Check presentation to Rise Life Services. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Bar Association
The Suffolk County Bar Association’s Charity Foundation in Hauppauge (www.scba.org) recently donated $20,000 to RISE Life Services, a children’s suicide prevention program in Suffolk County.
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Bar Association
RISE Life Services actively engages with Suffolk County vulnerable at-risk youth, connects with them, and saves lives by providing the highest quality of mental health services, recreational activities, family support services, educational and vocational support, and wellness strategies — all free of charge to the participant.
Presenting this generous donation was Suffolk County Bar Association President, Patrick McCormick, Esq., Suffolk County Bar Association Charity Foundation Director, Danielle Coysh, Esq., and Managers Daniel A. Russo, Esq., and Maggie Bopp, Esq.
“Every child is worth protecting. We are proud to support the lifesaving work RISE Life Services provides Suffolk County’s children,” said Coysh.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a man who allegedly stole from a Commack store last month.
A man allegedly stole a generator from Harbor Freight, located at 116 Veterans Memorial Highway on November 27 at approximately 3:55 p.m. The merchandise was valued at approximately $680.
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 Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the woman who allegedly stole merchandise from a South Setauket store.
A woman allegedly stole clothing from Target, located at 255 Pond Path, on November 9 at approximately 4 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.
Santa will arrive at the Stony Brook Post Office at 2 p.m. Photo couertesy of WMHO
Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) for a magical day as its 45th Annual Holiday Festival returns to the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook on Sunday, Dec. 8, from noon to 6 p.m. Free and open to all, this community celebration will bring music, performances, and heartwarming holiday cheer.
Festivalgoers can look forward to the WMHO Youth Corps’ Santa Fund Scavenger Hunt, where participants compete for Stony Brook Village Center gift certificates and other prizes, with all proceeds supporting local families in need through the Santa Fund.
The festivities will kick off with a performance by The School of Rock Rock n’ Roll Choir at 1 p.m. The St. James Junior Choir will perform at the Stony Brook Post Office at 1:30 p.m., setting a festive tone for Santa’s grand arrival. At 2 p.m., Santa will arrive on an antique firetruck to greet children and will be available for photos until 4:45 p.m.
The festival’s signature Legends & Spies Puppet Procession will begin at 2:15 p.m., parading through Stony Brook Village and led by the Ward Melville High School Marching Band. The procession will be followed by a holiday performance from Roseland Dance Studio at 3pm. WALK 97.5 will be in Inner Court from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., where holiday music will play alongside the Steppin’ Out Ponies petting zoo, who will be in Inner Court from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Throughout the day, visitors can explore the Holiday Tree Festival, casting votes for their favorite decorated trees. Ballots are available in all village shops and establishments. Visitors can also enjoy the festive holiday train display in the window of Wiggs Opticians.
The Celestial Singers Holiday Carolers will perform throughout the village from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. After 4 p.m, they will perform at the Holiday tree until 5 p.m.
The festival will close with a performance by the Bethel AME Choir, leading into the grand tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Santa will return on a festive float, joined by local children, to light the holiday tree on the Village Green.
This year’s Holiday Festival is sponsored by ACM Wealth, Damianos Realty Group, GSE Dynamics, Renewal by Andersen, BUDCO Enterprises, Amazon Fresh, Optimum, Three Village Dads Foundation, Three Village Chamber of Commerce, PWR Financial Group, and TEB North Country Car Care.
A Concert in Gratitude. Photo courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul
On Nov. 25, the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport hosted A Concert In Gratitude, a heartwarming musical event honoring Northport music educators Dana Warren and Marie Michalopoulos while celebrating the town’s rich musical legacy.
A Concert in Gratitude. Photo courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul
Organized by the Messina Memorial Foundation, the evening brought together a vibrant mix of local bands, vocalists, and performers, spanning genres from rock to opera. Featured acts included The Warren Five & Guests, The Blast, The Little Wilson Band, The Jack Daniels Band, Tricycle, Steve & Sandy Edwards, and Natalie Seus & Steve Messina.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Island (SVDPLI) in their mission to provide vital assistance to individuals and families in need. “The Messina Foundation wanted to honor Northport’s musical heritage while supporting SVDPLI, which makes a significant impact in our community,” said organizer Steve Messina.
