The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve is sponsoring a photography contest for photographers and artists!! The winning image of this 18th-century tide mill will be printed on the labels of a custom brew issued by Six Harbors Brewing Company this August, and the winner will be celebrated at a special awards ceremony at the brewery.
For creative inspiration, take a tour of the mill operated by the Huntington Historical Society, paddle your kayak to the end of Puppy Cove, or visit us at www.huntingtontidemill.org.
“The Lefferts Tide Mill is a place where you can capture the essence of the beautiful setting that has been home to the Tide Mill for 231 years,” commented Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano, the Executive Director.
The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve is a not-for-profit organization, established in 2013, with a mission to preserve and protect an 18th century tide mill, located in the Village of Lloyd Harbor, that is the best-preserved tidal grist mill in the United States.The mill design is based on U.S. Patent No. 3 for an “automatic mill” signed by President George Washington.The mill pond has flourished into a haven for native and migratory waterfowl, contributing significantly to the region’s biodiversity.
Photos and camera ready drawings should be submitted toClaudia Fortunato-Napolitano, Executive Director, at [email protected] or mailed to Lefferts Mill at P.O. Box 1482, Huntington, NY 11743, by June 30, 2024.
Winners in the 3D printed category: pictured from left, Jashmin Futch of TFCU; third place winner Stella Bond, Bridgehampton School; second place winner Landon Tully, Accompsett Middle School; first place winner Srihas Mandava, Accompsett Middle School; and Robert Caradonna of BNL Photo by Jessica Rotkiewicz/Brookhaven National Laboratory
A big blue shark, an array of pirate ships, and a propeller-driven water bottle were among student-made magnetic levitation vehicles that floated down the tracks at the 2024 Maglev Competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton on March 20.
Students from middle schools across Long Island became engineers at the annual contest, designing and refining their maglev creations to log their fastest travel time. A total of 150 students from 10 local middle schools including Accompsett Middle School and Great Hollow Middle School of Smithtown submitted vehicles in hopes of earning top spots in eight categories judging speed and appearance.
The competition is inspired by technology pioneered by two Brookhaven Lab researchers, the late Gordon Danby and James Powell, who invented and patented superconducting maglev — the suspension, guidance, and propulsion of vehicles by magnetic forces.
“The Maglev Contest is unique in the way it provides students with an open environment to tinker, tweak, and test their vehicle designs in order to achieve the best possible outcome,” said competition coordinator Jonathan Ullmann, a senior education programs representative for the Lab’s Office of Educational Programs. “This process is very similar to how the scientists and engineers work on big research projects here at Brookhaven Lab.”
During the awards ceremony, the students heard from Robert Caradonna, a federal project manager at the DOE-Brookhaven Site Office, about his role in overseeing large design and construction of scientific research facilities including the current project to construct the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) — a new discovery machine that physicists will use to explore the building blocks of matter — and the previous effort to construct the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), a DOE Office of Science user facility where interdisciplinary researchers explore materials.
Students use math, science, and technology principles to optimize the design of their vehicles. The competition day also brings out their creativity and resourcefulness on the fly: one student fixed their math homework to their vehicle to use as a sail on the contest’s wind-powered track; another student attempted to fill a disposable glove with air to propel their vehicle down a flat track after their original balloon broke.
“That’s what it’s all about — for them to troubleshoot and figure it out,” said David Driscoll, a technology teacher at Albert G. Prodell Middle School. “They’re learning to have patience, think through things, change things up, and make adjustments.”
Students who opted to compete in this year’s appearance categories went for unique and eye-catching designs that included a leek (the vegetable) used as a vehicle body, hand-painted artwork from a favorite show, and color-changing lights. A host of 3D-printed creations traveled down the tracks, too, including train cars, a racecar, and an intricate lizard.
This was the first year that the Bridgehampton School’s STEAM Team — a before-school club — entered 3D-printed vehicles into the competition after learning how to use 3D printers and a modeling program.
