Business

Carlow Wind Watch, a new luxury apartment community at 1721 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge, has welcomed its first residents, according to a press release from Southern Land Company (SLC), a national real estate developer of master-planned, single-family, multifamily, and mixed-use communities, on Dec. 19.

Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Southern Land Company has market-leading projects in nine states, with regional offices in New York City; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Plano, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Vallejo, California.

Carlow introduces “much-needed rental residences to the area and emphasizes impeccable design, comfort, and convenience, marking a new kind of residential experience,” stated the release.

“We are proud to introduce Carlow in this peaceful hamlet on Long Island and provide opportunities for residents to enjoy unparalleled luxury apartment living,” said SLC Founder and CEO, Tim Downey. “Carlow exemplifies luxury living through its sophisticated design, premium amenities, and idyllic views of Wind Watch Golf & Country Club, creating an environment where residents of all ages can cultivate meaningful connections and prioritize wellness.”

Carlow, comprised of two distinctive buildings—five and seven stories, respectively—features 150 pet-friendly one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental residences. Residents can choose from 12 different floor plans ranging from 935 to 1,755 square feet with monthly rent starting at $3,802. Carlow’s residences cater to residents seeking refined living spaces. Each residence, available in two different color schemes, showcases a designer kitchen with stainless steel appliances and finishes, and includes a gas range, washer and dryer, custom closet system, and spacious balcony or terrace.

In addition to its residences, Carlow offers residents a comprehensive collection of resort-inspired amenities designed to promote community and wellness. Carlow features full-time concierge services, a resort-style pool and heated spa, outdoor dining room with gas grills, a resident clubroom and lounge area, a convertible community table for game nights, a poker table, a pool table, shuffleboard, a co-working area with private meeting rooms, a contemporary fitness center and yoga studio, and a golf simulator.

“In keeping with SLC’s commitment to foster a true sense of community, residents will also enjoy unique programming and events,” read the release.

Additional features at Carlow include secured parking with two spaces designated per residence, access control home entry, and a package locker room for secure mail delivery and storage.

Adjacent to Wind Watch Golf & Country Club and Hyatt Regency Long Island, and just minutes from the Northern State Parkway, Carlow “is a peaceful suburban respite that provides convenient access to Hauppauge’s diverse selection of restaurants, retailers, and services,” as well as key Long Island transportation hubs, including Long Island MacArthur Airport and Fire Island Ferries, and charming nearby towns like Stony Brook and Port Jefferson.

Carlow marks SLC’s first multifamily community on Long Island and in New York, and the company has two additional New York projects that are on track to open in 2025:

  • Florentin Garden City, slated to open in January 2025
  • Juliettein White Plains, expected to open in spring 2025

To learn more about Carlow, visit https://carlowapartments.com/.

Michael E. White

Stony Brook University has named Michael E. White the interim director of The Waste Reduction and Management Institute (WRMI), which resides in the university’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) and is overseen by Dean Paul Shepson.

White is presently a SoMAS adjunct faculty lecturer and works as a consultant on special projects with Winters Bros. Waste Systems of Long Island, LLC, which was recently acquired by Waste Management of New York. Prior to coming to Winters Bros., Michael was director of government affairs for Tunnel Hill Partners LLC. He is an attorney and has concentrated his law practice in the areas of environmental law, solid waste, municipal law, land use, natural resources and freight rail transportation. Michael is the president and owner of LI Strategies, Inc., an environmental planning consulting firm.

As Interim Director, White will oversee the WRMI and its faculty and staff to address the increasingly complex waste issues on Long Island.  The region faces challenges such as some of the highest per capita waste generation in the United States, insufficient on-Island waste disposal capacity, and the need to improve recycling rates.

WRMl’s goal is to reduce the impact of waste generation and management practices on society through research, assessment, education, and policy analysis and recommendations. Efforts look to reduce the amount of waste generated through the promotion of waste prevention strategies, educational programs, increased recycling, the development of creative beneficial uses for waste materials, along with environmentally sound transportation and disposal of waste.

