Rich Iacona on piano, directs The Bad Little Big Band. Photo from The Jazz Loft
Richie Iacona’s Bad Little Big Band, a staple at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook, performs on the third Thursday, every other month with themed shows, featuring the 12-piece band, directed by composer, arranger and pianist Rich Iacona, with vocals by Madeline Kole.
This month, on June 19 at 7 p.m., the band, featuring Madeline Kole, will be presenting a tribute to the music of Charles Strouse, who recently passed away at the age of 96. Strouse wrote the score to Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, All American, Applause, Applause and many more musicals. The evening’s program will also include the music of George Gershwin.
The Bad Little Big Band was started in 1979 by Iacona, who arranged and composed the band’s repertoire. The group made two recordings in the 1980’s- “Painter of Dreams” and “A Long Way to Go,” which received much airplay and notoriety over the years. Many of the original musicians are still with the group and Iacona has added to the repertoire with many new and fresh compositions. The Bad Little Big Band has featured many great soloists, with Kole being one of the band’s favorites. Fans can look forward to a new collection this year from Iacona.
Tickets for the Jazz Loft Bad Little Big Band performance are $30, $25, $20 $15. The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook. For more information, call 631-751-1895.
Distinguished Professor Arie Kaufman demonstrating two applications in the FlexiCAVE. On the left is a protein volume (inner pivot ~10 degrees, outer pivot ~30 degrees), and on the right side is Submerse application – visualization for extreme weather flooding in urban environments (on a flat FlexiCAVE section). Photo from SBU
Technology Can Be Used in Multiple Areas Including Healthcare, Climate Change, Managing Natural Disasters, Architecture, Urban Planning and Drug Design
Stony Brook University’s Center for Visual Computing has completed construction of the FlexiCAVE—the world’s largest flexible, dynamically reconfigurable high-resolution stereo display facility. Housed on the first floor of the New Computer Science (NCS) building, the FlexiCAVE comprises 40 tiled, high-pixel-density monitors capable of rendering about 83 million pixels, all while physically transforming its shape to support a wide range of scientific and data-driven applications, improving immersive visualization technology.
“We envisioned a display that would adapt to the data—not the other way around,” said Arie Kaufman, distinguished professor of Computer Science and the principal investigator behind the project. “With FlexiCAVE, we’re enabling researchers to literally shape their workspace to the needs of their analysis.”
Innovative Interaction and Applications
Unlike traditional static visualization walls or even curved displays, the FlexiCAVE is built on a modular architecture with rotatable display columns. The system can seamlessly transition between flat, L-shaped, U-shaped, or semi-circular configurations in real time. These transitions are not only cosmetic. They directly influence the visualization, the user experience and the type of data interaction enabled.
A custom-built rendering engine powers the design that synchronizes stereo views and dynamically updates visualizations as users physically adjust the screen layout. The team calls this new interaction paradigm —PIVoT, which is an acronym for Physical Interaction to Virtual Transformation.
“It’s more than a screen. It’s a physical and tangible interface for virtual exploration where users are immersed in the data, and the layout of the FlexiCAVE anchors their sense of whereness, helping them stay oriented as they navigate complex visual spaces,” noted Principal Research Scientist Dr. Saeed Boorboor, co-author of the recently submitted VIS 2025 paper which details the system.
Real-World Applications
Immersive virtual colonoscopy showing on the FlexiCAVE, where radiologists navigate inside the patient’s colon model to locate and analyze polyps (all pivot angles are ~40 degrees). Photo from SBU
The team has already demonstrated real-world applications in many areas including healthcare. For example, virtual colonoscopy shifts the layout from a flat 2D overview of the patient’s colon to a curved immersive 3D endoluminal view (see Figure 2). In medical imaging visualization, radiologists can tangibly move the FlexiCAVE displays to virtually “slice” through brain MRI or abdominal CT scans.
And in situations like in urban flood simulations, emergency planners can orient and navigate flooding scenarios spatially by reconfiguring the display (see Figure 1).
In addition, researchers are using FlexiCAVE to experiment with multivariate data visualization, dynamically switching between scatter plots and parallel coordinate plots by physically bending screen segments. This hands-on interaction transforms the way users explore complex datasets. In an early user study, participants preferred the flexibility of the system and reported improved spatial perception over traditional static layouts. Other areas that can be enhanced include architecture, urban planning, geospatial data, biological systems, drug design, and many others.
Why Now?
