Paul Braile’s volunteer commitments keep him constantly busy exemplifying his dedication to his community. Whether running Santa Claus Central at the First Methodist Church or managing work for the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival, Braile’s packed schedule reflects his extraordinary commitment to volunteerism and his gift for bringing people together.
Braile has worked in theatrical stage lighting since 1995 on projects for television, movies, theater and corporations including the Super Bowl, Glee and the CBS Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 2001, he moved from New York City to Port Jefferson Village and founded Paul Braile Creative, a company specializing in innovative lighting design.
His volunteer work began in 2005 with the Greater Port Jefferson/Northern Brookhaven Arts Council where he provided lighting for the Charles Dickens Festival. Each year since (with the exception of 2020), Braile has illuminated 16 locations across the village creating magical displays for the community. Today, he serves as the vice-chair of the Arts Council.
Chair of the Council Allan Varela described Braile’s “creative sense and tireless work ethic” as unparalleled, citing his reconstruction of the Roe House Santa’s Workshop. Renamed ElfWorks, the project has become a beloved attraction delighting children and adults alike.
Beyond the Dickens Festival, Braile extends his talents to other community events. He creates lighting for the Port Jefferson High School prom where he also served as president in 2024. Introduced to the prom in 2005, Braile continues to help transform parents’ ideas into reality saying, “It’s all about community and what one can do that can make a difference.”
Braile’s influence goes beyond his artistry. Jon Famularo, a lighting designer who credits Braile with inspiring his career, described him as a mentor since middle school. Famularo praised Braile’s high-quality work and dedication saying, “Regardless if you know him or not, most everyone who sees the product he delivers is blown away.”
Port Jefferson Village Trustee Kyle Hill remarked that Braile’s imagination and creativity “know no limit” while Renee Lemmerman, director of recreation in Port Jefferson, described him as “kind, generous, creative, funny” and a “problem solver.” Co-worker Cindy Pipia added that Braile is a “visionary who strives to make all he brings to his volunteer activities better and better every year.”
Braile’s commitment to volunteerism stems from his love for his community. He describes Port Jefferson as “a community where strong friendships are born and continue to develop.” As for the future, Braile plans to continue volunteering, mentoring and contributing to the village he loves.
The Crime Victims Center Executive Director Laura Ahearn
By Daniel Dunaief
An advocate, defender, educator, legislative partner, social worker and attorney, Laura Ahearn is prepared to help during periods of extreme duress whenever needed.
Executive Director of the Crime Victims Center, Ahearn has secured orders of protection for abused women, accompanied victims to court, counseled high school students about inappropriate relationships and helped victims receive funds for survival.
For her work this year and every year for nearly three decades, Ahearn is one of TBR News Media’s People of the Year for 2024.
“I love Laura Ahearn,” said Kara Hahn, a former legislator who met Ahearn in 1999, and crafted legislation in 2015 requiring domestic violence agencies in the county to use the Jacquelyn Campbell risk assessment, to help victims understand the level of danger from abuse.
Hahn, who is currently the Deputy Regional Director for the Long Island region of New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, added that Ahearn is “one of the fiercest and most dedicated champions for the protection of children [among others] in this advocacy space and any advocacy space.”
Indeed, recently, Ahearn and the Crime Victims Center have been working with a particularly troubling case with children in a family that have endured trauma in their former home.
“When you’re dealing with child victims who are directly or physically impacted, or have witnessed it, a lot of planning goes into counseling and advocacy,” said Ahearn. “This case has impacted me more than any other case in my entire career, which is pushing 30 years.”
Most of the 40 people involved in the Crime Victims Center, which originally started out in a room in Ahearn’s home and was called Parents of Megan’s Law, have been affected by the case.
The team is working on behalf of these children, helping them with educational and counseling programs, as well as working with law enforcement.
Ahearn has brought her advocacy, messaging and support to people in numerous contexts.
“The thing you might say about [Ahearn] is that [her help] is not just from a social work position,” said Kathleen Monahan, Associate Professor in the School of Social Welfare at Stony Brook University. “She’s attacking this from all different levels, from the health care perspective, from law and policy issues, treatment and from the mental health perspective.”
Ahearn not only received a Master’s in Social Work from SUNY Stony Brook, but she also earned a Juris Doctor from Touro Law, where she graduated at the top of her class.
