Suffolk County Police cited two drivers for an illegal speed contest in Medford on Jan. 26.
Members of the Suffolk County Police Street Takeover Task Force observed a 2018 Audi S4 and a 2011 Infiniti southbound on County Road 101, near Woodside Avenue, traveling more than 90 miles per hour at approximately 7 p.m.
Officers initiated a traffic stop of both vehicles and cited the drivers. The driver of the Audi, Dillen Anchundia, 21, of Bay Shore, and the driver of the Infiniti, Matthew Hirschkind, 21, of Medford, were both issued summonses for Unlawful Speed Contest, Speeding and multiple vehicle traffic laws. Both men will be arraigned at Suffolk County Criminal Court on a later date.
Both vehicles were seized and taken to the Suffolk County Impound lot.
The stained-glass window after the Hendricks restored the framing. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
Restoration underway at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. Photo courtesy Nancy and Robert Hendrick
By Sabrina Artusa
In Northport, the Trinity Episcopal Church is transforming across time as local couple Nancy and Robert Hendrick renovate the building to reflect the original design.
The church, built in 1889, sits on Main Street; its double red doors face the sidewalk, inviting pedestrians in, just as they had more than 100 years ago. Inside, five Tiffany stained-glass windows filter the light as it falls softly on the altar and pews.
Nancy and Robert Hendrick, a husband and wife artist duo who are also volunteer directors of Trinity Community Arts Center, are dedicated to unveiling the original grandeur of the church.
“It is such a beautiful space,” Robert Hendrick said. ”[We want] to bring back the feeling that throw the parishioners felt walking into that church in 1889. To get back to that feeling is our mission.”
The Hendricks, who have performed various art restorations and commissions in the past, said that the church presented them with an opportunity that they felt was especially suited for their interests and values, both artistically and personally.
“We love our church and the people in it,” Nancy Hendrick said.
The interior design has been modified over the years: original gold leafing around the stained-glass window of Jesus was painted gold, an original railing was replaced, and the altar was changed. While still beautiful, it lacked the timeless presence of its forebears.
“I don’t look at it as a renovation but we are updating or restoring this truly truly beautiful building,” the Rev. Andrew Garnet said.
Garnet found old pictures of the church and had the idea to renovate. Robert and Nancy, having recently visited historic churches in Vienna, were inundated with inspiration. Nancy said, ”It is a wonderful space to give back to God. Everything absolutely just fell together perfectly. “
They decided to paint the walls with a metallic Italian plaster, creating an airy, cloudy effect. The altar will be restored to reflect its original gilding, and the frame was gilded with gold leaf in the original style. The rail is also being restored and will replace the new ones.
“Everything we do as a parish is borne from what we do in church, what we do in mass, which is why as a tradition we spend so much time and effort on our sacred spaces,” he said, explaining the significance of the renovation to his parish.
Robert, while examining the frame around the Jesus window, found traces of gold leaf in a rosette. The discovery gave renewed purpose to the pair’s work as it was a real trace of a detail that was almost forgotten. “[It was] reaffirming what we were doing,” Robert said.
“In taking this church back to its origins, you kind of understand what those original parishioners were looking for, what was important to them,” he said.
Garnet is rector of the parish and joined Trinity Episcopal Church three years ago. In that time, he has been focused on opening the church to the community and making it a welcoming space whether it is through movie nights or social events. “The saddest thing about a church is a closed door and an empty pew,” he said.
Creating the Trinity Community Arts Center was part of Garnet’s work goal of “meeting people where they are.” Northport is a bustling art district, and nourishing art’s intersection with religion is a way to do that.
Garnet moved the Sunday morning coffee hour to the arts center instead of the church, thereby encouraging passerby not only to interact with the arts center, an arm of the church, but also to make connections with community members.
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 an East Setauket store in January.
A man allegedly stole a mixer from Kohl’s, located at 5000 Nesconset Highway, at approximately 10:20 a.m. on January 12. The merchandise was valued at approximately $500.
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.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Riverhead Town Police officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise from a Riverhead store.
A man allegedly stole headphones and earbuds, valued at approximately $330, from Barnes & Noble, 1470 Old Country Road, on January 10 at approximately 2:30 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.
