He was born March 7, 1951 to Helen Sophie Troyan and William Bernard Raffel, and lived most of his life on the North Fork. In his early years he attended Northville School and worked on his Uncle Peter’s farm. He especially loved driving tractors as a child and plowing and planting, and always had a big vegetable garden.

He graduated from Riverhead High School in 1969 and to his parent’s surprise, enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years. His motto always was “semper paratus,” always ready. He later made his living on the bay, scalloping, taught by his Uncle Bill. He met his wife, Maria (née Berdinka) of 49 years during this time. Maria remembered meeting this “kind, strong, handsome man” who worked on a boat in the extreme weather. She was “hooked immediately.” Jim and Maria married in 1976. Their children, Emily Maria Fossum, of Sante Fe, New Mexico, and Simon Peter Raffel, of Ferndale, Michigan, were welcomed joyfully following.

Jim went on to work at the Plum Island Ferry, Port Jefferson Ferry and also on the tugboats on the eastern seaboard. He loved hiking, going to the mountains, fixing things, nature and just going out and anchoring up in the bay. He had a deep, quiet faith and mass was a priority. He was a devoted husband, father, uncle and neighbor.

Besides his wife, son and daughter; Jim also leaves his sister Irene McCarthy of Ridge, N.Y. and his brother Eddie (Joanne) of Riverhead. He was predeceased by his brother William “Sammy” Raffel (Mary) in October of this year. He also leaves behind his godchild and niece Annie Raffel of Calverton, and many nieces and nephews.

The family received friends on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, officiated by Father Michael Bartholomew. Interment followed at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cutchogue, where the U.S. Coast Guard thanked Jim with a Military Honors Service graveside, followed by a prayer led by Father Mike.

Although this is a time of unspeakable sorrow for his family and those who loved Jim, we are comforted that his suffering is over, and we pray that he is in a place of light, happiness and peace with the Lord forever. His life was a gift to us all. Thank you from his family for all the kindness shown over this past year and with his passing.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the North Fork Parish Outreach, Post Office Box 584, Greenport, NY 11944 would be appreciated.

Paid post

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She was the beloved wife of the late Martin J. Waters, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2012. Born in Astoria, Queens, she was the daughter of the late George and Catherine (Flood) Maley. Mary made her home in East Greenwich in 2018, bringing with her a warm spirit, an artist’s touch, and a deep devotion to her family.

Mary was gifted in many ways—an accomplished and thoughtful knitter, a talented home cook whose meals brought family together, and a creative soul who found joy in painting. She was a devoted caregiver to her loved ones over the years, including her mother, husband, brother and any family member in need. Her faith in God, quiet strength, gentle humor, and loving nature enriched the lives of all who knew her.

She leaves behind her cherished children: Mary Ann (late Robert) Moeller, Gerry (and beloved daughter-in-law Joanne) Waters, Commander Peter Waters, U.S. Navy (Ret.), and Paul S. Waters. Mary was the proud grandmother of Allison, Brian, Matthew, Kathleen, Kerrilyn, and Jacqueline, and the delighted great-grandmother of Tessa and Annikah. She was also the loving sister of the late Rev. George G. Maley, O.P.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Dec. 20 from noon to 1 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Graveside services will immediately follow at Saint Patrick’s R.C. Cemetery in Southold, officiated by Father Abraham Thannickal, where Mary will be laid to rest beside her late husband Martin.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to Hope Health Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.

Paid post

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Born in Riverhead Feb. 5, 1936, he was the son of John and Ellen (Condjella) Jarzombek. He graduated from Riverhead High School and worked as a local nursery worker.

Predeceased by his parent and siblings Lawrence, George, Robert, Thomas and Rosemary Wysocki, he is survived by his siblings Ellen Sanders of Indiana, Cathy Jarzombek of Riverhead, John of Riverhead, Stanley of Calverton and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. The funeral will be private.

Memorial donations are requested for the American Kidney Foundation.

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Born in Uniondale Aug. 2, 1933, he was the son of James and Alva Mollo. He earned a diploma from Uniondale High School, a bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University and a master’s degree from Adelphi University. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, and worked as an engineer with Sperry.

Family say he was a fan of the N.Y. Yankees and Giants and enjoyed playing cards and golf.

