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TBR Staff

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

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TBR News Media is endorsing Sen. Mario Mattera for this year's election. File photo by Raymond Janis

By TBR Staff

This election cycle, TBR News Media is endorsing incumbent Mario Mattera (R-St. James) for New York’s 2nd Senate District. Mattera has served in this position for two terms  and has been proven true to his word.

His track record displays his commitment to his constituents. From assisting with Smithtown-area sewer projects to helping restore Foundation Aid for schools across the state, Mattera is respected for his ability to get his boots on the ground and fight against the issues that plague our communities.

Mattera’s strong approval for both Proposition 2 on this year’s ballot, as well as his position as ranking member on the state’s Energy and Telecommunications Committee, shows a concern for environmental issues. He is a proponent of carbon capture technology and green hydrogen development, which serve to mitigate emissions in power plants and waste facilities.

His efforts to keep our communities employed is quite impressive. Mattera’s championing of legislation that requires project labor agreements for projects worth over $10 million has been extremely beneficial in increasing employment rates, as the agreement stipulates that these public works only employ local laborers.

Craig Herskowitz (D) is a very intelligent man and seems to genuinely care about the community in which he lives, as well. His thoughtful and curious demeanor is refreshing, and his clear respect for the incumbent was palpable. While his policy ideas are well-intentioned, he simply lacks the seasoned experience of the incumbent. Giving up his post as a judge to commit himself totally to this campaign is admirable, and if his spirit and willingness to learn is any indicator of his future, this is not the last time we will hear of him.

Correction: In our paper editions, it was stated that Sen. Mattera supports Proposition 1. That is incorrect; he supports Proposition 2.

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METRO photo
Happy Halloween! Wishing everyone a day full tricks and treats! — Your friends at TBR News Media

Here are some last minute events to celebrate the most fun time of year:

Halloween at the Mall 

Drop by the Smith Haven Mall, Moriches Road, Lake Grove for a spooktacular, fun trick-or-treating for all the little ghouls and goblins on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (while supplies last*) Retailers and restaurants that have tricks or treats for the little ones will have pumpkin in their windows. Free. 631-724-1433

Safe Trick or Treat

The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River invites all goblins & ghouls & children dressed in costume to enjoy a safe outdoor Trick or Treating on Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. 631-929-3500

Halloween at the Heckscher

Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington on Oct. 31 from noon to 5 p.m. Create a spooktacular art activity, make a haunted Digital Action painting, and take home a festive treat! Free admission. Costumes encouraged. Free. 631-380-3230, www.heckscher.org

Halloween Festival

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts its 34th annual Halloween Festival at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook on Oct. 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. with trick or treating in the shops and restaurants, Halloween parade, games and Monster Mash dancing. Free. 631-751-2244, www.wmho.org

Halloween Costume Parade

The annual Downtown “Hauntington” Village Halloween Costume Parade returns to the Town of Huntington on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. Line-up at the Huntington Post Office, 55 Gerard St., Huntington for a parade. Trick or treat at designated village merchants before and after the parade. Free. 631-351-3173

Spooky Woods & Trick O’ Treat

Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown presents a family-friendly Spooky Woods and Trick O’ Treat event on Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Take a spooktacular walk through a haunted trail, where little ones will have a great time seeing Halloween displays on one side and farm animals on the other. Enjoy trick o’ treating and say hi to craft and food vendors (and maybe some jolly ghosts) at this unique Halloween experience for the entire family. Don’t miss the hayride (additional charge) through the spooky woods! $10 per person, kids under 3 free. 631-265-6768

 

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

On Election Day, voters will cast their votes for president, U.S. Senate, Congress and state legislators. In Suffolk County, voters also have a once-in-a-generation chance to safeguard the future of Suffolk County’s surface and groundwater in Proposition 2.

The proposition allows Suffolk County to begin the process of updating our wastewater infrastructure for the 21st century. Whether it is sewering our downtowns or supporting neighbors installing I/A systems to combat nitrogen pollution, the successful passage of Proposition 2 gives us the tools we need.

Passage of Prop 2 establishes Suffolk’s eligibility for state and federal funding. Recouping as many tax dollars from New York state is important to operate Suffolk County.

Proposition 2 also continues the highly successful Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program (SCDWPP), which has preserved thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land, stabilized sewer rates and supported clean water efforts.

We don’t have to look far to see the need for improved wastewater infrastructure. Harmful algal blooms, brown tides, rust tides, mahogany tides and hypoxia fill our summer headlines and cause many beach closures each season.

We know, though, that with sewers, smart zoning and open space preservation, the damage is reversible. The obstacles we face are steep but not insurmountable.

Building sewage infrastructure creates jobs and helps small businesses and downtowns flourish. Advancing our downtowns creates permanent jobs in our communities and expands housing options for young people starting out and older folks looking to downsize. Our legacy fishing industry and emerging aquaculture industry will be able to expand employment and production as the environment improves.