“Stony Brook greatly values its role in the Long Island communities it serves, and WRMI is a critical resource to help address the serious challenges posed by waste generation across our region. We are thrilled to welcome Michael White in his new role and look forward to his expert leadership to advance WRMI’s goals through innovative research, actionable recommendations and effective advocacy,” said Richard L. McCormick, interim president, Stony Brook University.

“I am delighted that WRMI and Stony Brook will have the expert leadership of Michael White, as we do our best to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders to better tackle our considerable waste management challenges on Long Island.  We hope that rather than lead in per capita waste generation, we will soon lead in development of creative solutions to our environmental challenges,” said Dean Shepson.

“I am excited to take on this role. The WRMI is creating an action plan to address challenges related to Long Island waste to energy facilities, management of ash from those facilities, construction and demolition debris management and transportation of waste off Long Island. Key drivers of our crisis are ever-increasing amounts of waste generated, not enough recycling, and lack of waste disposal capacity. Importantly, we are collaborating our efforts through the institute with County Executive Romaine and the Long Island Supervisors’ Association led by Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer. Technical working groups have been created and are composed of people from the University, government, the waste industry, consultants in the industry and the environmental community,” said White.

Recent activities happening at WRMI include the institute being awarded a Regional Solid Waste Management Planning Grant, in the amount $250,000, which runs to August 2025. The goal of the grant is to assess solid waste management practices on Long Island and formulate a comprehensive plan that prescribes immediate, short term and long-term achievable goals and optimal and practical strategies and action items to achieve these goals. White serves as the Principal Investigator. This grant was provided by New York State (NYS) through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The Waste Reduction and Management Institute (WRMI) was created by the New York State Legislature in 1985, made up of a number of engaged faculty and staff across the Stony Brook campus, and hopes to grow to enable greater impact. An Advisory Board, comprised of experts from government, environmental organizations, and private industry, will be reestablished so that the Institute will benefit from the expertise of others in the fields of waste management and public policy.

“I congratulate Michael White on being appointed as interim director and applaud Stony Brook University’s commitment to innovate and implement best waste management practices on Long Island,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “In Suffolk County, we are working with our stakeholders and town supervisors to explore further opportunities to transport waste off the island while addressing the environmental and economic challenges our communities continue to face.”

Michael White is a terrific choice to run the WRMI and I commend President McCormick and Dean Shepson for appointing him to this important position,” added Kevin Law Chair of the Stony Brook University Council. “I am confident Michael will continue the legacy of Larry Swanson who helped educate Long Islanders about the need to recycle and who taught municipal leaders the necessity to work collaboratively to address the regional challenge of solid waste management. “

“I’ve known and worked with Michael for almost four decades and I can’t think of anyone more suited to taking on the challenges of directing Stony Brook University’s Waste Reduction and Management Institute. Michael has years of hands-on administrative and legal experience with both Long Island municipal officials and industry leaders in Long Island’s complex waste management programs.  As a seasoned attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how Michael works to find common ground bringing parties together and finding solutions to complicated environmental and solid waste issues,” said Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “Michael was instrumental in helping Babylon form and implement its ground-breaking Commercial Garbage District, which almost 30 years later still is an environmental asset that features the lowest cost commercial waste processing and disposal on Long Island. I have no doubt that Michael will excel in this position.”

“Waste management is an issue on Long Island impacting our environment but also our economy, and Michael White is a well-respected champion for the region who understands the complexity of this challenge and has positioned Stony Brook University to continue its leadership while partnering with municipalities and other key stakeholders to identify innovative and practical solutions,” concluded Matt Cohen from the Long Island Association.

 

Ben Alessi

Teachers Federal Credit Union has announced the promotion of Ben Alessi to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Alessi has over 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, 18 of which have been dedicated to Teachers.

In his new role, Alessi will oversee the financial strategy that fuels Teachers Federal Credit Union’s vision and mission, while working closely with the executive team to drive growth and member value. Alessi’s deep commitment to the organization’s values and his hands-on experience make him a trusted leader as Teachers continues its expansion and transformation journey.

