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Photo from Family Features

Costumes and candy make Halloween a highly anticipated event for children and adults alike, but the holiday can be particularly spooky for pets. Some of the same things that bring humans joy on All Hallows Eve can lead to poisoning, stress or anxiety, which may cause four-legged family members to run away or react aggressively.

To help ensure Halloween is fun for every member of the family, take note of these safety tips
from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations across North America that cared for more than 4.5 million pets last year. Talk to your veterinarian if you need assistance dealing with pet anxiety.

Create a safe space for your pet at home. If your neighborhood is particularly busy on Halloween and the sidewalks are overflowing with exuberant trick-or-treaters, it may be best to leave your pet at home. Pets can be thrown off by extra people on the street or at the door in frightening costumes, which could lead to uncommon reactions such as growling or biting if they feel threatened. Even if your pets are mellow and enjoy greeting guests, consider keeping them inside as you sit by yourself near the door or outside to greet trick-or-treaters as they knock or ring the doorbell. Otherwise, consider keeping your pet in a room away from the frenzy with a TV, radio or white noise machine to dull the sounds.

Be cautious when taking your pet trick-or-treating. If you do decide to venture out with your pet, make sure he or she is always close to you on a secure leash (avoid retractable leashes). Observe your surroundings and assess people – especially friendly, excited children – approaching you and your pet, because physical contact from strangers in costumes may instigate a fearful or aggressive reaction.

Consider skipping the costume. It’s best not to dress up your pets for Halloween, but if you choose to, it’s important for pets to wear safe, comfortable costumes. They should be loose enough to provide freedom of movement but not loose enough to be a tripping hazard. On the other hand, costumes that are too tight can restrict breathing and make movement difficult. Make sure your pet’s costume does not interfere with vision or hearing. Also beware of small parts, like buttons or loose strings, that could be chewed off and swallowed.

Keep treats away from pets. Resist the temptation to share Halloween candy with your pet. In fact, keep all candy safely out of reach. Chocolate, candy or gum artificially sweetened with xylitol can be dangerous for dogs. Plus, cellophane or foil wrappers can cause problems if swallowed. Even natural treats like caramel apples should be off limits as eating items not normally on the menu can cause upset stomachs, GI blockages or pancreatitis.

Decorate with safety in mind. Festive decorations help set the mood, but they can also create health risks for your pet. While non-toxic, pumpkin and pumpkin seeds can upset stomachs, especially when consumed in large quantities. Lit candles in Jack-O-Lanterns may pose fire hazards if toppled by a curious four-legged friend. Decorative lights can brighten your porch but should be kept out of your pet’s reach as nibbling on electrical cords can cause electrocution.

— Family Features

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METRO photo

Amid natural gas price and heating oil volatility, company reminds those struggling with bills that state programs are available

As winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island recognizes that many households are facing challenging times and wants to remind its customers that programs exist to help people struggling with utility bills. There are also many ways they can lower their bills by using energy wisely.

“Everything is more expensive today, and PSEG Long Island continues to work hard to provide our customers with safe, reliable energy at the lowest possible cost,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Services. “To help manage energy use and costs, we offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs. We also know many of our customers are struggling to pay bills, and we encourage them to reach out to us to enroll in a deferred payment agreement and learn about available financial assistance programs. Colder weather is coming, which will mean higher heating costs. We urge our customers to act now, and we’re here to help.”

The costs associated with purchasing fuel for electric power supply are directly passed through to the customers. With energy costs rising due to global conflict, inflation, and high demand as the winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island understands the impact this increased financial burden can have on its customers.

In accordance with a policy established by the LIPA Board of Trustees, a hedging program is in place to reduce the volatility of power supply costs for customers. Hedging provides price stability in case of unforeseen commodity market and weather events that drive up prices. In addition, PSEG Long Island and LIPA work to further mitigate the monthly volatility to customers as costs materialize.

