Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon takes part in a previous National Night Out event in Ridge.
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff's office
Update: These events have been canceled due to the weather.
The Town of Brookhaven, Town of Smithtown and Town of Huntington are among the many communities across the United States that will soon be celebrating National Night Out — a national initiative seeks to improve bonds between police and the public during an evening of family fun. And best of all, it’s free. No registration necessary.
Centereach – This event has been rescheduled to Aug. 20.
The Centereach Pool Complex at 286 Hawkins Road, Centereach will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Manzella, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, SCPD’s 6th Precinct and the Middle Country Public Library, the event will feature music, swimming, touch-a-truck, food trucks, vendors and more. 631-451-6647
Holtsville
Holtsville Ecology Center, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the SCPD’s Fifth Precinct, Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Foley, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro, the event will include food, music, and face painting. The pool complex, zoo and Safety Town will also be open. 631-451-6645
Huntington
Manor Field Park, 110 East 5th Street in Huntington Station, will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Huntington Town Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, SCPD Second Precinct and the Huntington Town Board, the event will feature basketball and soccer tournaments, food, music, bounce house, obstacle course, spray park, food, giveaways, raffles, vendors and more. 631-351-3000
Lake Grove
The Smith Haven Mall’s Lifestyle Village in Lake Grove will host National Night Out with the SCPD 4th Precinct on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a night of fun and safety education. Rain date is Aug. 8. 631-724-1433, 631-852-6000
Ridge – This event has been cancelled due to the weather.
Fireman’s Memorial Park, 725 Middle Country Road, Ridge will host a National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Councilman Michael Loguercio, the event will feature games, a petting zoo, Sheriff’s Office vehicle displays, ice cream truck, softball and hockey games and giveaways along with a table for medical ID cards and Safe Child cards. 631-852-2200, 631-451-6964
A potassium-rich diet may help to reduce blood pressure. Stock photo
Drugs may not be necessary in early stages
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
High blood pressure affects over 48 percent of U.S. adults (1). This scary number means that almost 50 percent of us are at increased risk for heart attack and stroke, the two most frequent causes of death (2). It also puts us at higher risk for chronic kidney disease and dementia (3).
Hypertension severity is categorized into three stages, or levels of severity, each with a different recommended treatment regimen. When the stages were created in 2017, what we used to call “prehypertension” was split into two new categories: elevated blood pressure and hypertension stage 1.
Elevated blood pressure is defined as systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 120-129 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of less than 80 mmHg. Stage 1 includes systolic blood pressure of 130-139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mmHg (4). You can find a simple chart of all levels on The American Heart Association’s website: www.heart.org.
Both have significant consequences, even though there are often no symptoms.
In an analysis of the Framingham Heart Study, researchers found that those with prehypertension experienced a 3.5-fold increase in the risk of heart attack and a 1.7-fold increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease (5). Many other studies support these increased risks (6, 7). This is why it’s critical to address increased blood pressure, even in these early stages.
The good news is that new and extended studies have given us clearer insights about effective treatments, stratifying our approaches to improve outcomes.
What’s the best treatment forelevated blood pressure?
The Joint National Commission (JNC) 8, the association responsible for guidelines on the treatment of hypertension, included lifestyle modifications at the top of its recommendations for elevated blood pressure (8).
Lifestyle changes include dietary changes. A Mediterranean-type diet or the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet are both good options.
Any diet you select should focus on increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and reducing your daily sodium consumption to no more than 1500 mg (two-thirds of a teaspoon) (9). You should also ensure you exercise, manage your weight, and consume no more than modest amounts of alcohol (1 or fewer drinks for women and 2 or fewer drinks for men on a daily basis) (8).
Some studies have also shown that a potassium-rich diet helps to reduce blood pressure (9). Fortunately, foods like fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes have significant amounts of potassium. However, do not take potassium supplements unless instructed for other reasons by a physician; high potassium can be very dangerous and can precipitate a heart attack.
