Caption: Stony Brook University goes car free. Photo by John Griffin/Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University has won this year’s Car Free Day Long Island, with the highest number of pledges on a college campus, 892 people, who will go car free for at least one trip.
Car Free Day is an international event celebrated in September where people are encouraged to travel car-free, opting to instead ride public transit, a bicycle, travel by carpool, or walk. This year, Car Free Day Long Island was held on September 22, 2024. This was the 12th year Long Island has participated in the event.
Stony Brook University has been participating in Car Free Day Long Island since 2013 with the aim of getting students, faculty, and staff to participate in alternate ways of traveling to reduce carbon emissions. The event aligns with Stony Brook’s sustainability goals, and also promotes the use of its Wolf Ride Bike Share program and coincides with its recent recognition as a Bike Friendly University. To spread the word this year, coordinators sent out emails to students and employees as well as posted on the Stony Brook University Office of Sustainability’s Instagram.
“Participating in initiatives like Car Free Day Long Island helps to bring awareness to the power of collective action when approaching climate solutions,” said Erin Kluge, sustainability coordinator, from Stony Brook University’s Office of Sustainability, which led the university’s participation. “Incorporating alternative travel options in our routine when possible is one of the many great ways we can help lessen our carbon footprint.”
“A great part of Car Free Day Long Island is that it helps put our reliance on our vehicles into perspective. While the event reduced carbon emissions, the awareness it sparked will continue to have lasting effects,” said Environmental Studies major Max Cruz, ‘25.
Last year, Car Free Day was celebrated in 3,100 cities in 50 countries. The event draws participants in a variety of fields, from interested parties to organizations committing to the pledge. This year, 3,912 Long Islanders pledged to go car free.
Of the organizations involved in the final pledge count, categories included participants from colleges, healthcare, companies, municipalities, libraries, and nonprofits. In the colleges category, Stony Brook out-pledged other participants by four-fold, with NY Tech coming in at 196 pledges and Farmingdale State College with 99 pledges.
Dave Douglas September 27, 2017www.johnabbottphoto.com212-765-2342
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, offers something for every jazz fan this October, from its weekly jam sessions on Wednesday nights; the Dave Douglas Gifts Quartet playing Billy Strayhorn; and the Willie Steele Quintet for a night of Blues, BBQ and Beer. In addition, The Jazz Loft also presents several nights of its Bright Moments Series, which showcase some of the brightest upcoming talents on the jazz scene.
Jam sessions and Bright Moments series shows are priced at only $10!
Wednesday, October 16 at 7 p.m.
Jam Session at 7 p.m.
Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach and Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow jazz enthusiasts.
Tickets: $10, $5 after 8 p.m.
Thursday, October 17
The Bad Little Big Band at 7 p.m.
The 12-member Bad Little Big Band led by pianist Rich Iacona, and vocalist Madeline Kole accompanies the band.
Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will present a free Art Crawl on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. The University host a variety of renowned art galleries that provide unique spaces and opportunities for cultural and artistic exchanges and collaborations. Oct. 9th’s Art Crawl will unite the university’s galleries through a series of free guided tours led by expert curators. Guests may join at any point on the tour.
Renowned for his imaginative use of crochet techniques, artist Mulyana creates large-scale installations and soft sculptures that evoke themes of nature, sustainability, and community. He transforms simple yarn into mesmerizing pieces of art, bringing to life colorful, whimsical installations through crochet, stitching, and knitting. On view through December 10.
1:30pm | Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery, Staller Center for the Arts, Level 1
Nicole Cohen: SUPER VISION features videos and photo-collages that explore perception as viewed through interior spaces and architectural environments. Cohen’s work often overlays past and present imagery, including vintage magazine pages, domestic interiors, period rooms, historical paintings and iconic architectural spaces to comment on socially constructed space. On view through October 18.
2pm | Gallery Unbound, Staller Center for the Arts, Level 3
Young Maeng, Non-Human Ontology + AI Humanity. Young Maeng’s work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional painting techniques like Korean ink and acrylic.
2:30pm | Melville Library, Lawrence Alloway Memorial Gallery, Level 1
Diana Salomon, Do They Look Like Me? MFA graduate student solo exhibition. On view through October 15.
