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Comsewouge Public Library, 170 Terryvile Road, Port Jefferson Station  will host a Job Fair on Tuesday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Presented by the Suffolk County Department of Labor’s One-Stop Employment Center, the fair will feature representatives from Suffolk Transportation, Amazon, Doyle Security Services, Stony Brook University, Gardaworld, Express Employment Professionals, First Student, Ideal Homecare Services, Trinity Solar, Sun River Health, Services for the Underserved, Center for Discovery, Citation Healthcare Labels, Developmental Disabilities Institute, Options for Community Living and more!

No registration required. Bring your resume and dress for success. For more information, call 631-928-1212.

Elizabeth Ostrove

King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc. has named Elizabeth Ostrove of Smithtown Chief Financial Officer. In her 36-year career with King Kullen, Ostrove has held a number of senior positions, most recently serving as Vice President & Controller of  Finance. The announcement was made by King Kullen President & Chief Operating Officer Joseph W. Brown following a vote by the King Kullen Board of Directors.

“Liz has overseen the Accounting, Finance and Payroll Departments for many years and has been involved in a number of complex initiatives throughout her tenure with King Kullen,” said Brown. “She is a dedicated employee who consistently gives her all to every task, project, and assignment. Her contributions to the King Kullen organization are considerable and I know everyone joins me in congratulating Liz on her new role as Chief Financial Officer.”

Headquartered in Hauppauge, King Kullen is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as American’s first supermarket. Founded in 1930 by Michael J. Cullen, King Kullen operates 29 supermarkets and five Wild by Nature stores in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

At the check presentation, from left, 3VDF board member Chris Carson; Billy Williams from State Farm; 3VDF President David Tracy, and 3VDF board member Steve Uniszkiewicz. Photo from Billy Williams

Setauket State Farm agent Billy Williams has a long history of demonstrating what it means to be a Good Neighbor by stepping up to help his community. Williams recently presented the Three Village Dads Foundation (3VDF) with a $10,000 grant from State Farm® as part of the company’s Outstanding Community Engagement Program.

The Three Village Dads Foundation was selected by Williams as part of his recognition for being one of 100 agents nationwide who were nominated and selected for their outstanding community engagement. A check presentation was held on June 1.

“At State Farm, we are committed to helping build stronger communities,” said Williams. “For me, it’s not enough to simply say we’re a Good Neighbor, but we also embrace the responsibility to make Setauket better by being a part of a solution.”

3VDF is committed to being community builders who make a difference in the Three Village area. The team hosts a variety of events, such as golf outings and triathlons, to raise funds for the community. One of 3VDF’s current top initiatives is to raise funds for Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. The mission is to help kids win the battle against cancer and the Foundation has already reached $60,000 of its $100,000 fundraising goal.

“We are humbled and honored that Billy would choose our Foundation as the recipient of these funds. We look forward to putting this money to great use in the very near future. Thank you Billy and thank you State Farm!,” said David Tracy, President.

The Three Village Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner on June 15 was a night of celebration.

The 2022-23 chamber board was sworn in by Valerie Cartright, New York State Supreme Court justice and former Town of Brookhaven councilwoman.

This year, for outstanding service to the entire chamber, the Member of the Year award was presented to Colette Frey-Bitzas. She has been a member of the chamber for more than 15 years, according to a press release from the chamber.

“She has volunteered countless hours while serving as second vice president and as chair of the programing committee,” the press release continued. “Being aware of the needs of our business community, she has led the program committee to host programs that are of value to the chamber members. During COVID she made sure members stayed connected through regular Zoom meetings, many of which focused on the challenges business faced during that unprecedented time.”

Frey-Bitzas is financial planning director at PPS Advisors. She also serves as co-chair of Three Village Industry Advisory Board which provides opportunities for Ward Melville High School students to meet with local business leaders. She is a member of the Stony Brook Hospital Compliance & Audit Committee of the Governing Body and is an adjunct professor at Molloy College.

The event held at the Three Village Inn in Stony Brook also included the presentation of the Roy Dragotta Award to attorney Ron Lavita for outstanding commitment to and participation in the chamber. The award is named after the chamber founder.

The Harold Pryor Award for community service was awarded to Joan Dickinson, assistant vice president of community relations at Stony Brook University. Pryor was the former president of the United Transportation Union representing Long Island Rail Road trainmen. He became chamber president in 1978.

