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Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) 

After three years, the Stony Brook University (SBU) Economic Development  Incubator Showcase returns in full force on Wednesday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to noon at the University’s  Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) building.

More than 60 companies from the university’s incubation system in the areas of biotechnology, energy, IT and food will be on-hand to provide attendees the opportunity to speak with the SBU entrepreneurs and network with business owners, financiers and investors. Please find the list of companies here.

The event is free with pre-registration required and must be completed by June 7.

“The showcase celebrates the entrepreneurial culture built at the university and the individual success of each company at every phase,” said Peter Donnelly, Associate Vice President for Technology Partnerships. “Investors, government officials, attorneys, business services professionals, and the public can meet with Stony Brook incubator companies’ leadership to see first-hand the technologies these entrepreneurs are bringing to the marketplace.”

This event is a joint effort by Stony Brook University’s Centers of Excellence, Centers for Advanced Technology, Long Island High Technology, CEBIP & Calverton Incubators.  Directions to the CEWIT building can be found here.

A view of the eroding bluff. Photo from Village of Port Jefferson
Sarah Anker
Suffolk County Legislator, 6th District

Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, in conjunction with New York Sea Grant, will host a public presentation for homeowners on coastal erosion on June 9 at 7:30 p.m.. The informational session will discuss erosion, the recession of bluffs and shorelines, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disturbances caused by the changing climate.

“As erosion has impacted many residents in my district, it has become necessary to empower coastal homeowners with the knowledge to stay prepared for any disturbances and changes ahead,” said Legislator Anker. “I would like to thank New York Sea Grant for their partnership as well as their many contributions toward public safety and education throughout their many years of research and service.”

The event will feature speakers from New York Sea Grant, including Elizabeth Hornstein, who specializes in Sustainable and Resilient Communities. She will discuss her work with the Long Island Sound community to anticipate and address erosion caused by the changing climate. In addition, New York State Sea Grant’s Coastal Processes and Hazards Specialist Kathleen Fallon will be presenting on erosion, recession of land, and options for mitigation.

This presentation will be held via Zoom at 7:30pm on Thursday, June 9th. Please use this link https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkcu-qrTgoE9ZJRR7H7KVmGLwF6aTmMXDJ to register for the event. To receive additional information, please call Legislator Anker’s office at 631-854-1600.

Pixabay photo

On Wednesday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. Suffolk County Legislators Rob Trotta, Manuel Esteban and Stephanie Bontempi will host an Identify Theft Prevention Seminar at the East Northport Public Library, 185 Larkfield Road,  in East Northport.  

Assistant District Attorneys from District Attorney Ray Tierney’s Financial Crimes Bureau will address Identity Theft from an elder abuse point of view focusing on motor vehicle theft, forged documents, insurance fraud, and other acts of identity theft.

As a former Suffolk County Detective, I know first-hand how devastating identity theft can be for our seniors and that they are reluctant targets of such crimes,” said Legislator Trotta. “I encourage everyone to attend as anyone can be an unwilling victim,” Trotta added.

“Anyone can be the victim of ID theft, especially someone who is not equipped with preventive strategies. Hearing from and engaging with ID theft prevention experts is a fantastic way to avoid becoming a victim,” said Legislator Stephanie Bontempi.

Legislator Manuel Esteban Sr. said, “It is my pleasure to partner on another important community program to help our residents.”

The event is free and open to all. The library will be taking reservations via phone at (631) 261-2313 or through its website at https://www.nenpl.org/

Hyeseon Hong

Composer, arranger Hong blends classical, modern jazz big band and Traditional Korean music

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, will be welcoming the Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra on June 17 for one performance only at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.thejazzloft.org. The concert is part of the Olivia & Harlan Fischer Concert Series.

Hyeseon Hong (hay-son · hong) is a Korean jazz composer and arranger who has been working

in both New York City and Seoul for many years. In 2017 she released EE-YA-GI (translated “Stories”), on the Summit record label featuring her original compositions and arrangements. Hong’s music creates a dialog between her Korean cultural heritage and the culture of the west.

“We are certainly in for an exceptional jazz experience,” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “I’m also pleased that the Jazz Loft can offer this unique opportunity to hear one the leading female jazz band leaders perform original works. I know it will be a memorable musical experience.”

