Yearly Archives: 2024

Pictured at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor from left: New York State Senator Mario Mattera, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, Eagle Scouts Ryan Bennett, Steven Cirarolo, Brendan Kieran and Joshua Prew and New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized four new Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 7 at their Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Sts. Philip and James Church in St. James last month. Held on June 9, fellow scouts, troop leaders, family, friends and several dignitaries attended the ceremony to congratulate and support the new Eagle Scouts.

All of the young men acquired the necessary merit badges and demonstrated their leadership skills, as well as completing their Community Service Project to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in scouting.

Ryan Bennet, of St. James and a senior at Chaminade High School, designed and built a pergola over a baptismal font at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Ronkonkoma.

For his project, Steven Ciraolo, of St. James and a junior at Smithtown High School East, made educational signs explaining the life cycle of trees and installed them along a nature trail at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown.

Brendan Kieran, of Smithtown and a sophomore at Chaminade High School, created a new basketball court at Sts. Philip and James School/Parish. He installed two new basketball hoops and outlined the full court.

Also doing a project at Sts. Philip and James, Joshua H. Prew, of Lake Grove and a sophomore at St. John The Baptist High School, cleared the overgrown shrubbery and installed two benches adjacent to the basketball court so the children have a nice outdoor seating area.

“Coming to the Eagle Scout Court of Honor is the best part of my job. The fact that each of you achieved the rank of Eagle Scout while still a teenager is an enormous accomplishment and this recognition will be with you for the rest of your lives and you will always be held to a higher standard because of this achievement,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

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Photo from SCPD
Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the person who allegedly set off fireworks causing damage to a Stony Brook home this month.

A person allegedly set off fireworks in the direction of a Manchester Lane home that caused damage on July 2 at 10:25 p.m. The suspect fled in a white vehicle.

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.

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the men who allegedly stole merchandise from a Medford store in June.

Two men allegedly stole merchandise from Lowes, located at 2796 Route 112, on June 27 at 7:16 p.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.

Photo courtesy of America's VetDogs

Explore Long Island volunteer opportunities, observe guide and service dog demonstrations, learn about volunteer puppy raising, and more!

Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs, sister Long Island-based national nonprofit organizations that provide service and guide dogs to veterans, first responders, active-duty service members, and to those who are blind, low vision, or with other disabilities, at no cost, will host their Second Annual Open House  on Tuesday, July 23 from 3 to 7 p.m. at their campus at 371 East Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown.

The event will include guide and service dog demonstrations, program graduates giving testimonials, informational tables on puppy raising, various local volunteer opportunities, tours of the facility, and more! No registration required. FREE to attend.

America’s VetDogs is proud to be one of a select few accredited assistance dog schools in the United States that is now able to provide a veteran with a specially trained service dog in 12-months or less. With over 800,000,000 veterans living in New York, America’s VetDogs is dedicated to providing life-changing service dogs to our nation’s heroes with disabilities faster and at no charge to them. 

The Guide Dog Foundation is currently in urgent need of volunteer puppy raisers. Puppy raisers welcome a pup into their homes at around 8 weeks of age. The raiser will provide crucial socialization experiences for the pup by taking them to grocery stores, on public transport, and more. Puppy Raisers will also attend regularly scheduled classes alongside other local raisers. The Guide Foundation covers all cost associated with raising, the volunteer puppy raiser is asked to cover the cost of food. At around 14-18 months of age, the dog will return to the Foundation in Smithtown to begin formal training. 

It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but Americas’ VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation provide their services completely free of charge.  All funding comes from the generous contributions of individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses, and community organizations.

To learn more about the event visit VetDogs.org/OpenHouse

 

Fathom Events and Warner Bros. Pictures celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved 1984 fantasy epic The NeverEnding Story by bringing it back to select theaters nationwide on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22.

The film tells the story of a young boy named Bastian who, on his way to school one day, ducks into a bookstore to avoid bullies. Sneaking away with a book called “The NeverEnding Story,” Bastian begins reading it in the school attic. The novel is about Fantasia, a fantasy land threatened by “The Nothing,” a darkness that destroys everything it touches. The kingdom needs the help of a human child to survive. 

When Bastian reads a description of himself in the book, he begins to wonder if Fantasia is real and needs him to survive.

Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Wolfgang Petersen directs this unforgettable adventure starring Barret Oliver, Gerald McRaney, Tami Stronach, Noah Hathaway, and Deep Roy, and boasting landmark practical creature effects and whimsical set designs.

Each screening will include an exclusive introduction by legendary film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, exploring the visionary tale’s enduring appeal that continues to captivate new generations of filmgoers.