As datasets continue to grow in both size and complexity—ranging from volumetric brain scans to climate models—there is a pressing need for immersive tools that allow researchers to explore data from multiple angles and scales. The FlexiCAVE, part of a growing trend in large high-resolution tiled displays,takes a bold step forward by combining stereoscopy, dynamic curvature, and tangible interaction into one unified system.
With backing from the New York State and Federal agencies, the FlexiCAVE’s development represents years of engineering insight, including customized aluminum framing, inclinometer-equipped hinges, and powerful GPU clusters capable of real-time image updates in a noise-canceling cabinet.
Looking Ahead
While the current version requires manual adjustment of the display columns—a design challenge acknowledged by the team—future updates may introduce motorized column rotation for ease of use. The research group is also exploring new applications in collaborative analytics and adaptable visualization workflows.
“We hope FlexiCAVE becomes a blueprint for the next generation of immersive environments—not only here at Stony Brook, but also globally,” said Professor Kaufman.
Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine joined Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum in Farmingdale on June 9 to honor its recent recognition as a “Certified Audubon Classic Sanctuary” by Audubon International, the noted New York based not-for-profit, recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Pinelawn is the first cemetery in the world to hold this prestigious certification. In fact, there are only two facilities in the entire nation – Pinelawn and the Osprey Point Golf Course in Boca Raton in Florida – with this distinction.
One of several fountains at Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum. Facebook photo
In honor of this achievement, County Executive Romaine proclaimed June 9 as Suffolk County Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum Day.
“Pinelawn is truly a place of great beauty. Everyone here today can understand why the Audubon Society has honored them,” said County Executive Romaine. “You come here, surrounded by the beautiful trees and flowers, and you are immediately put to rest with a sense of serenity. Thank you for Pinelawn for what they do for this country, thank you for what they do for our veterans and their families; and congratulations go to the entire team.”
“Our goal is to minimize our impact on the environment while making our grounds a place of peace and beauty for all those who visit,” said Justin Locke, President and CEO, Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum. “We are extremely proud to be the first memorial park to be recognized globally for environmental excellence, and I thank my team for their ongoing commitment to implementing innovative practices that set a new standard in environmental care. This important certification is a testament to our team’s hard work and the legacy we continue to build for the community.”
Audubon International requires strict environmental standards, including adopting design and operations practices consistent with the principles of sustainability, including a strong commitment to energy efficiency, waste reduction and other environmental safekeeping.
“To reach certification as a Certified Classic Sanctuary, Pinelawn needed to demonstrate that it maintains a high degree of environmental standards in a number of areas,” stated Christine Kane, CEO, Audubon International. “These categories included environmental planning, wildlife & habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management.”
Specifically, some of Pinelawn’s initiatives that lead to its new status included:
Replacing underground fuel tanks with safer, accessible, above-ground alternatives.
Introducing a new, water recycling washdown station for Pinelawn’s fleet of vehicles.
Installing a weather station to optimize its irrigation system and reduce water usage.
Enhancing its wildlife habitat by creating buffer zones and habitat centers.
Continuing its successful on-site community education programming.
Pinelawn is located at 2030 Wellwood Avenue in Farmingdale. For more information about Pinelawn’s ongoing environmental efforts, please visit pinelawn.com.
This image captures bioprinted structures created with TRACE. Clockwise from the top left: structures mimicking the heart, intestine, kidney, and a vascular tree. Photos by Michael Mak, Xiangyu Gong, and Zixie Liang
A team of biomedical researchers led by Michael Mak, PhD, in the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, has developed a new method of bioprinting physiological materials. Called TRACE (Tunable Rapid Assembly of Collagenous Elements), the method solves previous problems of bioprinting natural materials of the body. It is also a highly versatile biofabrication technique, will help advance drug development and disease modeling, and potentially impact regenerative medicine.
Details of the method are explained in a paper published in Nature Materials.
Bioprinting positions biochemicals, biological materials, and living cells for the generation of bioengineered structures. The process uses biological inks (bioinks) and biomaterials, along with computer-controlled 3D printing techniques, to construct living tissue models used in medical research. While 3D printing technologies are newer to medicine and biomedical research, their applications are prominent in industries such as automotive manufacturing.
Researchers point out that despite the potential of bioprinting, achieving functionality in bioprinted tissues and organs has been challenging because biological cells in traditional bioprinted tissues are unable to perform their natural activities in the body – thus rendering most bioprinted tissues unusable for clinical purposes and advanced medical applications.
Mak and colleagues hope TRACE will help rectify this problem in future medical research.