Zoe Abelson starring as Hamlet in this year’s high school production
Zoe Abelson, a senior at Cold Spring Harbor High School, has been elected New York State officer of the International Thespian Society. In this position, Abelson will serve as a voice for all theatre students in New York, ensuring that every student, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances, has access to the tools, education, and opportunities they need to shine. As part of this appointment, Abelson joins the International Thespian Society’s board of directors and will also serve as social media officer.
Zoe Abelson as Gretchen Wieners in the community theatre production of “Mean Girls The Musical”
“Zoe Abelson’s appointment as a New York State Officer of the International Thespian Society is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her leadership, passion and commitment to the performing arts. At Cold Spring Harbor, we take great pride in being recognized for academic and athletic excellence, and Zoe’s success highlights our growing reputation as a top school for performing arts as well,” said James Guarini, chairman of the music department at Cold Spring Harbor High School. “Her accomplishments–ranging from her All-State recognition to her Best Lead Actress Hunting-Tony nomination–serve as an inspiration to her peers and demonstrate the extraordinary talent and dedication of our students. We are incredibly proud of Zoe and excited to see the positive impact she will continue to have at the state level.”
In this role, Abelson is responsible for advocating for the needs and interests of theatre students across New York. She will work with the board to support the organization’s expansive mission, which includes lobbying for more funding at next month’s Albany Advocacy Day, promoting Theatre in Our Schools Month, and preparing for the upcoming New York Thespian Festival. The event takes place at LIU Brooklyn on March 8-9 and hosts the Thespys, an awards event that recognizes the highest level of achievement in school theatre performance, technical theatre, playwriting, and filmmaking.
“I am a huge advocate of fostering diversity in storytelling because as actors, it’s our responsibility to inspire harmony by promoting a better understanding of the world,” said Abelson. “I wanted to work with the International Thespian Society to help drive this kind of positive, social change by encouraging more diversity, equity, and inclusion in performing arts. By representing Cold Spring Harbor High School’s Thespian Troupe #7583 at the state level, I hope to create more opportunities for our aspiring actors and inspire more young thespians to be active in our theatre community.”
The appointment comes on the heels of Abelson’s intensive studies at prestigious universities Carnegie Mellon and New York University, where she earned college credits while training with some of the best instructors and working actors in the country, including NYU’s Experimental Theatre Wing Director, Rosemary Quinn, Carnegie Mellon’s acclaimed acting coach, Jill Wadsworth, and actor Jason McCune from The Outsiders TV series fame.
Drs. Iwao Ojima, left, and Martin Kaczocha in a Stony Brook University laboratory. Photo by John Griffin, Stony Brook University
A non-opioid investigational drug with promising pre-clinical results in treating neuropathic pain has passed an important hurdle after the study’s safety review committee (SRC) reviewed the data from initial volunteers and recommended to progress into the next dose level in a first-in-human clinical trial.The drug, ART26.12, is being developed by Artelo Biosciences, Inc, based in Solana Beach, Calif.
The compound was discovered and initially developed by Stony Brook University’s Iwao Ojima, PhD, and Martin Kaczocha, PhD. The technology is based on a class of fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) inhibitors, including what is now ART26.12, and was licensed to Artelo in 2018 by the Research Foundation for the State University of New York.
Neuropathic pain is estimated to affect about eight percent of the U.S. population, which translates to approximately 20 million people. ART26.12 is being developed specifically for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, which remains a serious adverse problem for patients during cancer therapy and post therapy.
Dr. Ojima and colleagues selected FABPs as drug targets of the body’s endocannabinoid system to modulate lipids within the cell for a potentially promising way to treat pain, inflammation and cancer. According to Artelo, ART26.12 is the lead compound in Artelo’s proprietary FABP platform and is believed to be the first-ever selective FABP5 inhibitor (5 indicates a specific protein) to enter clinical trials.
The SRC completed its initial clinical safety review of ART26.12 in early January for the first cohort of eight volunteers. With that, the phase 1 clinical trial of this drug will advance to the next step, which will include more subjects and an evaluation of higher doses of the investigational drug.
Artelo says that other potential indications with the lead compound and other FABP5s in development include treatments related to cancer, osteoarthritis, psoriasis and anxiety.
Dr. Ojima, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Stony Brook University, and Director of the Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, and Dr. Kaczocha, Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesia in the Renaissance School of Medicine, led the Stony Brook team in its work developing inhibitors to various FABPs.