— Rita J. Egan

Pictured from left, Akiva Rudner, COO of CareRite Centers; Santa Espinal, RN, Director of Nursing Services; Stephanie Malone, Administrator; Leg. Leslie Kennedy; Comptroller John Kennedy; Neal Einhorn, Co-Founder and Principal of CareRite Centers; Valerie Pierre, Marketing and Community Liaison; Assemblyman Michael J. Fitzpatrick; and Mark Friedman, Co-Founder and Principal of CareRite Centers, Photo courtesy of The Hamlet

The Hamlet Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, 100 Southern Blvd., Nesconset recently unveiled their newly-renovated healing center to the community with a ribbon-cutting event that included a tour of the renovated lobby and dining areas. 

The event was attended by Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Suffolk Comptroller John Kennedy and New York State Assemblyman Michael J. Fitzpatrick who presented proclamations.

“We are so excited to share these premier renovations with our Nesconset community,” shared Stephanie Malone, Administrator of The Hamlet Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center at Nesconset. “We are so proud to showcase The Hamlet as an all-encompassing center to not only rejuvenate and recover, but to do so in a luxurious healing environment.” 

Along with their reimagined dining space and lobby, as a member of the CareRite Centers network, the Hamlet has partnered with Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell, Food Network star and host of shows such as primetime franchise Worst Cooks in America, Chef Wanted, and Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. 

“When you work at The Hamlet, you truly work as a family. We find ourselves fortunate to care for our residents in such a beautiful space, supported by a team who keeps our patients and team members’ interests top of mind at all times,” added Malone.

The Hamlet Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center at Nesconset is a member of the CareRite Centers Network. CareRite Centers supports the subacute and long-term skilled nursing populations in New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Florida. For more information, call 631-361-8800 or visit www.hamletrehab.com.

Krupski Farm has been acquired by Del Vino Vineyards.

Northport-based Del Vino Vineyards provides an expanded estate growing footprint in Riverhead, and opportunity for more grape growing and a new tasting room location.

Del Vino Vineyards announced today that they have closed on the purchase of the Krupski Farm, a 30-acre property of pastureland land which is agriculturally preserved that will be converted to vineyards in Riverhead.

The property, nestled between Sound Avenue and Northville Turnpike in Riverhead, has been owned by prominent local farmers since 1966.

Krupski Farm has been acquired by Del Vino Vineyards.

This purchase adds valuable acres to Del Vino Vineyards winegrowing footprint in the Long Island region, which aligns with one of the company’s long-term strategies of becoming more vertically integrated by farming more fruit from their own vineyards. Del Vino Vineyards in Northport, located on 12 acres, is currently home to 7 varieties of grapes. In addition to the farming land, Del Vino Vineyards plans to operate as a new tasting room destination, likely opening sometime in 2024.

“We believe in building a wine company that invests back into the community and the industry that it’s a part of. Bringing the Krupski Family Farm into our portfolio shifts us towards having the majority of our production coming from our own vineyards, which is a huge part of our long-term vision,” said Fred Giachetti, Owner of Del Vino Vineyards. “The vineyard management team at Del Vino Vineyards has done an exceptional job of maintaining an eye on quality, and we’re incredibly excited about our expansion.”

Lisa Giachetti, Del Vino Vineyards owner commented further, “the Krupski Farm presents an opportunity for us to serve our existing fans in a new location, but it will also allow us to attract and engage new customers in the Long Island Wine Country region, which is an exciting proposition. We’re thrilled to be growing our Del Vino vineyard acreage and our staff with this acquisition.”

To learn more about Del Vino Vineyards, please visit www.delvinovineyards.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @delvinovineyards

METRO photo

Island Federal Credit Union (Island Federal) has announced a new mortgage program to make it more affordable for first-time buyers to purchase a home on Long Island. For those who qualify, Island Federal’s Cut-the-Cost Mortgage Program reduces closing costs up to $5,000.

“Throughout our history, Island Federal has offered innovative programs to make homeownership possible for more Long Islanders. In 2018, we introduced the Dream it. Achieve it. Mortgage to allow up to 100% financing. We also offer the Heroes Mortgage that waives underwriting fees (approximately $600) for those who serve in the military, education, medical, or other service professions. The Cut-the-Cost Mortgage Program is the latest addition to the suite of products that enable first-time buyers to afford a home,” said Bret W. Sears, President/CEO, Island Federal.

“The Cut-the-Cost Mortgage Program is a terrific program for the first-time buyer as Island Federal provides up to $5,000 towards closing costs for those who qualify. While there are other mortgage programs that claim to offer ‘no closing costs,’ purchasers discover that their programs do not cover all fees. With our program, buyers will know what the costs will be, so there will be no surprises at closing,” added Tim Aaraas, Vice President/Retail Lending.