“Our method is essentially a novel platform technology that can be used to print wide-ranging tissue and organ types,” says Mak, Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacological Sciences. “With TRACE, we figured out how to fabricate and manufacture complex user-designable tissue and organ structures via 3D patterning and printing using the body’s natural building blocks, particularly collagen, as bioinks in a highly biocompatible manner and with direct incorporation of living cells,” he explains.
Collagen (especially Collagen Type I) is the most prominent and abundant protein in the human body. It is a key building block in tissues including skin, muscle, bone, tendon, and vital organs such as the heart. Collagen acts as the “glue” to many tissues and organs and is crucial as the body’s natural scaffolding material for holding cells and tissues in place. It also helps direct cells to perform their functions.
According to Mak, because of each of these attributes of collagen in physiological processes, it is a top candidate to be used as a bioink material.
In the paper, titled “Instant Assembly of Collagen for Tissue Engineering and Bioprinting,” the authors explain how with TRACE they can bioprint physiological materials by rapidly accelerating the gelation process of collagen. Their method is mediated by macromolecular crowding, a process in which an inert crowding material is used to speed up the assembly reaction of collagen molecules.
By doing this, they can create tissues composed of the same basic elements as those found inside the body. Then they apply TRACE to generate functional tissues and “mini organs” such as heart chambers.
On the overall results of the work, Mak and his co-authors summarize: “TRACE offers a versatile biofabrication platform, enabling direct 3D printing of physiological materials and living tissues, achieving both structural complexity and biofunctionality. This work broadens the scope of controllable multiscale biofabrication for tissues across various organ systems, using collagen as a key component.”
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta congratulates Fort Salonga Eagle Scout Alexander Houslanger, Troop 75. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office
On Sunday, June 8, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta attended an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Alexander Houslanger at Travis Hall, St. Joseph Church.
Alexander attained the rank of Eagle Scout by completing the required 21 merit badges in addition to another 15 merit badges, as well as his community service project. He did his service project at the Little Shelter, a local animal rescue, where he designed and built a bridge to improve access to the grounds of the shelter. Throughout the project, Alexander demonstrated his leadership skills and ability to motivate volunteers. Becoming an Eagle Scout signifies a life lived in unison with the Scout Oath and Law.
According to Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, “Alexander saw a need and addressed it. Not only is attaining the rank of Eagle Scout revered, but it also demands respect from us all. We wish him luck with his future endeavors as he no doubt strives for the highest achievements in life.”
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta presented Eagle Scout Alexander Houslanger with a
proclamation recognizing his achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout at his Court of
Honor.
Caption:
Troop 7’s new Eagle Scout, Nicholas Colao, receives a proclamation for achieving the rank
of Eagle Scout from Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. Photo courtesy Leg. Trotta's office
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized Nicholas Colao of Troop 7 for attaining the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout at his Court of Honor at the IBEW Hall on Sunday, June 8, 2025. He was joined by family, friends, fellow scouts and dignitaries.
For his Eagle Scout Community Service Project, Nicholas restored the graves of 62 veterans at the cemetery at St. James Episcopal Church. He also replaced a missing bench outside of Mills Hall at the church that was used by residents waiting for rides or needed a place to sit.
“This is a very proud moment for Nicholas, his family and friends and the other scouts. This accomplishment will be with him for the rest of his life, and I am sure he will serve as an inspiration to the younger scouts,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.
Family ride offerings at FunFest include "The Wheel," the largest Ferris wheel on Long Island
at a towering 110 feet tall and with 24 spacious gondola cars, each with a 6-person capacity to accommodate the whole family.
Long Island’s largest fair, Long Island FunFest, returns to Suffolk County Community College, 485 Wicks Road in Brentwood from June 12 to June 22 with Fireworks by Grucci both Saturday nights, family entertainment, exciting midway rides for all ages (including the largest Ferris wheel on Long Island at 110 feet tall), and favorite fair food for every appetite.
Free with admission:
Circus Murcia (The Globe of Death motorcycle act, high-wire and aerial performers, jugglers, clowns & more)
Big Bee Transforming Robot Car
BMX Freestyle Stunt Show
The Dinosaur Experience
Sandlofer Family Petting Zoo
Fair admission: $5 (free for kids under 36″ tall with a paying adult). Parking is free. Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36″ & taller) are $42 on site ($40 cash price) or online before 5 pm Thurs., June 12 for $29 each, 2/$55 or 4/$99.
