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Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that seriously injured an E-bike rider in Kings Park on May 13.

Christoper Byrne was driving a 2015 Honda CR-V and turning onto the eastbound lane of Pulaski Road when the vehicle struck a westbound Ridstar E-bike in front of 152 Pulaski Road at 3:47 p.m.

The E-bike rider, Ezra Ama, 14, of Kings Park, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Byrne, 23, of Kings Park, was not injured.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452.

Photo from Emma Clark Library

Save the date! Catholic Health Mobile Outreach Bus will be in the parking lot of Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for free health screenings on Thursday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registered nurses will provide blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, glucose and cardiac screenings, along with patient education and referrals as needed. Last screening begins at 1:45 p.m. No appointments are necessary, there are no fees, and insurance is not required. Questions? Email [email protected].

'The Foamies' by Jonathan Spector will be on view at Gallery North through June 22. Image courtesy of Gallery North

Up next at Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket is their annual The Winner’s Circle exhibition celebrating the award-winning artists of the 2024 Outdoor Art Show and Music Festival.

The Winner’s Circle exhibition features recipients of the Best in Show award and best in categories including mixed media, fiber art, jewelry, painting, photography, and pottery at the 2024 Outdoor Art Show and Music Festival hosted every September by Gallery North. Featuring some of the finest art and craft from regional artists and artisans over its long 60-year history, the festival is a vital part of the regional art community and a significant tradition for the public. The 2024 festival judges, Nina Sangimino, Curator of the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook; Frances Campani, painter and associate professor of architecture at the NY Institute of Technology, and contemporary artist, Scott Farrell evaluated over 80 exhibitors to present the 14 available awards.

This exhibition is generously sponsored by the Field Family, Pet ER 24/7, Jefferson’s Ferry, and Suffolk County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning.

On view from May 15 to June 22, the exhibition features works by artists Paul Speh, Cassandra Voulo, Laura and Dennis Kemple, Juan Cruz Reverberi, William Demaria, Galina Carroll, Jessamyn Go, Chloe Wang, Cassandra Hussey, Susan Rodgers, Mary Jane van Zeijts, Jonathan Spector, Ash Garcia-Diaz, Sophia Syritsyna, and Eileen Cassidy.

The community is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, May 15 from  6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Meet the artists and view their work, and enjoy live music by Kane Daily. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 631-751-2676 or visit www.gallerynorth.org.

 

Joe Salamone, Founder & Exec Dir, Long Island Coalition Against Bullying, at Governor Hochul's press conference on May 13.

The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying (LICAB) joined New York Governor Kathy Hochul in Farmingdale on May 13 to celebrate the newly announced K-12 bell-to-bell cell phone ban, a major component of the state budget expected to pass in Albany. This first-of-its-kind measure makes New York the largest state in the nation to adopt a school-day cell phone ban, and LICAB hails it as a transformative win for student safety and well-being.

The new policy prohibits student cell phone use throughout the school day – from the first bell to the last – across all New York State public schools. It is designed to reduce distractions, protect students from cyberbullying, and restore in-person connection and focus in classrooms.

At the press conference, LICAB Founder & Executive Director Joe Salamone spoke alongside Governor Hochul to highlight the policy’s impact and the years of advocacy leading to this moment.

“Smartphones are valuable tools, but without limits, they do real harm. We see it every day. Bullying no longer hides in stairways. It happens in group chats, in videos recorded without consent, often memorializing what should have been fleeting moments,” said Salamone. “Today, we begin restoring something essential – real childhood, real social growth, and real community.”

Founded in 2013, LICAB is the region’s only nonprofit solely dedicated to preventing and addressing bullying. The organization has long advocated for statewide protections for students, including its support of last year’s Safe For Kids Act, also championed by Governor Hochul.

Salamone noted the positive impact of similar cell phone restrictions already in place in select schools across Long Island.

“In over 200 classroom visits I made this school year alone, administrators who’ve implemented similar bans estimate an 85% reduction in bullying and peer conflict. The results speak for themselves – this is no longer theory, it’s proven,” he added.

The policy gives local school districts the flexibility to implement the ban in a way that fits their unique communities, while ensuring a uniform standard of safety and focus for all students statewide.

“Come September, students all across New York will walk into schools no longer tethered to the pressures of their phones,” said Salamone. “They will be freer – freer to learn, to connect, and to thrive. This is not just policy, it’s progress. It’s protection. And today, thanks to Governor Hochul, it’s a reality.”

For more information about the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying and its mission, visit www.licab.org.

About LICAB:
The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to emphasizing the importance of bully-free communities on Long Island through education, increased awareness, and therapeutic support for children and families. LICAB’s services include school programming, family advocacy, peer support groups, and community education.

 

 

Flowers bloom at The Shoppes at East Wind

Get ready for a day of family fun, fitness, and community wellness as The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River presents their first annual Family Health & Wellness Day, a motivating FREE event designed to inspire healthy living and bring our community together, on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

This exciting event blends health education with hands-on experiences for all ages. Enjoy high-energy fitness classes, soothing mindfulness sessions, and expert insights into healthy living—all while exploring the offerings of local health and wellness providers.

