May Photo Letter

May 2025 Volume 2 Issue 5

We know you’re busy, so rather than sending you a newsletter with a lot of text, please take a look at our latest ‘Photo-Letter’ – a ‘snapshot’ of happenings to keep you informed and up-to-date on the Trust.

A Trusted Friend

The Three Village Community Trust presented Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright its 2025 Service and Leadership Award on Thursday, April 10 th in recognition of his commitment to the public, and for his support of the Trust’s efforts to “Protect the Places You Love.”

Most recently, County Legislator Englebright secured a Suffolk County grant for the Trust to purchase security systems for the Immigrant Factory Worker Houses and the Bruce House Headquarters. The grant also enables the Trust to publish new educational literature for children and families, Greenway maps, and walking tour guides.

Earth Day at the Stony Brook Train Station

In celebration of Earth Day 2025, the Three Village Community Trust held its Annual Spring Cleanup at the Stony Brook Train Station. Trust members and volunteers beautified the landscaped beds by trimming plants, removing winter debris and giving everything a clean sweep! Special kudos to Emily Riley, Councilman Kornreich, Steve Antos of Setauket Landscape and Design, Joan Casey, Gretchen Oldrin Mones, Laura
Rotondi and the students at THE Stony Brook School.

The Greenway – The Community’s ‘Linear Park’

In honor of Earth Day, the Trust also held a cleanup for the Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway. Trail Stewards worked side-by-side with community members to spruce up the 3.2 mile ‘linear park.’

A Three Village Tradition – Founders Day

The Three Village Historical Society celebrates our community’s history every Spring with an amazing event – Founders Day. School children visit many of our area’s historical sites to experience learning that is ‘up close and personal.’ One outdoor learning laboratory – Patriots Rock.

Maria’s the Best

From April 3 rd , The Three Village Times:

Thank you to Three Village Community Trust

I want to thank the Three Village Community Trust and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) for their recent recognition of the Setauket Neighborhood House as an important community asset and its continuing commitment to provide a warm and friendly meeting and gathering place for the community.

In 1918, local philanthropists Eversley and Minnie Childs gave the Setauket Neighborhood House to the residents of the Stony Brook and Setauket communities as a needed meeting place. For more than 100 years, the Setauket Neighborhood House and its board of dedicated trustees have provided a unique and treasured asset that has been a place for hosting community and family events in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Thanks to all for recognizing my service as its manager and the importance of the Setauket Neighborhood House as a recognized Three Village community asset.

Maria Nardiello
Manager
Setauket Neighborhood House

The Immigrant Worker Factory Houses

Wow! We are making a lot of progress! The Trust’s Factory Houses, built in the 1800’s for immigrant factory workers, were home to generations of hard working Americans. The hardscrabble life at Chicken Hill is preserved with the restoration and preservation of these historic structures. Everyone should be proud that these homes will be a lasting part of the Three Villages.

Ukrainian Relief Drive

The Ukrainian Relief Fundraising banner and wooden sunflower (created by artist Michael Rosengard) seen outside the Bruce House are part of the Trust’s annual effort to support the people of war torn Ukraine. Due to your generosity over the years, we have been able to donate approximately $10,000 to International Relief Teams, a highly respected and very highly rated humanitarian agency.

Maria’s No Mow May

In memory of Maria Hoffman, a beloved community resident who passed far too soon,the Trust spearheads the annual awareness campaign we have titled Maria’s No Mow May.

As you probably know, No Mow May is an international environmental movement to promote habitat protection. Let’s give nature a chance – allow grass to grow, don’t apply fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, or pesticides. The bees will love you!

Memorial Day Watch Zone

Memorial Day is right around the corner – Monday, May 26 th . The best place to watch the parade is outside Trust headquarters at 148 Main Street.

Making Everything Beautiful

Trust member Michael Rosengard saw a neglected shoulder of roadway overlooking the Setauket Mill Pond, and went to work transforming it into something – beautiful! His photo above, with the Trust’s Tyler House in the background is remarkable! It should be noted that these types of innovative, creative ‘streetscapes’ are an important part of ‘traffic calming.’

Daffodils – Rays of Sunshine

The daffodils you see at the Bruce House, the Greenway, Patriots Rock, the Stony Brook Train Station and other Trust properties are part of Old Town Blooms – a local beautification effort led by Emerald Magic Lawn Care’s horticultural consultant, Craig den Hartog. For more years than we can remember, Craig been providing flower bulbs for the Trust’s properties at “no cost.” Craig wants everyone to be a Bloomer!

Love those Kiosks

Greenway users will notice that the three kiosks have been refreshed for the 2025 season. New postings, literature, displays and information! The kiosks serve as a gateway to recreational fun – and as mini learning centers! The three kiosks are located at the Setauket Trailhead, the Port Jefferson Station Trailhead, and at the Gnarled Hollow Road parking lot.