“I am thrilled to have an opportunity to bring my jazz orchestra to the Jazz Loft to premiere some of my new work with some brilliant musicians, Hong said. “Through my music, I will tell the audience stories of women, Korean culture and travel adventures.”

Here is what others have said about the Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra:

“The best from East and West in a combination wholly unique – beautiful, musical, superb

ensemble work”– Grady Harp

“Exhibiting an insatiable appetite for jazz-fusion, Ms. Hong proves to be a talented orchestrator and musical thinker who is not afraid to risk while crossing genre boundaries.”– Jazz Trail

“She successfully mixes elements of classical music, modern big band jazz and traditional

Korean music to create a compelling and rich tapestry of sound.”–UK Vibe

Hong will be performing with her band, featuring The band will feature:saxes: Ben Kono, Alejandro Aviles, Rich Perry, Jeremy Powell, Lauren Sevian, Trumpets: Ben Hankle, David Smith, Colin Brigstocke, Jonathan Saraga, Trombones: Mike Fahie, Daniel Linden, Greg DeAngelis, Becca Patterson, Rhythm Section: Broc Hempel, Matt Panayides, Evan Gregor and Jeff Davis Vocalist: EJ Park.

Hyeseon Hong (hay-son · hong) is a Korean jazz composer and  arranger who has been working in both NYC and Seoul for many years. In 2017 she released EE-YA-GI, on the Summit record label featuring her original compositions and arrangements. Her music creates a dialog between her Korean cultural heritage and the culture of the west. This theme is the centerpiece of the Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra, in which Hong blends elements of classical music, modern jazz big band, and Korean traditional music to create a sound that is at once familiar yet original. Her compelling compositions feature beautiful melodies with harmonically-rich, impressionistic backgrounds. Korean art is characterized by harmony with nature. Hong, who spent many years studying art in her native Seoul, approaches each composition with the eye of a painter, using Korean rhythms and memorable melodies to create inviting sonic pictures of the natural world.

The Jazz Loft is located just 90 minutes from New York City and is the only music venue on Long Island that features exclusively jazz music.

'The Golden Girls'
Fathom Events presents a special screening of six of the most memorable episodes of ‘The Golden Girls’

Fathom Events has announced the return of the Emmy Award-winning television sitcom, “The Golden Girls,” to select theaters nationwide for the second consecutive year.  “Forever Golden!  A Celebration of the Golden Girls” hits movie theaters for two nights: Tuesdays June 7 and 14.

The series stars Bea Arthur (Dorothy Zbornak), Betty White (Rose Nylund), Rue McClanahan (Blanche Devereaux), and Estelle Getty (Sophia Petrillo) as four women in their golden years who share both a home and a friendship in Miami, Florida.  This special event will feature some of the most memorable episodes from the series.

“We’re excited to bring this beloved show back to the big screen this summer,’” said Ray Nutt, Fathom Events CEO. “The storyline and the friendships between these very different women have stood the test of time.  Fans love it just as much now as they did when it first aired on television back in the 80’s.”

This must-see, two-night event will feature episodes including:

The Competition, Season 1, Episode 7:  In a bowling competition, it’s Dorothy and Blanche verses Rose and Sophia. If Sophia and Rose win, Dorothy will allow Sophia to go back to Sicily for a visit with an old beau and if Dorothy and Blanche win Sophia will give her a pair of antique earrings.

It’s a Miserable Life, Season Two, Episode 4:  The girls circulate a petition to save a 200-year-old oak tree which is located on the property of the most hated woman in the neighborhood, Frieda Claxton, who wants the tree cut down.

The Sisters, Season 2, Episode 12:  For Sophia’s birthday, Dorothy flies in her sister, Angela from Sicily as a surprise. However, Dorothy’s the one who’s surprised when Sophia’s reaction is that of disgust.

Scared Straight, Season 4, Episode 9:  Blanche’s brother, Clayton comes to Miami for a visit and Blanche goes all out fixing him up on blind dates. However, Rose learns the truth, Clayton is gay and is afraid to tell Blanche the truth about himself.

Sisters of the Bride, Season 6, Episode 14:   Blanche’s gay brother Clayton, makes a visit to Miami with a surprise, he has found the right person to make a commitment to, but Blanche still can’t get over Clayton’s sexual orientation. Meanwhile, Rose expects to win a Volunteer of the Year award.