“We’ve been using MakerBot 3D printers and Tinkercad; the kids have been having a blast on it,” said Lou Liberatore, a fifth-grade teacher at Bridgehampton.
Mallory Dougherty, also a fifth-grade teacher at Bridgehampton, added: “We’re really excited to be in that category. They really picked up on it. They impressed us with how they were about to figure out how it all works.”
Congratulations to the following winners:
Speed categories
Self-propelled (balloon)
First place: Andrew Oliveri, Bay Shore Middle School; Second place: Ghaleb Rashid, Bay Shore Middle School; and Third place: Landon Wernersbach, Bay Shore Middle School
Self-propelled (other)
First place: Owen Huber, Bay Shore Middle School; Second place: Caleb Leichtman, Bay Shore Middle School; and Third place: Indigo O’Neill, Bay Shore Middle School
Electrified track
First place: Chase Harrison, Bay Shore Middle School; Second place: Jordan Patron, Bay Shore Middle School; and Third place: Ethan Rodriguez, Bay Shore Middle School
Wind power
First place: Jordyn Lusak, Albert G. Prodell Middle School; Second place: Brody Morgan, Great Hollow Middle School; and Third place: Alex Manessis, Accompsett Middle School
Gravity
First place: Jonah Maraglio, Albert G. Prodell Middle School; Second place: Eva Cabrera, Bay Shore Middle School; and Third place: Doris Lu, Great Neck South Middle School
Appearance categories
Futuristic
First place: Aylin Tucksonmez, Albert G. Prodell Middle School; Second place: Jeremy Schember, Great Hollow Middle School; and Third place: Alexander Radek, Great Hollow Middle School
Scale model
First place: Quentin Lennox, Marcus Chang, & Lucas Chang, Great Neck South Middle School; Second place: Owen Anderson, Albert G. Prodell Middle School; and Third place: Brendan D’Agostino, Berner Middle School
3D printed
First place: Srihas Mandava, Accompsett Middle School; Second place: Landon Tully, Accompsett Middle School; and Third place: Stella Bond, Bridgehampton School
'One Dog, Two Bites' by Robert V. Guido, last year's grand prize winner in the Children's category. Photo courtesy of Gurwin
Calling all photographers! Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is now accepting applications for its 31st annual Photo Contest.
Amateur photographers and students are invited to submit their best photos for a chance to win a recognition award and cash prizes and the opportunity to have their work permanently displayed in the Center’s renowned Tiffen Gallery for the enjoyment of residents, staff and visitors.
The Contest garners nearly 1000 submissions each year from across the globe which are judged by a panel of professional photographers for clarity, composition, subject matter and suitability for display at the nursing and rehabilitation center.
Grand Prize, Honorable Mentions, as well as a Best-in-Show winner will be awarded in 12 categories: Landscapes, Travel, People, Pets, Children, Wildlife, Nature, Still Life, Student, Altered/Enhanced, Long Island/ New York and Action/ Sports. Gurwin residents and staff also weigh-in on their favorites for a “Resident/ Staff Selection” winner.
Photos chosen by the judges are enlarged to 20×28 prints, beautifully framed and displayed in Gurwin’s 460-bed nursing and rehabilitation center.
“Each year we are so very impressed by the incredible work submitted and grateful for the support shown to our Center, and in turn, the residents in our care,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gurwin Healthcare System.
Entry forms are available for download at bit.ly/GurwinPhotoContest or via email at [email protected]. Contestants may submit up to seven printed black and white or color8” x 10” or 8” x 12’ photographs at a nominal fee of $5 per entry. Deadline for submissions is April 15. Winners are revealed at an awards presentation ceremony in early summer.
For more information, call the Gurwin Corporate Communications office at 631- 715-2562 or 631-715-2569.
The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, in partnership with TBR News Media of Setauket, has announced the launch of a Sea Glass Fiction Contest. This exciting competition invites students in grades 3 to 12 from Nassau and Suffolk counties to unleash their creativity by crafting stories inspired by a piece of sea glass.
Students are asked to craft a story inspired by the above sea glass fragment.