Locally the film will be screened at AMC Loews Stony Brook 17, Island 16: Cinema de Lux in Holtsville, Showcase Cinema de Lux in Farmingdale, and Regal UA in Farmingdale. 

To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.

VIEW TRAILER HERE

WHO: Fathom Events and Warner Bros. Pictures

WHEN: Sunday, July 21 at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm local time; and Monday, July 22 at 7:00 pm local time.

WHERE: Tickets for the event can be purchased at Fathom Eventsor at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theater locations are subject to change).

 

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

Dolores Mancialandaverde Allegedly Attempted to Evade Responsibility by Fleeing on Foot After Crashing into a Tractor Trailer

On July 16 Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the indictment of Dolores Mancialandaverde, 28, of Medford for leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, and other related charges for allegedly operating a motor vehicle while his privilege to drive in New York State was suspended, and then leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in the death of his passenger, Hedilberto Nava-Perez, 44, of Medford, and serious physical injuries to another passenger.

“After slamming into a tractor trailer, this defendant allegedly cared more about evading responsibility for his actions than rendering aid to his own friends and passengers,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will seek justice for the victims in this case, including Mr. Nava- Perez who tragically lost his life.”

According to the investigation, on June 8, 2024, at approximately 1:52 a.m., Mancialandaverde was allegedly driving his 2008 BMW 328i southbound on Horseblock Road in Medford, with two passengers inside.

As a tractor trailer was making a left-hand turn from Horseblock Road onto Express Drive North, Mancialandaverde allegedly drove through the intersection and crashed into the tractor trailer. Mancialandaverde allegedly exited his vehicle and fled on foot as a bystander attempted to render aid to the victims.

Nava-Perez, Mancialandaverde’s back-seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene. Mancialandaverde’s front-seat passenger suffered femur, spinal, and facial fractures, and was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital. The driver of the tractor trailer was uninjured.

At the time of the crash, Mancialandaverde’s privilege to drive in New York was suspended.

On July 16, 2024, Mancialandaverde was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei, for the following charges:

 Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony;
 Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class E felony; and
 Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree, an Unclassified misdemeanor.

Justice Mazzei ordered Mancialandaverde held on $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, or $500,00 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Mancialandaverde is due back in court on August 18, 2024, and he is being represented by Luigi Belcastro, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Rosenheck of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Donal Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.

This week’s shelter pet is Esme, a beautiful domestic short-haired, ten-month-old girl who adorns a stunning gray tuxedo coat. This sweet baby girl had thought she found a forever home months back, only to be returned due to an unexpected change in her family’s living situation. Despite this gut wrenching turn of events, Esme and the team at the shelter are hopeful that her chance at being a cherished forever family member will arrive before her first birthday.

At first she may seem a little shy or reserved when making Esme’s acquaintance.  However, with a little time and patience Esme will warm up to new faces with endless affection and purrs. This exquisite young lady is simply irresistible to any kitten-loving human and would bring a lifetime of joy and memories to one lucky family. Caretakers believe that Esme would be best suited in a home with older children, possibly cats and dogs.
If you are interested in meeting Esme, please fill out an application to schedule time to properly interact with your prospective soul mate in a domestic settingThe Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only).

For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

For more information regarding animals available for adoption visit:. TownofSmithtownAnimalShelter.com 

Children enjoy the Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo Memorial Spray Park in Elwood. Photo by Kyle Barr

In anticipation of the forecasted heat dome covering much of Long Island and the northeast this week, the Town of Huntington will put the following services and schedules for Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17:

Cooling centers

  • The Dix Hills Ice Rink will be open from noon to 8 p.m.
  • The Town of Huntington Senior Center (Flanagan Center) will be open until 4 p.m.

Beaches: Crab Meadow, West Neck, Hobart, and Centerport Beaches will be open with stationed lifeguards until 8 p.m.

Pools: The Dix Hills pool will be open to Town Residents with ID from 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission will be free for residents during heat wave.

Spray Parks: Elwood and Manor Field Spray Parks will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Spray Parks open at 10 a.m. for children with special needs)

 

With a heat advisory [weather.gov] in effect for most of Long Island and the Rockaways through Wednesday night, PSEG Long Island is activating its voluntary Smart Savers thermostat program today, July 16.

While PSEG Long Island expects to have the power required to meet customer demand during this potential heatwave, activating the voluntary Smart Savers thermostat program will reduce loading on the system. It will also help save money next year by reducing the amount of required capacity purchased in advance.

