CLOSE
Authors Posts by Press Release

Press Release

6025 POSTS 0 COMMENTS

by -
0 1387
Zoe Abelson's serenading scene singing 'Take A Chance on Me'. Photo courtesy of CSHSD

Straight from the island of Kalokairi, this year’s Cold Spring Harbor High School musical delivered four unforgettable evenings of fast-paced performances and brilliant storytelling. From Feb. 7 to Feb. 9, audiences of all ages were treated to a fun-filled production of Mamma Mia! While bright costumes, talented vocals, and exciting dance scenes set the stage, it was the cast’s incredible chemistry that made this a spectacular performance. Based on songs recorded by Swedish group ABBA, the musical was clearly a cast favorite, featuring stand-out performances by seniors Zoe Abelson, Samantha Fiore, and Amelia Saladino.

From left, Zoe Abelson, Amelia Saladino and Samantha Fiore singing the encore of ‘Dancing Queen’. Photo courtesy of CSHSD

“I’ve been obsessed with Mamma Mia! and ABBA songs for years, so I was thrilled to find out it was my final musical at Cold Spring Harbor. The cast, stage and music came together better than I could have imagined,” said Zoe Abelson. “This year we had such a talented cast, including junior Sarah Thatcher who starred as Ellie, sophomore Charlotte Wells who played Tanya, and freshmen Max Yulico, Nick Apergis, and Andrew Bobelian who delivered amazing performances playing Sophie’s dads. I didn’t expect the last show to be so bittersweet. There was a lot of laughter but also a lot of tears. To my friends Samantha and Amelia, my cast and directors, I have loved every moment I spent with you. They were defining and something I will always treasure.”

Memorable performances include senior Zoe Abelson’s uplifting Chiquitita and hilarious rendition of Take a Chance on Me, senior Samantha Fiore’s charismatic Lay All Your Love on Me and energetic dance numbers like Gimme-Gimme-Gimme, and senior Amelia Saladino’s melancholy Slipping Through My Fingers and The Winner Takes It All.

Poster Perfect: Sophomore Charlotte Wells and seniors Zoe Abelson and Amelia Saladino. Photo courtesy of CSHSD

“I am exceptionally proud of our Cold Spring Harbor students in their performance of Mamma Mia! As the vocal director, I worked with the cast to learn an exceptionally high number of songs for one musical. Most songs had ensemble chorus as well, and the students took it in stride,” said Mr. Daniel Santangelo, chorus and theatre director. “They were able to achieve a great musical performance in addition to their acting and dancing. During the show, I wore a different hat as bassist in the pit and I was so glad to be able to contribute to the show and see it from that perspective. Bravi to the entire cast and crew!”

The encore of Dancing Queen inspired audiences to dance and sing along, and the performance of Super Trouper stole the show.

“I had a great experience conducting the pit this year. We brought back many previous musicians who have played for us, making it something of an all-star band,” said Mr. Andrew Hochler, band and wind ensemble teacher at Cold Spring Harbor High School. “It doesn’t hurt that I personally love the music of ABBA. The musical is one of my favorite things to do all year, and Mamma Mia! was no different!”

by -
0 607
Judi Lach Veeck

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook has announced that Judi Lach Veeck, from Hampton Bays, has joined the organization as Executive Director.

“It’s an honor to lead an organization that celebrates Long Island’s rich musical heritage,” said Lach Veeck. “I’m thrilled to contribute to the growth and outreach of our mission, alongside our dedicated board and volunteers! My goals are to diversify funding and to increase awareness of our mission and outreach programs.”

Lach Veeck is a highly accomplished nonprofit executive with proven expertise in fundraising, marketing, image enhancement, and government relations. Her responsibilities for LIMEHOF will include overseeing operations and fundraising activities, organizing and applying for grants, and working with the board of directors to identify prospects.

“We are thrilled to have Judi on our team” said Ernie Canadeo, Chairman of LIMEHOF. “Her experience and expertise will create tremendous opportunities as we continue to grow and fulfill our mission of supporting education and preserving Long Island’s music heritage for future generations.”

A long-time board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of LI (AFPLI), Lach Veeck has over thirty years of experience in working with nonprofits and fundraising. She also has a strong track record of identifying organizational needs and developing specific campaigns and initiatives.

Prior to joining LIMEHOF, she served as Administrator for the Education Foundation for Suffolk County Extension, Inc., and as Director, Development & Public Affairs for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.

For more information about the leadership at LIMEHOF, please visit: https://www.limusichalloffame.org/board-of-directors/

by -
0 645
File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on Feb. 17 for allegedly selling cannabis products at a Ridge store.