The Case of the Libertine Belle, Season 7, Episode 2:  The girls participate in a murder mystery weekend and Dorothy has a ball when she solves a mystery. However, when Blanche is accused committing a real murder, Dorothy will have to use all her keen detective skills to find the real murderer.

“The Golden Girls” premiered in September 1985 and delighted fans over 7 seasons and 180 half-hour episodes.  The series follows Miami homeowner Blanche Devereaux, joined by Rose Nylund and Dorothy Zbornak, brought together by a fateful ad for roommates posted by Blanche in a grocery store.  The three are joined by Dorothy’s mother, Sophia Petrillo, a feisty Sicilian woman who rounds out the fabulous foursome.  Together, the women form the perfect circle of friends.

“Forever Golden!  A Celebration of the Golden Girls” will  play in movie theaters on Tuesday, June 7 and Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. (all times local).  Locally the film will be screened at Regal Deer Park 16, 455 Commack Road, Deer Park; Island 16 Cinema de Lux, 185 Morris Ave., Holtsville; and Farmingdale Multiplex, 1001 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale. A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices.

A scene from 'The Wizard of Oz." Photo courtesy of Fathom Events

One of the most influential films of all time is returning to movie theaters for two days only.

Fathom Events and Warner Bros. will present “The Wizard of Oz” in over 800 select  theaters nationwide on Sunday, June 5, and Monday, June 6.

“In celebration of what would have been Judy Garland’s 100th birthday, join fans across the county for a special showing of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ featuring a rarely seen extended musical number,” said a release from Fathom Events. In the scene, Ray Bolger (Scarecrow) performs a dance routine that was cut from the original movie.

Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s children’s tale about a Kansas girl’s journey over the rainbow, the film was directed by Victor Fleming (who that same year directed ‘Gone With the Wind’), produced by Mervyn LeRoy, and scored by Herbert Stothart, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. Starring Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke and Margaret Hamilton, the film opened at Grauman’s Chinese Theater on Aug. 15, 1939. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, winning awards for Best Original Song for “Over the Rainbow” and Best Original Score.

In this classic musical fantasy, Judy Garland stars as Dorothy Gale, a young Kansas farm girl who dreams of a land “somewhere over the rainbow.” Dorothy’s dream comes true when she, her dog Toto, and her family’s house are transported by a tornado to a bright and magical world unlike anything she has seen before. Unfortunately, she makes a mortal enemy of a wicked witch when the house falls on the hag’s sister. Now, befriended by a scarecrow without a brain, a tin man with no heart and a cowardly lion — and protected by a pair of enchanted ruby slippers — Dorothy sets off along a yellow brick road for the Emerald City to beseech the all-powerful Wizard of Oz for his help to return home.

In 1989, it was selected by the Library of Congress as one of the first 25 films for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” MGM reissued the film in 1949 and 1955.

In our neck of the woods the film will be screened at Island 16 Cinema De Lux in Holtsville  and Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas in Farmingdale on June 5 at 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. and on June 6 at 3 p.m.

Tickets to “Wizard of Oz: Judy Garland 100 Years Over The Rainbow” can be reserved at FathomEvents.com.

From left, Setauket Harbor Task Force co-founder, Laurie Vetere, Supervisor Ed Romaine, Setauket Harbor Task Force co-founder, George Hoffman and Bay Constable Connor Reid. Photo from Town of Brookhaven

On May 25, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine joined members of the Setauket Harbor Task Force as they brought in the season’s first Sugar Kelp harvest. This season, the growing location was moved from Setauket Harbor to Port Jefferson Harbor just offshore by the northwest mooring field.

Sugar Kelp is a brown-colored native seaweed that thrives in the cold waters of the Long Island Sound and other areas of the northeast. Aquaculture farmers seed juvenile Kelp on long lines attached to buoys or docks in November and December, and then they wait until spring to harvest the fast-growing crop. Kelp is an excellent dietary source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, calcium, magnesium, iodine, and other trace minerals; it can be used dried, powdered, fresh, cooked, and fresh frozen.

Pictured left to right are Setauket Harbor Task Force co-founder, Laurie Vetere, Supervisor Ed Romaine, Setauket Harbor Task Force co-founder, George Hoffman and Bay Constable Connor Reid.

