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Jim Lennon Photographer175-H2 Commerce Drive, Hauppauge N.Y. 11788631-617-5872 . www.jimlennon.com

Award places Mather Hospital among top 15% in nation for patient experience

Mather Hospital of Port Jefferson recently announced that it has been recognized as a 2024 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ recipient by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. Mather has received this award for four consecutive years (2021-2024). This achievement, along with Mather’s designation by Healthgrades as an America’s 250 Best  Hospital for 2023 and 2024 and a Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ recipient for the ninth straight year (2016-2024) year demonstrates Mather’s commitment to providing an exceptional care experience for patients and their loved ones.  

“Receiving this award from Healthgrades once again is immensely gratifying as it underscores the unparalleled quality of care provided at Mather, as attested by our patients’ feedback,” said Executive Director Kevin McGeachy. “It stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and extraordinary efforts of not only our clinical staff but every single member of the Mather team who interacts with patients and their families.”

To identify the top hospitals for patient experience, Healthgrades applies a scoring methodology to ten patient experience measures using Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey data submitted by the hospital’s own patients. Survey questions focus on patients’ perceptions of their hospital care, from cleanliness and noise levels to medication explanations and staff responsiveness. The measures also include whether a patient would recommend the hospital to friends or family and their overall rating of the hospital. 

For this annual analysis, Healthgrades evaluated more than 2,500 hospitals that submitted at least 100 patient experience surveys to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), covering admissions from January 2022 to December 2022. Of those hospitals evaluated, Mather Hospital outperformed its peers based on feedback from their own patients–to achieve this award. 

“We commend Mather Hospital for going above and beyond to provide a best-in-class care experience for patients during their hospital stay,” said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer and head of data sciences at Healthgrades. “Mather’s dedication to superior patient care is particularly impressive given recent declines in patient satisfaction scores across the country. We look forward to their continued leadership and commitment to ensuring the health and wellness of all patients.” 

Consumers can visit healthgrades.com to learn more about how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and access the complete Outstanding Patient Experience Award Methodology. A patient-friendly overview of our methodology is also available here.  

Photo courtesy of COPE

The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) and the New York State Athletic Trainers’ Association (NYSATA) will host a Concussion Outreach Prevention & Education (COPE) seminar at Stony Brook University’s Charles B. Wang Center, Lecture Hall 1, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m.

COPE provides valuable information for educators, nurses, coaches, athletic trainers, students, and parents/guardians on how to create a plan for a successful return of a concussed student back to youth sports and the classroom as well as many ways to prevent concussions.

Guest speakers will include:

Mark Harary, M.D., CAQSM – Sports Medicine Physician, Orthopedic Associates of Long Island

Lisa Komnik, MS, ATC – Clinical Assistant Professor, Athletic Training Program at Stony Brook University

Michelle Kellen, MEd – BIANYS Professional Development Manager

The event is open to the public. No registration necessary.

COPE is a program designed by NYSATA and BIANYS, two well-known and established statewide organizations with expertise in concussion. NYSATA plays a strong role in recognizing concussion, managing recovery and eventual return to play. BIANYS helps victims of concussions and has a history of concussion education, including its Supporting Students Recovering from Concussion: Return to Learn program. To date, BIANYS has brought their Return to Learn training to over 150 schools and/or districts, educating over 2,100 school personnel. Stony Brook University has an excellent athletic training program. To learn about it, click on this link:

https://healthprofessions.stonybrookmedicine.edu/programs/at/graduate

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 ABOUT NEW YORK STATE ATHLETIC TRAINERS’ ASSOCIATION 

NYSATA, founded in 1976 and incorporated in 1989, stands to advance the profession of athletic training for the purpose of enhancing the quality of healthcare for the physically active in New York State. Comprised of over 1,500 Certified Athletic Trainers, NYSATA (www.gonysata2.org) is the statewide affiliate of the regional Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association (EATA) and District Two of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).

ABOUT THE BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK STATE

The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) is a statewide non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of people with brain injuries and their families. Established in 1982, BIANYS promotes prevention as well as provides education and community support services that lead to improved outcomes for children and adults with brain injuries. www.bianys.org.

