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Press Release

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This summer, the Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve hosted a design contest for its custom brew label, created in collaboration with Six Harbors Brewing Company in Huntington.

Artists and photographers were challenged to capture the 18th-century Lefferts Tide Mill and Dam in Lloyd Harbor in its prime. To spark creativity, participants were invited to join a tour presented through the Huntington Historical Society, paddle to the end of Puppy Cove in their kayaks, or visit their website for inspiration.

Over the summer, a barge was filled with restoration tools in front of the mill. Participants were tasked with portraying the essence of the Tide Mill—whether including the barge docked for the restoration work or not—in their artwork.

The organization received twelve unique entries, each offering a different perspective on this iconic landmark. A panel of three judges from the Board reviewed the submissions and ultimately selected a stunning aerial photograph. 

“It was a beautiful setting, with the Lefferts Tide Mill looking majestic as the subject of the photo,” commented judge Toby Kissam.

The winning entry was submitted by Peter Stango, who joined the group at a fundraiser on Aug. 16 to see his artwork featured on the Lefferts Tide Mill Lager label. He explained, “It was a drone shot, with a few Photoshop adjustments to remove the work equipment and complete the walkway.”

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2013, dedicated to preserving and protecting an 18th-century tide mill in the Village of Lloyd Harbor. This mill is considered the best-preserved tidal grist mill in the United States. Its design is based on U.S. Patent No. 3 for an “automatic mill,” signed by President George Washington. The surrounding mill pond has become a thriving habitat for native and migratory waterfowl, playing an important role in supporting the region’s biodiversity. For more information, www.leffertstidemill.org.

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Police car stock photo

Update: Amaia Rivera, who was critically injured during a motor vehicle on westbound Sunrise Highway
in Bohemia on November 2, has died.

Below is the original press release:

Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that critically
injured at 6-year-old girl in Bohemia on Nov. 2.

Calix Armando Rivera Aguilar was driving a 2012 Infiniti G37 westbound on Sunrise Highway at Exit 48 with his 6-year-old daughter, Amaia Rivera, in the backseat, when he lost control of the vehicle, hit the center median, crossed all westbound lanes, left the roadway, and struck a tree at approximately 3:35 p.m.

Amaia Rivera was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and was transported to Good Samaritan
University Hospital in West Islip in critical condition. Rivera Aguilar, 51, of Brentwood was not injured.

The Infiniti was impounded for a safety check.

Traffic was backed up for several hours as the police investigated and cleared the accident with drivers taking detours into nearby neighborhoods causing gridlock and congestion.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on the crash to contact the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8542.

Over 20 local volunteers, many dressed in Halloween costumes, gathered on Oct. 28 at West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook to participate in the third annual Halloween Coastal Cleanup event led by Jimena Perez-Viscasillas, New York Sea Grant’s (NYSG) Long Island Sound Study Outreach Coordinator.

The event, part of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, saw families and community members of all ages collect trash along the beach for two hours, all while raising awareness for ocean conservation. Volunteers were encouraged to wear costumes, adding a festive touch to the community-driven event.

Throughout the morning, participants collected 13 buckets of debris including microplastics and larger items like a shopping cart part. The cleanup, organized by NYSG and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), is aimed at not only clearing the beach but also documenting the types of trash found. Attendees counted pieces of glass, wood, paper and plastic to contribute to the global data on coastal pollution.

Partnering with the Town of Brookhaven, Avalon Nature Preserve’s Nature Initiative and Friends of Flax Pond, the cleanup event is part of a broader mission to protect and restore the Long Island Sound and its surrounding ecosystems.

The Long Island Sound Study, an estuary program dedicated to the conservation of the Sound, is currently updating its Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan to guide environmental efforts over the next decade. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft plan at LISstudy.net/plan by Nov. 22.

For more information on New York Sea Grant’s marine debris initiatives, visit nyseagrant.org/marinedebris.

Brandon Liff

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) has announced that Brandon A. Liff, a Financial Advisor Associate, in the Firm’s Wealth management office in Hauppauge, has been promoted to Financial Advisor.