How customers can lower their bills

The most effective thing customers can to do lower their bills is to use electricity more efficiently. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs since, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting accounts for about 15% of the electricity used in the home, and LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. 
  • Use a programmable thermostat to automatically manage your home’s heating and cooling needs. ENERGY STAR estimates that properly used programmable thermostats can save the average American household about $180 a year. In addition, PSEG Long Island offers rebates on smart thermostats.
  • Lower your thermostat by just one degree to potentially reduce your heating bill. Lowering it two degrees during the day and five to 10 degrees at night will save even more.
  • Install timers and motion detectors to automatically manage indoor and outdoor lighting and help ensure lights are not on when they’re not needed.
  • Ceiling fans can be used to save energy in winter. Setting a fan to rotate clockwise on low pulls cool air toward the ceiling, pushing warm air down into a room.
  • Seal windows and doorframes with weather stripping or caulk, and remove or cover window air conditioners to help to prevent drafts that waste energy and money.
  • Reduce “phantom power” by using energy efficient power strips or unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use. Items plugged into outlets use electricity even when they’re turned off.
  • Install a high efficiency air source heat pump (ASHP) to lower energy usage, save money and provide greater comfort in cold and hot months. Robust rebates are available from PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Program for ducted ASHP units, ducted geothermal heat pumps and ductless mini split systems. Additionally, PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort PLUS program offers enhanced rebates for customers who meet certain income qualifications.
  • More money-saving ideas and rebate information are available at https://www.psegliny.com/saveenergyandmoney/energystarrebates

Assistance available to those struggling with bills

PSEG Long Island wants to work with any customer struggling to pay their bills and help them find a solution. The company encourages anyone with a past-due account balance to call 1-800-490-0025 so a representative can help them develop a deferred payment agreement tailored to the needs of their household.

Additionally, PSEG Long Island wants to make customers aware of the financial assistance programs offered by New York State:

  • The New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program: Customers enrolled in PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance Program will automatically receive a credit toward their arrears as of May 1, 2022, via this new, state-run program. Customers who meet the eligibility requirements and have not yet enrolled in the Household Assistance Program have until Dec. 31, 2022 to enroll in the Household Assistance Program to qualify for this bill credit.
  • Customers who have received a payment on their PSEG Long Island account through the New York State-administered Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) also qualify for the New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program. As ERAP payments continue to be received, the New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program will remain open through Dec. 31, 2022.
  • The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide a heating fuel grant to eligible homeowners and renters depending on income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,485 and still qualify for benefits. This benefit is scheduled to open on Nov. 1. For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/.
  • Emergency HEAP, a subset of the HEAP program, offers eligible customers a grant to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or exhausting their heating fuel source. This emergency portion of HEAP is scheduled to open on Jan. 3, 2023.  If customers are experiencing an emergency, they can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/
  • For low-income households facing no-heat situations, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is also accepting applications for its heating equipment repair or replacement benefit. Eligible homeowners can now apply for up to $4,000 for repair or $8,000 for replacement of a furnace, boiler or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the household’s primary heating source working. Additionally, eligible households can receive energy efficiency services, which includes the cleaning of primary heating equipment to allow for its safe and efficient operation. Customers can apply for this benefit by reaching out to their local Department of Social Services location, which can be found here: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/contacts/

Customers who apply for and receive one of these state or federal benefits are automatically placed on PSEG Long Island’s Household Assistance rate and the residential energy affordability program providing energy efficiency measures and suggestions to help lower consumption.

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Breast cancer myth busters

By Melissa Arnold

Each October, it seems like the whole world turns pink in the name of breast cancer awareness. From fundraisers to billboards, clothing and social media campaigns, that ubiquitous pink ribbon is everywhere. Of course, there’s a clear need for awareness, as 1 in 8 women on Long Island will develop invasive  breast cancer in their lifetime. But even with the October blitz, myths and misconceptions remain widely circulated among women of all ages.

Susan Samaroo is the executive director of The Maurer Foundation (www.maurerfoundation.org), a nonprofit organization in Melville established in 1995 with one goal in mind — to save lives through breast education. Their interactive workshops held in schools, colleges and community locations debunk long-held breast cancer myths, teach people how to lower their risk through lifestyle modification, and provide instruction to find breast cancer in its earliest stages when it is easiest to treat.

“We believe that it’s important to educate young people specifically and give them the information they need early on,” said Samaroo. “It’s never too early to learn what to look for and how to make positive changes that reduce breast cancer risk.”

The foundation educates roughly 20,000 people each year, the majority in co-ed settings. And Samaroo noted that they tend to hear the same rumors about breast cancer year after year. Let’s set the record straight on some of the most common myths.

