Yearly Archives: 2024

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Do you recognize this man? 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 man who allegedly stole merchandise from a Medford store in April.

A man allegedly stole power tools from Lowe’s, located at 2796 Route 112, on April 26 at approximately 9:15 a.m. The items were valued at approximately $475.00.

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.

File photo

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating an incident involving a residential fireworks display that injured four people and damaged several cars in Port Jefferson Station on July 4.

A large gathering of people were watching a fireworks display at a residence located on Foxrun Court when a firework went astray at approximately 10 p.m. Two men, a woman and a girl were injured, and several cars parked on the block sustained damage. All four of the injured parties were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital.

Patrice Ambroise, 38, of Mount Sinai, is being treated for burns and a serious leg injury. Kieran Doyle, 30, of Selden, is being treated for burns and a severed finger. A 30-year-old woman and an 8-year-old girl were treated for minor injuries.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact the Sixth Squad at 631-854-
8652.

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Just released! Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who was in possession of a vehicle stolen from a Port Jefferson Station home.

A 2017 Nissan Maxima was reported stolen from a Joline Road home during the overnight hours of May 3. The vehicle was located at the Wyandanch train station a few hours later.

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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Police car stock photo

Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating an incident during which a man was pulled unresponsive from a residential pool in East Northport on July 4.

Second Precinct officers responded to a 911 call reporting a man found unresponsive in a pool, located on Ketay Drive South, at approximately 4:50 p.m. John Vormbaum, 79, was pulled out of the water by a Second Precinct officer who performed CPR. Vormbaum, a resident of the home, was transported to Huntington Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Homicide Squad detectives at 631-852-6392.

Stony Brook University Hospital

Stony Brook University Hospital’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Program within the Stony Brook Heart Institute has earned a prestigious three-star rating, the highest rating possible, from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes in mitral valve repair/replacement (MVRR) procedures and isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG or heart bypass surgery) procedures. The latest rating period is from Jan 2021 to Dec 2023. Stony Brook received its first three-star CABG rating in 2017, and has consistently received the top ratings since.

“The three-star ratings are reflective of our entire Heart Institute’s dedication — from surgeons, nurses, physician assistants and many other healthcare professionals — to delivering top-quality care and outcomes for our patients,” says Henry J. Tannous, MD, FACS, Co-Director, Heart Institute, Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery and General T.F. Cheng Chair, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University. “At Stony Brook, patients can have the confidence of knowing they’re getting cardiac care from world-class cardiothoracic physicians at one of the top-rated facilities in the nation.”

The recent analysis of the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database included data from 964 participants on cases between 2021 and 2023. Participating programs were rated on a range of one to three stars. The STS three-star ratings — one of the most sophisticated and highly regarded overall measures of quality in healthcare — that Stony Brook achieved is an “Overall Composite Score” for patient outcomes and quality of care for isolated CABG surgery procedures and MVRR procedures performed. It measures a surgical team’s performance before, during and after the surgical procedure. More than 95 percent of hospitals in the U.S. with cardiothoracic surgical programs submit data to the STS, and approximately 20 percent of participants receive the three-star rating for CABG and approximately 10 percent receive a three-star-rating for MVRR procedures.

“At Stony Brook Medicine, we take great pride in our long legacy of raising the level of cardiothoracic surgical care for our patients,” says Apostolos Tassiopoulos, MD, FACS, Chair, Department of Surgery; Chief, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Professor of Surgery, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University. “We remain laser-focused on serving our community with all the best that only a University-based academic medical center can offer — the most advanced technology, an outstanding cardiovascular staff and the full spectrum of lifesaving cardiothoracic interventions.”

This year, Healthgrades also named Stony Brook University Hospital as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care™ (2015-24). Stony Brook is one of only two hospitals in New York State to be named among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care for ten years in a row.

About Stony Brook Heart Institute:

Stony Brook Heart Institute is located within Stony Brook University Hospital as part of Long Island’s premier university-based medical center. The Heart Institute offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The staff includes full-time and community-based, board-certified cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, as well as specially trained anesthesiologists, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, surgical technologists, perfusionists and other support staff. Their combined expertise provides state-of-the-art interventional and surgical capabilities in 24-hour cardiac catheterization labs and surgical suites. And while the Heart Institute clinical staff offers the latest advances in medicine, its physician-scientists are also actively enhancing knowledge of the heart and blood vessels through basic biomedical studies and clinical research. To learn more, visit www.heart.stonybrookmedicine.edu.

