As Long Island Catholics looked ahead to Pope Francis’ funeral and wondered who the next pope will be, they remember him for his welcoming spirit, his kindness toward the poor, and his willingness to push the boundaries of what was acceptable to the traditional faithful. As reported in Newsday, Bishop John Barres, head of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, who leads 1.2 million Catholics on Long Island, stated yesterday that "Pope Francis’ passionate love for the Church and the world ... will continue to inspire us as the Holy Spirit leads us further into the 21st century."

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul directed flags to be lowered to half-staff. Francis’ "leadership transcended religious boundaries," Hochul said in a statement. "He embodied the values Christ taught us every day: helping the less fortunate, calling for peace, and ensuring every person is treated as a child of God. As a Roman Catholic, I join billions across the globe as we mourn the passing of a true spiritual leader.”

"Compassion, not doctrine, was his ministry," said Richard Koubek, who previously served as public policy administrator for Catholic Charities of Long Island and now coordinates faith-based justice advocacy for Long Island Jobs with Justice. "As a result, he suffered more criticism from within his church than any pope in memory. It did not deter him. He was unwavering in carrying out Christ’s original message: 'love one another as I have loved you,' especially the 'least of my brothers and sisters.'"

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Southold’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) is holding a “Synergy Summit” this morning, the first of quarterly meetings it’s expecting to hold in the future.

Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that the Synergy Summit is a leadership-focused event designed to bring together organizations that support the vitality of the community, with the objective of knowledge sharing, addressing community needs, and collaboration for efficiency and effectiveness, according to the EDC.

Southold’s Economic Development Committee plans to spur the group to develop and implement an Action Plan, with the goal of economic sustainability.

The summit, which is open to leaders of organizations that make an impact in the Town of Southold, is today from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Raphael Vineyards in Cutchogue. Light bites and coffee will be served.

The meeting will begin with introductions from organizations, and a discussion of the group’s mission, purpose, initiatives and programs, followed by a Roundtable Discussion and the creation of an Action Plan.

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Today is Earth Day, and there are numerous local events celebrating the occasion including this evening's panel discussion at the Unitarian Universalists of Southold…where they will explore Gardening for Change…from 6:15 pm – 8:00 pm. at the UU Meeting House, 51900 Main Road, Southold.

Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that April’s social action event at the UU Meeting House is all about nature, climate change, and practical things we can do (or advocate for) to help improve our environment, water, air – and potentially calm our nerves along the way. Several North Fork environmental groups will give an elevator pitch, followed by a panel of experts.

Expect practical advice on how homeowners can transform their piece of earth into a home for birds and pollinators. Panelists will discuss why each environmental choice we make creates a ripple effect, influencing friends and neighbors.

This evening’s theme revolves around gardening, landscaping and commercial plant growing.

That’s today at 6:15 pm (starting with a demo outside) at the UU Meeting House, 51900 Main Road, Southold.

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The Trump administration renewed its threats against New York over congestion pricing yesterday, demanding that the state halt the tolling plan or risk the loss of federal funding...