Suffolk County Police Officers rescued two paddleboarders after they could not return to shore in Mount Sinai on June 19.
Gabriella Carleo and Selena Miranda were aboard paddleboards on the Long Island Sound, approximately one and a half miles north of Cedar Beach, when they could not return to shore due to strong tides and called 911 at 5:51 p.m.
A Suffolk County Police Aviation helicopter spotted the females, who had tied their paddleboards together, and gave their location to Police Officers Chris Defeo and Timothy Dillon aboard Marine Delta, who pulled the women to safety. In addition to the Marine Bureau and Aviation Section officers, the Miller Place Fire Department also responded.
Carleo, 31, of Selden and Miranda, 26 of Farmingville, were not injured.
Suffolk County Police arrested two men on June 18 for allegedly burglarizing multiple businesses and stealing ATM’s earlier this year.
Following an investigation by Major Case Unit detectives, John Mahoney and Jamie Volini were arrested for a series of commercial burglaries and an attempted burglary between March 5 and March 11 of this year. During the burglaries, the men forced entry through broken doors and windows into closed gas stations and businesses and damaged or stole the ATMs.
Volini of East Patchogue was located by police at the intersection of Sills Road and Montauk Highway and placed into custody at approximately 4:50 p.m. Mahoney was arrested without incident at approximately 7:10 p.m. in front of his Mastic Beach home.
Volini and Mahoney were arrested for the following incidents:
Mobil Gas, located at 1194 Portion Road, Holtsville, on March 6 at 2:56 a.m. they attempted toopen the ATM and were unsuccessful.
7-Eleven, located at 550 Portion Road, Ronkonkoma, on March 6 at 3:24 a.m. they gained entryto the business and removed the ATM.
Ronkonkoma Deli, located at 3311 Veterans Memorial Highway, on March 11, sometimeovernight they damaged the back door of the business but were unable to gain entry.Additionally, Mahoney was charged with Burglary 3rd Degree for the following incidents:
Blue Moon Beer and Smoke Shop, located at 999 Main St., Holbrook, on March 5 at 12:42 a.m.,he removed the ATM from the business.
Abdi Card and Smoke Shop, located at 655 Montauk Highway, East Patchogue on March 8 atapproximately 3:50 a.m. he attempted to take an ATM from the business.
Pupuseria Y Taqueria Grocery and Deli, located at 1025 Montauk Highway, Shirley on March 8,sometime overnight he cut into the ATM and stole the money.
Mahoney, 41, was charged with five counts of Burglary 3rd Degree and one count of Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree. Volini, 46, was charged with two counts of Burglary 3rd Degree, Attempted Burglary 3rd Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 4th Degree for cocaine found in his possession while under arrest.
Anyone with information on these burglaries is asked to contact Major Case Unit detectives at 631- 852-5555.
Gensel Soler Avila Allegedly Assaulted Two Men During a Dispute at a Huntington Station Bar, Leaving Each Victim with Permanent Loss of Vision in One Eye
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on June 18 that Gensel Soler Avila, 21, of Huntington Station, an alleged MS-13 gang member, was indicted on four counts of Assault in the First Degree and other related charges, for allegedly attacking two men outside a Huntington Station bar on December 4, 2023, causing permanent injuries to their eyes.
“These alleged brutal acts which resulted in the permanent loss of vision for the victims, are a stark reminder of the senseless violence that torments our communities,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The allegations against this individual, including that he is an MS-13 gang member, are deeply troubling. Our office is committed to seeking justice for the victims and ensuring that those who perpetrate such heinous acts are held accountable.”
According to the investigation, on December 4, 2023, at approximately 11:46 p.m., Soler Avila got into a physical altercation with another male at a bar in Huntington Station. When the man attempted to run away, Soler Avila allegedly chased him into the middle of the intersection of Pulaski Road and New York Avenue and knocked him to the ground. Soler Avila then allegedly beat the victim’s face and body with a sharp object and stabbed him numerous times including in his eye.
The attack caused the victim to bleed heavily and eventually pass out in the middle of the road. The victim was later found by law enforcement still lying unconscious in the street.
While Soler Avila was walking away from the first victim, he allegedly attacked a second man by punching him numerous times while holding a sharp object. During that alleged assault, Soler Avila caused a stab wound that began at the victim’s forehead and dragged down to his eye causing it to bleed heavily.