“Our Smart Savers thermostat program is a voluntary program available to residential customers with smart thermostats,” said Michael Voltz, director of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for PSEG Long Island. “Customers enrolled in this program save money, and are also helping everyone in the service area by allowing us to reduce the overall peak demand on some of the hottest days.”

Here’s how it works:

On Tuesday, July 16, at 3:30 PM, which is 30 minutes prior to the activation, enrolled customers’ homes will be pre-cooled by 3 degrees for 30 minutes, then their thermostats will be raised by 4 degrees from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. In exchange, these customers receive a discount on their electric bills.

More than 40,000 customers have enrolled in the program. To learn more and join the program, customers can visit: enrollmythermostat.com/faqs/pseg-long-island-faq/

The Smart Savers program is dispatched for economic and load reduction purposes. Each year, PSEG Long Island must pre-purchase the electricity it will need to provide power to its customers for the following year, especially in the more demanding summer months. That capacity is estimated based on the previous year’s usage. When Smart Savers is implemented, it reduces the amount of overall energy being used, which reduces the amount of electricity needed to be purchased for the following summer period. That translates into future savings for all customers.

Activating the Smart Savers Thermostat program also allows PSEG Long Island to maintain an up-to-date assessment of the program’s capability to reduce demand on the hottest days of the year, or “peak load” days.

Be safe and energy-conscious

PSEG Long Island is providing suggestions for its customers to stay healthy, safe and energy-efficient during the extreme heat.

  • Set home thermostats or air conditioner units to 78 degrees.
  • Run major appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and pool pumps, in the morning or late evening to avoid the peak demand hours of 2 PM to 8 PM.
  • Set refrigerators and freezers at most-efficient temperatures.
  • Do not cool an empty house. Set your thermostat higher when you are away, or use a smart thermostat to control the temperature in your home.
  • Commercial and residential customers may sign up for the Peak Load Rewards program. Visit psegliny.com/saveenergyandmoney/GreenEnergy/PeakLoad for more details.
  • Close blinds and window coverings facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat.
  • Ceiling fans cool fast and cost less than air conditioning. (In hot weather, set ceiling fans to spin quickly, counterclockwise to push air downward.)
  • Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows with caulk or weather-stripping.
  • Replace old appliances with new energy efficient ENERGY STAR® appliances.
  • Replace air filters monthly. Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder.

Prepared for potential outages:

High temperatures, thunderstorms and high electric demand can sometimes cause scattered outages. PSEG Long Island has personnel available around the clock to address potential outages during this forecasted heatwave safely and as quickly as possible.

Stay connected:

  • Download the PSEG Long Island mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more.
  • Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to PSEGLI (773454). You can also report your outage through our app or our website at psegliny.com/outages.
  • To report an outage or downed wire, you can also call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number at 800-490-0075.
  • Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to report an outage and for updates before, during and after the storm.
  • Visit PSEG Long Island’s MyPower map for the latest in outage info, restoration times and crew locations across Long Island and the Rockaways at mypowermap.psegliny.com/.

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PSEG Long Island

PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a long-term contract.  PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company. 

Visit PSEG Long Island at:

www.psegliny.com

Stony Brook University Hospital

Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) has been recognized as a 2024-25 Best Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, ranking in the top 15 in the state. SBUH climbed to a No. 12 ranking overall in New York State out of more than 153 hospitals statewide, up from No. 13 in the state last year. In addition to ranking in the top 8% overall in New York State, SBUH also rated high performing in 5 adult specialties nationwide, including Geriatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Urology and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. The announcement was made in a press release on July 16.

“We are immensely proud to be recognized by U.S. News for our commitment to excellence in patient care,” said William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Officer in Charge, Stony Brook University and Executive Vice President, Stony Brook Medicine. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication, skill, and compassion of our entire Stony Brook Medicine team and reflects our unwavering focus on providing patients the highest quality of care.”

“This honor highlights Stony Brook University Hospital’s continued efforts to deliver the highest quality care to our patients,” said Carol Gomes, MS, FACHE, CPHQ, Chief Executive Officer at Stony Brook University Hospital. “I am grateful to our entire team for their tireless efforts ensuring that our patients receive the comprehensive treatment and support they deserve.”

The evaluation of SBUH includes data from Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, which make up the Stony Brook Medicine healthcare system.

U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions; only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.

“For 35 years, U.S. News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A ‘Best Hospital’ recognition empowers patients to seek out medical care from the best of the best to treat their illness or condition.”

To calculate the Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodologymeasure patient outcomes using data from millions of records provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This year, among other methodology refinements, U.S. News incorporated new data on care provided to patients with Medicare Advantage insurance and on care provided to outpatients, nearly doubling the number of patients included in its annual data analysis. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals.