Yearly Archives: 2024

The School of Health Professions’ OT practice room where students learn how to use equipment designed for the rehabilitation process. Photo from Stony Brook University School of Health Professions

The Stony Brook University School of Health Professions is converting its Occupational Therapy (OT) educational offerings to a new doctoral program that begins with its first students in June. This will be the first State University of New York (SUNY) Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program on Long Island and in the NYC Metro Region, and only the second one on Long Island.

Occupational Therapy is a growing profession in the field of health sciences. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, OT jobs in various sectors of healthcare are expected to increase by 12 percent or more from 2022 to 2032. Occupational therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, senior centers, academic environments and other settings in order to evaluate and treat people who have injuries, disabilities,  diseases and mental health issues. They provide a plan for these individuals to help them recover and improve physically and mentally to learn or re-learn how to complete tasks necessary for daily and productive living.

“Doctoral programs are designed to enhance the knowledge of occupational therapists to its highest level and help them be best prepared for applying evidence-based healthcare and for engaging in research,” says Dale A. Coffin, EdD, OTR/L, Clinical Associate Professor and Chair of Stony Brook’s OT Program.

She explains the importance to address physical rehabilitation and mental health during an era of advancing health procedures for many conditions, long-term health issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and emerging settings for populations with limited mobility and abilities, such as “aging in place” living quarters for the elderly, as leading reasons to maximize OT education and services.

The School of Health Professions’ OTD program is three-years and follows a hybrid model, which limits the amount of class time on campus. It also offers students the opportunity to learn via simulation modules, new technologies, and how to conduct telehealth. The School’s existing Master of Science OT program is being phased out.

Currently there are 167 OTD programs nationwide, of which 65 are in pre-accreditation status similar to Stony Brook.

The School of Health Professions is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year.

 

 

PSEG Facebook

After last week’s wet and windy weather, PSEG Long Island is once again prepared for a cold front and low pressure system that is forecasted to bring gusty winds, heavy rain and a few thunderstorms throughout the service area Thursday night through Friday.

The weather system could bring rainfalls of up to 1.5 inches in certain areas, along with peak wind gusts of 45-55 mph across the service area — enough to potentially topple trees, bring down branches on wires and cause outages.

PSEG Long Island has personnel ready to respond safely and as quickly as possible throughout the storm.

“PSEG Long Island is closely monitoring this latest weather front and we are once again prepared for potential impacts on the system,” said Michael Sullivan, vice president of Electric Operations at PSEG Long Island. “We have performed system and logistic checks, and have a full complement of personnel who will mobilize for restoration in foul weather conditions. Our crews will work to safely restore any outages as quickly as conditions will allow.”

Customers are asked to note the important storm safety tips below and to visit psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/stormsafety for additional storm preparation information.

Customer Safety:

  • Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Please stay as far away as possible from them, and do not drive over or stand near them. To report a downed wire, call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number at 800-490-0075 or call 911.
  • Electric current passes easily through water. If you encounter a pool of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.
  • Never use a generator or any gasoline-powered engine inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. Use an extension cord that is more than 20 feet long to keep the generator at a safe distance.

Stay connected:

  • 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/.

Xena Ugrinsky. Photo courtesy Ugrinsky’s LinkedIn page

By Aidan Johnson

Port Jefferson resident Xena Ugrinsky has announced her bid for the village board of trustees.

Ugrinsky served as the head of financial reporting, budgeting and planning at Young & Rubicam, a New York advertising agency/public relations firm. After becoming involved in the software and technology fields, she worked with clients in the utility industry. She moved into management consulting with national companies including Arizona Power, PG&E, Con Edison and National Grid.

She described her background in a letter to The Port Times Record editor on June 29 last year: “The proudest day of my life was when my parents and I took the oath to become citizens of the United States. I was 8 years old. As a Russian emigrant, my father applied for and received a Tolstoy grant, which sponsored our family’s journey to America. They arrived on these shores with a baby, a box of books and dreams for a brighter future.”

In an interview, Ugrinsky, who currently sits on the village’s Budget and Finance Committee, said that she was running for trustee because “I’ve reached a point in my career where I want to give back to the community I live in.”

One of her major issues is figuring out the future of the Port Jefferson power plant. 