Liff, who has been with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management since 2021, is a native of
Setauket. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Empire State College. LIff currently lives
in Setauket with his family.

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a global leader, provides access to a wide range of
products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and
investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending
products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment
banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in
more than 42 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations,
governments, institutions and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, please
visit www.morganstanley.com.

File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested two men on Nov. 1 for stealing a woman’s vehicle at gunpoint in Ridge on Oct. 31. Three men, armed with guns, approached a woman on Oakridge Circle at 10:40 p.m., grabbed her key fob out of her hand and stole her BMW.

Following an investigation, the BMW was located on Wicks Avenue in North Babylon at 11:53 p.m. A gun was recovered inside the vehicle. One of the suspects was observed nearby and following a foot pursuit, Dayne Thomas-Orr, who was in possession of a gun, was arrested on Garnet Street in North Babylon at 12:05 a.m. A short time later, another suspect, Ameer Johnson, was arrested on Polaris Street in North Babylon at 1:17 a.m. The search for additional suspects is continuing.

Thomas-Orr, 18, of Centereach, was charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Robbery 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree. Johnson, 18, of Coram, was charged with Robbery 1st Degree and Robbery 2nd Degree.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Seventh Squad at 631-852-8752 or Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

Neil Foley

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS) has announced the appointment of Neil Foley as Chief of Government Affairs and Sales. In his new role, Foley will lead the company’s efforts to advocate on critical issues with key policymakers and continue overseeing the sales team of physician liaisons, working to grow provider referrals and enhancing access to quality cancer care.

“Neil Foley continues to be an invaluable leader in our government affairs and sales efforts,” said Dr. Jeff Vacirca, CEO of NYCBS. “His understanding of healthcare policy, extensive experience in navigating government relations across multiple municipalities, and ongoing dedication to improving access to cancer care make him a tremendous asset to our organization.”

Foley has been a Brookhaven Town Councilman since 2014, bringing his leadership expertise to New York Cancer & Blood Specialists in 2019. He initially began as an American history teacher before transitioning to the pharmaceutical industry, where he spent over a decade in key roles at major companies like Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals.

“I’m honored to continue leading the government affairs and sales efforts at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists,” said Neil Foley. “I am committed to advocating for our clinical partners and cancer patients with government officials and key decision-makers. Strengthening these relationships is crucial in ensuring that we can provide the highest level of care and access for those who need it most, and I look forward to furthering this mission.”

Outside of his professional life, Foley is a devoted husband and father of four, balancing his career with his strong commitment to family.

For more information, please visit nycancer.com.

Pete Caldera

With Special Appearances by Nicole Zuraitis & Rahsaan Cruse, Jr. on Nov. 23!

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will pay tribute to the Rat Pack with a series of eight special concerts from Nov. 7 to Nov. 23.

Frank Sinatra once said, “I think my real ambition is to pass on to others what I know. It took me a long, long time to learn what I now know, and I don’t want to die with me.” 

Danny Bacher

Enter vocalists Pete Caldera and Danny Bacher to grab the “Sinatra baton” with their perfectly nuanced interpretations of Frank’s catalog. Caldera and Bacher will be joined by the Jazz Loft’s 17-piece big band directed by Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel for eight shows filled with Sinatra classics, called “The Rat Pack Review,” Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m.; Friday, November 8 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 23 at 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and a special late night show at 10 p.m. which will also feature Grammy winner Nicole Zuraitis and Rahsaan Cruse. 

Sinatra was one of the most important entertainers of the 20th Century,” said Manuel.  “Just as Frank never did anything in a small way, we will be devoting three nights to Ol’ Blue Eyes, with a stellar list of vocalists.” 

Danny Bacher is an award-winning singer, saxophonist, songwriter and entertainer in the fullest sense of the term. He’s not only a master of the demanding soprano sax but combines his virtuosity on the instrument with a talent for comedy and narrative storytelling. He’s a smooth and cool individual who makes hot jazz and pop, cut from the cloth of the great Louis Prima and Mel Torme. Bacher swings with pizzazz, scats and sings with a smoky voice, all adding to his compelling stage presence. 

