This 4-year-old 90 pound male chocolate lab at the Smithtown Animal Shelter is fun and affectionate. He loves all people, taking walks and FOOD!
This handsome, healthy, and energetic boy was brought to the animal shelter due to a change in his family’s circumstances. We simply can’t comprehend how this dapper dog hasn’t managed to lock down a great home yet.
Buster is athletic, and is not shy when it comes to showing off how fast he can fetch a tennis ball. He gets the “bootie wiggles” upon greeting him… which will provide for endless laughter and joy for one lucky family. Buster is a rambunctious tweenager, who has some resource guarding, so he may not live with younger children or other animals. His best life would be with a family who has experience, patience and understanding, when it comes to the highly intelligent mind of a labrador. A little persistence is worth it for this chocolate lab, who melts hearts and has a very long life of unconditional love, laughter and memories to give.
If you are interested in meeting Buster please fill out an application and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.
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.
Huntington Hospital recently renovated its two cardiac catheterization labs and unveiled new state-of-the-art diagnostic technology. The renovated labs are a combined 1,200 square feet and cost approximately $5 million.
In addition to the labs which each have a control room, there is a third-floor suite that includes nine beds and a holding area where patients are treated pre-and post-operatively.
“With the renovation of our labs, we continue to be able to provide our community with the highest level of cardiovascular care right here at home,” said Gaurav Rao, MD, director of interventional cardiology at Huntington Hospital. “This means faster diagnoses, efficient treatments, and ultimately, better outcomes for our patients. Having access to such advanced care close to home is not just a convenience, it’s a critical factor in saving lives and improving the overall health of our community.”
The new labs leverage this technology with integrated Coroflow Cardiovascular System to diagnose coronary microvascular dysfunction and coronary spasm, which was made possible through an anonymous donation. Computer-generated coronary physiology maps are utilized to diagnose coronary artery disease and guide interventions. Complex coronary interventions are routinely performed using coherence tomography (OCT), an advanced coronary imaging tool that allows precise plaque characterization to inform optimal calcium modification and tailored stent implant strategies.
“By incorporating cutting-edge technology, we are elevating the standard of cardiac care available in our community,” said Nick Fitterman, MD, president, Huntington Hospital. “This is a testament to our commitment to advancing health care and meeting the needs of our community with the highest level of excellence.”
10 of the dogs were confined to a small bedroom. Photo from Suffolk County SPCA
Detectives from the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals charged a Centereach man on Nov. 23 with neglecting to maintain a sanitary environment for his eleven dogs. Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA, said that its Detectives charged Christopher DiGiovanna, 42, with multiple misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, alleging that DiGiovanna failed to provide a habitable living environment to the animals in his residence.
Chief Gross stated that on November 23, 2024 on or about 4:30 PM, members of the Suffolk County SPCA, Suffolk County Police Department, Town of Brookhaven Animal Control and Code Enforcement executed a search warrant on DiGiovanna’s Centereach residence after receiving a complaint about the living conditions causing the animals distress.
Eleven dogs were recovered from the residence, some underweight, filthy, flea ridden, ungroomed, and covered in urine. The air was so noxious with ammonia from urine, feces, mold, and mildew that it stung investigators eyes and throats making it difficult to breathe. Fly excrement and cobwebs covered the interior of the home’s walls and ceilings. Rats scurried about inside the broken out portions of the walls and floors. Ten of the dogs were confined to a small bedroom on urine and feces-soaked sheets with live electrical wires exposed, hypodermic needles, and other drug paraphernalia strewn about.
At least two of the dog’s upon preliminary examination tested presumptive positive for cocaine exposure. The property was deemed unfit for human occupancy by Code Officials. The dogs will be available for adoption to the public upon medical recovery. DiGiovanna was arrested during the search warrant execution on Nov. 23, booked, and held in police custody on two active arrest warrants for unrelated cases.
DiGiovanna is scheduled to appear in First District Court In Central Islip on November 25.
