From left, Sheriff Toulon, John Cronin and Mark Cronin. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
From left, Sheriff Toulon, John Cronin and Mark Cronin. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
On Thursday, April 17, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. honored John Cronin, founder of John’s Crazy Socks, with the Community Leadership Award in recognition of his hard work and dedication to entrepreneurship and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and neurodiversity. Sheriff Toulon presented the award to John and Mark Cronin during a special visit to their newly opened storefront in Farmingdale, celebrating both John’s business success and his commitment to making a difference.
Each month, Sheriff Toulon presents the Community Leadership Award to Suffolk County residents who go above and beyond to support their communities and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. To nominate someone for the Sheriff Toulon Community Leadership Award, please email: [email protected]
Suffolk County Police arrested a code enforcement officer on April 16 after he allegedly falsely told a woman he could arrest her for driving while intoxicated but drove her home instead.
William Dymond was working as a Patchogue Village Code Enforcement officer on December 29 when he followed a woman he believed was driving while intoxicated and pulled over her vehicle in front of 482 North Ocean Ave. in Patchogue at approximately 5:20 a.m. Dymond performed field sobriety tests, placed the woman in handcuffs, and escorted her into his code enforcement vehicle. Dymond then drove her to her Centereach home.
Patchogue Village Code Enforcement officials became aware of the incident on March 15 and contacted the Suffolk County Police Department. Code enforcement officers are not authorized to perform DWI arrests.
Dymond, 33, of Medford, was arrested this morning and charged with Falsifying Business Records 1st Degree, a felony, Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st Degree, a felony, Unlawful Imprisonment 2nd Degree, a misdemeanor, and Official Misconduct, a misdemeanor.
Dymond was terminated from employment last month. Anyone who believes they have been a victim of Dymond is asked to call the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8541.
Susan Lane, MD, MACP. Jeanne Neville, Stony Brook Medicine
The program is dedicated to preparing women for senior leadership roles in academic medicine
Susan Lane, MD, MACP, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and Professor of Medicine in the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) at Stony Brook University, has been named to the 2025-26 Class of Fellows for the Hedwig van Amerigen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program. An initiative at Drexel University College of Medicine, the program is dedicated to preparing women for senior leadership roles in schools of medicine, dentistry, public health and pharmacy.
According to Drexel, the ELAM program is specially developed for senior women faculty at the associate or full professorship level who demonstrate the greatest potential for assuming executive leadership positions at academic health centers within the next five years. To be accepted into the program, each fellow much be nominated and supported by the dean or another senior official at their institution. Dr. Lane received multiple senior level nominations and support.
ELAM centers on developing both the professional and personal skills for women to lead and manage in a complex healthcare environment, with a particular focus on the unique challenges of women in leadership positions.
“I am honored to be selected to this 2025-26 Class of ELAM Fellows, and during my career at Stony Brook Medicine I have endeavored to support women in their individual academic journeys and pave the way for them to serve in educational leadership positions,” says Dr. Lane, also Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Medicine and Associate Dean for Clinical Faculty Development for the RSOM.
Work for the incoming class of ELAM fellows begins in June 2025 with online assignments and community-building activities. Each fellow will be expected to develop an Institutional Action Project. A symposium in 2026 will feature the various projects completed from around the nation.
A resident of East Setauket, Dr. Lane, a RSOM faculty member since 2000, says she hopes to create a longitudinal development program for junior faculty at Stony Brook Medicine during their pivotal transition from the role of trainee to faculty member, with the goal to help them thrive as they juggle professional and personal responsibilities.
The effectiveness of ELAM’s distinctive approach to leadership preparation is broadly recognized within the academic health community. ELAM alumnae number more than 1,600 and serve in leadership positions at some 300 academic health centers worldwide.
Tara Huston, MD, Professor of Surgery and Dermatology in the RSOM’s Department of Surgery, is a current ELAM fellow.
For more about the ELAM and its curriculum, see this link.
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame will host two free TeachRockworkshops at its Stony Brook location (97 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY) on Wednesday April 30th and Wednesday May 28th at 6 pm. The workshops are free for teachers and eligible for New York CTLE hours. Also included is free access to the LIMEHOF museum prior to the workshop and light dinner/refreshments will be provided.
“TeachRock brings music’s rich history and cultural power into the classroom, and I’m proud that LIMEHOF is helping Long Island educators tap into this inspiring, free resource,” said Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Education Chairman.