Educational messaging
After discussing relationship violence with students, the Crime Victims Center has fielded phone calls from attendees.
“We had a call from a teenager in high school, who was unhappy with a forced kiss. She saw our program and wanted to know if that’s okay,” said Ahearn.
The CVC has also worked with students and school administrators to help recognize efforts to lure girls into prostitution.
These children “were being groomed by a person running a human trafficking ring,” said Ahearn. They came to school with expensive purses and shoes they couldn’t otherwise afford.
“If we have our eyes wide open, educating kids as young as middle schoolers, administrators and parents can protect these potential victims,” she continued.
Financial help
The Crime Victims Center has helped victims of sexual assault and domestic violence recover funds from the Office of Victim Services, which is the payer of last resort.
Victims who are cooperating with law enforcement and who have eligible expenses, which can include out of pocket medical and counseling costs or even funerals, can receive funds to pay for some of those expenses.
In an assault, if someone has their clothing damaged or their clothing is taken into evidence, the survivor provides the center with receipts for a replacement for the damaged property.
The Crime Victims Center has helped facilitate the return of nearly $8 million since it first started working on behalf of victims from the Crime Victim’s Fund, in the Office of Victim Services.
The center has helped families recover thousands of dollars in lost wages after the primary breadwinner in a household was hit in a driving while intoxicated incident.
Leading
In addition to helping victims, Ahearn leads virtual meetings during sexual assault awareness month and domestic violence awareness month.
This past October, Ahearn had just introduced Dr. Hirsch Handmaker, CEO of The CACTIS Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona during the third-annual, virtual domestic violence awareness month conference.
Handmaker was in a hospital where a fire alarm blared so loudly that he couldn’t hear the other attendees, much less focus on his discussion about traumatic brain injuries.
“She was so fabulous,” recalled Monahan about Ahearn’s response. “She handled that like water rolling off a duck’s back,” as Ahearn suggested an unscheduled break to allow Handmaker to clear the area.
Ahearn is a “beacon of light throughout the U.S. in highlighting the issue of sexual assault and domestic violence, and is one of the few individuals leading entities in collaborating and engaging law enforcement, social workers and healthcare providers,” Handmaker explained.
As an example of the awareness advocacy groups brought to law enforcement, Handmaker highlighted a change in the way police officers think about women who are wearing sunglasses.
Previously, officers might have suspected women were hiding their eyes because of drugs or other issues.
Instead, women with concussions often wear sunglasses to protect their eyes to avoid headaches caused by bright sunlight.
Handmaker started working with Ahearn this year. Ahearn has been coordinating with Monahan and Handmaker to create a concussion program with law enforcement. Ahearn is a “real champion in making that happen,” Handmaker said.
SAFE support
In addition to advocating for victims, supporting various legislation and running virtual conferences, Ahearn remains primarily focused on one task.
Ahearn “cares deeply about the outcomes for survivors,” said Wendy Linsalata, Executive Director of LI Against Domestic Violence, and a frequent collaborator with Ahearn.
Starting in Nov. of 2023, CVC partnered with Stony Brook University Hospital to have Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners ready to respond to any reports of a sexual assault.
Called SAFEs, these professionals are New York certified nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants or resident nurses.
Ahearn hopes that effort expands to ensure that these trained staff are available at every emergency department throughout Long Island.
From protecting Maggie to protecting herself
Ahearn’s reflex to protect others may have started when she was as young as 10 years old.
Laura Ahearn petting sled dogs on a trip to Alaska. Photo courtesy of Laura Ahearn
The owner of a dog named Maggie, Ahearn and her friend brought their two dogs near one another. When her friend’s territorial dog snapped at Maggie, Ahearn intervened and, to this day, has a scar on her arm.
Ahearn, whose current dog Jack comes to work as a companion and instant pet therapist, suggested that the advocacy field is rewarding, demanding and exhausting.
“Sometimes, there are cases that take a little part of you, and a piece of your soul withers,” said Ahearn, such as the recent case with the abused children. “You must take action to replenish that area.”
To do her best for the staff and those she supports, Ahearn relies on the encouragement of her family, the love of her dog, and the opportunity to travel.
Ahearn loves animals, including birds, and enjoys fishing. This year, she took a trip to Alaska, where she had a chance to pet sled dogs.
Ahearn, Linsalata and others in the victim advocacy world urge people to reach out to any of their organizations, or to authority figures, if they are abused.