The Setauket Harbor Task Force is a volunteer organization which works for clean water and healthy harbors. It was founded in 2014 by local Setauket residents who love the harbor and want to protect and preserve it. For more information about Sugar Kelp and to learn more about the Setauket Harbor Task Force, go to www.SaveSetauketHarbor.org.

The Jazz Loft. Photo by Cayla Rosenhagen
The following are events scheduled for July 2022 at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook:
Sat.    7/2      Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks                                                7:00 PM
Vince Giordano leads his 11 member Nighthawks in performing classic jazz. Bandleader, Grammy winner and multi instrumentalist, Giordano has appeared in multiple films including the Aviator, The Cotton club and HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. His band has recorded for multiple movies and TV series. He has championed the cause of keeping the music of the 20’s and 30’s alive and well for the last forty years and his efforts can be seen in a documentary about him, ” There’s A Future in the Past”. The Nighthawks are a stellar band that have been performing in clubs and music venues in NYC  and beyond for years.
Tickets: $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 students, $20 children, children 5 and under free.
Wed.  7/6      Young At Heart: Big Band Jazz                                                          1:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio will present music played by jazz big bands. Young at Heart is a monthly themed  afternoon jazz concert series for those that like their jazz in the afternoon.
Tickets: $10
Wed. 7/6        Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                      7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs. 7/7       The Jazz Loft Big Band                                                                    7:00 PM
The 17 member Jazz Loft Big Band led by trumpeter Tom Manuel performs jazz standards and original compositions and arrangements written by band members.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Wed. 7/13       Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                    7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs.7/14       Viva Cuba                                                                                       7:00 PM
Fri.     7/15
For two evenings, The Jazz Loft presents Viva Cuba. An 18 piece Latin big band led by Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel presents the music of Xavier Cugat, Machito, Tito Puente, Prez Prado among others.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Sat.   7/16       Bill Crow Trio                                                                                   7:00 PM
Bill Crow is a jazz bassist and author. He has played and recorded with Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz and Teddy Charles, among many. Ticket holders are welcome to come at 6 PM to enjoy the guitar music of Steve Salerno in the Count Basic Garden where refreshments will be available.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Wed.  7/20      Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                    7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs. 7/21     Bad Little Big Band                                                                          7:00 PM
The 12 member Bad Little Big Band led by pianist Rich Iacona, performs music of The Great American Songbook. Vocalist Madeline Kole accompanies the band.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Wed.  7/21     Jazz Loft Trio and Jam                                                                     7:00 PM
The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by at jam at 8 PM.
Tickets: $10 at 7 PM, $5 at 8 PM
Thurs.7/28      Interplay Jazz Orchestra                                                                  7:00 PM
The 17 piece Interplay Jazz Orchestra performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children. children 5 and under free
Fri.     7/29        The Warren Vache Quintet                                                             7:00 PM
Warren Vache has been impressing audiences for years with his versatility and his cornet, trumpet and flugelhorn stylings.
He has recorded and performed with many jazz greats including Benny Goodman, Rosemary Clooney and Bobby Short among many. He will be playing with Tom Manuel trumpet, Dan Pugach drums, Dean Johnson bass and Steve Salerno guitar.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
Sat.   7/30      The Smalls All-Stars                                                                            7:00 PM
The Smalls All-Stars are musicians from the Smalls Jazz Club in Manhattan.
Ticket holders are welcome to come at 6 PM to enjoy the guitar music of Steve Salerno in the Count Basie Garden where refreshments will be available.
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free
The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook Village. Phone 631 751-1895
Tickets are available at www.thejazzloft.org and subject to availability, before events.

File photo

Suffolk County Police today arrested a man for selling narcotics and possessing a firearm after police conducted a search warrant in Centereach on June 3.

Police began an investigation after what appears to be an overdose death at the end of May. Suffolk County Police Narcotics detectives, with the assistance of Suffolk County Police Emergency Service Section officers and Sixth Precinct officers executed a search warrant at the residence of Robert Williams of Centereach at approximately 4 p.m.

Police found more than 200 Oxycodone pills, a quantity of Codeine and a loaded revolver.

Williams, 21, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.  He will be held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on June 4.