It’s no exaggeration to say that passage of Proposition 2 is the most important measure voters have had on the ballot in generations. Its passage will strengthen our environment and protect the way of life that is a cornerstone of Suffolk County. This is not a political issue; it affects every present—and future—resident of Suffolk County and beyond.

Remember to vote on Nov. 5 or take advantage of early voting. For more information on voting, please visit: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.

Ed Romaine

Suffolk County Executive

 

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Dr. Alan Michael Chrisman

Submitted by the Chrisman family

It is with great sadness that the family of Alan M. Chrisman, DVM, a cherished father, grandfather and friend, acknowledges his passing at the age of 85.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Marlene; his son Howard; his daughter Amy; and grandchildren Alessandro Lauren, Alessia, Emily and Brett — all of whom he was very proud. His absence will be profoundly felt by his family, friends and those whose lives he touched.

Dr. Chrisman knew at a very young age he wanted to care for animals and spent summers from the age of 14 working on farms. After graduating from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1963, he dedicated his professional life to caring for animals on Long Island. His compassion, expertise and warm demeanor earned him the admiration of his clients and a special place in the hearts of countless pet lovers. For many in the Long Island community, he was more than a veterinarian — he was a trusted friend.

Dr. Chrisman opened his own veterinarian practice in Port Jefferson Station — the beloved Jefferson Animal Hospital — where he worked tirelessly for 35 years. He started the first 24-hour emergency care animal hospital on Long Island and was passionate about going the distance to make animals’ lives better. He even built wheel-legs for injured animals. While sitting in nature, listening to his favorite country music artists like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, he loved befriending stray animals who would visit him in his backyard.

Dr. Chrisman found great joy in his homes in Port Jefferson, Old Field and Naples, Florida, where he spent many happy years. His happiest memories were relaxing at the cabana at the Old Field Club with friends who became family.

For many years, he was very active in dog shows and field trials, as well as breeding his champion Labrador Retrievers. Dr. Chrisman’s love of animals was proven by his five dogs, several cats, horse, raccoon and guinea pigs, among others.

Alan had a wicked sense of humor, often throwing people off with his wit and cynicism. He was voted Most Popular Boy in high school, and at the same time, Class Pessimist.

An avid golfer, he could often be found on the course, continuously perfecting his game. Alan took great pride in having been a captain at Fort Campbell, Kentucky’s 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. It was there that he and Marlene had their children. He was passionate about charitable giving, particularly to veteran organizations like the Gary Sinise Foundation and Wounded Warriors.

He will be remembered not only for his dedication to his profession and his love for all animals but also for his love of life and the deep relationships he built over the years. A celebration of life will be held at the Old Field Club on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 1-5 p.m., and donations in his memory may be made to the Seeing Eye Dog Foundation of Long Island or the Gary Sinise Foundation.

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Constantine Giokas

Written by the Giokas Family

Constantine Giokas, a longtime resident of Smithtown and a traffic analyst with the Suffolk County Department of Transportation, died Thursday, Oct. 24, after a long illness. He was 45.

Giokas, a graduate of Smithtown High School, Suffolk County Community College and the University of Buffalo, had a passion for transportation and roads ever since he was a child. Giokas fulfilled his lifelong dream of securing a job with the New York State DOT after receiving a Masters in Urban Planning, with honors, from the University of Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning in 2006.

Giokas was employed as a transportation analyst in the quality control unit of the design group in Hauppauge, reviewing engineering documents and providing recommendations for quality improvements. He was highly regarded as a meticulous planner, working on major road projects in Suffolk County.

As a child, Giokas would often entertain house guests with shortcuts to their address they never even knew about. And when he was eight, he covered the floor of his room with 8×10 paper which laid out every single exit of the Long Island Expressway. He even took old Hagstrom maps and drew in new roads and streets, giving them names he came up with.

“I was once driving to Boston and got lost on the expressway. I knew who to call and he asked me where I was and knew exactly how to guide me. And this is before GPS,” said his father, George Giokas, a journalism instructor at the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University

“He was smart, engaging, and a wonderful son,” Giokas said. 

“He was a loving son with a heart of gold. He worked hard all his life to achieve his goals, and everyone respected him,” said his mother, Eugenia. “He was loved by many; he was loved. He was so loved.”

In addition to his passion for roads and maps, he enjoyed being with his family and friends, learning how to cook new dishes, listening to political shows on the radio and attending concerts to hear his favorite bands.  He especially had a fascination with cooking, buying the newest kitchen gadgets and watching the Food Channel.

