CLOSE

Yearly Archives: 2023

by -
0 523
Dream Wheel

Long Island’s largest fair heads to Suffolk County Community College, 485 Wicks Road, (Exit 53S off the LIE)
in Brentwood from June 15 to June 25 featuring live music and entertainment for the whole family, exciting midway rides and games, and plenty of tasty carnival eats.

Grand Carousel

Included with fair admission are tribute band performances and other daily concerts; Saturday night Fireworks by Grucci; the educational Eudora Farms Exotic Petting Zoo; up-close and personal Dinosaur Experience; Houdini-style Escape Explosion; World of Wonders Amazement Show starring sword swallowers, fire eaters, contortionists and other old-time sideshow acts; and the Royal Hanneford Circus featuring edge-of-your-seat high-wire, trapeze and motorcycle thrill shows and more under the big top.

Sam Ash Music Stage entertainment includes All Revved Up (Meat Loaf tribute), Milagro (Santana tribute), A Second Life, La Sonora 495, Crucial Experiment, Gimme All Your Lovin’ (ZZ Top tribute), The Strange Parade (The Doors tribute), Penny Lane (Beatles tribute), FREEBIRD (Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute), Reverb, La Elegancia de la Salsa and more, including Latino Dance Time both Sundays.

Admission: $5 (free for kids under 36″ tall). Parking is free.

Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36″ and taller) are $35 on site Monday – Thursday and $40 Friday – Sunday while supplies last, or online before 5 pm June 15 for $25.

Visit the website for Thursday Carload Nights (admission and rides for $60 per car) and advance savings on ride tickets.

FunFest hours: 5-11 pm weekdays and 3-11 pm Saturday – Sunday. Take Exit 53S off the Long Island Expressway and use the Wicks Road campus entrance. No unaccompanied guests under age 21.

More information: 866-666-FAIR (3247) or LongIslandFunFest.com

by -
0 1302
File photo

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a man in Hauppauge this morning.

Brian Nieves was driving a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee in the middle lane of the westbound LIE at approximately 3:15 a.m. when the Jeep struck the rear of a 2012 Peterbilt tractor trailer, driven by Rafael Mercado. Nieves, 38, of Bay Shore, who was alone in his vehicle, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Mercado, 55, of Medford, who was also alone in his vehicle, was not injured.

The Jeep was impounded for a safety check. Suffolk County Police Motor Carrier Section officers conducted a safety check on the tractor trailer at the scene.

The collision caused all westbound lanes near Exit 56 of the expressway to close for several hours. The lanes have since reopened.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452.

by -
0 325
METRO photo
We should be more concerned about fiber than protein.

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Growing up, I often heard admonitions to get enough protein. Even now, I am often asked how to be sure someone is getting enough. Most of us — except perhaps professional athletes or long-distance runners — get enough protein in our diets.

What we should be more concerned about is whether we’re getting enough fiber in our diets. Most Americans are woefully deficient in fiber, consuming between 10 and 15 grams per day. Consumption of legumes and dark green vegetables are the lowest in comparison to other fiber subgroups (1). This has significant implications for our overall health and weight.

So, how much is enough? USDA guidelines stratify their recommendations based on gender and age. For adult women, they recommend between 22 and 28 grams per day, and for adult men, the targets are between 28 and 35 grams (1). Some argue that even these recommendations are on the low end of the scale for optimal health.

Though fiber comes in supplement form, most of your daily intake should be from diet. It is actually relatively painless to increase your fiber consumption; you just have to be aware of which foods are fiber-rich.

Does fiber type make a difference?

One of the complexities is that there are a number of different classifications of fiber, from soluble to viscous to fermentable. Within each of the types, there are subtypes of fiber. Not all fiber sources are equal.

At a high level, we break dietary fiber into two overarching categories: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibers slow digestion and nutrient absorption and make us feel fuller for longer. Sources include oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, flax seed, barley and psyllium. On the other hand, insoluble fibers accelerate intestinal transit, which promotes digestive health. Sources include wheat bran, nuts, berries, legumes and beans, dark leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage and other vegetables. 