* A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Nikhil Palekar, MD. Photo by Jeanne Neville/Stony Brook Medicine

Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease selected as the only recipient on Long Island, and one of only 10 NYSDOH-supported, hospital-based centers of its kind in New York State

Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease (CEAD) was awarded a new $2.35 million, state-funded grant over five years (2022-27 grant cycle) by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and renews on June 1. Of the 10 NYSDOH-supported, hospital-based centers in the state, Stony Brook Medicine is the only recipient of this competitive grant on Long Island and will continue to serve the growing needs of communities in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.

To qualify as a Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, a hospital-based center must meet rigorous standards which are measured and reviewed annually. These include: high quality diagnostic and assessment services for people with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia; patient management and care; referral of patients and their caregivers to community services; training and continuing education to medical professionals and students on the detection, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

With scientific strides being made in identifying potential new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Stony Brook’s efforts during this five-year grant cycle will also include a continued focus on research.

“The renewal of this important NYSDOH grant comes at a time when there are a growing number of people with Alzheimer’s disease in our state, many of whom reside in underserved communities right here on Long Island,” said Harold Paz, MD, MS, Executive Vice President Health Sciences, Stony Brook University, and Chief Executive Officer, Stony Brook University Medicine. “It reinforces the strong reputation Stony Brook has built over the years, as an expert in diagnosis, care, training and resources, and as an institution committed to being at the forefront of research and clinical trials seeking effective treatments and a cure.”

A Growing Population of 65+

According to the DOH, 410,000 New Yorkers age 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2025, this number is expected to increase to 460,000 New Yorkers needing care for Alzheimer’s disease. Long Island has the second-highest age 65+ population in New York State after New York City. On Long Island’s East End, approximately 36 percent of homes have at least one person in the household who is over 65 years of age.

“We are honored once again to be recognized for all that our team and community partners have accomplished as we continue to serve this vulnerable population,” said Nikhil Palekar, MD, Director, Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Palekar, who joined Stony Brook in 2017, has been instrumental in developing the Center’s mission and services.

An expert in the treatment and research of cognitive and mood disorders in older adults with grant funding from National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Dr. Palekar encourages people who are having trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions to get screened and diagnosed — the sooner the better. “When the brain is unable to function well, your entire health starts to suffer. If you’re having memory issues, you’re probably forgetting to take your medications for blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, causing a worsening of chronic medical conditions,” he noted.

Cognitive Screenings, Clinical Trials, Federally Qualified Health Center Partnerships

The Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, part of the Stony Brook Neurosciences Institute, now offers free cognitive screening clinics to the community at CEAD’s offices at Putnam Hall on the campus of Stony Brook University, as well as at Stony Brook’s Advanced Specialty Care location in Commack. The Stony Brook CEAD staff is also available to conduct free screenings in communities on Long Island upon request. Each individual screened will receive the screening results on the spot so that they can bring the results to their primary care physician for further assessment and treatment if needed.

The Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease also offers a variety of clinical trials in support of groundbreaking research studies on aging, memory, and dementia. Stony Brook has been selected as a study site for several clinical trials, including monoclonal antibody therapy trials that target amyloid plaque for the treatment of mild Alzheimer’s disease.

Another new initiative of the Stony Brook CEAD is the establishment of partnerships with several federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) on Long Island to help meet the needs of unserved and underserved people spanning communities from the east end to those bordering Queens. Stony Brook CEAD will provide free cognitive screening assessments, educational resources, training for physicians, and opportunities to participate in research studies and clinical trials, which will help improve early diagnosis and quality of life for people in these communities living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

For more information about the Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, visit ceadlongisland.org.

About the Stony Brook Neurosciences Institute:

Stony Brook Neurosciences Institute is the regional leader in diagnosing and treating a full range of brain, neurological and psychiatric disorders in adults and children. As a tertiary care center, we also serve as the “go-to” medical facility for community physicians and other specialists in the region who have complicated cases and seek advanced care for their patients. We bring the expertise of renowned specialists together with the use of sophisticated technology to deliver high-quality, disease-specific, comprehensive care for patients, while providing peace of mind to their families. This care includes access to various resources and therapies to assist with rehabilitation and reintegration into everyday living during and after treatment. The Institute features more than 15 specialty centers and programs — several that are unique to our region — and more than 70 research laboratories dedicated to the study of various neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases. The Institute also provides challenging yet supportive educational experiences that prepare graduates to practice in a variety of clinical and academic settings. To learn more, visit www.neuro.stonybrookmedicine.edu.