Following community complaints, Seventh Precinct Investigative Unit officers conducted a compliance
check at Koncept Smoke Shop, located at 135 Middle Country Road, during which an employee allegedly sold cannabis products to an undercover officer at approximately 8:05 p.m. Four other businesses were also checked and in compliance with the law.

Ezaz Mohammad, 40, of Coram, was charged with Unlawful Sale of Cannabis and Unauthorized Sale of Cannabis Products Without a License. Mohammad was released on a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

by -
0 560
Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook baseball team erased an 8-0 deficit to storm back for an 11-8 victory, capped by a three-run home run from Chanz Doughty in the final inning, securing a series sweep over Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach, Fla. on Feb. 16. The game was called after seven innings due to weather conditions.

John Rizzo made his first career start for the Seawolves, tossing 1.2 innings while allowing six runs and striking out two.Matt Sgambati made his Stony Brook debut in the second inning, finishing the second and third frames while allowing two runs on two hits.

Down 8-0 in the third, Johnny Pilla put Stony Brook on the board with a two-out double that plated Matt Miceli, cutting the deficit to 8-1.

Sgambati followed with a 1-2-3 third inning before Nico Azpilcueta led off the fourth with a single. A walk by Luke Szepek and a hit-by-pitch from Cam Santerre loaded the bases with no outs. All three scored on a fielder’s choice and an error, trimming the deficit to 8-4. Kincaid Bergthold later came around to score on another error, making it 8-5.

Hunter Colagrande made his Stony Brook debut in the fourth, allowing two baserunners before striking out three straight hitters to escape the jam.

The Seawolves rallied in the sixth with two outs. Doughty and Miceli singled to bring up Erik Paulsen, who delivered an RBI single to center, making it 8-6. Evan Goforth followed with an RBI single, pulling Stony Brook within one at 8-7.

George Adams made his debut in the bottom of the sixth and struck out two of the three batters he faced in a perfect inning.

In the seventh, Szepek and Santerre drew walks before Bergthold delivered the game-tying RBI single. Doughty then launched a three-run home run to center, giving the Seawolves an 11-8 lead.

Adams shut down Bethune-Cookman in order in the bottom half, sealing the comeback victory before the game was called due to weather.

Next up, the team travels to Fort Myers next week for a three-game series against Florida Gulf Coast. First pitch on Feb. 21 is set for 6:30 p.m., with streaming details to be determined.

by -
0 1209
Stock photo
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

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

A man allegedly stole clothing from T.J. Maxx, located at 2799 Horseblock Road, on February 1 at approximately 2:45 p.m. The clothing was valued at approximately $155.

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.

by -
0 877
Police car stock photo
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify a man who allegedly stole from a South Setauket store in November.

A man allegedly stole a television, valued at $149 from Target, located at 265 Pond Path, at approximately 4:55 p.m. on November 30.

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.

by -
0 854
File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on Feb. 15 for allegedly driving while intoxicated with his 5-month-old son in the vehicle following a motor vehicle crash on the Long Island Expressway in Melville.

Angel Abadcando was driving a 2009 Honda Civic sedan eastbound on the Long Island Expressway east of exit 49 when he stopped abruptly and was rear ended by another vehicle at approximately 2:15 a.m. Police officers at the scene determined Abadcando exhibited signs of intoxication and was placed into custody. There were no injuries reported.

Abadcando, 44, of 364 South Ocean Avenue, Patchogue, was charged with two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger 15 Years or Younger (Leandra’s Law) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Abadcando is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on February 16. The Honda was impounded for a safety check. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.

by -
0 1088
Smithtown Resident Susan Buroker, who helped to spearhead the Task Force together with Support from Madlyn Makboulian; Director at Smithtown Horizons, addresses the Town Board after the unanimous decision to approve the formation of the Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown Town Board unanimously approved the establishment of its Opioid and Addiction Task Force, a community-driven initiative aimed at combating the opioid epidemic and supporting individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. The resolution to form the task force was approved during the February 4th Town Board meeting, marking a significant step forward in addressing this ongoing crisis through compassion, resources, and education.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the opioid crisis, mental health struggles, and substance abuse that impact our community. Furthermore, we must also hold those liable for this crisis accountable. The stigma surrounding addiction often creates a sense of shame and judgment that prevents individuals from seeking the help they desperately need. We all know someone—a friend, a family member, coworker, or a neighbor—who has been affected by this crisis. It is our responsibility to foster a culture of compassion, understanding, and support. Everyone deserves a chance at living a healthy, rewarding life, and together, we can break down barriers to recovery and build a stronger, healthier community,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

The task force was formed in response to the growing need for a unified approach to addiction and mental health challenges within the community. With support from local Senator Mario Mattera, Horizons Counseling and Education Center, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and key community stakeholders, such as Susan Buroker who presented the concept alongside Madlyn Makboulian, the Director of Horizons, the initiative will focus on prevention, education, resource accessibility, and reducing the stigma surrounding addiction. The Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force will be committed to addressing the substance use crisis through a proactive, community-driven approach.

