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Yearly Archives: 2025

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Police car. Stock photo

Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian in East Patchogue on Jan. 3.

Yvonne Balbucacuji was driving a 2012 Nissan southbound on Route 112, near Sycamore Street, when the vehicle struck a pedestrian at 10:45 p.m. The pedestrian, Deshawn Parrish, 30, of Medford, was pronounced dead at the scene. Balbucacuji, 22, of Patchogue, was not injured.

The vehicle was impounded for a safety check. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552.

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METRO photo

Overwhelmed by the thought of having to pick the best preschool for your child? Emma Clark Library’s Preschool Fair is back on Saturday, January 11 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.  This is a great opportunity to speak informally with many local preschools all in one room, ask questions, and help narrow down your search and choose which schools you’d like to tour.  This event has no registration and is open to the public.

Representatives from preschools in Three Village and the surrounding area will be at the event, including

– Children’s Community Head Start
– Faith Preschool
– Harbor Country Day School 
– Kiddie Academy
– Laurel Hill School
– North Shore Montessori
– Our Savior New American School
– Play Groups School
– Setauket Presbyterian Preschool
– Smithtown Nursery School

Emma Clark Library is located at 120 Main Street in Setauket. For more information, email [email protected] or call 631-941-4080 ext. 123.

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Police car stock photo
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Just released! 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 stole from a Medford store in November.

A man entered Target, located at 2975 Horseblock Road, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on November 23 and allegedly broke the security tether on two Dyson hair dryers and left the store with the items without paying. The merchandise was valued at approximately $830.

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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Ann Margaret Navarra, Associate Dean, School of Nursing

Ann-Margaret Navarra, PhD, CPNP, Associate Professor in the Stony Brook University School of Nursing, has been named to a national fellowship program that will examine social determinants of health (SDOH) in the context of eliminating healthcare inequities in the United States.

The Smithtown resident is among the first of 10 “innovators” selected by the Institute for Policy Solutions (IPS) at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing for the Nursing Science Incubator for the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Solutions (N-SISS) Fellowship. The N-SISS will be comprised of a cohort of nurse scientists and other scientists in aligned fields from around the country.

Navarra was selected by Johns Hopkins because of her outstanding qualifications, innovative research focus, and her commitment to eliminating healthcare inequities in the U.S. through the lens of the SDOH.

At Stony Brook Nursing since January 2024, Navarra is also the School’s Associate Dean, Nursing Research and Innovation. Her main areas of research have been in the clinical areas of HIV/AIDS, pediatrics, chronic disease, and the underserved.

In the 1990s she was one of the first advanced practice pediatric nurses leading care initiatives for youth living with HIV/AIDS. This pioneering work became the impetus for her significant contributions to the HIV behavioral sciences and advancement of health equity for youth living with HIV.

The N-SISS Fellowship will operate for three years and will eventually include 30 plus innovators to be selected by Johns Hopkins. It will be an active incubator to assess the SDOH nationwide. The program will also include a mix of virtual and on-campus courses and guided self-study, along with applied research training and individualized and team mentoring, all of which will lead to each participant’s development of a SDOH-focused grant proposal to a National Institutes of Health agency.

Navarra and each of the first 10 professionals selected for the fellowship will begin a two-week intensive training program in Washington, DC, beginning February 3.

 

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Photo courtesy of Suffolk County D.A.'s office
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County D.A.'s office
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County D.A.'s office
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County D.A.'s office
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County D.A.'s office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 3 that Munim Raghid, 26, of Ronkonkoma, was arrested on January 2 by members of the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) and charged with one count of alleged animal cruelty and four counts of alleged criminal contempt in the second degree.

The defendant had been previously charged with animal cruelty, in December 2024, for neglecting a Kangal Shepherd to the point of its alleged emaciation. In connection with that case, which is still pending in Suffolk County District Court, the Honorable Judge Evan Zuckerman had ordered that the defendant not be allowed to possess any animals during the course of the prosecution. Nonetheless, BEAST investigators allegedly found him to be in possession of three additional Kangal Shepherds, including two puppies, which were immediately seized pursuant to a search warrant. Tragically, one of the puppies was severely injured at the time of his discovery.