Some drugmakers have advocated for using medication to treat elevated blood pressure. The Trial of Preventing Hypertension (TROPHY) suggested the use of a hypotensive agent, the blood pressure drug candesartan to treat prehypertensive patients (10)(11). The drug reduced the incidence of hypertension significantly compared to placebo over two years. However, after stopping therapy, the following two years showed only a small benefit over placebo. The study was funded by Astra-Zeneca, which made Atacand, a brand version of the drug.
In an editorial, Jay I. Meltze, M.D., a clinical specialist in hypertension at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, noted that the results were interpreted in an unusually favorable way (12).
Since elevated blood pressure responds well to lifestyle changes, why add medication when there are no long-term benefits? I don’t recommend using medication to treat elevated blood pressure patients, and the JNC8 agrees.
Do lifestyle changes treatStage 1 hypertension?
For those with Stage 1 hypertension, but with a low 10-year risk of cardiovascular events, these same lifestyle modifications should be implemented for three-to-six months. At this point, a reassessment of risk and blood pressure will determine whether the patient should continue with lifestyle changes or if they need to be treated with medications (13).
Your physician should assess your risk as part of this equation.
I am encouraged that the role of lifestyle modifications in controlling hypertension has been recognized and is influencing official recommendations. When patients and physicians collaborate on a lifestyle approach that drives improvements, the side effects are only better overall health.
References:
(1) cdc.gov. (2) NCHS Data Brief. 2022;456. (3) Hypertension 2020;75:285-92. (4) heart.org. (5) Stroke 2005; 36: 1859–1863. (6) Hypertension 2006;47:410-414. (7) Am Fam Physician. 2014 Oct 1;90(7):503-504. (8) J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 May, 71 (19) 2176–2198. (9) Arch of Internal Medicine 2001;161:589-593. (10) N Engl J Med. 2006;354:1685-1697. (11) J Am Soc Hypertens. Jan-Feb 2008;2(1):39-43. (12) Am J Hypertens. 2006;19:1098-1100. (13) Hypertension. 2021 Jun;77(6):e58-e67.
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.
Suffolk County Police First Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who was pronounced dead after a motor vehicle crash in West Babylon on Aug. 5.
Thomas Parietti was driving a 2023 Hyundai Elantra northbound on Great East Neck Road at Railroad Avenue when he veered into the southbound lanes of travel, crossing all lanes and striking bushes and trees on the side of the roadway.
Parietti, 63, of Farmingdale, was transported to Good Samaritan Universal Hospital in West Babylon where he was pronounced dead. Detectives believe Parietti suffered a medical condition prior to the crash.
The vehicle was impounded for a safety check. Detectives are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the First Squad at 631-854-8152.
Update: An investigation by major case unit detectives determined John Ballard, 30, of Mastic was operating an electric skateboard when he fell, causing his injuries. He later died at the hospital.
Below is the original press release:
Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident during which a man was found unconscious in the road in Moriches on Aug. 5.
Seventh Precinct officers responded to Montauk Highway, near Louis Avenue, at approximately 4:30
a.m. after a 911 caller reported an unconscious man lying in the road.
The man, John Ballard, 30, of Mastic, was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue
for treatment of serious injuries.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on how the man was injured to call Major Case Unit
detectives at 631-852-6555.
Back in April, Suffolk County legislators Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and Ann Welker (D-Southampton) introduced the “Skip the Stuff” bill, which is designed to reduce the amount of condiment packages and single-use utensils distributed.
This bill would prohibit restaurants and food delivery services from providing plastic utensils, straws, condiments or napkins with takeout and delivery food orders, unless the customer explicitly requests them.
This initiative’s goal is to prevent waste, both environmentally and monetarily, as it aims to reduce the pollutant side effects of plastic microparticles and reduce high restaurant overhead costs, respectively.
The bill did not progress out of the Health Committee, as some officials felt that the legislation was a bit of an overstep, and needed fine tuning. Englebright does plan on reintroducing the bill “in some form,” going forward.
So TBR News Media took to the streets, and asked locals what they thought about the matter.
Juan Mendez, Mount Sinai
Juan, an employee of Dunkin’ Donuts, did not believe the bill will make a significant difference, as his
Juan Mendez. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
restaurant already follows the proposals, more or less.
“We already do that, unless the customer asks us [for condiments or spoons] to be included,” he said.