Many plant-based foods contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, in varying amounts.

Fiber’s effects on disease progression and longevity

Fiber has powerful effects on our overall health. A very large prospective cohort study showed that fiber may increase longevity by decreasing mortality from cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and other infectious diseases (2). Over a nine-year period, those who ate the most fiber were 22 percent less likely to die than those in the lowest group.

Patients who consumed the most fiber also saw a significant decrease in mortality from cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and infectious diseases. The authors of the study believe that it may be the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of whole grains that are responsible for the positive results.

A study published in 2019 that performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses on data from 185 prospective studies and 58 clinical trials found that higher intakes of dietary fiber and whole grains provided the greatest benefits in protecting participants from cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal and breast cancers, along with a 15-30 percent decrease in all-cause mortality for those with the highest fiber intakes, compared to those with the lowest (3).

We also see benefit with prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with fiber in a relatively large epidemiologic analysis of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (4). The specific source of fiber was important. Fruit had the most significant effect on preventing COPD, with a 28 percent reduction in risk. Cereal fiber also had a substantial effect, but it was not as great.

Fiber also has powerful effects on breast cancer treatment. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, soluble fiber had a significant impact on breast cancer risk reduction in estrogen negative women (5). Most beneficial studies for breast cancer have shown results in estrogen receptor positive women. This is one of the few studies that has illustrated significant results in estrogen receptor negative women.

The list of chronic diseases and disorders that fiber prevents and/or treats is continually expanding.

How do I increase my fiber intake?

Emphasize plants on your plate. Animal products don’t contain natural fiber. These days, it’s easy to increase your fiber by choosing bean- or lentil-based pastas, which are becoming more prevalent in general grocery stores. Personally, I prefer those based on lentils. Read the labels, though; you want those that are solely made from lentils without rice.

If you are trying to prevent chronic diseases in general, I recommend getting fiber from a wide array of sources. Make sure to eat meals that contain substantial amounts of fiber, which has several advantages: it helps you avoid processed foods, reduces your risk of chronic disease, and increases your satiety and energy levels.

Certainly, while protein is important, each time you sit down at a meal, rather than asking how much protein is in it, you now know to ask how much fiber is in it.

References:

(1) USDA.gov. (2) Arch Intern Med. 2011;171(12):1061-1068. (3) Lancet. 2019 Feb 2;393(10170):434-445. (4) Amer J Epidemiology 2008;167(5):570-578. (5) Amer J Clinical Nutrition 2009;90(3):664–671.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

by -
0 259
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi greets attendees at the event. Photo from Leg. Bontempi's office

On June 8, at the Huntington Public Library (Station Branch), Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) joined with Legislator Manuel Esteban (R – 16th L.D.) and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office to co-host a Senior Medical ID Card event.  Although the event was geared toward seniors, the cards were issued to anyone 18 years of age and older.

Legislator Manuel Esteban poses for a photo at the information table with a Deputy Sheriff and the venue’s librarian. Photo from Leg. Bontempi’s office

“It really is essential to have your most vital medical information on you at all times, especially if and when you are not able to speak for yourself,” said Bontempi.  “Whether it’s an allergy or another serious medical condition, the sooner first responders know about these issues, the better they can assist you; that’s why I got one for myself.”

Those attending the event filled out a form to outline their essential medical information and the best person to contact in case of an emergency.  This information was then transferred to a photo ID card produced and issued right on the spot within minutes.

To learn more about the Senior Medical ID Card program and other offerings of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office, visit: https://www.suffolkcountysheriffsoffice.com/community-programs.     

by -
0 474
Blueberry Galette

By Heidi Sutton

Blueberries should be a delicious part of people’s daily diets because this flavorful fruit packs a nutritious punch. Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, which can help the body fend off various illnesses. 

