Yearly Archives: 2024

Caption: Pictured (left to right): Amol Pophali, Jinwon Choi, Michal Luchowski, Taejin Kim, Mohammed Sifat, Krishnakumari Pamula, Leah Landron and Hyeonji Park. Photo from Dr. Taejin Kim

The United States Chapter of the Korean Institute of Chemical Engineers (KIChE) has selected Stony Brook University Professor Taejin Kim of the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences as the recipient of the 2024 James M. Lee Memorial Award.

The James M. Lee Memorial Award honors the founding and first president of the KIChE U.S. Chapter by recognizing Korean and Korean-American scientists and engineers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership at the frontiers of scientific knowledge in the field of chemical engineering.

“We are immensely proud of Professor Taejin Kim for being selected as the recipient of the 2024 James M. Lee Memorial Award by the United States Chapter of the Korean Institute of Chemical Engineers (KIChE),” said Dilip Gersappe, Chair of the Materials Science and Chemical Engineering Department. “This award is a testament to Professor Kim’s exceptional leadership and groundbreaking contributions in the field of chemical engineering. His work on heterogeneous catalysis in environmental and energy fields not only advances scientific knowledge but also has significant real-world applications.”

Kim, who also serves as the graduate program director for the department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, studies the fundamentals and applications of heterogeneous catalysis in environmental and energy fields. His research group has explored the structure-activity relationship of catalysts through catalyst synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance evaluation.

The KIChE-US Chapter was founded in 2002 to promote constructive and mutually beneficial interactions among Korean Chemical Engineers in the U.S. and to facilitate international collaboration between engineers in the U.S. and Korea. The KlChE is a scientific, engineering, and professional organization dedicated to the advancement of the theory and application of chemical engineering technology.

Kim joined Stony Brook University in 2013, has been an active member of the KIChE U.S. Chapter and received the KIChE Service Recognition Award in 2023.

He will receive the award and present his research during the 2024 AIChE Annual Meeting in October.

Heckscher Park Goes Pink to Kick-Off Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Councilwoman Theresa Mari, alongside Supervisor Ed Smyth and in partnership with Huntington Matters and Reworld, invites the public to attend Pink in the Park, a special Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Fair at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This community event is focused on raising awareness, providing vital health resources, and celebrating the strength of breast cancer survivors.

Councilwoman Theresa Mari, a breast cancer survivor herself, said, “Early detection saves lives. I encourage all eligible women to take advantage of this vital screening service and join us for a day dedicated to health, wellness, and community support.”

Pink in the Park will feature a range of health and wellness vendors, inspiring performances, children’s activities, and an opportunity to take action against breast cancer through screenings and education. The day kicks off with a Walk Around the Pond, symbolizing the community’s unity in the fight against breast cancer.

Event Schedule

9:30 am – Press Conference

  • Opening Remarks by Supervisor Ed Smyth and Councilwoman Theresa Mari

Hear from local officials Huntington’s leaders as they officially launch the fair and share messages of hope and encouragement.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Morning Walk Around the Pond

  • Join community members for a refreshing walk to start the event, promoting health and solidarity.

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Stony Brook Medicine Mobile Mammography Van

  • Convenient breast cancer screenings provided by state-registered technologists.

Pre-registration is required

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Vendor Booths Open

  • Explore a variety of booths offering health, beauty, and wellness products with a focus on breast cancer prevention.

10:30 AM: Performance by Dancin’ Feet

  • Enjoy an inspiring performance by the talented dancers of Dancin’ Feet.

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Family Games and Activities by My Gym

  • Children’s games and activities will be available, hosted by My Gym. 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM:
  • “Pink” Hands-On Art Project by Heckscher Museum

Engage in a creative “pink”-themed art project for all ages, organized by the Heckscher Museum.

For more information, call 631-351-3000.

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Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue, in Stony Brook, is offering an October calendar of concerts that should “fall” onto your autumn calendar!

Wednesday, October 2

Young at Heart: Ella Fitzgerald; First Lady of Song at 1 p.m.

Tom Manuel & the Young at Heart Trio: Tom Manuel, cornet, Steve Salerno, guitar, Keenan Zach, bass performs songs from the Big Band era

Tickets: $15 General Admission

 

Wednesday, October 2, 6 p.m.

Jazz 101: Who was Oliver Nelson

Tickets: $10 all, no discounts

 

Thursday, October 3, 7 p.m.