He explained that there is “an outside area, for any customers that need napkins or straws,” they are just not put in bags by the staff.
“A lot of users don’t even use [these things automatically included] in the bag. If you don’t need it, it’s wasteful.”
Brittany, Port Jefferson
Brittany, who works in Port Jefferson village, had a nuanced stance on the issue.
“I understand for environmental reasons why this would want to be done, completely. But, when you go out, you need something, especially if you’re getting something like ice cream,” she said.
She added that “maybe, if we could use spoons that were better for the environment,” that could provide a potential middle ground.
Angelina of Miller Place and
co-worker Debbie
Both women felt the bill would have a positive impact on the environment.
“I agree with [minimizing plastic utensils]. At the same time, it can be annoying, when it’s not available but I think it is so good for the environment,” Angelina said.
Her co-worker, Debbie, echoed similar sentiments.
“It is a good thing for the environment. On the other hand, like everything, there is a pro and a con to it. For customers who need these things, it can be an inconvenience. But, we have to look a generation ahead. What kind of lifestyle will our grandkids be having [if we pollute our environment] with plastic? It is time to start thinking about the future, and not just now. If it is for our betterment it is worth the sacrifice, and every change must start somewhere.”
Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Debbie declined for her picture to be taken and other personal information to be included.
Sam, Port Jefferson
Sam a hostess, felt that customers expect extras as part of their takeout orders. And, that they may not be
pleased if that changed.
“We always give ketchup and utensils. Nobody really asks for it, but, I feel like if we don’t give them, they are going to [be upset]. People come to expect it, as part of the service. You don’t know where everybody is going — they could be going outside to eat and not going home,” she said.
Pregnant woman standing beside crib. METRO Creative Connection photo
By Daniel Dunaief
Cases of syphilis, a sexually-transmitted infection, have climbed dramatically on Long Island over the last decade and have continued to increase, creating a health care risk for those infected including pregnant women and their unborn children.
The number of infectious syphilis cases on Long Island quadrupled between 2011 and 2021, reflecting a national trend, Dr. Cynthia Friedman, Director of Public Health Suffolk County Department of Health Services, explained in an email, citing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
“Unfortunately, case numbers continued to increase through 2022,” while 2023 numbers were not yet finalized, Friedman added.
Photo of Cynthia Friedman.
The incubation period for syphilis is between two and three weeks, with primary symptoms including painless open sores or ulcers and enlarged lymph nodes near the sore.
Left untreated, syphilis can progress through four stages, from primary, to secondary, latent and tertiary, with the last of those occurring in about 30 of cases and threatening the heart and brain and potentially causing death.
“The CDC and New York State Department of Health have issued advisories urging providers to screen their patients for syphilis when appropriate,” Friedman wrote. “Prevention of congenital syphilis is a priority.”
Indeed, pregnant women can pass along syphilis to their unborn children.
Children born with syphilis look healthy, but develop problems as they age.
“It’s a life-long debilitating disease” for infants, said Dr. Sharon Nachman, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “It affects the brain, bones, growth, teeth and every part of the body.”
Nationally, the number of children born with syphilis has also increased, with CDC data indicating that 3,700 were born with the disease in 2022, 10 times the level from 2012.
Area hospitals have been actively screening pregnant women for syphilis and, in cases where tests come back positive, have been prescribing Bicillin L-A, a form of penicillin that treats the disease and protects unborn children.
“We at Stony Brook have been very aggressive about knowing each mother’s status,” said Nachman.
At Huntington Hospital, pregnant women are also screened at least three times, on initial intake, in the middle of a pregnancy and on admission to the hospital, explained Dr. Mitchell Kramer, Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Suffolk County runs a Congenital Syphilis Prevention Program, which follows women who test positive for the infection during their pregnancy to ensure they are adequately treated and that their infants receive appropriate monitoring and follow up, Friedman wrote in an email.
Still, infections occur among newborns in the county.
“There are generally a few babies born with congenital syphilis in Suffolk County each year,” explained Friedman. “This usually occurs when mothers have had no or limited prenatal care.”
Supply of medicine
Hospitals have been extremely careful with their supply of Bicillin L-A, which is the most effective and safest treatment for pregnant women who aren’t allergic to penicillin.