Aaraas continues, “In addition to specialized programs, Island Federal offers no-obligation seminars that review the mortgage process from application to closing. For Spanish-speaking home buyers, Island has mortgage professionals that are bilingual. To make it more convenient to apply, we have an Island-Easy Online Mortgage application that can be completed in as little as 10 minutes. Most of us dream of owning our own home. At Island, we want to make that possible.”

To learn more about Island Federal’s Mortgage options, visit www.islandfcu.com/mortgage.

Pictured from left, Lisa Bloom, PJCC Member Administrator; Leigh Ann Garofalo,Wellness Director; President/Owner-Tom Fusco; Barbara Fusco, CFO; and Mary Joy Pipe, PJCC President. Photo from PJCC

It was a time to celebrate. Wu Wei Wellness in Port Jefferson Station held a grand opening celebration on June 4. The event also featured a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (PJCC). 

Well over 50 people were in attendance with a large display of hospitality including champagne, wine, salads, sandwiches and sweets and a sound system.

Located in the Davis Professional Park, 5225 Nesconset Hwy., Building 7, Unit #41-42, the wellness center is designed to help you prevent illness and achieve a healthier way of living. Through their modern holistic approach they help transform people’s lives for the better. They specialize in acupuncture, allergy desensitization, sports rehab, functional nutritional assessment, yoga & meditation and ionization detox. To schedule a wellness appointment or to sign up for a class, call 631-828-4976. For more information, visit www.wuweiwellnessli.com

Pictured from left, Lisa Bloom, PJCC Member Administrator; Leigh Ann Garofalo,Wellness Director; President/Owner-Tom Fusco; Barbara Fusco, CFO; and Mary Joy Pipe, PJCC President.  Photo from PJCC

From left, King Kullen Vice President for Corporate Strategy and Initiatives Tracey Cullen; Family and Children’s Association Vice President and Chief Development Officer Craig L. Pinto; and King Kullen Vice President Perishables Richard Conger. Photo from King Kullen

King Kullen Grocery Co. has donated $10,000 to benefit summer camp programs for disadvantaged children in Nassau and Suffolk counties, a tradition begun by King Kullen more than three decades ago.

The donation will be divided evenly between Family & Children’s Association and Family Service League.

“Camp provides a stimulating and fun environment where children can learn new activities and meet other children their age,” King Kullen president and COO Joseph W. Brown said in a company statement. “King Kullen’s gift will help fund scholarships for children whose families lack the resources for summer camp. It’s a great opportunity and we thank our customers for helping to make the donation possible through our ‘Send A Kid to Camp’ campaign.” 

All King Kullen and Wild by Nature stores are participating in this summer’s scanned coupon “Send a Kid to Camp” program, allowing customers to contribute $5, $2, or $1 at the register.

“The gifts we receive from individuals and corporations like King Kullen make it possible for us to provide these wonderful experiences for Long Island’s young people,” said Family and Children’s Association Vice President and Chief Development Officer Craig L. Pinto. “We thank King Kullen for all their support over the years.” 

Family Service League Chief Development Officer Jonathan Chenkin also said his group is grateful for the donation.

“These camps are often the highlight of the year for the children we help,” he said.

Photo from Huntington Hospital

By Miriam Sholder

Huntington Hospital has earned the coveted Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which recognizes excellence in nursing.

Huntington is the only hospital with a fifth consecutive designation on Long Island – the first in the Northwell health system, second in New York State and 32nd in the United States.

The Magnet Recognition Program® spotlights health care organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. Developed by ANCC, Magnet is the leading source of successful nursing practices and strategies worldwide. Only 586 hospitals worldwide have achieved Magnet® status for nursing excellence since the program’s inception in 1983.

“Our nursing staff is known for upholding the highest standards of nursing,” said Susan Knoepffler, RN, chief nursing officer at Huntington Hospital. “With this accomplishment, our community is assured high quality compassionate care by our talented and dedicated nurses.”

The 371-bed hospital employs 600 nurses, 1,900 employees and specializes in neurosurgery, orthopedics and cancer care.

“The Magnet designation five consecutive times indicates this is no fluke,” Dr. Nick Fitterman, executive director of Huntington Hospital, said. “This represents consistent, high-quality care by a dedicated, professional, extraordinary nursing staff. The Magnet designation provides the foundation of care that has propelled Huntington Hospital to CMS 5-star recognition. The only Hospital in Suffolk County to achieve this.” He added, “The nursing staff continue to excel even while around the country we see health care workers burning out, leaving the profession. The staff here remain as committed as ever.”