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Spencer Gee

People who suffer from chronic diseases including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, neuropathy, dementia, and arthritis have the chance to join the 12-week PANDA Tai Chi exercise classes at the Universalist Unitarian Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket starting on Sunday, May 18 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Martial artist, Spencer Gee, has spent 15 years developing a tai chi program for people with chronic diseases such as:  Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Neuropathy, Dementia, Arthritis and others.  This program allows the students to move their bodies in a way that can help delay the progression of their disease.  They are able to maintain strength and mobility and release tension and stress.

Spencer is an engaging teacher and tells everyone, “Come join us for an exciting and fun workout for your mind and body.”

Classes will be 1 hour long on Sundays at 3 p.m. on May 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; July 13, 20, 27; and  August 3 and 10.

Fee is $180 per student, caregivers are encouraged to join in for an additional reduced fee.  For more information or to register, email Laila at [email protected].

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Ribbon cutting for Limitless Integrative Wellness. Photo from PJCC

OFFERING HOLISTIC SUPPORT

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce welcomed new Chamber partner Kristina Scaglione (holding scissors) of Limitless Integrative Wellness, 100 Mariner’s Way, Port Jefferson at a ribbon cutting on April 24. The event was attended by Mayor Lauren Sheprow (holding certificate), PJCC President Steve Munoz (far left), friends and staff. For more information, call 631-818-1528 or visit limitlessintegrativewellness.com.

 

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Nicolock Design Studio in Huntington Station
Nicolock Design Studio in Huntington Station
Nicolock Design Studio in Huntington Station

Nicolock, a leading manufacturer of premium hardscape solutions, has announced the opening of its new Design Studio at 800 East Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station in May with more locations planned for Seaford and Holbrook scheduled to open in June 2025 as well as three more in the fall.

According to a press release, these exclusive destinations are  designed to empower homeowners to transform their outdoor living visions into realities, guiding them from initial concept to completion. More than just showrooms, Nicolock Design Studios offers homeowners the chance to fully visualize how Nicolock’s extensive range of products will look installed, fostering confidence and facilitating informed decision- making.

“We understand that creating the perfect outdoor space is a significant investment and a deeply personal endeavor,” said Nino Nicolia, Vice President. “Our new Design Studios are designed to enhance the process, offering a hands-on, personalized experience that ensures our customers are delighted with their choices every step of the way. They will leave our showroom with a computer-generated design including a comprehensive list of products and a directed to an authorized Nicolock dealer.”

The Nicolock Design Studios offers several key features including:

  • Expansive Showroom: Featuring Nicolock’s top-selling products and color blends in realistic, installed settings. This allows customers to truly see, touch, and experience the quality and beauty of Nicolock’s offerings, eliminating any ambiguity.
  • Direct Comparison: Multiple variations of pavers, retaining walls, and other hardscape elements are displayed side-by-side, enabling easy and direct comparison to choose the best options for individual projects.
  • In-House On-Staff Designer: Homeowners will have access to Nicolock’s expert in-house designers, providing personalized consultations and design advice to bring their unique visions to life.
  • Personalized White Glove Concierge Service: From the moment they step into a Design Studio, customers will receive dedicated, white-glove service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout their project journey.
  • Comprehensive Product Showcase: Explore a wide array of Nicolock products, including pavers for patios, driveways, and walkways, as well as retaining walls, pool decks, fire pits, fireplaces, and materials for outdoor kitchens and grills.

Headquartered in Lindenhurst, Nicolock has been a family-owned-and-operated hardscape manufacturer for over 65 years. The company currently has 8 manufacturing facilities and is growing: Long Island, New Jersey, Maryland, Connecticut and their newest location, North Carolina. For more information, visit www.nicolock.com.

 

 

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Emma Clark is now a Family Place Library. Photo from Emma Clark Library
Emma Clark is now a Family Place Library. Photo from Emma Clark Library
Emma Clark is now a Family Place Library. Photo from Emma Clark Library
Emma Clark is now a Family Place Library. Photo from Emma Clark Library
Emma Clark is now a Family Place Library. Photo from Emma Clark Library
Emma Clark is now a Family Place Library. Photo from Emma Clark Library

Emma S. Clark Memorial Library in Setauket has announced that it has been formally approved as part of The Family Place Libraries™ national network, which emphasizes play-based learning as an essential tool to early childhood development, particularly for those families with young children ages one to three years old.