“Across our institution, nobody could touch those [treatments] unless they were treating a pregnant woman,” said Nachman.
Pfizer, which manufactures the drug, indicated in June that they have enough Bicillin to treat diagnosed cases of the disease.
Kramer said the earlier supply limitations of Bicillin L-A hadn’t been an issue in his practice, although he “wouldn’t be surprised if smaller health care facilities had a shortage.”
Causes of the increase
Health care professionals suggested several possible causes of the rise in syphilis.
An improvement in the prevention and treatment of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, has likely led to a reduction in the use of condoms, which help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
An increase in the use of apps to find potential partners may also have increased the spread of these infections, said Nachman.
Additionally, some people may feel there is a “stigma associated with STIs” and may be reluctant to go to a doctor and ask for a test, said Kramer.
Numerous states have lost funding for STI prevention, which also likely reduced the awareness of the need for people to protect themselves, Kramer added.
Populations where there’s disparities in health services and that don’t have access to screening and treatment are “health care deserts” as patients “are not getting proper care and screening,” Kramer said.
Syphilis isn’t just a problem for any one age group.
The infection has been making the rounds at senior centers and assisted living facilities, with cases rising among people over 65 years old. Seniors who aren’t concerned about pregnancy can be at risk for contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
Area hospitals have been urging residents to understand the prevalence and health consequences of STIs and have urged people to protect themselves from the disease.
“There is a concerted effort to get the message out,” Kramer said.
It is no surprise that Sarah Beth Durst’s latest novel forges intriguing new territory. The gifted author of over two dozen books (six reviewed in this publication) has penned a highly original fantasy novel: The Spellshop. While fantasy is not new terrain for Durst, she has populated her world with a blend of magic and humanity, creating a delightful but wholly grounded universe.
Librarian Kiela is at the center of The Spellshop. She lives in Alyssium, the capital of the Crescent Island Empire, where freedom fighters instigated a revolution to bring free elections and knowledge sharing.
As the novel opens, the Great Library of Alyssium is on fire. “Its hallowed stacks were filled with centuries-old treatises, histories, studies, and (most importantly, in Kiela’s opinion) spellbooks. Only the elite, the crème de la crème of the scholars, were allowed to even view the spellbooks, as only the rarefied few were permitted, by imperial law, to use magic.” The narrative hinges on this last point.
Kiela gathers up five crates of books and her sentient spider plant pal, Caz, and escapes in one of the library’s boats, heading to her birthplace, the island of Caltrey. “Behind them, the great city burned, with its people (both good and bad) and its history (both good and bad) and its books and its flowers. And she knew she wasn’t coming back.” Durst deftly sets the story in motion with quick, tense strokes, evoking a perfect intersection of fantasy and reality.
Kiela arrives on Caltrey, taking up residence in the family’s long-abandoned cottage. A loner by nature (and afraid of anyone discovering her literary contraband), she is reluctant to connect with the locals. “It wasn’t that she didn’t like people. It was only that she liked books more.”
To her dismay, Kiela discovers that her native island is depressed and desperate. Bryn, the local baker, shares with her the current state: “It used to be that the emperor would send his sorcerers on a regular rotation to tend to the outer islands, and they’d cast spells that balanced whatever nonsense they’d done in the capital city to throw them out of whack, but then they stopped coming.”
This absence resulted in a scarcity of fish, dangerous changes in weather patterns, and depletion of crops. The capital’s abandonment of its responsibilities leads Kiela to the realization that “no matter who was in charge, the powerful always wanted to keep power for themselves.”
With serious poverty looming, Kiela delves into the rescued and forbidden tomes. Creating a jam shop as a front, she embarks on healing many of Caltrey’s problems, claiming her magic offerings are “old family remedies.” In Alyssium, Kiela was friendless by choice. Gradually, in Caltrey, she finds a welcoming community, a circle of friends, and a new sense of self. Eventually, the outside world threatens the enclave in the specter of imperial investigators.
Along the way, romance appears in the form of her neighbor, Larran, the strapping merhorse herder and jack-of-all-trades. At first, she resists any interaction and then questions if he—or anyone—could be interested in her. But collaboration blossoms into more than just companionship.
