A homeless hospital patient was arrested Tuesday after he punched a male nurse several times, Southold Police said.

Officers were called to Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport around 11:32 a.m. after receiving a report that Azzam Buggs, 28, had repeatedly hit a registered nurse with a closed fist, police said.

The 59-year-old nurse suffered a laceration to his nose, and pain, swelling and bruising around his left eye and right rib cage, according to the criminal complaint.

Mr. Buggs was arrested on a felony assault charge and transported to police headquarters, police said. He is being held at the county jail in Riverside until he is due back in court Friday.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story described the victim as female.

Greenport village administrator David Abatelli at a menorah lighting in Greenport in 2012. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder file)

Trustees and colleagues said goodbye to now-former Greenport village administrator David Abatelli, who attended his last Village Board meeting as a village employee Monday after announcing his retirement last year. 

“It has been a great pleasure working with you, Dave,” said Mayor David Nyce. “You always tried to do the right thing.”

In December, Mr. Abatelli announced his plans to retire after working for the village for 25 years.

New village administrator Paul Pallas stepped into the role — as well as that of utilities director, in a combined position — in March and spent the past several months learning the ropes form Mr. Abatelli. Former utilities director Jack Naylor resigned in October.

The new combined position is expected to save the village about $48,000 this year.

cmurray@timesreview.com

A pair of Southold men were arrested in separate incidents in Greenport Village Saturday night, Southold Town police said. 

Joseph Charnews, 24, after he pushed a police officer following a fight on Front Street shortly before 10 p.m., police said. The officer was attempting to arrest Mr. Charnews, who had “become agitated and was using obscene language in the crowded parking lot,” police said.

He was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, police said. He is expected to be arraigned in Southold Town Justice Court Sunday.

About an hour later at the Mitchell Park Marina, Matthew Jerome, 21, was placed under arrest on marijuana possession charges, police said. The undisclosed amount of pot was discovered when Mr. Jerome was stopped for a routine safety inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Southold Police took him into custody at the marina, transported him to police headquarters and released him on an appearance ticket for a later court date, police said.

Marc LaMaina says he plans to run for Greenport Village Mayor. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

One month after purchasing a home in neighboring Riverhead Town, a Greenport business owner says he’s running for village mayor next year. 

Marc LaMaina, 33, the owner of Lucharitos on Main Street in Greenport, announced his candidacy on Facebook Monday and later told a Suffolk Times reporter that he’s serious about running for village office and has considered doing so for three years. He said transparency within Village Hall would be his top issue.

His Facebook announcement read: “I am running for mayor of Greenport in the next election. I will get to the bottom of who owns what and the legalities of all issues related to greed and assbackwardness…”

When asked about his reasons for running, Mr. LaMaina said, “I have been seeing some stuff that needs to be corrected.”

He said he plans to address specifics and outline the rest of his agenda using social media.

Earlier this year Mr. LaMaina battled the Greenport Village Zoning Board of Appeals over a light-up sign he hung in the front window of his popular restaurant. The ZBA ruled that he could keep the sign, but not display its flashing lights, a decision he expressed disappointment in.

If he does submit a nominating petition before the March 2015 election, Mr. LaMaina could possibly face a challenge regarding his residency.

Suffolk County property records show Mr. LaMaina purchased a house on Trout Brook Lane in Aquebogue May 30, but Mr. LaMaina’s voter registration still lists the Lucharitos address as his residence. The Greenport High School graduate said Monday that he sleeps some nights in an apartment above the restaurant and others at his house in Aquebogue.

Mr. LaMaina is the first person to publicly declare an interest in running for the seat. Mayor David Nyce, who is currently serving his second four-year term, has said he will not seek re-election. The seats of trustees David Murray and George Hubbard, who also serves as deputy mayor, are also up in 2015.

cmurray@timesreview.com

John Costello, owner of Costello Marine Contracting, began working on this barge with his brother, George David Costello, before his brother died suddenly in December 2012. He’s since named the barge after George. (Credit: Vera Chinese)

Years ago, George David Costello got a call in the middle of the night. A tall ship that had been floating in Greenport harbor for a competition that week was in distress.

The ship’s anchor had managed to hook onto another, discarded anchor that was lying at the bottom of the bay; the tall ship was stuck. So Mr. Costello got dressed, drove to the waterfront, sailed the family’s construction barge out to the ship and fished the anchor out of the bay.