“Ben has been an invaluable member of the Teachers team for nearly two decades, consistently demonstrating his dedication to our members, teammates, and our mission,” said Brad Calhoun, President and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union. “His expertise, vision, and commitment to the credit union movement align perfectly with our goals. As we continue to grow, Ben’s leadership will play a key role in guiding us toward an even brighter future.”

Alessi’s journey at Teachers Federal Credit Union began in the Internal Audit team. Most recently, as Senior Vice President of Accounting & Finance, he led pivotal financial initiatives, including modernizing budgeting practices and strengthening financial forecasting capabilities. A Certified Public Accountant, Alessi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Binghamton University and an MBA in Management & Leadership from Dowling College.

“It’s an honor to take on this role at such an exciting time in our organization’s transformation journey,” said Alessi. “I am deeply committed to supporting our mission of helping members achieve their financial goals and empowering them with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to build a brighter financial future.”

Ben Alessi’s promotion reinforces Teachers Federal Credit Union’s dedication to building an exceptional leadership team to support its members and communities. For more information about Teachers Federal Credit Union and its services, please visit www.teachersfcu.org.

ABOUT TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Teachers Federal Credit Union (Teachers) is one of the country’s largest credit unions, with more than $9.8 billion in assets and over 460,000 members across all 50 states. Founded in New York in 1952, Teachers is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution with an open charter offering membership to anyone in the U.S. through its 30 full-service branches and best-in-class digital solutions. Teachers is a key supporter of the communities it serves and is proud to offer a range of member-focused products with competitive rates and low fees. What started as a smart solution for teachers is now smart for all. For more information, visit www.teachersfcu.org.

Rob Negri

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS) has announced the appointment of Rob Negri as Chief of Pharmacy. In his new role, Negri will continue to lead the pharmacy operations across NYCBS dispensing sites throughout Long Island, New York City, and Hudson Valley, overseeing the team of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and oncology nursing staff.

“Rob Negri is a visionary healthcare leader with extensive expertise in pharmacy operations,” said Dr. Jeff Vacirca, CEO of NYCBS. “His leadership will drive New York Cancer & Blood Specialists to further elevate its world-class pharmacy practices, integrating advanced automation and innovative technology to enhance patient care and services.

Negri has previously worked as a Certified Pharmacy Technician for the last 15 years. Prior to joining NYCBS in 2015, Negri worked closely with physicians and pharmacists who provided care at a home infusion pharmacy.

“I am honored to lead an exceptional team of dedicated individuals committed to delivering outstanding care to our patients at NYCBS while ensuring affordable access to essential medications,” said Negri.

For more information, please visit nycancer.com.

Michael Dowling

For the 18th year, the president and CEO of New York’s largest health system has been named to the prestigious list – this year ranking number 35.

Northwell Health has announced that Michael Dowling, president and CEO, was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare of 2024, coming in at number 35. The complete ranking can be found in the December issue of Modern Healthcare magazine.

This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors individuals who are deemed by their peers and the senior editors of Modern Healthcare to be the most influential figures in the industry in terms of leadership and impact. Michael has consistently ranked among the top leaders in health care on the annual list and was named the most influential in 2022.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by Modern Healthcare among such distinguished leaders. This recognition reflects the dedication of the entire Northwell Health team to not only providing exceptional care today, but also building the future of healthcare,” said Mr. Dowling. “At Northwell, we are committed to addressing critical issues like health equity, healthy aging, and gun violence prevention, ensuring that everyone can live a healthier life. Together, we can truly improve the health of everyone in our communities.”

As president and CEO of Northwell Health, he leads a clinical, academic and research enterprise with a workforce of more than 87,000. Northwell is the largest healthcare provider and private employer in New York State, caring for more than two million people annually through a vast network of more than 900 outpatient facilities and 21 hospitals. Under his leadership, Northwell’s annual operating budget has increased to more than $18 billion.

Mr. Dowling is focused on creating the health system of the future. This includes addressing today’s public health infrastructure and the inequities, like addressing Black maternal health disparities, that exist in access to care, especially in underserved communities and communities of color.