The Jazz Loft Big Band Featuring, with guest artist Oliver Nelson Jr, on flute, performing rare and unrecorded compositions and arrangements by Oliver Nelson.

Tickets: $30, $25, $20

 

Friday, October 5, 7 p.m.

Stolen Moments Revisited; Jazz septet with guest artist Oliver Nelson Jr, on flute; presenting the iconic Jazz album Blues and the Abstract Truth and compositions meant for the album that were never recorded.

Tickets: $30, $25, $20

 

Saturday, October 6, 7 p.m.

The Oliver Nelson Project: Jazz sextet with guest artist Oliver Nelson Jr. performing rare, unrecorded and lost compositions including arrangements for Herbie Mann, Kenny Dorham, Eric Dolphy, Art Farmer and others.

Tickets: $30, $25, $20

 

Tuesday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m.

Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett exhibits opening reception

The $25 for general admission includes food, beer and/or wine.  Tickets are available here: https://www.thejazzloft.org/calendar

 

Wednesday, October 9

Jam Session at 7 p.m.    

Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach and Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow jazz enthusiasts.

Tickets: $10, $5 after 8 p.m.

 

Thursday, October 10 at 7 p.m.

Wine Tasting in the Coalbin

Hosted by Laura and Tom Manuel, enjoy an exclusive wine tasting in an intimate setting. Guests will enjoy a curated selection of wine paired with a small plates of gourmet cheese and hors d’oeuvres while rare vinyl albums are played on a vintage audio system. A unique night, not to be missed!

Tickets: $100

 

Wednesday, October 16 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at 7 p.m.    

Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach and Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow jazz enthusiasts.

Tickets: $10, $5 after 8 p.m. 

 

Thursday, October 17

The Bad Little Big Band at 7 p.m.

The 12-member Bad Little Big Band led by pianist Rich Iacona, and vocalist Madeline Kole accompanies the band.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child, FREE Child (5 and under)

 

Friday, October 18 at 7 p.m.

Dave Douglas Gifts Quartet plays Strayhorn

Dave Douglas, trumpet; Goeffrey Keezer, piano; Kate Pass, bass; Ryan Sands, drums.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child, FREE Child (5 and under)

 

Saturday, October 19, at. 2 p.m.

BB&B (Blues, BBQ and Beer) Willie Steele Quintet

Includes food, beer section, and music in the Count Basie Garden and front lawn.

$50 all

 

Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m.

Bright Moments Series

Alfonso Lama, guitar; Luca Rosenfeld, bass; Zan Teti Kovi, drums

Presenting some of the brightest upcoming talents on the jazz scene

Tickets: $10, $5 for seniors

 

Wednesday, October 23

Jam Session at 7 p.m.    

Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach and Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow jazz enthusiasts.

Tickets: $10, $5 after 8 p.m.

 

Thursday, October 24

Interplay Jazz Orchestra at 7 p.m. 

The 17-piece Interplay Jazz Orchestra performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child, FREE Child (5 and under)

 

Tuesday, October 29 at 7 p.m.

Bright Moments Series

Zan Tetickovic DMA recital; drums

Presenting some of the brightest upcoming talents on the jazz scene

Tickets: $10, $5 for seniors

 

 

Wednesday, October 30 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at 7 p.m.    

Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach and Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow jazz enthusiasts.

Tickets: $10, $5 after 8 p.m.

 

For tickets and more information visit https://www.thejazzloft.org or call 631-751-1895.

Photo from Town of Brookhaven

Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich have announced the completion of two paving projects in Port Jefferson Station.

In the first project, crews completed drainage maintenance and replaced damaged concrete aprons and Belgium block curbing prior to resurfacing Ashley Court, Barraud Drive, Casey Lane, Iowa Avenue, New Jersey Avenue, and Wisconsin Avenue. The total cost for this paving project was approximately $227,000. The second project included the resurfacing of Gladysz Way at a cost of approximately $48,000.

“Both of these paving projects had been on my radar for some time,” said Superintendent Losquadro. “The roads that were resurfaced are now safer and smoother for residents, motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.”

Councilmember Kornreich said, “Thank you, Superintendent Dan Losquadro, for making our roads smoother and our community safer!”

Photo from Town of Brookhaven

Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Losquadro, Councilwoman Bo Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro and Councilwoman Jane Bonner have announced the resurfacing of Hawkins Path from Hawkins Road to County Road 83, as well as Hawkins Road from North Bicycle Path in Selden to Hawkins Path in Centereach.