The Children’s Department at Emma Clark began the process to become certified as a Family Place Library in late 2024, which included extended training for librarians beyond their library schooling. These workshops were taught by child development experts and Family Place Trainers and served as a good refresher regarding building pre-reading skills and helped to spark new ideas for learning through play. The training also focused on supporting parents and caregivers by connecting them with resources and professionals, as well as providing engaging programming opportunities.

“I am excited to be a part of the Family Place initiative which provides a framework for expanding my role as a librarian in connecting with young children, parents and caregivers and facilitating the support they need,” said Marcela Lenihan, one of the children’s librarians who attended the training.

Although Emma Clark already had many of the initiatives in place such as board and picture books, puzzles, a train table, and a coloring spot, in the past year they added more imaginative toys to the Children’s Library, such as dramatic play items (kitchen, market, dress-up clothes, etc.). Looking ahead, Brian Debus, the Head Children’s Librarian, is hoping to add more toys geared towards infants, as well as more comfortable seating for parents, grandparents, and caregivers.

“By joining this initiative, we’re investing in early learning, parent engagement, and community connection, ensuring every child and family gets the best possible start in life,” said Debus. 

Furthermore, the children’s librarians are working to fine-tune the already well-established Parent/Toddler Workshop by including community resource professionals at the program on a regular basis. This weekly workshop for children ages 18 months to 3.5 years old and their caregivers has always focused on open play, sharing, and connections with other parents and caregivers. 

It will now include specialists — such as pediatric nutritionists, speech pathologists, social workers, and child development experts —  so that parents and caregivers may speak one-on-one with professionals and ask questions in a comfortable, informal setting. This program not only aids in the child’s development, but it helps parents and caregivers to feel less isolated and gives them an increased sense of community belonging. 

The librarians also plan on offering more handouts from reputable organizations on parenting and childhood development, making the information easily accessible to patrons.

The Family Place Libraries™ model is now in over 500 libraries in 32 states serving thousands of young children and their parents/caregivers. 

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Brookhaven Health and Wellness Fair returns May 17. Photo from TOB

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico has announced that the 5th Annual Health and Wellness Fair will take place on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookhaven Town Hall. Sponsored by JVC Broadcasting, as well as Stop & Shop and ShopRite, this eagerly anticipated event has become a cornerstone of the community’s commitment to promoting health and wellness for residents of all ages.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from various health and wellness industries, who will provide valuable information on topics ranging from fitness and nutrition to mental health and healthcare services. The fair is designed to connect the community with local resources, empowering residents to lead healthier, happier lives. To add to the excitement, plenty of free giveaways will be available throughout the event.

This year’s fair will feature over 50 vendors offering a wide range of services, including:

  • Health screenings and wellness resources
  • Mental health and counseling support
  • Fitness and nutrition guidance
  • Senior and caregiver services
  • Insurance and community outreach programs
  • Interactive activities and giveaways for all ages
  • Healthy snacks, compliments of our generous sponsors

Some of the participating organizations include:
NYU Langone Health, Aetna Better Health, Stony Brook Medicine, Suffolk County Psychological Association, Redefine Fitness, Sunshine Prevention Center, Getting Zen with Erin, and many more!

Adding a dynamic element to the day, JVC Broadcasting will be on-site conducting interviews with participants, vendors, and attendees. These interviews will be aired on 103.9 LI News Radio, offering listeners a chance to hear firsthand accounts of the event’s positive impact on the Brookhaven community. Supervisor Dan Panico emphasizes that the Health and Wellness Fair reflects Brookhaven Town’s dedication to providing opportunities for residents to engage with essential health-related resources.

“Our Health and Wellness Fair is not just an event—it’s a celebration of our community’s commitment to fostering a healthier future for everyone. We are grateful to JVC Broadcasting for their support in making this event a resounding success,” said Panico.

Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville, will serve as the welcoming venue for this annual event. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in celebrating health and wellness on Saturday, May 17. It promises to be a day filled with learning, community connection, and inspiration.

For more information, call 631-451-6331.

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From left, moderator Jennifer B. Cona with panelist group: Randy Goldbaum; Esther Fortunoff-Greene; Kathy Munsch; Dr. Pilar Stevens-Haynes, Director of Echocardiography, Mount Sinai South Nassau; Paul Fleishman.
The panel on stage. Jennifer B. Cona moderates at right.
From left, Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., Senior Partner, Cona Elder Law; Evelyn Gellar, Managing Director, Forest Hills Financial Group; and Jennifer B. Cona, Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law.
Evelyn Gellar, Managing Director, Forest Hills Financial Group and Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., Senior Partner, Cona Elder Law.