Durst populates The Spellshop with a wonderful integration of the expected and fantastical. Here, four-armed harpists dwell side-by-side with centaurs. The forest is full of cloud-like bear spirits and unicorns. Winged cats take up residence on roofs and shelter in attics during storms.
Possibly Durst’s greatest creation is the resourceful but angst-ridden spider plant, Caz, whose first words in the novel are “We’re going to die.” The anthropomorphic sidekick is hilarious, strangely human, and unique. “[Caz] crossed his leaves like a professor, preparing to listen to a student’s wildly incorrect theories. All he needed was a pair of wire-rimmed glasses perched on his roof to complete the look.” (Later, he is joined by a non-binary cactus whose sole vocal communication is the single word, “Meep.”)
The Spellshop celebrates the power of books: Anything can be accomplished by reading, researching, and studying. “If everyone failed her, whatever they did, she had all the immortal voices caught in pages.” However, Kiela learns that it is not solely what you learn but the application of that knowledge. Her life transforms from clerical and theoretical to harnessing information in active, productive, far-reaching results.
Ultimately, the story traces Kiela’s emergence from a narrow and disconnected academic to a risk-taking hero embracing life. Durst writes with rich, engaging prose; even her most whimsical ideas resonate with deep truth. The story takes on several contemporary issues in subtle but formidable ways. She highlights sustainability. It is not who you love but how truly you care. Parallels between magic and science are sharply drawn. Laws should protect and elevate the population and keep it safe. And, finally, that “law” and “right” are not synonymous—but should be.
The Spellshop is a far-reaching and insightful novel that speaks great and important truths. But, first and foremost, it is a terrific read.
Pick up a copy online at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com. For more information, visit sarahbethdurst.com.
The force was strong in Setauket on July 27 as Emma Clark Library hosted its annual Star Wars Day. Over 250 young Jedi and their families joined the coolest event in the galaxy with Star Wars-themed carnival games including Pin the Saber on the Vader, crafts, costumes and a raffle contest in the children’s library. The day was made extra special with a visit from Darth Vader and several stormtroopers.
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine/Kali Chan
Stony Brook Medicine recently hosted its annual Stony Brook Heights Rooftop Farm Nutrition and Cooking Workshop for Kids, a three-day farm-to-table nutrition education program based out of Stony Brook University Hospital’s organic rooftop farm.
Twelve children ages 7 to 10 took part in the workshop from July 23 to 25. Participants picked fresh vegetables from the 2,242-square-foot garden and then prepared their own meals which included hummus and veggie wraps, tabbouleh and fruit smoothies.
By day 3, they had learned about how food and ingredients are grown; harvesting and choosing ingredients to prepare healthier food options; trying a variety of fruit and vegetables with the health benefits behind them; and proper use of kitchen equipment. They also learned about composting and water conservation. Each young chef went home with easy recipes they can duplicate for their families.
Runners at the starting line at Run the Farm. Photo from TOB
By Rita J. Egan
An annual race proves it can go the distance.
The organizers of the ShopRite Run the Farm 4-mile Run/Walk, which benefits Bethel Hobbs Community Farm in Centereach, will celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 10. Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle and Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Manzella will co-host the annual challenge that ShopRite of Selden is sponsoring.
LaValle, former councilman for Brookhaven’s 3rd Town Council District, said he was pleased when Manzella expressed interest in helping to organize and host the race when he was elected to fill LaValle’s vacant seat last year.
Manzella said he’s happy to help and bring the race to the next level.
“Kevin has done such a fantastic job,” the councilman said.
He described the farm as a “hidden gem.”
“The 3rd District where I live is a very developed district, very business-oriented district, so to have this little farm tucked away in the middle of it, it’s just a nice change of pace,” Manzella said.
Before his tenure in the Town of Brookhaven, LaValle worked with the late Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore. He said that after the two visited the 11-acre community farm and met with its founder and director, Ann Pellegrino, they knew they had to help.
“Tom and I got back into the car after taking the tour, and literally, at the same moment, we both looked at each other and said, ‘We need to do something for this place,’ because that’s how much of an impression that first tour really meant to us,” LaValle said.
