CLOSE
Authors Posts by Press Release

Press Release

5935 POSTS 0 COMMENTS

by -
0 1672
USCG vessels. File Photo
The Announcement Kicks Off 2025 National Safe Boating Week in Time for the Memorial Day Weekend

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney in partnership with Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force (EEMLETF), and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, announced the launch of Aqua Alert, an innovative pilot program designed to strengthen maritime law enforcement and emergency response across eastern Suffolk County waterways, on May 21.

“This program represents a significant advancement in our ability to enforce maritime laws and protect Suffolk County residents,” said District Attorney Tierney. “By establishing this real-time alert system, another vital tool has been created for law enforcement to respond swiftly to emergencies and potentially criminal activities on our waterways.”

“Our waterways can be even more dangerous than our roads, with unpredictable conditions, sudden weather changes, and inexperienced operators. Don’t make those risks worse by mixing in alcohol or not following the rules of the waterways,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “This holiday weekend and all summer, our Marine Patrol will be working closely with law enforcement partners to help ensure everyone can enjoy the water safely.”

“The ‘lone ranger’ days are over,” said Ed Michels, Chairman of the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force. “Our partnerships with all the East End law enforcement agencies, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office ensures that we must work together to achieve end results which bring better results to the people in Eastern Suffolk County.”

The Aqua Alert program, modeled after Amber Alerts for missing children and Silver Alerts for seniors, will provide real-time notifications about urgent maritime emergencies. These alerts will be broadcast directly to mobile devices through participating in Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) systems, delivering critical information to the public, such as descriptions of missing persons or vessels and their last known locations.

The program represents the latest collaborative effort of the East End Marine Law Enforcement Task Force, established in 2007 to coordinate marine law enforcement operations across Suffolk County’s five eastern towns. The District Attorney’s Office plays a crucial role in the EEMLETF, working alongside 16 other agencies to enforce maritime laws and prosecute violations.Public awareness and cooperation are key to the effectiveness of the Aqua Alert program and maritime enforcement efforts. The effectiveness of Aqua Alert depends on public awareness and cooperation. The program will help the Task Force to:

  •   Gather critical witness information for potential maritime crime investigations.
  •   Quickly identify and apprehend individuals operating vessels while intoxicated.
  •   Coordinate multi-agency responses to illegal activities on the water.
  •   Enhance prosecution efforts through improved evidence collection.
Increased Enforcement for Boating Safety

  • The District Attorney’s Office also announced increased enforcement of boating laws during the upcoming summer season, with special emphasis on:
  •   Operating vessels under the influence (BWI), the leading factor in fatal boating accidents.
  •   Proper safety equipment requirements, including life jackets for all passengers.
  •   Navigation rules and speed limits in crowded waterways.
  •   Illegal discharge of waste into protected waters.

The enhanced enforcement comes as US Coast Guard statistics show that in 2024, 75% of boating fatalities resulted from drownings and a significant portion of those drown victims, approximately 85%, were not wearing life jackets.As of January 1, 2025, Brianna’s Law requires all motorboat operators in New York State regardless of age, to complete a boater safety course. Brianna’s Law, named after 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck who was killed in a 2005 boating accident in Great South Bay, has been gradually phased in since 2020, with the final phase taking effect in January requiring certification for all operators.

The EEMLETF includes: The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, United States Coast Guard, NYS Police, NYS DEC Police, Plum Island Security, East Hampton Town Police, East Hampton Village Police, Quogue Village Police, Riverhead Town Police, Sag Harbor Police, Shelter Island Town Police, Southampton Town Police, Southampton Village Police, Southold Town Police, and Westhampton Beach Police.

For Maritime emergencies or to report suspicious activity, mariners should use VHF Channel 16 or call the Sector Long Island Sound Command Center at (866) 299-8031.

by -
0 637
1 of 4
Long Island native and RSOM graduate Kevin Langbart, center, is among the new MDs who will stay at Stony Brook Medicine for their residencies. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz
A group of new MDs from the RSOM celebrate with each other during the school’s 51st Convocation. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz
A total of 133 graduates of the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) recite the Physicians’ Oath for the first time as newly minted MDs. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz
The RSOM Class of 2025 pose and wave during the Convocation on May 19 at Stony Brook University. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz

133 RSOM graduates celebrate during the school’s 51st Convocation; residency training begins in July

The Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) at Stony Brook University celebrated its 51st Convocation on May 19 when 133 graduates received their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. The newly minted physicians will start their residency training in early July.