Giokas is survived by his mother, Eugenia, his father, George (and wife Debra), his brother, Stefan, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

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Photo courtesy of Brandpoint

When it comes to health, women’s intuition isn’t just a hunch – it’s practically a superpower. According to recent research from MD Live by Evernorth, more than two-thirds of women say they have a sixth sense when it comes to their health. This “ill-tuition” is the innate ability to sense when something may be wrong with your body – and 81% of women trust it. Yet, despite this trust, most women hold off on seeking care until their symptoms interfere with their daily lives, instead of being proactive at the first sign that something is off. This delay can lead to unnecessary worsening of symptoms.

“Many common symptoms can be early warning signs of an underlying health condition. Ignoring your body’s signals can prevent timely diagnosis and treatment,” explains Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, Associate Chief Medical Officer for MD Live by Evernorth. “Trusting your intuition and acting on it early can make all the difference in managing your health.”

Roundtree discusses five common symptoms that women tend to dismiss, according to the research, what conditions they may point to and why it’s important to seek timely medical care when your intuition sounds the alarm.

1. Itching that doesn’t go away

Itching may seem like just a minor annoyance, but if it’s persistent, it may point to various underlying health issues. Itching could signal hormonal fluctuations, skin conditions like eczema, or even liver or kidney problems. Itching without a visible rash can be a sign of broader health issues because it often indicates that the root cause lies beneath the surface of the skin rather than on it. For pregnant women, persistent itching may be a symptom of cholestasis, a liver condition that requires immediate medical attention.

2. Persistent bloating

Bloating is normal after eating a big meal or when experiencing the occasional digestive issue. But, when bloating occurs frequently, it could be a sign of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Bloating that gets worse over time could be a symptom of stomach inflammation or certain cancers. In fact, bloating is one of the more common early warning signs of ovarian cancer, caused by the buildup of fluids in the stomach.

3. Fatigue

Feeling tired is often unavoidable, especially for women balancing work, family and other responsibilities. However, when that tiredness becomes persistent and starts affecting your quality of life, it might point to fatigue, a debilitating condition that significantly impacts your daily life. Fatigue is often a symptom of an underlying chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, depression or thyroid disorders. If a good night’s sleep or taking time to rest doesn’t make a noticeable difference in your energy levels, it’s time to consult a doctor to explore the potential causes.

4. Unexplained weight fluctuations

It’s not uncommon for a woman’s weight to naturally fluctuate, especially during their menstrual cycle. However, unexpected weight gain or loss can indicate hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems or metabolic disorders. When weight changes are sudden and not resulting from changes in your diet or exercise routine, it’s important to rule out any larger health issues, like cancer or chronic illness.

5. Chronic anxiety

Although anxiety is commonly associated with mental health disorders, its presence can also point to underlying physical health issues. If you’re feeling anxious without a clear reason, or your anxiety is constant, it’s important to explore whether a physical condition could be contributing. Anxiety is often linked to cardiovascular diseases and endocrine problems, like hyperthyroidism. Regardless of whether it stems from something physical or mental, early intervention is critical.

Your first call: A doctor

These symptoms may not always seem urgent, but it’s important not to ignore them, especially if they become persistent or chronic. “If you feel something is off with your health, trust your intuition and seek medical advice promptly,” Roundtree advises. “Doctors are here to help you get to the bottom of your symptoms – no matter how big or small they may seem.” When your instincts tell you something is off, you can schedule a virtual visit with an MD Live board-certified doctor to get an expert medical opinion without unnecessary delays.

Remember, it’s always better to address a potential health concern when it’s small rather than wait until it becomes more serious. The next time your ill-tuition kicks in, trust it. (BPT)

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Photo courtesy of Statepoint

Halloween is enjoyed by people of all ages, but few get a bigger kick out of the holiday than children. There are costumes to be worn, time spent with friends and the opportunity to collect free candy and other treats. Although Halloween can be a fun time, the Children’s Safety Network warns that it’s also a time when accidents can happen. According to the CSN, the most dangerous day for child pedestrians is Halloween, with two times as many child pedestrians dying on Halloween compared to other days. It is essential to prioritize safety on Halloween, and following these guidelines can help.

• Make sure costumes are short. Costumes that drag on the floor are tripping hazards, which can lead to injury. Be sure that costumes do not cover the feet or drag on the ground.

• Trick-or-treat in groups. Children are safer in numbers due to the increased visibility of a crowd and because, if something happens, others can call for help. Parents can use their discretion on what age they feel is mature enough to let children go out alone. Until then, children should be accompanied by adults.

• Improve visibility. It’s important to be seen while trick-or-treating, and that can be achieved by making sure costumes and trick-or-treat bags feature reflective tape. Trick-or-treaters also can carry flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility, and stick to areas with streetlights if going out after dark.

• Stay on sidewalks. Whenever possible, trick-or-treaters should stick to the sidewalks and avoid walking on the roads. This may not always be possible in neighborhoods without sidewalks, where parents and youngsters must be especially careful.