“I created my BEAST investigative team for a reason,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will pursue every act of animal cruelty reported to us and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”

The current investigation started when a Good Samaritan observed an injured puppy lying in a roadway on New Years Eve. The puppy appeared to have been recently struck by a car and could not use its legs. The Samaritan wrapped the puppy in a blanket and raced it to Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists, an emergency hospital. The puppy was evaluated and found to have severe injuries to its back legs. Meanwhile, the Good Samaritan returned to the area where the puppy was found and started knocking on doors to identify the owner. The house immediately adjacent to where the puppy was found was the defendant’s. When he was notified that his puppy was hit by a car and brought to the veterinary center, he allegedly went to retrieve it. At this point in time, the defendant, due to another pending prosecution, was under a Court Order not to possess or have custody or control over any animals.

The defendant allegedly went to Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists, where he was advised by medical staff that the animal had severe injuries and should not leave. Nonetheless, the defendant allegedly removed the puppy against medical advice that evening, just before midnight.

Upon learning of this event, BEAST investigators responded to the defendant’s home on New Years Day. When they were not allowed access, they returned with a search warrant. During the course of their search, three animals, including the injured puppy, were allegedly recovered. The injured puppy, per the allegations, was not provided with any veterinary care for what was later determined to be a fractured pelvis and leg fractures. These injuries will require the puppy to undergo extensive surgery.

On the new case, the defendant has been charged with one count of animal cruelty, as a class A misdemeanor, for allegedly permitting the puppy to suffer without adequate veterinary care, and four counts of criminal contempt in the second degree, as a class A misdemeanor, for violation of Judge Zuckerman’s court order. He is scheduled to be arraigned on these charges on January 3, 2025.

The defendant surrendered both puppies to law enforcement at the time of seizure. They are both available for adoption through the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter. However, the one puppy must first undergo significant rehabilitative surgery for its injuries.

Through the District Attorney’s previously announced working agreement with Fund for Animal Cruelty Treatment of Suffolk, Inc. (FACTS), FACTS has pledged to contribute to the veterinary care of the injured puppy. To find out more about how FACTS helps victims of animal cruelty, and how the public can help this puppy, please visit https://factssaves.org/.

Both cases against the defendant are being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kelsey Ferris of the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Joanna Westrack and Elizabeth Tomlin of the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney Squad.

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Photo courtesy of StatePoint

What are TikTok’s privacy settings? Can parents control what advertising their children see on Facebook? How do parents limit the amount of time their children spend on Instagram?

A new parent tool, the Glossary of Digital Media Platforms, offers the answers and will be handy for parents of children trying out new phones or other tech-related holiday gifts. The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health developed the free resource, which contains detailed information on popular digital platforms, including Apple, Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok and X, with more to come.

“Parenting around media can be so challenging,” said Jenny Radesky, MD, FAAP, co-medical director of the Center of Excellence. “Figuring out what apps and settings are best for your family is an important part of the conversation. At the center, we created the Glossary of Digital Media Platforms to make it a little easier for parents to learn about each app and figure out what settings and tools exist to keep their kid safe while connecting online.”

Users click on a platform to learn about its default and customizable safety settings; messaging and friending controls; screen-time management settings; parental controls and more.

Parents aren’t the only ones looking for assistance when it comes to the online world. Pediatric providers, teachers and others who work with children and teens can introduce the glossary briefly during clinic visits, back-to-school nights, in newsletters, or other communications and encourage families to have conversations about safe and balanced relationships with social media. The tool can also facilitate conversations on concepts like private versus public accounts, time limits and how to block or filter upsetting content.

Here are some examples of how the glossary can be used:

• If children have iPhones, parents can learn more about the Family Sharing feature, which includes settings to limit who a child can contact, downtime/do-not-disturb settings and the Ask To Buy option that requires a parent to approve purchases.

• If social media and notifications are distracting teens at night, families can use the glossary to look up apps and how to silence notifications or activate other nighttime settings.

• For teens who are stressed out by negative content on social media feeds, the glossary contains information on tools to curate feeds and block and filter content.

• If a child’s school has a phone policy, families can look up device or app settings to silence distracting apps during school hours.

The glossary joins a roster of resources available at Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, which includes conversation starters for parents concerned about how their children are using social media. The center’s activity cards can help young children build healthy relationships with media and their devices before they grow into teens and young adults.

Megan Moreno MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP, co-medical director of the Center of Excellence, urges parents and other adults to avoid taking a doom-and-gloom approach when talking about the sometimes-dangerous social media landscape with kids.

“We can give ourselves grace for these initial reactions of worry and fear, but we have a choice to make on what we want our reaction to be going forward,” Dr. Moreno said. “We can choose open-mindedness. We can choose curiosity. We can choose evidence over hype, and we can stay centered on our children and families.”

