The Emma S. Clark Library is temporarily closed after staff noticed a strange odor on May 1. The smell was from a mold growth in a “contained area” of the Library, necessitating repairs to the HVAC system.
The mold, Cladosporium, is described by the National Institute of Health as one of the “most common fungal inhabitants worldwide”. It appears as black or brown spots in a wide variety of conditions and surfaces such as carpets, HVAC grills, wallpaper or wood surfaces, and is particularly drawn to damp, not well-ventilated places like bathrooms or basements.
The library will continue online zoom classes on the usual schedule, but will extend holds and due dates of books, museum passes and items. The prolonged possession of library property will not accrue late fees and holds will be extended for one week past the date of reopening. The library will reopen once air quality tests confirm the mold’s eradication. The library card can be used at any Suffolk County library.
Professor Jennifer Cano. John Griffin/Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy Jennifer Cano was named a Chancellor’s Horizon Award for Faculty Research and Scholarship. This inaugural award from the State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor John B. King, honors early career tenured and tenure track faculty whose scholarly or creative activities have already achieved significant recognition and crucially, hold strong promise for field-defining impact in the future. This award was given to 10 professors throughout the SUNY system.
Professor Cano is a theoretical physicist whose research focuses on the emergent properties of quantum materials; specifically, topological phases of matter. This includes study of the fundamental principles such as classification, as well as predicting new material platforms to realize exotic quantum phases. Professor Cano developed the theory of topological quantum chemistry, which combines group theory, topology and chemistry, to predict new topological materials.
“I am so pleased to see Professor Cano and her work recognized as one of the top early-career researchers in the SUNY system,” said Carl W. Lejuez, executive vice president and provost. “Professor Cano’s ongoing research is a critical part to building a quantum future, and I am proud to say that many of our Stony Brook faculty, across disciplines, are part of this significant ongoing effort to uncover the secrets and possibilities of quantum technologies.”
“While I am exceptionally delighted that Jen is recognized by the SUNY Chancellor’s Horizon Award for her outstanding work in condensed matter physics, I am not surprised by the recognition,” said Chang Kee Jung, Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “Jen’s brilliance is so evident that I fully expected she would receive this award. Her work is already shaping and leading her research field and I have no doubt that it will continue doing so. Jen also excels in teaching, mentoring and her presentation at the Stony Brook Discovery Prize competition was one of the best academic presentations I have ever seen. It is truly a pleasure to have Jen as a colleague and she is an inspiration for all.”
Candidates’ portfolios were reviewed by Distinguished Academy faculty who made recommendations to the SUNY Provost. Going forward, up to 10 awards will be conferred each year.
Professor Cano was also the winner of the Stony Brook University’s Discovery Prize 2025 for her research proposal, “Theoretical Framework for the Discovery of Topological Moiré Materials.” The Discovery Prize is an early-career faculty prize given to those at Stony Brook pursuing innovative and potentially groundbreaking scientific research. It was established and is funded by the Stony Brook Foundation.
The East Setauket resident earned her PhD from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 2015. She subsequently was a postdoctoral fellow at the Princeton Center for Theoretical Science. She came to Stony Brook in 2018 as an assistant professor and holds a visiting scholar appointment at the Flatiron Institute.
Reducing dairy consumption can decrease inflammation
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
Osteoarthritis (OA) can disturb your mobility, mood, and sleep quality, making it difficult to perform daily activities, which can affect your quality of life. Most often, it affects the knees, hips and hands. Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are common first-line medications to help treat arthritis pain. Unfortunately, they do have side effects, which become more pronounced with long-term use.
While medications might relieve your immediate pain and inflammation symptoms, they don’t slow osteoarthritis’ progression. However, there are some approaches that can ease your pain without reaching for medications. Some might even help slow your OA’s progression.
The effect of losing weight on OA pain
Weight management is important to any OA pain management strategy. In a study of 112 obese patients, those who lost weight reported that their knee symptoms improved (1). The study authors also observed disease modification in this population, with a reduction in the loss of cartilage volume around the medial tibia.
The relationship was almost one-to-one; for every one percent of weight lost, there was a 1.2 mm3 preservation of medial tibial cartilage volume, while the opposite occurred for study participants who gained weight. A reduction of tibial cartilage is often associated with the need for a knee replacement.
Does vitamin D help ease OA pain?
In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), vitamin D provided no OA symptom relief, nor any disease-modifying effects (2). The two-year study of almost 150 men and women raised blood levels of vitamin D on average to 36 ng/ml, which is considered respectable. Researchers used MRI and X-rays to track their results.