From left, Thelma and Louise. Photo courtesy of Suffolk D/A.'s office

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County Police Department, and Crime Stoppers are seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating the individual(s) wanted in connection to the abandonment of two small dogs in Kings Park.

Abandoned dogs running in the park. Photo courtesy of Suffolk D.A.’s office

On March 5, at approximately 12:10 p.m., an unknown subject driving a tan or gold SUV was seen pushing two small white dogs out of the subject’s car, releasing them into Sunken Meadow State Park, and then fleeing. The two dogs were subsequently located and brought to the Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter covered in ticks. The dogs were not microchipped and had no other identifying information.

The Town of Smithtown renamed the dogs “Thelma” and “Louise.” They are both mixed breed dogs. Thelma, who has since been adopted, is estimated to be four years old. Louise is estimated to be two years old.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-8477. Crime Stoppers has pledged a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that results in an arrest. The public can also provide information directly to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office at: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/da/Contact-Us/Report-Animal-Abuse-Neglect-or-Illegal-Possession- of-an-Exotic-or-Dangerous-Animal

If you are interested in adopting Louise, please submit an online adoption application to the Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter at https://www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com/.

Stephen Schwartz Photo from Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

Broadway comes to Long Island as  award-winning Broadway and movie lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Prince of Egypt, and the new movie adaptation of Wicked among other titles) will be inducted into The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF), 97 Main St., Stony Brook Village on Saturday, March 23 with doors opening at 7 p.m. 

The ceremony will be followed by an hour-and-a-half concert featuring performances from Schwartz’s musicals.

Paul Shaffer

“Long Island has proven to be especially fertile ground for producing major talents in the fields of music and entertainment,” said Schwartz. “The list of names is long and impressive. It’s a great honor for me to be recognized as being a part of that amazing tradition.”

Although well-known on Broadway and NYC, Schwartz has solid Long Island roots having grown up in Williston Park and graduating from Mineola High School.

“It is with great honor and pride that the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame inducts the legendary Stephen Schwartz into our esteemed institution,” said Ernie Canadeo, LIMEHOF Chairman. “With a career spanning over five decades, Schwartz has enriched the world of American musical theatre and the silver screen with timeless classics. We celebrate not only his remarkable talent but also his enduring legacy, which will continue to inspire generations to come.”

The music concert to follow the induction will be emceed by musician Paul Shaffer, with whom he worked early in his career. In 1972, Shaffer was hired as the musical director for the Toronto production of Godspell. He went on to play piano for another Schwartz-written score that played on Broadway, The Magic Show in 1974. Shaffer eventually went on to play in the house band of  “Saturday Night Live,” followed by serving as musical director for David Letterman’s “Late Night” and “Late Show” broadcasts.

After the ceremony, Schwartz and Shaffer will perform alongside musicians from the musical Godspell that include Rick Shutter (drummer), Doug Quinn (guitarist) and Steve Manes (bassist).

Broadway performers and singers who will be performing at this event including Teal Wicks (Wicked) Carrie St. Louise (Wicked), Dale Soules (The Magic Show), Alysia Velez (Into the Woods), Sam Simahk (Into the Woods) and DeMarius Copes (Some Like It Hot). The concert will feature music from Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, Working, The Magic Show, Pocahontas and more!

Tickets for the induction and concert event are $78.50 available for sale at www.limusichalloffame.org or may be purchased in person at LIMEHOF. Tickets include access to all of the museum, including the special Billy Joel exhibition, “My Life: A Piano Man’s Journey,” and Hall Of Fame. For more information, call 631-689-5888.

Suffolk County Community College’s Flecker Gallery, 533 College Road, Selden will host a High School Art Exhibition featuring the young talent of Suffolk County high school students. The exhibition will take place from March 18 through April 1. A reception and award ceremony will take place on March 21 from 5-7 p.m. The awards will be announced at 6 p.m.

There will be awards for best of show, as well as additional awards for best 2D, 3D, and digital art. The following high schools that will be included in the exhibition: Patchogue Medford, Centereach, Mount Sinai, Rocky Point, Newfield, Sayville, Islip, Stony Brook, William Floyd, Sachem North, Sachem East, Comsewogue and Longwood. The art work will include submissions from students in the ninth through twelfth grade. All Mediums are accepted including painting, photography, collage, and drawing, sculpture, digital art and time-based media.