Surrendered to a local town shelter after being hit by a car and sustaining injuries, Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center stepped in to rescue Bunny, a two-year-old Pit mix. Once her healing was complete, the staff began working on her leash and basic training skills, soon realizing that Bunny was deaf in conjunction with some neurological deficits such as head tremors and incoordination. Up to the challenge, the staff have subsequently been able to introduce different methods and tools to help Bunny better adjust to her new surroundings, ensuring she feels safe, secure, and treasured while she waits for her forever home.
Bunny
The best word to describe Bunny is ‘joyful’. Whether she’s spending time with her favorite people (and toys!) in one of the pens, or running free on the hill, she can often be heard enthusiastically voicing her appreciation and approval of a good time. Pure of heart, she is affectionate, loving, funny and playful. She is high-energy and high-spirited and is hoping for a family that can provide her with opportunities for exercise and adventure.
Despite her sweet natured demeanor, we’ve noticed that Bunny has significant food protection behavior with regard to other animals, possibly due to sensory loss or circumstances she may have faced in the past. For that reason, she requires a home without other dogs or cats. Also, because she plays with ‘joyful’ abandon and can’t always understand cues for correction, an adult home or one with older children would best fit her needs.
Bunny is blissfully unaware that she is any different from other dogs. Truthfully, in all the ways that matter, she is exactly the same: She has the same unequivocal loyalty, the same forgiving nature, the same optimistic attitude, and the same ability to love unconditionally. Bunny is a daily inspiration to live life without limits, always expect the best, and to embrace each moment.
Matching a dog with your family and lifestyle is a success story in the making. Could you be the one to write Bunny’s next chapter?
Little Shelter is located at 33 Warner Road in Huntington. For more information or to meet Bunny, call 631-368-8770.
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road Centerport continues its lecture series with a presentation titled In Levittown’s Shadow with historian Tim Keogh on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
Keogh will give a lecture on his book In Levittown’s Shadow: Poverty in America’s Wealthiest Postwar Suburb which takes a nuanced look at the history of suburban development and its connection to impoverished living conditions on Long Island.
“This forgotten part of Long Island’s past is one that continues to shape the Island’s current job and housing challenges,” Keogh said.
In Levittown’s Shadow (The University of Chicago Press, 2023), he examines the familiar narrative about American suburbs – after 1945, white residents left cities for leafy, affluent subdivisions and the prosperity they seemed to embody. Keogh’s research reveals that there is more to this story. He offers an eye-opening account of diverse, poor residents living and working in those same neighborhoods. Keogh shows how public policies produced both suburban plenty and deprivation—and why ignoring suburban poverty doomed efforts to reduce inequality.
Tim Keogh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Queensborough Community College. He earned an A.A. degree from Nassau Community College (2005), a B.A. in History from Hofstra University (2007), and M.A. degree in History from Hunter College (2010), and an M.Phil. and Ph.D. in History from the Graduate Center, City University of New York.
In Levittown’s Shadow: Poverty in America’s Wealthiest Postwar Suburbwon the Dixon Ryan Fox Prize for best manuscript in New York history. He is the editor of War and the City: The Urban Context of Conflict and Mass Destruction and his published work can be found in The New Republic, Nonsite, Journal of Urban History, and Journal of Planning Education and Research, among others. He is a Long Island native, and currently lives there with his wife and children.
Tickets are $10 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org or click here.
2024 APHNYS Conference participants, from left, Town of Brookhaven Historian Barbara M Russell; Suffolk County Legislators Steve Englebright and Chad Lennon; Suffolk County Historian Peter Fox Cohalan; New York State Historian Devin Lander; Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine; and APHNYS President Christine Ridarsky.
Photo from Barbara Russell
Particpants of the 2024 APHNYS conference visited the Mather House Museum on Sept. 17. Photo from Facebook
Particpants of the 2024 APHNYS conference visited the Mather House Museum on Sept. 17. Photo from Facebook
Particpants of the 2024 APHNYS conference visited the Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum on Sept. 17. Photo from Facebook
The local arrangement committee of the 2024 APHNYS conference enjoy the Village of Port Jefferson. Photo from Facebook
NYS Historian Devin Lander was awarded State Historian Devin Lander was awarded a Registered Historian certificate at the 2024 APHNYS Conference. Photo from Facebook.
Particpants of the 2024 APHNYS conference visited the Bayles Boat Shop on Sept. 17. Photo from Facebook
APHNYS board members posed for a photo. Photo from Facebook
By Heidi Sutton
The Association of Public Historians of New York State held its annual conference in Port Jefferson from Sept. 16 to 18. The event, held atDanford”s Hotel and Marina, drew more than 100 government-appointed historians and affiliates from across the state.