They continue to consult with Artelo regarding the advancement of these compounds in clinical trials.
For more about the FABP inhibitor story, see this 2024 press release. For more about Artelo’s successful completion of the first cohort in the phase 1 study of ART26.12, see this press release.
Presentation event on Feb. 1 to honor music teacher Craig Knapp
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEOHF) recently announced Rocky Point Elementary Music Teacher and Department Chairperson Craig Knapp as its 2024 ‘Educator of Note’ winner.
“The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame is thrilled to honor Craig Knapp with the ‘Educator of Note’ Award and to recognize his extraordinary dedication, innovation, and profound impact on countless students and on music education in our community,” said LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham, who manages LIMEHOF’s education programs.
With an impressive career that spans 27 years on Long Island, Knapp is the 18th music teacher to be recognized by LIMEHOF since the ‘Educator of Note’ Award was established in 2007. This award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate a commitment to music education, play an active role in the community, and have a significant influence on the lives of music students of all backgrounds and abilities.
“I am absolutely honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame as the 2024 recipient of their ‘Educator of Note,’” said Knapp. “To be included on the list of past honorees—many of whom I have worked with collaboratively in a variety of music education organizations, committees, conferences, and initiatives—is both gratifying and humbling. I am very proud that I carved out a successful career in a rather unconventional and unique way.”
Knapp is the director of the Nassau and Suffolk Treble Choirs of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, Elementary Classroom Music Specialist and Choral Director in the Rocky Point Public School District, former Adjunct Assistant Professor at Hofstra University, former Director of the Early Childhood Community Music Program at Stony Brook University, music educator, guest conductor, clinician, folk dance leader and author. He says of all his accomplishments, the most significant honor to him is the lasting influence he has had on his students.
“I have the luckiest job in the world as I get to wake up every Monday morning and make music with incredible children,” Knapp said. “Of all that I have achieved—more important than any accolades I could receive, books I could publish, guest conducting opportunities I could receive, invitations to present at professional development conferences, or performances I direct—my greatest accomplishment, and what I’m most proud of, is that students still come to visit me decades later to tell me that I was their favorite teacher and to thank me for the positive impact I had on their life. What could be better than that?”
Knapp will accept the award at a special presentation ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 1st at the LIMEHOF, 97 Main St., Stony Brook at 2 p.m. The event will feature a performance and visual presentation. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are $29.50 per person at www.limusichalloffame.org and at the door.
Brrr! It’s been super cold this winter, and heating systems have been in overdrive. All the dry heat pumping into our homes, offices and cars can have a dehydrating effect on our bodies. Symptoms of dehydration can range from itchy skin and constipation to fatigue, mood changes and headaches. Our dry throats and sinuses can also make us uncomfortable and more susceptible to irritations and viruses. More serious complications of dehydration can include migraines, heart palpitations and heart attacks.
Let’s look at techniques for improving hydration and reducing the symptoms and consequences of all this dry air.
Improve ambient humidity
Measure the humidity level in your home with a hygrometer and target keeping it between 30 and 50 percent (1). When the temperature outside drops below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, lower this to 25 percent. You can add moisture to the air in several ways. Use cool mist humidifiers, keep the bathroom door open after you shower or bathe, and place bowls of water strategically around your home, including on your stovetop when you cook or on radiators. If you use humidifiers, take care to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and clean them regularly, so you don’t introduce mold or bacteria into the air.
Reduce headaches and migraines
A review of studies found that those who drank four cups or more of water had significantly fewer hours of migraine pain than those who drank less (2). Headache intensity decreased as well.
Decrease heart palpitations
Heart palpitations are common and are broadly felt as a racing heart rate, skipped beat, pounding sensation or fluttering. Although they are not usually life-threatening, they can make you anxious. Dehydration and exercise contribute to this (3). Palpitations can be prompted when we don’t hydrate before exercising. If you drink one glass of water before exercise and continue to drink during exercise, it will help avoid palpitations.
Lower your heart attack risk
The Adventist Health Study showed that men who drank more water had the least risk of death from heart disease (4). Group one, which drank more than five glasses of water daily, had less risk than group two, which drank more than three. Those in group three, which drank fewer than two glasses per day, saw the lowest benefit, comparatively. For women, there was no difference between groups one and two, although both fared better than group three. The reason for this effect, according to the authors, may relate to blood or plasma viscosity (thickness) and fibrinogen, a substance that helps clots form.