“If in your gut, you have that feeling that something is wrong, don’t underestimate what you’re feeling or thinking,” said Linsalata.
Long Islanders know they’re lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in New York state and across the globe. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a new or recurring visitor, there’s always something to discover on Long Island.
Kristen Reynolds, CEO and president of Discover Long Island, is at the helm of this nonprofit organization that markets the region as a world-class tourist destination.
Reynolds has been named a TBR News Media Person of the Year for her transformative leadership, exceptional community involvement and unwavering commitment to advancing tourism and economic development on Long Island.
Reynolds and her team at Discover Long Island work to promote a positive perception of Long Island across the globe, which draws lucrative visitors, stirs business attraction — and drives economic development throughout the region — all for the purpose of improving the quality of life for Long Island residents.
Her appointment as CEO in 2018 marked the beginning of a new era for Discover Long Island, the region’s premier destination marketing organization. Under her stewardship, the organization has seen unprecedented growth in tourism, regional partnerships and community engagements, elevating Long Island’s profile as a world-class destination, attracting 41.8 million visitors each year and significantly boosting the local economy by generating over $5.8 billion in revenue for the Island in 2021.
Gloria Rocchio, president of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, witnessed this firsthand, having been on the board that hired Reynolds. Describing her as “a creative person who thinks out of the box,” Rocchio says Reynolds is a visionary who inspires and empowers those around her and says hiring her was “the best decision we ever made.”
Under Reynolds’ helm, the nonprofit has undergone a complete overhaul and refocused its internal strategy, including rebranding and social media. “When I first got here,” Reynolds explains, “we had one Facebook page and no social media.” She continues, “We focused on communications, content creation and rebranding.” Currently, the organization employs 25 full-time employees, including an entire in-house social media and video production team that maintains and grows the company’s 11 social media accounts, You Tube channels, a weekly podcast called Long Island Tea and most recently an AI chatbot on their website named LILI. Reynolds describes her team as “eating, sleeping and breathing our brand,” and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Kristen has completely transformed the way Long Island is perceived, both in the U.S. and internationally,” says Rocchio. “Her ability to connect with people, build partnerships and elevate Long Island’s offerings has been nothing short of remarkable.”
Originally from Midland, Texas, Reynolds graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in public relations and began her career as a coordinator for the Arizona Tourism Bureau. She spent six years there, eventually becoming the youngest tourism director in the state of Arizona.
Claiming she’s “always up for a challenge,” Reynolds has rebranded and marketed countless organizations, resorts and tourism bureaus, including turning the Sheridan Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa in Chandler, Arizona, into the only five-star, five-diamond resort on Native American land in the entire state.
As a single mom of two young girls at the time, Reynolds admits it was a tough decision to uproot them and move across the country to “the middle of nowhere” as her friends say, but she did it and has never looked back. “I love Long Island, the beaches, the close proximity to New York City and the four seasons,” she says with a smile.
Championing a blend of marketing innovation, strategic partnerships and sustainable tourism development to ensure Long Island remains a top-tier destination, Discover Long Island has expanded its reach with digital marketing campaigns that spotlight the Island’s diverse attractions — from its world-renowned wineries and beaches to its rich cultural heritage and vibrant culinary scene.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Reynolds is a staunch advocate for Long Island’s community. She believes that true progress can only be achieved when communities work together, and her tenure has been defined by a focus on collaboration.
Dede Gotthelf, experienced this firsthand. Owner of the Southampton Inn, Gotthelf said the need to attract visitors in the fall and winter months has always been a must for the local business communities “With Kristen’s innovative marketing ideas, she has transformed the East End into a year-long destination vacation spot.”
In addition to her work with the community, Reynolds works closely with local governments, civic organizations and nonprofit groups to ensure that Long Island’s tourism growth is sustainable and beneficial to all. Her efforts have fostered a spirit of inclusivity, ensuring that Long Island’s future remains bright for everyone, from residents to tourists.
Crediting much of her success to a philosophy rooted in empathy, transparency and empowerment, Reynolds believes in leading by example, working closely with her team to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and that all ideas are considered. This approach has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and fellow Long Islanders.
Reynolds says she is fortunate to have the support and hard work of her driven team who understand the mission and purpose of Discover Long Island. “They’re passionate about what they do. We make it look fun and glamorous, but the expectations are high and I run a tight ship.”
