The Long Island Pet Expo returns on March 2 and 3.
The Long Island Pet Expo returns on March 2 and 3.
The Long Island Pet Expo returns on March 2 and 3.
The Long Island Pet Expo returns on March 2 and 3.
The Long Island Pet Expo returns on March 2 and 3.
The Long Island Pet Expo returns on March 2 and 3.
The Long Island Pet Expo returns on March 2 and 3.
Popular Pet Showcase Features Entertainment, Education & Shopping
The Long Island Pet Expo returns to Suffolk County Community College, 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood on March 2 and 3 with fur flying entertainment, dog sporting competitions and educational programs designed for the whole family. The event returns to the Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena and features many special attractions, pet adoptions and outstanding shopping for pet lovers and their pets.
“The Long Island area is passionate about animals and pets of all kinds,” said show co-producer Karen Garetano of Family Pet Shows, which runs several similar events in the northeast.
The 100+ special exhibits always feature some of the hottest new products coming out often before they hit the retail shelves. Pets on leashes are always welcome, and several area rescue groups with adoptable pets will be on hand. Popular performers and presenters include Gail Mirabella and the Dynamo Dogs, Diana Frohman and her Beautiful Dancing Dogs, Schutzhund Demonstration by Maximum K9 Service, the Dog Lovers Days Lure Course, Rainforest Reptiles Shows, TICA Championship Cat Shows, Rabbit Hopping, the Long Island Dog Derby and more
“We always have fun at these events, but we also are strong supporters of responsible pet ownership and humane values when it comes to all issues involving animals and pets,” said Garetano. “We partner with several community organizations, shelters, veterinarians and other animal lovers educate and inform when it comes to best practices for training, feeding and all aspects of pet care.”
Community and rescue organizations will be participating in the show where attendees can learn about pet adoptions as well as responsible ownership and care.
The event is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees over the weekend. Adult admission is $15, Kids 4-11 are $6, and those three years old and under are always free. Saturday March 2nd the hours are 10 am to 7 pm, and on Sunday, March 3rd, from 10 am to 5pm. For additional information, call 631-423-0620 or visit www.familypetshows.com.
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Note: Attendees are welcome to bring their well-behaved pets to the expo. There are some regulations and restrictions-please check our website at www.familypetshows.com or contact us directly.
Kim Rizzi Hamilton snapped this photo of her backyard in a blanket of fresh snow on the morning of February 13. She writes, “Beautiful snowy day in Stony Brook.”
The free public lecture at Stony Brook University by Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Astrophysicist and Visiting Academic at Oxford University, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. has been rescheduled for the same time tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 14 due to the weather.
Burnell, who discovered radio pulsars in 1967 and who received a $3 million Breakthrough Prize, which she donated to help advance women and minorities in science, will give a talk on pulsars, or pulsating radio stars, at the Della Pietra Family Auditorium, Room 103, at the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics on Stony Brook University’s West Campus. The university is providing a reception at 4:15 pm.
Burnell received a Royal Medal, a Copley Medal and the 2010 Faraday Prize. She was also the first female president of the Institute of Physics and of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and is a member of seven Academies worldwide.
Stony Brook is providing a livestream of the lecture, which is available at scgp.stonybrook.edu.live.
In anticipation of a nor’easter on Tuesday, Feb, 13 that has triggered a National Weather Service Winter Storm Warning, Stony Brook University announced that it was canceling classes and events scheduled for Tuesday.
The canceled classes and events apply to the Stony Brook main campus, SB Southampton and SB Manhattan campuses and includes the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Health Professions, School of Social Welfare, and the Dental School.
In a note from Jason Casale, Director of Emergency Management, Stony Brook urged students with clinical obligations to make every effort to attend rotations and contact their clinical coordinators with questions or concerns.
During emergencies, non-essential employees can request supervisory approval to charge their accruals when offices are open, according to the campus e-mail blast. Essential employees have to report to work according to their scheduled hours.
University Hospital and the Long Island State Veterans Home employees are considered “essential” and are expected to work according to their regular schedule.
Brookhaven National Laboratory is also closed to everyone but essential personnel from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, meanwhile, announced it is closing on Tuesday until 5 pm.
As of Monday evening, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning, predicting Suffolk County could receive snow accumulations of 5 inches to 10 inches and wind gusts of 40 miles per hour.