A talented and diverse group set to practice medicine in more than 20 specialties – such as residencies related to primary care, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, neurology, radiology, surgery and psychiatry – the RSOM graduates, collectively, will practice at leading hospitals and academic medical centers in New York State and 17 other states. A majority (55 percent) will remain in New York, with nearly 15 percent staying at Stony Brook Medicine.

The need for more physicians in the United States and globally remains high, particularly because of aging populations and the need for physician specialists. With ever increasing new technologies to diagnose and treat diseases, and the emergence of AI and telemedicine, opportunities to further advance Medicine in this 21st Century will expand. New MDs entering the workforce will be a major part of that advancement.

Peter Igarashi, MD, the Knapp Dean of the RSOM and Presider over the Convocation, congratulated the 133 graduates and cited their dedication, perseverance, and achievements during this celebration of their journeys that brought them all to this moment as new physicians.

“Over the last four plus years at the Renaissance School of Medicine, you have received the best medical education that New York State has to offer,” said Dr. Igarashi. “The combination of training in the science and art of medicine and the social determinants of health has prepared you to be doctors, well-equipped for whoever walks in the door.”

Susan M. Wolf, JD, a nationally recognized leader in medicine, law, and ethics, Chair of the Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences, Regents Professor, and Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota, delivered the Convocation Address.

Professor Wolf has devoted her academic career to solving ethical and legal challenges in patient care and biomedical research. Her pioneering work has influenced how medicine approaches end-of-life care, the return of research results and incidental findings, and the ethical integration of technologies like genomics and AI.

She encouraged the students to practice medicine with the highest ethics and to be patient advocates during the caregiving process, helping to empower patients and their decisions in an age when medicine is advancing at a rapid pace even as quality of life and death issues remain paramount.

The 133 new MDs celebrated with each other, RSOM faculty, friends and family members throughout the day. This included a special shout out and a rousing applause from them during the ceremony directed to their parents and loved ones, who sacrificed much time and means throughout the graduates’ medical school journey.

The RSOM Class of 2025 join a long history of the school’s graduates. Since the first graduating class of 1974, the RSOM has issued more than 5,000 MD degrees, more than 600 PhD degrees, and nearly 750 master’s degrees to more than 6,200 graduates.

 

 

by -
0 545
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 21 that George Trimigliozzi, 56, of Islip, was indicted for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, and related charges, for allegedly sexually assaulting two women following dates arranged through on-line dating applications.

“Police officers swear an oath to protect us,” said District Attorney Tierney. “These allegations are truly disturbing. I will use my office to protect everyone equally, without fear or favor.”

According to the investigation, in May 2021, Trimigliozzi met Jane Doe #1 on a dating website. On May 14, 2021, they went on a date in the Patchogue area. Following the date, Trimigliozzi asked Jane Doe #1 to sit in his car to talk. Knowing he was a police officer and thus believing herself safe, Jane Doe #1 agreed. Once inside his car, Trimigliozzi moved into the passenger seat of the vehicle, where Jane Doe #1 was seated, and allegedly forcibly subjected her to sexual contact to which she did not consent. At one point during the sexual assault, Jane Doe #1 opened the passenger side car door. Trimigliozzi allegedly leaned over, grabbed the door, and closed it, placing himself in between Jane Doe #1 and the door, preventing her escape.

In June 2022, Trimigliozzi met Jane Doe #2 on a dating website. On June 10, 2022, they went on a date in the Hampton Bays area. Trimigliozzi rode his motorcycle to pick up Jane Doe #2 at her home. Jane Doe #2, knowing Trimigliozzi was a police officer, felt he could be trusted with her address and to pick her up at home. Following the date, Jane Doe #2, worried Trimigliozzi had consumed too much alcohol, invited him into her home to “sober up” by having some water and using the restroom before he headed home. Trimigliozzi allegedly agreed and asked Jane Doe #2 for a tour of her apartment. Once the two arrived at Jane Doe #2’s bedroom, Trimigliozzi allegedly pushed her onto the bed and had non-consensual intercourse with her.