By Bill Landon

The Town of Brookhaven launched its summer league boys basketball season when the Patriots of Ward Melville took on Sachem North Thursday, June 27, at Sachem East High School gymnasium. This season’s large school competition consists of 14 teams stretching along the North Shore from Half Hollow Hills West to Riverhead in a nine-game season that will conclude Aug 1.

The Patriots took the early lead and never looked back, putting in a solid performance to win the game 56-50.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Members of the Class of 2024 proudly gathered at Ward Melville High School one final time to celebrate their graduation Sunday, June 30. Students marched out in front of the building as their family and friends applauded them and the honors orchestra played “Pomp and Circumstance.” The processional was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Ward Melville High School Acting Principal Paul Gold welcomed the crowd and soon-to-be graduates, offering them words of advice for their future endeavors. He also recognized the students headed into the Armed Forces after graduation. Three Village Board of Education President Susan Megroz Rosenzweig then gave remarks and congratulated the Class of 2024.

Student Government President Nicole Scala presented the class gift. The Class of 2024 has enabled construction to begin on the Commons at Ward Melville High School. The Commons will be revamped and renovated to offer a more engaging space for students.

Gold recognized the top academic leaders of the Class of 2024, beginning with co-salutatorians William McGovern and Michael Zhang. Both students left parting words for their peers.

“As you enter this next chapter of your lives, take all the knowledge and memories you’ve gathered through your years in Three Village and pave the way for the amazing futures that lie ahead of each and every one of you. And remember that today is a gift — always live it and appreciate the present moment,” McGovern said.

“Trust me when I say this, you will find being yourself is not only a liberation from crushing self-consciousness, but a path to success. I urge you to take this path for yourself and not just follow a societal dogma,” Zhang said.

Following the co-salutatorian address, Gold introduced Class of 2024 valedictorian Katherine Liang. She reminded the graduating class of their time in Three Village schools, as well as their potential to shape the future.

“We will always be echoes of the sophomores who trickled into this building, nervous and excited for high school. We will always be echoes of the steadfast teachers and administrators who shaped our cores. We, as a rolling river emerging from today’s graduation, will leave canyons and valleys in our wake. We will shape the future of our country,” Liang said.

After the student speeches, members of the graduating class stepped across the stage to receive their diplomas from Gold and the Three Village Board of Education. The Class of 2024 returned to their seats, turned their tassels and tossed their caps into the air, officially designating them as graduates of Ward Melville High School.

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Peter Colburn Williams

Prepared by Karen Donegan

Peter Colburn Williams, 81, passed away on May 23 in Schenectady. He is survived by his loving partner of over 40 years, Karen Barron Donegan; his three daughters, Elizabeth Greenwood, Alexis Coatney and Zanna Williams; and his grandchildren, Aleah Coatney, Gavin Coatney and Mack Grafft.

Peter was born in Los Angeles and was raised in Alhambra, California. He loved exploring the Southern California outdoors as an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Alhambra High in 1961, he went on to graduate from Occidental College with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, political science and government. He received both his juris doctor in law in 1968 and a doctorate in philosophy in 1973 from Harvard University.

After graduation, he moved to Port Jefferson to work at Stony Brook University, first as a professor in the Philosophy Department, then teaching medical ethics to hundreds of medical students. He was instrumental in crafting medical education to incorporate social, ethical and legal issues in medicine. In 1999, Peter and Karen moved to a beloved historic home in East Setauket. In 2000, Peter was appointed vice dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs and served with distinction in this position until his retirement in 2012, when he was granted emeritus status. He was a talented teacher and mentor who loved his students and was loved by them. Many former students became lifelong friends.

“The smartest, funniest, craziest, most insightful friend ever.” — Tom Karl.

“I loved Peter. So did my wife, Lynne. He was one of her favorite professors in medical school.” —Timothy Mount.

“He was one of the smartest people I knew and one of the funniest. His sense of humor was as wicked as his heart was wide.” — Will Parrinello.