Runners take to the streets of Centereach for Run the Farm event. Photo from TOB
He added that while Muratore initially was able to secure county grants for the farm, when Suffolk County had to tighten its budget, the legislator couldn’t acquire the same funding he once did. LaValle, at the time a councilman, sat down with Pellegrino and discussed the idea of hosting a race, the proceeds of which would benefit the farm.
“It turned out to be a big hit,” Pellegrino said. “We get a good number of people, and they help us raise funds that go directly into the farm allowing us to do what we need to do.”
The farm provides produce for those experiencing food insecurity in the community. Over the years, it has also added an educational element where students can learn about farming. Volunteers help grow from 70,000 to 100,000 pounds of food donated to more than a dozen food pantries throughout the Island. The farm also has a stand where visitors can buy vegetables.
Recently, Pellegrino said one food pantry, which feeds more than 100 families over the course of a few days, stopped by for 200 bunches each of collard greens and Swiss chard.
She added that many race participants tell her they never knew the farm existed, and some have come back to visit. Others work for companies that will organize ways to give back to the community farm, whether by donating funds or physically helping out, after they hear about it from their employee.
“We get all walks of life and all age groups,” she said. “It’s pretty impressive seeing older runners run it when I know I can’t.”
Pellegrino, LaValle and Manzella all said they have never run in the race. While the elected officials mingle with participants as they cross the finish line and assist those representing community groups, such as Girl Scouts who hand out water, Pellegrino works at the farmstand. She said this year, she will have help and will be able to be at the start line, something she has only been able to do once since the event started.
Manzella said he would like to run in the race one day, especially after seeing his chief of staff, Thomas Heinlein, participate in the challenge and receive a trophy. The councilman added that last year, he was surprised that in the time it took him to walk from the starting line at Oxhead Elementary School to the farm, a shorter distance than the overall race path, someone was already approaching the finish line.
The race includes two miles of even terrain followed by two challenging miles, which include a mile of gentle slope followed by two demanding climbs. Runners begin at the elementary school, travel through the streets of Centereach and end at Bethel Hobbs Community Farm.
“It’s a challenge, and it’s a beautiful course,” LaValle said. “Runners love it. It’s through the streets of Centereach, so it’s very shaded throughout a lot of the course.”
On average, more than 250 runners enter the race, and approximately 100 to 200 people come to cheer participants on, the town clerk said. In each age group, there are awards for the top three runners, and there are also special recognitions, including awarding the fastest runner who is an active or past member of the military. People come from all over the Island to enter, LaValle added. In 2019, two winners, a father and son, were from France.
Soon after Run the Farm was created, it was made official by USA Track & Field and timed and kept track of like other official races. This year is the first time the 4-mile run/walk will have a lead sponsor, ShopRite of Selden. LaValle said Charles Gallagher, president of Gallagher Family Markets, which owns the supermarket, donated money to the event in previous years. One day while shopping, LaValle was talking with Gallagher, and he decided to be a lead sponsor to show his support for the community event.
Pellegrino said she’s grateful LaValle approached her about organizing a race 10 years ago.
The funds raised help with general expenses and larger projects. In the past, proceeds from the race have been used to repair the barn roof, update the irrigation system and construct a wheelchair garden. In the future, she said the farmstand will need some work.
“It’s just a tremendous help when the community comes together to support what we’re doing the way we’re doing it,” Pellegrino said.
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ShopRite Run the Farm 4-Mile Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10, rain or shine. Fun Run for children begins at 8:30 a.m., and the 4-mile challenge starts at 9 a.m. The cost to enter is $30 for those who pre-register and $35 the day of the race; $5 forchildren under the age of 10. The challenge starts at Oxhead Elementary School, 144 Oxhead Road, Centereach, and ends at Bethel Hobbs Community Farm, located at 178 Oxhead Road, Centereach. To register in advance, visit events.elitefeats.com/24runthefarm.
Durst populates The Spellshop with a wonderful integration of the expected and fantastical. Here, four-armed harpists dwell side-by-side with centaurs. The forest is full of cloud-like bear spirits and unicorns. Winged cats take up residence on roofs and shelter in attics during storms.
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