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Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty team members from the Syosset office proudly display some of their donations at the Island Harvest headquarters in Melville. 

Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty (DGSIR) recently wrapped up a month-long fundraiser to collect food and funds for Island Harvest Food Bank and City Harvest, two of the region’s largest hunger relief organizations. This companywide effort brought in a scale-busting 11,778 pounds of food.  

Organized by The Daniel Gale Foundation, the competition was as friendly as it was fierce, demonstrated by the line of cars, SUVs, and vans loaded with food, each making a special delivery to Island Harvest’s Melville headquarters. Every office’s haul of non-perishable food was weighed separately to determine which office earned bragging rights for bringing in the heaviest load this year. 

“This companywide effort is one of our favorite and most heartfelt major fundraisers of the year,” explained Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty CEO Deirdre O’Connell. “As a group we feel that it is our responsibility and privilege to fill the shelves at the Island Harvest and City Harvest food banks by collecting food during September’s Hunger Action Month. Every year at this time, we come together as a force in support of our less fortunate neighbors across Long Island, from Brooklyn and Queens to the Twin Forks.”

Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest, expressed the continuing need for hunger relief organizations and the tremendous impact donations and volunteer efforts have on families experiencing food insecurity. “While Long Island is home to some of the wealthiest ZIP codes in the nation, one in ten Long Island families experience food insecurity at times. This includes some of our most vulnerable neighbors; from newborns to seniors, veterans and working families. As a community we share a responsibility to make sure that none of our neighbors go without food.”

“New York City continues to face a profound hunger crisis—particularly in the marginalized communities with one in four children experiencing food insecurity,” said Jilly Stephens, City Harvest Chief Executive Officer. “Those numbers surged during the pandemic and remain at historic highs with nearly 1.5 million New Yorkers, including more than 462,000 children, in need of assistance.” 

“For more than a century, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty has prioritized a commitment to community service,” concluded O’Connell. “In 2022 we established The Daniel Gale Foundation as a way to wholly support many not-for-profit organizations on Long Island that provide critical services to our neighbors in need. Giving is a 365-day a year activity for us.”

Following the food drive, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty again banded together for its annual bowl-a-thon fundraiser. This time, 165 bowlers across 4 different bowling alleys raised $19,000 to benefit the Daniel Gale Foundation.  

Donations to Island Harvest and City Harvest can be made online at Island Harvest donation  or

City Harvest donation. The Daniel Gale Foundation can be contacted here. 

 

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Michael Voltz, PSEG Long Island's director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables, speaks at the PSEG Long Island Energy Forum for Advocates on Oct. 23, 2024. The annual event is an information sharing opportunity for groups and agencies that provide services to the financially disadvantaged. Photo from PSEG LI

As winter heating season approaches, PSEG Long Island reminds 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.

“While PSEG Long Island is not a provider of natural gas or heating oil, we want all of our customers to be able to keep their homes warm this winter,” said Lou DeBrino, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Operations. “To help customers manage their electricity expenses, we offer resources, tips and a variety of energy efficiency programs. There are also state programs that can help with heating costs. We know some 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. We’re here to help.”

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.

PSEG Long Island also offers its Residential Energy Affordability Partnership Program, a free program for income-eligible customers designed to help them save energy and lower their energy bills. A REAP technician will visit a customer’s home to conduct a free home energy survey and may install energy-saving measures. To learn more, visit psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/financialassistance/reap.

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

  • 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 $6,390 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 or if  they are running low or are out of their deliverable heat source (i.e. fuel oil, kerosene or propane). This emergency portion of HEAP is scheduled to open on Jan. 2, 2025. 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 Program, which provides a discount of $40 or more a month on their electric bill.

