Arts & Entertainment

Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (wearing sunflower towards rear of group) with colleagues from multiple levels of government, trade union members and leaders. Photo courtesy of Bontempi's office

On Friday, March 25th, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (Centerport) joined with a wide variety of elected officials from the town, county and state levels to call on the governor to prevent a ban on fuel connections in new construction.  Standing side-by-side with the electeds were trade union members and leaders, who spelled out very clearly what such a ban would mean – the loss of jobs and technologies that do not yet have full replacements.

“Although we can all confidently say that we are committed to the environment, we have to be realistic and fair in the policies we put in place,” said Bontempi.  “Seeing the increasing use of cleaner energy technologies is a positive thing, but we cannot pretend that everything older can be replaced overnight.  Newer technologies replacing older ones need to be adopted in stages so that we can properly adapt to the changes and ensure we are getting a better product or service in the end.”

Essentially, some of the proposals being considered by New York State lawmakers include banning the installation of natural gas and/or mixed use fuel connections in new construction by the year 2024.  Proposals of this nature are raising the ire of many in communities across the state who rely on fuels such as natural gas in a time when oil prices are rising quickly.

“We have to look at the needs of the people and balance them with the capabilities of the technologies that are available both new and old.  Doing anything less is shortsighted and dangerous,” added Bontempi.

Photo from Town of Brookhaven

Supervisor Ed Romaine (pictured with “Curby,” the Town’s recycling mascot) has announced that registration for the 14th Annual Great Brookhaven Clean Up is now open. The event, which is co-sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven’s Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management and TEACHERS Federal Credit Union, will be held on Saturday, May 14th at various locations throughout Brookhaven Town. It is part of a national effort by Keep America Beautiful, Inc. that draws over 500,000 volunteers in more than 15,000 communities across America who come together to pick up litter and clean miles of roadway, rivers, lakes, and more. In 2020 the Great Brookhaven Clean Up drew approximately 2,000 residents.

Supervisor Romaine said, “Keeping Brookhaven clean is a top priority of my administration and this is a great opportunity for people to do their part and make a difference in their community. I thank TEACHERS Federal Credit Union for their co-sponsorship, and I look forward to working with our residents on May 14th to help make Brookhaven a cleaner, greener place to live.”

Free gloves, trash bags and t-shirts will be provided by the Town for the Great Brookhaven Clean Up volunteers. The supplies will be available for pick up at the Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management’s third floor office at Town Hall by appointment only. Brookhaven Town Hall is located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville. Individuals or groups can register online for the Great Brookhaven Clean Up and get more information at the Town website or by calling 451-TOWN (8696).

Photo from TOB

On March 22, Supervisor Ed Romaine accepted a $4,000 check from DIME Chief Executive Officer Kevin M. O’Connor to co-sponsor the Town of Brookhaven’s 2022 community recycling events. Each year the Town holds two recycling events in each Council District that include paper shredding, e-waste disposal and a supervised prescription drug drop-off program.

The 12 scheduled recycling events will help residents properly dispose of sensitive documents which, when improperly discarded, can fall into the hands of identity thieves. Residents can also dispose of e-waste and expired prescription drugs in an environmentally safe manner. Pictured (left to right) are Supervisor Ed Romaine; DIME CEO Kevin M. O’Connor; Town Commissioner of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management, Christine Fetten; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Councilman Dan Panico and DIME Executive VP and Chief Banking Officer James J. Manseau.

The 2022 recycling events are open to all Brookhaven Town residents for their personal, household material. No business records or medical practices will be accepted. For more information, call 451-TOWN (8696) or visit www.brookhavenny.gov/recyclingevents.

Residents are urged to bring the following electronic items to be recycled:

TV’s VCR & DVD Players Computer Mice Printers
 Calculators Hard Drives Electronic Typewriters Circuit Boards
Projectors Camcorders Laptops Power Supplies
Radios/Stereos Servers Backup Batteries PDAs
Mainframes Pagers Monitors Routers
Telephones Scanners Cell Phones Answering Machines
Hubs Modems Fax Machines Keyboards
Copiers Cables Gameboys & other Handheld Electronic Toys

Documents brought in for shredding will be fed into an industrial shredder, enabling each participant to witness the secure destruction of sensitive papers. Paper can be brought in boxes or bags. Documents can remain stapled together, but paper clips and other metal must be removed along with any other contaminants such as rubber bands. The 2022 schedule of events are as follows:

