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Sabrina Franco

Nine Suffolk County Community College students have been honored for their academic achievements by three prestigious organizations that recognize academic achievement, excellence and leadership. Several of the students have earned multiple awards.

Seven students were awarded The State University of New York’s (SUNY) highest honor, The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence; eight are Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-State recipients, and three are Coca-Cola scholars.

“We take immense pride in the remarkable accomplishments of these outstanding students,” said Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College. “These are students who are engaged in their home and college communities; they innovate, dream, and achieve. Their dedication and exceptional efforts underscore their extraordinary potential.

About the awards:

The student recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence are recognized for their integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives including leadership, campus involvement, community service, arts (creative or performing).

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.3 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.

The Coca-Cola Academic Team recognizes high achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.

The 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholars are awarded $1,500 scholarships and Silver Scholar’s receive a $1,250 scholarship. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion. Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.

Award Recipients:
Sabrina Franco

Sabrina Franco – PTK All-NY State and SUNY Chancellor’s Award

Sabrina Franco, a Music major from Bay Shore, NY has a 3.9 GPA and has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester for the last two years. Sabrina holds the positions of Vice President of Scholarship for PTK’s Alpha Zeta Nu Chapter, Senator of the Student Government Association at the Ammerman Campus, and is a Northwell Community Scholar. She is a member of the Honors Program, the college’s Symphonic Band and PTK’s Community College All-State Academic Team. Sabrina volunteers with New York State Association for Bilingual Education, an organization which addresses the needs of English language and bilingual learning students. She plans to attend Hofstra University and study music.

Joseph Gonzalez

Joseph Gonzalez– PTK All-NY State, PTK All- USA, SUNY Chancellor’s Award

Joseph Gonzalez, a Liberal Arts-History major from West Babylon, NY, excels with a 4.0 GPA and consecutive Dean’s List recognition for the last two years. He holds key leadership positions at the college, including PTK Chapter President, President of Student Veterans of America, Honors Club President, and History Club Vice President. Joseph is a Get There From Here scholar, an EOP Tutor and a member of the prestigious 2024 All-USA Academic Team. He was named New York State’s 2024 New Century Transfer Scholar and was the recipient of the Prestigious David R. Pierce Scholarship. He plans to attend Columbia University and study history.

Ali Jedlicka

Ali Jedlicka – PTK All-NYState, Coca-Cola Gold Scholar, SUNY Chancellor’s Award

Ali Jedlicka, a Liberal Arts Psychology major from East Quogue, NY, holds a 4.0 GPA and consistently earns Dean’s List recognition. As Vice President of Scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Eta Psi Chapter, she was a keynote speaker at the fall 2023 Induction Ceremony. Ali, a member of the PTK All USA Academic Team, is also a dedicated Peer Mentor and Honors program member. Beyond academics, she volunteers for Bide-a-wee Animal Shelter and Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach Program, showcasing her commitment to community service and making a positive impact. She plans to attend St. Joseph’s University and study psychology. 

Arshiyan Kahn

Arshiyan Khan – PTK All-NY State, Coca-Cola Gold Scholar, SUNY Chancellor’s Award

Arshiyan Khan, a Business Administration Honors major from Selden, NY, has an impressive 4.0 Arshiyan Khan, GPA and consistent Dean’s List honors for the past two years. As a Get There From Here Scholar, Arshiyan holds prominent leadership roles, serving as President of the Business and Accounting Club, Vice President of Leadership for PTK’s Alpha Zeta Nu Chapter, and Treasurer of the Student Government Association at the Ammerman Campus. A member of PTK’s Community College All-State Academic Team, Arshiyan is actively involved in the Rotaract Community Service Club and dedicates time as an orientation leader and regular volunteer at the Ammerman Campus Food Pantry. He plans to attend Stony Brook University to study accounting.

Valery Marquez

Valery Marquez – PTK All-NY State, Coca-Cola Silver Scholar, SUNY Chancellor’s Award

Valery Marquez, a Business Administration major from Brentwood, NY has a 3.6 GPA and has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester for the last two years. Valery is a Get There From Here scholar and serves as President of the Student Government Association at the Michael J. Grant Campus, a dedicated Conduct Board Member, and a visionary Founder of the First-Generation Club. A member of PTK’s Community College All-State team, Valery actively volunteer at the campus food pantry and coordinates donors for the campus blood drives. She plans to transfer to Fordham University to pursue a degree in Business Administration and then attend law school, aiming to make a positive impact in public interest and policy law.