“After meeting Susan Buroker and her team in my office, I knew Supervisor Wehrheim and the Town Board would take immediate action to help protect Smithtown residents.  Along with his colleagues, Supervisor Wehrheim quickly put the issue on their agenda to help raise awareness and save lives.  This, along with their decision to ban legal cannabis dispensaries, shows their commitment to protecting our residents from drug abuse.  That is greatly appreciated and I look forward to continuing to work with all involved to increase the conversation around this somewhat whispered topic,” said NY State Senator Mario Mattera.

“The formation of the new Smithtown anti-drug and opiate task force represents a critical step in our fight against substance abuse. By bringing together law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, we are committed to preventing addiction, providing support for those in recovery, and holding those who fuel this crisis accountable. Together, we will work toward a safer, healthier future for our community,” stated Madlyn Makboulian, ADV-CASAC, CPP, Director of Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services, Horizons Counseling and Education Center.

The town board will appoint a dedicated team of local leaders, first responders, hospital professionals, and key stakeholders to lead efforts in combating opioid addiction and supporting individuals in recovery in the coming months. A core mission of the task force will be to educate and inform the community by providing individuals and families with essential resources on prevention strategies, treatment options, and the realities of substance use. Additionally, the task force seeks to reduce stigma by fostering open discussions and creating a supportive environment that challenges misconceptions about addiction and mental health.

“Together as a community we created this task force because addiction isn’t just an individual struggle- it affects us all. Through awareness, support, and conversation we can create real change together,” said Susan Buroker, Community Advocate and Founding Member of the Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force

By strengthening community connections, the task force will work collaboratively with local organizations, healthcare providers, schools, first responders and law enforcement to create a united front against substance use disorders. It will also focus on raising awareness of available resources, ensuring residents have access to treatment, prevention measures and recovery services through targeted outreach and community engagement.

The Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force plans to host a Community Event in partnership with Horizons Counseling and Education Center, slated for May 17, 2025. The first task force event will provide critical resources, and services including Narcan Training, a Prescription Medication Disposal (Give-Back Initiative) and guest speakers. Additionally resources from the community such as Phoenix House, Thrive, Long Island Center for Recovery, Diagnostic, Assessment, and Stabilization Services, New Horizons, AA/NA, St. Catherine’s Hospital, Sun River Detox, and LICR will be invited to participate with interactive booths providing information and resources to attendees. This event is expected to serve as a launchpad for ongoing efforts to connect, support, and empower the Smithtown community in its fight against opioid addiction and substance use disorders.

Background:

The Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force was originally initiated by Susan Buroker, whose experience in the addiction recovery community, combined with listening to the community’s outcry, led to the realization that Smithtown needed a proactive, united approach. Buroker collaborated with NY State Senator Mario Mattera, Madlyn Makboulian (Smithtown Horizons), Barbara Posillico (Wellness Center), Sharon Richmond (Huntington Opioid and Addiction Task Force), Glen Williams, Linda Cherney, Ron Rotham, and Dave Lewis (Smithtown Rotary) before presenting the proposal to Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. Their collective efforts resulted in the town’s official commitment to establishing this critical task force.

About Horizons Horizons Counseling and Education Center:

Horizons is an OASAS-licensed not-for-profit agency funded to provide adolescent and adult treatment, prevention and education services for drug and alcohol related problems. Services include assessments, counseling groups, individual sessions, and an array of specialized treatment and prevention programming. Additionally, Horizons offers services for parents, significant others, and other family members of individuals struggling with addiction. In addition to the adult services provided, Horizons specializes in treatment, education and prevention services to address the specific needs of the adolescents and young adults within the community and surrounding area.

If you are an adult, youth or parent of a youth who is struggling, please call Horizons to explore the next steps to recovery during challenging times at 631-360-7578 or email: [email protected]

by -
0 600
Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

Stony Brook women’s basketball battled with Hampton, ultimately falling 59-57, on Feb. 14 at Stony Brook Arena. Shamarla King, Zaida Gonzalez and Breauna Ware combined to score 46 of the Seawolves’ 57 total points.