“Our Vincentian volunteers dedicate countless hours to delivering hope and help to Long Islanders in need. This event will enhance our ability to provide essential resources like housing, food, clothing, and spiritual support,” shared Thomas Abbate, CEO of SVDPLI.
SVDPLI continues to serve Long Island families with compassion, offering home visits and personalized assistance. From rent aid to utility relief and medical support, their work fosters stability and dignity across the region.
Learn more about their mission at svdpli.org.
About The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic lay organization that encourages people to join in spiritual growth by offering person-to-person services to the needy and suffering in the tradition to its founder, Frederic Ozanam and St. Vincent de Paul.Help is available in any of their 68 conferences in 63 parishes and does not discriminate because of race, religion or gender.They provide clothing, furniture and financial assistance for qualifying applicants.They also have donation bins across Long Island and stores in Huntington Station and Garden City.For more information about them, to become a Vincentian or to apply for aid, call 516-822-3132.
About The Messina Family Foundation
In loving memory of our parents, Philip and Phyllis Messina, we have established The Messina Memorial Foundation to carry on a legacy of generosity and community spirit. The foundation organizes one charitable event each year to honor our commitment to giving back and helping those in need. We are proud to continue our parents’ tradition of paying it forward. With your help, we are making a positive impact on the lives of others.
About Dana Warren & Marie Michalopoulos
Honorees Dana and Marie are newly retired choral teachers from Northport School District. Both can be found performing or musical directing locally from time to time and have active private studios. They would like to thank The Messina Memorial Foundation for this wonderful honor and opportunity to perform.
Debra Giugliano, RN, PhD. Photo by Jeanne Neville, Stony Brook Medicine
Debra Giugliano, RN, PhD, a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Stony Brook University School of Nursing, was recently selected by the State University of New York (SUNY) to be a member of the inaugural class of the SUNY Nursing Simulation Fellowship, an initiative for the 2024-25 academic year that will further advance all SUNY nursing programs to adopt simulation-based education for students.
Simulation training in Stony Brook’s School of Nursing is an integral aspect of clinical education in the future workforce. Photo by Jeanne Neville, Stony Brook Medicine
Announced by the SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., the Fellowship is also part of a larger effort to prepare more nurses for New York State’s health care workforce – a major objective of Governor Kathy Hochul and SUNY. It was developed based on recommendations from the SUNY Future of Health Care Workforce Task Force, a group organized to guide SUNY in addressing the critical health care workforce shortage and Governor’s goal of increasing this workforce in NYS by 20 percent. Nursing simulation is one of four priority areas identified by the Task Force.
The 11 Fellows of the inaugural class will advance their knowledge and skills in simulation training by completing a six-month continuing education and simulation training program, attending monthly virtual meetings and in-person retreats on the topic led by SUNY, and attend the International Meeting on Simulation Healthcare from January 10-14 in Orlando, Fla.
As of May 2023, SUNY nursing students can complete as much as one-third of their clinical training through simulation education.
“We are excited for the School of Nursing and for Dr. Giugliano with her selection for this inaugural Nursing Simulation Fellowship,” said Pat Bruckenthal, RN, PhD, Dean of the Stony Brook University School of Nursing. “This opportunity will enable Dr. Giugliano to bring our student learning experiences to the forefront of innovation and impact the preparation of our next generation of nurse leaders.”
A long-time clinician and educator in the School of Nursing and a resident of St. James, Giugliano is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and pediatric oncology nurse. Her clinical specialties include caring for children with cancer and blood disorders in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The recipient of numerous awards in nursing clinical care and training, Giugliano is also the Founder and Director of the internationally recognized School Intervention and Reentry Program at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
“I am honored to have been chosen for this Fellowship and look forward to gaining the necessary expertise to elevate nursing simulation and create a nursing simulation network within SUNY,” said Giugliano.