On May 21, 2025, Trimigliozzi was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei on the charges of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D felony, Rape in the Third Degree, a Class E felony, and Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Justice Mazzei ordered Trimigliozzi held on $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, or $1 million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Trimigliozzi is due back in court on May 22, 2025, and faces seven years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by William Keahon, Esq.

Trimigliozzi was previously indicted in October 2024 on several charges including enterprise corruption, promoting prostitution, falsifying business records, filing a false instrument, and official misconduct for his alleged involvement in running brothels and managing sex workers. He is currently suspended without pay. That case is currently pending.

If you believe you have been victimized by George Trimigliozzi, please call the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at (631) 853-4626.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Laura de Oliveira and Bureau Chief Kevin Ward, of the Public Corruption Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by investigators assigned to the District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad.

by -
0 743
A participant at last year's tournament. Photo by Carol Tokosh

The Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve will hold its annual Catch and Release Junior Angler Fishing Tournament at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, on Saturday,  June 14. The event is rain or shine.

The tournament will be divided into two groups: ages 5 through 8 from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. and ages 9 to 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Sign-in begins 30 minutes before each start time. Trophies will be awarded in three categories at each session.

Those interested in participating in the tournament must register by Thursday, June 12, and adults must accompany anglers under the age of 10. The entry fee is $20 and includes bait, hooks and bobbers, junior angler tee shirts, refreshments, and goody bags for all participants. A limited number of fishing rods are available if required. An $8 NYS Parks parking fee will be in effect. 

For more information or to register, call the Caleb Smith State Preserve office at 631-265-1054, Tuesday through Sunday.

by -
0 1315
Photo courtesy of Stony Brook University Athletics

The Stony Brook baseball team broke a 2-2 tie with four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning — highlighted by a three-run blast from Erik Paulsen — and rolled to a 12-5 win over Monmouth on May 17 to celebrate 2025 Senior Day at Joe Nathan Field.

Senior John Rizzo got the start on his special day and worked around a two-out walk with a groundout to short to keep Monmouth off the board in the first.

James Schaffer led off the bottom half with a single and stole second, then scored on a gap shot by Paulsen to give Stony Brook a 1-0 lead. After a popout, Nick Solorzano doubled to right-center to bring home Paulsen and make it 2-0.

Monmouth answered in the top of the second, scoring two runs on three hits to tie the game at 2-2. Mike Villani led off the bottom half with a walk, but the Seawolves were kept off the board.

Rizzo came back with a 1-2-3 third, inducing two groundouts. The Seawolves also went down in order.

In the fourth, Rizzo worked around a one-out single after Solorzano threw out the runner at second with help from Matt Miceli. He issued another walk but stranded the runner with a groundout to short.

The game stayed tied at 2-2 after a quiet bottom half from the Seawolves.

Monmouth threatened again in the fifth, putting runners on the corners with two outs after back-to-back hits, but Rizzo escaped the jam with a caught stealing to end the inning.

Kincaid Bergthold led off the bottom of the frame with a double down the third base line. After Nick Zampieron moved him to third on a bunt, Miceli knocked him in with a single to center. A few batters later, Paulsen crushed a three-run homer to right, giving the Seawolves a 6-2 lead.

The Hawks cut the lead to 6-4 with a two-run homer in the top of the sixth.

In the home half, Villani walked and Bergthold was hit by a pitch to start the rally. Miceli doubled down the left field line to bring home Villani, and Schaffer followed with a single to center that scored both Bergthold and Miceli. After Schaffer scored on an error, Cam Santerre ripped a two-run double down the line to cap a six-run inning and push the lead to 12-4.

Monmouth added a run in the seventh on two hits to trim the deficit to 12-5. The Seawolves were retired in order in the bottom half.