Ride tickets are also available at FunFest. Online pre-sale special: $45/50 tickets + 1 free ride. (Rides take multiple tickets each.) The online deal is not valid on Thursday Carload Nights, when unlimited rides and admission are $62 per vehicle ($60 cash) for all legally seat-belted occupants.
Fair hours:5-11 pm weekdays and 3-11 pm Saturday – Sunday. Take Exit 53S off the Long Island Expressway and use the Wicks Road campus entrance. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21+.
June is a time of beautiful weather and plentiful celebrations, including graduations, Father’s Day and weddings. Outdoor spaces at these events can be crowded with drones, kites and metallic foil balloons. PSEG Long Island reminds customers that any of these objects can become entangled in overhead electric equipment and cause a host of problems.
“While we all want to make our celebrations as fun and memorable as possible, a drone, kite or metallic foil balloon coming into contact with a power line or other electrical equipment could lead to power outages, fire and, possibly, injuries,” said Michael Sullivan, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Electric Operations. “The safety of customers and employees is PSEG Long Island’s No. 1 priority. We want customers to know the risks and take steps to ensure their recreational activities and celebrations are a success.”
To mitigate these risks, PSEG Long Island encourages the public to follow these safety guidelines:
Power lines
Stay at least 200 feet away from power lines or other electrical equipment.
NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, kite, drone or anything caught in an overhead power line. Report it by contacting PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075 so a specially trained crew can safely address the issue.
Drones
Fly your drone at or below 400 feet.
Do not fly in dark, stormy or windy conditions.
Read and follow the drone manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the safety of your drone and people around you.
Balloons and kites
Never fly kites or balloons in the rain or during an electrical storm.
Never cross a road or street while flying a kite or holding a balloon.
Kites and Mylar balloons should be kept away from overhead power lines and equipment, and never purposely released into the air.
All balloons with helium should be secured to weights that prevent them from floating away.
To properly dispose of a Mylar balloon, safely puncture it in several places to release the helium, and discard it in the trash.
Update on June 10: The man found deceased in an East Shoreham pool on May 25 has been positively identified as Matthew Zoll. Zoll’s cause of death has yet to be determined.
Below is the original press release:
Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating after a man was found deceased in a pool in East Shoreham on May 25 around 4:20 p.m.
A homeowner on Pal Court was uncovering his pool for the summer when he made the grisly discovery and called 911. Investigators said there was a strong possibility that this could be 23-year-old Matthew Zoll, who stabbed his father to death in Rocky Point in November and then fled the scene, based on his clothing.
An autopsy will be conducted by personnel from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the exact identity and cause of death of the victim.
The Art Museum on the grounds of the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. Photo by Brian Kutner
The Long Island Museum (LIM), 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook was recently awarded a grant totaling $218,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the organization’s Art Museum Renovation – Phase II. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $86 million to 134 capital projects across New York State.
The grant was awarded to help LIM work towards vital improvements in the long-term environmental sustainability of LIM’s Art Museum, which turned 50 in 2024. Thanks, in part, to a grant from NYSCA in 2024, the roof system and roofline insulation are in the process of being replaced; Phase II of the project, for which this grant was awarded, is to strengthen additional components of the building’s envelope, including the installation of new insulation, siding, and doors. NYSCA funding will support this next phase of the project, which meets the larger goals of the overall project for the Art Museum: to increase the building’s efficiency, decrease LIM’s operating costs, and decrease the building’s carbon footprint/environmental costs.
“We are thrilled to have received a grant from NYSCA, which will provide us with vital support for this project in alignment with three of our key priorities: accessibility, environmental sustainability and organizational health,” said Sarah Abruzzi, Co-Executive Director, Operations. “This project will help take our Art Museum beyond its first 50 years and into a successful future, where LIM will continue to serve as a community leader and bring important art exhibitions, dynamic collections initiatives, and memorable programmatic experiences to visitors of all ages and abilities for generations to come.”
“Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”
NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “These transformative projects improve communities, drive tourism and foster innovation in the field. Thanks to the Governor and the Legislature’s dedication to arts and culture, we are building a thriving future for our world-renowned creative sector. Congratulations to The Long Island Museum, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to New York’s arts and culture.”
About The Long Island Museum
Founded in 1939 and accredited by AAM since 1973, The Long Island Museum is home to more than 60,000 artifacts, The Long Island Museum inspires and engages visitors of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities by connecting them with the region’s art and history, a world-class carriage collection, and energizing programs that foster a creative and inclusive community. For more about LIM’s exhibitions and programming, visit longislandmuseum.org
About the New York State Council on the Arts
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving hundreds of arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.