More than 250 people on the verge of retirement attended the 9th Annual Cona Elder Law Caregiver Conference, “Rewiring & Retiring Well on Long Island: The Secret Ingredients No One Talks About” at the Hilton Long Island in Melville on Wednesday, May 7, where they heard from a panel of well-known Long Islanders who shared their personal stories of life after a lifetime of work.

The focus of the evening was a discussion around how to navigate a post-career life, including the financial and emotional impact of not going to work five days a week anymore. Experts say people not only need to plan financially but also emotionally to avoid being disappointed or depressed with a downshift in their daily routines.

“We’re not wired that way, we’re still going, we’re vibrant people who have a lot of life left, we still have things we want to do. So you’re really planning for a shift in life,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law. “So having that conversation and making that plan is important to having a successful retirement, or rewirement.”

The main event, a panel discussion, talked about strategies for a successful retirement with five Long Islanders who have done it: Paul Fleishman, Newsday, Vice President of Public Affairs (Retired); Esther Fortunoff-Greene, Owner, Fortunoff, Rewired to EFG Designs; Kathy Munsch, American Heart Association, Regional Vice President (Retired); and Randy Goldbaum, Partner, Egress Pros, Rewired to Cannabis and Hemp Entrepreneur.

“I chose to pivot in a way that I can use my sources from all over the world and follow my passion,” said Esther Fortunoff-Greene, former owner of Fortunoff Department Stores. “I rewired rather than retired because I love work, and I love the people with whom I created working relationships for all those years. Life is short and we need to do what matters.”

“I had to go through a process that took me a couple years to get to the point where I was looking forward to being retired,” said Paul Fleishman, who retired from a multi-decade career at Newsday. “I had to get over how I was going to get over missing going to work every day and all the fulfillment and all of the satisfaction and all the reward. So that was a process.”

The evening also featured a presentation from Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., Senior Partner, Cona Elder Law, and Evelyn Gellar, Managing Director, Forest Hills Financial Group, titled “Managing Retirement Income & Risk During Volatile Markets.”

Additionally, more than 40 elder care industry sponsors and exhibitors shared resources on topics including home care, assisted living, reverse mortgages, long-term care insurance, and caregiver support services.

About Cona Elder Law

Cona Elder Law concentrates in the areas of elder law, estate planning, estate administration and litigation, and health care law. Cona Elder Law takes a holistic approach to elder law, providing support and resources for older adults and caregivers, and maintains long-term, partnering relationships with clients to provide the best solutions for multiple generations.

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Photo caption The Daniel Gale Foundation, the philanthropic division of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, a leader in luxury real estate, is collecting new and gently used business attire in support of its 25th annual clothing drive for Dress for Success. Donations can be dropped off  at Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty offices.  Pictured here (l-r), real estate advisors Lowell Ackerman, Veranika Johnston and Jessica Crowley.

The Daniel Gale Foundation, the philanthropic division of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, has announced the launch of its 25th annual clothing drive in support of Dress for Success.

From now through the end of May, all 29 Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty offices from Brooklyn and Queens to the Hamptons will be collecting new or gently used professional clothing and accessories to help local women dress for success—literally. Items being accepted include dress and pant suits and separates, blouses, shoes, coats, handbags, and other business-appropriate attire. All donations will benefit Dress for Success, which supports unemployed and underemployed women by providing professional attire and tools to help them succeed in their job search and career development.

“Whether it’s the first impression a property or a person makes, no one understands the power of presentation like a real estate agent,” said Deirdre O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty. “But this drive is about so much more than clothes—it’s about helping women feel seen, valued, and equipped to take the next step in their careers and lives.”

Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s partnership with Dress for Success began in 2000, when agents and employees were first invited to participate in a company-wide clothing collection. Since then, the initiative has become a cherished annual tradition, with the company donating truckloads of high-quality business attire that has supported countless women on their journeys to economic independence and personal empowerment.

This year’s drive continues the legacy of service that is a hallmark of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s culture—supporting not only the communities in which its agents work but also those striving to build better futures for themselves and their families.

Community members are invited to join the effort by dropping off donations at a Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty office. To find the nearest location, visit www.danielgale.com/locations.

 

 

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Island Harvest Food Bank, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), and the United States Postal Service (USPS) are once again in a united front for the annual Stamp Out Hunger® food drive, the nation’s most extensive single-day food collection campaign on Saturday, May 10.