As schools are preparing for their first long break of the year, the LongIslandGameFarm in Manorville is inviting families and visitors of all ages to spend time at the farm with the animals, like Nala the African serval cat, Stanley the fox, lemurs, goats, and more.
Nala the African serval cat. Photo from the Long Island Game Farm
The game farm is also offering special programming for infants to children age 12 during the break, beginning February 19. Kids can learn how animals prepare for winter, including adaptations, migration, and hibernation; sketch some of the resident animals; and engage in imaginative play using stuffed animals, music, and dance.
These programs will be presented by the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, the gamefarm’s nonprofit arm that aims to connect people with wildlife and the natural environment through awareness activities and engaging experiences.
“We’re thrilled to offer families educational and fun experiences during February break this year,” shares Long Island Game Farm president Melinda Novak. “The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability’s programming at the game farm encourages children and adults alike to foster an appreciation for nature through engaging experiences. We also have a great education team to lead these programs, so we’re very excited for all to come this year.”
Animals in Winter – Monday, February 19 @ 9 a.m.
In this program for children ages 5 to 7, educator James Carey will discuss how animals prepare for winter using adaptations, migration and/or hibernation. The fee is $35 per child.
Animals in Winter – Monday, February 19 @ 1 p.m.
In this program for children ages 8 to 12, educator James Carey will discuss how animals prepare for winter using adaptations, migration and/or hibernation. The fee is $35 per child.
Sketch the Animals – Wednesday, February 21 @ 10:30 a.m.
Bring your sketch pad and drawing tools to the Long Island Game Farm’s Woodland Hall to see and sketch select resident animals up close. For ages 8 and up. The fee is $25 per person.
Make Music with Ms. Jenna – Friday, February 23 @ 10:30 a.m.
Spark imagination and create music using stuffed animals, song, and dance in this program for children up to age 5. The fee is $20 per child and adult. Each additional child is $10.
Registration is required and can be booked online at longislandgamefarm.com or by calling 631-878-6644.
For those that wish to spend more time at the game farm, attendees to these classes will receive half-off admission for the day of class. The teacher or staff will meet students at the ticket booth.
Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville will be open on weekends in February and for winter break from Monday, February 19 through Sunday, February 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All paying guests will receive a free cup of animal food in February. For more information, call 631-88-6644 or visit www.longislandgamefarm.com.
Looking for a way to romance your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day? The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, will supply the live jazz music, champagne and chocolate. You supply the romance.
The Jazz Loft presents “Here’s to the Ladies,” on Friday, February 16 at 7 p.m., featuring The Jazz Loft All Stars”, with Tom Manuel on cornet/vocals; Dean Johnson on bass; Steve Salerno on guitar; Ray Anderson on trombone and Darrell Smith on drums.
The performance repertoire is songs written for women, about women, to women, by women– It’s all about the ladies when Valentine’s Day comes to the Jazz Loft.All tickets are $40. The event includes a glass of champagne and deluxe chocolate.
“Our Valentine’s Day performances at the Jazz Loft are all about the LADIES– period!” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “So, gentlemen, if you’re looking for someplace that will celebrate them properly, the Loft is the place to be!”
The Jazz Loft is located just 90 minutes from New York City and is the only music venue on Long Island that features exclusively Jazz music. For tickets visit: https://www.thejazzloft.org/calendar
Key changes can significantly reduce heart disease risk. METRO photo
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
In February, we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a celebration of those we love, alongside American Heart Month, an invitation for us to build our awareness of heart-healthy habits.
The good news is that heart disease is on the decline due to several factors, including improved medicines, earlier treatment of risk factors, and an embrace of lifestyle modifications. While we are headed in the right direction, we can do better. Heart disease is ultimately preventable.
Can we reduce heart disease risks?
Major risk factors for heart disease include obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes. Sadly, rates of both obesity and diabetes are rising. For patients with type 2 diabetes, 70 percent die of cardiovascular causes (1).
Key contributors also include inactivity and the standard American diet, which is rich in saturated fat and calories (2). This drives atherosclerosis, fatty streaks in the arteries.
Another potential risk factor is a resting heart rate greater than 80 beats per minute (bpm). In one study, healthy men and women had 18 and 10 percent increased risks of dying from a heart attack, respectively, for every increase of 10 bpm over 80 (3). A normal resting heart rate is usually between 60 and 100 bpm. Thus, you don’t have to have a racing heart rate, just one that is high-normal. All of these risk factors can be overcome.
