Stony Brook University and the Simons Foundation were recently named recipients of the Insight Into Diversity magazine 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award.
Insight Into Diversity is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Stony Brook University and the Simons Foundation will be featured, along with 82 other recipients, in the September 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
“I am so proud of the cutting-edge research, outstanding teaching, and engaged scholarship and service gained from the collaboration of Stony Brook and the Simons Foundation around excellence in STEM,” said SBU Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Judith Brown Clarke. “We look forward to continued partnership in our quest for deep transformational impacts that are powerful and create long-lasting changes that have a positive effect on individuals, communities, and entire societies.”
Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected by Insight Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.
“I take great pride in the dedication and enthusiasm shown by our scholars and staff in initiating this program with such vigor and excellence. We are grateful for this recognition and remain dedicated to advancing the legacy we have started,” said Erwin Cabrera, executive director of the Stony Brook Simons STEM Scholars Program. “The core values of Insight Into Diversity Inspiring Programs closely resonate with the objectives of the SBU Simons STEM Scholars program, and we appreciate the opportunity to be recognized alongside other distinguished recipients.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the men who allegedly stole items from a car in Ronkonkoma this month.
Two men allegedly stole items from an unlocked vehicle parked in front of an Express Drive North home on July 10 at approximately 5:40 a.m.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the woman who allegedly stole merchandise from a Commack store in June.
A woman allegedly stole approximately $900 worth of Pokémon cards from Target, located at 98 Veterans Memorial Highway, on June 26 at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
PODS Enterprises, LLC recently released its fourth annual Moving Trends Report identifying the top 20 cities Americans are flocking to, and fleeing from, in 2024. The report analyzes consumer movements throughout the past fifteen months, identifying the environmental and economic factors that inspired these trends.
Carolinas and Appalachiansbecome new hotspots as pandemiccities cool off
For the second consecutive year, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Wilmington, North Carolina landed the top spot on the list of cities people are moving to. Raleigh, North Carolina jumped 14 places compared to last year, coming in sixth in 2024. However, it’s not just these coastal gems that are seeing an influx of new residents. The entire Southern Appalachian region is booming, with droves of people seeking the “quiet life” in states like Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.
More Americans are calling the Southeast home with the promise of lower costs of living, an exceptional quality of life, an incredible food scene, easy access to nature, and vibrant metro areas. This migration highlights the region’s broad appeal to those craving a more balanced lifestyle at a reasonable price point without sacrificing modern amenities and rich cultural experiences.
Top 20 cities with the highest number of move-ins:
1. Myrtle Beach, SC/ Wilmington, NC
2.Ocala, FL
3.Houston, TX
4.Greenville-Spartanburg, SC
5.Charlotte, NC
6.Raleigh, NC
7.Phoenix, AZ
8.Knoxville, TN
9.Jacksonville, FL
10. Asheville, NC
11. Boise, ID
12. Portland, ME
13. Nashville, TN
14. Atlanta, GA
15. Johnson City, TN
16. Huntsville, AL
17. Dover, DE
18. Orlando, FL
19. Savannah, GA
20. Greensboro, NC
“Last year, we noted the Carolinas were worth watching, and this year, they’ve not only taken the trophy as the number one spot for new moves but also broken a record,” said Rich Schwartz, SVP of Corporate Operations at PODS.
“On the flip side, we’re continuing to see a throughline where expensive metro areas are prompting Americans to flock to cities and states where the cost of living is lower, and the lifestyle is more balanced,” he added.
California dreaming turns to natural living: housing costs push Americans out of cities
Los Angeles, Northern California, South Florida’s Miami metro, and Long Island, New York continue to see the largest population exoduses. While the draw to natural surroundings is a driving force, skyrocketing costs of living have proven equally influential in this lifestyle pivot. Exorbitant housing costs, overcrowding, and hefty tax burdens have become, for some, insurmountable challenges in these urban centers. As a result, many residents find themselves priced out and seeking reprieve from major cities. This mass relocation underscores the growing appeal among Americans in prioritizing access to nature and a more sustainable quality of life over the pace of city living.
Top 20 cities with the highest number of move-outs:
1. Los Angeles, CA
2. Northern CA (San Francisco area)
3. South Florida (Miami area)
4. Long Island, NY
5. Austin, TX
6. Central Jersey, NJ
7. Chicago, IL
8. San Diego, CA
9. Stockton-Modesto, CA
10. Hudson Valley, NY
11. Santa Barbara, CA
12. Denver, CO
13. Boston, MA
14. Baltimore, MD
15. Hartford, CT
16. Portland, OR
17. Fresno, CA
18. Bakersfield, CA
19. Northern New Jersey
20. Minneapolis, MN
This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s senior supplement Prime Times on July 18.