Participants attended workshops, panels, and presentations that explored this year’s theme, “It’s a Whale of a Tale: Outstanding Narratives in New York State History,” and took part in walking tours of the Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum, The Mather House Museum at the Historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson, and Bayles Boat Shop and enjoyed exploring the beautiful seaport village.
Guests were also treated to a special historic photography exhibit on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, A Glance at the Empire State: A collection of photos from the past, curated byPort Jefferson Historian Chris Ryon. The exhibit is on view through October.
Pictured at the event are, from left, Town of Brookhaven Historian Barbara M Russell; Suffolk County Legislators Steve Englebright and Chad Lennon; Suffolk County Historian Peter Fox Cohalan; New York State Historian Devin Lander; Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine; and APHNYS President Christine Ridarsky.
These are a few of our favorite things about the fall — pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and the annual Women’s EXPO at the Middle Country Public Library in Centereach on Thursday, October 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.More than just a trade show, the EXPO showcases the talents, products, and businesses of Long Island women entrepreneurs.
An initiative of the Middle Country Library Foundation, this annual event supports the work the library’s Miller Business Center does all year to help local entrepreneurs.
“Advocating for women-owned businesses not only sets the stage for presenting to young women a path to entrepreneur possibilities,” says Carol Allen, CEO of People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union and the EXPO’s long-time Café Sponsor, “but has proven to be essential to overall grass-roots community and overall economic growth.”
From limited access to funding to balancing personal and professional responsibilities, women entrepreneurs navigate numerous obstacles on their path to success. EXPO Supporting Sponsor Stony Brook Small Business Development Center’s Director Martha Stansbury, “applauds today’s women entrepreneurs for their perseverance in commercializing their business ideas.”
The EXPO not only celebrates these entrepreneurs but also highlights how supporting women-owned businesses strengthens community and economic growth across Long Island. The event not only brings shoppers, it connects the women with each other. “The EXPO provides an invaluable opportunity for women to connect, learn from one another, and collaborate. By coming together, we create a powerful network of support and innovation that fosters both personal and professional growth,” said Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, Director of Middle Country Public Library.
Let’s shine a spotlight on some of the incredible local women entrepreneurs who will be this year’s Women’s EXPO:
Malissa and Francis Mangogna
Malissa and Francis Mangogna
Beam of Light Designs
Malissa and Frances Mangogna made a bold leap into entrepreneurship in the summer of 2023, launching Beam of Light Designs. Inspired by the creative potential of the Innovation Space at the Middle Country Public Library, they initially created laser-engraved items as gifts for friends and family. However, as interest in the designs grew, Malissa and Frances decided to turn their hobby into a business.
They started by selling through Instagram and Facebook, with last year’s EXPO being their first event. Meeting and speaking with people in-person allowed Malissa and Frances to learn more about what customers really want. Malissa loves designing new products, from custom ornaments to unique visor frames. She says that this year’s EXPO will feature even more personalized options and that they will be affordable. “I’ve been in a position where things were too expensive, and I don’t want anyone to feel that way about our products,” says Malissa.
When asked about their biggest business success, Malissa says, “Our repeat customers. People order a personalized item and often order another right away.”
Vanessa Rodriguez
Vanessa Rodriguez
Creations by Bazookilla
Returning for her second year, Vanessa Rodriguez of Creations by Bazookilla reflects on how far she’s come since last year, when she attended her first ever event – the Women’s EXPO.Vanessa taught herself to crochet, giving her blankets, hats, and more to friends and family. “People would always tell me I should sell my items, but it was just something I did for fun.” That changed when her friend and mentor gave her the push she needed. “I wasn’t sure I could do it,” Vanessa admitted. “But I’m so glad she pushed me into it.” Vanessa, a single mother, balances her budding business with her studies in payroll management. Despite the challenges, she continues, driven by the memory of her late father, whose work ethic continues to inspire her to move forward.
She met many fellow women entrepreneurs at the last EXPO, including Lisa Brunetti of Fashion Forward with Lisa. Since connecting at the EXPO, Lisa has encouraged Vanessa to sell her products at Retro Relics in Lake Grove and join a networking group. Vanessa joined TNT and through the meetings she has gained vital support, helping her business grow. She says, “The best thing about starting this business has been meeting new people—other entrepreneurs—and connecting with them.” From hobbyist to business owner, from uncertainty to confidence, Vanessa feels like this year is her “moment.” And she’s just getting started.