When does medication help?
Cholesterol and blood pressure medications have been credited to some extent with reducing the risk of heart disease. Compliance with taking blood pressure medications has increased over the last 10 years from 33 to 50 percent, according to the American Society of Hypertension.
Statins have also played a key role in primary prevention. They are effective at lowering lipid levels, including total cholesterol and LDL — the “bad” cholesterol. In addition, they lower the inflammation levels that contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. The Jupiter trial showed a 55 percent combined reduction in heart disease, stroke and mortality from cardiovascular disease in healthy patients — those with a slightly elevated level of inflammation and normal cholesterol profile — with statins.
The downside of statins is their side effects. Statins have been shown to increase the risk of diabetes in intensive dosing, compared to moderate dosing (4). Many who are on statins also suffer from myopathy (muscle pain and cramping).
I’m often approached by patients on statins with this complaint. Their goal when they come to see me is to reduce and ultimately discontinue statins by modifying their diet and exercise plans.
Lifestyle modification is a powerful ally.
How much do lifestyle changes reduce heart disease risk?
The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging investigated 501 healthy men and their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The authors concluded that those who consumed five servings or more of fruits and vegetables daily with <12 percent saturated fat had a 76 percent reduction in their risk of dying from heart disease compared to those who did not (5). The authors theorized that eating more fruits and vegetables helped to displace saturated fats from the diet. These results are impressive and, to achieve them, they only required a modest change in diet.
The Nurses’ Health Study shows that these results are also seen in women. Lifestyle modification reduced the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) (6). Many times, this is the first manifestation of heart disease in women. The authors looked at four parameters of lifestyle modification, including a Mediterranean-type diet, exercise, smoking and body mass index. There was a decrease in SCD that was dose-dependent, meaning the more factors incorporated, the greater the risk reduction. There was as much as a 92 percent decrease in SCD risk when all four parameters were followed. Thus, it is possible to almost eliminate the risk of SCD for women with lifestyle modifications.
In a cohort study of high-risk participants and those with heart disease, patients implemented extensive lifestyle modification: a plant-based, whole foods diet accompanied by exercise and stress management. The results showed an improvement in biomarkers, as well as in cognitive function and overall quality of life. The best part is the results occurred over a very short period — three months from the start of the trial (7). Outside of this study environment, many of my own patients have experienced similar results.
How do you monitor your heart disease risk?
Physicians use cardiac biomarkers, including blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index, alongside inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein to monitor your risk. Ideally, if you need to use medications to treat risk factors for heart disease, it should be for the short term. For some patients, it may be appropriate to use medication and lifestyle changes together; for patients who take an active role, lifestyle modifications may be sufficient.
By focusing on developing heart-healthy habits, you can improve the likelihood that you— and those you love — will be around for a long time.
Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.
From left, Madeline Quintyne, John King, Chancellor, SUNY; Dr. John Nader, President, Farmingdale State College. Photo courtesy of Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale State College (FSC) has been awarded more than $750,000 in funding for innovative, faculty-led proposals aimed at advancing offshore wind technology training and education on Long Island. FSC received three out of ten proposals funded from university centers, colleges of technology, and community colleges across the SUNY system.
“Farmingdale is leading the way in the commitment to advance our use of offshore wind to power both our lives and our economy,” said John S. Nader, PhD, president of Farmingdale State College. “We are simultaneously creating jobs and an environmentally sustainable future for Long Island and throughout New York State.”
In total, the OWTI awarded more than $8M in two rounds of funding to support SUNY institutions in preparing students and workers for a sustainable energy future. FSC was awarded nearly $900,000 in the first round announced last May.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “To meet climate goals set by both President Biden and Governor Hochul, the offshore wind workforce needs to grow significantly over the next several years. That’s where SUNY and the Offshore Wind Training Institute come into play by developing programs to prepare the highly skilled, in-demand workforce that will power New York’s sustainable energy future. All of these projects represent the significant strides SUNY is taking toward advancing New York State’s climate goals.”
The recipients of the OWTI funding from FSC include:
Khosro Shirvani and Marjaneh Issapour, awarded $282,700 to embark on groundbreaking research exploring additive manufacturing techniques for the repair of wind turbine components. Their project seeks to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of offshore wind infrastructure.
