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Online donation site is live; community collection drives begin Memorial Day weekend

PSEG Long Island, Island Harvest Food Bank and Stop & Shop are gearing up the fourth annual PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island food drive initiative. The first in-person collection event is slated for Friday, May 24, which is also the kickoff to Memorial Day weekend. The online donation site is currently open for donations at psegliny.com/feedLI.

Collection drives will be set up at seven Stop & Shop supermarkets across Long Island, where community members can donate nonperishable food and essential care items. Any customer who makes an in-person donation will receive a free LED light bulb and a reusable shopping bag.

“We are proud to announce the 2024 kick off of PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island food collection drive to benefit Island Harvest Food Bank,” said David Lyons, interim president and COO, PSEG Long Island. “PSEG Long Island created these events for people to support their neighbors in need in their own communities, and they have been successful thanks to the generosity of Long Islanders. Their kindness in giving to this cause has generated thousands of dollars in online donations and in person contributions of cash, food, pet food and personal care items to help their neighbors. There is hunger in every ZIP code on Long Island, and PSEG Long Island is energized to partner with Island Harvest and Stop & Shop for the fourth year to help families in our communities who need it.”

Hundreds of thousands of Long Island families struggle with hunger and food insecurity throughout the year. During the summer months, there is a significant reduction in food donations to local food banks, pantries and other programs. Compounding the issue, children are not in school where they can receive free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch. In addition, the pandemic and increased inflation continue to strain local food pantries and emergency feeding programs served by Island Harvest.

“We are grateful to have our longtime partner, PSEG Long Island, stand with us and actively support our efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity on Long Island, and its annual Power to Feed Long Island collection event demonstrates that commitment,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO, Island Harvest Food Bank. “We continue to see families struggle to put food on the table while trying to meet other essential monthly financial obligations, and the tremendous support of PSEG Long Island and Stop & Shop, coupled with the generosity of their customers who support Power to Feed Long Island, will help provide much-needed and welcome relief to our Long Island neighbors in need.”

“Stop & Shop’s primary charitable effort is to combat hunger in the communities we serve,” said Daniel Wolk, external communications manager, Stop & Shop. “We are proud to host PSEG Long Island and Island Harvest at our stores throughout the summer in support of the Power to Feed Long Island food drive. By working together, we can help Long Islanders fight food insecurity.”

There will be collection bins and drive-up/drop-off options available at each collection site. This year, there are seven collection events:

Friday, May 24 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

702 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa

Saturday, June 8 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

3126 Jericho Tpk., East Northport

Friday, June 21 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

3750 Hempstead Tpk., Levittown

Friday, July 12 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

260 Pond Path, South Setauket

Friday, July 26 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

95 Old Country Rd., Carle Place

Friday, Aug. 16 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

3577 Long Beach Rd., Oceanside

Friday, Sept. 13 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

365 Route 109, West Babylon

Representatives from PSEG Long Island and Island Harvest Food Bank will be available at all locations to provide information on low-income programs and money-saving energy efficiency options.

Island Harvest has a need for specific items, including:

  • Nonperishable food: Healthy varieties of canned foods, such as low-sodium beans, vegetables, soups, pasta sauces and tomato varieties, tuna and chicken, rice, pasta, nut butters, olive and canola oil, spices and pet food (no glass containers please).
  • Household essentials: Toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent and dish soap.
  • Personal care items: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, feminine care products and shaving products, antibacterial wipes and washcloths.
  • Baby care items: Diapers, wipes, formula, creams, ointments and baby wash.

Additionally, information will be available from PSEG Long Island on electric service payment plans and programs, and ways to save money through energy efficiency options.

For additional information on Power to Feed Long Island, or to make an online monetary donation, visit psegliny.com/feedLI. Island Harvest estimates each dollar donated provides roughly two meals.

 

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Daphna Zekaria is Also Facing an Indictment for Allegedly Stealing from Two Prior Clients

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on May 15 the second indictment of Daphna Zekaria, 54, of Syosset, who is accused of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree for allegedly stealing $150,000 from a third client. Zekaria was previously arrested and arraigned on a separate indictment in December 2023, for allegedly stealing more than $200,000 from two other clients.

