Yearly Archives: 2025

Due to rain in the forecast for Saturday, the annual Spring Appreciation Day at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. offering a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family.  Visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment and experiences during this free event, including:

  • Steppin’ Out Ponies & Petting Zoo (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in front of D.K. Brothers): Children can interact with a variety of friendly animals.
  • Mustang & Shelby Club of Long Island Car Show (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind the Post Office): A spectacular display of Mustangs from 1964 to today, including classic models like the Shelby GT500, GT350, and the Boss 302. This event will also celebrate National Mustang Day, as MSCLI kicks off the season with up to 70 Mustangs on display. (MSCLI members must pre-register to participate; for more information, contact[email protected].)
  • Live Music by Brenda & Burke (noon to 4 p.m. at the Stony Brook Post Office): Enjoy an eclectic mix of R&B, Roots, Blues, and Contemporary Acoustic performances.
  • The Ward Melville Heritage Organization Youth Corps (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Inner Court): Family-friendly scavenger hunt for all to enjoy. One lucky winner will win a Stony Brook Village gift certificate. Other prizes are available for each participant.
  • Stony Brook Fire Department (noon to 3 p.m. behind the Post Office): Meet local firefighters, explore a fire truck up close, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Giveaway items will be available for children and adults.

While enjoying the festivities, visitors can shop the latest spring styles with special deals at participating Stony Brook Village shops and dine at one of seven delicious restaurants in the open-air village center.

Spring Appreciation Day is sponsored by News 12 Long Island, Goldfish Swim School, and Renewal by Andersen. For more information, visit stonybrookvillage.com

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Celebrate the return of Spring and May Day with a painting workshop at The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suites 6 & 9, St. James on Saturday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Image courtesy of The Atelier at Flowerfield

Did you know that May Day has its roots in astronomy? Traditionally, it was the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice! People around the world celebrate “Bringing in the May,” by gathering cuttings of flowering branches of forsythia, magnolia, redbud, lilac, or other flowering cuttings. At The Atelier, celebrate May Day by painting a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

At this workshop, you will learn about the water-based media Gouache, a method of painting with opaque watercolors. It’s similar to watercolor in that it can be re-wetted and dried to a matte finish, but gouache can give your work dense matte coverage as well as transparent and translucent surfaces just like watercolor. Enjoy learning how to use it both ways, as well as combining techniques to give you a beautiful range of color and pigment density. Your instructor, Beth Drucker, is a Professor, Designer, Artist, Writer, Editor, Instructor and Lecturer. She works in Gouache, Watercolor, Acrylics, Digital Art, Fabric and Fiber.

Ms. Drucker has been an Adjunct Professor of Fashion Design at Nassau Community College for 17 years. Ms. Drucker has worked as an Instructor for The Nassau County Department of Continuing Education, an Adjunct Professor at SUNY F.I.T., Parsons, The New School for Design, The Metropolitan Institute for Design, and (BOCES) The Long Island HS for the Arts. Beth has taught workshops at The Art League of Long Island, The Village Artist, Ripe Art Gallery, Gallery North, and Art and Soul Studio. She is currently judging a show at the suburban art league of Syosset. With Mother’s Day only a week later, what better way to celebrate!

The cost for this 3-hour workshop, which includes materials, is $95 per person. For your convenience, you may register online or call 631-250-9009.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Donovan Gilmartin drives home the winning run for the Cougars. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

The Centereach varsity baseball team has struggled to gain traction since opening day, searching for that elusive first win.

Deer Park struck first with a solo shot over the right field fence in the top of the third to take a 1-0 lead. Centereach short stop Anthony Gagliardi made it a new game in the bottom of the sixth when he drove home Nick Scraper to tie the game 1-1

Donovan Gilmartin’s bat delivered redemption for the Cougars in the bottom of the   seventh inning when he drove in the winning run to put a “W” in the win column defeating the visiting Falcons 2-1.

Centereach pitcher Ryan Maida tossed a complete game for his first varsity win, allowing one earned run in the league IV matchup Monday, April 21.

— Photos by Bill Landon 

Photo courtesy of ECLI-VIBES

On Saturday, April 12, ECLI-VIBES invited clients to celebrate Easter at its office in Islandia. Thanks to a heartwarming donation of 200 Easter baskets from community members, 93 families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, or abuse were able to enjoy the event with their families, allowing each child to pick out their own Easter basket.

Photo courtesy of ECLI-VIBES

“The Easter event deeply touched me. Everything was done with care and kindness, which meant a lot to me and my daughter. It inspired me to want to give back in some way, even if I can only do a little. Knowing people are doing this kind of good work gives me hope,” said an ECLI-VIBES client.

Children also participated in different activities and photo opportunities, like other ECLI-VIBES events. Families attending enjoyed Easter-themed snacks, face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, therapy dogs, and a planting activity. Volunteers and ECLI-VIBES staff were present to help these families experience the joy of spring.

“The joy displayed by these families illuminated the building,” shared Bilingual Senior Coordinator Danielle Gorman. “It was wonderful to see all the families engaged in the planned activities and excited to choose their Easter baskets.”

Photo courtesy of ECVLI-VIBES

ECLI-VIBES intentionally offers a unique experience that goes beyond traditional human services. Nevertheless, the organization aims to create memorable family experiences through holiday drives and events. This year’s Easter celebration featured themed photoshoots, animal interactions, and creativity-focused, hands-on activities.

“We could simply provide these families with an Easter basket and send them on their way. However, we love to create personal and engaging activities that will create lasting memories for them. We have seen that introducing activities brings more smiles and offers these families a sense of normalcy,” said Assistant Coordinator Gina Ocello.

Some families who signed up for the Easter event could not attend because of the weather. They will be contacted to pick up their baskets separately.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, call the ECLI-VIBES 24-hour hope line at (631) 360-3606. To learn more about ECLI-VIBES and the services they provide, visit www.eclivibes.org.

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About ECLI-VIBES

ECLI-VIBES is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking and empower individuals to break free from the cycle of violence and abuse and achieve independence. They provide services such as a 24-hour hope line, counseling programs, advocacy assistance, legal assistance, a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program, housing programs, and a fully-stocked community food pantry. To learn more about ECLI-VIBES and how you can get involved, please visit www.eclivibes.org.

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]

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William Dymond

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 LaneMD, 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.

 

 

 

A TeachRock class at the LIMEHOF

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame will host two free TeachRock workshops 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.

For more information, visit the LIMEHOF website.

About LIMEHOF 

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.

Adopt the extraordinary Kai!

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 

Photo courtesy of Gurwin Adult Day Health Program 

 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.