The Town of Smithtown Recreation Department will host the annual Ghosts and Goblins Day event on Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. The event will take place at Brady Park, located at Maple Avenue in Smithtown. Ghosts and Goblins Day will feature a variety of fun entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, including pony rides, music, games, prizes, and a balloon artist. Costumes are encouraged. Admission for the festivities is free of charge.
“This is a spectacular event for the whole family. I look forward to bringing my grandkids to Ghosts & Goblins day every year. Our Recreation Department goes above and beyond to put together a fall day of family-oriented Halloween themed activities. I’d highly recommend anyone with younger kids, ages 5-8, mark your calendars to partake in this memorable annual event,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
Families attending the festivities are welcome to dress up in Halloween costumes. In addition to all the activities planned, donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted for the Smithtown Food Pantry. All donors will receive a raffle ticket for the prize raffle (must be present to win).
For more information on Ghosts and Goblins Day, contact the Recreation Department at 631-360-7644.
Miller Place school district officials break ground on the Andrew Muller Primary School gymnasium with representatives of RENU Contracting & Restoration. Photo courtesy MPSD
Miller Place Union Free School District recently celebrated the start of construction of a new gymnasium at Andrew Muller Primary School.
Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie joined with members of the district administration, the Board of Education, district architect and representatives of RENU Contracting & Restoration to celebrate the groundbreaking.
“We are thrilled to announce the start of construction of the new gymnasium at Andrew Muller Primary School,” Lipshie said. “Our district has worked diligently to make this possible. This provides an excellent physical education environment for our students. The current shared gymnasium space can now be utilized for a dedicated cafeteria and an area to host school assemblies.”
The site of the new gymnasium will be located to the left of the main entrance with an adjoining hallway. The construction of the primary school gym is part of the district’s bond referendum, approved by voters in October 2021.
For more information about the Miller Place school district, please visit the district’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the happenings in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com or the district’s Facebook page.
'I have seen very good results when treating patients who have eczema with dietary changes.- Dr. David Dunaief
METRO photo
New treatments are evolving
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
If you have eczema, you’re familiar with its symptoms, which can include rashes, itching, pain and redness. What may not be as clear are its causes and potential implications.
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory process, and it’s likely caused by a combination of genetics and lifestyle choices (1).
While there is no cure, some treatments can ease symptoms and reduce flare-ups. These range from over-the-counter creams and lotions, antihistamines for itchiness, prescription steroid creams, oral steroids, and injectable biologics. Some sufferers use phototherapy for severe cases, but there’s not a lot of research suggesting this is effective. Interestingly, diet may play an important role.
Two separate studies have shown an association between eczema and fracture risk, which we will investigate further.
How does diet affect eczema?
In a Japanese study involving over 700 pregnant women and their offspring, results showed that when the women ate either a diet high in green and yellow vegetables, beta carotene or citrus fruit there was a significant reduction in the risk of the child having eczema of 59 percent, 48 percent and 47 percent, respectively, when comparing highest to lowest consumption quartiles (2).
Elimination diets may also play a role. One study’s results showed when eggs were removed from the diet of those who were allergic, according to IgE testing, eczema improved significantly (3).
From an anecdotal perspective, I have seen very good results when treating patients who have eczema with dietary changes. My patient population includes many patients who suffer from some level of eczema. For example, a young adult had eczema mostly on his extremities. When we first met, these were angry, excoriated, erythematous and scratched lesions. However, after several months of a vegetable-rich diet, the patient’s skin improved significantly.
Do supplements help reduceeczema symptoms?
There are two well-known supplements for helping to reduce inflammation, evening primrose oil and borage oil. Are these supplements a good replacement for – or addition to – medications? The research is really mixed, leaning toward ineffective. There are also some important concerns about them.
In a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials, evening primrose oil was no better than placebo in treating eczema (4).
The researchers also looked at eight studies of borage oil and found there was no difference from placebo in terms of symptom relief. While these supplements only had minor side effects in the study, they can interact with other medications. For example, evening primrose oil in combination with aspirin can cause clotting problems (5).
The upshot? Don’t expect supplements to provide significant help. If you do try them, be sure to consult with your physician first.
Are biologics a good alternative?
Injectable biologics are among the newest treatments and are generally recommended when other treatment options have failed (6). There are two currently approved by the FDA, dupilumab and tralokinumab.
In trials, these injectable drugs showed good results, improving outcomes for moderate to severe eczema sufferers when topical steroids alone were not effective. Like other monoclonal antibodies, they work by interfering with parts of your immune system. They suppress messengers of the white blood cells, called interleukins. This leaves a door open for side effects, like serious infections.