The contest, which kicked off this month, challenges participants to imagine a unique journey for the selected sea glass fragment chosen by The Whaling Museum and to weave a captivating tale around it. The winning stories will have the chance to be read at the museum’s annual Sea Glass Festival, a prestigious event celebrating sea glass and its significance in maritime history.
“Sea glass has a way of capturing the imagination, and we can’t wait to read the imaginative stories that come out of this unique contest,” said Nomi Dayan, Executive Director at The Whaling Museum.
Entries must be submitted electronically through the submission form on The Whaling Museum website by April 30, 2024. The contest is free to enter, and all works must be original and written solely by the author. Only residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties are eligible to participate.
“We look forward to the opportunity to celebrate and highlight the creative tales of students in the area,” said Daniel Dunaief, a journalist with TBR News Media. “Entrants can envision ways a piece of glass, shaped by water and time, provides a clue in a compelling narrative.”
Winners will be notified on or about June 1-7, 2024, and select winning entries will be eligible for publication in TBR News Media and on The Whaling Museum’s website. TBR will also highlight the winners in a weekly podcast. In addition, contest winners will receive complimentary tickets to The Whaling Museum’s Sea Glass Festival, held on July 21, 2024, where they will be recognized with a certificate.
“We are grateful to TBR News Media for partnering with us on this contest and helping to bring these young writers’ stories to a wider audience,” added Dayan.
For more information on the Sea Glass Fiction Contest, including guidelines and submission details, please visit cshwhalingmuseum.org/seaglasscontest.
From left, Jefferson’s Ferry’s President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Caulfield, Director of Admissions Dawn Flowers-Leib, Director of Housekeeping Patti Gallagher, Culinary Manager Heidi Vargas, Assistant Director of Nursing Kathy Koutouvidis, Director of Nursing Richelle Rugolo, and Vice President of Health Services Anthony Comerford. Photo courtesy of Jefferson's Ferry
Resident survey scores Jefferson’s Ferry in top 15% nationwidein skilled nursing care
For the sixth year running, the Vincent Bove Health Center at Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community in South Setauket has received the Pinnacle Quality Insight Customer Experience Award for outstanding resident satisfaction and overall achievement in skilled nursing care.
The Pinnacle Award process examines “Best in Class” service in skilled nursing over a 12-month period of study by surveying residents and their families about the quality of 14 target areas: Nursing care, activities, dining services/food quality, cleanliness, laundry services, therapy services, response to problems, dignity and respect, individual needs, would they recommend to others, the overall customer experience and satisfaction by residents or family members. The survey placed the health center in the top 15% of skilled nursing facilities nationwide.
“For more than 20 years, Jefferson’s Ferry, Long Island’s first Life Plan Retirement Community, has set a high bar for extraordinary care,” said Jefferson’s Ferry President and CEO Bob Caulfield. “We strive every day to provide the highest quality care experience in a community setting that respects individuality and promotes dignity, privacy, and independence for every resident. The Pinnacle Award is a direct reflection of our families’ recognition of the outstanding work that our staff performs on a daily basis and a vote of confidence that all of us take very seriously.”
The survey sampling of Vincent Bove Health Center residents and their families takes place over the course of a year with monthly telephone interviews that ask the participants open-ended questions to rate their experiences in the specific categories. Jefferson’s Ferry staff receive that feedback each month to gain a better understanding of emerging resident needs and make improvements when necessary.
“The Pinnacle Award is especially meaningful to our caregivers and other staff, as the results come directly from the people they help on a daily basis,” explained Anthony Comerford, Vice President of Health Service at Jefferson’s Ferry.
“It is important to know that we are consistently hitting the mark, meeting or exceeding the best standards or practices within our industry. Our goal is always to provide residents with the peace of mind to live their best life here. The staff and residents form close relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and quality care,” he said.
“Answer the question, same category…Name the killer in Friday the 13th.”