MYTH: If you don’t have a family history, you won’t get breast cancer.

FACT: While family history is an important factor when considering potential risk, the National Institutes of Health reports that around 85 percent of people diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history.

For people that do have a family history, it’s critical to have a conversation with your doctor as soon as possible. Mammograms and other screening may be recommended as early as age 25, and in some cases, genetic testing is warranted. Having certain genetic mutations causes an individual’s risk to skyrocket, and preventative medication or surgery could be necessary.

MYTH: Only older women get breast cancer.

FACT: There are actually two false statements here. First, the age factor. According to Eileen Pillitteri, program manager of The Maurer Foundation, approximately 12,000 women in their 20s and 30s receive a breast cancer diagnosis each year.

Furthermore, men can and do get breast cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 1 in 100 breast cancers patients are men, making it critical for both men and women to familiarize themselves with the look and feel of their breasts and check regularly for lumps, discharge and changes in appearance.

MYTH: Size matters.

FACT: Some people believe that having larger breasts reflects a greater risk of cancer, but that doesn’t matter. It’s worth noting, however, that some women’s breasts are more difficult to screen for abnormal growths.

“An annual mammogram is the best overall screening test for breast cancer. There are some limitations, especially in women with dense breast tissue,” said Dr. Erna Busch-Devereaux, chief breast surgeon at Huntington Hospital, Northwell Health. “Having dense breasts means that there is not a lot of fatty tissue present in the breasts. These breasts are mostly glandular and the X-rays don’t penetrate that tissue as well, so the picture is not as clear. Finding cancer can be more difficult with dense breasts — it’s like finding a snowball (cancer) in a snowstorm (background breast tissue).”

Your doctor will let you know if you have dense breasts. Different types of screening, such as 3-D mammograms, ultrasound or MRI might be suggested for a clearer picture.

MYTH: Your deodorant or your bra could give you cancer.

FACT: As of right now, there is no scientifically-backed evidence showing an increase in breast cancer risk for women who use antiperspirants or deodorants, though there are “general concerns surrounding the impact of environmental and consumed chemicals on our health,” Busch-Devereaux said, adding that more study is needed.

And as for the rumor that wearing tight bras with underwire or any other type of bra can cause breast cancer by obstructing lymph flow? “That’s completely unfounded,” Pillitteri said.

MYTH: Lifestyle doesn’t change your cancer risk.

FACT:  Across the board, limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption and eating a well-rounded, nutritious diet can help lower your risk of many cancers.

When it comes to breast cancer specifically, other choices you make can make an impact as well, but the specifics can be complicated. 

“Having children at a young age and having multiple children results in a reduced breast cancer risk, but this protection is seen decades later. In the short term, there is an increased risk for breast cancer after having a child which is associated with pregnancy-related hormone surges,” Pillitteri explained.

Contraception is another tricky topic. Hormonal IUDs and oral birth control pills can increase breast cancer risk, but they can also greatly reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, Pillitteri said.  Other health professionals, including Dr. Busch-Devereaux, said that birth control pills don’t appear to increase overall breast cancer risk.

Healthcare organizations agree that most types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to cope with symptoms of menopause does increase breast cancer risk.

The takeaway: “It’s important to talk to your doctor about the products that are right for you based on your individual risk factors,” Pillitteri said.

Be proactive

In the end, risk of breast cancer can vary from person to person based on genetics, body type and lifestyle. But it’s never too late to make positive changes.

“Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercise, maintain an average weight, avoid smoking or vaping, and limit alcohol — things that are good for overall health are good for the breasts,” Busch-Devereaux said. 

Make sure you have an annual mammogram screening beginning at age 40. If you have a family history or genetic mutations, talk to your doctor about when to start screenings.

And don’t be embarrassed if it’s been a while since your last mammogram. The important thing is to go.

“Sometimes women are too worried to go for a mammogram, or they delay seeking care because they’re afraid,” Busch-Devereaux said. “We stand an excellent chance of curing cancer when it is found early, so mammograms are very important and should always be encouraged. Additionally, women shouldn’t feel afraid or embarrassed to come in for an evaluation if they feel a lump or notice a change in their breast and haven’t gone for a mammogram. We’re here to help.”