The Suffolk County SPCA remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in the county. If you witness any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County, please contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.
Suffolk County Police arrested a man on Nov. 22 for driving with 26 license suspensions in Farmingville.
A Highway Patrol officer observed Eric Law driving at a high rate of speed in a 2002 Ford F-250
westbound on the Long Island Expressway at 6:20 p.m. The officer initiated a traffic stop near Exit 63.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that Law had 26 license suspensions over eight dates.
Law, 43, of Oakdale, was issued multiple summonses and the Ford was impounded. He is scheduled for
arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.
Suffolk County Police arrested a man for stabbing his co-worker at a Nesconset business on Nov. 24.
Paul Albinagorta was involved in a dispute with his 60-year-old co-worker at Gino’s of Nesconset,
located at 248 Smithtown Blvd., when he stabbed the man with a knife at approximately 11:10 a.m.
The victim left the store on foot and was aided outside before being transported via ambulance to Stony
Brook University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Albinagorta, 34, of Central Islip, was not injured. He was charged with Assault 1st Degree, a felony, and
Menacing 2nd Degree, a misdemeanor. He is being held overnight and will be arraigned at First District
Court in Central Islip on November 25.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Fourth Squad detectives at 631-854-
8452.
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
1 of 9
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
ECLI-VIBES ribbon cutting on Oct. 24.
ECLI-VIBES ribbon cutting on Oct. 24.
ECLI-VIBES ribbon cutting on Oct. 24.
ECLI-VIBES ribbon cutting on Oct. 24.
ECLI-VIBES ribbon cutting on Oct. 24.
ECLI-VIBES ribbon cutting on Oct. 24.
ECLI-VIBES ribbon cutting on Oct. 24.
ECLI-VIBES ribbon cutting on Oct. 24.
Empowerment Collaborative of Long Island and Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (ECLI-VIBES), a Long Island nonprofit organization that helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, has taken over the building that once belonged to Flushing Bank at 1707 Veterans Memorial Highway in Islandia.
This marks a significant milestone in expanding their impact and support of victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The momentous occasion was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the new facilities and light bites on Oct. 24.
“We are in a bigger space now, and it feels unreal how far we have come in the physical and organizational growth ,” said Co-Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Hernandez, “My co-founders and I, who built this organization from the ground up, never could have imagined how big it would become and the impact it would have on Suffolk County and beyond.”
The evening’s guests were able to learn more about the services ECLI VIBES provides, such as its fully stocked food and essentials pantry and counseling services. The move to the new facility left no need unmet, providing dedicated spaces for everything from client services to a centrally located water feature where staff can find reprieve from the heaviness of the work. Flushing Bank sold the property with all of the furnishings, allowing ECLI VIBES to be up and running in the new space quickly with minimal construction and labor.
“We know the challenges our community is facing and are showing individuals who can help us with our cause what we are doing to not only help our survivors but how we can stop domestic violence in our community,” said Co-Founder and Program Development & Education Director Feride Castillo. “We believe that with the continued support and involvement of our community, we can make a significant impact.”
Many Suffolk County community leaders and legislators were in attendance, including Legislator Chad Lennon and Legislator Rebecca Sanin, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. and Detective Sergeant James Murphy and his team from the Suffolk County Police Department’s Anti Trafficking Unit. Organizations that were represented include Long Island Cares and Long Island Harvest.
To learn more about ECLI VIBES and how you can get involved, please visit www.eclivibes.org.
Postcard photo, circa 1935, showing the view up Christian Ave, from Main Street. The second Stony Brook Post Office is pictured to the left of the firehouse. Photo from Beverly C. Tyler
By Beverly C. Tyler
As detailed in my article on Nov. 7, 2024, the first Stony Brook Post Office built specifically for postal use was located on Main Street, a few hundred feet north of where the Reboli Center stands today.
As World War I approached, Stony Brook saw a new postmaster. Nellie E. Lempfert began serving the community on Jan. 24, 1913. According to Olga Reboli, she was a very nice person and a good postmaster.