He later donated the anchor to the Greenport school district, where it now rests in front of the school.

George Costello was always working and always volunteering his time, even beyond his limits, his older brother, John, said last week.

George — a Vietnam veteran — would put in 16-hour days with Costello Marine Construction, then spend his weekends volunteering at the local American Legion, John Costello said.

In what little free time they had between jobs, the Costello brothers began work on a construction barge, the biggest one they’d built yet. The barge was in the works for nearly four years, as work always got in the way of its completion. But in 2012, just a few days after Christmas, George Costello died suddenly. He was on a job in Southampton when the stress caught up with him, his brother explained. He was 63.

“You only go around once,” John said, sitting in the office he and his brother once shared. “When he did it, he was a worker. He was one that got things done.”

Nearly a year and a half later, the barge the two brothers started is almost complete.

It still needs sandblasting and a new paint job, and the crane and equipment have yet to be attached. But John Costello says the vessel does have a name: George David, after his brother.

The George David is 24 feet wide by 92 feet long, meaning it will be the largest vessel built and launched from the Greenport waterfront since World War II, Mr. Costello said. The barge will serve the family business, traveling across Long Island to repair and build docks and slips.

“It’ll be in Sag Harbor, it’ll be in Three Mile Harbor, it’ll be in Montauk, Riverhead, Mattituck,” Mr. Costello said.

The brothers had worked together since they founded the company in August 1976, yet always found time to give back to the community in one way or another.

George Costello had helped lead the restoration of the historic roller rink at the Burton Potter American Legion Hall on Third Street, said American Legion Commander Craig Richter.

“He actually did 90 percent of the work there,” Mr. Richter said. “He organized the work parties. He was organizing the fundraisers … He really put his heart and soul into it.”

He and other volunteers behind the American Legion Hall renovations were honored for their work in 2011 as The Suffolk Times’ Civic People of the Year.

Then Hurricane Sandy struck, flooding the interior of the hall and causing damage to the roof. The interior has since been gutted in preparation for a full renovation.

“It’s quite a project, and I’d like to kick George right in the ass for dying on us,” Mr. Richter joked.

The Legion has since discussed naming the skating rink in memory of Mr. Costello, he said. Leadership at the hall sent its members a survey about the proposed new name for the rink. Not one of the post’s nearly 90 members objected, Mr. Richter said.

“I think it’s George’s vision — as well as mine and many others — that this building is an asset to the community,” Mr. Richter said. “Everyone understood George’s commitment to seeing this through.”

John Costello said he plans to host a launch party for the George David as a way to not only honor his brother but raise funds for the American Legion. Last time the Costello brothers launched a barge, more than 200 people attended the party; this time, John is aiming for 600 guests or more.

“It’s going to be the biggest party ever,” he said.

Mr. Richter said John — who isn’t a member of the legion — has stepped up since his brother died.

“He’s been Johnny-on-the-spot for us,” Mr. Richter said.

John Costello said he sees the fundraiser as fulfilling his brother’s promise to get the job done.

“He was trying to help so many people,” John Costello said. “I’m just finishing through.”

psquire@timesreview.com

The taxi service has been operating out of the Layyah store since February. (Cyndi Murray photo)

Update: The Greenport Planning Board tabled a vote to allow a taxi cab service to operate from the parking lot of a Greenport convenience store.

Thursday’s meeting adjourned within five minutes, without any action being taken.

The operator of the store, called Layyah, was asked to submit more paperwork detailing the business to the board members before any vote on his application.

“We are ready to approve your application if this condition is met,” said member Bradley Burns.

Since Layyah’s management  already began operating the taxi service in February, the vote is — admittedly by board members — a formality.

“They were already in the process and going in a forward direction,” said village administrator Paul Pallas, prior to the meeting.

A vote is expected at the board’s next regular meeting in August.

Original story: Six months after a Greenport convenience store began running a taxi service out of its parking lot, the Planning Board may decide Thursday night whether the business is allowed.

After months of discussion on the application, the board is scheduled to vote at its 5 p.m. meeting at the Third Street Fire Station.

In February, convenience store Layyah began running a two-car taxi service from its existing business on the southeast corner of Front and Fourth streets in Greenport — before receiving any permits or permission from the village.