Krista Padilla – PTK All-NY State

Krista Padilla, a Business Administration major from Bronx, NY has a 3.7 GPA and has earned placement on the Dean’s List. Krista is a member of Phi Theta Kappa.

Melissa Ramos

Melissa Ramos -SUNY  Chancellor’s Award

Melissa Ramos, a Political Science Major from Brentwood, NY, maintains a remarkable 3.9 GPA and consistent Dean’s List recognition. Beyond her academics, she chairs the Rotaract Community Service Club, serves on the Brentwood Advisory Board, and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Pi Alpha Sigma, and the Art Club. Melissa actively volunteers at Iglesia De Dios El Buen Camino, supporting her church and local charities by selling food to raise funds. Her commitment to academics, leadership, and community service not only exemplifies excellence but also makes a positive impact on both her academic and local communities. She plans to study political science at Hofstra University.

Daisa Reynosa

Daisa Reynosa – PTK All-NY State, Chancellors Award

Daisa Reynosa, a Business Administration major from Westhampton Beach, NY, has a 3.7 GPA, and has earned Dean’s List recognition each semester. Daisa serves as the President of both Alpha Beta Gamma and Alpha Sigma Lambda. She actively contributes to the campus community as a member of the Campus Activities Board and is a member of PTK’s Community College All-State Academic Team. Daisa also serves as an Office Assistant for the Eastern Campus Department of ESL. Her advocacy for ESL students is evident through her dedicated efforts to ensure their inclusion in all campus club activities.

Madonna Rodriguez – PTK All-NY State

Madonna Rodriguez, a Nursing LPN to RN major from Mastic Beach NY, holds a 3.7 GPA, and has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester for the last two years. Madonna serves as a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Pi Alpha Sigma. She plans to work as an LPN at Wellridge Addiction Treatment Facility in Calverton, NY.

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling approximately 21,000 students at its three campuses in Selden, Brentwood and Riverhead. Suffolk offers the Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, as well as a variety of certificate programs. Offering affordable college tuition, a highly respected Honors program, workforce training programs, extensive extracurricular activities, championship athletic teams, and numerous transfer programs, Suffolk is a first-choice college for Long Island students. Visit them online at sunysuffolk.edu.

 

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole from a Lake Grove store this month.

A man allegedly stole sunglasses, valued at $3,115, from Sunglass Hut, located in the Smith Haven Mall, on April 11 at approximately 8 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers
Photo courtesy of Maple Family Centers

More than 100 Suffolk County kids bowled with officers from the Suffolk County Police Department’s 6th and 7th Precincts at Coram Country Lanes in Coram. The inaugural event, entitled “Bowling with a Cop” and hosted by the two precincts, was free for kids and took place on Saturday, April 6.

The event gave kids an opportunity to get to know their local police officers in a fun, casual setting. While the event welcomed kids from kindergarten up through high school, the majority of attendees were in the 9-14 age range.

“We are working on building the relationships between police and our youth,” said Officer Stacie Pollio, who is a School Resource Officer with the 7th Precinct. “By hosting these types of events, we are making memories and impacting lives in a positive way.”

The precincts reached out to neighboring school districts and quickly reached capacity for the event. Officers went around from lane to lane to spend time with the kids. In addition to two games of bowling, the kids were also treated to pizza and soft drinks.

“We were thrilled to work with the men and women in blue on this wonderful inaugural community event,” said Joe LaSpina, Vice President of Maple Family Lanes, which owns Coram Country Lanes. “Bowling is a fun activity that brings people together, and there were a lot of smiles at our bowling center that day as the kids and officers bonded over bowling and pizza. I am sure it will be a memorable experience for all in attendance.”

Coram Country Lanes is located at 615 Middle Country Road in Coram.

For more information or to set up an interview, contact Ron Gold at 516-297-1637 or [email protected].

 

About Maple Family Centers

Providing fun for friends and families since 1960, Maple Family Centers consists of five family-owned bowling centers including Coram Country Lanes in Coram, N.Y.; Maple Lanes RVC in Rockville Centre, N.Y.; Jib Lanes in Flushing, N.Y.; Maple Lanes Countryside in Clearwater, Fla; and Orange Bowl Lanes in Lakeland, Fla. A third-generation family-owned and operated company, Maple Family Centers is all about entertaining the community and building relationships. President John LaSpina and Vice President Joe LaSpina share their joy of bowling with families and sports enthusiasts and lead MFC in supporting the needs of the community by creating fundraising opportunities for not-for-profit agencies.