He has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, resulting in a 90 percent employee satisfaction rate among diverse populations, significantly above the national average. Furthermore, Mr. Dowling has demonstrated a commitment to workforce development through the establishment of the Northwell School of Health Sciencesand a partnership with New York City public schools to create a dedicated health sciences high school.

Since 2019, he has remained a staunch advocate on national issues, including gun violence prevention. Under his leadership, he created the Center for Gun Violence Prevention, has hosted multiple Gun Violence Prevention Forums and has started a wide-reaching public campaign to raise awareness of gun violence. Through the Northwell-initiated National Health Care CEO Council on Gun Violence Prevention & Safety, 54 leading health care CEOs have pledged to leverage their collective influence and resources to curb the historic spike in gun-related deaths and injuries – including a commitment to help fund a $40 million national Ad Council PSA campaign.

Recognizing the inadequacy of most healthcare systems to address the growing needs of an aging population, Mr. Dowling continues to advocate for embracing innovation, technology, and new care models to ensure seniors age with dignity and access the support they need to thrive and to develop solutions to create more age-friendly health systems and improve overall care for our aging population. Just this year, Mr. Dowling coauthored the book, The Aging Revolution: The History of Geriatric Health Care and What Really Matters to Older Adults.

From left to right: County Legislator Robert Trotta, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, TOB Supervisor Dan Panico, TOB Superintendent of Highways Daniel Losquadro, Representative from the Governor's, office Thalia Olaya, and in front, Gloria Rocchio, Ward Melville Heritage Organization President, at a Stony Brook Village press conference. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R) announced the opening of two U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) to assist New York businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and flooding which took place this past August 18–19.

The centers, located at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mount Sinai and in the Village of Head of the Harbor in Saint James, will help residents and business owners recover from disaster-related losses.

Loan Details:

● Businesses and Nonprofits: Eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, equipment, inventory and other assets.

● Small Businesses, Agricultural Cooperatives, Aquaculture Businesses and Most Private Nonprofits:: Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available to help with working capital needs even if no physical property damage occurred.

● Homeowners: Loans up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate.

● Renters and Homeowners: Loans up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property.

The SBA Customer Service Representatives at the centers can assist with disaster loan applications, accept documents for existing applications and provide status updates. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments can be scheduled.

DLOC Locations and Hours:

Rose Caracappa Senior Center

● 739 NY-25A, Mount Sinai

● Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Closed Sunday

Village of Head of the Harbor

● 500 N. Country Rd., Saint James

● Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Closed Sunday

The disaster declaration includes Suffolk County and neighboring Nassau County. Residents affected by the storms are encouraged to visit the centers for assistance. For more information on this program visit www.sba.gov. 

From left, Kiran Wadhwa, Mr. Kulwant Wadhwa and Indu Kaur of The Curry Club at Saghar; and Discover Long Island President and CEO Kristen Reynolds

The Curry Club at Saghar in Port Jefferson was awarded the Partner of the Year Finalist honor by Discover Long Island at the organization’s 6th annual gala and awards ceremony, held on Dec. 3 at Bourne Mansion in Oakdale. 

This recognition celebrates the Curry Club’s commitment to community partnerships, exceptional service, and its dedication to sharing the rich and vibrant flavors of India with the Long Island community.

“We are honored to be awarded Partner of the Year Finalist by Discover Long Island,” read a press release from the Curry Club at Saghar. “Thank you for recognizing our passion for serving the community and our collaboration with Discover Long Island to elevate Long Island as a premier destination.”

The awards gala, attended by 186 guests, was a glamorous celebration honoring Long Island’s tourism and business leaders who have contributed to the region’s record-breaking visitor economy. The event kicked off with an elegant champagne reception hour, followed by a lavish dinner and the highly anticipated annual awards ceremony. The evening was themed around F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, with live entertainment, a roaring twenties-inspired dress code, and performances from the CM Performing Arts Center and the cast of The Great Gatsby on Broadway.