At a recent kickoff rally at Island Harvest’s Melville headquarters before a group of postal union workers, corporate sponsors, and food bank staff and supporters, Samantha Morales, founder of Branches Long Island, a Middle Island-based social services organization that helps people in need, relayed a story about a first-time client coming in for food assistance.

“A woman named Maria came in holding a baby in one arm and a grocery list in the other. Her husband had been laid off, and their savings were completely gone. She looked exhausted yet determined and said, ‘I never thought I’d need help like this, but my baby needs to eat.’” Ms. Morales said that because of food donations from efforts like Stamp Out Hunger, Maria wasn’t turned away in her time of need, and she was given fresh produce, canned goods, and formula for her baby. As Maria left, she hugged a volunteer, broke down and said, “You gave me a lifeline today.” In concluding her remarks, Ms. Morales stated, “Every can, every box and every bag collected during this campaign helps real people right here on Long Island.”

According to Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO of Island Harvest, the need for food assistance on Long Island has never been greater.

“The need among Long Island families is alarming, making your contribution to Stamp Out Hunger more important than ever,” said Shubin Dresner. She highlights that the organization distributed a record 18.3 million pounds of food last year and is forecasted to distribute 20 million pounds this year.

“With increased costs at the grocery store, coupled with the region’s high cost of living and continued economic uncertainty, more Long Islanders urgently need supplemental food support. We are calling on the responsibility and generosity of all Long Islanders to donate what they can by leaving nonperishable food items in a bag next to your mailbox before the regularly scheduled mail delivery on Saturday, May 10 for your letter carrier to pick up and help ensure it gets onto the tables of our Long Island neighbors in need,” she added.

Nonperishable food includes canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk (no prepared food or food or juices in glass containers). In addition, personal care items such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and disposable diapers are gratefully accepted. All donations collected will help replenish Island Harvest’s network of community-based food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding programs in communities in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“Every donation, no matter the size, will help countless Long Islanders who may be struggling to put food on their tables — even a can of soup can be a much-needed meal for people who are hungry,” added Ms. Shubin Dresner, “We’ve always been touched by the generosity of Long Islanders to help their neighbors in need, and we are confident that they will once again step up and support this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive.”

“The National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 6000 and the United States Postal Service are excited to partner with Island Harvest again this year for your 33rd annual Stamp Out Hunger food collection,” said Tom Siesto, Executive Vice President of NALC Branch 6000. “The members of Branch 6000 and the employees of the United States Postal Service often see firsthand the widespread issue of food insecurity on Long Island and are thrilled to take part in this very important campaign and give back to the local communities they serve.”

Since its inception in 1993, the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, held on the second Saturday in May, has collected approximately 1.9 billion pounds of food for those in need across the United States. Input from food banks and pantries suggested that late spring would be the best time because most food banks start running out of the donations received during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays by that point in the year, according to the NALC.

Last year, generous Long Islanders donated 382,175 pounds of food, supplementing 577,000 meals. Island Harvest hopes to exceed 500,000 pounds of food during this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food collection campaign.

This year’s Stamp Out Hunger collection campaign on Long Island is generously supported by presenting sponsor National Grid (lead sponsor), JPMorganChase, Dime Community Bank, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, IPRO Healthcare, Leviton, M&T Bank, Nonna’s Garden, Petro Home Services, and Stop & Shop.

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Photo courtesy of Reboli Center

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook will host an exciting and informative talk with two distinguished figures in the world of classic motorcycles, international guest, Hans Keckeisen, and Long Island’s own, Peter Nettesheim on Saturday, May 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Keckeisen and Nettesheim will be discussing the fascinating history of BMW, the iconic Bavarian motor company, and the creation of a truly unique motorcycle that Keckeisen built specifically for Nettesheim’s museum collection. This event is open to the public and free to attend.

Hans Keckeisen

Hans Keckeisen is a master craftsman whose expertise in sheet metalwork, restoration, and reconstruction of classic motorcycles is second to none. Keckeisen specializes in restoring unusual bodywork and racing parts, always with meticulous attention to detail.

Drawing from years of experience and a passion for traditional craftsmanship techniques, Keckeisen is renowned for his work with BMW, Megola, and Windhoff motorcycles, among others. He treats each project with individual care, striving for the greatest possible authenticity and originality. He works with a diverse international clientele, from Austria to the USA, and his work is known for its dedication to preserving the technical cultural heritage of motorcycles.