Does eczema affect bone health?
Several studies have examined the relationship between eczema and broken bones. One observational study of 34,500 patients showed that those with eczema had a 44 percent increased risk of injury causing limitation and a 67 percent risk of bone fracture and bone or joint injury for those 30 years and older (7).
If you have both fatigue or insomnia in combination with eczema, you are at higher risk for bone or joint injury than having one or the other alone. The researchers postulated that corticosteroids used in treatment could be one reason, in addition to chronic inflammation, which may also contribute to bone loss risk.
Steroids may weaken bone, ligaments and tendons and may cause osteoporosis by decreasing bone mineral density.
A study of over 500,000 patients tested this theory and found that the association between major osteoporotic fractures and atopic eczema remained, even after adjusting for a range of histories with oral corticosteroids (8). Also, fracture rates were higher in those with severe atopic eczema.
For those who have eczema, it may be wise to have a DEXA (bone) scan.
Eczema exists on a spectrum from annoying to significantly affecting a patient’s quality of life. Supplements may not be the solution, at least not borage oil nor evening primrose oil. However, there may be promising medications for the hard to treat. It might be best to avoid long-term systemic steroids because of their long-term side effects. Diet adjustments appear to be very effective, at least at the anecdotal level.
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.
Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. Drop in to meet representatives from different organizations who will discuss local volunteer opportunities for a variety of ages.
Participating organizations include:
Atlantic Marine Conservation Society
Arts Council Greater Port Jefferson
Crime Victims Center
Gabriel’s Giving Tree/ Families in Support of Treatment
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Guide Dog Foundation
Island Harvest
Kids Need More
Literacy Suffolk, Inc.
Long Island State Veterans Home
Mather Hospital, Volunteer Department
MENTOR New York
New York Blood Center
Open Door Exchange
Park Jewish Institute
Response of Suffolk County, Inc.
Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook
Sierra Club L.I. Group
Three Village Meals on Wheels
Welcome Friends Soup Kitchen
*subject to change
No registration required. For more information, please call 631-928-1212.
The existing outdoor bleachers at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School. File photo by Lynn Hallarman
By Nasrin Zahed
Port Jefferson School District Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 10, covering student achievements, recognizing the board’s local impact, discussing upcoming volunteer efforts, and continuing conversations over proposed bleacher costs.
To kick off the night on a high note, the board recognized students receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award aims to highlight the importance of how an individual’s service positively impacts the community. The awards are broken down by age group, with the ability to earn at the bronze, silver or gold levels, depending on the number of hours students have spent in service to others.
Oct. 16 through 20 is School Board Recognition Week. Several members of the school district came forward to express their gratitude for BOE members’ public service, emphasizing the volunteer time and effort required for the role.
Kirsten, the student representative for the district, covered the upcoming spirit week festivities that will be observed districtwide, culminating in the homecoming game this Saturday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m.
The meeting went on to discuss how the Royal Education Fund will hold also Oct. 14 its 7th annual Jill Nees-Russell Power of One Family Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. The run/walk event will begin at the Port Jefferson Village Center, continuing through the village and ending at the high school.
Brian Walker, principal of Port Jefferson Middle School, came forward to discuss how they are furthering community service efforts in students.
He noted how the students are encouraged to participate in school-led efforts, such as the beach cleanup initiatives, fundraisers for ASL, letter and card writing for the elderly and veterans, senior citizen luncheons, as well as food and coat drives.
Discussion later moved to the district’s bleacher project, with the board presenting the public with new facts on the matter.
Randi DeWitt, member of the BOE, informed that the project has been put out for bid once again, with six different bid proposals all including variations of the project. This is in the hope of receiving a lower cost estimate than was initially received last spring.
Stressing the importance of following the bid process in order to most effectively find the appropriate licensed vendor for the job, she encouraged community members to attend the upcoming public workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 24, where they will review all of the plans for each bid. An architect will be in attendance for questions.
The BOE will reconvene on Monday, Oct. 16, at 5:30 p.m.
The Flowerfield Fairgrounds in St. James. File photo by Heidi Sutton
By Samantha Rutt
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently advised the Town of Smithtown of its consideration to acquire Flowerfield Fairgrounds, a St. James community staple. Town Supervisor Edward Wehrheim (R) has stated no objection to NYSDEC acquiring the property.
Community residents strongly feel the importance of protecting this rural area from overdevelopment. The potential state acquisition signifies a breakthrough in the longstanding controversy over a proposal for sprawling commercial development on-site.