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Photo from Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve is sponsoring a photography contest for photographers and artists!! The winning image of this 18th-century tide mill will be printed on the labels of a custom brew issued by Six Harbors Brewing Company this August, and the winner will be celebrated at a special awards ceremony at the brewery.

For creative inspiration, take a tour of the mill operated by the Huntington Historical Society, paddle your kayak to the end of Puppy Cove, or visit us at www.huntingtontidemill.org. 

“The Lefferts Tide Mill is a place where you can capture the essence of the beautiful setting that has been home to the Tide Mill for 231 years,” commented Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano, the Executive Director.

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve is a not-for-profit organization, established in 2013, with a mission to preserve and protect an 18th century tide mill, located in the Village of Lloyd Harbor, that is the best-preserved tidal grist mill in the United States.  The mill design is based on U.S. Patent No. 3 for an “automatic mill” signed by President George Washington.  The mill pond has flourished into a haven for native and migratory waterfowl, contributing significantly to the region’s biodiversity. 

Photos and camera ready drawings should be submitted to  Claudia Fortunato-Napolitano, Executive Director, at [email protected] or mailed to Lefferts Mill at P.O. Box 1482, Huntington, NY 11743, by June 30, 2024.  

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File photo

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating an incident in which a man was shot in his wallet at an apartment complex in Coram on April 17.

An unknown person fired multiple shots into a vehicle located at the intersection of Homestead Drive
and Grant Court inside the Homestead Village Apartment Complex at approximately 10:50 a.m. A bullet became lodged in the wallet of a man who was inside the vehicle. The man was not injured.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652 or
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a woman who allegedly stole from an Islandia store in March.

A woman allegedly stole socks and shoes from Famous Footwear, located at 1770 Memorial Highway, at approximately 6:50 p.m. on March 11.

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.

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Pictured at the Legislature are Dr. Sylvia Diaz and Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

In 2022, the Legislature passed a resolution that each Legislator shall designate a Diversity Champion for their district in April of every year. The honoree is one who demonstrates an openness in thinking and respects diverse racial, cultural and ethnic differences.

Sylvia Diaz received her Ph.D. from the School of Social Work at SUNY Stony Brook. Dr. Diaz has had a long career in Suffolk County government where she headed the Office of Minority Affairs, then the Division of Human Services and lastly served as the Chief Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Social Services. She left public service in 2003, to serve as the Regional Vice President for the American Cancer Society. A position she held until 2013, when she joined the Suffolk County Community College Foundation as its Executive Director. She was there until early this year.

This past January, newly elected County Executive Ed Romaine appointed her as his Deputy County Executive for Health, Human Services and Education. Currently, she is serving as the Acting Commissioner of the Department of Social Services while a search is underway for a candidate to fill the position of Commissioner.

Legislator Trotta said, “I am thrilled to have a woman of Dr. Diaz’s caliber as my honoree and am confident that she will be a valuable asset to County Executive Ed Romaine and the residents of Suffolk County.”

 

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File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested an employee at a smoke shop for allegedly selling cannabis and illegal vape products without a license in Huntington Station on April 18.

In response to community complaints, Second Precinct Crime Section officers and Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Building Department executed a search warrant at Rollie’s Smoke Shop IV, located at 278 E. Jericho Turnpike at approximately 2:15 p.m. The investigators seized marijuana, THC marijuana vapes, large quantities of flavor vape products as well as cash.

An employee, Pardeep Kumar was arrested and charged with three counts of alleged Unlawful Sale of Cannabis, three counts of Sale of Cannabis Without a License, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis, two counts of Criminal Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Degree, and Unlawful Sale of Flavor Vapes.

The Town of Huntington issued several violations and is conducting a further investigation into the business. Kumar, 35, of Bellerose, was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to appear at First
District Court in Central Islip on May 8.

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Clyves Laurent

Clyves Laurent Faces up to 15 Years in Prison at Sentencing

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Clyves Laurent, 30, of Elmont, was found guilty after a jury trial of weapons and drug charges, for possessing a defaced loaded handgun and methamphetamine outside of a Mount Sinai gas station convenience store.

“This defendant, a previously convicted violent felon, was in possession of a defaced and loaded handgun when he entered a convenience store with a ski mask on,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the sharp eyes and quick thinking of an off-duty Suffolk County detective, a potentially violent incident was averted.”