After a Monmouth leadoff double in the eighth, Matthew Jackson and Miceli connected with Solorzano at the plate to cut down the runner trying to score. Vincent Mariella induced a groundout to first to end the inning and keep the lead intact.

Following another quick bottom of the eighth, Monmouth opened the ninth with back-to-back hits. Mariella received a standing ovation as he exited the game, and Aidan Colagrande came on in relief. Solorzano picked off the runner at first for the first out, and after a hit-by-pitch, Colagrande closed it out with a flyout and a strikeout to seal the sweep.

Head coach Matt Senk earned his 970th career win in his 1,666th game. He finishes his career seventh among active head coaches in victories and is the only active Division I coach to win 970 games at a single program.

The Seawolves concluded the 2025 season at 25-27 overall (11-16 CAA), including a 13-11 mark at Joe Nathan Field.

by -
0 816
Photo from Staller Center Facebook

This summer marks a major milestone as the Stony Brook Film Festival  celebrates its 30th anniversary at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts. Running from Thursday, July 17, through Saturday, July 26, audiences are invited to experience ten nights of extraordinary films from around the world, including world premieres, U.S. debuts, and must-sees that you cannot see anywhere else.

Early Bird Passes are on sale now, offering the best value for access to the film screenings and festival events. Pass options include the VIP Gold Pass, Regular Pass, and the Flex Pass, which grants access to any five days of the festival. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-time guest, there’s a pass to match your interest and availability. Pass prices increase after June 9, so film lovers are encouraged to secure their passes early for the best price at stonybrookfilmfestival.com.

What began in 1995 as a modest campus initiative to enliven the quiet summer months has grown into a nationally recognized festival known for its bold storytelling and strong community of filmmakers and filmgoers. Over the past three decades, the festival has remained a champion of hard-to-find films, selected from over 2,000 annual submissions, and continues to thrive as a live, in-theater experience. This year’s lineup features 36 amazing short films and powerful feature-length dramas, thrillers, and comedies—many of which are screening for the very first time. These exceptional American independent and international titles cannot be seen in local theaters or streamed on any platform. They are only available on the region’s largest screen at Staller.

All passholders receive guaranteed Priority Seating, entry to filmmaker Q&As, eligibility to vote for the Audience Choice Awards, discounts at local partner businesses, and a commemorative festival gift. Each pass level includes its own set of perks, which can be found at stonybrookfilmfestival.com/pass.

Take this opportunity to be part of a cinematic tradition 30 years in the making. For more information and to purchase Early Bird Passes, visit stonybrookfilmfestival.com.

by -
0 832
From left, (standing) Chief of Department Sean Martin, Third Assistant Chief Ken Kowalchuk, Commissioner John Buchner, Commissioner Ken Staufer, Commissioner Hank Strong, Second Assistant Chief Jeremy Freund, (sitting) Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Commissioner Debra Handel, and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office
Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio joined local leaders, first responders, and residents in honoring the members of the Rocky Point Fire Department at their annual Installation Dinner held on Saturday, May 17th at Majestic Gardens in Rocky Point. The event marked the formal installation of the department’s 2025 officers and celebrated the continued dedication and service of the department’s firefighters and volunteers.
“It’s always a privilege to be with the brave men and women of the Rocky Point Fire Department,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “Their selfless commitment to protecting our community is truly inspiring, and this evening is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work.”
The Installation Dinner is a time-honored tradition that brings together the Rocky Point community in support of its fire and emergency medical services. The evening featured speeches, acknowledgments of years of service, and the swearing-in of newly appointed leadership within the department. Councilwoman Bonner expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the department for their ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and for the sacrifices they make every day in service to the community.

by -
0 3453
Dr. James Paci and Dr. Robert Trasolini pose with orthopedic implants. Photo from Northwell Health
The sports medicine team at Huntington Hospital’s orthopedics department has introduced two biologically advanced implant procedures designed to improve outcomes for patients with knee injuries and early joint degeneration.

Orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Robert Trasolini, DO, recently performed the hospital’s first BEAR® (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration) Implant procedure on an 18-year-old male athlete, offering a promising new alternative to traditional ACL reconstruction. The BEAR implant is a collagen-based device that, when combined with the patient’s blood, forms a collagen matrix that protects and supports the healing ligament. It contains biological signals that stimulate the ACL to heal, preserving the body’s own tissue rather than replacing it with a graft.

“This is a tremendous advancement for younger, active patients,” said Dr. Trasolini. “The BEAR implant not only restores stability to the knee but does so in a way that supports the body’s natural healing process, potentially reducing recovery time and improving long-term joint health.”

In a separate milestone, James Paci, MD, director of orthopedic surgery and sports medicine for Suffolk County at The Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group at Northwell, performed the hospital’s first CartiHeal Agili-C™ implant procedure on a 52-year-old female patient. The coral-based implant acts as a biological scaffold for patients with cartilage lesions who have not yet reached the stage requiring a total knee replacement.

The implant is designed to buy patients 10 to 15 years of pain relief and function before more invasive surgery might be necessary. Made from natural coral, the implant encourages bone marrow elements to migrate into the lesion, promoting the regrowth of cartilage over 6 to 9 months.

“This technology fills a significant gap in our treatment options,” said Dr. Paci. “For the right patient, typically someone too young or active for a knee replacement but dealing with painful cartilage defects, the Agili-C implant offers a bridge that restores function and improves quality of life.”

“These breakthrough procedures reflect Huntington Hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering advanced, evidence-based orthopedic care to our community,” said Adam Bitterman, DO, chairman of orthopedic surgery at Huntington Hospital. “Innovative treatments like these not only enhance recovery outcomes but also support the long-term joint health and quality of life for our patients.”

by -
0 832

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook recently hosted Huntington Film Director Sean Quincy King  who screened his latest film ScreamWalkers on May 17. This event was part of LIMEHOF’s Monthly Local Filmmakers Series putting the spotlight on Long Island Directors and their films.

“We’re so appreciative of the spotlight and the opportunity to screen here,” said King. “Having a place like LIMEHOF to screen local movies and feature local talent is so invaluable because it gives other people the opportunity to see what’s happening locally and to inspire. For someone who just started a band or just picked up a movie camera for the first time…to see that there is a place here that is interested and is willing to feature you and give you a chance. Filmmakers beg for that kind of opportunity.”

The film series is sponsored by Rob Eberle of Magnetic Vine and G&R Events. Following the screening, there was a Q&A panel emceed by LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham. Director Sean King, Bob Heckman, Will Puntarich, Glenn McBride Jr. and Peter Bune Jr. participated.

“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.

The next LIMEOHF Local Filmmaker series film series event will be on June 21st and feature West Babylon Film Director Joe Pomarico. LIMEHOF welcomes nominations of local film directors and movies for consideration to feature in the series. For more information: Contact LIMEHOF at [email protected]

About LIMEHOF

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms.  In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

###

by -
0 736

The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport continues its Main Stage season with a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific from May 15 to June 29.

The beloved musical takes place on a South Pacific island during World War II where two love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. With songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Spring-time,” and “There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” the show’s lush score contains some of the best songs ever written by Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Directed by Tony-nominated director, actor, and writer Hunter Foster, with musical direction by Kyle Dixon, the cast features Taylor Aronson as Nellie Forbush, Mike McGowan as Emile De Becque, Carol Angeli as Bloody Mary, Philip Bryan as Luther Billis, Malia Munley as Liat,  and Alec Nevin as Lt. Joseph Cable.

The cast also includes Ellie Baker, Madeline Benoit, Michael Bingham, JR Bruno, Peyton Cassity, Ylvie Cuisine, Maxime Detoledo, Joah Ditto, Travis Flynt, Tyler Gallaher, Mike Keller, Landon Koh, Leo London, Danny Maguire, Carmella Manapat, Vivica Powell, Kristin Tagg, Matthew Wautier-Rodriguez and Elizabeth Zhang.  

South Pacific‘s schedule includes Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m, Thursdays at 8:00 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets start at $82 and may be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, going online at engemantheater.com, or visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.

 

 

Prev1...141516...594Next Page 15 of 594
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©