Mr. Mollo was predeceased by his first wife, Evelyn, and siblings Maryanne DeSantes and Robert Mollo, and is survived by his wife, Barbara; children Dean Mollo of Commack, Debra Kimmel of Plainview, Theresa Thomas of North Carolina and Donna Polit of Delancy, N.Y.; and six grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8:30 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 18, at 9:15 a.m. at St. John’s Church in Riverhead, with burial following at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Memorial donations are requested for Covenant House or St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, Mont.

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The town will hold its 2026 shotgun hunting lottery at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall to select which hunters can access town property during the state’s special firearms deer season in January, Riverhead officials announced Wednesday, Dec. 10.

The lottery is open only to Riverhead residents and property owners. Hunters must appear in person at the Town Board Room, 4 W. Second St., with a current New York State driver’s license and hunting license.

They must have a valid state hunting license, big game tag and landowner endorsement from the town while hunting on town property. The town does not require a separate town hunting license.

All paperwork will be completed on-site before the lottery begins.

Winners will hunt by lottery-assigned dates and times at designated areas within the Calverton Enterprise Park and at 1751 Sound Avenue in Calverton during the Jan. 4-31 season authorized by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, officials said.

The Town Board authorized the lottery and shotgun hunting on town property at its Dec. 2 meeting.

For more information, contact Karen Occhiogrosso in the town attorney’s office at 631-727-3200, ext. 651, or the town recreation department at ext. 737.

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• William Feehan of Shoreham, 49; Lauren Seaton of Shoreham, 57; and Hugo Ajcuc Boch of Riverhead, 46, were arrested for alleged driving while intoxicated.
• Mark Burke of Moriches, 42, was arrested on an alleged warrant.
• Kenyetah Payne of Coram, 44, and Irma Choy Oscal of Guatemala, 29, were both arrested for alleged petit larceny.
• Antonio Cabrera-Palacios of Riverhead, 39, was arrested for alleged criminal contempt.
• Kevin Cevallos-Ortiz of Riverhead, 21, was arrested for alleged trespass.
• Lucas Arevalo-Gonzalez of Riverhead, 49, was arrested for the alleged criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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After years of planning, eminent domain battles and public debate, what officials say will transform downtown into a destination is at last becoming reality.

We hope they’re right.

There’s reason for optimism. Joseph Petrocelli has a proven record — the Long Island Aquarium and Hyatt Place East End speak for themselves.

An 80-room Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel with condos and ground-floor retail could bring the kind of steady activity downtown Riverhead needs. Add in a public plaza, playground and amphitheater, and you’ve got real potential to undo decades of downtown decline.

But concerns remain, and Supervisor Tim Hubbard’s decision to dismiss critics as politically motivated obstructionists at an August Town Board meeting was unfair and unhelpful. Taxpayers have every right to question major development decisions without being accused of partisan obstruction.

Just three months after Mr. Hubbard praised Mr. Petrocelli’s track record at that same meeting, voters narrowly elected Pastor Jerry Halpin, a political unknown who campaigned on listening to residents, fiscal restraint and greater transparency in town government. Mr. Halpin won by just 37 votes in November. Friday’s groundbreaking may be one of the last times the public sees Mr. Hubbard in an official capacity before Mr. Halpin takes over Jan. 1.

Despite strong objections at public hearings, the Town Board voted unanimously to sign off on the deal. The town sold three properties for $2.65 million without competitive bidding. Whether that was legally permissible under urban renewal law isn’t the question — the question is whether it was wise. Did taxpayers get the best deal? We’ll never know, because no other proposals were sought.

The eminent domain proceeding that forced out Craft’D bar for a $120,000 settlement adds another uncomfortable layer. Using government power to seize private property for private development always deserves scrutiny.

Beyond the initial construction — slated to run through 2026 — taxpayers are on the hook for ongoing costs. Mr. Petrocelli’s firm will receive 7% of construction costs to manage the public spaces, plus $150,000 annually for 10 years to maintain the park. That’s $1.5 million in management fees alone, not counting the construction management percentage. 

Those aren’t abstract figures. They’re real taxpayer dollars flowing to a private developer for work the town’s parks department might otherwise perform.

The parking concerns are also worth taking seriously. Downtown already struggles during peak times. The development includes only 12 underground parking spaces for condo owners. The 80 hotel rooms and restaurant will rely on the planned First Street parking garage. That might work fine — or it might create a new problem.

None of this means the project is doomed. Many downtown business owners enthusiastically support the development. Letters of support flooded in from the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and East End Arts. They see what Mr. Petrocelli’s previous projects have done for downtown. That track record counts for something.