Ghostface, the masked slasher in Scream, dishes out a fatal round of movie trivia over the phone to Drew Barrymore’s character in the heart-pounding opening of the 1996 meta-horror classic.
Over in Huntington, in the summer of 1997 when Scream was newly available on VHS, Daniel French, now 38, remembers his parents bringing the movie home—making sure to send their kid to bed before watching the R-rated stab-a-thon unfold. But French, obsessed with movies from a young age, snuck out of his bedroom and watched the entire thing from the hallway that led into the living room.
Daniel French. Photo courtesy of CAC
It was a viewing that “blew his mind,” with all the film references in Scream ultimately sending him down a path of discovery of other movies and deep-dives into directors, from John Carpenter to Alfred Hitchcock.
“Movies have been my number one, constant passion ever since,” said French, the host of Cinema Arts Centre’s monthly Movie Trivia Night since 2016. But no worries, the game of trivia that usually takes place the first Monday of each month in the theater’s Sky Room Café is “much less dire” than Ghostface’s.
“I just want everyone to do well and have fun. When you think about the Cinema Arts Centre, you think independent films, foreign films, less mainstream movies, but I don’t want people to think they have to know who directed ‘M.’ It’s everything: a well-rounded, accessible experience for everybody.”
For every trivia night, French devises a fresh batch of 50 questions across five rounds revolving around film, actors and actresses, famous needledrops, awards, and more.
One such question in a previous trivia was “What actress won Best Supporting Actress for ‘My Cousin Vinny?’” For one of the music rounds, the hint was “Directed by John Hughes” followed by a clip of “Danke Schoen” from…Anyone? Anyone? Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
A tense tie-breaker was a reading of the cast list, from the bottom to top, of Jaws; the first team to correctly guess the movie title based on its minor actors won.
French, who joked that he battles with his film geek self not to have a whole category dedicated to the works of David Lynch, does bring a personal flair to the questions: “You know that during Halloween, there’s going to be a Scream question, and you better believe there’s going to be a question about one of my favorite movies Carol and a The Nice Guys question for Christmas.”
Each team writes their answers on a sheet of paper that’s graded and at the end of the night, there’s a final tally to determine the winner. With an average of 50 to 60 people attending the event every month, French says there’s no limit to the amount of people on each team—but keep in mind that the winning team earns a cash prize of $100; the second place team receives up to four Cinema Arts Centre gift cards, with a value of $24 each; and the third place team gets to come up with a category for the next month’s trivia.
Plus, concessions, including the beloved CAC popcorn, are open late so “you can have some snacks, have a beer or two, and just talk movies.”
French, who works in insurance full-time and is married with two kids, said of getting to host the event every month, “It’s incredible and just so much fun. It’s something I genuinely enjoy doing, I like seeing the regulars, and it blows my mind every time that people keep coming back. It’s a special feeling for me personally and it’s a good little community that we’ve built. I’m surprised they’re letting me get away with it still!”
Since French was old enough to get into bars, he’s been participating in trivia nights. But he’s the first to admit that when there weren’t movie or TV categories included in general trivia, he’d get upset. “I’ve got a specific set of skills that I’m pretty good at, but if those don’t come up, it’s tough sledding,” he laughed. But in 2014, he started going to movie-only trivia at his go-to theater, Cinema Arts Centre.
For two years, he gathered to eat, drink, compete, and talk about movies, even forming a close friendship with a rival team member—when she got married years later, he was in her wedding party. “You keep showing up, talking to people, and you already know you got one thing in common: a love of movies,” he said. The event had a rotating cast of hosts throughout this stretch, and in April 2016, he eventually approached the theater about giving the job a shot.
“Daniel French and his super entertaining Movie Trivia Night have become a fixture here at Cinema Arts Centre,” said Dylan Skolnick, co-director of the theater. “This event is a delight for true movie lovers, especially those with a competitive streak.”
Located at 423 Park Avenue in Huntington, the Cinema Arts Centre will host Movie Trivia Nights on Jan. 8, Feb. 12 and March 4. Tickets are $10 per person, $7 members at www.cinemaartscentre.com or at the box office. For more information, call 631-423-7610.