CD-3 Councilman Kevin LaValle
Saturday, April 2 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach

CD-5 Councilman Neil Foley
Saturday, April 9 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Patchogue-Medford High School, 181 Buffalo Avenue, Medford

CD-1 Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich
Saturday, April 23 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station

CD-2 Councilwoman Jane Bonner
Saturday, April 30 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Rose Caracappa Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai

CD-4 Councilman Michael Loguercio
Saturday, May 21 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Brookhaven Town Hall, South Parking Lot, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville

CD-6 Councilman Dan Panico
Saturday, June 4 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
William Floyd Middle School, 630 Moriches-Middle Island Road, Moriches

CD-3 Councilman Kevin LaValle
Saturday, September 10 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook

CD-5 Councilman Neil Foley
Saturday, September 17 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Blue Point Fire Department, 205 Blue Point Avenue, Blue Point

CD-2 Councilwoman Jane Bonner
Saturday, October 1 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Rose Caracappa Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai

CD-6 Councilman Dan Panico
Saturday, October 15 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Center Moriches Library, 235 Montauk Highway, Center Moriches

CD-1 Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich
Saturday, October 22 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Setauket Fire Department, 394 Nicolls Road, Setauket

CD-4 Councilman Michael Loguercio
Saturday, November 5 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
South Country Public Library, 22 Station Road, Bellport

 

Cindy Smith

The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook has dedicated its current exhibit, Two Centuries of Long Island Women Artists, 1800-2000, to the memory of arts patroness and community activist Cindy M. Smith, a Stony Brook resident and long-time supporter of local artists.

The sign placed near the exhibit entrance reads: “This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Cindy M. Smith, a strong advocate for the arts and historic preservation in our community.” Ms. Smith, a Smithtown native who died last month of leukemia, was a frequent visitor to the museum as well as local galleries and cultural events across Long Island.

“Cindy was a passionate advocate for the arts as well as historic preservation, and quality of life in general on the North Shore,” said Warren Strugatch, her husband. “She felt women artists faced greater obstacles to success than men, and had to work harder to achieve recognition. She would have been first on line to see the exhibition if she were still alive.”

The well-reviewed exhibition includes works by such iconic women artists as Lee Krasner and Elaine de Kooning, as well as such contemporaries as April Gornik, Audrey Flack, and Jennifer Bartlett. The exhibition continues through Sept. 4. For more information, visit www.longislandmuseum.org.

Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (seated) and an aide, Caitlin Curry, examined the donated items. Photo from Leg. Bontempi's office

Recently, Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (Centerport) began an effort out of her district office in collaboration with the county executive to collect essential supplies for the people of Ukraine.  Bontempi called for a variety of items (e.g., cold weather clothing, boots, baby and medical supplies, etc.) that are so desperately needed by individuals in Ukraine, whether they have been displaced by the attacks or are fighting for their freedom.

Despite the short duration – due to logistical factors – of the supply drive, Bontempi’s office experienced overwhelming support for the effort.  In addition to other Suffolk County legislative offices participating in a similar fashion, various levels of government assisted with their own drives, as did numerous faith-based organizations and many others near and far.  The participation of generous donors to the numerous drives that materialized was so great that many partners in the undertaking called off collections earlier than anticipated due to exceeding storage capacity.

“We were absolutely overwhelmed, but not surprised, by the willingness of the residents to help out the people of Ukraine.  Despite what we learn from the media, there is still a tremendous amount of good in the world.  If we continue to stand up for freedom for all, good will triumph over evil,” said Bontempi.

Although some drives for supplies have been suspended, there remains a possibility of future rounds, should the conflict in Ukraine be a protracted one.  Bontempi’s office will certainly step up and inform the residents of future opportunities to assist if and when they are set in motion.

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank all those who have participated in this inspiring show of support,” added Bontempi.

Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, pictured with his dog Buddy, is participating in the 11th Annual Legislative Food Drive Challenge to collect pet food for the clients of Long Island Cares. Since 2009, Long Island Cares has provided free pet food and supplies to individuals and families in need, in an effort to enable them to keep their pets at home instead of placing them in shelters.

Legislator Trotta pointed out that, according to Long Island Cares, dog and cat food are the most requested items by their member agencies. “Pets keep many people going, giving them comfort and a reason to survive in difficult times, especially now with many people coping with the effects of COVID-19.  I am asking the kindand generous residents and pet lovers in my district to help out. Last year we collected about 1,000 pounds of pet food,” said Legislator Trotta.