“Attorneys occupy unique positions of trust within our community,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will not tolerate attorneys abusing that trust to unlawfully enrich themselves at the expense of others.”

Daphna Zekaria

According to the second indictment, in August 2021, Zekaria, a partner at the Huntington law firm of Sokolski and Zekaria, P.C., was allegedly hired to represent a woman in her divorce and, later, for the sale of her marital home. Between December 29, 2021, and March 4, 2022, Zekaria allegedly received approximately $150,000, which were the proceeds of the sale of her client’s home. Zekaria was to hold the funds in her escrow account to be dispersed when the client’s divorce was finalized. Instead, Zekaria allegedly used the funds for personal and business expenses.

In the first indictment, in December 2021, Zekaria was hired by a New York State Lottery winner, and allegedly made promises to hold a portion of her client’s money in the firm’s escrow account and invest an additional portion on his behalf. Instead of holding the money or investing it, Zekaria allegedly did neither, instead making large transfers of money to other individuals which she would not have been able to, had her client’s funds not been deposited into her account. Zekaria collected a total of $230,000 from the victim in three separate transactions.

Additionally, in March 2023, Zekaria was retained by an elderly Manhattan woman to assist her in contesting eviction proceedings. Zekaria allegedly took $17,500 from the victim to represent her but performed no legal work on her behalf. After the victim requested her money back 13 days after providing the payment, Zekaria had allegedly spent the victim’s money on LIPA payments and credit card bills.

On May 14, 2024, Zekaria was arraigned on the new indictment before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, for one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony. Zekaria was released on her own recognizance during the pendency of the case because her charge is considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for bail and judges cannot set bail. She had previously surrendered her passport at her arraignment on the first indictment. Zekaria is due back in court on June 12, 2024, and she is being represented by Brian J. Griffin, Esq.

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

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katharine D’Aquila of the Public Corruption Bureau.

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Suffolk County Police arrested a man on May 15 for allegedly selling flavored vape products to a person under the age of 21 during a compliance check in Medford.

In response to community complaints, Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers checked eight locations for age compliance related to sales of vape products. One store was not in compliance. Carlos Escobar, an employee of Hookah City-Medford, located at 2717 Route 112, sold flavored vape products to an undercover agent, under the age of 21. A large quantity of flavored vape products was seized.

Escobar, 25, of Patchogue, was charged with allegedUnlawfully Dealing with a Child. He is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

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Police car

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on May 15 for allegedly selling flavored vape products and having illegal gambling machines at a Central Islip gas station.

As part of the department’s “Operation Smoke Out,” Third Precinct Crime Section officers conducted an investigation into Ultra Gas, located at 1675 Islip Ave., during which Levent Kara sold flavored vape products to an undercover officer. While at the gas station, police observed four electronic poker machines, which patrons could pay to use and then cash out winnings from the register.

Kara, 61, of 33 Rhoda Ave., North Babylon, was charged with alleged Public Health Law Sale of Flavored Vape Products, Possession of Gambling Devices and Promoting Gambling. He was issued a Field Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on June 4.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise from a Selden store this month.

A man allegedly stole a backpack and health and beauty products from Target, located at 307 Independence Plaza, on May 13 at approximately 4:10 p.m. The man fled the scene on a motorcycle.

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.

Photo courtesy of NYS OPWDD

Partnership Offers Microcredentials Through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals for Current and Aspiring Direct Support Professionals at SUNY Campuses Statewide

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and The State University of New York (SUNY) joined with Farmingdale State College and developmental disabilities service providers Community Mainstreaming Associates, Developmental Disabilities Institute, Epic Long Island, Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Life’s WORC, The Center for Developmental Disabilities, Inc., and Viability today to celebrate the success of its Direct Support Professionals Microcredential Program. Officials were on hand to acknowledge 26 students from the first cohort who are graduating this month. Enrollment for a second cohort is happening now.