Customers who do not or cannot receive one of these state and federal benefits can apply for the Household Assistance Program in other ways. More information is available at psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/financialassistance/householdassistance

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:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Use a programmable thermostat to automatically manage your home’s heating and cooling needs.ENERGY STAR® estimates that homes with high heating and cooling bills, as well as homes that are unoccupied for much of the day, can save approximately $100 a year with an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. In addition, PSEG Long Island offers rebates on smart thermostats.
  • 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.
  • Install timers and motion detectors to automatically manage indoor and outdoor lighting and help ensure lights are not on when they’re not needed.
  • 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.
  • Customers on Time-of-Day rates can run the dishwasher, clothes dryer and other high-energy-use appliances outside of peak hours.
  • Customers on Time-of-Day rates can charge electric vehicles to run outside of peak hours.
  • Install a high efficiency air source heat pump (ASHP) to lower energy usage, save money and provide greater comfort in cold and hot months. Rebates are available from PSEG Long Island’s Home Comfort Program for ducted ASHP units 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 psegliny.com/saveenergyandmoney/energystarrebates.

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Chris Books. Photo courtesy of St. Catherine of Siena Hospital

Chris Boukas, RN, MBA, FACHE, has been named Chief Operating Officer at Catholic Health’s St. Catherine of Siena Hospital. Boukas has over 20 years of experience in healthcare administration and nursing.

In his new role, Boukas will oversee the hospital’s operational and administrative functions; design and implement business strategies; set comprehensive goals for performance and growth across all clinical service lines; and continue to ensure patient safety and patient satisfaction. 

“We are delighted to have Chris as part of St. Catherine’s executive leadership team,” said St. Catherine of Siena Hospital President Declan Doyle. “With extensive experience in hospital operations, system integration, regulatory compliance and emergency management, Chris has proven his steadfast leadership and strategic planning skills. As St. Catherine’s COO, Chris will further enhance our hospital’s mission in providing the highest quality of care to our patients.”

Prior to joining Catholic Health, Boukas served as Northwell Health’s Senior Director, Operations, where he oversaw various departments, as well as provided administrative and clinical oversight at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. In this role, he achieved the highest level of performance in operating units, as well as established and managed plans to ensure productivity, operational and financial performance. 

During his long-standing career, Boukas also held numerous other roles as Northwell Health’s Senior Administrative Director of the Division of Endocrinology and Rheumatology; Assistant Director of Nursing at Huntington Hospital; Regional Director, Operations at Advantage Care Physicians at its campuses in Brooklyn and Long Island; Northwell’s Senior Administrative Manager, Operations and Ambulatory Services and Assistant Director of Nursing; and Manager at Forest Hills Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Earning his Master of Business Administration from Hofstra University, Boukas also received a business certification at Cornell University’s Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management in Ithaca, NY.  In addition, Chris earned two Bachelor of Science degrees –one in Nursing at the University of Maryland and another in Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Delaware. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, as well as a member of the Emergency Nurses Association. 

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Photo from Huntington Hospital Facebook

By Daniel Dunaief

A top source for consumers searching for doctors and hospitals, Healthgrades continued to recognize several departments and clinical efforts within Huntington Hospital, while adding others.

Healthgrades named Huntington Hospital one of the 100 best hospitals for Coronary Intervention for the fourth year in a row.

An affiliate of Northwell Health, Huntington Hospital also was ranked fourth in critical care in the state and, among other recognition, received five star distinction for Cranial Neurosurgery, earned the 2025 Pulmonary Care Excellence Award, and was named among the top 10 percent in the nation for overall pulmonary services.

“Healthgrades is one of the more recognizable accolades that hospitals can achieve,” said Dr. Nick Fitterman, Executive Director of Huntington Hospital.

The hospital has hung two banners and plans to celebrate the distinctions with staff on Nov. 6th.

“People want to play for a winner,” said Fitterman. “It really does make the team members, the doctors, nurses and support staff all feel better, knowing that they’re in health care, they’re compassionate people. To see the recognition makes them feel proud.”

Through ongoing and growing recognition of the expertise and services available to patients, word has spread about the quality of care people receive at Huntington Hospital.