“My goal was to figure out a way that I could help the village be involved in the broader conversation, and I believe we have a moment in time where we have the opportunity to be in the forefront of what is happening in energy,” said Ugrinsky, who also sits on the village’s Power Plant Working Group. She suggested the plant could be used to start producing “green hydrogen.” 

Ugrinsky said that while she may not have the solution for how to handle the power plant’s future, she is trying to “create a collective conversation among all of the stakeholders so that Port Jeff has a voice, has visibility into what’s happening and, in a best case scenario, can become a beacon to the rest of the United States for innovative power.”

“Let’s collectively figure out what we need to build so that Port Jefferson has a future with this power plant,” she said.

Ugrinsky’s other key issues include fiscal responsibility and transparency. She believes that Mayor Lauren Sheprow has increased transparency, including establishing an ethics board, along with other volunteer committees.

The election for the trustees is on Tuesday, June 18.

Honey Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Kale and Lemon Sauce

By Heidi Sutton

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And when life gives you honey, make these delicious recipes, courtesy of the National Honey Board.

Honey Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Kale and Lemon Sauce

Honey Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Kale and Lemon Sauce

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

 INGREDIENTS: 

1 pound cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons honey

4 teaspoons salt, divided

freshly ground pepper, to taste

1 pound of spaghetti

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 bunch of kale, washed and stems removed

 zest and juice of 2 lemons

1/2 cup grated parmesan, + extra for serving

1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS: 

Preheat oven to 400 F. Toss the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the honey and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt and freshly ground pepper. Roast for approximately 10 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to caramelize. While the tomatoes are cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil with 3 tsp. of salt. Add the spaghetti and cook to al dente. Remove the tomatoes from the oven and quickly toss with the garlic.

Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Immediately toss the pasta with the rest of the olive oil, kale, lemon juice and zest. Next, add the tomato mixture and the parmesan. Add some of the pasta water as needed to coat the pasta and create a light sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with the walnuts and additional parmesan and serve with a Honey Cucumber Salad.

Note: You can use spinach instead of kale if you like and sub any pasta shape you like for the spaghetti.

Honey Cucumber Salad

Honey Cucumber Salad

YIELD: Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

3 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced

1/4 cup  honey

1/2 cup  white balsamic vinegar, (can also use white wine vinegar)

1/4 cup  water

1/2  red onion, slivered

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS: 

Place cucumbers in bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss and set aside. In a small mixing bowl, stir together honey, white balsamic vinegar, water and slivered red onions. Pour the mixture over the cucumbers and toss. Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator about 1 hour prior to serving.

Photo courtesy of LI Game Farm

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability will kick off a new season of the Senior Social Club at Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd. in Manorville on Friday April 12.  Senior citizens (65 years+) can visit the animals, explore the trails, attend a presentation in Woodland Hall, and enjoy a beverage and snacks with fellow seniors. This event will take place on the second and fourth Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

“We’re excited to bring back our Senior Social Club for another season,” shares Long Island Game Farm
president Melinda Novak. “We introduced this program last year and it was a hit! Now working with our new
nonprofit arm, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, we can expand our educational programming across
the game farm. It’s very special to have a social club for our senior community and offer ways for them to
connect with nature, animals, and each other.”

Each week guests will begin by exploring the grounds, visiting animals, and learning more about the various
species at the game farm. A presentation in Woodland Hall will follow, with topics varying each week from
rescued animals to wonders of wool, birding to nature photography, and more.

Tickets are $10 per person and for seniors only. Please do not bring grandchildren. Pets are not allowed. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 631-878-6644. Learn more at wildlifesustainability.org/events.

Views from the April 8 solar eclipse. Photo courtesy Andrew Young

By Samantha Rutt

The skies above treated Long Island residents to a mesmerizing display as a partial solar eclipse captivated onlookers on Monday, April 8. With eager eyes turned skyward at its peak around 3:30 p.m., many marveled at the four-minute celestial phenomenon, a sight last seen in 2017.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting its shadow on our planet. On April 8, North Americans from Texas to Maine had the opportunity to witness the infrequent event, as the moon partially obscured the face of the sun, creating a spectacle for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse.

For many, witnessing a solar eclipse serves as a reminder of the wonders of the universe and our place within it. 

Where were you during the eclipse? 