Sharon Wyman, chief operating officer at Discover Long Island, and a native of Bay Shore, has been with the company for 23 years and has seen firsthand the changes that Reynolds has made. “Before she came there, we needed a major overhaul and to rebuild relationships within the Long Island community,” Wyman credits Reynolds with the success of Discover Long Island and says, “She is always the first to know what we need and makes things happen.”
Wyman says Reynolds takes the team under her wing and is a great mentor to the staff.
“Her best quality as a leader,” explains Wyman, “is that she is an innovator who likes to take risks, and bring new ideas to life.” Reynolds’ co-workers describe her as a “fun, humble and warm hearted” leader who is a great mentor and is not afraid to take risks.
Ed Carr, director of sales and advocacy and stewardship for Discover Long Island, has worked with Reynolds for three years and describes his boss as being “exceedingly competent and an iconoclast.”He explained that her legislative knowledge, marketing and tourism experience and the fact that she’s not from Long Island, allows her to be able to bring an outside perspective on what needs to be done.
Carr says, “Kristen is very cutting edge. She’s always looking to do something that hasn’t been done. She has a desire to try new things. As a result, we are trendsetters in the tourism industry.” Carr explains that it is refreshing to have someone who understands the big picture of politics, cause and effect, and who is always looking for new ways to fund or streamline the processes.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m excited for what’s next as we continue to shape the future of this amazing destination,” Reynolds says with a smile.
As Discover Long Island continues to innovate and shape the future of tourism on the Island, Reynolds remains focused on ensuring that the region’s growth benefits everyone. Her leadership style, her unwavering commitment to the community and her vision for the future have solidified her place as a true leader, not just in tourism, but in Long Island’s overall development.
Dr. Wiiliam Wertheim. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine
By Daniel Dunaief
When Dr. William Wertheim visited Mozambique, where Stony Brook University has created the Global Health Institute, he was on a boat that got stranded in low tide.
The convivial and supportive Wertheim, who is Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine, immediately climbed out of the boat and helped push it closer to shore, waiting for the tide to come in.
Stony Brook University’s Dr. William Wertheim with Malakhi Washington. Photo by Dr. Sierra Washington
“When he was out on the Indian Ocean with some fisherman, myself and my eight-year-old son, he was very quick to roll up his sleeves and start pushing the boat ashore,” said Dr. Sierra Washington, the director of the Stony Brook Center for Global Health Equity.
Indeed, Washington suggested that pushing the boat forward became a theme for Wertheim’s visit.
TBR News Media is pleased to recognize Wertheim as a person of the year for his leadership, his deep listening skills and his ongoing commitment to the university and the surrounding communities.
For a few weeks in the spring, Wertheim’s roles and titles changed, even if the manner and his focus did not.
In June, former SBU President Maurie McInnis named Wertheim executive vice president for Stony Brook Medicine, as he shed the interim label he had taken on starting the previous October.
A few weeks later, Wertheim effectively took over for McInnis, who resigned after four years to become president of her alma mater, Yale University, when he became officer-in-charge at Stony Brook University.
“Having Wertheim named as officer-in-charge gave everybody a sigh of relief,” said Dr. Todd Griffin, vice dean for clinical affairs and vice president for clinical services.
Justin Fincher, interim chief deputy to the president and senior vice president of government and community relations, said that Wertheim, who has been at Stony Brook for 28 years, “is the epitome of the university citizen. He’s the person we all think about as a leader among leaders.”
While Wertheim was in charge of the university for about six weeks until current Interim President Richard McCormick arrived in August, he supported leadership across the campus, offering to listen or provide advice.
“He was trusting the team in place to lead,” said Fincher. “He takes his ethic of care from his training as a medical doctor and applies that in every setting and in every decision.”
Indeed, first and foremost among Wertheim’s many responsibilities and roles, he continues to serve as a practicing physician with several hundred patients.
Finding the time to see patients requires taking some extra hours. He also relies on support from other physicians and nurse practitioners who work as a team whenever he is unavailable to see his patients.
“Seeing patients is at the core of what I do,” said Wertheim. “I did go to medical school for a reason.”
A graduate of Harvard University, Wertheim earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine.
Through his medical practice, Wertheim not only helps the patients who come see him, but also recognizes and can offer solutions to challenges patients or doctors face.