Various pastries showcase blueberries, including the French galette. A galette is not a pie, but more of a freeform crusty cake. However, it is similar to pie, making it a welcome alternative to that popular pastry. This recipe for “Blueberry Galette,” courtesy of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, is a delicious treat that’s perfect for entertaining.

Blueberry Galette

YIELD: Makes two 12-inch galettes

INGREDIENTS:

Crust

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons sugar

4 ounces lard or shortening, cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces and frozen

1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces and refrigerated

1⁄2 cup ice water

1 teaspoon vodka

Filling

8 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

3⁄4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, separated

31⁄2 tablespoons cornstarch

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1 lemon, zested

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

DIRECTIONS: 

To make the crust: Combine the flour, salt and sugar in a food processor. Add the butter and lard. Use the food processor to work the butter and lard into the flour by pulsing it until the butter is in pea-sized pieces. Whisk the water and vodka together and add it to the flour/butter mixture a few tablespoons at a time. It will start to look shaggy, but not dry. It should hold together when you squeeze it in your hand. 

Gently press the dough into a ball using a pastry scraper or your hands. Divide the dough into two pieces and create round disks. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight.

To make the filling: In a small bowl, combine 3⁄4 cup sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon zest. Massage the zest into the sugar. In a large bowl, toss together the blueberries and lemon juice. Add the sugar/lemon zest mixture and gently stir to coat the blueberries. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a 1⁄8-inch-thick-circle. Dust off any extra flour and lay crust onto the prepared pan.

Mound the blueberry filling in the middle of crust. Fold and crimp the dough up so that it covers at least 2 inches of the filling. Freeze the shaped galette for at least 15 minutes to chill the dough. 

Preheat the oven to 425 F and set rack in middle of the oven. Just before baking, beat the egg and water together and brush the edges with egg wash. Sprinkle crust with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake for 30 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350 F and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

by -
0 968

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (PJCC) hosted a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Revival by Toast on May 17.

Owner Terry Scarlatos and chef Scott Andriani cut the celebratory ribbon surrounded by family members, staff and members of the chamber.

Located in the former Toast Coffeehouse at 242 East Main Street in the Village of Port Jefferson, the new upscale restaurant offers farm-forward cuisine and a boutique bar specializing in rotating small plate and tasting menu experiences, curated beverages and hidden gem wines. 

Restaurant hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. with brunch served on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information, call 631-480-8700 or visit www.revivalbytoast.com.

by -
0 1474
Dr. Richard Halpert

Personal Woman’s Care, a comprehensive women’s health practice in Smithtown, has officially joined Suffolk OBGYN’s growing network of providers. Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists Drs. Richard Halpert and Keith L. Sommers will continue to practice at 148 Terry Road in Smithtown.

Dr. Keith L. Sommmers

“We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Halpert and Dr. Sommers to the Suffolk OB/GYN team,” said Dr. Rohit Reejsinghani, FACP, MBA, Executive Director of NY Health. “Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care to every patient, and their addition will strengthen our ability to serve the community with high-quality obstetrics and gynecological services.”

Dr. Halpert and Dr. Sommers are two highly skilled OB/GYNs who share a passion for providing specialized care to women and are both experts in minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Halpert’s love of genetics and his deep connections with women and their families have inspired him to focus on using advanced technologies to diagnose and treat genetic disorders.

“As a physician, I believe that patient care should always come first,” said Dr. Halpert. “I am proud to be part of NY Health, an organization that puts patients at the center of everything they do. We are dedicated to making every aspect of healthcare easier and more pleasant for our patients. It’s a philosophy that I embrace and one that guides me in my practice every day.”

“As an OB/GYN, I have seen firsthand the importance of early detection of breast cancer,” Dr. Sommers said. “I always encourage my patients to get yearly mammograms, especially after the age of 40. In my experience, regular mammograms have helped detect breast cancer in its early stages, often before it has a chance to progress. By catching it early, we have a better chance of treating it successfully. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in a woman’s health.”