Store manager Imran Qasim Khan submitted the application to run the cab service from his store at 331 Front Street earlier this year. It received approvals from the village Zoning Board of Appeals in April, but even then the service was already up and running in an effort to establish a customer base before the busy summer season, Mr. Khan previously told The Suffolk Times.

Building inspector Eileen Wingate, who did not immediately return phone calls, previously said the village has no plans to reprimand owners.

cmurray@timesreview.com

To the editor:

The decision to make personnel appointments at a special meeting held by members of the Greenport School Board at 7:30 a.m. last Wednesday is suspect at best. Although the second item on the agenda was for public commentary, it was obvious there would be little, if any, input from the community for a meeting at that hour. There were only three board members present at that meeting and the deciding vote was cast by a trustee who is vacating her seat as of July 1. 

What is even more intriguing is that it was held in the office of a superintendent who will be retiring from the district, also on July 1.

There is no doubt in my mind that the board cleared all the legal hurdles so the appointment cannot be contested. There also might be sound reasoning behind what appears to be the sudden appointment of these two individuals. However, the optics of a lame duck board and lame duck superintendent making these appointments at an early morning special meeting that the vast majority of the public could not possibly attend raises many valid questions.

Why wasn’t this appointment made at the June 18 meeting, when all trustees were present? Were the two board members not in attendance last Wednesday aware that this meeting was taking place? Was the meeting held because they were not sure if they would have the votes after July 1?

Was the incoming superintendent part of the decision-making process for these appointments?

The board members have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the interests of their constituents. By holding a meeting under these circumstances, one needs to ask, whose interest were they looking after on the morning of June 25?

After speaking to many members of the community, I am far from the only person asking these questions.

Gregory Wallace, Greenport

Owner John Liegey enjoys a pint of citrus IPA while co-owner Rich Vandenburgh sips some Otherside IPA at Greenport Harbor Brewing Co.’s Peconic location on Friday. (Credit: Vera Chinese)

Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. tapped the kegs at its much-anticipated Peconic tasting room and brewery Friday afternoon.

The parking lot might not have been completely paved yet and the bathrooms still need a few finishing touches, but that did not stop a healthy rainy Independence Day turnout.

On tap for opening day were the brewery’s Harbor Ale, Black Duck Porter, Summer Ale, Otherside IPA and Citrus IPA.

See northforker.com for more photos

Greenport High School grads Joan Dinizio and Tom Krumenacker at the first all-class reunion in 2012. (Credit: Jennifer Gustavson, file)

Hold onto your hats, fellow Greenporters. If you thought the village was crazy during the summertime, you haven’t seen anything yet. Next weekend, Greenport High School graduates from near and far will descend upon our lovely hamlet for the second All-Class Reunion to be held Thursday, July 19, at Herzog Park between the Fifth and Sixth street beaches. Because so many heard what a blow-out event the first one was, I predict there will be double the number of people attending this year. I can’t wait! 

The GHS Class of 1984 will hold its 30th reunion at Billy’s by the Bay on Friday, July 18, starting at 4 p.m. Any class members who want to attend but haven’t responded yet can contact Annemarie Heaney Chouinard at irishgemheaney@yahoo.com.

A reminder for all female golfers: Monday, July 21, is the day of the ladies golf outing at Island’s End sponsored by the ELIH Auxiliary, Southold West Branch. Tee time is 9 a.m. and only 72 golfers can be accommodated. If you haven’t signed up yet, call Barbara Koch before Sunday, July 15, at 477-0975 or 553-4857. Tickets are $125.

Don’t forget ‘An Evening Under African Skies,’ a benefit for San Simeon by the Sound on Saturday, July 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Corso residence in Cutchogue. Live music will be performed by Bukhithi Kumalo, bassist for Paul Simon. RSVP by calling 477-2110, ext. 252.

Here’s a shout-out to all skaters and bicycle enthusiasts. Greenport Village is resurfacing and upgrading the Moore’s Lane skate park and will host a skate park festival for all ages Sunday, July 27, from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free and there will be music, food and fun for all.