“It’s one thing to hear about a problem, but another thing to have that sense that this really does affect what happens, when you’re going through the care of patients,” Wertheim said.
This year, doctors had trouble setting up appointments in one particular department, and Wertheim struggled to schedule appointments for his patients. Griffin, one of the senior leaders on Wertheim’s team, was able to assess the challenges for doctors in seeing new and follow-up patients. Under the guidance, nurse practitioners now see follow-up patients. This change cut the delay time in half in under a year.
Pulling in the same direction
Griffin has known Wertheim for 25 years and appreciates the way Wertheim has brought various efforts and initiatives together.
From left to right: Scientific and Pedagogic Director Professor Cesaltina Ferreira Lorenzon, Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine Dr. William Wertheim and Dr. Sierra Washington. Photo courtesy Stony Brook University
“We are a number of different entities: the hospital, the school, physician practices,” said Griffin, suggesting that Wertheim helps all those people “pull the oars in the same direction.”
One of Wertheim’s directives that has been particularly effective involved developing a new governance structure for Stony Brook Medicine. Whereas groups had been creating strategic plans for one year, Wertheim asked them to develop a three- and five-year plan.
Wertheim also unified service lines, combining such areas as ambulatory care and hospital expertise.
By understanding how patients transition from ambulatory to hospital care, Stony Brook Medicine can ensure a smoother and more patient-centric experience.
As a leader, Wertheim makes a concerted and ongoing effort to interact with staff throughout the system, including medical assistants, front-desk representatives and janitors, to name a few.
“All those people in those services get to see him and know him,” said Griffin. “He’s not some leader in an ivory tower.”
Role reversal
Wertheim was a vice dean of the medical school a few years ago when Dr. Peter Igarashi, dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine, first arrived.
“He worked for me,” Igarashi said. “I now work for him. There’s a lesson there about be careful how you treat people who work for you.”
Igarashi is delighted that Wertheim supports the work he and others do throughout Stony Brook Medicine.
After Wertheim became interim executive vice president, he visited several clinical sites and met personally with providers.
Through these interactions, Wertheim has built “authentic personal relationships,” Igarashi said.
As a primary-care physician, Wertheim has also communicated effectively to residents and students about the importance of having a fundamental foundation of excellence.
Igarashi, who is a physician researcher, values the complementary nature of Wertheim’s strength as a clinician and educator.
Wertheim “makes it easier for us to bring the benefits from a research discovery or research program to the clinical setting so patients have access to the latest expertise,” Igarashi added.
Carol Gomes, chief executive officer/chief operating officer of Stony Brook University Hospital, has worked with Wertheim for over 20 years. She never feels like “I’m reporting to him. He always says I’m his partner.”
Dr. Bill
In addition to connecting with medical professionals, Wertheim has an ability to connect with people of different ages and in different stages of life.
When he was in Mozambique, Wertheim lived with Washington and her son Malachi, who called him “Dr. Bill.”
Wertheim was “like one of the family,” said Washington. “He’s very down to Earth and was just as easily able to have a stimulating conversation with my son as with hospital directors.”
During his visit, Wertheim and Malachi both shared their passion for the Mets.
Wertheim has been a “great ally” to the Center for Global Health Equity, Washington said, and is always available to discuss core strategic planning.
Wertheim recognized that the limitations on health care workers in Mozambique had less to do with their knowledge and skills than with supplies.
“What they lack are resources,” said Wertheim.
A talented baker
At Harvard, where he was a history and literature major, Wertheim wrote his thesis on the influence of the philosophy of William James on the literature of Robert Penn Warren, author of “All the King’s Men.”
The first time Wertheim read the book, he was on a plane flying to St. Louis. He recalls reading the first chapter, which described the governor’s driver maneuvering down a highway.
“The description is so brilliant, I paused and looked out the window and realized that I was flying over the country that was not dissimilar from what he was describing. It was an incredibly powerful moment,” he said.
As if all of his skills weren’t enough, Wertheim, who is the fifth of five brothers, is also a passionate baker.
“I’m of an age where the kitchen might have been thought of as a place for girls or women,” Wertheim said. “That wasn’t the case in my house.”
He made several mistakes, particularly with his sourdough bread, but has learned from those earlier experiences.
“It’s fun and relaxing,” Wertheim said. “When you spend a lot of time thinking about very serious things, it can be gratifying to focus in on a small task” such as kneading dough.