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling approximately 21,000 students at its three campuses in Selden, Brentwood and Riverhead. Suffolk offers the Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, as well as a variety of certificate programs. Offering affordable college tuition, a highly respected Honors program, workforce training programs, extensive extracurricular activities, championship athletic teams, and numerous transfer programs, Suffolk is a first-choice college for Long Island students. Visit us online at sunysuffolk.edu.

 

Senior Assisted Living Community Recognized for Dedication to Long Island Seniors  by KP Chamber of Commerce

Whisper Woods of Smithtown, a Benchmark assisted living and Mind & Memory Care community, announced on March 11 they’ve received Kings Park Chamber of Commerce’s annual Humanitarian of the Year award. The award was given to the assisted living with memory care community for their ardent support of local seniors and their families.

On March 7, Desiree Krajnyak-Baker, executive director of Whisper Woods, accepted the award at the Chamber’s annual Persons of the Year Award Dinner & Dance held at Stonebridge Golf Links in Smithtown.

“For six years, we’ve worked hard to be a valued resource for all Suffolk County seniors and families,” said Krajnyak-Baker. “For our team, it’s about continuing to empower our residents as they age while nurturing their passions, connections and their quality of life. We are incredibly grateful to have our dedication recognized by the Chamber.”

“Whisper Woods is a valued and very visible member of our community. Even in challenging situations, the caring and commitment of the staff is incredibly evident in each and every interaction. I can’t think of an organization in our community who is more deserving of this award,” Diane Motherway, executive director, Kings Park Chamber of Commerce.

Last year, Whisper Woods was selected one of the country’s best by U.S. News & World Report with a 2023-2024 Best Assisted Living excellence award. They were the only senior living community in the greater Smithtown area to have earned this prestigious award.

Lemurs at the Long Island Game Farm.

Volunteer Program, Flea Market, 55th Anniversary for Long Island Game Farm and More

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. [wildlifesustainability.org] is hitting the ground running in 2024 with new programs and events at Long Island Game Farm planned throughout the year.

The Good Friends Volunteer Corps launches in March, followed by spring programs including the Senior Social Club for the 62+ community and Wild Treasures Market featuring a variety of artisans, and summer programs like the popular Camp Zoo, a family fun day, and fundraising event, which will support the Game Farm as it heads into its 55th year in 2025. All events will take place at Long Island Game Farm, located at 489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville. Additional details below and at wildlifesustainability.org.

“The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability is geared up for a successful 2024 to support the work of Long Island Game Farm,” shares foundation executive director Tricia Snyder. “With so many new projects, we are in need of many volunteers! There are meaningful and fun tasks for all looking to get involved. Together, we will bring exciting programs to the community and all lovers of Long Island Game Farm.”

Good Friends Volunteer Corps Orientation – Saturday, March 23

Individuals with a love of nature and animals and a desire to expand their community can get involved, enjoy the outdoors, and meet new like-minded friends. The first volunteer orientation will take place at the Game Farm on Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m.

Volunteer opportunities include maintenance, gardening, guest services, animal education, story time, and helping at special events. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Advance registration is requested by calling the Game Farm at 631.878.6670 or emailing foundation executive director Tricia Snyder at [email protected].

Senior Social Club – Returns Friday, April 12

Senior citizens ages 62 and older are invited to Long Island Game Farm to visit the animals, explore the grounds, and attend presentations on rescued animals, wonders of wool, birding, nature photography, and more in the newly renovated Woodland Hall. This program will take place on the second and fourth Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning April 12. Seniors enjoy a discounted admission of $10 on Senior Social Club days.

Wild Treasures Market – Begins Sunday, June 9

Beginning June 9, a unique monthly flea market is coming to Long Island Game Farm. The Wild Treasures Market will feature vendors selling their vintage and not-so-vintage antiques, crafts, art, home and garden items, and more. The market will take place on the second Sunday of each month through October. Early bird buyers can visit from 8 to 9 a.m. The general public is invited to visit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No admission after 3 p.m.

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Camp Zoo – July and August

Children ages 4 to 13 are introduced and immersed in nature through outdoor exploration, games, crafts, and other educational hands-on activities. Camp sessions including Animal Tales Through Picture Books, Zoolympics, Be a Zookeeper, and Young Explorers. Camp runs in multi-day sessions in July and August.