The winners of the 2023 Annual Gurwin Photo Contest were revealed at an evening awards presentation recently at a gallery-style cocktail reception hosted by the contest’s new partner, the Commack Public Library. Winning photos will remain on display in the Library’s new gallery through the end of the year.
Thirty-two winning selections were revealed, as the amateur photographers and their guests received their award prizes and trophies and got a first glimpse of their beautifully mounted and professionally framed photographs on display in the Library’s lower level gallery. Following the month-long residence in the Library, the stunning photos will be featured in the Tiffen Gallery at Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack for the enjoyment of the community’s 460 long- and short-term residents, staff and visitors.
“This year marks the 30th anniversary of our renowned Gurwin Photo Contest,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gurwin Healthcare System. “Each year we are so very impressed by the incredible work of the talented members of our community and grateful for the support they show our Center, and in turn, the residents in our care.”
Selections the 2023 winning photos were conducted by Tony Lopez of East End Film & Digital Corporation, and Chris Appoldt of Chris Appoldt Photography, as well as new judge Chris Geminski of the Tiffen Company, long-time sponsor of the Gurwin Photo Contest. The three experts chose the “best of the best” from among hundreds of entries in the annual contest.
Best-in-Show went to perennial winner Donna Crinnian of Huntington for her photo “Somewhere in India” and Best-In-Show Runner-Up went to Eric Lohse of Connecticut for “Fishing the Farmington.” Grand Prize and Honorable Mention (HM) awards were awarded in each of 12 categories, as well as a Resident/Staff Selection award for photos selected through a vote by the residents and employees of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Action/Sports: Grand Prize “Surfer Girl” by Frank DiBenedetto; HM “To the Crease” by Mike DiRenzo
Altered/Enhanced: Grand Prize “Dahlias in a Vase” by Carol Goldstein; HM “A Pair of Pairs” by Marc F. Alter
Children: Grand Prize “One Dog, Two Bites” by Robert V. Guido; HM “Run with the Sun” by Robert Oliva
Landscape: Grand Prize “Kentucky Sunset” by Carol Goldstein; HM “Peaks and Valleys” by Molly Werfel
Long Island/New York: Grand Prize “Dumbo” by Stuart Greenberg; HM “Independence Day” by Alan Sloyer
Nature: Grand Prize “Elakala Falls”by Carol Milazzo-DiRenzo; HM “Woodland Path” by Marc F. Alter
People: Grand Prize “Sweet Moments” by Michelle Nickerson; HM “The Hat Maker” by Herb Knopp
Pets: Grand Prize “Winnie” by Peter Stango; HM “Sitting on the Dock” by Leslie Bannon
Still Life: Grand Prize “Vase of Flowers’ by Harold Naideau; HM “Thru the Window” by Herb Knopp
Student: Grand Prize “Wonder Wheel” by Tiffany Yung; HM “Dream Chaser” by Noah Gorlewski
Travel: Grand Prize “Seen Better Days” by Herb Knopp; HM “Bass Harbor Lighthouse” by Carol Milazzo-DiRenzo
Wildlife: Grand Prize “Osprey at Play” by Sandy Sommer; HM “Mama and Her Cub” by Nancy Panicucci-Roma
Resident/Staff Selections: “Purrrfectly Tweak” by Jill Fanuzzi; “Lola” by Dorian Froelich; “Cardinal on Fence” by Meryl Lorenzo; “Summer Time” by Janet Pieper; “Visions of Sugarplums” by Katie Scherer; “Scarlet Macaw” by Frank Silverman
The 31st annual Gurwin Photo Contest will open for submissions on February 15, 2024. Information on the contest can be found at www.gurwin.org/about/photo-contest/.
Above, one of the entries from last year’s competition. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
On December 3, participants of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s (WMHO) Holiday Tree Competition will bring holiday cheer to Stony Brook Village and decorate 40 premium 5 to 6 foot balsam trees that will line the open-air center’s walkways at the 44th Annual Holiday Festival. One tree will be selected by votes from the public between Dec. 3 and Dec. 19 to win a $150 gift certificate to Stony Brook Village and its establishments.