Discover Long Island President and CEO Kristen Reynolds, CDME, emphasized the importance of community partnerships during her remarks:

“I’m honored to bring together Long Island’s hard-working and dedicated tourism and business community to shine the light on the individuals and organizations that play an integral role in our back-to-back record-breaking visitor economy. It is thanks to these local leaders that tourism remains a powerful economic driver for our region and that Long Island continues to be positioned as one of the most desirable places to live, work, and visit in not only the nation but the world,” she said. “Together, we are building a dynamic, year-round destination that thrives on innovation, community partnerships, and sustainable growth.”

“The Curry Club at Saghar is deeply grateful to Discover Long Island for this recognition and looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering cultural appreciation through authentic Indian cuisine while contributing to the thriving Long Island community,” read the release.

Farzad Forohar, MD. Photo by Jeanne Neville/Stony Brook Medicine
Farzad Forohar, MD, and his practice, North Shore Digestive Medicine located at 50 Route 111, Suite #302 in Smithtown, have joined Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group, Stony Brook Medicine’s expanding network of community practices.

Dr. Forohar is a highly respected, board-certified gastroenterologist with more than 25 years of experience. He has been a dedicated healthcare provider to the Smithtown and surrounding communities, offering compassionate and comprehensive care to his patients.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Forohar has joined Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group,” said Dr. Olga Aroniadis, Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Stony Brook Medicine. “Dr. Forohar’s partnership enables Stony Brook Medicine Gastroenterology to continue to expand its footprint, allowing us to seamlessly service our community and provide exceptional care to our patients.”

Dr. Forohar received his medical degree from the University of Pécs Medical School in Pécs, Hungary. He then completed his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Forohar shared, “I have had the pleasure of living in and serving this community for the past 25 years. As my practice has grown and evolved, so has Stony Brook University. Becoming what it is today: a world-class hospital system. By joining Stony Brook Medicine, my patients’ needs are best served right here at home.”

Patients who wish to make an appointment with Farzad Forohar, MD, should call 631-724-5300.

 

Savers in Centereach. Photo by Heidi Sutton

By Heidi Sutton

Savers Thrift Store and Donation Center has announced the grand opening of its newest location at 51 Centereach Mall Drive in Centereach will be on Dec. 12. This is the chain’s 4th store in Suffolk County, along with Medford, Commack and Holbrook.

The 27,000 square foot store, located in the former Modell’s Sporting Goods off Middle Country Road, will partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters Long Island. “Each time you donate items to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island at our store, we pay them for your stuff, providing revenue to help them fund important programs in your community. Our secondhand store is a one-stop shop to drop off your donations and declutter responsibly,” said the release. 

On its website, the company, which also goes by the name Value Village in other parts of the United States, says it “is committed to giving reusable items a second chance at life while helping save millions of pounds of clothing and household goods from landfills every year.” 

Store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the hours for the donation center are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call 631-519-2158 or visit stores.savers.com.

The Steam Room in Port Jefferson. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

The Steam Room restaurant provided a free Thanksgiving Day meal Thursday, Nov. 28, with all welcome. Whether the person who dined at the restaurant was financially struggling, alone for the holidays or simply in the neighborhood, no one was expected to pay for the feast, which was provided by DiCarlo Food Service.

“When we started this three years ago, we did it for those in need. But what happened was, not a lot of people came,” said Vinny Seiter, general manager of The Steam Room. “I think a lot of people felt that they did not need the meal as much as somebody else, and had the feeling they were taking away a meal from someone who might need it even more.”

So the restaurant opened it up to everyone. “Even if someone comes down in their fancy jewelry and nice car, so be it,” Seiter laughed.

The manager explained that the initiative came about when Welcome Friends Soup Kitchen, located in Port Jefferson, shared with him that they did not have people to help on Thanksgiving Day and were not able to serve. “That is what inspired us to do this,” he said.

Seiter estimates that about 200 people partook in this year’s event, which saw them seated throughout the front dining area as well as in the large dining room in the back of the restaurant.

In addition to Thanksgiving Day’s free meal, a discounted menu was available all weekend long.

The Steam Room is located at 4 East Broadway in Port Jefferson.