In another study of 769 participants, ages 50-80, researchers found that low vitamin D levels – below 25 nmol/l led to increased OA knee pain over the five-year study period and hip pain over 2.4 years (3). The researchers postulate that supplementing vitamin D might reduce pain for those who are deficient, but that it will likely have no effect on others.
What about dairy?
With dairy, specifically milk, there is conflicting information. Some studies show benefits, while others show that it might contribute to the inflammation that makes osteoarthritis pain feel worse.
In the Osteoarthritis Initiative study, researchers looked specifically at joint space narrowing that occurs in those with affected knee joints (4). Results showed that low-fat (1 percent) and nonfat milk may slow the progression of osteoarthritis in women. Compared to those who did not drink milk, patients who did saw significantly less narrowing of knee joint space over a 48-month period.
The result curve was complicated, though. For those who drank fewer than three glasses a week up to 10 glasses a week, the progression of joint space narrowing slowed. However, for those who drank more than 10 glasses per week, there was less benefit. Men and those who consumed higher fat products, such as cheese or yogurt, saw no benefit.
However, the study had significant flaws. The 2100 patients were only asked about their milk intake at the study’s start and were asked to recall their weekly milk consumption for the previous 12 months – a challenging task.
In a study of almost 39,000 participants from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study researchers found that increases in dairy consumption were associated with increased risk of total hip replacements for men with osteoarthritis (5).
Is diet or exercise better for reducing osteoarthritis pain?
Diet and exercise together actually trumped the effects of diet or exercise alone in a well-designed, 18-month study (7). Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who lost at least 10 percent of their body weight experienced significant functional improvements and a 50 percent pain reduction, as well as inflammation reduction. This was compared to those who lost a lower percent of their body weight.
Researchers used biomarker IL-6 to measure inflammation. The diet and exercise group and the diet-only group lost significantly more weight than the exercise-only group, 23.3 pounds and 19.6 pounds versus 4 pounds. The diet portion consisted of a meal replacement shake for breakfast and lunch and then a vegetable-rich, low-fat dinner. Low-calorie meals replaced the shakes after six months. The exercise regimen included one hour of a combination of weight training and walking “with alacrity” three times a week.
To reduce pain and possibly improve your OA, focus on lifestyle modifications. The best effects shown are with weight loss which is most easily achieved with a vegetable-rich diet and exercise. In terms of low-fat or nonfat milk, the results are controversial, at best. If you don’t eliminate dairy, stay on the low end of consumption, since it can increase inflammation.
References:
(1) Ann Rheum Dis. 2015 Jun;74(6):1024-9. (2) JAMA. 2013;309:155-162. (3) Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2014;73:697–703. (4) Arthritis Care Res online. 2014 April 6. (5) J Rheumatol. 2017 Jul;44(7):1066-1070. (6) Nutrients. 2021 Feb 4;13(2):506. (7) JAMA. 2013;310:1263-1273.
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.
Brightview Senior Living, a Baltimore-based provider in senior living with almost 50 communities along the East Coast, has announced Megan E. Sheehan as Brightview Port Jefferson’s new Executive Director. The facility is located at 1175 Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station.
Sheehan is a healthcare professional with more than a decade of experience in senior healthcare and housing, with a focus on hospitality, resident satisfaction and family engagement. She most recently served as the Executive Director of Marian Woods, Inc. Adult Care Facility, where she oversaw administration and organizational planning of a fifty-bed New York State licensed Adult Care Facility for religious sisters.
“We are thrilled to welcome Megan to the Brightview Port Jefferson team,” said Toni Gozzo, Regional Director of Operations at Brightview Senior Living. “Her deep experience in senior healthcare, commitment to hospitality and passion for creating meaningful experiences make her a perfect fit. Brightview prides itself on vibrant living and exceptional care, and we’re confident Megan’s skills and background will further elevate that mission for our residents, families, and our associates in the greater New York region.”
Sheehan earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from Manhattan College and an Associate of Applied Science in occupational therapy assisting from SUNY Rockland.
“I am thrilled to have joined the Brightview Port Jefferson family. After working for more than 10 years in healthcare, this is more than a job to me – it’s my calling,” said Sheehan. “I thrive working in an environment where no two days are the same and I can make a meaningful difference while growing personally and professionally. It’s truly an honor to build genuine connections with residents and their loved ones, and learn from their stories and wisdom. My goal is to help make this chapter of their lives as joyful and fulfilling as possible.”