At TBR News Media’s East Setauket offices, staff gathered together in the parking lot to catch a glimpse of the moon in front of the sun. Some wore specialized solar viewing glasses — that met the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard — while others relied on alternative methods like pinhole projectors or indirect viewing methods used to observe the eclipse safely.

At Stony Brook University, students gathered in masses on the Staller steps and across campus equipped with eclipse glasses to view the event.

In Port Jefferson village, locals were seen having set picnic arrangements in Harborfront Park. In Three Village, people flocked to the shoreline, completely crowding West Meadow and Stony Brook beaches. 

While some gathered in droves outdoors, others keyed into the television streams as CBS News and NASA, among other platforms, live streamed the event. 

The last solar eclipse visible from Long Island occurred on Aug. 21, 2017, when a total solar eclipse swept across the United States.

While Monday’s eclipse was a partial one in our area and a total eclipse in other parts of the United States, it still captured the imagination of many and provided a unique opportunity for residents. Communities came together to share in the wonder of the celestial show — from backyard gatherings to organized viewing events like those offered at various Suffolk County parks — as residents of all ages savored the experience.

Looking ahead, Long Islanders can mark their calendars for the next solar eclipse visible from our region as New York is not expected to be in another path of totality until 2079. 

As this year’s eclipse drew to a close, the memories of the solar event will linger in the minds of our communities. Later, I wondered how the Native Americans who lived on Long Island centuries ago experienced a total eclipse.

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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 two people who allegedly stole from a Medford store in March.

Two people allegedly stole approximately $250 worth of merchandise from Target, located at 2975 Horseblock Road, at 8:08 p.m. on March 14. They left the location in a black Dodge Journey.

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.

Pixabay photo

By Bob Lipinski

Bob Lipinski

Tannat (a palindrome) is a dark red grape variety with its roots originating in Madiran, a tiny village in Southwest France. Its wines are incredibly dark and fuller-bodied than Cabernet Sauvignon, making them an immediate favorite for grilled or barbecued meats.

Tannat is a thick-skinned, medium acid red grape variety, which was introduced to Uruguay in 1870 by the Basque Frenchman Pascal Harriague, an immigrant who was looking for a varietal that would thrive in Uruguay’s soil and climate. Harriague, known to the rest of the world as Tannat, has become Uruguay’s signature grape, like its South American cousin Argentina with Malbec, and Chile with Carmenère.

Wines made from Tannat grapes include red, rosé, dessert, sparkling, and even a rosé vermouth. Foods that pair with Tannat wines are typically lamb and beef, often with a chimichurri sauce. Other foods are sausages, cassoulet, duck confit, grilled eggplant or mushrooms, Cajun spices, blackened meats, and pasta carbonara.

A recent tasting of wines from Uruguay made from Tannat grapes follows.

2018 Alto de la Ballena Tannat-Viognier, “Reserva” Uruguay. (Blend of 85% Tannat and 15% Viognier grapes; wine was aged for 9 months in American and French oak barrels). Deep purple color with a fragrant bouquet and flavor of blackberries, vanilla, dried plums, and spices. Hints of baking spices, wild flowers, and tobacco.

2020 Cerro del Toro “Tannat,” Piriapolis, Uruguay. (The name means Bull Hill). This unoaked, easy-to-drink wine is deeply colored with a fruity bouquet of black fruits, licorice, and herbs. Flavors of plums, raspberries, and boysenberry abound.

2020 Pisano “PRF” Tannat, Progreso, Uruguay. (Aged 10 to 12 months in French oak barrels) Garnet-ruby color, concentrated fruit, and tannins with flavors of cranberry, plums, dark chocolate, and spicy oak. It has a smokey, well balanced finish.

2021 Bodega Garzón Tannat, “Reserva” Garzón, Uruguay. (Aged 6 to 12 months in French oak barrels). Blackberry aromas coupled with notes of jam, plums, almonds, and spices. Medium-bodied with hints of violets, green peppercorns, and coffee with a silky finish. Don’t miss it!