She and other fellows will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of simulation-based learning across the SUNY system. Through their expertise, they will contribute to the development of the SUNY Simulation Shared Resource Library, a central repository of nursing simulation resources that will benefit nursing education programs system-wide.
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Simulation training in Stony Brook’s School of Nursing is an integral aspect of clinical education in the future workforce.
Valerie Cusumano, Nick Cusumano, Tommy Cusumano and Vinny Cusumano with Jeannie Mascolino New York Blood Center's Vice President of Operations on far right. Photo courtesy of NYBC
Vinny Cusumano, a young advocate for blood donations, received over 30 blood and platelet donations through transfusions during his treatment for kidney cancer.
New York Blood Center (NYBC) honored 12-year-old pediatric cancer survivor Vinny Cusumano at their recognition event for top platelet donors at Watermill Caterers in Smithtown. Vinny spoke to platelet donors at the event and thanked them for their life-saving contributions to the blood supply. Vinny’s family has been a fierce advocate for blood and platelet donations, partnering with NYBC on blood drives and other awareness campaigns through their nonprofit organization, Vinny’s Army, which is dedicated to supporting children diagnosed with cancer and their families.
In his remarks at the event, Vinny expressed heartfelt gratitude to the platelet donors in attendance. “There was never a question when my doctor told me that I needed a transfusion if one was available,” said Vinny Cusumano. “I know my parents tell me that New York Blood Center always needs donations and this is the reason why. I am the reason why. And I’m standing here today talking to all of you about my story because all of you have helped get me here.”
Vinny Cusumano was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer in October of 2022. He received over 30 donations of blood and platelets through transfusions during the intense chemotherapy and radiation treatments that were needed to save his life.
Vinny’s Army works to support children diagnosed with cancer and their families by providing unconditional love and support to ensure no family faces this battle alone. According to NYBC, 25 percent of the blood supply is used by patients battling cancer. Vinny’s Army has advocated for blood donations to support pediatric cancer patients who may require transfusions for their treatment.
“We are grateful to Vinny Cusumano and his incredible family for their advocacy efforts to ensure that the region has a robust blood supply to serve cancer patients who rely on blood donations for vital treatment,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center Enterprises. “From hosting blood drives, to participating in speaking engagements and spreading awareness, Vinny’s Army has been a great partner and we can’t think of a better organization to honor at our platelet donor event.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.
To make an appointment at a donor center near you, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222’ to give $25.
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About New York Blood Center
Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 150+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NYBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biomedical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NYBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X,Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Ribbon cutting for True Peace Nail Salon. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office
On Nov. 15, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined in celebrating the grand opening of True Peace Nail Lounge, Hair Salon and Spa, located at 125 Route 25A in Rocky Point.
Owner Rachel Romagnolo has been perfecting her craft as a nail technician and artist for over 30 years. She is dedicated to learning new techniques and skills to deliver cutting edge nail enhancements, while providing the highest level of service to clients. True Peace creates a comfortable environment where clients quickly become friends. Spa Parties for bridal and special occasions and private parties are available.
Pictured from left, are the True Peace Nail Lounge Salon staff Rosangela, Maria, Veronica, Victor, Ella, Jenn, Councilwoman Bonner (with scissor), owner Rachel Romagnolo, Nina, Marissa and Kayleigh. For more information or to make an appointment, call 631-849-3293.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the woman who allegedly stole merchandise from a Medford store in October.
A woman allegedly stole assorted merchandise from Target, located at 2975 Horseblock Road, on October 29 at approximately 8:25 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 canbe 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.
Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will be collecting new or handmade mittens, scarves, hats, gloves, or socks for local charities in our community during its annual Share the Warmth Drive from Dec. 2 to Jan. 12. All sizes are welcome. There will be a table located in the Library lobby. Anyone (residents or nonresidents) are welcome to donate during Library hours. 631-941-4080
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