Gomes recalled recently receiving a croissant. She loved the “very buttery” taste.
Griffin sees overlaps between Wertheim’s medical duties and his baking abilities.
“The precision needed, following recipes being detail oriented, having the patience to bake and make it come out the way you want” is also evidence in how “careful and precise [Wertheim] is in how he engages with others. Big complicated things don’t happen overnight. He’s methodically and carefully putting down the ingredients.
Suffolk County Police arrested a male teenager on Dec. 29 after he allegedly stole a motor vehicle that later crashed into a residence in Mastic Beach.
Seventh Precinct officers responded to 103 Lynbrook Drive after a 911 caller reported that a motor vehicle crashed into the house at 4:24 p.m. Two males in the vehicle, a 2010 Mazda CX-9, fled on foot. When officers arrived at the scene, they determined that the vehicle had been parked down the block on Lynbrook Drive and was stolen immediately prior to the crash. There were no injuries reported. The exterior of the house sustained minor damage.
Seventh Precinct officers along with Canine Unit officers canvassed the surrounding area, located, and arrested a 16-year-old male at 6:06 p.m. Seventh Squad detectives charged the 16-year-old, who is not being identified due to his age, with Robbery 1st Degree. He is being held overnight at the Seventh Precinct and will be arraigned at the Youth Part of First District Court in Central Islip on December 30.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact the Seventh Squad at 631-852-8752.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man and woman who allegedly stole merchandise from a Commack store this month.
A man and woman allegedly stole merchandise, valued at $409, from Kohl’s, located at 45 Crooked Hill Road, on December 13 at 7:36 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.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate two women who stole from a Port Jefferson Station business in December.
Two women allegedly stole five handbags from TJ Maxx, located at 5125 Nesconset Highway, at approximately 10:15 a.m. on December 16. The merchandise was valued at approximately $200.
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.
Update: Steven McDonald, 63, of Coram, has been identified as the pedestrian killed while crossing
Sunrise Highway in Oakdale on December 27.
Below is the original press release:
Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian in Oakdale on Dec. 27.
A male pedestrian was in the roadway of eastbound Sunrise Highway, between exit 48 and exit 49, when he was struck by a 2011 BMW 550 driven by Wayne Griffith at 9:25 p.m.
The pedestrian, whose identity has not yet been established by police, was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. Griffith, 60, of Medford, was not injured.
The BMW was impounded for a safety check. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552.
As the year comes to a close, it’s a time to reflect on the individuals who have had a profound impact on our lives. Whether through their kindness, wisdom or unwavering support, people leave an indelible mark, shaping us in ways both big and small.
To round out 2024, TBR News Media took to the streets, asking locals to nominate their Person of the Year. Here are their responses
Dorinda Haberfield, Smithtown
Dorinda Haberfield, Smithtown
Haberfield nominated her mother, 97-year-old Genevieve Antonucci, as her Person of the Year, because of “everything she has been through in her life.” “She lived through the Great Depression, the loss of her father at a young age, homelessness and having to work to help support the family,” said Haberfield.
“Her perseverance and resilience has been a true inspiration and example of integrity and strong character,” she added.
Lisa Goldfeder
Lisa Goldfeder, Babylon
When asked to nominate someone as Person of the Year, Goldfeder immediately said Caitlin Clark, the WNBA basketball athlete.
“She single-handedly changed the landscape of women’s basketball, with TV viewership rising over 300%,” Goldfeder said.
Michael Joseph
Michael Joseph, Halesite
Joseph nominated Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, for his dedication to his country and for “having the courage to put it all in a public memoir.”
Margaret Munsch
Margaret Munsch, Huntington
Munsch nominated her son “because he is my heart, and gives me a purpose for living.”
Gladys Brandow
Gladys Brandow, Oceanside
Brandow’s nomination for Person of the Year is her son Steven, “for being brave, accomplishing his goals and pursuing his dreams,” despite the death of his father as a teenager.
Michelle Mulderrig
Michelle Mulderrig, Syracuse and Huntington
Mulderrig said she would nominate “anyone who has faced the diagnosis of cancer.:
These people have had to navigate waters they might find themselves drowning in. So for anyone battling cancer and the people it affects around them, you are all heroes to me,” said Mulderrig.