Paulo Castillo and Supriyo Karmakar, awarded $371,914 to develop a cutting-edge workforce microcredential program. This initiative involves the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment designed to detect blade defects, such as micro-cracks and erosion, ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability in offshore wind energy systems.
In addition to the core projects, FSC received the following subawards:
Marjaneh Issapour was awarded $100,000 to partner with the University at Buffalo to prepare instructional content for a wide audience to better understand the offshore wind supply chain.
Lijian Xu, PhD is partnering with Stony Brook University and the Advanced Energy Center to create a power systems laboratory for renewable energy transmission experiences.
The initiatives align with the priority focus areas outlined by the OWTI, addressing the expanding needs of the offshore wind industry, and fostering equity, diversity, and inclusivity in clean energy education and training.
About Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale State College offers 46-degree programs focused on emerging, high-demand, and relevant careers to help prepare the next generation of leaders in technology, engineering, business, healthcare, science and the arts. With nearly 10,000 students, FSC is SUNY’s largest college of applied science and technology. More than half of our graduating seniors leave debt-free and 94% are employed six months after graduation or enrolled in graduate school. FSC is home to Broad Hollow Bioscience Park, which supports the development of biotech start-up companies and partners with surrounding businesses and research institutions along the Route 110 Business Corridor. Our engaging student experience, highly inclusive campus and sustained commitment to accessibility, affordability, and student support, helps make FSC one of the best values in higher education.
Would you be Ultra’s Valentine? Currently up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington, this four-year-old Boxer mix is looking for a family with high hopes, an even higher fence, and dog experience, she is ready to put her paw print on adoption papers and change her address to yours! While displaying a calm, dignified demeanor, she’s also quick-witted with a good sense of humor, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Curious about life and eager to explore the world around her, she’s the perfect one to accompany you on all your adventures. Intelligent and loyal, she has all the qualifications of a best friend and lifelong companion. Why go big when you can go Ultra? Stop by to meet her today! 631-368-8770, Ext. 2
Zach & Zoe
Meet Zach & Zoe
Zach, a Morkie and Zoe, a Maltipoo are currently up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. Both eleven years old, they are looking for a home together. Like any old married couple, they can finish each other’s sentences, often adding a few embellishments to their many stories. Zoe is the breadwinner and doesn’t mind “working” the staff and volunteers for treats to take back for Zach, who prefers to stay on the comfy couch with the remote. Both are enthusiastic, however, when it comes to being your loyal companions and confidants. If these two best friends sound like they could be your best friends, stop by Little Shelter to meet them today! 631-368-8770, Ext. 21
Bruce
Meet Bruce
Bruce is a gentle giant seeking a loving forever home! Currentlly at Brookhaven Animal Shelter, this 5 to 6-year-old Cane Corso is already well-versed in commands like sit, down, and come. He’s housebroken and crate trained, making him an easy addition to your household.
If you have experience with guardian breeds and are searching for an amazing dog to bring into your life, Bruce might be the perfect match. His easygoing nature extends to his walks, and he absolutely loves giving you his paw and enjoying cuddle sessions.
Bruce values human connection over toys and is ready to bring his unique blend of sweetness and loyalty to your home. If you’re ready to welcome Bruce into your life, please visit www.brookhavenny.gov/152/Animal-Shelter and fill out a Matchmaker Application. Your new furry friend awaits! 631-451-6950
Porgy
Meet Porgy
Porgy is a charming 2-year-old Retriever mix at Brookhaven Animal Shelter looking for his forever home. This sweet boy knows his basics like sit and is eager to learn more, especially when it comes to walking nicely on the leash. Porgy, unfortunately, isn’t a fan of other animals, so he’d love to be the sole focus of your affection.
Originally arriving as a stray, Porgy has a heartwarming story of resilience. Initially shy, he’s been gradually opening up, realizing that new people aren’t scary. Porgy is ready to form a strong bond with a loving family.
He thrives in environments with children aged 12 and up, making him a great companion for older kids. Porgy enjoys the outdoors, so a spacious yard where he can run around and have a blast would be ideal for him.