• Eat before trick-or-treating. A meal or snack before trick-or-treating can reduce the tendency to fill up on candy while out and about. All candy and other treats should be inspected by an adult before it is eaten.

• Keep pets locked away. Animals can become skittish when there are many people loitering outside of homes or ringing doorbells. Keep pets in a quiet room away from the action to prevent them from getting loose, injured or scared enough to bite or scratch someone.

• Avoid masks that obstruct vision. It can be hard to see peripherally with a mask on, so avoid costumes with masks that compromise vision.

• Test out makeup beforehand. All makeup used for costumes should be tested for allergic reactions prior to use. Heed the warnings on packaging and avoid putting makeup too close to the eyes or lips.

These are some safety strategies designed to keep Halloween fun and incident-free this year.

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Photo courtesy of Brandpoint

Cold and flu season typically runs from October to May, but with summer colds, COVID outbreaks, RSV and allergies, it’s a pretty safe bet that you and your family may be dealing with a variety of symptoms of one kind or another, no matter the season.

Given this year-round battle against illness, the ever-rising costs of medications can put a strain on your wallet and cause confusion as to how best to guard against all of those various bugs out there.

“It’s vital for families to get reliable information on how to prevent illnesses, especially during cold and flu season when many bugs are at their worst, and what to do if they do come down with something,” said Preeti Parikh, Executive Medical Director at GoodRx, the leading prescription savings platform in the U.S. “This includes information about how to get the best price on any medications they need.”

That’s where GoodRx comes in. It is an online platform that does double duty. GoodRx can save you up to 80% off retail prices of medications, plus it offers trusted information on the myriad health conditions that families deal with. GoodRx’s articles, written by a team of doctors, pharmacists, health economists and public health experts, provide you with authoritative and trustworthy answers to your most pressing health questions so you can make better decisions for your family’s health.

When it comes to navigating cold and flu season, Dr. Parikh offers the following tips to prevent illness and manage treatment if you do become sick.

* Get vaccinated. Everyone should get their flu shot and COVID booster by the end of October, and these shots can be done at the same time. It’s the most important thing you can do to prevent illness, not only for yourself, but for vulnerable people in your community, such as children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions.

* Older Americans should investigate the RSV vaccine. All Americans aged 75 and older should receive one dose of the RSV vaccine. Adults aged 60 to 74 with serious chronic conditions, pregnant women, and young babies may also need to get vaccinated. Work with your healthcare provider to determine if the vaccine is best for you.

* Wash your hands. Everyone should practice good disease prevention! Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and sneeze or cough into your elbow.

* Protect others. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to the office or out shopping or dining. If you must go out, wear a mask to help avoid passing those bugs around.

* If you do become sick, GoodRx can help you save on treatments, including antibiotics that can treat your infection, cold medications to help with symptoms, and antivirals, which can shorten the duration or alleviate the symptoms of your illness. On average, GoodRx users save $34 on cold and flu treatment medications.

So, how do the savings work? It’s actually very easy. Just go to GoodRx.com or the mobile app and type in the name of the medications you have been prescribed. You’ll get a listing of local pharmacies and their prices. Choose the lowest one, and a coupon will pop up. Bring your phone with you to the pharmacy and show the coupon to your pharmacist to get the lowest possible price on your medications.

To arm yourself with information about how to battle the bugs, and ways to save at the pharmacy, visit GoodRx.com/go/fluseason. (BPT)

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Photo from MetroCreative Connection

With deer rutting season upon us, it’s crucial to remember that while these creatures nibbling on our properties or suddenly running in front of our vehicles can be irritating, they were here first.

Tens of thousands of deer call our Island home. This delicate ecosystem relies on their presence — perhaps not an overabundance, but a presence nonetheless. They influence the types of trees and vegetation that grow here by selectively browsing certain plants, meaning they eat some species more than others. They also contribute to overall biodiversity.

If we’re concerned about our gardens, we can try fencing, netting or chicken wire around problematic areas. If a deer runs toward our car at night, we should stay calm and do our best to drive straight, brake firmly and blow the horn, protecting both the vehicle’s passengers and the deer. Above all, we must not feed them. Not only is it dangerous to the deer’s health, but it also increases elopement rates and puts us in harm’s way. Deer may be gentle but can become aggressive when approached. If they learn that food is available in a specific area, they’ll return with friends, perpetuating a cycle of overpopulation in densely populated areas.

While the Island’s abundance of deer can be a nuisance, rutting — or mating season — is a natural part of this species’ biological function. They have added beauty and importance to our region since the days of our Setalcott predecessors.

They aren’t trying to hurt us or harm our land; they are simply following their instincts.

So let’s remain calm this rutting season. There are only two months of this hyperactivity among our deer, after which everything will return to business as usual.

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