Birthdays are for celebrating and there will definitely be a lot of celebrating going on in the next couple of weeks. Here’s to my brother-in-law Kip O’Connell, Fred Schoenstein, Tiarra Edwards, Mike Comanda and Mayor David Nyce on July 10; Darlene Pacholk, Dana Saetta, Sam Carey and Sherry Jackson Burkinshaw on the 11th; Matt Charters, Sean Powers, Brandi Monique Okesola and Marcellus Shedrick Jr. on the 12th; Xavier DeJesus and my cousin Denise King on the 13th; Steven Quillin, Dick Hulse, Anayia Smith and Carole DeNove on the 14th; Baxter Townsend and Karen Costello on the 15th; Joe Stevens, Warren Corazzini Jr., my “second son” Dean Karavas, Cheryl Pope and Craig Geier on the 16th; Sara Flythe, Georgia Young, Vivian Dennington Stein, Karen Letteriello and Tammie Berry on the 17th; Rich Hubbard, Sally Blados, Billy Doucett, Liz Powe and Chatty Allen on the 18th; Jim’s uncle Bill Dinizio and Tom Krumenacker on the 19th; Charles Cisterino, my dear, dear friend Stephanie Gorga and Kyriakos “Q” Seas on the 20th; Bill Kart, Jeff Corazzini, Jill Dinizio, Emily O’Brien, China Leonard, Karen Mazzaferro Jimenez, Chris Bondarchuk and Melinda Hanold on the 21st; Alexis Hubbard on the 22nd; and Jerry Urban on the 23rd.

On July 17, 1983, our family became complete with the birth of our second child – a baby boy. In the years since then he has filled our home with joy and laughter and a feeling of pride that only a parent can know.  Happy birthday, Jeff. I hope your day is as remarkable and spectacular as your dad and I think you are.

The happiest of anniversaries to two of my favorite Greenporters, Lill and Bob White, who will celebrate 66 years of marriage July 15. Best wishes also to Beverly and Jim Sage, who celebrate anniversary No. 38 on the 19th; Karen and Kevin McLaughlin, married 31 years on the 22nd; and “Mope” and Rob McGinness, whose 26th anniversary is July 23.

Contact Greenport columnist Joan Dinizio at Lucky1inNY@aol.com or 477-9411.

Shoreham-Wading River’s Jon Constant is pressured by Greenport’s Sam Strickland. (Credit: Garret Meade)

Size isn’t everything for a basketball team, but it sure is nice to have.

Certainly, height can be overrated, but when that height is accompanied by talent, it can make a difference. That is something the Shoreham-Wading River High School boys basketball team can appreciate.

When the Wildcats take the court, they are typically taller than their opponents. With one of their taller teams in recent years, the Wildcats are hoping to emerge from the shadows.

Shoreham can present a daunting prospect for opponents who have to look up to the 6-foot-6 Jake Blandi, the 6-4 Dan Hughes, the 6-4 Ethan Wiederkehr, the 6-3 Jonah Caldwell and the 6-2 Kieran Qualley.

For a small school, that sort of verticality is a luxury. That post presence gives the Wildcats options, opening up room for their outside shooters.

“It’s the first time we’ve been this tall in a long time,” Shoreham coach Kevin Culhane said. “We try to take advantage of it.”

It’s quite a contrast to last season’s undersized team, which had three starters who were 5-9 or shorter.

Among the big men, Blandi, Caldwell and Hughes are seniors, Qualley is a junior and Wiederkehr is a sophomore.

To make better use of Caldwell’s athleticism and quickness, Culhane said Caldwell will play on the wing, which will be something of an adjustment for him, having played center most of his life because of his size and jumping ability.

“It’s a lot of footwork,” said Caldwell, who is focusing on improving his ballhandling. “You have to have good hands to catch these crazy passes from the guards.”

Culhane said Caldwell is a big key to the team’s fortunes. “Jonah and Danny are going to make this team go,” he said.

Hughes is coming off what Culhane said was a “phenomenal” second half of the school season.

The word on Blandi, the towering center, is that he has improved a lot, said Culhane.

Wiederkehr has been described as a young, up-and-coming player to look out for. Culhane said Wiederkehr has a “great shot” of making the varsity team for this coming school season.

“Ethan Wiederkehr has come a long way,” the coach said, adding, “He’s understanding how different it is playing at this level.”

With those big bodies, the Wildcats can expect to do quite well for themselves in the rebounding department. Caldwell and Blandi combined for 19 rebounds in a 42-34 win over Greenport in a Town of Brookhaven Summer League game at Shoreham-Wading River High School on Thursday night. It was the team’s fourth win in as many games.