The Seawolves (11-12, 6-6) had three players score in double figures, led by King, who had 19 points and six rebounds. Gonzalez tacked on a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Ware chipped in with 12 points, three rebounds, two steals, and one assist.

The Seawolves out-rebounded the Pirates 41-37, paced by Gonzalez’s 10 boards. Stony Brook’s defense held Hampton to only 40 percent shooting from the field, including 27.8 percent from beyond the arc. The Pirates did not have much luck cleaning up their misses on the offensive glass either, as they finished with nine offensive rebounds and managed eight second chance points while Stony Brook cleared 32 defensive rebounds.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After jumping out to a 7-6 advantage, Stony Brook went on a 5-0 run with 6:27 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Gonzalez, to increase its lead to 12-6. The Seawolves then lost some of that lead but still entered the quarter break with an 18-13 advantage. Stony Brook relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down four treys with a pair from Gonzalez and King.

The Seawolves could not maintain their lead in the second quarter, only shooting 2-11 from the field as the Pirates entered halftime on top, 26-25.

Stony Brook’s deficit continued to grow after halftime as Hampton continued to outscore the Seawolves. Lauren Filien, Dallysshya Moreno, and Elizabeth Field helped in the offensive output while the squad dominated on the boards with 13 rebounds.

Stony Brook narrowed its deficit in the fourth quarter, as Ware and King both scored seven points. The Seawolves trailed by only four heading into the final frame and got within one with 25 seconds left to play.

Up next, the team has a quick turnaround in traveling to Maryland to take on Towson on Feb. 16. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Seawolves and Tigers sixth meeting all-time. Coverage is available on FloCollege.

by -
0 416
Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

Stony Brook softball fell in a pair of neutral site contests against Mercer and Illinois on day one of the Roar City Invitational in Nashville, Tennessee on Feb. 14.

GAME ONE: MERCER 9, STONY BROOK 6

Gabrielle Maday drew the start in the circle for game one, stranding a pair of runners to toss a scoreless first inning.

Madelyn Stepski and Alyssa Costello reached base in the first inning for Stony Brook, but were left on base.

Mercer opened the scoring in the second inning, pushing a run across with a two-out single. The Bears first two runners reached base, but a line-drive double play neutralized the early threat. A stolen base and single with two outs put Stony Brook in a 1-0 hole, but Maday stranded two more runners to limit the damage.

After the Seawolves were retired in order in the second, Mercer added four more runs in the third.

Jordyn Fray took to the circle to start the fourth inning, tossing a clean inning.

Stony Brook got on the board in the fourth courtesy of a Mia Vannelli run-scoring single, adding another on an Emily Reinstein ground out.

The Seawolves trimmed the deficit further, making it a 5-3 game after Emma Scheitinger plated a run on a fielder’s choice in the fifth.

Mercer got two runs back in the sixth inning, chasing Fray from the game. Crimson Rice finished the inning for Stony Brook, leaving a pair of inherited runners on the bases.

Stony Brook did not go quietly, adding three runs in the home half of the sixth to make it a one-run game. Marissa Thalassinos pushed a run across on a two-out, infield single and Kyra McFarland followed with a two-run double. McFarland represented the tying run, moving up to third base on the throw, but was stranded there to end the frame.

Mercer tacked on two more runs, both with two outs, and ultimately closed out the 9-6 victory, despite Stony Brook’s resilience offensively. The Seawolves brought Naiah Ackerman to the plate in the final frame, but came up just short.

GAME TWO: ILLINOIS 8, STONY BROOK 0 (5 INNINGS)

The Fighting Illini jumped all over Stony Brook, scoring seven runs in the first inning.

Illinois scored seven runs on four hits and were aided by a pair of Stony Brook miscues in the field.

The Seawolves registered just three hits in the five-inning contest, with two of them coming in the second inning. Reinstein and Thalassinos reached base in the frame, but were stranded in scoring position.

Fray relieved Maddie Male in the second inning, throwing a pair of scoreless innings before conceding a run in the fourth.

The Seawolves went down in order in the fifth to enact the run rule.

“Tough day for us against two very good teams. It was disappointing that we didn’t play better,” head coach Megan T. Bryant said. “It takes what it takes, and we need to be better in all three parts of our game.”

UP NEXT
Feb. 15 games at the Roar City Invitational have been canceled. Stony Brook will return to action on Feb. 16.

Prev1...798081...603Next Page 80 of 603
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©