The pet pantry is in need of canned and dry cat/dog food, cat/dog treats, birdseed, and food for fish, rabbits, and ferrets, as well as kitty litter and small new toys. The drive is from now until May 1. Donations may be dropped off, Monday through Friday, from 9am – 4pm, at Legislator Trotta’s office, 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1, Smithtown. For more information, please call his office at 631- 854-3900.

Photo courtesy of Pal-O-Mine

Save the date! Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc., a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, will hold its third annual Derby Stakes on Friday, May 6 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Unlike last year’s virtual event, this year’s Derby Stakes will be a live event at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, 829  Old Nichols Road, Islandia.

“We are so excited to bring our popular live Derby Stakes back for the enjoyment of Long Islanders,” said Pal-O-Mine Equestrian founder and CEO Lisa Gatti. “It is a wonderful family event in the fresh outdoors where people of all ages can enjoy watching our horses and staff compete in several fun races. In the program, we emulate the real Derby experience, from the trumpeter signaling the start of the races to a real life jockey announcing the horses and the outriders as they enter the arena. The winners are showered with ribbons and a wreath of flowers.” 

The Derby Stakes will feature Pal-O-Mine’s staff riding its horses in six competitive races that showcase both the herd’s versatility and the riders’ talent as horsemen and women. Among them will be a “Seattle Slow” walking race and a “Smoky Jones” canter race. Pre-race activities include interactive farm games, hat contest, paddock walk, craft fair and a photo booth. This year ‘s event will also have a Parade of Breeds showcasing many unique breeds of horses that Pal-O-Mine uses in their program. 

Admission is $10 per person (under 5 are free) and all donations from the event will go to supporting the care of the Pal-O-Mine herd of therapy horses. In addition to making a donation, there are sponsorship opportunities for Long Island families, businesses, associations, and civic groups. Call Tessa at 631-348-1389 for more information. 

The new Batteries Plus in Huntington.

Trusted expert for all things batteries, lightbulbs and phone repair, opens on March 28.

Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, lightbulb, key fob and phone repair franchise, is opening its newest locally owned and operated store in Huntington. Opening its doors on March 28 at 169 Walt Whitman Rd., Batteries Plus is dedicated to providing the community with quality products and services, all at affordable prices.

Batteries Plus Huntington will provide residents services for their automotive needs, such as free car battery testing and installations on most vehicles, and help keep their cell phone, key fob, laptop, and tablet batteries lasting longer and more efficiently. Each staff member has experience working with top brands and operating systems to give the best inspection for a device, including phone repair for broken and cracked screens. Also offering a range of products, such as: automotive batteries (ATV, snowmobile, motorcycle, car, marine, and golf cart), chargers, cell phone batteries, phone essentials, SLA batteries, alkaline batteries, and generators.

To celebrate the opening of the new store, Batteries Plus will be hosting a grand opening event on April 28, which will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony. The store will be offering free 4-pack AA Rayovac batteries throughout the day while supplies last, and guests will also have the opportunity to enter for the chance to win a Champion 3500W Remote Start Generator.

The new Batteries Plus location is owned and operated by the Lewis family, who lives in Huntington. Years back the family was on a road trip to Virginia when their truck broke down. Victor Lewis Sr. decided to stop into a Batteries Plus and search for a new car battery. He fell in love with the concept. A few years later Lewis Sr. lost a hard-fought battle with cancer. Now his wife Audrey, his daughter Netanya and two sons Victor Jr. and Joshua plan to run the business in his memory.

“Victor was a loving husband and an amazing man, he brought a smile to everyone’s face,” said Audrey. “Our goal is to bring a smile to every customers face when they walk into our Batteries Plus the same way Victor would have done.”

The Lewis family plans to open three locations with Audrey as their public relations contact, Netanya as their commercial representative, Victor Jr. as their general manager, and Joshua as a floor worker. The Huntington location will be accompanied by stores in Westbury and Franklin Square.

Throughout the pandemic, Batteries Plus locations across the country have remained open to help individuals, communities, and organizations keep their devices and electronic equipment, including laptops, hearing aids, medical devices like infusion pumps, monitors, carts on wheels, and more, running as smoothly as possible. Offering services to businesses, large and small throughout the community, Batteries Plus can make on-site assessments at each location and will provide services for lighting and fixtures, helping technology operate efficiently, repair damaged items and more. Batteries Plus of Huntington will be another option for customers and local businesses to fulfill their essential needs.