Visit the site here.

Source: StatePoint Media

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise from an East Setauket store in November.

A man allegedly stole clothing from Kohl’s, located at 5000 Nesconset Highway, on November 29 at 3:54 p.m. He fled in a black Audi sedan.

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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Have you seen Emmarae?

Update: After missing for almost three weeks, Suffolk County Police have confirmed that Emmarae Gervasi has been found safe and is currently in police custody. No other information has been released at this time.

Emmarae’s father, Frank Gervasi, posted on his Facebook page, “I found emma!!! Please give me some time and then I will address the public in a few. thanks. Prayers answered.”

Below is the original release:

Suffolk County Police are seeking the public’s help in finding Emmarae Gervasi, a 14-year-old from East Patchogue who was reported missing after she was observed getting into a blue Honda car near her home on Terrell Street on December 9 around 5 p.m..

She left the house with no shoes and a t-shirt. She told her step-mom that she was going out to get something from the truck in the driveway. Her cell phone was left behind.

Emmarae is 5′ 4″, weighs 140 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the SCPD’s non-emergency number 631-852-COPS.

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Wolfie the Seawolf mascot. Photo courtesy of SBU

Following their best season since 2018, the Stony Brook football team, in collaboration with the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), has unveiled its 2025 schedule. The Seawolves will play six games at LaValle Stadium, open their season with a historic trip to San Diego, and the much-anticipated “Battle for the Golden Apple” at UAlbany.

Season Opener in San Diego

Stony Brook begins its 2025 campaign on August 28 with a first-ever matchup against San Diego State. The game marks the Seawolves’ sole FBS opponent of the season, extending their streak of competing against at least one FBS team every full season since 2010. Stony Brook will aim to secure its second all-time victory over an FBS opponent, with their first win coming against Army in 2012.

Home Opener at LaValle Stadium

The Seawolves return to LaValle Stadium on September 6 to face Rhode Island in their first meeting since 2023. Stony Brook holds a 7-3 all-time record against the Rams and will look to snap a three-game losing streak against the Rams. Stony Brook ended a 13-game losing streak with their victory over Stonehill in last season’s home-opener and owns 6-5 record in their last 11 home openers dating back to 2013-14.

Rivalry with Fordham Continues

On September 13, the Seawolves host Fordham in their ninth all-time meeting. After three consecutive losses to the Rams from 2021 to 2023, Stony Brook claimed a 27-21 victory in the Bronx last season. The all-time series is currently tied 4-4, 2-2 on the road and home, with Stony Brook seeking to gain the edge.

First-Ever Trip to Lindenwood

Stony Brook will head to Saint Charles, Missouri, on September 20 for its inaugural matchup against Lindenwood University. Lindenwood, coming off a 5-7 season, highlighted by a victory over No. 6 Southeast Missouri State, represents a fresh challenge for the Seawolves.

Non-Conference Finale vs. Merrimack

On September 27, Stony Brook welcomes Merrimack to LaValle Stadium for the first time since 1998. The Seawolves hold a 2-0 all-time record against Merrimack, whose 2024 season featured victories over 2024 Stony Brook opponents in Fordham, Stonehill, and Morgan State.

Battle for the Golden Apple

Stony Brook will travel to UAlbany on October 4 to defend the Golden Apple after reclaiming it in 2024. This will mark the 27th meeting between the rivals, including the 11th straight season with both schools members of the CAA, with UAlbany leading the series 15-11.

Road Game at Monmouth

Following a bye week, the Seawolves travel to the Jersey Shore to face Monmouth on October 18. Stony Brook seeks to end a three-game losing streak against the Hawks and avenge their 2024 season finale defeat. This marks the 11th meeting all-time between these two programs, Monmouth holding the series lead with seven wins and three defeats.

Home Clash with Towson

The Seawolves host Towson on October 25 for the 11th meeting between the teams. Stony Brook snapped a three-game losing streak to the Tigers in 2024 with a record-setting six-touchdown performance by quarterback Tyler Knoop. The Seawolves will be looking for their first victory at LaValle Stadium over the Tigers since 2017.

Voyage to Maine

Stony Brook begins the final month of the regular season on November 1 with a trip to Orono to face Maine. This will be the Seawolves’ first visit to Maine since their 2023 defeat and marks the 11th all-time meeting between the programs. The Black Bears hold a 6-4 advantage in the series, including a 4-2 record in games played at Maine.