Both victims were brought to Huntington Hospital but required specialized surgery and were transferred to North Shore University Hospital. The victims each suffered permanent loss of vision in one of their eyes in addition to several other serious injuries, including lacerations to the chest and face. The first victim additionally required the insertion of a prosthetic skull and over 50 staples to his head.
On June 18, 2024, Soler Avila was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro for the following charges:
Four Counts of Assault in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies;
Four Counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D violent felonies; and
One Count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.Justice Ambro ordered Soler Avila held on $500,000 cash, $1 million bond, or $3 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Soler Avila is due back in court on July 24, 2024, and he is being represented by Joseph Hanshe, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau. The investigation was conducted by members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Second Squad.
Legislator Rob Trotta and Girl Scout Mackenzie Clarke and her mother Peggy Clarke.
Girl Scout Akiko Matrisciano and Legislator Rob Trotta
Legislator Rob Trotta with Girl Scout Angelica Rafaelides and her parents Peter and Effie Rafaelides
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recently attended the annual Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s Gold Award Ceremony held at Villa Lombardi. This is the highest honor one can achieve in the Girl Scouts. Nine girl scouts from Legislator Trotta’s district earned this award. To receive the Gold Award each scout is required to do a community service project. They come up with an idea, discuss it with their Troop Advisor, then present the project to the organization, and work with them until it is finished.
The following Gold Award Girl Scouts reside in Legislator Trotta’s Legislative District:
Mackenzie Clark of Kings Park created a “Sensory Room” at William T. Rogers
School in Kings Park.
Alyssa Greisman of Smithtown organized a “Music Night for students at parents
at the Smithtown schools.
Lauren Hedges of Kings Park created an “American Sign Language Learning Box”
for the Smithtown Library’s Library of Things program.
Akiko Matrisciano of Fort Salonga designed and painted a mural illustrating
diversity at a nursery at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Angelica Rafaelides of Smithtown coordinated with the District Attorney’s office
an assembly for sixth grade students to address the impact of social media on
mental health.
Megan Reilly of Commack developed a training guide with a physician from Stony
Brook Hospital for teachers to help them identify and assist teens with mental
health issues.
Abbey Strent of Commack conducted workshops for residents at Gurwin to improve their social skills and increase their interaction with other people.
Abigail Vermillion of Commack built homes for rescued cats at the Northport Cat Rescue Association.
Layla Wilkes of Commack constructed benches for the preschool children on the Commack Soccer League.
“The young women who earned this award exemplify the values of leadership, character and community service that is inherent in the Girl Scouts. I congratulate them, their parents and scout leaders. This is a tremendous accomplishment and I applaud each one of them,” said Leg. Trotta.
Caption:
At the Girl Scout Gold Ceremony Legislator Trotta had the opportunity to meet several of the scouts from his district and present them with a proclamation congratulating them on their achievement.
Legislator Rob Trotta and Girl Scout Mackenzie Clarke and her mother Peggy Clarke
Girl Scout Akiko Matrisciano and Legislator Rob Trotta
Legislator Rob Trotta with Girl Scout Angelica Rafaelides and her parents Peter
With extreme heat in the forecast for the next several days, PSEG Long Island has sufficient electric capacity to meet projected peak demand and is here for customers and the community.
According to the National Weather Service, hot and humid conditions will produce maximum heat index values above 90 degrees beginning tomorrow and continuing through Saturday. Parts of the region are expected to see heat index levels of 95-97 degrees on Friday. The heat index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.
“PSEG Long Island prepares for extreme weather all year round. To provide customers with safe, reliable electric service, we have been upgrading equipment, carefully planning to provide sufficient electric capacity to meet peak demand, and positioning our personnel to respond effectively if needed,” said Michael Sullivan, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Electric Operations. “We would also like to remind customers of the importance of personal safety in times of high heat.”
During extreme heat conditions, customers should:
Seek out air-conditioned spaces, if possible, if their homes become too warm.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Avoid wearing dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
High temperatures and high electric demand can sometimes cause scattered, heat-related outages. PSEG Long Island will have additional personnel available to address outages 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
To report an outage and receive status updates via text, text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or visit us online at psegliny.com/outages
To report an outage or downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 800-490-0075
Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and Twitter to report an outage and for updates before, during and after a storm
Visit PSEG Long Island’s outage information across Long Island and the Rockaways online at mypowermap.psegliny.com
High temperatures can also lead to higher energy use, resulting in higher electric bills. To help save energy and money this summer, PSEG Long Island recommends the following tips for customers:
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. Customers can receive an incentive on qualifying thermostats for enrolling in PSEG Long Island’s Smart Savers Thermostat program, which can be used to control usage during peak summer days. Visit psegliny.com/efficiency for more details.
Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows with caulk or weather-stripping.
Replace air filters monthly. Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder.
Operate appliances in the morning or evening when it is cooler outside.
Set refrigerators and freezers to the most efficient temperatures.
Replace old appliances with new, energy efficient ENERGY STAR® appliances
Close blinds and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat.
Ceiling fans cool fast and cost less than air conditioning. (In hot weather, set your ceiling fan to spin quickly, counterclockwise to push air downward toward the floor.)
PSEG Long Island energy efficiency programs provide residential and commercial customers with tools to lower energy use and save money. For information on PSEG Long Island energy saving programs and tips, visit psegliny.com/savemoney.
Saxophonist Jon De Lucia brings Brubeck’s music to life with his ‘Brubeck Octet Project’
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will present saxophonist Jon De Lucia and his all-star New York City Jazz octet in concert on Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m. for a tribute to legendary jazz visionary Dave Brubeck. Brubeck was one of the most famous and prolific jazz musicians of the 20th century. Brubeck “Restored and Reimagined” is the result of years of archival work by De Lucia, who has brought Brubeck’s arrangements back to life for the first time since the 1950s. The Brubeck Octet Project will be performing songs from De Lucia’s latest album, The Brubeck Octet Project, which will be released on July 12, 2024, with CD’s available for sale at the performance.
“The impact Dave Brubeck had on Jazz is astounding,” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “His long and successful career and life well lived made an indelible mark on how we communicate this music. To be able to hear again what Dave was composing in the vein of the west coast/cool Jazz scene is something really exciting. This is going to be a performance not to be missed!”
The Brubeck Octet features Jon De Lucia, Tenor Saxophone; Jay Rattman – Alto Saxophone; Becca Patterson – Trombone; Andrew Hadro – Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone; Glenn Zaleski – Piano; Daniel Duke – Bass; and Keith Balla – Drums.
Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students and $15 for children. For more information, call 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who allegedly stole from a Coram garage in June.
A man allegedly entered a garage through an open door on Avalon Pines Drive and stole assorted tools and a security camera. The items were valued at approximately $760.
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.
PPIs may affect vitamin absorption and increase fracture risk
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
Who hasn’t had “reflux” or “heartburn” after a meal? Most of us have experienced these symptoms on occasion. When they are more frequent, you should see a physician to rule out serious causes, like Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is estimated to affect between 18.1 and 27.8 percent of U.S. adults, although the real number might be higher, since many self-treat with over-the-counter (OTC) medications (1).
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), first launched in 1989, have become one of the top-10 drug classes prescribed or taken OTC. Familiar OTC brands include Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole), among others. They are also available by prescription.
PPIs are not intended for long-term use, because of their robust side effect profile. The FDA currently suggests that OTC PPIs should be taken for no more than a 14-day treatment once every four months. Prescription PPIs should be taken for 4 to 8 weeks (2).
However, their OTC availability can lead patients to take them too long or too often to manage reflux rebound effects when PPIs are discontinued without physician oversight.
Among potential associations with long-term use are chronic kidney disease, dementia, bone fractures, increased cardiac and vascular risks, vitamin malabsorption issues and Clostridium difficile, a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
Do PPIs affect the kidneys?
In two separate studies, results showed that there was an increase in chronic kidney disease with prolonged PPI use (3). All patients started the study with normal kidney function, based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, there was a 50 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease, while the Geisinger Health System cohort study found there was a 17 percent increased risk.
The first study had a 13-year duration, and the second had about a six-year duration. Both demonstrated modest, but statistically significant, increased risk of chronic kidney disease. But as you can see, the medications were used on a chronic basis for years. In an accompanying editorial to these published studies, the author suggests that there is overuse of the medications or that they are used beyond the resolution of symptoms and suggests starting with diet and lifestyle modifications and a milder drug class, H2 blockers (4).
Do PPIs increase dementia risk?
A German study looked at health records from a large public insurer and found there was a 44 percent increased risk of dementia in the elderly who were using PPIs, compared to those who were not (5). These patients were 75 or older. The authors surmise that PPIs may cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially increase beta-amyloid levels, markers for dementia. With occasional use, meaning once every 18 months for a few weeks to a few months, there was a much lower, 16 percent, increased risk.