2020 Marichal “Tannat,” Canelones, Uruguay. This unoaked wine shows a bouquet of fresh red fruits- strawberry and raspberry, with flavors of plum, dried herbs, and bitter almonds,

2020 Giménez Méndez Alta “Reserva” Tannat, Canelones, Uruguay. Dark ruby color with a bouquet and taste of blackberries, licorice, black pepper, and black plums. Medium-bodied with considerable tannin, and an aftertaste of dark chocolate.

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR [email protected].

CLASS IS IN SESSION Visit with a school marm at the Long Island Museum this Saturday. Photo from LIM
PROGRAMS

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents Art in the Barn, storytime and hands-on art projects for pre-schoolers on April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 18, 25 and June 1 at 11 a.m. $15 per child, $13 members. To register, visit waltwhitman.org/events.

Youth Abilities Day

Middle Country Public Library’s Centereach branch at 101 Eastwood Blvd., will host a Youth Abilities Day: A
Special Needs Resource Fair on April 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Youth Abilities Day is about helping individuals with disabilities and their families find the right resources to enrich lives. The fair features approximately 20 organizations representing a wide variety of specialties including sports, music, baking, healthcare, therapies and many more. Attendees will be entertained by the Great and Powerful Dave who will provide a magic show at 1 p.m. The Super Mario Bros. characters will also be available for photos during the event and there will be a space provided to unwind in a sensory room.  Free and open to all. Pre-registration encouraged by calling 531-585-9393 or by visiting www.mcplibrary.org.

Visit with a School Marm

Step back in time with a visit with a School Marm at the Long Island Museum’s 19th-century one-room Nassakeag Schoolhouse, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook on April 13 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Learn about this historic building and try some school activities from long ago. Then head over to the Art Studio for a hands-on activity between 1p.m. and 4 p.m. to create a unique work of art inspired by the exhibitions on view. All supplies are provided. Both events are free with Museum admission. www.longislandmuseum.org

Storytime Under the Stars

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Storytime Under the Stars series on April 14 at 6 p.m. Your favorite bedtime storybooks come to life in the planetarium theater! Children ages 2 and older are invited to wear their most comfy pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Tickets are $8  per persons, $6 for members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on April 15 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Children’s book signing event

The Next Chapter Bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington welcomes author Maria Dello for a reading and book signing of her children’s book Theodor Says: Dogs Are People Too! on April 16 at 7 p.m. For more information, call 631-482-5008.

THEATER

‘Alice in Wonderland’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport present’s Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland from March 23 to April 28. Alice takes a tumble down an enchanted rabbit hole to an off-kilter world of mock turtles, dancing flora, punctual rabbits, and mad tea parties. Playing cards hold court, and nothing is as it seems in this land where whimsy and wordplay are the order of the day. Will Alice be able to find her footing in this bizarre place? More importantly, will she ever figure out how to get home?All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for a perennial favorite, The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, from April 13 to 27. “Over the hill and through the garden …” That mischievous rabbit Peter just can’t stay out of the McGregors’ garden! But with help from  his sisters—Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-Tail—and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny, Peter learns the power of sharing and caring. Tickets are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Disney’s ‘Finding Nemo Jr.’

Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Disney’s Finding Nemo from April 20 to 28. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow.” Tickets are $25 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

FILM

‘Hugo’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Hugo on April 14 at noon. Hugo tells the story of an orphan boy living a secret life in the walls of a Paris train station. With the help of an eccentric girl, he searches for the answer to a mystery linking the father he recently lost, the ill-tempered toy shop owner living below him and a heart shaped lock, seemingly without a key. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

 

 

 

Middle Country Public Library’s Centereach branch at 101 Eastwood Blvd., will host a Youth Abilities Day: A
Special Needs Resource Fair on Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to all.

Youth Abilities Day is about helping individuals with disabilities and their families find the right resources to enrich lives. The fair features approximately 20 organizations representing a wide variety of specialties including sports, music, baking, healthcare, therapies and many more.

Attendees will be entertained by the Great and Powerful Dave who will provide a magic show at 1 p.m. The Super Mario Bros. characters will also be available for photos during the event and there will be a space provided to unwind in a sensory room. This event is provided in partnership with Stony Brook University’s Occupational Therapy students and Middle Country Special Education PTA.

For more information about the fair, contact the youth services department at Middle Country Public Library at 631-585-9393 ext. 559. Pre-registration is encouraged, over the phone or on the library’s website, www.mcplibrary.org.