This article first appeared in TBR News Media’s Focus on Health supplement on Oct. 20, 2022.

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Scene from 17th Annual Halloweekend. Photo from Town of Smithtown
Scene from 17th Annual Halloweekend. Photo from Town of Smithtown
Scene from 17th Annual Halloweekend. Photo from Town of Smithtown
Scene from 17th Annual Halloweekend. Photo from Town of Smithtown

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve hosted its 17th Annual Halloweekend on Saturday, October 15, and Sunday, October 16. The popular annual event traditionally sells out without much advertising. This year was no different, with roughly 1500 residents, between both days, participating in the festival weekend. Families enjoyed touring the festive preserve playing games, winning prizes, engaging in the entertainment and Fall fare, and enjoying the food.

“Each year, I take my grandkids to this event and each year I’m more and more impressed with the attention to detail, TLC and thought that goes into delivering such a memorable experience for the community. I’d like to thank and acknowledge Jeff Gumin, our Director of Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, Sheryl, Kate, Dominick, Kellie and the entire Hoyt Farm team… they really knocked it out of the park,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Each year, the team at Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve plan an elaborate and memorable Halloween festival for Smithtown families to enjoy. They try to create an atmosphere of good old-fashioned Fall fun mixed with kid-friendly Halloween enjoyment. They devote countless hours to orchestrating the whole weekend of fun which includes hay rides, pumpkin picking and decorating, spooky fun games, face painting, crafts, scavenger hunts and an unforgettable haunted house. The staff joins in the fun, dressed in unforgettable costumes to greet kids and parents who are dressed in Halloween costumes as well. The team at Hoyt Farm believes that a successful festival is one in which adults become kids and children become superheroes, and mythical beings inside a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.

“This is an event that we put our hearts and souls into at Hoyt Farm. We try to make everything from scratch to spark that nostalgic country festival feel. It is an extremely popular event and each year it provides smiles to about 1500 Smithtown residents. We already started planning for next year,” said Jeff Gumin, Director of Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve.

For more information about Hoyt Farm, visit them online or call at 631-543-7804. Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve is located at 200 New Highway in Commack.

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A scene from 'A Killer Day'

Halloween comes around a week early to the Playhouse at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 270 Main St., Northport as it plays host to the 13th Annual Northport One-Act Play Festival – “Halloween Edition.” The new plays that make up this year’s festival all share something in common. Each embraces the strange, sometimes scary aspects associated with All Hallows Eve, whether as a comedy or drama.

The plays featured in the festival will be performed twice each, once as a matinee and once in the evening at the theater They will be brought to the stage by directors and actors from the Long Island theater community.

Program 1 will be presented on Saturday, October 22nd at 3:00 p.m.

Program 2 will be performed on Saturday, October 22nd at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 23rd at 3:00 p.m.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Program 1: Saturday, October 22nd at 3:00 p.m.
Mortal Lives by Seth Freeman

Date Night in Roissy by Les Abromovitz

Fall of the House of Hasenpheffer by Michael Casano

Grave’s Anatomy by Rich Rubin

Program 2: Saturday, October 22nd at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 23rd at 3:00 p.m.

Meeting Acute by Chuck Smith

The Psychic by John Passadino

Bite Me by Pete Mergel

Margo by Peter Scarpinato

A Killer Day by Joe Bulvi

Admission is $25 to each of the four festival performances. You can reserve tickets for the festival (recommended) at www.northportplays.com or call (631) 223-8053.

 

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Photo by Shawn Ruiz/Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook University volleyball team concluded play at Delaware with a weekend split, defeating the Blue Hens in a five-set thriller on Oct. 16. 

After securing the first set, Stony Brook dropped the next two in close deficits, with the second set resulting in a four point defeat (25-21) and the third set culminating in a three point loss (25-22). The Seawolves then bounced back with a gritty effort to secure the fourth and fifth sets, closing them out 27-25 and 15-9, respectively. 

Stony Brook’s offense was fueled by the trio of Kali Moore, Abby Campbell, and Erin Garr who all finished the match with 10 or more kills. Defensively, the Seawolves were led by Julia Patsos and Moore who tallied 30 and 22 digs, respectively. 