The researchers also suggested that PPIs may be significantly overprescribed in the elderly. The research was not perfect. For example, researchers did not consider high blood pressure, excessive alcohol use or family history of dementia, all of which can influence dementia occurrence.
Do PPIs increase fracture risk?
In a meta-analysis of 18 observational studies, results showed that PPIs can increase the risk of hip fractures, spine fractures and any-site fractures (6). Interestingly, when it came to bone fractures, it did not make a difference whether patients were taking PPIs for more or less than a year.
They found increased fracture risks of 58, 26 and 33 percent for spine, hip and any-site, respectively. It is not clear what may potentially increase the risk; however, it has been proposed that it may have to do with calcium absorption. PPIs reduce acid, which may be needed to absorb insoluble calcium salts. In another study, seven days of PPIs were shown to lower the absorption of calcium carbonate supplements when taken without food (7).
PPIs & vitamin absorption
In addition to calcium absorption issues, PPIs may have lower absorption effects on magnesium and B12. In one observational study, PPIs combined with diuretics caused a 73 percent increased risk of hospitalization due to low magnesium (8). Diuretics are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure and swelling.
Another study’s results showed long-term use of over two years increased vitamin B12 deficiency risk by 65 percent (9).
The bottom line
It’s best if you confer with your doctor before starting PPIs. You might benefit from a milder medication, such as an H2 blocker (Zantac, Pepcid). In addition, PPIs can interfere with other drugs you are taking, such as Plavix (clopidogrel).
Even better, start with lifestyle changes. Try not eating later at night, raising the head of the bed, losing weight and stopping smoking, if needed, before you consider medications (10).
If you do need medication, recognize that PPIs don’t give immediate relief and should only be taken for a short duration to minimize their side effects.
References:
(1) nih.gov. (2) fda.gov. (3) JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2). (4) JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2):172-174. (5) JAMA Neurol. online Feb 15, 2016. (6) Osteoporos Int. online Oct 13, 2015. (7) Am J Med. 118:778-781. (8) PLoS Med. 2014;11(9):e1001736. (9) Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2018 Feb;93(2):240-246. (10) Am J Gastroenterol 2015; 110:393–400.
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.
Twelve students graduated from Sunshine Alternative Education Center on June 13.
Twelve students graduated from Sunshine Alternative Education Center on June 13.
Sunshine Alternative Education Center in Port Jefferson Station celebrated the successful graduation and moving forward of all 12 students from its transformative educational initiative on June 13. This milestone marks not only academic achievement but also a testament to the power of support and dedication in shaping young lives.
The special ceremony was a touching event filled with emotions of pride and accomplishment. These high school students, who have overcome various challenges and barriers, were celebrated for their resilience and determination. Each student has demonstrated exceptional growth, not only academically but also personally, making significant strides towards a brighter future.
Dr. Carter, Co-founder and CEO of Sunshine acknowledged that none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our community, elected officials, school districts, agency partners, and sponsors. Town of Brookhaven Councilman Jonathan Kornreich and Suffolk County Youth Bureau Director Sandra Alfano helped Dr. Carter acknowledge all the supporters for their generous contributions of time, resources, and expertise which have been instrumental in helping Sunshine provide these students with the tools and opportunities they needed to succeed. Sunshine Alternative Education Center’s commitment to education and empowerment has made a lasting impact on the lives of these students and their families.
“We are immensely proud of our two graduates from Bayshore and Pat Med school districts and are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported them on this journey,” said Dr. Carter, Co-founder/CEO of Sunshine Alternative Education Center. “And we also acknowledge the Moving Up of the other students in the program because this ceremony is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together as a community to uplift and empower our youth.”
Sunshine Alternative Education Center has been committed to continuing its mission of providing alternative education services to high school students who could benefit from an alternative to the traditional school setting for various reasons. The success of this ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within every individual and the importance of providing positive and supportive environments.
For more information about Sunshine Alternative Education Center and how you can support their efforts, please visit www.sunshinepreventionctr.org or contact Dr. Carter at 631-476-3099.
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 Stony Brook store this month.
Two men allegedly stole $350 worth of kitchen accessories from Homesense, located at 2162 Nesconset Highway, on June 12 at 9:08 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.
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