Tony Saunders, on left, has been designated a Certified Home Watch Professional by the National Home Watch Association
Three Village Home Watch has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association for the third year. The NHWA was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada (www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org).
Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence. All principals of NHWA Accredited Member companies are background-checked, insured, and bonded.
After decades of success in the electronic security monitoring industry, Tony Saunders wanted to spend more time in the field and less time behind a desk. This led him to launch Three Village Home Watch, which provides Home Watch and concierge services to busy professionals, frequent travelers, and homeowners with multiple residences, including “snowbirds” who travel to their residences in the South each winter. The company is bonded and insured specifically for Home Watch services.
Saunders graduated from the NHWA’s Home Watch Boot Camp and has earned the designation of Certified Home Watch Professional (CHWP), placing him among the industry’s elite Home Watch providers. The CHWP designation and Boot Camp training exemplify Tony’s commitment to Home Watch excellence.
Three Village Home Watch serves the Three Village area on Suffolk County’s North Shore, including Belle Terre, Crane Neck, East Setauket, Head of the Harbor, Nissequogue, Old Field, Old Field South, Poquot, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Setauket, South Setauket, St. James, Stony Brook, Stony Brook Shores, Strongs Neck, and Terryville. For more information, call 631-689-5683 or at [email protected]. Learn more from his website, at https://threevillagehomewatch.com.
Nantucket's owner Richard Gertz cuts the ribbon surrounded by Port Jefferson Chamber partners. Photo courtesy of PJCC
The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce celebrated the new and expansive renovations of their Chamber partner Nantuckets with owner Richard Gertz at a ribbon cutting on May 1.
Located at 9 Traders Cove in Port Jefferson Village, the makeover includes extensive transformations, new outdoor siding, deck, furnishings and logo mural. Inside the restaurant was not forgotten as well, with a new bar, fireplace, tables and chairs as well as sound proofing the dining room so patrons may have a more serene dining experience.
The restauraunt is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Formore information, call 631-509-4848 or visit nantucketsportjefferson.com.
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF), 97 Main St, Stony Brook will welcome Film Director Sean Quincy King for a special screening his latest film, Screamwalkers, on Saturday, May 17th at 1 p.m. The event is part of LIMEHOF’s Monthly Local Filmmakers Series putting the spotlight on Long Island Directors and their films. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase and free to LIMEHOF members.
“Being born and raised here on Long Island, having my work showcased in the LIMEHOF is beyond a dream,” said King, a resident of Huntington. “It is a privilege to be able to make movies and television here on the island near my friends and family, and to have even a small involvement with the LIMEHOF humbles me greatly.”
The film series is sponsored by Rob Eberle of Magnetic Vine and G&R Events. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A penal emceed by LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham. Sean King (Director), Glenn McBride Jr. (Actor), Celia Spero (Actor), and Peter Bune Jr. (Producer) are expected to participate.
“The LIMEHOF Local Filmmakers Series is a celebration of the incredible filmmaking talent emerging from our region,” said Needham. “Each month, we showcase the creativity, passion, and dedication of local filmmakers, providing them with a platform to share their work and connect with audiences who appreciate the power of storytelling. This series is an important part of our mission to support the arts and highlight Long Island’s impact on the entertainment industry.”
Sean Qunicy King is an award-winning director, cinematographer, producer and actor whose films and TV credits include the cult classic comedy/horror TV show The Ghouligans! (2005-2015). He is also known for his cinematography work on the award-winning films Night For Day (2008), The Night Never Sleeps (2012), Send No Flowers (2013), and Cigarette Soup (2014). King has also worked as director on many commercials, documentaries, feature and television projects as well, such as Lost Suburbia (2007), This Mortal Coil (2010), and Hunter’s Moon(2015).
Screamwalkers was shot on Long Island in Huntington, Northport, Farmingville, and Setauket and stars actors from Long Island including Elizabeth Davoli, Glenn McBride Jr., Sasha Graham, Andy Rowell, Jason Seidl, Celia Spero, Rose Stark, Will Puntarich, Dino Castelli, Jen Elyse Feldy, Bernard Jackson, Ariann Huether, Ed Huether, Arabelis Griffin, Talia Griffin, Aidan P. Finnegan, Joe Winchell and Matt Weir.