“So proud of this group! We approached this match with a different competitive spirit and it was a full team win. We were able to execute adjustments both offensively and defensively throughout the entire match and that showed grit. Every road win is big and this one is better because I thought we played at a high-level. We have another important road weekend coming up and will need this same level of focus,” said head coach Kristin Belzung. 

Up next, the team heads to Boston to take on conference rival Northeastern on Oct. 22 and 23.

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Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook football team fell to Fordham, 45-14, on Oct. 15 at Jack Coffey Field in the Bronx. Freshman quarterback Charlie McKee earned his first-career start for the Seawolves and tossed two touchdown passes in his second collegiate game.

 Stony Brook got on the board with 10:36 to play in the fourth quarter when freshman quarterback Charlie McKee found redshirt sophomore Tedy Afful for a 30-yard touchdown pitch and catch on fourth and six. It was Afful’s first career touchdown catch as he became the fourth different Seawolf to haul in a touchdown pass this season.

McKee threw his second touchdown of the night late in the fourth quarter when he found graduate wide receiver Khalil Newton from four yards out. For Newton, it was his second touchdown catch of the season and fifth of his career.

On the defensive side of the ball, Stony Brook was able to force one turnover. Redshirt senior defensive back Isaiah Givens laid a hit on Fordham’s Trey Sneed that jarred the ball loose and was recovered by graduate linebacker Reidgee Dimanche.

“Fordham is a very good football team and we didn’t represent ourselves correctly. Offensively, we continued to struggle. Defensively, we played well early, but it was hard to hang on. We went up against an offense that has performed to this level all season,” said head coach Chuck Priore.  It’s tough, but our kids will play hard in between the white lines,” he added. 

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Teammates celebrate their victory on Sunday. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

It was a day of celebration at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium as the Stony Brook women’s soccer team was able to send off its senior class with a thrilling, 3-2, win over UNC Wilmington on senior day, Oct. 16. The Seawolves were paced by a trio of goal scorers with freshman midfielder Linn Beck producing the game-winner in the 60th minute en route to victory.

It didn’t take Stony Brook long to get on the scoreboard as freshman forward Luciana Setteducate found the back of the net in the 12th minute. The freshman gathered a ball mid-air that deflected off the head of a UNC Wilmington defender and ripped a shot past the Seahawks’ keeper to give the Seawolves an early 1-0 lead.

Stony Brook added on in the 20th minute when freshman midfielder Ashley Manor sent a corner kick into the box that sophomore midfielder Gabby Daniels headed to graduate defender Morayo Adenegan who chipped it in to increase the Seawolves’ advantage to 2-0.

 The Seahawks jumped on the board early in the second half as Madison Henry scored a goal in the 46th minute to cut Stony Brook’s lead to 2-1. The Seawolves responded in the 60th minute as Beck sent one into the back of the net off a feed from Setteducate and freshman forward Gabrielle Côté. Beck’s tally proved to be the game-winner.

UNC Wilmington added its second goal of the contest in the 62nd minute when Kayla Burroughs capitalized on a loose ball inside the box. Stony Brook’s defense, anchored by sophomore goalkeeper Nicolette Pasquarella was able to stand strong as they held on to win by the final score of 3-2.

Prior to the game, the Seawolves honored their senior class which is comprised of Adenegan, Emerson Richmond Burke, Rachael Peters, Catharina von Drigalski, Leah Feato, and Madison Sleiman.

“It was definitely a better performance than on Thursday. We came out with a lot of energy on a special day honoring our seniors – it is always an emotional and special day. I thought that they did a good job today,” said head coach Tobias Bischof.

The team concludes the regular season on Oct. 23, when it heads to Hempstead to take on Hofstra at 1 p.m. 

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Stock photo

Calling all job seekers! East Northport Public Library, 185 Larkfield Road, East Northport will host a Job Fair by Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center on Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come meet representatives from various area companies to discuss job opportunities including:

New York Life

Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk

Express Employment Professionals – Farmingdale

Addus Home Care

ROTHCO

Northport Historical Society

Family Residence

Suffolk County Water Authority

Jobs by Joely

Suffolk County Police Department

Park Shore Day Camp

SCOPE Education Services

In addition to the list, companies who are not able to attend have sent flyers for openings available in all work sectors.

Bring your resume and dress for success.

Registration is underway at www.nenpl.org using code: NENR408

Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call 631-261-2313.

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