Registration for this event is required as there are only 40 trees available. You can pick up a registration form at any of the shops in Stony Brook Village, or you can download it digitally from the events section of the Stony Brook Village Center website.
To enter this competition, please return the completed registration form, with entry fee to the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, P.O. Box 572, Stony Brook, NY 11790. Registration form and an entry fee of $47 is due by Nov. 22. The decorated trees will remain in the village for viewing until Jan. 3.
Artist Ann Pols.
Photo courtesy of Jefferson's Ferry
Artist Ann Pols with one of her paintings. Photo courtesy of Jefferson’s Ferry
Jefferson’s Ferry’s resident and avid painter Ann Pols was recently recognized among the winners of LeadingAge New York’s annual art competition. Her “Seaside Fourth” is one of 70 paintings that was selected out of 218 entries for a traveling exhibit that will be displayed at LeadingAge NY’s annual conference and in the advocacy group’s headquarters outside of Albany.
LeadingAge represents not-for-profit, mission-driven and public continuing care providers, including nursing homes, senior housing, adult care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and community service providers.
A 19-year resident of Jefferson’s Ferry, a Life Plan Community in South Setauket, Ann recalls dabbling in art as a child but didn’t think she had any talent for it.
At the age of 86, despite being blind in one eye and relying on her non-dominant hand due to a stroke, Ann joined an art class at Jefferson’s Ferry Bove Health Center, and felt that something was awoken inside of her. She rediscovered painting and regularly joins her fellow residents in painting classes and studio time.
When asked what her artistic process is, Ann says that she chooses her subjects by looking at pictures and first sketches, then paints the subject. Her award-winning painting is one of approximately 30 drawings she has done over the past five years.
Mather Hospital Executive Director Kevin McGeachy holds the Village Cup. Photo by Stuart Vincent
A scene from the 14th annual Village Cup Regatta. Photo by Stuart Vincent
From left, Phyliss Macchio, NP and Dr. Melissa Devlin from Mather’s Palliative Health Program; Mather Executive Director Kevin McGeachy; Ralph Macchio; and Mayor Lauren Sheprow. Photo by Stuart Vincent
Port Jefferson Village Team. Photo by Stuart Vincent
A scene from the 14th annual Village Cup Regatta. Photo by Stuart Vincent
Mather Hospital Team. Photo by Stuart Vincent
A scene from the 14th annual Village Cup Regatta. Photo by Stuart Vincent
Mather Hospital Executive Director Kevin McGeachy accepted the $47,000 Mather check (an equal amount went to the Lustgarten Foundation)
A scene from the 14th annual Village Cup Regatta. Photo by Stuart Vincent
By Heidi Sutton
The 14th annual Village Cup Regatta, a friendly competition between Mather Hospital and the Village of Port Jefferson, set sail on Sept. 9 on the Long Island Sound for two good causes.
The Regatta consists of Yacht Club-skippered sailboat where employees from the Hospital and Village help crew the boats, which race in one of three classes based on boat size.
Presented by the Port Jefferson Yacht Club, the Regatta raises funds for Mather’s Palliative Medicine Program and the Lustgarten Foundation, which funds pancreatic cancer research. This year’s Regatta, which was won by the Mather team, raised $94,000 which was divided equally between the two groups. Mather Hospital’s Executive Director Kevin McGeachy accepted the Village Cup and the check for his team at a celebratory Skipper’s Reception at the Port Jefferson Village Center following the races. Mayor Lauren Sheprow represented the Port Jeff Village team.
Actor, director and local resident Ralph Macchio once again served as Village Cup Regatta Celebrity Ambassador for the event. Macchio has helped to publicize the important work of the two programs funded by the Regatta for the last ten years. His wife, Phyllis, is a nurse practitioner in Mather Hospital’s Palliative Medicine Program.