“This is a huge step forward in the fight to preserve Flowerfield Fairgrounds for future generations,” Judith Ogden, a Village of Head of the Harbor trustee and spokesperson for the Saint James-Head of the Harbor Neighborhood Preservation Coalition, said in a statement.
NYSDEC proposed using the Environmental Protection Fund to obtain the property.
“New York State is committed to the conservation and protection of the state’s natural resources and recognizes the significant conservation values of the Gyrodyne property,” a NYSDEC official said. “The Environmental Protection Fund is one of the sources used to acquire lands identified as conservation priorities in the New York State Open Space Plan.”
The Flowerfield property would then be used for open space preservation and conservation, potentially including active-use recreation amenities such as biking and walking trails.
“I am certainly happy about this development,” said Joe Bollhofer, also a member of the coalition. “We’ve been working on this for almost three years now.”
If not acquired by NYSDEC, the property has been proposed to facilitate a multistory, 125-room hotel, 175,000 square feet of office space, 250 assisted living housing units, a 7-acre sewage treatment plant and parking for more than 2,000 vehicles.
The development plan was initially proposed by St. James-based Gyrodyne, a real estate investment trust firm that owns, leases and manages commercial properties along the Eastern Seaboard.
The state’s interest in preserving the land comes from discussions between NYSDEC, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D), former New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and the Peconic Land Trust.
“The state has a tremendous interest in what happens to Stony Brook Harbor,” Englebright said. “The state owns 90% of the bottom” of Stony Brook Harbor.
“The water chemistry of the harbor is pristine right now, or nearly, so it will not be if they build what they have proposed for the Flowerfield property,” Englebright added. “It’s really a matter of protecting the state’s interest and the community’s interest.”
Interactions between the state and town regarding state efforts to preserve the open space portion of the site occurred several months after the Town of Smithtown rejected a controversial proposal to develop a congregate-care facility on nearby Bull Run Farm, citing the desire to protect the area’s rural character.
“Part of comprehensive planning in a community is thinking about how you’re going to develop space so that it works and you protect the integrity of the community,” Ogden said. “So if we look at that area, we don’t need to add more traffic volumes.”
The agreement between the state and town comes as the legal challenge brought upon by the Village of Head of the Harbor and nearby property owners opposing preliminary approval of the controversial plan remains tied up in the state Supreme Court. “Unfortunately, there are other issues involved here — environmental, et cetera,” Bollhofer noted.
Local residents have contributed generously to fund the coalition’s lawsuit to block Gyrodyne’s development plans from moving forward. In a press release in April 2021, Gyrodyne announced that it planned to sell the property and would consider offers for portions of the property or the entire site.
“There’s a lot of water under the bridge here,” Bollhofer said. “And we’re finally having some kind of movement from the state,” adding, “We don’t know if there’ll be other organizations that are going to be involved in helping to manage the property if it is purchased. But there are 48 acres, there’s still open space. … That’s really what we’re concentrating on right now.”
According to a recent statement by a NYSDEC representative, “The DEC has been involved in preliminary discussions with stakeholders regarding the property’s future conservation.”
Welcome to the 22nd edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home.
Newman
Meet Newman
Recently retired and ready to enjoy life, meet Newman, a ten year old Schnauzer at Little Shelter. Knowing that staying active is the key to longevity, he’s looking into pickle ball, hoping to find a partner at a similar skill level. In the meantime, he enjoys a leisurely stroll and good conversation, well versed on a variety of topics. A true blue, loyal companion, he takes commitment seriously, waiting patiently for a relationship that will last a lifetime. Adopting a senior dog is like fast forwarding to the best part…stop by to meet Newman, the finest friend to be found. 631-368-8770, ext. 2
Cerina
Meet Cerina
This wise old lady is Cerina, an eleven year old Pit mix currently up for adoption at Little Shelter. Like most women of a certain age, she knows her own mind and has discovered what’s truly important in life…friends and friends with cookies! The ideal companion for a leisurely stroll, she likes to go in the direction the wind takes her to appreciate all the sights and smells along the way. Good company, she’s up to date on all the kennel gossip, (which always makes for interesting conversation!) and will keep you entertained with her stories. Cerina is most assuredly the inspiration for the quote, “Old friends make the very bestest of best friends.” Stop by to meet her today! 631-368-8770, ext. 21
Mr. Magoo
Meet Mr. Magoo
“Believe in your heart that you’re meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic and miracles.” Desiring a forever home, Mr. Magoo, a nine-year-old Pit mix at Little Shelter is hoping to rescue his perfect family and surround them with love and laughter. Though visually challenged, he is able to navigate the world quite well with just a bit of assistance, even running free on the hill with fearless abandon. Not letting what some may call a disability slow him down, Mr. Magoo makes the most of every day, finding joy in the simple things. Dogs live brave, beautiful lives brimming with trust and optimism…and if we let them, they’ll teach us to do the same. Stop by to meet a big mushy boy named Magoo and leave with your heart’s desire.631-368-8770, ext. 21
Oliver
Meet Oliver
Oliver still waits at Little Shelter for a family that understands he is not perfect, unlike his first family who returned him after he was diagnosed with crystals in his urine, a very common, treatable condition. Oliver has also been diagnosed with a heart murmur and requires daily medication for it.