Founded in 1988 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Batteries Plus has become the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb and smartphone/tablet repair company.

“The Lewis family and the new Batteries Plus location will be an excellent addition to our team,” said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. “We are excited for the Lewis Family and their location to grow within their community and provide our products and services to their neighbors in Huntington.”

To find out more information about the new Huntington location, please visit https://www.batteriesplus.com/store-locator/ny/huntingtonstation/batteries-plus-547?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=bpb&storecode=547. The Huntington location is hiring visit them in person or call the store line for more information.

 ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS:

Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.

For additional information on the brand, visit www.batteriesplus.com.

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Stock photo
Dr. Kanika Kaur

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, yet it is one of the most preventable types of cancer. For 2021, the National Cancer Institute reported nearly 150,000 new cases diagnosed with approximately 53,000 fatalities. Affecting men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, colorectal cancer is most often found in people age 50 and older.

One of the biggest challenges physicians face when discussing colorectal cancer is debunking myths surrounding identifying and treating the disease. Catholic Health Gastroenterologist Kanika Kaur, MD, addressed what she commonly hears from patients.

Myth: There is nothing I can do to lessen my risk of colon cancer.

Fact: There is a lot people can do to reduce their risk of colon cancer. A diet low in red meat and processed meat, high in fruits and vegetables is very important. Smoking is a well-known risk factor for colon cancer along with many other cancers. Also, regular exercise may reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. The single biggest modifiable risk factor for colorectal cancer is failure to be screened. Colorectal cancers develop from pre-cancerous polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon and rectum. Screenings detect and allow doctors to remove polyps before they become cancerous.  Colonoscopy with polyp removal reduces the risk of developed colon cancer by up to 90%

Myth: Colorectal cancer is fatal.

Fact: Colorectal cancer is highly treatable, especially when detected early. More than 90% of patients with a localized cancer that is confined to the colon or rectum are alive five years after diagnosis. Sadly, about only one-third of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. A majority of cases are identified when the disease has spread beyond the wall of the colon or rectum and to other parts of the body. This decreases the chances of the cancer being cured.

Myth: I should only have a screening if I have symptoms.

Fact: This is false. The reality is that early colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms. This is why it is important to get screened. It is recommended all men and women age 45 and older should have a screening. Those with a personal or family history of colon cancer, a history of inflammatory bowel disease and those with symptoms such as rectal bleeding are considered at high risk and may need to be screened before the age of 45. Additionally, women with a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer may also need to be screened at an earlier age.

Myth: Only those with a family history of colon cancer are at risk.

Fact: Nearly three-quarters of all new colorectal cancer cancers are with individuals with no known risk factors for the disease.

Myth: Colorectal cancer affects only older, white men.

Fact: Colorectal cancer impacts men and women. Additionally, people of color are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in its advanced stages, suggesting that they may require colon cancer screening at a younger age.

Myth: A colonoscopy is a difficult procedure.

Fact: A colonoscopy is not painful. The most unpleasant part of the procedure is the preparation that is required the day before the exam. But this is important as an inadequate prep may lead to missed findings such as polyps or a need to repeat the procedure.

Myth: Finding a colon or rectal polyp means I have cancer and need surgery.

Fact: A polyp is a pre-cancerous lesion that, if not treated, can progress to cancer. If polyps are detected early and removed before they can progress, colon cancer can be prevented. Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy have been shown to prevent deaths from colon cancer – a fact that has been well demonstrated over time. Most polyps are treated by removing them during the colonoscopy. Even large polyps can be removed without surgery. 

More information on Catholic Health’s comprehensive colorectal cancer and digestive health services may be found by visiting chsli.org. To find a Catholic Health physician near you, please call (866) MY-LI-DOC.

About Catholic Health

Catholic Health is an integrated system encompassing some of the region’s finest health and human services agencies. The health system has 16,000 employees, six acute care hospitals, three nursing homes, a home health service, hospice and a network of physician practices.

This week’s featured shelter pet is Darcy who is available for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. This sweetheart was found by a good Samaritan as a stray. She is estimated to be around two years old and is spayed.

“We do not know what happened to make Darcy find herself homeless, but we know she desperately wants a family of her own.  She loves to get affection and would prefer a quiet home with other quiet demeanor pets,” said Smithtown Animal Shelter Supervisor Leigh Wixson. 

If you would like to meet Darcy, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). 

For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.