LIMEHOF welcomes nominations of local film directors and movies for consideration to feature in the series. For more information: Contact LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham at 631-394-8387.
From the creators of the cult hit show “The Ghouligans!”, and the renowned haunted attraction “Dark Night Halloween World” comes “Screamwalkers”, an original 90’s style shot-on-video slasher movie.
Synopsis- In the quiet town of Marblehead, a chilling pattern emerges as the body count steadily rises. At the heart of these bizarre killings stands CJ Wyatt (Elizabeth Davoli), a student grappling with the recent loss of her boyfriend, the latest victim of a ruthless murderer.
Each murder among her circle of friends draws the killer ominously closer to CJ. Detective Joe Penny (Glenn McBride Jr.) becomes her sole ally in a police force plagued by dysfunction. Amidst mounting pressure, he races against time, piecing together clues that might lead to the killer’s identity. With every passing day, the list of victims grows, pushing CJ and Penny to confront the terrifying reality of the “Screamwalkers”!
The fresh approach to the production of “Screamwalkers” has been the talk of the micro budget film community for much of 2024. The $12,000 budget allowed minimum time and resources, which made the producers adapt with creativity. The movie runs 65 minutes and was shot using an analog Canon camcorder from 1994. “Screamwalkers” has already won “Best Feature Film” at the Long Island International Film Expo and continues to garner overall very positive reviews from both critics and audiences.
Legislator Bontempi with Michael and Morgan Dubas of SimplyFit Personal Training, at the
Suffolk County Legislature in Hauppauge during the Legislature’s Small Business Appreciation Recognition.
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.) recognized SimplyFit Personal Training as the 2025 Small Business Appreciation Honoree for the 18th Legislative District, during the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting in Hauppauge on May 6. Founded 13 years ago by Michael and Morgan Dubas, SimplyFit is a personal training studio located in Centerport that specializes in personalized fitness solutions.
Michael and Morgan are both deeply involved in community service and local youth programs. They are active members of the Junior Welfare League, and Morgan also serves on the Harborfields PTA board. One of their most impactful contributions is the annual 5K fundraiser they organize in support of LICADD (Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence), helping to combat addiction and support recovery services throughout the region.
“Michael and Morgan genuinely care about their community and truly deserve this recognition,” said Legislator Bontempi. “Through SimplyFit and beyond, they strive to help people live happier, healthier lives and benefit so many individuals in many meaningful ways.”
“Adopting Local Law No. -2025, A Local Law to Further Protect Animals from Persons Convicted of an Animal Abuse Crime" is signed into law on May 7.
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Chief Roy Gross of the Suffolk
County SPCA, Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney’s BEAST UNIT, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin
Catalina, and legislative colleagues at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.
From left, Suffolk County Leg. Stephanie Bontempi, Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross, and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.
Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) joined Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, the Suffolk County SPCA, Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney’s BEAST Unit, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, and legislative colleagues to officially sign into law “Adopting Local Law No. -2025, A Local Law to Further Protect Animals from Persons Convicted of an Animal Abuse Crime” on May 7.
This legislation was unanimously passed at the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting on April 8th at the Legislature.
This local law amends the Suffolk County Code to establish a misdemeanor penalty for individuals on the convicted animal abuser registry who are found to be owning animals in violation of Suffolk County Code Sec. 229-28(F).
In 2010, the Suffolk County Legislature enacted legislation to create the animal abuse registry, one of the first of its kind in the United States. Any Suffolk County resident aged 18 or older who is convicted of animal abuse is required to register their name, address, and photo with the registry. The registry is maintained on the Suffolk County Police website. Individuals must remain on the registry for 10 years and are prohibited from owning animals during this period.
The Suffolk County SPCA approached Legislator Bontempi to request this code amendment, highlighting a loophole in the current County code. The code did not impose any penalties on individuals listed on the Animal Abuse Registry, who were found to possess animals in violation of the County code. By passing this local law to strengthen the code, any individual who is required to register and is found to possess an animal in violation of section 229-28(F) will be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and will face penalties associated with that class of crime.
“I would like to thank Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross and his entire staff of volunteers for bringing this important issue to our attention, as well as County Executive Ed Romaine, my colleagues at the Legislature, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, and Police Commissioner Catalina for their unwavering support. Together, we are finally able to close this loophole and further protect our animals,” stated Legislator Bontempi. “In Suffolk County, we will not tolerate the abuse or neglect of animals. By closing this loophole, we will ensure that those offenders who disregard the will law face consequences.”
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