Shelter life is stressful for this little guy but luckily he has many human and feline friends to hang out with. Sometimes you can find him sharing a toy or a bed with his new pals.Oliver loves to get special treats from his staff and playing with his friends as much as possible. Oliver has so much love to give and all he asks in return is to be loved, fed his special diet and given his meds each day. Come meet Oliver today! 631-368-8770, ext. 36
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Rusty
Brookhaven Shelter hosts Barktoberfest
The Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, 300 Horseblock Road, Brookhaven hosts a “Barktoberfest: Howl-o-ween event” on Oct. 30 and 31 with free shelter pet adoptions from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come meet Rusty and all his friends. For more information, call 631-451-6950.
Check out the next Paw Prints in theissue of November 9.
Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.
Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. has announced that Matthew Kiernan, Esq., former Public Administrator of Suffolk County as appointed by the Surrogates Court, has joined the firm as Counsel. Kiernan brings decades of legal experience that includes time in private practice, public service, the court system, and academia. The hiring adds to the firm’s recent expansion of its Trust & Estates and Elder Law practices.
“We are very excited to welcome Matthew Kiernan to the firm,” said Nancy Burner, Founding Partner. “His distinguished and longstanding commitment to serving Suffolk County and New York state along with his exceptional trust & estate and guardianship work is a significant boon for the firm and for our clients.”
“I’m so pleased to be working with Matthew again. He is an outstanding lawyer and problem solver who will work tirelessly for our clients,” said Judge Gail Prudenti, Partner. For more information, visit www.burnerlaw.com.
The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for Harmony & Light Wellness in Port Jefferson on Sept. 30. The event celebrated Harmony’s one-year anniversary and becoming a new chamber partner.
Located at646 Main Street, Lower Level, the business specializes in helping you relax, recharge, reset and rebalance with holistic and sound therapy including the Harmonic Egg.®
Pictured in photo, from left, Nicole Martinsen, Melissa Fesmire, Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, owner Megan Fesmire (holding scissor), husband Beau and daughter Cassidy.
Operating hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 631-828-5055.
Comsewogue School District held its Board of Education meeting Wednesday, Oct. 4, discussing the since-passed homecoming festivities, honoring student achievements, approving motions and introducing behavioral initiatives at the high school.
Brandon, the Comsewogue student representative, overviewed the goings-on for the homecoming and spirit week, highlighting the class competition leading to the weekend’s pep rally and class floats parade. Each class was tasked with creating a float to go along with this year’s theme of “seasons”: seniors as spring, juniors as summer, sophomores as winter and freshmen as fall.
QR codes were made available to all at the homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 7, to vote for which theme students felt was executed best.
Mike Mosca, principal of Comsewogue High School, came forward to award the recipients of the College Board National Merit Awards. The awards were given to students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and who displayed an outstanding performance on the PSAT. Students also received the National Hispanic Recognition Award as well as the National Indigenous Award.
The BOE went on to approve select motions for the evening, such as the approval to purchase iPads for the district’s use. The iPads will be purchased using grants received through the Emergency Connectivity Fund, covering 100% of the cost.
Mosca returned to the floor to discuss the behavioral initiative recently introduced at the high school level, referred to as the reflection room.
He emphasized the push to move into restorative practices as opposed to dismissive punishments such as suspensions.
“The goal is to maximize students’ time in the classroom,” he said. Instead of taking students out of their learning environment and potentially setting them back in their studies, they want to turn their actions into a learning opportunity.
The goal of the reflection room is to take about two hours out of the student’s day to work one-on-one with advisers to break down the incident that led them there and, in turn, come up with guided corrective actions.
Mosca went on to praise the initiative’s success as there has been a downturn in student infractions as a result. “It’s been very effective so far,” he said.
The BOE ended the evening with what they referred to as “board kudos,” taking the opportunity to acknowledge members of the district’s community. Praise was given to the custodial staff as they installed roughly 30 Smart Boards over the previous weekend, as well as the building and grounds staff who worked to ensure minimal to no damage was caused by the flooding from recent rainfall.
Welcome to the 22nd edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home.
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