What is one of the most widely consumed over-the-counter drugs? Would it surprise you to hear that it’s alcohol?
There are many myths surrounding alcohol consumption. For example, you may have heard that Europeans who drink wine regularly live longer because of this. Or that only heavy drinkers need to be concerned about the resulting long-term health impacts. Both have been studied extensively.
Let’s look at what the research shows.
What’s the relationship between alcohol and cancer risk?
Alcohol is listed as a known carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program of the US Department of Health and Human Services (1). Among the research it details, it lists head and neck, esophageal, breast, liver and colorectal cancers as key cancer risks that are increased by alcohol consumption. Of these, esophageal and breast cancer risks are increased with even light drinking.
The World Health Organization reports that the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified alcohol at the highest level of carcinogen, along with asbestos, radiation, and tobacco (2).
In a January 2023 New York Times interview with Marissa Esser from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she explained: “When you drink alcohol, your body metabolizes it into acetaldehyde, a chemical that is toxic to cells. Acetaldehyde both ‘damages your DNA and prevents your body from repairing the damage.’” Damaged DNA allows cells to develop into cancer tumors (3).
A meta-analysis of European studies on the effects of light to moderate alcohol use, defined as no more than two standard drinks per day, found that this level of intake caused 23,000 new cancers in the European Union in 2017 (4). Female breast cancer accounted for almost half of these.
These results support an earlier meta-analysis of 113 studies, which found there was a four percent increased risk of breast cancer with daily alcohol consumption of one drink or fewer a day (5). The authors warned that women who are at high risk of breast cancer should not drink alcohol or should drink it only occasionally.
It was also shown in the Nurses’ Health Study that drinking three to six glasses a week increased the risk of breast cancer modestly over a 28-year period (6). This study involved over 100,000 women. Even a half-glass of alcohol was associated with a 15 percent elevated risk of invasive breast cancer. The risk was dose-dependent, meaning the more participants drank in a day, the greater their risk increase. In this study, there was no difference in risk by type of alcohol consumed, whether wine, beer or liquor.
Based on what we think we know, if you are going to drink, a drink a few times a week may have the least impact on breast cancer. According to an accompanying editorial, alcohol may work by increasing the levels of sex hormones, including estrogen, and we don’t know if stopping diminishes this effect (7).
Does alcohol affect stroke risk?
On the positive side, an analysis of over 83,000 women in the Nurses’ Health Study demonstrated a decrease in the risk of both ischemic (caused by clots) and hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding) strokes with low to moderate amounts of alcohol (8). Those who drank less than a half-glass of alcohol daily were 17 percent less likely than nondrinkers to experience a stroke. Those who consumed one-half to one-and-a-half glasses a day had a 23 percent decreased risk of stroke, compared to nondrinkers.
However, women who consumed more experienced a decline in benefits, and drinking three or more glasses daily resulted in a non-significant increased risk of stroke. The reasons for alcohol’s benefits in stroke have been postulated to involve an anti-platelet effect (preventing clots) and increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Patients should not drink alcohol solely to get stroke protection benefits.
If you’re looking for another option to achieve the same benefits, an analysis of the Nurses’ Health Study recently showed that those who consumed more citrus fruits had approximately a 19 percent reduction in stroke risk (9). The citrus fruits used most often in this study were oranges and grapefruits. Note that grapefruit may interfere with medications such as Plavix (clopidogrel), a commonly used antiplatelet medication used to prevent strokes (10).
Where does this leave us?
Moderation is the key. It is important to remember that alcohol is a drug, and it does have side effects. The American Heart Association recommends that women drink no more than one glass of alcohol a day. Less is better.
For those at high risk of breast cancer, consider forgoing alcohol.
The stroke benefit is tiny, and in some studies, non-existent. Therefore, it’s better to err on the side of caution and minimize your intake.
If you choose to forgo alcohol, the good news is that there are many more appealing, non-alcoholic beverages on the market than there have been in the past.
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 today arrested a Medford man for driving while intoxicated following a hit-and-
run crash that seriously injured an e-bike operator in Patchogue on July 21.
Laquimn Greene was riding an e-bike eastbound on East Main Street when an eastbound Audi struck
Greene in front of 350 East Main Street and fled the scene at approximately 4:45 a.m. Greene, 13, of
Wheatley Heights, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries.