The evidence at trial established that on February 11, 2023, at approximately 1:20 a.m., an off- duty Suffolk County Police Department detective observed a male matching the description of a person wanted for a robbery of a Smoke Shop that occurred a week earlier at a Sunoco gas station in Mount Sinai. The detective observed that Laurent entered the gas station’s convenience store wearing a ski mask, did not purchase anything, and then quickly exited.

When the detective approached Laurent, he observed a bulge in the defendant’s pants which appeared to be a firearm.

Laurent became combative and refused to keep his hands away from his waistband. The detective called for assistance, and when officers arrived, they attempted to conduct a frisk of Laurent for weapons, at which point he unsuccessfully attempted to flee.

After Laurent was placed in custody, the detective removed a defaced Glock handgun from the defendant’s groin area. Laurent was transported to the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Precinct, where upon being processed for the arrest, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

On April 18, 2024, Laurent was convicted after a jury trial, heard before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei, of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Additionally, in 2010, Laurent was previously convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class D felony.

Laurent is due back in court for sentencing on May 21, 2024, and faces up to 15 years in prison. He is being represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jennifer Wickers and Raquel Tisi of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Thomas Daley and Christopher Sanchez of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad.

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In perfect timing with Earth Day, the Smithtown Township Arts Council presents Surrounded by Water, a juried art exhibit at the Mills Pond Gallery in St. James featuring the work of 94 artists from 53 communities in New York whose work shows us the elegance, power, and fragility of the Long Island waters that are a source of beauty and wonder. The show runs from April 20 to May 18. 

From ponds, streams and bays to oceans, the waters of Long Island have long provided artists endless possibilities in which to seek their muse. Artists were invited to submit works that will stir memories and curiosities about our beautiful Long Island waters, inspiring gallery visitors to reflect on their relationship to the water that shapes nearly every aspect of their lives and how we must all work to protect it.

Mediums include oil, acrylic, colored pencil, conté, gouache, ink, mixed media, pastel, pencil, photography, and watercolor. Prizes will be awarded for Best in Show along with second and third prize.

Exhibiting artists include Adam Smith,  Al Candia, Anastasia Eswar, Angela Stratton, Anthony Davis,Barbara Bilotta, Barbara Jeanne Siegel, Barbara Keenan, Barry Feuerstein, Bart DeCeglie, Bernice Corbin, Carissa Millett, Carol Ceraso, Carol Koch, Catherine Rezin, Christine MacDonagh, Christopher Buckley, Daniel van Benthuysen, Diana Aliberti, Diane Oliva, Dominique Treboux, Drigo Morin, Ellen Ferrigno, Frederic Mendelsohn, George Junker, Gia Horton, Hillary Serota Needle, Howie Pohl, Irene Vitale, Jacques Garant, James Fingado, James Kelson, Jan Guarino, Jane McGraw-Teubner, Jared Glennon, Jeanette Martone,  Jim Minet, Joan Rockwell, JoAnn Gushue, JoAnne Dumas, John Mansueto, John Taylor, Judith Musaro, Judy Pagano, Judy Stone, Karen Davis, Karen Mortimore, Kathee Shaff Kelson, Katheryn Laible, Khrystyne Robillard-Smith, Kusuma Bheemineni, Linda Hartman, Lisa Marie Scrima-Castelli, Lori Scarlatos, Lou Charnon-Deutsch, Lynn Staiano, Margaret Governale, Mark Levine, Marsha Abrams, Mary Kiernan, Matthew Lombardo, Melanie Reim, Mike Stanko, Myungja Anna Koh, Nancy Wernersbach, Oscar Santiago, Patricia DiGiovanni, Patricia Venturino, Patti Peterson, Patty Yantz, Paul Edelson, Regina Halliday, Renee Caine, Robert Berson, Robert Roehrig, Robert Wallkam, Sally Anne Keller, Scott Hartman, Sheila Breck, Sheniqua Young, Stacey Schuman, Susan Guihan Guasp, Terry Tramantano, Theodora Zavala, Tianzhou Zhao, Tina Anthony, Tracy Mahler Tekverk, Vanessa Pineda Fox, Vicki Field, Vivian Hershfield, Whitney Bell, and William Reed.

The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, April 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. to meet the exhibiting artists and view their work. 

Mills Pond Gallery is located at 660 Route 25A, Saint James. Hours of operation are Wednesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4 p.m. (closed May 12). Admission to the gallery is always free. For more information, call 631-862-6575 or visit www.millspondgallery.org.

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