The SUNY Microcredential program, a partnership between The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, SUNY and OPWDD, provides training that leads to national certification in the distinct skills and competencies required of today’s direct support professionals. The Direct Support Professional Microcredential opportunity is being offered at 19 participating SUNY colleges throughout the state. Direct Support Professionals who are enrolled in the program report feeling empowered to make decisions and employ best practices on the job, while preparing to take the next steps in their careers.

NYS OPWDD Commissioner Kerri Neifeld said, “The response from DSPs who want to participate in this professional development opportunity has been tremendous and is a testament to what we know to be true – the field of direct support needs and deserves a career pathway that honors the skills and best practices that these professionals bring to their jobs every day. Thank you to our SUNY partner Farmingdale State, Chancellor King and the providers who are helping their employees to take these next steps in their career. New York State is a leader in this effort and DSPs who are earning credentials from the NADSP SUNY Microcredential Program should feel proud to be a part of this movement to professionalize the field.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “SUNY is committed to increasing upward mobility for all New Yorkers and this program does just that. The high demand for the Direct Support Professionals Microcredential Program shows that more individuals, whether working in the field already or not, want to provide vital care to New Yorkers in need, and want to improve their skills at doing so. The success of the program has opened up more opportunities for DSPs across SUNY, including at Farmingdale State College, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

CEO of The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals Joseph Macbeth said, “The direct support workforce crisis has been well-documented for decades. Direct support work is not easy and it’s certainly not a job that just anyone can do. It requires complex skills, adherence to ethical standards and impeccable judgment. Over the past few years, OPWDD has worked closely with the SUNY system to address these challenges by developing a comprehensive microcredential initiative. Now, prospective and incumbent direct support professionals can achieve college credit, national certification and financial assistance as they learn and demonstrate their direct support skills. The leadership at SUNY and OPWDD in this area is commendable.”

Laura Joseph, EdD, Senior Vice President and Provost, Farmingdale State College said, “Farmingdale State College is honored to be part of this joint initiative with OPWDD and SUNY to provide an educational opportunity for students to become Direct Support Professionals. The funding has allowed us to develop the curriculum for the Direct Support Professional I and II credential as well as the wrap-around support needed to help students complete the course of study. Students enrolled in the DSP I and II Microcredentials are frontline workers and serve as the backbone of the Human Services industry. These microcredentials empower these professionals and further legitimize the profession. Dr. Michael Figuccio, Chair of the Psychology Department, has been instrumental in launching this program with over 30 students in the first cohort.”   

Supported through over $50 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Microcredential Program aims to assist direct support staff already working in the profession and those new to the developmental disabilities field in earning college credits that meet requirements for certification from The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. Students will be able to secure national certification and college credit toward a certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree. The grant program covers tuition, certification, fees, books and student support, and students can earn a one-time $750 stipend. Each participating SUNY campus is working with an OPWDD-operated or affiliated provider partner to help upskill incumbent workers or to provide internships for those new to the field.

Enrolled students not yet working in the developmental disabilities field will be offered work-based learning opportunities with OPWDD or OPWDD-certified service providers.

These programs build on Governor Kathy Hochul’s efforts to expand the direct service professional workforce and address worker shortages.

About SUNY’s Microcredential Program

This academic year, SUNY will offer nearly 700 microcredentials at 51 of its 64 campuses. Microcredentials are smaller, academic- and skills-focused credentials that can be completed in months, not years. SUNY’s program is designed to provide earners with immediate workforce-ready skills, knowledge, and experience, while also providing a pathway to additional credentials, certificates and degrees. Recognized with the inaugural Business Council of New York State Workforce Innovation Award in Higher Education, SUNY Microcredentials increase access to higher education by providing another pathway for New Yorkers to earn the credentials they need to meet their academic and career goals, all while collaboratively meeting the needs of New York businesses and industry.