The talk will also touch on Peter Nettesheim’s incredible contributions to preserving BMW’s legacy. Nettesheim is the owner of Nettesheim Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of BMW motorcycles, based on Long Island. With over 120 motorcycles spanning from 1923 to 1970, as well as 30 additional models from the 1970s onward, Nettesheim’s museum offers a remarkable look into the history and evolution of BMW’s motorcycle line.

The free event coincides with the Center’s current exhibit, Getting There,  which that delves into the artistic exploration of various modes of transportation, such as cars, motorcycles, trains, boats, and beyond.

No reservations required. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be served. For more information, call 631-751-7707 or visit www.rebolicenter.org.

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The cast of 'Miss Austen'. Photo courtesy of PBS

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

The following is based on viewing Part One of Masterpiece’s presentation of ‘Miss Austen.’

Jane Austen’s correspondence was vast, with an estimation of her penning thousands of letters: Only 160 remain. For reasons unknown, years after Austen’s death, her sister, Cassandra, burned the bulk of Jane’s letters.

Gill Hornby’s intriguing and entertaining Miss Austen: A Novel of the Austen Sisters (2020) speculates why. Hornby’s fictional explanation captures Jane Austen’s style, tone, and diction, with Hornby remarkably echoing Austen’s sly wit and keen observations. Hornby’s book could be seen as a seventh novel in Austen’s sadly small canon. 

A scene from ‘Miss Austen.’ Photo courtesy of PBS

Played in two timelines, the story follows the older Cassandra, in 1830, traveling to Kintbury on the pretext of helping Isabella Fowle, who is mourning her father’s death. However, Cassandra’s true motivation is retrieving the letters written by Jane and herself to Eliza Fowle, Isabella’s mother. Hornby uses Cassandra’s discovery and reading of the cache to flashback to the late 18th and early 19th century. 

In the teleplay, Andrea Gibb puts Isabella’s father, Reverend Fowle, on his deathbed (flickering candles and soft focus), imparting Cassandra a dying wish for Isabella. In this moment, the series sets itself at odds with the source—darker and leaning into the drama (or even melodrama)—rather than the edgier, droller, but more inspired world of the novel. Both touch on the themes of women in society, family obligations, and the pressure for marriage and children. But the approaches are distinctly different, with Gibb’s version trodding heavily, highlighting the romantic elements. The teleplay’s tone (and Aisling Walsh’s direction) departs from Hornby, and in essence, Austen: the author’s brilliance was balancing heartbreak with humor, satire with a sense of humanity. Lacking these vital elements, the filmed version seems bleached and untextured. 

Keeley Hawes is particularly effective as the older Cassandra, conveying thought with subtlety and presenting the older Austen sister as a woman missing nothing but keeping her own counsel. Synnøve Karlsen easily matches her as the young Cassandra, giving an equally rich performance. Patsy Ferran makes Jane quirky and likable and easily drops the few bon mots expected of the witty writer. However, along with Madeline Walker’s pleasant Eliza Fowle, the relationships feel more Little Women than Mansfield Park. 

Rose Leslie’s Isabella is lovely if reinvented as a more traditional heroine. Jessica Hynes’ waspish sister-in-law, Mary, is more ominous than necessary due less to her choice than the approach to her plotline. The same is true of the always wonderful Phyllis Logan, who plays matriarch Mrs. Austen. The book’s Mrs. Austen possesses more than a few shades of Mrs. Bennett; instead, she is given a less colorful portrait to create. Mirren Mack, in her brief appearance, manages the right blend of “respectful impudence” as the Fowles’ maid, Dinah. As for the men, they do little but respond or spout platitudes. 

Ultimately, the major point is legacy. When clergyman Mr. Dundas (Thomas Coombes, in a delightfully wicked cameo suggesting Pride and Prejudice’s unctuous Mr. Collins) suggests to Cassandra that the world is lacking a definitive biography so the public could know the real Jane Austen, she rebukes him. “Everything one needs to know about Jane Austen is to be found in the pages of her novels. There is nothing more.” In essence, this is the thesis. Jane’s life should be defined only by what she offered the public, and her private life and thoughts should remain just that—private. 

Miss Austen offers an interesting—if fictional—glimpse into one of the great literary figures of all time. That said, it is clearly the old saw: “The book was better.” 

The four-part series streams Sundays on PBS.org through May 18.

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