CLOSE
Authors Posts by TBR Staff

TBR Staff

4415 POSTS 0 COMMENTS
TBR News Media covers everything happening on the North Shore of Suffolk County from Cold Spring Harbor to Wading River.

by -
0 1398
Stony Brook University Hospital

By Carol Gomes

SBU Hospital CEO Carol Gomes. Photo from SBU Hospital

If you were in need of an elective surgery or procedure before COVID-19 and have been delaying it, I want to reassure you that Stony Brook University Hospital is fully operational. 

We have everything in place to ensure that safe and effective care is provided to every one of our patients to meet their healthcare needs — whether it’s for a simple outpatient procedure or a more complex inpatient surgery. We continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and New York State Department of Health (DOH) guidelines and universal precautions to provide the safest environment possible. 

You can also rest assured that the enhanced safety measures to protect our patients and hospital staff to prevent coronavirus spread also remain in place. Some of these safeguards include testing all patients prior to surgery, having patients self-isolate prior to surgery, and requiring all staff and patients to wear masks and be screened for symptoms. 

We also require all hospital personnel to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). And of course, we have hand sanitizer stations located throughout our facilities, and patients in the hospital who test positive for COVID are separated in a designated area to minimize risk from other patients.

At Stony Brook University Hospital, we perform, on average, 100 to 120 surgeries daily. This includes a diverse area of specialization, including general surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, surgical oncology, cardiac surgery, trauma, kidney transplants, urological procedures, gynecologic surgery and several other specialties. 

From the time you schedule your surgery, to pre-op, and every phase through post-op and beyond, our goal is to ensure your safety every step of the way, while our surgical specialists and their teams provide the quality care you need to restore your health.

Carol A. Gomes, MS, FACHE, CPHQ is the Chief Executive Officer at Stony Brook University Hospital.

by -
0 118
Many dogs, puppies, cats and kittens available for adoption
1 of 10
Curly is up for adoption!
Trixie and Tessie are up for adoption!
Chap is up for adoption!
Lexi is up for adoption!
Gregory is up for adoption!
Poppy is up for adoption!
Lucy is up for adoption!
Mimi is up for adoption!
Moe is up for adoption!
Tangerine is up for adoption!

Friday,  June 5, was a big day for Kent Animal Shelter. The no-kill haven for homeless, abused and abandoned animals in Calverton reopened its doors to the public for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic forced a temporary shutdown. 

“That being said, the shelter never really closed as it is an essential service. However, operations continued at a snail’s pace compared to its pre-COVID-19 normal,” said Pam Green, Executive Director of the shelter. 

The spay/neuter clinic was closed for two months and adoptions were limited. Rescues were few and far between. The staff remained to take care of the animals that were on hand of course, but adoptions slowed down.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to allow the public to enter the buildings to visit the animals and that is undoubtedly an impediment to adoption. However, the shelter was able to find forever homes for some long time pets which is probably the best news that came out of the pandemic,” said Green.

Pre-COVID-19, rescue transports were received every 10 days as the shelter’s van traveled to locations with high-kill shelters. Other rescue groups ceased transports to Kent Animal Shelter because of the pandemic. “We had to figure out how to best proceed in the days of the pandemic since this virus is not going away any time soon,” explained Green. 

So the shelter reopened with certain guidelines. Interactions with pets and adoptions are mainly done by appointment. Visitors are permitted to enter the buildings with masks or face coverings and for a limited amount of time. Pets for adoption can be seen online and the public can complete their adoption applications via the website at www.kentanimalshelter.com. Rescue transports have resumed with 22 animals being saved from a terrible fate just this past week. 

The clinic is now open three days a week to continue spay/neuter operations by appointment only and pet owners must wear a mask and are asked to wait a short time in their vehicles until the technicians come outside to receive the pets. Feral cats are also being sterilized and the shelter was able to secure a grant to cover the surgical fees. Information and appointments can be made by calling the clinic at 727-5731 ext. 2. 

Of course, donations have plummeted as many supporters have lost their jobs. Individuals that are able to donate can do so via the shelter’s website or by calling the office. “The animals in crisis situations can’t wait, they need help now. It is the mission of the shelter to provide a lifeline and we must continue to do so with urgency,” said Green.

by -
0 138
Michele Dean

Suffolk Federal has announced the selection of Michele Dean of Smithtown as President and Chief Executive Officer. She is the first woman to serve in that position in Suffolk Federal’s 52-year history.  