“Rebounds are the best because they’re just easy points,” said Blandi.

The rest of the Wildcats totaled only 6 rebounds, though, and both teams finished with 25 boards each. Then again, the Wildcats were missing some players, including Hughes, who watched the game from the bench after having undergone oral surgery, according to Culhane.

Caldwell had quite a game for himself, taking the ball to the hoop for a game-high 23 points. He shot 7 of 8 from the foul line.

After fouling out with 24.1 seconds left in the game, Caldwell wore a sheepish grin as he was greeted at the sideline with a handshake from Culhane while on his way to the bench.

Darrius Bolling, the fluid Greenport sophomore who wore purple sneakers to match his team’s purple shirts, led the Porters with 13 points. Alex Perez added 8 points and 11 rebounds.

The Porters (0-4) fared better than Shoreham’s first three opponents this summer. The Wildcats held Miller Place to 15 points, Mattituck to 24 and Hampton Bays to 19.

“We have great chemistry, great ball movement,” Caldwell said. “No one’s selfish on this team. That’s rare nowadays in basketball.”

Some uncommon height helps, too.

UNBEATEN NO LONGER The Southold First Settlers had been rolling along so well, too.

Following wins over Mattituck, Miller Place and Greenport, the First Settlers were one of the three unbeaten small school teams in the Town of Brookhaven Summer League prior to Thursday night’s games. Now Shoreham-Wading River and Westhampton Beach remain alone in the top spot.

Southold’s fine run came to a crashing halt with a 42-25 blowout by Mount Sinai in Shoreham.

Christian Dular proved to be quite a handful for the Southolders. The Mount Sinai senior produced 19 points, including 6 of 7 free throws and a 3-pointer. Nolan Kelly supplied 7 points and 11 rebounds to the victory, Mount Sinai’s third in four games.

Dular registered 8 points as the Mustangs burst out to an 18-0 lead before the First Settlers finally got on the scoreboard with a free throw by Dylan Van Gorden. That was followed with three straight baskets by Liam Walker, who finished with 17 points and 6 steals.

No other Southold player scored more than 3 points. The First Settlers were held to 23.5 percent shooting from the field and outrebounded, 35-16.

bliepa@timesreview.com

Southold’s Patrick Majsak is flanked by Mount Sinai’s Harrison Back, left, and Nick Schmitt. (Credit: Garret Meade)

Orient State Park

Sponsored By Glenwood Village.

An Active Adult Community for Eastern Long Island.

The North Fork is home to more than just beautiful beaches. Summer brings many activities to the area and this season Glenwood Village has put together a list of recommended ideas that those over 50 can enjoy during a weekend visit.

Start off your weekend on the North Fork by enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the sun rise over Gardiners Bay. You can even bring some fishing gear and have a chance at catching some striped bass and flounder.

Gardiners Bay – Bug Lighthouse

Once the sun has risen, spend the afternoon walking the beaches of Orient. After that, take a trip to the old whaling port in nearby Greenport. The whaling ports were once home to over two dozen large whaling vessels, which made over hundreds of voyages between the 1790s and the Civil War. See this historic piece of the North Fork while enjoying the beautiful harbors and outdoor summer weather.

North Ferry to Shelter Island

Continue your day by spending an afternoon on Shelter Island — easy access to the Island is provided by the North Ferry Co. in Greenport. Once on Shelter Island, head to Picozzi’s Service Station and rent a bicycle. Tour the Island with your bike while getting some great exercise.

Corey Creek Vines

End your day back on the North Fork, first by visiting the Corey Creek winery in Southold and sampling some North Fork wines.

Finish the weekend by taking a trip to Riverhead. Visit the Atlantis Marine World and catch a glimpse of what is under the sea that surrounds you. Special attractions and exhibits are available ,such as taking a seat in the trainer’s chair and working with sea lions and seals.

Long Island Aquarium

After you visit the underwater life, catch some great deals on your favorite apparel at Tanger Outlet Center in Riverhead. Once you work up an appetite shopping, grab some dessert at Turkuaz Grill downtown and fill up on homemade rice pudding or an ice cream sundae.

These activities are sure to fill your weekend on the North Fork with fun and enjoyable experiences. You will feel like a North Fork pro once you take part in these activities on your visit to this wonderful summer area.