Friday’s groundbreaking is a milestone, but it can’t be treated as a victory lap. The real test begins now.

The post Editorial: The real test begins after the groundbreaking appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Response on key issues

Mr. Reitman’s Nov. 20 letter (“Explain this”) raises several questions. The answers are clear.

First, property taxes. Congress does not set school or property taxes — Albany and local governments do. Under single-party Democratic rule since 2018, New York now ranks 50th in the nation for tax climate, according to the Tax Foundation. What Congress did do, with my leadership, is deliver the largest federal tax relief Long Island has seen in decades: quadrupling the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000; reducing taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security; and expanding small-business deductions. According to Newsday, the average Long Island family will save $2,860 next year — real relief offsetting the increases coming from Albany and local budgets.

Second, wars overseas. Republicans did not “end wars,” nor did we start any. What I have done is vote to ensure Israel can defend itself against terrorism, provide humanitarian aid to civilians, strengthen U.S. deterrence against Iran, and demand strict oversight and accountability for Ukraine aid. Violence in Venezuela is driven by the Maduro regime and is precisely why America must project strength abroad, not retreat from it.

Third, working families. That is why I’ve supported no-tax-on-tips, overtime tax relief, expanded R&D and small-business expensing, energy policies that lower fuel costs, and bipartisan bills protecting Medicare, SNAP, Meals on Wheels and other lifelines for seniors and families. Claims that these programs are being “cut” are inaccurate.

Fourth, shutdowns. I have consistently voted for clean, bipartisan funding bills — eight under President Biden and five under President Trump — to protect veterans, seniors, federal workers, and families who rely on government services. And while the Constitution requires Members of Congress to be paid during shutdowns, I placed my pay on hold in solidarity with those who were not receiving theirs.

My votes are guided by one principle: helping Long Islanders afford to live, work, and retire here. That is my responsibility — and I take it seriously.

Nick LaLota

Riverhead

Advice for young citizens

To all young citizens between the ages of 18 and 29: If you do not have decent housing, a job that can pay your bills, affordable and comprehensive health care, you should do the following. 

Register to vote if you haven’t done so, learn how to file petitions with the Board of Elections and become committee persons in the Republican and Democratic parties. If you are a Latino or Black youth, only one-third of you vote; you have to increase that. If you are white, less than half of you vote. God only helps the people who help themselves.

Warren McKnight

Greenport

Congress

Isn’t it about time that Congress (Republicans and Democrats) finally clawed back the powers that they have ceded to the Executive Branch?

David James

Cutchogue

Cutchogue’s Holiday Elves

The Board of Directors of the Cutchogue Civic Association would like to thank and recognize Joe and Helen Corso for once again decorating our hamlet for the holidays. For many years now, the Corsos have braved the elements, climbed ladders and hung holiday lights and decorations along Main Road. 

They are the perfect elves, as they just seem to appear out of nowhere, quietly hang the decorations without help from anyone, then disappear. Even more impressive is that in the often cold and snowy month of January, they will again climb ladders and take down the decorations, storing them until next year. We thank our “Holiday Elves,” Joe and Helen, for their continued support for our great Cutchogue community.

Marjorie Adams, Barbara Best,
Andy Brooks, Barbara Butterworth,
Pat Kirkpatrick, Carolyn McCall,
Rich Parlini, Mike Tiner, Dave Bergen

Board of Directors for
Cutchogue Civics Association

Mattituck

Voting matters

Trump pointed out that the system was broken (he was right) and that he was the only person who could fix it. Many people believed him. Well, his methods are making things worse, and I think it’s intentional.

In June, I Googled “What is Project 2025.” That’s when I became angry and terrified. As I’m sure you’re aware, our democracy is in peril, and Congress doesn’t function on our behalf.

What’s the fix? We are. Dwight Eisenhower said: “There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence, and energy of her citizens cannot cure.” We the people have been given the power by the founders, but we have to vote like we care about proper representation. We must hold those in Congress accountable to look out for our welfare and not cower when threatened by a bully.

The people in Congress have to understand that we, not the oligarchs, elected them. If they’re not representing the people, they’re not doing their jobs.

I understand that people typically vote according to party philosophies, but Congress has abandoned those philosophies to focus on job security. We must show them that the people determine their job security. In 2026, we have to restore the system of checks and balances that the founding fathers knew was critical to the survival of our democracy. This time, you can’t be complacent and just vote a straight party line. Look into the candidates.