These workshops are made possible by BMA Architects. Teachers who wish to attend this free workshop at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame must register in advance at: https://teachrock.org/LIMEHOF/
Details of the workshops:
TeachRock Methods for All Classrooms
Wednesday, April 30th at 6:00 PM
This workshop introduces The TeachRock Method, which empowers educators to connect music, history, and critical thinking to engage and inspire students of all backgrounds. Participants will explore TeachRock’s unique approach to fostering active learning, meaningful discussions, and creativity in the classroom.
Designed both for music teachers seeking to bring more culture and historical context into their classrooms, as well as history and ELA teachers looking to enhance engagement through music, this course provides practical strategies to make learning more dynamic and relevant for all students.
TeachRock Methods for Music Classrooms
Wednesday, May 28th at 6:00 PM
This workshop introduces TeachRock’s method of creating more culturally responsive Music classrooms. Participants will explore how to connect historical events, cultural movements, and social issues to musical content, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.
Teachers will walk away with standards-aligned lessons that integrate music with subjects such as history, social studies, language arts, and even STEAM.
Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.
Meet this week’s Shelter Pet of the Week, the world’s most original looking pup, adorable Kai, up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.
Kai is a three-year-old, playful little boy. While not positive, this one-of-a-kind, handsome and distinctive-looking gentleman’s features is believed to stem from a combination of poodle/bully mix and possible plushie toy.
Kai has a playful, fun-loving, puppy-like mentality and is very eager to please. He arrived at the shelter lacking proper training and socialization. However, now he enjoys playing with his four-legged buddies, and his humans at the shelter. Kai has really come out of his shell. He would thrive in a home that will teach him how to “doggo” and give him the memories he was once denied as a puppy. This incredibly sweet boy is a diamond in the ruff, who will bring a lifetime of joy, adventure, and companionship to one lucky family’s heart and home.
Kai would do best in a home with older children and is likely to get along with cats and other dogs. Interested adopters are welcome to schedule a time to get acquainted with this very special boy.
If you are interested in meeting Kai please fill out an application and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, 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 TownofSmithtownAnimalShelter.com
Approximately 100 participants of the Gurwin Adult Day Health Program were transported back in time to their high school days for the Program’s first annual prom on April 10. The idea for the event was prompted by the Program participants, many of whom never had the opportunity to attend prom.
Designed for elderly and frail younger adults with cognitive or physical health conditions who require daytime supervision, Gurwin’s program provides a structured environment to engage in enriching activities, receive personalized care and offer socialization opportunities that help to enhance quality of life.
Program members started their pre-prom prep with professionally styled hair and makeup by the Long Island Beauty School of Hauppauge students who donated their time and talents. Next, participants selected their favorite gown or suit, courtesy of Gurwin staff and members of the local community, which were adorned with colorful corsages and boutonnieres, donated by the Flower Basket of Northport. Setting the musical backdrop were the Commack High School Jazz Messengers who played a perfect blend of modern dance music, mixed with throwback ballroom waltzes, and the Commack Grandfriends Club who partnered up with the Program participants, dancing the afternoon away. In true prom fashion, a prom king and queen were crowned by popular vote.
“We were pleased to be able to host such a magical day for our participants,” said Jeraldine Fedoriw, Chief Adult Day Health Officer of Gurwin’s award-winning Program. “This event was possible due to the generous support and donations from the Gurwin staff and the local community who helped transform our Program room into a festive prom venue where our participants re-lived fond memories, and created new ones.”
About Gurwin Adult Day Health Program:
The Gurwin Adult Day Health Program is part of the Gurwin Healthcare System, offering a compassionate and supportive environment for individuals in need of daytime health supervision. Designed for seniors and adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities, the program focuses on enhancing quality of life through medical supervision, personalized care plans and engaging activities. Participants receive tailored services, including physical therapy, socialization opportunities, and cognitive stimulation from a team of skilled professionals dedicated to meeting both the medical and emotional needs of participants. The award-winning program is located within the Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack, NY, and serves the surrounding communities. For more information, please visit www.gurwin.org/adult-day-health or call 631-715-2520.
Earth Day is Every Day beach clean-up at Cedar Beach on April 19. Photo courtesy TOB
On Saturday, April 19, the Town of Brookhaven hosted an “Every Day is Earth Day” clean-up at Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai. Seventeen dedicated volunteers collected 45 pounds of litter and debris from the beach and shoreline, showcasing their commitment to preserving the environment.
“The hard work and dedication of our residents made a meaningful impact on our community. Together, we’ve helped make Brookhaven cleaner and greener,” said Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner.
Residents are encouraged to participate in future clean-up events to continue this important mission. For more information, visit BrookhavenNY.Gov.