“Our doctors that run the Emergency Room are seeing more people from zip codes outside of our usual primary and secondary catchment area as the reputation of the hospital is spreading,” said Fitterman. “I like to think that it’s because of excellent care” as well as people telling friends and family about their experiences.

Patients outside the normal coverage area mostly live to the east and south on Long Island.

Healthgrades also gave ongoing high rankings to the coronary interventional procedures for four years in a row, provided a five-star rating for treatment of stroke for two years in a row, and named the hospital a five-star provider for treatment of pneumonia for seven years in a year.

Huntington earned five stars for its treatment of sepsis for the third consecutive year.

‘We don’t set out to achieve any recognition,” said Fitterman. “The core ideology that I espouse to all team members is that excellence in clinical care is the best business strategy. Provide the best care possible and all this other stuff will fall into place.”

While Huntington received a top five percent recognition for cardiac interventions, which includes stents for people who have heart attacks and pacemakers for those whose conduction system is not working well, the hospital recently completed a $5 million renovation of its cardiac catheterization lab.

The lab, which will have a ceremonial opening in the next few weeks, will implement “some of the most advanced technology,” said Fitterman.

Amid predictions about extended hospital stays as the population ages, Fitterman suggested that Huntington Hospital was focused on improving the way it treats diseases to get patients out of the hospital and return them to their normal lives in a timely fashion.

In addition to enhancements in cardiac care, Huntington Hospital has added new neurosurgeons to the staff and has invested in a Zeiss microscope that has a three dimensional display.

“You’d think you’re seeing a Star Wars movie,” said Fitterman.

Huntington Hospital taps into the Northwell Health network, helping patients benefit from specialists spread throughout the system.

Hospital staff can consult with tumor boards that include hematologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists spread throughout the Northwell network.

To help patients manage the stresses and strains that come from giving up control when they spend time in a hospital, Huntington converted several years ago to a dining service that allows people to order their meals according to their own schedule.

Patients can call any time of day to place an order. Food is then delivered to their room within 40 minutes, with no set breakfast, lunch and dinner times.

“Food is health,” said Fitterman. “If they were getting the same tasteless food that hospitals are renowned for serving, they would not be contributing to a healthy, therapeutic environment.”

For meetings, the hospital rarely orders from outside caterers, choosing food from the hospital kitchen.

The hospital has restructured the workflow to prevent any additional costs for the round-the-clock service.

Fitterman calls the chicken quesadillas “outstanding,” while he said some patients have come back to the cafeteria after they are discharged because of the popularity of the salmon.

Fitterman added that he is always looking out for ways to improve the experience for patient and their families.

“When I walk the halls, I’m still looking at things we can do better,” he said.

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TinaMarie Gianelli

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS) has announced the appointment of TinaMarie Gianelli as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). In this role, Gianelli will continue to spearhead the organization’s strategic human resources initiatives and operations, ensuring the continued growth and development of NYCBS’s talented team.

“TinaMarie embodies a combination of a passion for people and a results-driven mindset – two critical attributes to the success of a Chief Human Resources Officer,” said Dr. Jeff Vacirca, CEO of NYCBS. “We are excited to have her lead our human resources efforts and continue strengthening our team.”

As CHRO, Gianelli will oversee employee relations,
professional development, and the overall well-being of the NYCBS workforce. Her vision and leadership will support the organization’s goals of delivering compassionate, world-class cancer care while cultivating a dynamic, thriving, and supportive workplace.

“I’m deeply honored to step into this new role as Chief Human Resources Officer at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists,” said Gianelli. “I look forward to continuing our commitment to supporting our incredible team as we work together to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients.”

Gianelli joined the organization in 2021 and has over 20 years of experience in human resources, with over eight years of experience specifically in a healthcare setting. She studied Psychology and Sociology at Albright College.

For more information, please visit nycancer.com.