About OPWDD 

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) provides high-quality person-centered supports and services to people with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and other neurological impairments. OPWDD provides services directly and through a network of over 600 not-for-profit providers. OPWDD’s mission is to help people with developmental disabilities live richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth, and a home within their community. For more information, visit www.opwdd.ny.gov or connect with us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

About The State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2022, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

About Farmingdale State College 

Farmingdale State College offers 46-degree programs focused on emerging, high-demand, and relevant careers to help prepare the next generation of leaders in technology, engineering, business, healthcare, science and the arts. With nearly 10,000 students, FSC is SUNY’s largest college of applied science and technology. More than half of our graduating seniors leave debt-free and 82% are employed six months after graduation or enrolled in graduate school. FSC is home to Broad Hollow Bioscience Park, which supports the development of biotech start-up companies and partners with surrounding businesses and research institutions along the Route 110 Business Corridor. Our engaging student experience, highly inclusive campus and sustained commitment to accessibility, affordability, and student support, helps make FSC one of the best values in higher education.

Photo of the announcement at Farmingdale State College attached, credit NYS OPWDD. 

Due to popular demand, the Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach hosted by Emma Clark Library was installed before the usual time so that beachgoers may enjoy books even longer. Its official opening was Thursday, May 9.

A literary summer tradition, the Little Free Library at the beach has been going strong since its inception in 2016. After close to ten years, the structure itself had taken quite a beating; therefore, library employees have built a replacement cabinet, once again constructed from recycled materials. You might recognize the sides of the structure, which were assembled from end caps of previous library shelving units. The legs of the cabinet were made from an old library chair. 

This “Take a Book or Leave a Book” concept inspires beachgoers to read, share, and reuse and encourages lifelong reading. It is located under the pavilion at the beach. Visitors are encouraged to grab a book and/or donate one. The books are all donated by the public and cater to all ages. This little library is possible thanks in part to many generous booklovers (books are not curated or owned by Emma Clark — don’t return your library books here!). Library teen volunteers “adopt” the library each week to ensure that it is neat, undamaged, and well-stocked. There is no need to live in Three Village to participate, as long as you are a visitor to the beach. The Town of Brookhaven and Environmental Educator Nicole Pocchiare have once again graciously given their consent for Emma Clark to host the Little Free Library at the beach. 

“I was happy to take part in the installation of the Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach again this year,” remarked Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich. “The dedication of Emma Clark Library to providing access to books and knowledge for the community, especially younger readers, is truly commendable. I see the positive impact this resource has on the residents of our town. Thank you to all involved for continuing this project for nine consecutive years.”

Little Free Libraries have become an international phenomenon since their inception in 2010, and Little Free Library was established as a nonprofit organization in 2012 in Wisconsin. According to the official Little Free Library website, there are over 150,000 registered book-sharing boxes across the United States and 120 countries worldwide. Emma Clark’s Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach is registered on www.littlefreelibrary.org and can be found on the site’s official map of all Little Free Libraries. 

Emma Clark Library is delighted to increase access to books for all ages and promote the exchange of books within the community, enhancing a day at the beloved West Meadow Beach.

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook University men’s track and field program finished seventh at the 2024 CAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Elon N.C. on May 12. 

Collin Gilstrap won the 1,500-meter, finishing with a time of 3:44.33. He was Stony Brook’s lone event winner. George Franks took second place in the 400-meter, setting a new school record with a time of 45.88. He also finished seventh in the 200-meter. 

Evan Brennan placed second in the 10,000-meter with a time of 30:39.11. Michael Fama finished fourth in the 10K (31:19.09). Carlos Santos produced podium finishes in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (2nd, 8:55.79) and 5,000-meter (3rd, 14:42.22). Shane Henderson and Brennan also notched top-eight finishes in the 5,000-meter to earn points.

The Stony Brook University women’s track and field program finished 11th at the championships. Fiona McLoughlin completed the 10K in 35:55.39, placing second and earning a silver medal. She also finished seventh in the 5,000-meter (16:44.30). Grace Weigele placed fourth in the 5K, running it in 16:16.06 to pace a quartet of Seawolves competing in the event. Rebecca Clackett took fifth in the 1,500-meter with a time of 4:34.05. Danella Dawkins earned a seventh-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles (14.33). The women’s 4×100 relay quartet took seventh and the 4×400 relay quartet finished in eighth place.