For more information, call 631- 862-4000 or visit nyhealth.com.

by -
0 418
Dr. Jennifer Ripton-Snyder

New York Imaging Specialists has announced the addition of Dr. Jennifer Ripton-Snyder, a fellowship-trained breast imager. Dr. Ripton-Snyder will practice at 118 North Country Road in Port Jefferson.

“Dr. Ripton-Snyder’s expertise in Breast Imaging and her dedication to patient well-being aligns perfectly with our mission to prioritize women’s health and ensure their comfort throughout the imaging process,” said Dr. Jeff Vacirca, CEO.

Driven by her passion for patient care, Dr. Ripton-Snyder was inspired to specialize in Breast Imaging. “I was inspired to enter the field of Breast Imaging because of the patient care aspects and the fact that I could practice a specialty that was also so integral to primary care for women.” As a fellowship-trained breast imager, she holds a particular interest in post-operative imaging for women with a previous cancer diagnosis, as well as screening in women with above-average cancer risk.

“I very much look forward to joining the practice as the imaging component is being integrated into women’s health centers,” Dr. Ripton-Snyder said. “I think it’s a wonderful idea for women to have cancer screenings and other imaging done as comfortably and conveniently as possible.” For more information, call 833-269-4624 or visit nyimaging.com.

by -
0 778
Paddle Pub ribbon cutting. Photo from PJCC
1 of 4
Paddle Pub ribbon cutting. Photo from PJCC
Paddle Pub in Port Jefferson. Photo from PJCC
Paddle Pub in Port Jefferson. Photo from PJCC

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Port Jefferson’s newest experience on the water, Paddle Pub, on May 5. 

Docked at the west end of Port Jefferson Harbor, each 35-foot Paddle Pub can fit up to 26 guests, includes 12 pedaling stations and features a dance floor for hosting bachelor/bachelorette parties, team builders, company outings, date nights, retirement parties, etc. while enjoying a two-hour tour with a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain. Two Paddle Pub party boats can be booked simultaneously for a boat party of up to 52 guests.

The event was attended by Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Port Jefferson Village Trustees Rebecca Kassay and Lauren Sheprow; members of the chamber Mary Joy Pipe and Stuart Vincent; and friends and family who wished co-owners Zak Seghrouchni and Amanda Warren the best of luck in their new venture.

For more information, call 631-778-1433 or visit www.paddlepub.com/longisland/port-jefferson/

by -
0 740
Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden on her bid for mayor. Sketch by Kyle Horne: @kylehorneart • kylehorneart.com

Seven-term incumbent Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant is leaving the village government, instead making a run for Town of Brookhaven supervisor under the Democratic ticket. 

In a contest to fill Garant’s seat, Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden is running against trustee Lauren Sheprow, who is now a write-in candidate. In an exclusive interview, Snaden opened up about her plans for economic development, East Beach, recreation, parking and more.

What would be your top priority for the coming term, if elected?

Using my institutional knowledge and experience in every aspect of the village.

One of the things I had just started working on and want to take to the next level when I become mayor is economic development. Over the last year or so, Kevin Wood — our parking and mobility [administrator] — has been in charge of economic development.

I’d like to start a task force to bring together business and restaurant owners, the chamber of commerce and the Business Improvement District. I want to reach out to developers and real estate brokers and have a committee or task force that will be able to connect with other businesses — national businesses, restaurants and retail establishments — to see what they need to come into our village to continue to make our downtown a thriving district.

Doing that task force will be beneficial to take our village to the next level, where it needs to go. We’re very lucky to have a vibrant downtown, and we must keep that going. It benefits the residents and the entire village as a whole.

If elected, how do you intend to help guide East Beach bluff stabilization efforts and maximize the use of the village-owned Port Jefferson Country Club?

Fortunately, we have a map forward with that. 

We’ve been working with our coastal engineers, and the Board of Trustees voted unanimously on their plan, which includes finalizing the bluff stabilization with the FEMA grant — the $3.75 million.

Once the bluff is stabilized, we will move to the redevelopment of the property at the top of the bluff. Our coastal engineers, the experts in this field, were able to give us a plan for pickleball and tennis courts, which is key to bringing back that membership. 