Family Fun Day – Thursday, August 22 (rain date August 23)

Enjoy a day of fun for the family as you wind down your summer vacation. The Game Farm will have a full array of special activities, shows, and surprises. The event will take place on Thursday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain date is Friday, August 23. Ticket sales opening on the website soon.

Annual Fundraiser – September

The second annual fundraiser will enable the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability to support the work of the Game Farm as part of its own missing, deepening the connection and understanding between humans and nature. Date and details to come at wildlifesustainability.org.

55 YEARS in 2025! The Long Island Game Farm will be celebrating 55 years of offering families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment in 2025. Many people have visited the Game Farm throughout the course of its long history, and everyone has a story. The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability is collecting these stories and photos on behalf of the Game Farm, with some selections to be included in a commemorative book. Stories can be submitted online at wildlifesustainability.org.

For more information on the foundation and these events, please visit wildlifesustainability.org.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR WILDLIFE SUSTAINABILITY

The mission of the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, Inc. is to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences, and to support the work of the Long Island Game Farm. For more information, visit wildlifesustainability.org, or contact executive director Tricia Snyder at [email protected].

Dr. James Bruno

Neurologist and sleep disorders specialist Dr. James Bruno has been selected as a Fellow of the American Epilepsy Society (FAES). This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Bruno’s professional accomplishments and unwavering dedication to the field of epilepsy.

As a board-certified neurologist with expertise in epilepsy and sleep disorders, Dr. Bruno brings knowledge and experience to his practice at Three Village Neurology, 4511 Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson Station (www.threevillageneurology.com) which offers a range of specialized services, including the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, sleep apnea, and other individuals affected by neurological disorders using the latest technologies to diagnose and treat these conditions including Polysomnography and Electroencephalography.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Bruno is a clinical associate professor of neurology at SUNY Stony Brook, co-directs the St. Charles Hospital Epilepsy Center and sits on the Professional Advisory Board at Long Island Island’s Epilepsy Foundation.

Photo from Mather Facebook

Mather Hospital invites the community to a HealthyU Spring Semester event at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Saturday, March 16 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Take part in a free seminar series and interactive health fair focused on your physical, emotional and financial well-being. Attend a variety of lectures including Know your numbers: a checklist for health after 60, Food, exercise and meditation as medicine, Get to know your gut, Managing diabetes and pre-diabetes, Protecting your healthcare wishes and The health benefits of a good night’s sleep.

To register, visit matherhospital.org/healthyu. For more information, call 631-476-2723.

#2 Nicholas Rizzo from East Islip struck out four players during Saturday's game. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook men’s baseball team took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and never surrendered the advantage on the way to a 4-3 victory against the Siena Saints on March 9.

Nick Rizzo (2-1) started on the mound and picked up the win for Stony Brook (7-7). The southpaw went seven shutout innings while giving up three hits, allowing one walk and striking out four.

Ty Stout also made an impact on the mound for the Seawolves, throwing 1.1 shutout innings while allowing one hit, with no walks and two strikeouts. Matt Brown-Eiring led the way offensively for the Seawolves, going 2-for-4 in the ballgame with a double and an RBI. Cam Santerre put together a noteworthy effort as well, going 2-for-4 with a double. Erik Paulsen also contributed, going 1-for-4 for Stony Brook with a double and an RBI.

The Seawolves got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the bottom the first inning with the game still scoreless. Stony Brook plated two runs off of Siena pitching, one of which was driven in on a run-scoring double off the bat of Paulsen.

The Seawolves then held the Saints scoreless before expanding their lead in the fifth inning. Santerre came across to score the lone run of the inning for Stony Brook, which brought the score to 3-0 in favor of SBU.

Stony Brook kept Siena without a run before building their lead to 4-0 in the seventh inning. Siena put three runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Stony Brook still held on for the 4-3 win.

“Anytime you can sweep a series, home or away, it’s always fun,” said Stony Brook head coach Matt Senk. “Despite it being early in the year and the temperatures and weather, we had some really good crowds which helped us get it done… It’s good to see us play this well.”

Up next, the team will return to the diamond on March 15 at Seton Hall in Orange, New Jersey.