Following an investigation, Flavio Lituma, 53, of Medford, was arrested in front of his home. He was charged with DWI and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Serious Injury.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552 or Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
Nathan Hale Nature Preserve. Photo courtesy of Paul Thomson
By Sabrina Artusa
The Town of Huntington Planning Board rescinded preliminary approval for a development proposal in Halesite located at 78 Bay Ave. and 211 Vineyard Road. The developer, Vineyard Bay Estates LLC, proposed an eight-home subdivision to be built in on a 4-acre plot.
The board approved the application in February and has received ardent community pushback since its passing. The development sits on 10 acres of wooded, hilly land — an area the community says has immense environmental and cultural significance. The developers plan to preserve the remaining land.
Nathan Hale Nature Preserve filed a lawsuit against the Town of Huntington Planning Board and Vineyard Bay Estates in March, claiming that the Planning Board’s SEQRA declaration of significance is erroneous and lacking “a rational basis.”
Paul Thomson, member of the Nathan Hale Nature Preserve, said that the Planning Board, instead of filing a pre populated environmental assessment form (EAF), the developer printed their own form which gave an “incomplete” analysis of the property and the impacts of development.
“We want this process restarted in good faith and we want to be able to publicly comment on this process going forward,” Thomson said. “And that they take a hard look under SEQRA to see if environmental impact statements are necessary.”
The formal EAF states that the area is sensitive for archaeological sites, but the developer’s form submitted that it was not a sensitive area.
At a June meeting the developer’s lawyer, Michael McCarthy, argued against an environmental review. The community, including Thomson, presented their concerns to the board, which included the fact that the area could hold significance to Native Americans.
“If I need to supplement the EAF [Part 1], I’ll supplement the EAF,” McCarthy said at the meeting. “If I need to, you know, correct something that was a box that was checked wrong, we’ll will check the box correctly.” He went on to note that he does not believe a full environmental impact study is necessary.
In February, the Planning Board accepted the environmental review and the application simultaneously without allowing time for a public hearing.
Lisa Perillo, attorney for Nathan Hale Nature Preserve, wrote in a letter to the board that the full effects of construction on such a steep slope have not been properly examined.
“We don’t understand why the priority is to develop as opposed to protect, and we think the Town of Huntington has made it very clear in its voting process that we want environmental space and these sleeping slopes protected,” Thomson said.
He added, “Let the chips fall where they fall, we just want it done according to the law and according to the procedures.”
Thomson and the rest of the nonprofit’s members are also concerned the endangered northern long-eared bats would be put in danger by development.
Last October, Thomson said he brought the issue to the attention of the town’s Environmental Open Space & Park Fund Advisory Committee, which advises the Town Board on buying and preserving open space. The committee reportedly agreed that the property should be preserved.
According to Newsday, McCarthy and Planning Board attorney Ed Gathman have entered into a stipulation agreement to reset the approval process.
Smithtown East’s Meredith Brennan banks two in a summer league matchup against Ward Melville. Photo by BIll Landon
Julianna Wankel scores for Smithtown East in a summer league matchup against Ward Melville. Photo by BIll Landon
Ward Melville’s Jenna Greek looks for a rebound at the free throw line in a summer league matchup against Smithtown East. Photo by BIll Landon
Quinlan Heilbron battles in the paint for the Patriots in a summer league matchup against Smithtown East. Photo by BIll Landon
Jaclyn Engel floats one in for the Patriots in a summer league matchup against Smithtown East. Photo by BIll Landon
Ava Giordano scores for Smithtown East in a summer league matchup against Ward Melville. Photo by BIll Landon
Ward Melville’s Molly Combs banks two for the Patriots in a summer league matchup against Smithtown East. Photo by BIll Landon
By Bill Landon
Ward Melville broke out to an early lead in Town of Brookhaven summer league action Monday, July 15, against Smithtown East and safely led until midway through the second half.
Smithtown East inched closer in the final minute of play when the Bulls drained a 3-pointer to trail by one promptly calling time-out. Both teams traded baskets and with 1.7 seconds on the clock, the Bulls inbounded the ball and threw the Hail Mary shot downcourt without success, falling to the Patriots 33-32.
The win lifts the Patriots to 3-2 in the large school varsity division and Smithtown East drops to 3-2 with four games remaining.
An artist’s rendering of a youth sports complex and medical office that would be called Destination Kings Park. Photo courtesy Prospect Realty Partners
By Evan McAteer
DestinationKP is a relatively newly proposed development that is aiming to establish three things: a sports center for Long Island-based youth, an expansive medical center and commercial retail opportunities.