We were very sad to lose that membership when we had to shut the courts down for reconstruction, but I’m hoping this new racket sports complex will bring back that membership. 

The best part about that is all of that project will be self-sustaining, paid for by the membership. This will not be on the backs of the taxpayers, which is very important to me. I support that whole plan.

What is the role of the village board in overseeing new developments and redevelopment projects?

Working very closely with our planning and building departments and our Zoning Board of Appeals if that’s one of the routes a developer takes. Careful and responsible development, always looking at traffic studies and environmental impacts. Always talking to the surrounding residents and the residents as a whole.

Keep in mind that development will help to increase our tax base. At this point, with the LIPA glide path continuing and going into its final stages, we must be very mindful of our tax base, making sure that it’s solid.

How can the village alleviate its parking capacity challenges, balancing the competing interests of residents, businesses and tourists?

As we know, parking is a big issue in Port Jefferson because we’re not getting any more property.

One of the things I did when I started as parking liaison was work with our Parking Department head to build our Barnum parking lot. That was key.

When I found out that we have about 640 spaces in the village and over 300 were used by employees, I said, “We have to do something.” Employees need to park, but that’s a large portion of our parking capacity.

For an employee — let’s say a waitress, for example — that doesn’t make a huge salary, it would be a huge hit to pay for parking every shift they have. But if we incentivized them to park in the Barnum lot free of charge, I felt that that would be very helpful. That parking lot has 43 spaces, I believe, and it has been very successful.

I continue to work with the Business Improvement District and the chamber of commerce, adapting to their changing needs. As times changed — and during COVID, the needs changed — we were able to pivot on the fly, changing the parking for the needs of the businesses.

One of the other things I’ve done and continue to work on is the PASSPort rideshare service. The idea behind PASSPort was that even though we do have resident parking, it’s limited. To alleviate residents’ parking in the other spaces that visitors can park in, they can take the PASSPort rideshare service.

One of the other things I started about four years ago was working with an engineer and our head of parking for a potential parking structure. That’s been in the works for a few years. Initially, there was an issue with the location and cost of the structure, as well as whether it would yield enough spaces to pay for itself.

One of the things I pride myself on is never saying “no.” There’s always a path to solve a problem. When I hear, “We can’t,” I say, “How can we?” And I gather the best minds in the room to figure out the best path forward that benefits the entire community.

What is your preferred method for public engagement?

That’s the reason I ran for trustee in the first place — I ran to be the voice of residents of the village of Port Jefferson. 

I enjoy speaking to people, hearing their concerns. Having the ability as deputy mayor to take their problems to Village Hall and get that problem addressed immediately has always been very important to me.

When I see the back-and-forth on a platform like Facebook, being able to answer resident questions in real time with factual information has always been something I’m happy to do. I would continue to always be available to people on social media.

Another thing I brought to the village and would continue to expand on is technology changes. We started live-streaming board meetings during COVID, and I was a strong advocate for continuing that once COVID ended.

The other thing I started was our [Port] eReport, our newsletter. I got people on board to help write the newsletter and gather the information. It expanded and expanded, and it is what it is today because of that initiative. 

I’m a “my door is always open” kind of person. I’ve always been very proud of my openness and ability to communicate with folks on many levels.

What is your professional background, and how does it apply to the role of a village mayor?

I worked as a paralegal for almost 20 years in the Buffalo area of upstate New York and on Long Island. 

In litigation, I worked on the insurance defense side for Ford and Hyundai motor companies. I did insurance defense cases for them and did a lot of work as a family law paralegal for attorneys here on Long Island.

I have been deputy mayor for the last two years and trustee for four years. I have been commissioner of building and planning, commissioner of public safety, liaison to parking and mobility, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the planning department, beautification, the Business Improvement District and have worked closely with the chamber of commerce.

My vast experience in the village and my institutional knowledge of all of the workings of the village have all come into play to get me where I am today.

Prev1...186187188...334Next Page 187 of 334
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©