Dean will provide strategic leadership, tactical oversight, and comprehensive direction of day-to-day operations consistent with Suffolk Federal’s vision and mission. She will succeed Ralph D. Spencer, Jr., who will be retiring in June and will work in partnership with Spencer to shift management responsibilities beginning June 15 to ensure a smooth and steady transition of leadership.

 “The Board of Directors selected Michele Dean after an extensive search among the best qualified candidates for this position,” explained James J. Maggio, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors at Suffolk Federal. 

“Michele stood apart because of her outstanding expertise and flawless ability to connect vision, people and ideas as well as her history of successful tactical execution. Her vision and dedication are consistent with our strategic plan and will enhance the Suffolk Federal experience in delivering a constant, steady and dependable member experience.  We are excited to welcome Michele Dean to the Suffolk Federal family. We also thank Ralph D. Spencer, Jr. for his years of service to Suffolk Federal,” he continued.

“On behalf of the New York Credit Union Association and credit unions across the Empire State, we congratulate Michele in joining an impressive and growing list of women leaders at New York credit unions,” said William J. Mellin, President/CEO of the New York Credit Union Association.

“Credit unions, from their very earliest days in this country, have recognized just how extraordinarily important it is to have strong and diverse leadership. Today, the majority of credit union CEOs in New York are women, and we’re honored to welcome Michele to this prestigious group of executives. It’s clear from her background that she is passionate about credit unions and helping New Yorkers achieve a better financial future. I look forward to working with her,” he added.

“I am honored to be joining Suffolk Federal and appreciate the Board of Directors’ confidence in me to lead this dynamic organization as we move towards the future,” said Dean. 

“I am excited to work with the Board and the Suffolk Federal team to effectively serve our members and community, building upon a solid foundation to achieve continued success, growth and expansion.”

by -
0 132
Sonic

MEET SONIC!

This week’s shelter pet is Sonic,  a 2-year-old female domestic shorthair waiting at the Smithtown Animal Shelter for her PURR-fect soulmate.

Sonic was found as a stray scavenging for scraps of food at a local Sonic restaurant. She can be very shy, but she also has a very sweet personality and is not aggressive at all. It will take some time and patience in order to get Sonic to open up, but it’ll be very worth it when she purrs for you as her stamp of approval! She would prefer to live in a quiet and calm household with a lot of love to give. 

 All of the felines at the shelter are current on vaccines and have received a full workup (blood work, Feline HIV & Leukemia tested, physical exam etc) by a board certified veterinarian. 

If you are interested in meeting Sonic please fill out an adoption application online at www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. For more information, call 631-360-7575.

by -
0 152
Dr. David Rivadeneira. Photo from Northwell Health

David Rivadeneira, MD, MBA, has been appointed director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Huntington. The announcement was made in press release on June 4. For the last seven years, Dr. Rivadeneira has led surgical services and colorectal surgery at Huntington Hospital.

“We are thrilled Dr. Rivadeneira will be leading the Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Huntington,” said Richard Barakat, MD, physician-in-chief and director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute and senior vice president of cancer services at Northwell Health. 

“He is a gifted surgeon, experienced leader and skilled educator, who also has strong community ties. Cancer experts throughout the health system look forward to collaborating with him as he builds new cancer programs in the Huntington area,” he said.

“The goal of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Huntington is to provide a center of excellence to offer phenomenal cancer care and to be a leader in cancer services in Suffolk County,” said Dr. Rivadeneira, a resident of Lloyd Harbor. 

“As Suffolk’s population grows each year there is a tremendous need to provide top-quality cancer care to residents locally. It’s much less stressful for patients to get care in their community than travel to Nassau Country or Manhattan. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored our patients’ desire to avoid leaving the area for cancer care.”

Dr. Rivadeneira said the Cancer Institute at Huntington, located at 270 Pulaski Road in Greenlawn, treats patients with range of diseases such as breast, thoracic, colorectal, kidney, prostate and other cancers.

“To create an environment in which patients receive exceptional care, a key component is to have the best doctors with the appropriate expertise in organ disease-specific cancers, as well as specially-trained nurse navigators dedicated to guiding patients through their journey,” he said. 