Front row, from left, ECLI Co-Founder and Program Development & Education Director Feride Castillo; ECLI Co-Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Hernandez (with scissors); Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr; and Legislator Rebecca Sanin. Photo courtesy of ECLI-VIBES
By Julianne Mosher
There is hope for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence thanks to the founders of Islandia-based nonprofit ECLI-VIBES.
Co-founded by Feride Castillo and Jennifer Hernandez, ECLI-VIBES is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive community for individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and abuse. Through their trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach, they work to break the cycle of violence, one life at a time, by empowering individuals to achieve safety, independence and healing through their services.
ECLI-VIBES not only serves survivors but also helps their families by providing essential resources and support to help them rebuild their lives. On average, they serve more than 2,500 people every month.
“ECLI-VIBES began with a small spark nearly 10 years ago,” Hernandez said. “We founded ECLI with the idea that we create something extraordinary when we pour love and care into others.”
According to their website, a major cornerstone of the group’s mission is to foster a warm, welcoming and supportive environment where individuals facing trauma feel safe, respected and understood. At ECLI-VIBES, they believe that trauma is the catalyst for complex issues rooted in violence and abuse. They aim to uncover and address the underlying causes of trauma, enabling genuine healing and lasting transformation.
“That tiny spark has grown into a flame, one that burns brighter than ever as we work tirelessly to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and abuse,” Hernandez added.
Castillo said that the duo wanted to build a space that supports individuals, heals generations and breaks cycles.
“True transformation happens in spaces where people feel connected, loved, validated and seen,” she said. “My goal is for everyone to know what it’s like not to feel alone and empowered by the support of a team that believes in them every day.”
Some services that ECLI-VIBES boasts is a 24-hour “hopeline” that is available to all members of the community who are seeking crisis intervention, emotional support, information on victim rights and other resources.
They also host a youth program that provides support and mentorship to children and teens, a community food pantry, counseling, an advocacy program, housing program and legal programs, among others.
“This work is not just about providing services — it’s about creating a community where love and resilience lead the way,” said Hernandez. “People are inherently resilient, and love is what brings that strength to the surface. My passion comes from knowing that we all rise when we share our light with others. My job is to keep my cup overflowing so I can pour into my team and help them pour into our community. Together, we create the kind of impact that changes lives and builds brighter futures.”
“At its core, ECLI-VIBES was designed to put the ‘human’ back into human services — to be a place where people can rediscover hope, tap into their inner strength and heal,” Castillo added. “Every day, I am inspired by the power of human resilience as individuals take the courageous step to reach out, no matter how impossible their circumstances may seem.”
ECLI-VIBES also has created an Anti-Human Trafficking Program that supports individuals who have experienced human trafficking, helping them through complex issues they might have faced by utilizing a holistic approach with cost-free services.
“Human trafficking has been an ongoing issue in our county, and I am proud to work with ECLI-VIBES to support the victims and combat the traffickers,” said Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon [R-Rocky Point].“ In addition, ECLI-VIBES has been providing help to so many other people throughout our county.”
Hernandez said that ECLI-VIBES’ mission is to ensure that survivors have access to everything they need to “survive and thrive.”
“We have the privilege to stand in solidarity with them, offering not just services but an open heart, a shoulder to cry on and someone who listens to guide them toward long-term healing,” she said. “We are dedicated to supporting the mindset that empowers individuals to reclaim their power and self-sufficiency.”
For their passionate education and advocacy, TBR News Media is pleased to name Feride Castillo and Jennifer Hernandez 2024 Persons of the Year.
“As I reflect on this journey, I’m reminded of the incredible power of community and the importance of leading with love. ECLI-VIBES was built on this foundation, and it’s what continues to guide us as we create lasting change for the individuals and families we serve,” Hernandez said. “This honor is not mine alone — it belongs to every survivor who’s trusted us, every team member who’s shown up, and every person who’s believed in our mission. Love is what our community needs and will always lead us forward.”
Castillo said that the co-founders have always believed they are “the extended family member, cousin or friend who will pick up your call when you’re in need and figure out a way to help you.”
“No one should have to face the hardest moments of their life alone,” she added. “That’s why we’re committed to breaking down barriers and removing gatekeeping to provide tangible, life-saving information and resources. It’s about creating spaces where people feel supported, validated and empowered to reclaim their power and take back their lives.”
If you need help or know someone who does, visit www.eclivibes.org or call 631-360-3606.
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