Joan Archard of Patchogue holds up her wetsuit Tuesday near Great South Bay, where she’s been practicing for this weekend’s swim from Greenport to Shelter Island (and maybe back). (Credit: Courtesy photo)

The matriarch of the family — good old granny — always leaves a certain legacy behind. Whether it’s her perfect chocolate-chip cookie recipe or the slightly off-kilter jokes she made, grandmas are known to pass down fond memories.

This summer, Joan Archard of Patchogue is paying homage to her own grandmother’s less conventional achievements through a feat of athleticism to be attempted in Greenport.

Well, off Greenport. 

About 80 years ago, Ms. Archard’s grandmother, Margaret (Gilbride) O’Donnell, swam from her Shelter Island home to Greenport, about 0.56 miles. This weekend, Ms. Archard plans to do the same thing, though she’ll start on the Greenport side.

“I remember growing up and my father and my uncle used to always say, ‘Your grandmother swam from Shelter Island to Long Island,’ and before I turned 50 I thought, why not put that on my bucket list?” Ms. Archard said.

She’ll make her journey either Saturday, July 19, or Sunday, July 20, depending on water conditions. She said a North Ferry captain familiar with the Greenport-to-Shelter Island route told her to make the swim between the full and new moons, when the currents would be more favorable, and this weekend fit the description.

“I was meant to be a fish I think,” she said. “I love to be in the water, under the water … it’s a very peaceful feeling to me and I could swim forever.”

Ms. Archard can recall her grandmother feeling the same way.

“My grandmother was always a swimmer,” she said. “I remember when I would bring her down to the water — she lived a block or two away — and as soon as we made that turn to the bay she would inhale and say, ‘You smell that water? That can cure anything.’

“She believed if you had a cut and you went in the water it would heal right away,” she said. 

For safety reasons, a friend will ride alongside Ms. Archard in a kayak; another friend will be in a motorboat, making sure the way is clear. She will also wear a wetsuit and panty hose on her hands and feet to avoid jellyfish stings.

Her intention is to swim there and back — her grandmother is said to have done only one a one-way swim — but she’ll have to make the decision that day, depending on the currents and how crowded the water is.

She plans to depart from Sage Boulevard in Greenport “mid-morning,” she said, depending on water conditions.

“She won’t be swimming near the ferry, so I’m not too concerned in that sense,” said North Ferry manager Bridge Hunt. “I’ve known people who have swum across before. I can’t name names but it’s not the first time.”

Marilyn Flynn, 84, with her rescue dog Alec in her Cutchogue home Friday morning. (Credit: Cyndi Murray)

Marilyn Flynn has no regrets.

Less than 24 hours after her arrest and subsequent interrogation, the 84-year-old was calm while recounting the ordeal as she sat at her dining room table Friday morning.

“I feel fine. There is no other reason to feel otherwise,” Ms. Flynn said. “They are calling it petit larceny but it is an act of civil disobedience.”

As Ms. Flynn was eating dinner Thursday evening, two police officers knocked on her door. The officers cuffed her and escorted her down to the station on a petit larceny charge for stealing two signs that were promoting Cole Bros. Circus coming to Greenport.

Earlier that day, a passing motorist had observed her removing the signs from Main Road in Peconic. A circus employee then wished to pursue charges, police said.

The officers found the two stolen signs at Ms. Flynn’s home, police said.

A longtime critic of the Cole Bros. Circus, Ms. Flynn admitted to pulling the signs from the side of Main Road because she believes the organization promotes cruelty to elephants — forcing them to live in confined quarters while being mistreated by circus staff, she said.

She would have grabbed more signs, she said, had her car not interfered with traffic.

Ms. Flynn said she spent nearly two hours handcuffed to an interrogation table for questioning. She was then released on $100 bail and driven back to her Cutchogue home.

“I told one of the policeman who drove me home — who said it was nice meeting me under these very strange circumstances — thanks for the ride and got out of the car and went back home,” she said.

Southold Police Chief Martin Flatley said the department was obligated to arrest her, given the evidence.

“It was very clear that the owner of the signs wanted to pursue charges,” he said, adding that the signs were recovered.

This is Ms. Flynn’s first arrest, but she is no stranger to protesting the circus, which is returning to Greenport next weekend. She has previously helped organize and attended local protests against the circus and has also attended meetings asking the Greenport Fire Department to stop hosting the annual event.