“We are recruiting top physicians in oncology, radiation oncology, surgery and professionals with genetic expertise. Also, we are adding certified staff members to the program who will offer nutrition support and integrative approaches such as meditation and other holistic modalities.”

Future plans include building a comprehensive ambulatory cancer center at Huntington Hospital offering patients a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care treatment. Clinical leaders in all oncology modalities will be within the campus of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Huntington, making it easier for patients and their care teams to communicate and meet when deciding treatment plans. With a close connection to the National Cancer Institute-designated Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, patients will benefit from leading cancer research.

by -
0 157
A recipient of Stony Brook University Hospital's Starbucks give-back. Photo by Patti Kozlowski

Cup of Cheer

In an effort to give back to the healthcare heroes working around the clock to battle COVID-19, the community has raised more than $18,000 in donations to supply complimentary coffee to all Stony Brook University Hospital staff.

Headed by community members Holly Smugala, Patti Kozlowski, Nicole Volpini and Stefanie Devery, the group started when Volpini’s sister, a healthcare worker at the Hospital, snapped a photo of the Hospital’s Starbucks, which is adorned with photos and positive messages. Instead, said Smugala, something else jumped out at them. 

“We noticed all the staff waiting online for coffee and wanted to do something to give back to them,” she said. 

The women began a social media donation page dedicated to the cause shortly after. The funds donated go towards purchasing Starbucks gift cards at the hospital location, which can be used by any hospital employee that is working during the pandemic, from doctors and nurses to custodians and administrative staff. 

In order to enable healthcare workers of all shifts to be able to enjoy the benefit, the group worked out a plan with Starbucks in which $250 gift cards are used at different intervals during the day to pay for the drinks of any staff member that comes in. 

“We set an initial goal of $1,000, but we reached that in about an hour. Now, we just want to see how much it will grow. We don’t know how long this is going to go on and we don’t want to stop until it stops,” said Smugala. 

Those who are interested in donating to the cause can visit the group’s Facebook page, Starbucks for Stony Brook Superstars. 

“We are so thankful to be able to give back, because [this hospital] has touched all of our lives in one way or another. We are very thankful for everyone at Stony Brook,” Smugala added. 

by -
0 57
A temporary sign asking for donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) to Stony Brook University Hospital, April 2019
Face masks (top to bottom): surgical, N95, and handmade, Port Jefferson, May 2019

The Long Island Museum (LIM) in Stony Brook has announced that they will be seeking the collection of objects, images and stories as related to the COVID-19 coronavirus to document for future generations on how Long Island responded during the crisis. 

Titled Collecting Our History: Long Island During COVID-19, the compilation will serve as a record of the community’s shared history, and will influence future exhibitions, programs, research, and other projects. The LIM is particularly interested in seeking material that exemplifies how the virus has impacted victims, medical personnel and other frontline workers, the operation of businesses, schools, religious and cultural organizations, and the structure and interactions of our daily lives both large and small.  

“The COVID-19 coronavirus is the most severe pandemic to impact Long Island since the Spanish Influenza of 1918-1919,” said Jonathan Olly, Curator at the LIM. “It is affecting our lives in dramatic and sometimes tragic ways.”

People living or working on Long Island, in Brooklyn and in Queens are invited to offer contributions of any digital or physical item that documents their experience and that of their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material may include photographs, audio, and video, signs and posters, artwork, masks and other personal protective equipment, home recipes, journals, and planners. 

An empty paper goods aisle at Stop & Shop, Setauket, March 2019

Digital items can be emailed to [email protected]. Photos should be in JPG, PNG, or TIF format, audio in MP3 or WAV, videos in MP4, AVI, WMV, or MOV, and documents in PDF, TIF, PNG, or JPG. All submissions must be by persons 18 years or older, and convey copyright (if applicable) to the Long Island Museum and include a description and contact information. 

“The LIM helps to preserve the experiences of Long Islanders and so we’re reaching out to our community to share with us the objects and images that help tell this story. In the coming years Collecting Our History: Long Island during COVID-19 will allow us to be able to look back on this time and see how it changed us, and how we persevered,” said Olly.

Select online submissions may be featured on the LIM’s website and/or social media platforms. Due to the volume of submissions the LIM may be unable to individually notify people if or when their digital submissions will be posted. The LIM prefers not to have objects sent to the Museum at this time, as the offices are currently closed. 