“Pete had the ability either to scare the crap out of someone with his intellect or to let it more gently dawn on the listener while putting them at ease.” — Jim Paul.

Peter and Karen met at the home of mutual friends in Port Jefferson. They embarked on many adventures together, traveling to New Zealand, Colombia, the Caribbean and around the United States. He enjoyed hiking and backpacking the Appalachian Trail and Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii. 

He was an active person who enjoyed playing tennis, riding his bicycle and sailing. He loved music — listening to classical music, singing in the university choir and LISCA. Peter was a jack-of-all-trades at home. He was a gourmet chef and sometimes builder, electrician, woodworker and plumber. He and Karen spent many happy hours tending their beautiful yard and vegetable garden. He also loved animals, adopting many beloved pets over the years. He had a special fondness for birds and birdwatching.

In lieu of a service or flowers, donations may be made to the Sierra Club or the National Audubon Society. To share a memory, visit Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home at www.rossiditorofuneralhome.com.

From left, Isabella Williams, Island Federal's VP of Marketing Chris Murray, and Benjamin Dono. Photo courtesy of Island Federal

Island Federal Credit Union (Island Federal) recently presented Section XI Scholarships to two scholar-athletes from Suffolk County. Isabella Williams from Half Hollow Hills West High School in Dix Hills and Benjamin Dono of Riverhead High School each received $2,500 from Island Federal to help finance their college education.

“Island Federal has a long history of supporting local athletes whose talents extend well beyond the playing field. This year’s winners, Isabella and Benjamin, exhibit academic achievement, athletic excellence, and community involvement. We are pleased to award $2,500 to each of them towards their college expenses,” said Craig Booth, Interim President/CEO, Island Federal Credit Union.

Chris Murray, VP/Marketing at Island Federal added, “Coaches, school administrators, teachers, and family throughout Suffolk County sent us their nominations for the Island Federal/Section XI Scholarship. During the school year, Island Federal profiled many of these students on our social media. We received nominations of more than 260 deserving students, which made it difficult to select only two scholarship winners. Isabella and Benjamin were selected as they exhibit the leadership qualities that define a scholar-athlete.”

Murray continues, “Isabella is a well-rounded, three-sport athlete on the Varsity Field Hockey, Girls Basketball and Lacrosse Teams. Maintaining a GPA of 97.4, Isabella was named an AP Scholar and NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete and serves as National Honor Society President. Beyond her academic and athletic success, what truly distinguishes Isabella is her commitment to her community. Working with the district’s social workers, she runs an annual school supply drive for children in low socioeconomic districts. After Isabella and her sisters lost their dad to heart disease during the holidays, she and her sisters now prepare ‘blessing bags’ which include toiletries, snacks, gloves, and hats, which they personally deliver to the needy of Manhattan on Thanksgiving Day.

“Benjamin is a recognized two-sport Scholar-Athlete for Basketball and Tennis as well as Captain of the Varsity Men’s Basketball team. A member of both the National Honor Society and Foreign Language Honor Society, he maintained a weighted average of 108.39, ranking in the top 10 of his class of 468 students. To give back to his community, Benjamin cleaned up local beaches, worked at safe Halloween for young children and raised money for those in need. He was particularly proud to be a peer leader, visiting elementary schools to inspire future student athletes,” commented Murray.

Tom Combs, Executive Director, Section XI-NYSPHSAA added, “For the third consecutive year, we are proud to partner with Island Federal in highlighting the great achievements of our student-athletes. By presenting a monthly winner, then two winners of the year, it motivates many to succeed. This is a very high honor recognizing success in the classroom and on the field. We greatly appreciate Island Federal’s support of Section XI student-athletes.”

This week’s featured shelter pet is sweet Potato, a beautiful 13-year-old female tuxedo cat who was left behind when her people moved. 

Now at the Smithtown Animal Shelter, Potato is the purrfect companion. She had some hair loss (likely from flea allergies) that is resolving and sports a delightful milk mustache and a sunny personality. This little lady needs a home that will spoil her rotten in her golden years. Will that be you? 

If you are interested in meeting Potato, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in the shelter’s Meet and Greet room.

The 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.