Reboli Center for Art and History motorcycle show has been rescheduled to April 27. Photo courtesy of Reboli Center
In conjunction with their current exhibit, Getting There, the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook presents a Motorcycle Show in their parking lot on Sunday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rescheduled from April 26)
Curated by Nelson Medina, the event will feature custom, classic and unique motorcycles that are sure to impress. Free refreshments and posters will be offered. For further information, visit www.rebolicenter.org or call 631-751-0077.
Upcoming car shows include:
German Car Show on May 17 (rain date May 24)
Italian Car Show May 31 (rain date June 1)
British Car Show June 14 (rain date June 15)
Japanese Car Show on June 28 (rain date June 29)
Important Parking Information:
Please note that no parking will be available in our lot during the motorcycle show, as the space will be dedicated to the event. However, we encourage you to take advantage of the free parking lot down the street at the Brookhaven parking lot. Street parking may also be available in the area, but please be mindful of posted restrictions.
The cast of 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' Photo by Julianne Mosher
Reviewed by Julianne Mosher
The Shea Theatre at Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Campus in Selden becomes the Australian desert for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, but features a colorful rainbow of a story.
Directed by Mary Seymour, the jukebox musical written by Australian film director Stephan Elliott and Allan Scottuses well-known pop songs as its score. Based on Elliott’s 1994 cult-followed film, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the show tells the story of two drag queens and a transgender woman who travel across the Australian desert in a camper they coined Priscilla to perform at a resort in Alice Springs.
Priscilla the camper. Photo by Julianne Mosher
The play starts out at the Cockatoo Club where the three divas (Michaela Fitzsimmons, Alani Etheridge and Angie Barrientos) start off by belting “It’s Raining Men.” We meet Miss Understanding, (Eleb Jr. Henrius), the MC of the club who plays his rendition of “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” and we meet Tick, (Will Begley), a down-on-her-luck drag queen.
Tick receives a phone call from his wife, Marion (Jadah Dixon), who after not seeing each other for several years as he makes a life for himself in the big city of Sydney, offers him a spot to perform his drag number at her casino in Alice Springs. Not only is she offering him a job, but she’s allowing him to finally meet his young son.
Excited for the opportunity for a fresh start, and to meet his child, Tick calls his old friend, Bernadette, (Thomas McGuire) a transgender woman and retired performer, and a young, semi-cocky drag queen named Felicia (Joseph Salerno). Felicia and Bernadette don’t get along, but reluctantly agree to board a beaten-up old camper they christen “Priscilla.”
The trio head west across the Australia on a weeks-long trip to reach their destination. Aboard the bus, they experience it all, from visiting hole-in-the-wall bars (performing disco anthems like “I Love the Nightlife” to unenthused country folk) to eventually breaking down in the middle of the desert. A lot of laughs, and even some tears, the trip for the three is quite the doozy as they meet an array of strange characters along the way.
When they finally make it to Alice Springs, the three perform together as a group in an epic lip sync that has the audience dancing in their seats.
While watching the show, one might not even realize they are being entertained by students who are surely on their way to stardom. While the talent of the three divas and the three queens is exceptional, the show becomes even more excellent with the addition of the ensemble cast who float between roles and different scenes effortlessly (Nicholas Maggipinto, Thomas Everson, Izzy Mangiaracina, Sarah Lange, Mia Lombardi, Krystian Karwowski, Max Venezia, Katelyn Carlo, Alberto Negron, Isabella Romero, Jennifer Sandusky, Kian Ventura).
During the two-hour show, the stage design changes rapidly. From dive bars to opulent gay clubs, one fun spectacle of the show is Priscilla, herself, which has its own set in itself and is a major focal point of the show. The costumes, too, are as colorful as you’d imagine considering the show surrounds three fabulous drag queens.
So, don’t miss this show. With other fun tunes like, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” “Material Girl,” “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” “True Colors,” “Hot Stuff,” and “Boogie Wonderland,” you’ll be singing and dancing along as if you were at the club, too.
The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in the Shea Theatre, Islip Arts Building, SCCC Ammerman campus, 533 College Road, Selden on April 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and April 27 at 2 p.m. General admission is $15, veterans and students 16 years of age or younger $10. SCCC students receive two free tickets. To order, call 631-451-4163.
Suffolk County Police arrested two women in a massage parlor raid in Huntington Station on April 24.
In response to a community complaint, Second Precinct Crime Section officers, in conjunction with the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement Inspectors, conducted an investigation into Awesome Spa, located at 294 E. Jericho Turnpike., Huntington Station.
Li Chen, 47, of Flushing, and Gui Feng Huang, 48, of Flushing, were arrested and charged them with alleged Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, a Class E felony and Prostitution, a Class B misdemeanor.
The Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement Inspectors issued 6 violations.
Both were issued Desk Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
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