For further questions, please email the LIM’s Assistant Collections Manager, Molly McGirr at [email protected], or LIM’s Curator, Jonathan Olly at [email protected].

by -
0 234
Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin poses beneath an oil portrait of her great-great grandfather, William K. Vanderbilt II, as a child. Hola magazine photo

Hola!, a popular, weekly celebrity-news magazine, recently published an eight-page feature article on the Vanderbilt Estate, home of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum. 

The story, which included stunning photos and aerial views, focused on Vanderbilt family history and the development of its railroad empire. (The magazine, based in Madrid, Spain, publishes 30 international editions in nine languages.)

The feature also concentrated on William K. Vanderbilt II’s great-great-granddaughter, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, and her husband, Rafael Feldman. The couple was photographed in several rooms of the mansion.

Eagle’s Nest, a 24-room, Spanish Revival mansion, was built in stages from 1910 through 1936, on 43 hilly acres above Northport Bay in Centerport. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

by -
0 1177
Civic groups protested in front of the Gyrodyne property March 2. Photo by Rita J. Egan

The Suffolk County Sewer Agency will meet June 22 to discuss granting provisional approval of plans to construct a Sewage Treatment Plant on the Gyrodyne property, Route 25A in St. James. The STP would be in the watershed of Stony Brook Harbor, a major source of the North Shore’s clean water supply. Based on testimony from independent environmentalists and water quality experts, we believe building this STP presents serious health, safety and environmental concerns affecting residents of the towns of Smithtown, Brookhaven and across the North Shore of Long Island. We caution the Sewer Agency not to act hastily without full review of environmental and health impact studies.

Six Reasons the Gyrodyne Sewage Treatment Plant Should Not be Built in its Proposed Location

1. Biohazard and medical waste usage requirements. Medical and health care facilities — two primary tenants of the proposed Gyrodyne redevelopment — pose special sewage-treatment needs, including advanced filtration systems to safely process radioactive and biohazardous medical waste products. However, toxicity and other special needs have not been addressed in the approval process. In fact, a 2012 study by the Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences cited the unexpectedly high level of radioactive iodine in Stony Brook Harbor traced to effluent from Stony Brook Hospital.

2. Noncompliance with government laws and regulations. Under New York State’s Environmental Quality Review Act, the conditional approval being considered by the SC Sewer Agency is premature and illegal. As a subordinate agency in the SEQRA process, Suffolk County can only provide approvals after SEQRA is complete and accepted by the permitting authority (in this case, the Town of Smithtown). Smithtown has not completed the process.

3. Instant overcapacity. The proposed STP is slated to accept 100,000 gallons per day for treatment. Gyrodyne officials have stated their intention of allowing Lake Avenue (St. James) business district to hook up to the STP adding another 70,000+ gallons per day. The Lake Avenue sewage volume would immediately put the plant above overcapacity.

4. Location. Sited in a Rapid Groundwater Transport area less than 8,000 feet upstream from Stony Brook Harbor, the proposed plant will discharge thousands of gallons of effluent daily into grounds abutting the harbor — and ultimately seep into the harbor itself, killing off the ecosystem.

5. Waterway vulnerability. Stony Brook Harbor is a relatively narrow waterway with meager flush capacity taking up to 12 days for full water exchange with Long Island Sound. In addition, due to the unique configuration of Smithtown Bay, waste products will remain for exceptionally long periods in the harbor until finally removed by the tidal exchange.

6. Nitrogen exposure. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) has named nitrogen “Public Enemy #1,” calling it Suffolk County’s largest cause of water quality degradation. Nitrogen is associated with marine hypoxia and habitat destruction leading to excessive algae blooms and “green water syndrome.” As nitrogen cannot be fully filtered from effluent flow, permitting construction of this STP on Gyrodyne property would dramatically undermine the county’s $4 billion campaign to reduce nitrogen exposure

We urge the Suffolk County Sewer Agency to wait until the New York State’s Environmental Quality Review Act is complete or, better yet, recommend a more appropriate location for what is quickly becoming a regional sewer treatment plant on environmentally sensitive lands.

George Hoffman, Co-founder, Setauket Harbor Task Force

Executive Board, Three Village Civic Association

Cindy Smith, Greater Stony Brook Action Coalition

Prev1...153154155...442Next Page 154 of 442
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

©