Mrs. Reboli also recalled that Nellie Lempfert had an ice cream parlor before becoming postmaster. It was next to the big building on the corner near Mr. Rogers’ plumbing shop.
In 1913, Mrs. Reboli, then 12 years old, and her sisters would occasionally spend a nickel on ice cream at Mrs. Lempfert’s store. “We didn’t have a nickel to spend very often,” she said, “but it was always a special time to remember.”
The first Stony Brook Post Office, now located at 44 Cedar Street. Photo by Beverly C. Tyler
The Stony Brook Post Office was also remembered by Orietta Peterman, who shared her vivid recollections of working there.
“Mrs. Lempfert was the postmaster, and I went to work there in October 1913,” Ms. Peterman explained. “I was married in 1917, and my husband went off to World War I. He left in 1919.” (Note: Charles C. Peterman was inducted into the U.S. Army in December 1917 and served in Europe from March 1918 until his discharge on Feb. 2, 1919.)
When Ms. Peterman started at the post office, there were only two workers, and only one person worked at a time. “On Mondays, I had to be in by 6 o’clock to get the morning mail off, all by myself,” she said. “If anyone came in to buy stamps, I did that. If someone wanted a money order, I did that too. We didn’t even have a safe until a year or two later. When the post office started growing, they finally bought a safe to keep the money in.”
She described her postmaster’s schedule, explaining that Mrs. Lempfert would probably arrive around 8 o’clock. She stayed to help with the morning mail before heading home. “I was there most of the time, earning $5 a week for a 14-hour day,” she said.
The space itself was challenging to work in. Ms. Peterman remembered that the post office wasn’t used very long and was already outgrowing its capacity. “Two people were always in the way. There were no facilities, no water. If we needed water, I had to fetch it from a spring near the Sherry house. For hot water, we used a kerosene space heater with a tea kettle on top,” she explained.
“In winter, there was a coal stove that needed tending daily,” she added. “I handled all the cleaning, and since there was no electricity, I cleaned lamp chimneys and filled the lamps.”
Parade in Stony Brook marking the end of WWI. Percy W. Smith driving the Ford with his son, Percy Roger Smith, about 2 ½ sitting on his right. Photo courtesy of Three Village Historical Society
Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Peterman said she did everything under heaven. “I never had a coffee break in my life. I worked there for seven or eight years, with no vacation and no paid days off. Even on the day I got married, I was docked. That’s how liberal they were.”
On April 29, 1922, Louise E. Wells was appointed the next postmaster of Stony Brook, operating from the same building. Miss Wells married Charlie Williamson in 1926 and remained postmaster until mid-1932. Olga Reboli remembered her fondly and said Mrs. Williamson was also a very nice person. The couple had two daughters, Louise and Madeline.
In the early 1930s, a new post office was built next to the old firehouse on Christian Avenue. Though not much larger, it offered more modern facilities.
The old post office wasn’t forgotten. By 1922, it became a butcher shop for Percy W. Smith and later served as the office for L.C. Clarke Co. In 1925, Olga Reboli worked for L.C. Clarke Real Estate and was photographed in front of the building.
The venerable old structure was eventually moved in the 1940s and repurposed as a home. It now resides at 44 Cedar St. in Stony Brook, just north of Hollow Road.
Beverly C. Tyler is an author and historian with the Three Village Historical Society. For more information, visit www.tvhs.org.
The Board of Directors of Island Federal Credit Union (Island Federal) in Hauppauge has announced the selection of Craig A. Booth as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
“Craig, who has been serving as Interim President & CEO, brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to his new role,” said John Adragna, Chairman of the Board, Island Federal. “In his decade at Island Federal, Booth has held a number of positions including Senior Vice President of Technology, and more recently, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.”
“The Board has full confidence in Craig’s ability to lead Island Federal into the next chapter of growth and prosperity. His visionary leadership combined with his deep understanding of the credit union industry and commitment to the community, make him the ideal person to guide us forward. We are excited about what the future holds under Craig’s leadership. With over 25 years of experience in the credit union industry, Craig’s career has been marked by an unwavering commitment to innovation and growth. His previous roles, including positions with the West Virginia Credit Union League, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and Fiserv have further honed his expertise,” added Adragna.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of President and CEO of Island Federal, a trusted institution that has served our Members and their families for 70 years. At Island Federal, our mission is to enrich the lives of our members by offering convenient financial and insurance services that go above and beyond expectations. Every Member deserves the highest level of service, and we are dedicated to delivering unmatched financial support and innovative solutions to meet our Members’ needs now and into the future,” stated Booth.
Booth is a graduate of the prestigious Credit Union Executive Society (CUES) CEO Institute. He also serves as Director on the Board of the New York State Credit Union Foundation. A proud veteran, Booth served honorably in the U.S. Army National Guard.
Minimize serious medication risks with modest lifestyle change
By David Dunaief M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
If you are planning to enjoy a large Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll probably experience reflux afterward. Here, your stomach contents flow back into your esophagus when the valve between your stomach and your esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter, relaxes. This is normal, especially after a meal, and doesn’t require medical treatment (1).
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), however, is more serious and can have long-term health effects. Among them are erosion or scarring of the esophagus, ulcers, and increased cancer risk. Approximately 20 percent of the U.S. adult population has been diagnosed with GERD, although researchers estimate it affects as much as 28 percent (2). It’s no surprise that pharmaceutical firms have lined drug store shelves with all kinds of solutions.
GERD risk factors range from lifestyle — obesity, smoking and diet — to medications, like calcium channel blockers and antihistamines. Other medical conditions, such as hiatal hernia and pregnancy, also play a role (3). Dietary triggers, such as spicy, salty, or fried foods, peppermint, and chocolate, might also contribute.
Medication options
The most common and effective medications for treating GERD are H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). H2 receptor blockers, such as Zantac and Tagamet, partially block acid production. PPIs, which include Nexium and Prevacid, almost completely block acid production (4). Both have two levels: over-the-counter and prescription strength. Let’s focus on PPIs, for which over 92 million prescriptions are written each year in the U.S. (5).
The most frequently prescribed PPIs include omeprazole (Prilosec) and pantoprazole (Protonix). Studies show they are effective with short-term use in treating Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic ulcers, GERD symptoms, gastric ulcer prophylaxis associated with NSAID use, and upper gastrointestinal bleeds.
Most of the package insert data is from short-term studies lasting weeks, not years. The landmark study supporting long-term use FDA approval was only one year. However, maintenance therapy is usually prescribed for many years.
Concerns about long-term use effects and overprescribing have prompted pharmacists to take an active role in educating patients about their risks and about the need to take them before eating for them to work (6).
PPI risks
PPI side effects after years of use can include increased bone fracture risk; calcium malabsorption; Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), a serious intestinal bacterial infection; potential vitamin B12 deficiencies; and weight gain (7).
The FDA has amplified its warnings about the increased risk of C. difficile, which must be treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately, it only responds to a few, and that number is dwindling. Patients must contact their physicians if they develop diarrhea when taking PPIs and it doesn’t improve (8).
Suppressing stomach acid over long periods can also result in malabsorption issues. In a study where PPIs were associated with B12 malabsorption, it took at least three years’ duration to cause this effect. While B12 was not absorbed properly from food, PPIs did not affect B12 levels from supplementation (9). If you are taking a PPI chronically, have your B12 and methylmalonic acid (a metabolite of B12) levels checked and discuss supplementation with your physician.
Before you stop taking PPIs, consult your physician. Rebound hyperacidity can result from stopping abruptly.
Lifestyle options
A number of lifestyle modifications can improve GERD, such as raising the head of the bed about six inches, not eating prior to bedtime and obesity treatment (10).