Sue Folan
Sue Folan
Sue’s Balsamic Glazes
Sue Folan, a registered dietitian, was looking to do something different. Having spent a lot of time helping people season food in healthy ways and knowing balsamic glazes are an easy, healthy way to add that flavor, Sue’s Balsamic Glazes was born.
Unsure where to start, Sue used some of the resources available to entrepreneurs in New York starting at the Stony Brook Small Business Development Center where a business counselor helped her get begin. Still Sue knew she needed to learn more about getting a food product to market safely, so she worked with the Cornell Center for Excellence for Food and Agriculture.This led to her being invited to be a part of the inaugural session of the Cornell Food Spark, a program designed and led by leading food science experts to help entrepreneurs bring new food products to market.
After all her hard work, Sue’s Balsamic Glazes were ready for market in June 2023. In her first year, Sue sold 3,700 bottles and is on track to sell more than 5,000 this year.She is looking forward to her first EXPO.Former EXPO vendors have recommended the event as “a great way to meet and talk with other women in business,” says Sue.
Even though being an entrepreneur means Sue works 7 days a week, she is excited about what’s to come.
Sena Kolayli
Sena Kolayli
The Cinnamon Candle
Sena Kolayli’s journey from chemist to candle maker is as unique as the hand-poured sculptural soy candles she creates. Originally from Turkey, Sena moved to the U.S. to work as a chemist at a pharmaceutical company, but her career path shifted when she became pregnant. Wanting to balance her desire to work with staying home to care for her son, Sena took an online candle-making course. With her background in chemistry, she saw an opportunity to create natural, safe candles and was determined to craft the best product possible.
Now in her third holiday season with The Cinnamon Candle, Sena has grown her business from a single color, scent, and mold to offering five scents and a variety of colors and designs. “I started small, but I’ve always wanted to keep growing and adding to my collection,” she said. She hopes to offer candle-making workshops in the future and possibly open a coffee/candle shop — an idea inspired by her sister’s love of coffee.
For Sena, the biggest success is the positive feedback from customers. “People tell me my candles make their homes beautiful, and that just makes me cry,” she said. “I put so much care and effort into every single candle.”
A neighbor mentioned how much she enjoyed the EXPO and encouraged Sena to apply. She is looking forward to being around other women entrepreneurs
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Whether it’s the corner deli, the local card shop or an entrepreneur at the Women’s EXPO, every local purchase is a vote of confidence in your community.
The 24th annual Women’s EXPO will take place on Thursday, October 10 at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd, Centereach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free and there is ample parking. For further information, call the library at 631-585-9393 x296 or visit www.womensEXPOli.org.
Patrick Meade. Photo by John Griffin/Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University’s Patrick Meade, professor in the C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics (YITP), was recently elected to a fellowship with the American Physical Society (APS).
Meade was elected for his pioneering research and leadership in particle theory and phenomenology, including signatures of gauge-mediated supersymmetry, top partners, long-lived particles, Higgs sectors, phase transitions of the early universe, and the science capabilities of proposed facilities.
“I’m honored to have my contributions recognized by my peers in the APS,” Meade said, who is also a professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Physics and Astronomy. “And to join so many of my excellent colleagues in Physics at Stony Brook who have previously been selected as fellows.”
The APS Fellowship recognizes members for their outstanding efforts to advance physics. No more than one half of one percent of the Society’s membership are elected each year. Fellows must be a member of the APS in good standing.
“We’re delighted to learn that Patrick Meade has been named an APS Fellow,” said George Sterman, director of the C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics and distinguished professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “Patrick’s important contributions address questions like the nature of dark matter, how elementary particles get their masses, and how the early universe evolved. Internationally, he is a recognized leader in preparations for the next major accelerator facility. At Stony Brook, Patrick is a valued colleague, and a highly effective teacher and mentor.”
Meade joined the YITP at Stony Brook University in 2009. He earned his PhD in Theoretical Physics from Cornell University and participated as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University and the Institute for Advanced Study.
The era of self-driving vehicles is now upon us. Presently fourteen states have passed legislation or issued executive orders permitting the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles either with or without human drivers. These states have differing levels of regulations, but they generally allow for testing, and in some cases, full deployment of automated driving systems. For illustration, we have included a chart below.