Nicole Zuraitis

This is Pete Caldera’s third year performing at The Jazz Loft’s tributes to Frank Sinatra.  Away from performing, Caldera is a reporter for the Bergen Record and the USA Today network, covering the Yankees. He is a past chairman of the New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America for the Bergen Record and the USA Today network, covering the Yankees. Caldera has a residency at NYC’s Carnegie Club, he has appeared on the Stephen Colbert Show.

Nicole Zuraitis is a frequent performer at TJL She is a GRAMMY winning and 2X GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger, New York-based bandleader and winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice,” (Jazz Police), Nicole is a trailblazing artist who is redefining vocal jazz, earning her a place as one of the top artists and “prolific songwriters” (Broadway World) to watch in jazz and beyond.

Rahsaan Cruse, Jr.

Rahsaan Cruse, Jr is a rising star in the jazz scene who stands and delivers jazz repertoire in an evolutionary line straight from jazz greats who came before him. Rahsaan Cruse, Jr. demonstrates his mastery of the jazz idiom, nuanced and expressive, harkening listeners to another time and place.

All vocalists will be backed by The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, under the direction of Manuel. The Big Band is New York’s top call for jazz musicians and performs regularly throughout New York and England. The band, and has backed notable artists such as: Marilyn Maye, The Four Freshman, Ken Peplowski, Warren Vache, Houston Person, Bob Anderson, and many others.

Tickets are available on website www.thejazzloft.org for $40 Adult, $35 Senior, $30 Student, $25 Children or available to purchase at the door. 

A scene from a previous Polar Plunge at Mt. Sinai’s Cedar Beach. Bill Landon photo

Hundreds of brave Special Olympics New York supporters are expected to participate in the Polar Plunge Saturday, November 23, running into the freezing waters of the Long Island Sound to raise funds and awareness for local Special Olympics athletes and programming.

The Polar Plunge is one of the most popular, profitable, and exciting fundraisers for Special Olympics New York. Participants raise money by asking friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances for donations. Event details are as follows.

When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
            9:30 a.m. – Registration
11:30 a.m. – Polar Plunge

Where: Cedar Beach, Mount Sinai
             244 Harbor Beach Rd, Mt Sinai, NY 11766

Link: Donate or Support the Plunge Here.

For additional information, please contact Alexis Dawson at [email protected] or 631-386-8038.

About Special Olympics New York

Special Olympics New York is one of the largest state chapters in the country, serving more than 45,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 300 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.

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Police car

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that seriously injured a pedestrian in Ronkonkoma on Oct. 31.

Jedarnie Brown was driving a 2018 Honda Civic southbound on Ocean Avenue when the vehicle struck a pedestrian that was crossing the road westbound at 6:13 p.m.

The pedestrian, Kayla Gaith, 15, of Ronkonkoma, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Brown, 30, of Ronkonkoma, was also transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for evaluation.

The Honda was impounded for a safety check.
Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452.

Stony Brook Cancer Center and Stony Brook Orthopaedic Associates participated and supported the American Cancer Society’s largest breast cancer walk in the country, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at Jones Beach State Park on October 20.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Stony Brook Cancer Center is Suffolk County’s cancer care leader and a leader in education and research. The Breast Cancer Team cares for more than 450 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients each year.
Part of the successful team delivering the services from Stony Brook Medicine is Stony Brook Cancer Center’s Mobile Mammography Van. Since 2018, the custom-built, 40-foot state-of-the-art van has been on the road to offer free mammograms in Nassau and Suffolk communities. The van was at Jones Beach to draw attention to the need for screening to diagnose the disease early to help save lives. Stony Brook Cancer Center staff discussed the valuable resource to provide vital information and services related to breast cancer.
For more information about the Mobile Mammography Van, call 833-MY-MAMMO or visit cancer.stonybrookmedicine.edu.