“They don’t seem to realize that what they are doing is condoning animal cruelty,” she said. “The children that go to see the animals don’t know what they are looking at. If they knew how the elephants were being treated, they would have nightmares.”

Kenny White, who serves as chairman of the event for the Greenport Fire Department, said Friday there are no plans to cancel the circus.

“The animals are treated very, very well,” Mr. White said. “I have no problem. Just because a few people complain we still bring four to five thousand spectators in, so, to me it’s like the minority trying to rule the majority.”

Representatives of Cole Bros. Circus have repeatedly disputed allegations made by animal rights groups. On Friday, the company declined to immediately comment on Ms. Flynn’s arrest.

Ms. Flynn is due back in court at a later date, police said.

Cole Bros. Circus visits the Greenport Polo Grounds next Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25.

A protest is scheduled at 4 p.m. opening night.

Ms. Flynn plans to attend.

cmurray@timesreview.com

Joan Archard successfully reaches shore after swimming from Greenport to Shelter Island and back Saturday morning. (Credit: Claire Leaden)

She did it.

Joan Archard of Patchogue accomplished her goal of swimming from Greenport to Shelter Island (and back again) this morning.

Growing up, Ms. Archard always heard from her father and uncle that her grandmother, Margaret (Gilbride) O’Donnell, swam from Shelter Island to Greenport when she was in her 20s. When she needed a new item for her bucket list, Ms. Archard knew just what to add.

Ms. Archard left from shore about 9:40 a.m. near Brick Cove Marina in Greenport, the shortest distance between Greenport and Shelter Island at a little over half a mile. Her friend and coworker, Stephanie Hannigan, paddled alongside her in a kayak, and other friends and family rode in a motor boat cheering her on.

The first leg of the swim took about 30 minutes; she stopped once when a small seaplane landed in the water nearby.

“I could swim all day,” Ms. Archard said when she got to Shelter Island.

She decided to swim back the other way, the way her grandmother originally went, which took about 25 minutes.

“I just wanted to make sure there was no boat traffic,” Ms. Hannigan added. “It went well though.”

“I’m glad it’s done with,” Ms. Archard said. “So now when my family says ‘your grandmother swam from Shelter Island to Greenport’ I can say, ‘so did I!’ ”

Scroll below for more photos: 

A 31-year-old Greenport man was arrested for driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning after police observed him crossing the double yellow lines on Main Road in Cutchogue. 

Victor Gomez was stopped by police near the Cox Lane intersection shortly before 3 a.m.

He was transported to police headquarters and held overnight for an arraignment on a felony DWI charge.

A 48-year-old Greenport man was arrested for DWI Sunday night after he was observed leaving his lane of travel at the corner of First and South streets, Southold Town Police said. 

Lorenzo Gatica Pedroza “had an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath” when he was stopped shortly before 11 p.m. and he failed sobriety tests administered at the scene, police said.

Mr. Gatica Pedroza was transported to police headquarters for processing, police said.

Artist Ann Sage of Greenport holds a buoy painted by artist Jada Rowland, her ‘buoy bird’ is next to her: the others are by Rich Feidler, John Wissemann and Nancy Wissemann Widrig. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

Their purpose is to mark the location of underwater lobster traps, but later this month, they’ll become creative masterpieces.

The Stirling Historical Society in Greenport recently recruited 20 artists, most of them local, to paint vintage lobster buoys that will be auctioned off during a benefit gala this upcoming Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hanff’s Boat Yard on the corner of Main and Sterling Streets.

“Greenport is a wonderful town with a great nautical history and the Stirling Historical Society is really the keeper of that history,” said Cindy Pease Roe, a Greenport painter who conceived the idea for the event and is organizing it with Gail Horton, president of the historical society.

Tickets to the gala cost $75 and include a raw bar, local wine and beer, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment by local musician Grant Werner. Each of the 20 buoys, which were purchased from Triangle Sea Sales in Greenport, will have a minimum starting bid of $100. The evening’s proceeds will benefit the historical society’s efforts to install heat, air conditioning and a security system at Berber House, its archives building.

