foster

Turnout, Turnout, Turnout!

Election 2025 is now in the history books. What happened? Why did it happen? What does it mean for 2026? As we look across the nation in this off-year election, there is overwhelming consensus that the 2025 election was a big victory for Democrats. Democrats won gubernatorial elections with moderate candidates in New Jersey and Virginia. Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, was elected mayor of New York City as a Democrat, with a majority of the vote in a three-way race. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting proposal was approved by more than 60 percent of the vote. Democrats also ... by Fred Thiele Jr.

Warm Air, and Hot Air

There’s a highly threatening and new reality for hurricanes. Unusually, the East Coast of the United States was not struck this year by any hurricanes. And thus, luckily, we were not hit by one of these extreme hurricanes that first meanders as a minor storm and then, in just a day or so after feeding from waters made ever-hotter by climate change, rise to the worst hurricane level, Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. But it’s just a matter of time. The National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency defines online Category 5 as: “Winds 157 ... 19 Nov 2025 by Karl Grossman

Community News, November 20

YOUTH CORNER Toddler & Teeny Tumbling Project Most at the Community Learning Center, 44 Meadow ... by Staff Writer

The Power of Walking

My family recently took the most unforgettable trip to Paris, where my older daughter is ... 17 Nov 2025 by Jessie Kenny

Cleaning Out

There is no setting on binoculars that works in the fog — everything in the distance remains indistinct, and that is fine. Here, the low place, called Sagg Swamp, begins a nearly uninterrupted corridor of unbuilt-upon land: wetlands, ponds and kettleholes; the Long Pond Greenbelt runs for miles to the old harbor. Today, contained, the only fog is there. It rises up from the dark muck to smudge the damp foliage with its dreamy, silver light. So, above, as the crow flies, the air is tinted between gold and pink. Fog is a reoccurring theme, because it reveals a sense ... 13 Nov 2025 by Marilee Foster

'Novembrance'

Gaudy October is gone. The November landscape is muted colors, falling leaves and skeletal branches. The month opens with reminders of death. In the Catholic Church, November first is All Saints’ Day. On November 2, All Souls Day is dedicated to praying for the souls of the departed. The Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead is celebrated on the same days but has a more festive air. It’s also observed across the United States. The All-Souls Procession has been an annual event since 1990 in Tucson, Arizona. San Antonio, Texas, is known for its Muertos Fest and river ... by Denise Gray Meehan