If the current situation continues for another three years, there may not be any way to repair the damage. If there is a 2026 election, it will be the most important election of our lives. Let’s hold up our end of the bargain. First we have to save democracy. Then we can think about fixing it.

Charles Gueli

East Marion

Thank you

I never thought I would be writing a letter like this, but the time has come. Thank you to all those who put their faith in me to serve as Southold Town Assessor for five terms. Before this, I spent thirteen years in the private sector, in the same industry; all of which helped to make the transition to the assessors office in January of 2006, a rewarding and smooth one. With that being said, I have enjoyed helping the public at the counter, my office and in hundreds of homes I visited for those unable to come to Town Hall. The trust you afforded me to review and process sensitive documents, even in your own home, is what makes a small town like Southold a great place to live and work. 

I am not leaving the area but will no longer be your assessor. So, if you see me around… Don’t hesitate to stop and say hello!

It has been a pleasure serving the people of Southold Town for the last 20 years. 

Kevin Webster

Cutchogue

War in Ukraine

The following letter was forwarded to the White House and to the United Nations:

Just seven days after I was born in September of 1938, Germany invaded Czechoslovakia. On the 30th of that month, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s Munich Agreement requested Czechoslovakia cede some of it’s territory to Germany in exchange for Hitler’s promise of no further territorial demands. That led to World War II.

In 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Now, three years later, we are considering asking Ukraine to cede part of Ukraine to Russia. Of course Putin will agree to no further territorial demands.

Do we really want World War III?

Richard Brewster

Orient

My vision

I found last week’s letter, “A Different Vision,” to be the most overbearing, high and mighty letter I have ever read. We don’t need a history lesson or the reciting of “Give me your tired…” 

Many of us are descendants of immigrants who came through Ellis Island. They were people who were sponsored by an American and had a job waiting for them. They assimilated and loved America for all its opportunities and freedom. You wrote, “Lincoln’s remarks echoed that he believed there should be no hindrances to those looking to improve themselves by coming to America.” But these are not the people coming here now! They are not looking to improve themselves. They are draining our resources and contributing nothing.

Our ancestors worked and did not want hand outs. The immigrants or better yet illegals, that have invaded our country, have not been vetted, many are terrorists. Two West Virginia National Guard members were recently shot by an Afghan National. Sarah Beckstrom died and Andrew Wolfe is in critical condition. And you do know about the Somalis who stole billions of welfare tax dollars in Minnesota? One of the most unbelievable and egregious scams in our history! Ask yourself why the Biden administration allowed this invasion? A new voter base? Or per Obama “to transform America”?

We are being invaded, plain and simple. Your fantasy of yesteryear’s immigrants is over!

Barbra LaCorte Latham

Cutchogue

Two questions

There’s a very nasty fellow named Rodrigo Duterte who is currently being held in the Hague by the International Criminal Court whose membership is made up of a majority of the world’s countries. Mr. Duterte, former president of the Philippines, is held on charges of crimes against humanity for extrajudicial killings of alleged drug traffickers. During his six years in office, the alleged traffickers were not given due process. On Duterte’s orders, they were just murdered. The number killed by Duterte’s henchmen ranges between 6,000 and 30,000.

Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense (he prefers to call himself the Secretary of War) has presided over the violent destruction of more than 20 boats on the high seas, and the extrajudicial killing of more than 80 people. He recently presided over one attack by blowing up a boat with 11 people on board. Two survived and for about an hour tried to save themselves before they were hit with another explosion and killed.

According to experts in international law and the laws of war, the two remaining people who were alive were required to be rescued. Instead, they were slaughtered. All experts agree. If we are at war, then the killing of these two people constituted the crime of violating the laws of war. If we are not at war, then the killing of these two people amounts to murder.

The United States is one of the countries that has refused to join the International Criminal Court. On that score, Hegseth appears to be safe from the same fate that has befallen Rodrigo Duterte. But except for the number murdered, is there a difference between Duterte and Hegseth? Or is it just a question of how many murders it takes before the world does something about it?

Michael Levy

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Long Island’s average price hit $2.94 per gallon this week, down 2.4 cents from last December, and about 35 cents below from the same period in 2023, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 1,158 stations released Monday, Dec. 8. Many Riverhead gas station prices are below the average.