As self-driving vehicles shift from science fiction to reality, the implications for traffic laws are profound. For lawyers and drivers alike, understanding these changes isn’t just academic; it’s becoming essential. For example: who’s at fault when a driverless vehicle in involved in an accident? How do we enforce traffic laws on vehicles that don’t make mistakes? And what does all this mean for insurance coverage?
Who’s responsible when no one’s driving?
Imagine this: a fully autonomous vehicle (AV) gets into a fender-bender. The “driver” was reading a book, and the car was doing all the work. Who’s at fault?
Traditionally, liability falls on the driver, but when a car is self-driving, things get murky. Are we looking at a case of product liability, where the car manufacturer could be responsible, or does the blame shift to the software developers if the problem was a coding error? Or is it ultimately still the driver’s fault?
This isn’t just a thought experiment. As cars become more automated, courts will have to decide whether traditional concepts of liability apply. Shifting responsibility from drivers to manufacturers could have far-reaching effects. Car companies might find themselves more frequently in court, and we could see new standards for vehicle safety and software updates.
Enforcing traffic laws in a driverless world
One of the selling points of AVs is that they should, in theory, eliminate human error. No more speeding or running red lights — just safe, compliant driving. But what happens when autonomous and human-driven cars share the road? The mixture in driving behavior could lead to unexpected problems.
Take, for example, a four-way stop. An autonomous vehicle is programmed to wait its turn, but what if human drivers—often more aggressive and impatient—don’t follow the rules? Who gets the ticket if there’s a collision? And how will traffic police adapt when the ‘drivers’ in these cars aren’t driving at all? The answer could lie in automated reporting, where AVs log and transmit data directly to authorities. But this raises privacy concerns and brings a whole new meaning to the term “big brother is watching.”
Changes in insurance and driver responsibility
If you’re sitting at the wheel of an AV, are you still considered a driver? This question could redefine driver responsibility. Currently, drivers are expected to stay alert, even in vehicles with high levels of automation. But as technology advances, that role could diminish. We might see the legal definition of a driver evolve, impacting everything from traffic tickets to DUI laws.
And what about automobile insurance? Today’s policies focus on human drivers—their history and behavior. But if the car, bus, or truck is driving, does your spotless record even matter? We could see a shift to policies that are more like product insurance, focusing on the vehicle and its technology rather than the person behind the (sometimes non-existent) wheel. Insurance could become bundled with the car’s cost, or we might see new types of policies that blend traditional auto insurance with product liability coverage.
Preparing for the future
Regulators are already taking steps to prepare for this brave new world. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working to develop guidelines. While states like California have begun to draft specific rules for AV testing and deployment. New York likely won’t be far behind.
Autonomous vehicles promise to revolutionize transportation, but they also present a host of practical questions.
A. Craig Purcell, Esq. is a partner at the law firm of Glynn Mercep Purcell and Morrison LLP in Setauket and is a former President of the Suffolk County Bar Association and Vice President of the New York State Bar Association.
New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS) has announced the addition of board-certified Hematologist and Medical Oncologist Jose Galeas, MD. Dr. Galeas will see patients at 1500 Route 112, Building 1, Port Jefferson Station and 501 Hawkins Avenue, Lake Ronkonkoma.
“We are happy to announce that Dr. Galeas will be joining our team of physicians,” said Jeff Vacirca, MD, CEO of NYCBS. “Dr. Galeas shares our dedication to advancing patient care with a particular emphasis on cancer treatment and quality improvement. Welcome aboard, Dr. Galeas.”
Dr. Galeas’s focus on improving both the delivery of care and patient outcomes will be central to his work at NYCBS. He believes the organization’s commitment to incorporating cutting-edge cancer treatments and maintaining strong patient relationships aligns perfectly with his own vision for quality cancer care.
“I am particularly excited about practicing at NYCBS because it allows me to continue making meaningful contributions in a dynamic, patient-centered environment. I look forward to participating in clinical trials, advancing personalized medicine, and continuing my efforts in quality improvement projects,” said Dr. Galeas.
Dr. Galeas earned his medical degree from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras Facultad de Ciencias Médicas and further honed his expertise during his residency and fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Dr. Galeas is fluent in both English and Spanish.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Galeas, please call 631-751-3000. For more information, visit nycancer.com.