“Really pleased with the effort our teams gave over the two days. The majority of our group that were expected to make the finals did; those that were seeded high in their particular event also got the job done. Obviously Collin and George were outstanding, showed great competitiveness and maturity for freshmen. Evan and Fiona battled hard in the 10,000m then came back on day two to score in the 5K’s,” head coach Andy Ronan noted. “Carlos produced two podium performances in the steeplechase and 5000m, again showing his determination to produce quality results for his team.”

“Our team placings are not where we want to be; we are in a very competitive conference, but with time and support we can build with George and Collin to be more competitive as an overall team,” Ronan added.

Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook baseball team fell to the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens, 10-5, in the final home game of the season for the Seawolves at Joe Nathan Field on May 12.

Prior to the game, the Seawolves honored their 2024 senior class (Evan Fox, Ryan Micheli, Matt Brown-Eiring, Quinlan Montgomery, and Brendan Pattermann) who have made lasting impacts on the program over the course of their careers. Their hard work, dedication, and contributions have and always will be greatly appreciated. 

Graduate student Ty Saunders (2-5) got the ball to start for Stony Brook (24-25, 12-12) and took the loss after allowing five runs on four hits over his 3.0 innings of work. Freshman Nicholas Rizzo allowed four runs over his 5.0 innings of work, while Montgomery allowed one run in the final inning of play. 

In the batter’s box, the Seawolves were led by Fox, who went 1-for-4 on the day with a home run and three RBI. The home run for Fox marked his 200th career hit and third bomb of the season. Brown-Eiring compiled a standout day at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Johnny Pilla also contributed for Stony Brook, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate. 

Saunders and the Seawolves kept the Fightin’ Blue Hens off the scoreboard in the first two innings of play. The right-hander stranded two runners in the first inning and followed with a 1-2-3 second inning for Stony Brook. However, Delaware got to Saunders in the third by tallying four runs, including a three-run shot from Loynd to give the road team a 4-0 advantage. 

Delaware kept the offensive attack on Stony Brook by scoring a run in the fourth inning and three more in the fifth inning to go up 8-0. After Rizzo held Delaware scoreless in the sixth and seventh inning, the Fightin’ Blue Hens would score a run in the eighth to take a 9-0 lead. But, the Seawolves offense would get to work in their half of the eighth inning by tallying five runs in the inning to cut the deficit to 9-5. 

Beginning the charge in the eighth inning rally was Matt Miceli and Cam Santerre reaching on a hit by pitch and drawing a walk. With two runners on base, Fox mashed his 200th career hit by leaving the left field fence, making the score 9-3. Following the single from Pilla, Brown-Eiring would come up with his team-high sixth home run of the season that cut the Delaware lead to 9-5. 

The road team would capture another run in the top of the ninth and left a Seawolf runner on base in the final inning to ultimately  secure the 10-5 victory. 

Up next, the team returns to the diamond on May 16 as they head to Boston to battle Northeastern in a three game set. First pitch for the final CAA series of the season is slated for 2  p.m. and can be streamed live on FloBaseball.

Paws in Puddles ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On May 3, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (holding scissors) joined in celebrating the grand opening of Paws in Puddles, a small, family owned and operated self-service dog wash and grooming salon located at 1844E Route 112 in Coram with a ribbon cutting.

The new business, owned and operated by Eduardo Fernandez (center left) and his wife, Christine Fernandez (center right), is equipped with multiple tubs for self-service dog washing, or you can entrust your pet with the “Paws in Puddles” staff to wash for you. If you are interested in their staff grooming services, bring in your dog ahead of time for a fair and accurate quote in person. 

For more information, please call 631-846-6096 or visit their website at www.PawsInPuddles.com. 

Front row, pictured left to right are Brett Davenport (Senior VP at Island Federal Bank); Joan Nickeson (Port Jefferson Station (PJST) Chamber of Commerce Community Liaison); Kayla Fernandez, Eduardo Fernandez, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Jennifer Dzvonar, president of PJST Chamber of Commerce; Eduardo Fernandez (owner), Christine Fernandez (owner), Cheryl Goodall (groomer), Jennifer Sanchez (groomer), Tabatha Fajardo (Town Legislative Aide), Stephanie Quiroga (PNC), Paul Perrone (VP of PJST Chamber).