“With the national average falling further, we’re now at multi-year lows heading into Christmas,” said Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis. “Barring any major disruptions, prices are likely to stay relatively low into the new year.”

Prices fell 4.1 cents over the past week and are 4.4 cents lower than a month ago. The national average dropped 5 cents to $2.90 per gallon.

GasBuddy found wide variation on Long Island, with station prices ranging from $2.09 to $4.29 per gallon — a $2.20 spread. The Mobil station on Old Country Road in Riverhead was charging $2.79 per gallon for regular unleaded. At Southold Town gas stations, the price was about 40 cents more per gallon.

Meanwhile, diesel prices across Long Island also declined, falling 5.1 cents nationally to $3.67 per gallon.

Nearby markets showed similar trends: New York City averaged $3.10 (down 2.5 cents); Trenton, N.J., averaged $2.93 (down 7.4 cents); and Bridgeport, Conn., averaged $3.04 (down 3.3 cents).

In December 2023, Long Island’s average was $3.29 per gallon.

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Saturday, Dec. 13, 1:30 p.m.: Basket raffle hosted by the Aurora Dorcas, Chapter #70, O.E.S., at Elks Lodge, 1239 East Main St., Riverhead. Donation: $10. Funds go to the group’s high school scholarship pool. Doors open noon, auction begins 1:30 p.m. Information and tickets: 631-375-0315.

Holiday

Saturday, Dec. 13, noon: Party with Santa in community room at Veterans Memorial Park, 11280 Great Peconic Bay Blvd., Mattituck. Door prizes, winners chosen at 2:30 p.m. Hot chocolate, snacks, potato chips. Santa arrives 1 p.m. by fire truck. Snow machine, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free. Information: mattituckparks.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 3-5 p.m: Oysterponds Historical Society Holiday Social, at the Village House, 1555 Village Lane, Orient, Food, drink, caroling, crafting and shopping at the Beach Plum Shop. 

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 13-14, 10:30 a.m.: Santa Comes to Town aboard a LIRR Greenport Scoot, Railroad Museum of Long Island, 440 Fourth St., Greenport. Santa will give out gifts to kids; one lucky child will win the Lionel Polar Express “O” gauge toy train set. Drawing held Sunday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. 

Sunday, Dec. 14, 5 p.m.: Menorah Lighting with friends and neighbors on the first night of Hanukkah, Mitchell Park, Greenport. Following lighting, reception at Congregation Tifereth Israel, 519 Fourth St. Vodka, latkes, jelly doughnuts, music. Everyone is welcome. Information: greenportvillage.com. 

Saturday, Dec. 20, 2-4 p.m.: Holiday Crafts and Letters to Santa at Little Red Schoolhouse, 101 Front St., Greenport. Holiday craft decorating; drop off letters to Santa. Blank letters available. Refreshments served. Information: greenportvillage.com. 

Through Dec. 20: Beach Plum Holiday Shop at Old Point Schoolhouse, 1555 Village Lane, Orient. Unique gifts, decorations, ornaments, art, crafts and Oysterponds Historical Society merchandise available for purchase. Proceeds benefit OHS. View each day’s hours of operation: oysterpondshistoricalsociety.org. 

Fridays-Sundays, through Dec. 28, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: Gingerbread University at Hallockville Museum Farm’s Naugles Barn, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead. Blank canvas cookies to decorate however you choose. 75-minute decorating session. Fun for the whole family. Pricing packages, registration: hallockville.org. 

Meetings

Thursday, Dec. 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Cutchogue Civic Association’s meeting and holiday get-together, Sannino Vineyard, 15975 County Road 48, Cutchogue. Meeting, 5:30-6 p.m.: election of directors, vote on bylaw amendments. Tickets: $15, members; $25, nonmembers. Includes glass of wine, cheese and dessert. Limited spaced, reservations required: cutchoguecivic.org.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.: Southold Peconic Civic Association ‘Cell Service in Southold,’ Peconic Recreation Center, 970 Peconic Lane. Discussion topics: proposed Town Code changes, facts about cell towers, next steps. Guest speakers: Heather Lanza, Tanya Negron. Free. Information: spcivic.org.

Music

Saturday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.: The Lysander Piano Trio plays ‘Dreams and Apparitions’ program, Jamesport Meeting House. Part of the 1731 Series, which brings internationally acclaimed musicians to the North Fork. Artists’ reception after concert. Tickets $20: jamesportmeetinghouse.org.