If you’re ready to open your heart and home to this wonderful pup, Porgy is waiting to become your loyal companion. Let’s make his journey complete with a loving family and a forever home! Please fill out a Matchmaker Adoption Application at www.brookhavenny.gov/152/Animal-Shelter to arrange a meet and greet. 631-451-6950
Blaze
Meet Blaze
Waiting at the Smithtown Animal Shelter for his forever home for almost four years now, 10-year-old Blaze is a well-mannered, loving & affectionate boy. He loves pools, food, walks and his people. He hates being cold or in the rain. This sweet boy has stranger danger that must be managed and is easily overcomed (cookies are the way to his heart). He is also protective of his people. Please call 631-360-7575 to set up a meet and greet today!
Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop.
Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of March 7.
Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.
PSEG Long Island employees will never insist and in most cases do not need to come inside
In light of a recent home invasion incident in Nassau County involving robbers dressed as utility workers, PSEG Long Island urges customers to know what its employees look like and what they typically do when making visits to a home.
“The safety of customers and employees is our top priority at PSEG Long Island,” said Lou Debrino, vice president of Customer Operations for PSEG Long Island. “In most cases, PSEG Long Island employees do not need to come inside your home to perform their work. Most meters are located outside, as is most of the electric equipment our company maintains. Our employees always wear their PSEG Long Island ID cards. Never open the door if you have any suspicion that the person knocking is not a legitimate PSEG Long Island employee.”
In-person visits
Occasionally, scammers may go door to door impersonating PSEG Long Island employees, flashing a fake ID and/or claiming to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear “uniforms” or affix false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information, which real utility representatives do not do, or offer bogus discounts.
PSEG Long Island employees must carry a company ID and present it when requested. If customers have doubts, they should not open the door. An actual PSEG Long Island employee will respect the customer’s decision and remain outside. If the person escalates their efforts to enter the home, customers should consider calling 911.
Phone scammers
Scammers are still using phone calls to target homes and businesses on Long Island and in the Rockaways, impersonating PSEG Long Island and area utilities and demanding immediate payment for supposed unpaid bills. PSEG Long Island reminds customers do the right thing if confronted with a demand for payment and a threat of imminent shutoff: Get the truth from real PSEG Long Island representatives at 1-800-490-0025.
Many of these scammers demand immediate payment via web-based electronic payment services. PSEG Long Island does not accept external, web-based electronic payment services (outside of payments through My Account) as a method of payment.
What customers should know about payment scams
Scammers impersonating PSEG Long Island most frequently threaten to shut off power immediately unless payment is made.
Many scammers use phone “spoofing” technology to make their number display on your phone as “PSEG Long Island.”
PSEG Long Island will never request that customers use one specific method of payment.
Scammers typically want their victims to transfer money via a web-based electronic payment service, a prepaid debit card, or even Bitcoin, sometimes asking people to buy a prepaid card at the nearest convenience store and then to read them the PIN over the phone.
PSEG Long Island does not accept web-based electronic payment services, prepaid debit cards or Bitcoin as payment.
Sometimes phone scammers will demand a deposit for a priority meter installation. PSEG Long Island does not require a deposit for meter installations.
If a customer has doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email — especially one in which payment is requested — they should call the company directly at 1-800-490-0025.
Fake websites
Some scammers purchase web domains that closely resemble the actual URL of a utility and create a fraudulent replica of the legitimate website. Their plan is to dupe users who click on these fake sites via search results, or type in an inaccurate web address. Once on the spoofed site, a visitor is presented a number of bill payment options, all pointing back to an outside bill pay site.
PSEG Long Island always uses the “.com” domain. Its real website, including PSEG Long Island-hosted online payment options, can be found at psegliny.com.
Other scammers contact customers, claim to be with PSEG Long Island, demand payment and then instruct their victims to pay by scanning a QR code they send. Customers should remember that PSEG Long Island will never request that customers use one specific method of payment, and does not accept web-based electronic payment services, prepaid debit cards or Bitcoin as payment.
How actual PSEG Long Island reps handle phone calls
Customers should also know what PSEG Long Island will and won’t discuss over the phone. A genuine PSEG Long Island representative will ask to speak to the customer of record. If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the correct information, it is likely the customer is not speaking with a PSEG Long Island representative.
If the customer of record is not available, the PSEG Long Island representative will not discuss the account and ask that a message be left for the customer of record to call 1-800-490-0025.
PSEG Long Island is a member of the Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) collaborative. UUAS, a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations, continues to raise customer awareness of common scams and new scam tactics used by utility impostors. Through its work and with the help of customer reporting, UUAS has successfully helped to take more than 14,020 toll-free numbers used by scammers against utility customers out of operation.
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