Featured artists are Ms. Roe, Ms. Horton, Megan Barron, Kathleen Bifulco, Randee Daddona, Rich Fiedler, Lori Guyer, Isabelle Haran-Leonardi, Eddie Martinez, Brenda Miller, Greenport mayor David Nyce, Emilia Olsen, Parker Roe, jada rowland, Ann Sage, Frank Uellendahl, Caroline Waloski, John Wissemann, Nancy Wissemann Widrig and Amy Worth.

Artists were given free reign to design their buoys, Ms. Roe said. Many feature depictions of the water, boats and mermaids.

She plans to paint the scene from her oil painting “Hanff’s Boat Yard” on the buoy she’s decorating.

“The buoys reflect each artist’s style, but they tie into the area very well and what Greenport is all about,” Ms. Horton said. On her buoy, she’s painting the names of all the boats built at Hanff’s Boat Yard from its inception until today.

“I live in Greenport and work in Greenport,” Ms. Roe said. “I would like to see the historical society raise enough money to improve their facility. Whatever they do really benefits Greenport in the long run — and anything that benefits Greenport, I’m behind.”

Tickets to the Stirling Historical Society’s Summertime Gala are available at Ireland House, C21 Greenport, Greenport Wines & Spirits, Salamander’s, Clarke’s Garden, Special Effects, Vines & Branches, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company and Sweet Indulgence. Guests are asked to wear nautical attire. Call the historical society at 477-3026 or email stirlinghistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Mitchell Park Marina (Credit: Cyndi Murray, file)

The cost of docking large boats at Mitchell Park Marina would increase next summer under a proposal from Trustee David Murray.

The price of docking at the newly renovated marina was “cheap” compared to Sag Harbor, the nearest deep-water harbor, Mr. Murray said. He requested the board consider raising the docking fee for large yachts to at least $5.50 per foot.

Currently, the village charges between $2.50 and $4 per foot depending on the day of the week. Comparatively, Sag Harbor charges up to $6 per foot for vessels more than 100 feet, according to its website.

“I think we can definitely get it,” Mr. Murray said. “We can really generate a lot of revenue.”

Mr. Murray’s proposal during Monday night’s Greenport Village board meeting came after village administrator Paul Pallas said more mega yachts were docking in Mitchell Park Marina than ever before. In June, the marina raked in roughly $9,000 more compared to this time last year, mainly because larger boats were staying in the harbor, Mr. Pallas said.

The influx of mega yacht is credited to the completion of $40,000 worth of electric upgrades at the marina, which was intended to bring larger ships to Greenport.

Mr. Murray said that he would continue to push for the rate increasing during the off-season.

“We are getting great money, but I think there is more to get,” said.  “It is why we did that project.”

cmurray@timesreview.com

The new Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. tasting room in Peconic is likely to remain open in August, though it still needs site plan approval. (Credit: Vera Chinese, file)

The Southold Town Planning Board has scheduled a special meeting next Monday to grant site plan approval for the new Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. tasting room in Peconic. 

Without site plan approval and a certificate of occupancy to open the tasting room, the new location could have to close for the first weekend in August after being allowed to operate on weekends in July using special events permits.

Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. owners Rich Vandenburgh and John Liegey told the Planning Board at its work session Monday that losing a weekend in the summer would create a hardship for their business, which opened at its first location on Carpenter Street in Greenport  five years ago and has spent more than $4 million over the past two years to expand brewing capacity and open the second tasting room.

“We’re desperate for financial success,” Mr. Vandenburgh said.

Town planning director Heather Lanza said another option for the brewery would be to serve its beer in an outside tent without opening the tasting room during the first weekend in August, since it does have an existing CO for the brewery space and, under that scenario, would not need one for the tasting room that weekend. She said she believes its unlikely the brewery could secure additional special event permits.

Mr. Liegey said having the tasting room open is crucial for the sale of retail merchandise, but Mr. Vandenburgh conceded that if opening the tasting room is not possible, they’d pursue whatever other options are available to them.

“Including selling pies by the roadside,” he joked.

Town planner Brian Cummings said the brewery is likely to pass another major hurdle this week when it is expected to receive health department approvals.

The Planning Board agreed to schedule the special meeting for Monday, July 28 at 4 p.m.

Mr. Vandenburgh said work on the property is more than 80 percent complete. By next week’s meeting the work should be complete with the exception of a few trees that will need to be planted and some gravel to be laid out in the parking areas.

gparpan@timesreview.com