Sunday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m.: ‘Help is on the Way,’ a tribute to cabaret singer Nancy LaMott performed by Rusty Kranskywith Jeff Wentz on piano, Jamesport Meeting House, 1590 Main Road. Tickets $20, at the door. Information: jamesportmeetinghouse.org.

Saturday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.: Special holiday music performance with The Realm, hosted by CAST at 53930 Main Road, Southold. For all ages. Free entry, registration required: TheRealm.givesmart.com. Info: castnorthfork.org. 

Sunday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m.: Carols and Cookies, a North Fork holiday tradition at Jamesport Meeting House, 1590 Main Road. Familiar song favorites, new seasonal discoveries and a sing-along. Post-concert cookie reception. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Information: jamesportmeetinghouse.org.

The natural world

Thursday, Dec. 11, 6-7:30 p.m.: Nature-based Solutions: Community Engagement workshop with NFEC president Mark Haubner, Unitarian Universalists of Southold Meeting House, 51900 Main Road. Discover passions for environmental issues, nature-based solutions. Free. Information: UUSouthold.org.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-noon: Seed Starting Workshop at The Vine Church, 43960 CR 48, Southold. Join ReWild / North Fork, SPCA and Corn Schmid to learn to grow a butterfly garden using native seeds. Free seeds available or bring your own. Required registration: ReWildLongIsland.org.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.: Winter Wonders of the Night Sky with Randall DiGiuseppe, Custer Observatory, 1115 Main Bayview Road, Southold. Explore and navigate the winter night sky. Participants advised to bundle up. Tickets: $5, adults; $3, children; free, members. Registration: custerobservatory.org.

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 8-10 a.m.: Tuesdays with Tom at Indian Island County Park in Riverhead. Looking to spot some winter ducks, yellow-rumped warblers and great blue herons. Free. Registration required: northforkaudubon.org.

Theater

Friday-Sunday, Dec. 12-14: Northeast Stage presents “Lessons from Hollywood,” a new play by James A. Pritchard, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 768 Main St., Greenport. The holidays go south in every way. Adult content for mature audiences. Fridays, Saturdays: 7 p.m.; Sundays: 2 p.m. Tickets $25: northeaststage.org.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 14, 1 p.m.: Open house and performance, “Home for the Holidays,” North Fork Community Theatre, 12700 Old Sound Ave., Mattituck. Festive dance, singing and scene work from community members of all ages. Free. Reservations not required. Information: nfct.com.

Ongoing events

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Peconic Amateur Radio Club open house meeting, Custer Institute and Observatory at 1115 Main Bayview Road, Southold. Stop in to see the station and learn about Amateur Radio and how to provide communication service to the community.

First and third Tuesdays of each month, 6-8 p.m.: Southold Together gathers at Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., 42155 Main Road, Peconic. A casual, agenda-free opportunity to connect with others who care about a positive, progressive future for Southold Town. To find group, look for American flag. Information: southoldtogether@gmail.com.

Last Wednesday of each month, 2-3 p.m.: Caregiver Support Group hosted by Family Service League, Acadia Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, 1146 Woodcrest Lane, Riverhead. Free. Funded by Suffolk County Office for the Aging. Registration required: Call Beth Signore, LCSW, at 516-406-1085. 

Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 7 p.m.: Southold American Legion Post 803 hosts Bingo at 51655 Main Road, Southold. Card sales begin at noon Tuesday, 6 p.m. Thursday. All welcome. Information: 631-765-2276.

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: North Shore United Methodist Thrift Store, 260 Route 25A, Wading River. Bargains galore. Information: 631-929-6075.

Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon: The Riverhead/Jamesport Homemakers meet at the George Young Community Center, 446 South Jamesport Ave., Jamesport. Knit, crochet and sew for charity. New members welcome. Information: 631-765-1768.

Fridays through December, noon-3 p.m.: Greenport Farmers’ Indoor Market at Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market’s annex next to Pip’s, 216 Main St., Greenport. Fresh and preserved produce, cheese, bread, eggs and more. 

Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Orient Congregational Church Thrift Shop, 23045 Main Road, Orient. Clothes, jewelry, furnishings and more. Donations accepted. Information: 631-323-2665.

Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Indoor Farmers’ Market at Twin Fork Beer Co., 807 Raynor Ave., Riverhead. A mix of local vendors offering the best in fresh produce, artisanal foods, handcrafted goods and unique crafts. Information: twinforkbeer.com.

Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Docent-led tours at Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead. Tickets: $15, adults; $10, seniors and children. 631-298-5292, hallockville.org.

Saturdays, 8 p.m.-midnight: Stargazing at Custer Observatory, 1080 Main Bayview Road, Southold, weather permitting. Suggested donation: adults, $5; under 12, $3. 631-765-2626, custerobservatory.org.

Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Blacksmithing demonstrations with Tom Barry at Village Blacksmith Shop, 101 Front St., Greenport. 631-477-2100, eastendseaport.org.

Sundays, 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Docent-led tours at Southold Indian Museum, 1080 Main Bayview Road, Southold. Tickets: $10, adults; free, children and K-12 students. Email to arrange tours Monday through Friday. Information: indianmuseum@optonline.net.

Last Monday of every month, 7 p.m.: USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 18-08 meeting, Southold Town recreation center, 970 Peconic Lane, Peconic. Information and registration: uscga1808@gmail.com.

Fourth Thursday of each month, 6-7 p.m.: Well Spoken Writers Club holds Open Mic for Writers at Mugs on Main, 33 Main St., Riverhead. Information: email wellspokenwriters@gmail.com.

Exhibitions

Through Dec. 13: ‘Fluid Patterns: Water and a Changing Climate,’ a new East End Arts juried group exhibit at Andy Tarshis Fine Art Gallery, 133 East Main St., Riverhead. Jurors: Marta Baumiller, Rainer Gross. 

Through Dec. 13: ‘Artability on Tour,’ East End Arts in collaboration with Spirit of Huntington Art Center, at 11 West Main St., Riverhead. Group exhibition of work by differently abled students across Long Island. Opening reception Thursday, Nov. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Light refreshments served. Free. Registration: eventbrite.com.

Through Dec. 17, 1-4 p.m.: ‘150 Years of Jewish Community on Long Island,’ the Weathervane Gallery at Suffolk County Historical Society Museum, 300 West Main St., Riverhead. Historic Torahs, books, documents and artifacts collected around Long Island.

Through Dec. 20: ‘Warp, Weft, Shuttle,’ celebrating 50 years of Long Island handweaving from Paumanok Weavers Guild, the Gish Gallery at Suffolk County Historical Society Museum. Opening reception: Saturday, Oct. 18, 1-3 p.m.: includes light refreshments. Tickets: free, members; $5, nonmembers. Registration: 631-727-2881. 

Through December: ‘Imagination,’ featuring works by Donald Garside, at the Mattituck-Laurel Library art gallery. Information: mattitucklaurellibrary.org.

Through Jan. 19: ‘Breathe Deeply,’ a collection of serene, meditative small works in different mediums, Alex Ferrone Gallery, 25425 Main Road, Cutchogue. Drop your anxieties at the door. Free artists’ reception Dec. 6, 5-7 p.m. Collecting nonperishables for CAST at gallery. Information: alexferronegallery.com. 

Through January: ‘Good Ground Arrives at Southold,’ with featured work by Mike Meehan and the Good Ground Artists, the Lucy Hallock Folk room at Southold Free Library during regular library hours. Artists’ reception: Friday, Dec. 12, 5-7 p.m., light refreshments. Information: southoldlibrary.org.

Fridays, Sundays: 2-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Red Barn Exhibition, Oysterponds Historical Society campus, 1555 Village Lane, Orient. Pictures, tools, and equipment of farming, fishing, winter activities and early transportation. Tickets: free, OHS members; $10, non-member adults. 

At the libraries

Our local libraries host a variety of events for all ages. For calendars and more information:

• Riverhead Free Library, 631-727-3228, riverheadlibrary.org.
• Mattituck-Laurel Library, 631-298-4134, mattitucklaurellibrary.org.
• Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library, 631-734-6360, cutchoguelibrary.org.
• Southold Free Library, 631-765-2077, southoldlibrary.org.
• Floyd Memorial Library, Greenport, 631-477-0660, floydmemoriallibrary.org. 

CALENDAR POLICY

The calendar is a sampling of in-person events planned by local nonprofit organizations. Events must be open to the general public and be not-for-profit, nonpartisan and nonsectarian in nature. Send information about in-person events to calendar@timesreview.com; the deadline is Friday at noon. In-person, virtual and online events may be posted at northforker.com/submit-event.

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