Resolve decreased concentration and fatigue
Mild dehydration resulted in decreased concentration, subdued mood, fatigue and headaches in women in a small study (5). Dehydration was prompted by walking on a treadmill and taking a diuretic (water pill) prior to the exercise. Results were compared to a control group that did not take the diuretic. The authors concluded that adequate hydration was needed, especially during and after exercise.
Consume hydrating foods
METRO photo
How much water you need to drink depends on your diet, activity levels, environment and other factors. In a review article, researchers analyzed the data, but did not find adequate studies to suggest that eight glasses a day is a magic number (6). It may be too much for some patients.
You can increase your hydration by altering your diet. Diets with a focus on fruits and vegetables increase water consumption (7). As you may know, 95 percent of the weights of many fruits and vegetables are attributed to water. An added benefit is an increased satiety level without eating calorically dense foods.
In a review, it was suggested that caffeinated coffee and tea don’t increase the risk of dehydration, even though caffeine is a mild diuretic (8). With moderate amounts of caffeinated beverages, the liquid in them has a more hydrating effect than its diuretic effect. Remember that salty foods can dehydrate you, including soups, breads and pastries, so try to avoid these.
It is important to stay hydrated to avoid uncomfortable — and sometimes serious — complications. Diet is a great way to ensure that you get the triple effect of high nutrients, increased hydration and sense of feeling satiated without calorie-dense foods. However, don’t go overboard with water consumption, especially if you have congestive heart failure or open-angle glaucoma (9).
References:
(1) epa.gov (2) Handb Clin Neurol. 2010;97:161-72. (3) my.clevelandclinic.org. (4) Am J Epidemiol 2002 May 1; 155:827-33. (5) J. Nutr. February 2012 142: 382-388. (6) AJP – Regu Physiol. 2002;283:R993-R1004. (7) Am J Lifestyle Med. 2011;5(4):316-319. (8) Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2007;35(3):135-140. (9) Br J Ophthalmol. 2005:89:1298–1301.
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.
Some of the hats knitted by Sue Harrison for children and adults. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office
For several years, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta has been working with Smithtown based SMM Advertising and the Retired Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP) to conduct a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who need warm winter clothing.
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta with some of the coats residents dropped off at his office in Smithtown. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta’s office
“The response was phenomenal. We received numerous donations from so many residents,” said Legislator Trotta. “In addition, for the third year in a row, Sue Harrison knitted hats for the children and adults,” added Trotta.
“Every donated coat and warm garment represent a message of hope and care from one human being to another. Thank you to RSVP and Legislator Rob Trotta for all your support and enthusiasm each year to make our Coat Drive a success,” said Tricia Folliero, Vice President, SMM Advertising.
The donated winter wear was distributed to the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry, St, Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry at St. Jospeh’s Church in Kings Park, St. Gerard of Majella Outreach, Infant Jesus Outreach, Church of the Resurrection Outreach, Echo Arms Adult Home, Lighthouse Mission and Pax Christi Men’s Shelter.
“The Friends of the Retired and Senior Volunteer program is overwhelmed by the response of our RSVP volunteers and our community members to take this opportunity to care for our community. The number of blankets and coats that they provided was incredible and so often the donation came with a willingness to continue to help. We are grateful to be working with Leg. Trotta and SMM Advertising.,” said Maryflorence Brennan, Executive Director of RSVP.
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 merchandise from a South Setauket store in December.
A man allegedly stole allergy medication from Target, located at 265 Pond Path, at approximately 9:30 a.m. on December 15. The merchandise was valued at approximately $315.
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.
“I am a huge advocate of fostering diversity in storytelling because as actors, it’s our responsibility to inspire harmony by promoting a better understanding of the world,” said Abelson. “I wanted to work with the International Thespian Society to help drive this kind of positive, social change by encouraging more diversity, equity, and inclusion in performing arts. By representing Cold Spring Harbor High School’s Thespian Troupe #7583 at the state level, I hope to create more opportunities for our aspiring actors and inspire more young thespians to be active in our theatre community.”
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