Increase fiber and exercise. A study that quantified the increased risks of smoking and salt also found that fiber and exercise both had the opposite effect, reducing GERD risk (11). An analysis by Journal Watch suggests that the fiber effect may be due to its ability to reduce nitric oxide production, a relaxant for the lower esophageal sphincter (12).
Lose weight. In one study, researchers showed that obesity increases pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter significantly (13). Intragastric (within the stomach) pressures were higher in both overweight and obese patients on inspiration and on expiration, compared to those with lower body mass indexes.
Eat long before bedtime. A study showed a 700 percent increased risk of GERD for those who ate within three hours of bedtime, compared to those who ate four hours or more before bedtime (14).
While drugs have their place in the arsenal of options to treat GERD, lifestyle changes are the first, safest, and most effective approach in many instances.
References:
(1) Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 1996;25(1):75. (2) Gut. 2014; 63(6):871-80. (3) niddk.nih.gov. (4) Gastroenterology. 2008;135(4):1392. (5) Kane SP. Proton Pump Inhibitor, ClinCalc DrugStats Database, Version 2024.08. Updated August 7, 2024. (6) US Pharm. 2019:44(12):25-31. (7) World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(38):4794–4798. (8) FDA.gov. (9) Linus Pauling Institute; lpi.oregonstate.edu. (10) Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:965-971. (11) Gut 2004 Dec; 53:1730-1735. (12) JWatch Gastro. Feb. 16, 2005. (13) Gastroenterology 2006 Mar; 130:639-649. (14) Am J Gastroenterol. 2005 Dec;100(12):2633-2636.
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.
During the holiday season, I usually have a list of wines that I prefer to drink, but this year, I have discovered some new ones that I will definitely include. Sales (and consumption) of red wine (as well as champagne and fortified wines) rise during wintry weather, and I stock up for the holidays with plenty. Although I enjoy medium to full-bodied red wines, I rarely say no to a glass or bottle of a chilled red wine, served as an apéritif or to accompany a first course.
These wines are sure to enhance your holiday festivities. The first two wines, light-bodied, young, and fruity, are best enjoyed chilled, with or without food.
2022 Te Mata “Gamay Noir,” Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. (100% Gamay grapes. The winery brought the Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, the technical name of Gamay, to New Zealand in 1995.) Candy-apple red color, with an inviting, very fruity aroma and flavor of raspberry, black cherry, rhubarb, watermelon, and tart cranberry. Hints of strawberry, anise, blueberry pie, clove, and fennel. Perfect for pork satay with spicy peanut sauce.
2023 Souleil Vin de Bronté, “Le Rouge,” Languedoc, France. Blend of organically farmed Syrah and Grenache grapes. Fermented and aged in stainless steel containers. Bright cherry color with fruity flavors of raspberry, cherry, and green plums. Easy to drink with hints of wild strawberry, thyme, and leather. Serve it lightly chilled with honey-glazed ham.
2021 Château Angélus “Tempo d’Angélus,” Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France. Blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Light ruby color with flavors of blackberry, black plums, and tea with hints of wet cedar, black currants, and toasted hazelnuts. Light-bodied; pairs well with grilled lamb brushed with mint and olive oil.
2019 Cos d’Estournel “G d’Estournel,” Saint-Estèphe, France. Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes. Deeply colored with flavors of anise, blueberry, blackberry, and mint, with hints of thyme, rosemary, fig, black pepper, and spices. Pair it with braised short ribs and a side of roasted sweet potatoes.
2001 Gérard Bertrand “Château de l’Hospitalet” La Clape, Languedoc, France. Blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsaut, and Mourvèdre grapes. Located on the coast, Château de l’Hospitalet overlooks the Mediterranean in an area noted for its garrigue scrublands (Mediterranean vegetation with a smell of rosemary, thyme, lavender and other herbs). Intense ruby color with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, plums, and spices with hints of currants, rosemary, smoky oak, and black pepper. I enjoyed this wine with grilled hot sausage and broccoli rabe.
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]
Prev