Prior to paving, crews replaced approximately 3,700 linear feet of curb, nearly 300 square feet of concrete sidewalk and approximately 4,000 square feet of aprons, in addition to installing ADA-compliant handicap ramps, at a cost of approximately $290,000.

The milling and paving cost for this project was $380,000; the total cost for this paving project was $670,000. “Hawkins Road is a main artery in Brookhaven Town, crossing two council districts and serving as a main access point for teachers, students and staff attending Stagecoach Elementary School,” said Superintendent Daniel Losquadro. “It is now safer and smoother for all motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.”

Councilwoman Bonner said, “Resurfacing Hawkins Path and Hawkins Road makes travel so much safer for everyone. Fall is a busy time for the men and women of the Highway Department, but the residents of Brookhaven Town can rest assured that infrastructure improvements are a year-round priority for Superintendent Losquadro.”

The opening date for these exhibits has been moved from August to October 8.

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, will be celebrating the First Lady of Song Ella Fitzgerald and legend Tony Bennett with exhibits of hundreds of items of memorabilia and archival materials. 

Fitzgerald will be celebrated not only with her music, but also with an exhibit of six of her spectacular gowns recently procured by The Jazz Loft Founder Tom Manuel. Other items in the Fitzgerald exhibit will include items spanning the mid 1930s to the end of her life in the 1990s, including letters, personal objects, awards and more.

The Tony Bennett exhibit will feature over 100 items, including several awards and Grammy nominations; letters from presidents, Louis Armstrong and Fred Astaire; and the Gold Records from his signature hit I Left my Heart in San Francisco.

The Fitzgerald exhibit of six Don Loper custom-designed gowns came to The Jazz Loft serendipitously. Manuel received a phone call one day from a young man in California stating that he had a collection of gowns from “someone named Ella Fitzgerald.”

“Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett were without question two of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century,” says The Jazz Loft Founder Tom Manuel. “To welcome such an extensive collection of their personal items to have on display in the museum and to celebrate their story at The Jazz Loft is amazing. I am so grateful to all who supported these two important acquisitions financially and I just know that everyone is going to be blown away by these exhibits.

The opening of the gown exhibit and the Tony Bennett exhibit is on October 8 at 6:30 p.m., with $25 for general admission tickets available here: https://www.thejazzloft.org/calendar

“Ella Fitzgerald is the reason I fell in love with jazz,” says Nicole Zuraitis. “Her voice, her phrasing, her personality and musicality all defined the genre for me and continues to do so.”

The Gowns

The Loper gowns include: A straight long-sleeved navy gown with a see-through fabric on the arms with wrist shapers. A high neckline with a grey bejeweled center piece of silvers and different blue tones with a shape wear belt; A flowing pacific blue long sleeved gown with a lower v-neckline with vertical sequined stripes from the waist and a wraparound belt; A short length and short sleeve turquoise double patterned dress with a u neckline having a silver overlap of x patterns and waves behind; A brown elegant gown with a long sheer skirt making a two piece illusion with the flower printed pattern from the waist up with brims of gold and a flattering neckline and shoulder cut off; A loose fitting long sleeve ocean blue gown with golden flower accents varied around the dress to highlight the cross fabric v neckline; and a midnight black ankle gown with a detailed trail of golden beaded buttons and a sleek bow tie around the waist highlighting the mesh black sleeves and silky texture. 

Loper was a famous American costume designer, as well as a screenwriter, producer, actor and choreographer. He designed for Lucille Ball, as well as Ella Fitzgerald and some of his pieces are featured in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the California African American Museum. 

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Nina Cahill Allegedly Used the Stolen Vehicle to Wreak Havoc during a Span of Four Days

 Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Sept. 24 that Nina Cahill, 42, of Holtsville, was indicted for Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, and other related charges, for allegedly stealing a vehicle, using the vehicle to rob a bank, and then leading police officers through two car chases, including one that resulted in the injury of a Suffolk highway patrol officer.

“The defendant allegedly compounded her already serious crimes by recklessly attempting to evade responsibility by fleeing from police. In so doing, the defendant endangered passing motorists and ultimately injured a police officer,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The defendant will be held accountable for her alleged actions through the broad array of charges contained in this comprehensive indictment.”