Kelly Murphy, executive director and CEO of the Suffolk County IDA. Photo courtesy Suffolk County IDA
The two groups spearheading the project are Prospect Sports Partners of New York and Agape Community Sports Services of San Antonio, Texas.
According to a Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency press release dated July 8, the IDA has agreed to support the ongoing development and that DestinationKP will be the “largest privately-owned, mixed-use sports and medical complex in the tri-state region.”
Located at 350 Old Northport Road, Kings Park, approximately 44.5 acres of land will be transformed into a “state-of-the-art regional tourist destination for sporting events, camps and tournaments.”
In a general overview of the project, DestinationKP is expected to cost upward of $92 million, and create more than 100 full-time employment opportunities. As a hub for visitors and tourists alike, the project would create steady tax revenue, as well.
In specific terms, DestinationKP will consist of six, multipurpose outdoor playing fields, and one practice field. For indoor sports, a 63,900-square-foot facility will be built, with 10 regulation basketball courts, three indoor multipurpose fields and a concessions complex.
While Agape Community Sports Services will be handling the development of the sports-oriented facilities, Prospect Sports Partners is set to lead the commercial/medical center’s construction. This medical office building will stand on 50,000 square-feet.
According to the press release, the IDA plans on supporting the medical center’s construction: “The more-than $22.5 million investment will be leased to a tenant specializing in providing medical care, rehabilitation services and other sports-related uses to become a sports medical hub and regional tourism destination. Moreover, the complex also received a significant amount of support from the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation through $52 million in nontaxable bonds and $17.5 million in taxable bonds.”
The economics are sound and offer traveling families a “regional sports and tourism destination,” according to Kenny Henderson, a co-owner of Prospect Sports Partners.
DestinationKP has three objectives, the first of which is offering Long Island youth a place to safely gather and engage in organized recreational sports.
Kelly Murphy, executive director and CEO of Suffolk County IDA, said, “This groundbreaking project aims to provide our local youth, especially those encountering socio-economic obstacles, with access to organized sports opportunities that were once unavailable to them.”
The second objective is creating an economically stimulating project for local Long Island workers.
Murphy added, “The Suffolk IDA is proud to support this project that fulfills a significant need for our children and families, while providing high-quality job opportunities as well as substantial revenue generation for local businesses and taxing jurisdictions.”
The third goal of DestinationKP is the encouragement for tourism within Long Island broadly, and near the community itself.
“Any Long Island family who has children in competitive sports will tell you about the challenges and expenses associated with traveling to out-of-state tournaments,” Murphy said. “Having this asset in our region will be an enormous draw and become a sought-after destination that will keep the economic benefits of the complex’s numerous activities and offerings right here in Suffolk County.”
Highlighting Suffolk County IDA’s Long Island First policy,” which prioritizes in-community spending and supports local businesses, DestinationKP stands as an important supporter. The project itself does not have an expected completion date, but construction and funding are well underway. More information about DestinationKP and its developers can be found at the website: www.destinationkp.com.
New York Cancer & Blood Specialists has announced that Dr. Jahan Aghalar has been recognized as one of Newsweek’s America’s Best Prostate Cancer Oncologists for 2024. This prestigious honor is part of Newsweek’s first annual ranking of America’s Best Prostate Cancer Oncologists & Surgeons, conducted in partnership with Statista.
“We are incredibly proud to have some of the best physicians and disease-specific specialists in the Nation, dedicated to providing world-class cancer care,” said Dr. Jeff Vacirca, Chief Executive Officer of NYCBS. “Dr. Aghalar’s recognition is a reflection of our commitment to excellence and our relentless pursuit of advancing cancer treatment.”
“I am deeply honored to be named among America’s Best Prostate Cancer Oncologists by Newsweek,” said Dr. Aghalar. “This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts of my colleagues and the unwavering support from New York Cancer & Blood Specialists. Together, we strive to provide our patients the highest standard of care.”
Dr. Aghalar specializes in malignancies originating from the genitourinary tract, specifically prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers. For more information, visit nycancer.com or call 631-751-3000.
For the second consecutive year, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Wilmington, North Carolina landed the top spot on the list of cities people are moving to. Raleigh, North Carolina jumped 14 places compared to last year, coming in sixth in 2024. However, it’s not just these coastal gems that are seeing an influx of new residents. The entire Southern Appalachian region is booming, with droves of people seeking the “quiet life” in states like Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.
Prev