Matchup Against the Aggies

On November 8, Stony Brook will host North Carolina A&T in the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Aggies joined the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in 2023 and have posted a 2-21 (0-16 CAA) record over their two seasons in the conference. Before joining the CAA, North Carolina A&T recorded a 12-10 record from 2021-23 in the Big South and dominated the MEAC with a 31-5 record over their final three seasons in the league.

The Final Road Trip

The Seawolves will travel to Villanova on November 15 for a challenging matchup against an FCS Playoff contender. This will be the ninth all-time meeting between the programs, with Stony Brook looking to avenge their 2024 defeat at LaValle Stadium. The Seawolves’ last two victories over the Wildcats came against ranked Villanova teams, and they are seeking their first win in the series since 2019.

Home Finale

Stony Brook concludes the regular season on November 22 with a home game against Bryant. The Seawolves secured an overtime victory in their 2024 meeting in Rhode Island and hold a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series. Stony Brook has won three consecutive games against the Bulldogs, dating back to 2018.

About the 2025 CAA Schedule 

The conference slate includes four home games and four road contests for each team. There is at least one conference game during all 13 weeks of the schedule, starting with Campbell at defending champion Rhode Island on Friday, August 29.

The non-conference schedule features 16 games against FBS opponents, including three Big Ten opponents (Iowa, Maryland, Penn State) and three ACC foes (Duke, NC State, Virginia).

Four CAA Football teams earned FCS playoffs berths in 2024, which marked the third year in a row and 14th time overall that at least four teams were chosen. The conference has had at least one team

advance to the semifinals in 10 of the last 12 years and has had a team reach the national championship game 11 times since 2003.

To purchase season tickets, call 631-632-WOLF (9653) or email the ticket office at [email protected].

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Stony Brook football head coach Billy Cosh

Adding to an already stellar list of accolades, head coach Billy Cosh has been named the 2024 Walter Camp FCS Coach of the Year, as announced by the organization on Dec. 31. This prestigious honor comes after Cosh was named the AFCA FCS Coach of the Year, AFCA Regional Coach of the Year, and CAA Coach of the Year earlier this postseason.

Now in its second year, the Walter Camp FCS Coach of the Year award recognizes the top head coach in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Last season, the honor went to Greg Gattuso from UAlbany, another Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) head coach. Notable recipients of the Walter Camp Coach of the Year award at the FBS level include legendary names such as Nick Saban (Alabama), Les Miles (LSU), Bob Stoops (Oklahoma), Dabo Swinney (Clemson), and Lou Holtz (Arkansas).

At just 32 years old, Cosh, the second-youngest head coach in the FBS or FCS, orchestrated a historic turnaround for Stony Brook football in his debut season. Taking over a program that went 0-10 (0-8 CAA) in 2023 and was projected to finish last in the conference for 2024, Cosh led the Seawolves to an 8-4 (5-3 CAA) record. This remarkable improvement marked the team’s first winning season since 2018, its highest national ranking in six years (No. 16), and finishing at No. 24 in the Stats Perform final regular season poll.

Under Cosh’s leadership, the Seawolves experienced a dramatic resurgence on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the team improved from 15.2 points per game in 2023 to 29.6 points per game in 2024. Total offensive yardage jumped from 314.2 to 403.9 yards per game, including a surge in rushing yards from 104.1 to 170.3 and passing yards from 210.1 to 223.6. The team’s touchdown count skyrocketed from 19 in 2023 to 44 in 2024. The defense also saw substantial improvements, limiting opponents to 24.0 points per game compared to 39.2 the previous year. Total yards allowed dropped from 470.7 to 373.5 per game, and the Seawolves reduced touchdowns allowed from 53 to 32.

Cosh’s leadership not only transformed the program but also propelled several players into the national spotlight. Running back Roland Dempster earned a nomination for the Walter Payton Award, becoming just the second player in program history to receive the honor. Dempster also secured First Team All-CAA recognition and four All-American honors. Defensive lineman Rushawn Lawrence garnered First Team All-CAA honors and two All-American awards, while freshman standout Sebastian Regis was named to the Freshman All-American team.

Additional postseason honors went to tight end Cal Redman, kicker Enda Kirby, and cornerback Rudy Silvera, who were named to the All-CAA Second Team. Offensive linemen Niko Papic and AJ Roberts earned spots on the All-CAA Third Team, while Anthony Ferrelli and Cole Bunicci were recognized on the Phil Steele CAA All-Conference team.

To purchase season tickets, call 631-632-WOLF (9653) or email the ticket office at [email protected].

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