“We’re inspired to launch this inaugural event at The Shoppes,” said Charlotte Coté, Marketing Director at East Wind. “It’s about living well, supporting local businesses, and showing families all the incredible health resources right here in our own backyard.”

Highlights Include:

  • Live CPR & safety demos with the Wading River Fire Department
  • Narcan training by East End THRIVE
  • Meet representatives from the North Fork Breast Health Coalition
  • Learn natural calming techniques for kids from Wellspring of Life Acupuncture

FITNESS SESSIONS SCHEDULE:

  • 11:00 AM – Pure Barre Pop-Up Class
  • 12:30 PM – Family Yoga with Margot
  • 1:30 PM – Singing Bowls & Meditation with Andrea
  • 2:30 PM – Acupressure for Kids: Live Demo

SPECIAL GUESTS:

The Wading River Fire Department will be onsite with a full ambulance, offering demonstrations and valuable family-focused safety education. “We’re proud to support this community event,” said Denis Gluck, 3rd Assistant Chief. “It’s an opportunity to connect with families and share lifesaving skills like CPR and water safety.”

Don’t miss this energizing day of wellness, discovery, and connection! Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness routine, explore holistic health options, or just enjoy a fun day out with the family, Family Health & Wellness Day is the place to be.

Rain date is May 18.

For more information, visit https://eastwindlongisland.com/event/family-health-and-wellness-day-at-the-shoppes/ 

About the Shoppes at East Wind

The Shoppes at East Wind opened in October of 2016 with 28 free standing specialty shoppes connected by brick-paved walkways. The quaint walking village features a variety of local merchants, including jewelers, artisan goods, custom clothing, yoga instruction, an ice cream parlor, pizza shop, bakery, candy store and full-service restaurant. A custom-made indoor pavilion serves as the centerpiece of the courtyard, housing a stunning, one-of-a-kind carousel with hand-carved horses and fantasy figures. EastWindLongIsland/Shoppes

Mather Hospital. Photo by Jim Lennon

Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson has been nationally recognized with the Healthgrades 2025 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ for the fifth year in a row (2021-2025) for delivering an exceptional patient experience. Mather is one of four hospitals in New York to receive the award and among the top 5% of hospitals in the country for patient experience for a second consecutive year.

This honor from Healthgrades, an online resource for information about physicians and hospitals, reflects Mather Hospital’s ongoing commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Each year, Healthgrades evaluates more than 3,000 hospitals across the country to identify those that consistently provide an exceptional experience from the patient’s perspective.

“This award speaks directly to the dedication and compassion of our entire team at Mather Hospital,” said Kevin McGeachy, President, Mather Hospital. “We are honored to receive this recognition, which reinforces our mission to put patients first in every aspect of their care.”

To determine recipients of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award, Healthgrades analyzed data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey submitted by hospitals across the U.S. The 2025 award is based on HCAHPS survey data collected from January 2023 to December 2023. Only hospitals that submitted at least 100 patient surveys during this time were considered.

Healthgrades applies a scoring methodology to 10 patient experience measures, including communication with nurses and doctors, responsiveness of hospital staff, explanation of medications, and cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment. Mather’s performance across these metrics reflects its success in creating a healing and supportive environment for patients and their families.

For example, 84% of Mather’s patients reported that their room and bathroom were “always” clean, and nurses “always” communicated well, while 89% of patients reported “yes” that they were given information about what to do during their recovery at home.

More than 630 runners turned out for the second annual St. James/Head of the Harbor Certified 5 Mile Challenge and 5K Fun Run on May 10, raising more than $86,000 for the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, scheduled to begin construction this year.

“This house is for us here in Suffolk County,” said Cynthia Lippe, Co-Chair, Suffolk County Ronald McDonald House Committee and Race Organizer. “It will support Stony Brook Children’s, which is the only children’s hospital we have, and the only level 1 pediatric trauma center we have.”

This will be the first Ronald McDonald House located in Suffolk County, and only the second on Long Island. The other Ronald McDonald House is in New Hyde Park on the border of Queens, located adjacent to Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

The 3-story, 60,000 sq. ft. building will include 30 private bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms for families, outdoor playgrounds, interactive playrooms, homeschooling spaces, and workspaces. It will also include three community kitchens providing free meals made by volunteers and fully stocked pantries, a fitness center, a wellness center, and laundry facilities.

A block party-style celebration followed the race and included music, 50/50 raffle, beer garden, kids’ games and activities, food trucks, vendor row, and more.

 

 

Ward Melville’s Claudine Weiner was named a recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award from Stony Brook University. Photo courtesy of The Three Village Central School District

The Three Village Central School District recently congratulated Claudine Weiner of Ward Melville High School on being named a recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award from Stony Brook University.