According to the investigation, on September 4, 2024, Cahill allegedly stole a 2007 Toyota Corolla from the valet stand at the Stony Brook University Hospital Emergency Room. Two days later, on September 6, 2024, Cahill drove that stolen car to a bank in Selden where she allegedly passed a bank teller a note demanding all the money in the teller’s drawer. Cahill allegedly stole approximately $500 from that bank before fleeing the scene.

The following day, September 7, 2024, Cahill was involved in two separate high-speed pursuits throughout Suffolk County including the Long Island Expressway:

  •   First, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Cahill was driving the stolen car in Lake Ronkonkoma when police spotted her. When a Suffolk Police officer activated his lights to pull her over, Cahill allegedly fled at a high rate of speed. That pursuit had to be terminated for safety reasons.
  •   Later that same day, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Cahill was again spotted in the stolen Corolla, this time in a parking lot north of the Long Island Expressway near Exit 61. When police attempted to approach her, Cahill allegedly backed out of the parking space – into an unmarked police car – before she sped off toward Exit 61 of the westbound Long Island Expressway. Cahill then exited the LIE at Exit 60 to Express Drive North, reversed direction and then drove against traffic on the westbound lanes until Exit 61, where she re- entered the westbound LIE. She then drove on the LIE until she exited at Exit 58 and then again drove the wrong way on the westbound Express Drive North. At some point, she re- entered the LIE from an exit ramp and continued traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes. Cahill ultimately collided head-on with highway patrol car and then attempted to flee on foot before she was apprehended.

    On September 24, 2024, Cahill was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr., for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  •   Two Counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D violent felonies;
  •   One count of Robbery in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
  •   One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony;
  •   One count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony;
  •   One count of Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   One count of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
  •   Two counts of Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer in the Third Degree, Class A

    misdemeanors;

  •   One count of Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor; and
  •   Two counts of Reckless Driving, unclassified misdemeanors.

    Justice Senft ordered Cahill be held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond, or $1,000,000 partially secured bond, during the pendency of the case. Cahill is due back in court on October 15, 2024. She is being represented by Chase Brown, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James J. O’Rourke, IV of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Martin Lupo of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit and Detective Valerie Ashton of the Stony Brook University Police Department.

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File photo

Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives are investigating after a pedestrian was struck and seriously injured in Oakdale on Sept. 24.

Joseph Trotta was driving a 2020 GMC Sierra southbound on Oakdale-Bohemia Road when he attempted to make a left turn onto Montauk Highway and struck Catalina Baez, who was walking in the middle of the road at 7:12 p.m.

Baez, 58, of Ronkonkoma. was taken via ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of serious physical injuries. Trotta, 51, of Oakdale, was not injured. Anyone with information on this crash to contact Fifth Squad detectives at 631-854-8552.

Rusty is available for adoption at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter.

On September 28, the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center will be featured during Oktoberfest at the Millhouse Inn, 284 Mill Road in Yaphank. Doors open at noon. Visitors can meet dogs that are available for adoption, obtain Matchmaker Forms, get volunteer information and  make a donation to help care for the animals at the shelter. Guests will enjoy food, drinks, music and more.

If you are unable to attend the Oktoberfest at the Millhouse Inn, visit the Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center located at 300 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m; and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please call 631-451-6950 or visit the website at www.brookhavenny.gov/animalshelter to fill out a matchmaker form and set up a meet and greet with you and our adoptable dog.

File photo

The Suffolk County Water Authority will host a Pharmaceutical Take Back Day on Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the SCWA Education Center, 260 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge. This event offers a simple and environmentally responsible way for residents to dispose of unused or expired medications. No sign-up is required—just drive up, drop off your medications, and leave. Note that medical sharps cannot be accepted.

“We are excited to partner with the Suffolk County Police Department to help our customers properly dispose of their pharmaceuticals,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “By participating in this event, customers help protect our sole-source aquifer by disposing of medications properly, rather than flushing them, which can harm our water supply. We encourage all Suffolk County residents to join us.”

When medications are flushed down the toilet, they run the risk of contaminating Long Island’s aquifer, which can be a detriment to public health.This event serves as a kickoff to Source Water Protection Week, when water providers bring attention to the importance of safeguarding our natural water sources.

After residents drop off their medications during the Pharmaceutical Take Back Day event, they will be taken by a Suffolk County Police Officer to be safely incinerated, ensuring that these contaminants do not end up in the aquifer. Attendees will also be invited to come into the education center to learn more about what the SCWA does and the importance of protecting precious water sources.

About SCWA:

The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.