Mrs. Weiner has long been a valued member of the Three Village school community, serving with distinction as both a science teacher and athletic trainer. Her unwavering commitment to students and athletes has earned her the admiration and respect of colleagues, families and the broader school community, according to a press release.

From the classroom to the athletic fields, Mrs. Weiner’s dedication, compassion and expertise have left a meaningful and lasting impact. Her recognition by Stony Brook University is a testament to the remarkable contributions she has made in education and athletic training.

“The district proudly celebrates this honor and extends sincere thanks to Mrs. Weiner for her continued service and excellence,” read the release.

 

Anissa Abi-Dargham, MD. Photo by Jeanne Neville, Stony Brook Medicine

Anissa Abi-Dargham, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Radiology, and the Lourie Endowed Chair of the Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Health in the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) at Stony Brook University, will receive the 2025 Award for Research in Psychiatry from the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

According to the APA, the Award for Research in Psychiatry recognizes a single distinguished contribution, a body of work, or a lifetime contribution that has had a major impact on the field and/or altered the practice of psychiatry.

Dr. Abi-Dargham is being recognized by the APA with the Award for Research in Psychiatry for her distinguished contributions over her career to schizophrenia research, which has had a major impact on the field. She will receive the award at the APA’s annual meeting on May 19 in Los Angeles.

“I am very honored and grateful to receive this award and be able to present the work of many trainees and collaborators I have had the privilege to work with over the course of my career,” says Dr. Abi-Dargham, also Associate Dean and Associate Vice President for Clinical and Translational Science at the RSOM.

“It is a pleasure to work with such talented and dedicated scientists and to contribute to the discovery process,” she adds. “This award is very meaningful, particularly at a time when research is facing many challenges.”

At Stony Brook since 2016, Dr. Abi-Dargham’s clinical and research expertise is in molecular imaging, pharmacology, schizophrenia, and addiction. The broad focus of her research within the RSOM is to advance the understanding of the neurobiology of severe mental illness, with one approach being investigation of molecular markers and their functional significance as measured with multi-modal imaging approaches.

The Setauket resident also oversees a multidisciplinary team with expertise in several types of neuroimaging techniques used in tandem to address important questions about brain mechanisms and schizophrenia.

During the APA annual meeting, Dr. Abi-Dargham will deliver a lecture to the nation’s APA members titled “Misfiring signals: Dopamine Dysfunction in Schizophrenia – From Neural Pathways to Behavioral Manifestations.”

 

 

 

Photo from Stony Brook University Athletics

Stony Brook baseball held leads in both games of May 10th’s doubleheader, but UNCW rallied late in each contest to sweep the twin bill, defeating the Seawolves 7-3 in both games at Brooks Field in Wilmington, N.C. 

GAME ONE: UNCW 7, STONY BROOK 3

Stony Brook threatened early, loading the bases in the top of the first after Matt Jackson led off with a single, but UNCW escaped the jam unscathed. The Seahawks then struck first with a leadoff homer in the bottom half of the inning.

Right-hander John Rizzo settled in after that, retiring six straight batters and working around a leadoff double in the fourth to keep the score at 1-0.

The Seawolves broke through in the fifth. After Matt Miceli reached on an error and moved to second, Jackson drove him in with a single up the middle to tie the game.

In the sixth, Nico Azpilcueta singled and Cam Santerre followed with a double down the left field line. Nick Solorzano brought in the go-ahead run with a groundout, giving Stony Brook a 2-1 lead. But the Seahawks responded with a six-run bottom of the seventh to take control.

Johnny Pilla doubled to start the ninth and later scored on a James Schaffer pinch-hit single, but UNCW closed out the 7-3 win.

GAME TWO: UNCW 7, STONY BROOK 3

The Seawolves jumped ahead in game two. Erik Paulsen singled and Matthew Jackson walked in the first, but UNCW stranded both runners. Left-hander Nick Rizzo made the start and got out of the first with help from Santerre and Pilla, who combined with Scott Gell for an inning-ending play at the plate.

Santerre added a single in the second before Rizzo tossed a 1-2-3 bottom half.

Schaffer opened the third with a walk, stole second, and moved up on a flyout before Azpilcueta plated him with a sac fly. Jackson followed with a solo homer, giving Stony Brook a 2-0 lead.

UNCW answered with two runs in the bottom of the third and added another in the fourth to go up 3-2.

The Seawolves responded in the fifth as Schaffer singled and scored on a double by Paulsen to tie the game at 3-3. But the Seahawks again pulled ahead, plating three in the bottom half for a 6-3 edge.

Matthew Canizares pitched a clean sixth with a strikeout, and Jackson and Pilla each singled in the seventh, but Stony Brook couldn’t bring them in. UNCW added one more in the seventh to close the scoring.

George Adams recorded the final two outs for Stony Brook, stranding a runner with a strikeout-throwout double play.

The Seawolves went down in order in the ninth as UNCW secured its second 7-3 win of the day.

The team returns home for its final regular season series, hosting Monmouth beginning May 15 at Joe Nathan Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. on FloCollege.