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Brandon Liff

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) has announced that Brandon A. Liff, a Financial Advisor Associate, in the Firm’s Wealth management office in Hauppauge, has been promoted to Financial Advisor.

Liff, who has been with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management since 2021, is a native of
Setauket. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Empire State College. LIff currently lives
in Setauket with his family.

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a global leader, provides access to a wide range of
products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and
investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending
products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment
banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in
more than 42 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations,
governments, institutions and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, please
visit www.morganstanley.com.

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Neil Foley

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS) has announced the appointment of Neil Foley as Chief of Government Affairs and Sales. In his new role, Foley will lead the company’s efforts to advocate on critical issues with key policymakers and continue overseeing the sales team of physician liaisons, working to grow provider referrals and enhancing access to quality cancer care.

“Neil Foley continues to be an invaluable leader in our government affairs and sales efforts,” said Dr. Jeff Vacirca, CEO of NYCBS. “His understanding of healthcare policy, extensive experience in navigating government relations across multiple municipalities, and ongoing dedication to improving access to cancer care make him a tremendous asset to our organization.”

Foley has been a Brookhaven Town Councilman since 2014, bringing his leadership expertise to New York Cancer & Blood Specialists in 2019. He initially began as an American history teacher before transitioning to the pharmaceutical industry, where he spent over a decade in key roles at major companies like Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals.

“I’m honored to continue leading the government affairs and sales efforts at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists,” said Neil Foley. “I am committed to advocating for our clinical partners and cancer patients with government officials and key decision-makers. Strengthening these relationships is crucial in ensuring that we can provide the highest level of care and access for those who need it most, and I look forward to furthering this mission.”

Outside of his professional life, Foley is a devoted husband and father of four, balancing his career with his strong commitment to family.

For more information, please visit nycancer.com.

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“Witches” of Signature Properties of Northport, the organizers of Witches and Warlocks Night on Main. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 2024 Witches and Warlocks night in Northport Village, Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 2024 Witches and Warlocks night in Northport Village, Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 2024 Witches and Warlocks night in Northport Village, Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 2024 Witches and Warlocks night in Northport Village, Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 2024 Witches and Warlocks night in Northport Village, Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 2024 Witches and Warlocks night in Northport Village, Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
A scene from the 2024 Witches and Warlocks night in Northport Village, Photo by Jennifer Donatelli

By Jennifer Donatelli

Main Street in Northport Village transformed into a magical realm on Oct. 23 as costumed participants swooped in to celebrate Signature Properties’ 10th Annual Witches and Warlocks Night on Main. More than 200 enthusiasts arrived on broomsticks to enjoy a night of enchanted fun, shopping, dining and treats from local merchants.

Casting a spell over locals and visitors alike, Main Street Village stores and restaurants stayed open with extended hours from 5-9 p.m. The night began at Signature Properties on Main Street, where guests could pick up a goody bag and an event directory listing all merchants and restaurants participating in this year’s festivities.

Debbie Dooley, branch manager of Signature Properties in Northport, said her company came up with the idea more than 10 years ago, and it keeps growing each year. “It brings the community together for a night of shopping, eating and fun,” she said.

Friends Carol Zimmer and Tina Caon, both from Huntington, attended last year and said they had “so much fun” that they decided to return. “I love the pumpkin ale from Sand City,” Caon said, while Zimmer added, “The store discounts are what I enjoy most about the day.”

Local resident June Meade echoed their enthusiasm. “The joy and willingness of everyone to kick up their heels in those pointed shoes are what make this experience so special,” she said.

Millie Maderos, a realtor at Signature Properties, said the event has become a staple for those who enjoy the community atmosphere.

“People come to this event because they like the camaraderie, and we like to show the town that we are here to serve the community,” she said.

The event also offered a family-friendly aspect, with kids dressing up and trick-or-treating in stores while parents browsed. Jamie and Chris Desteoglu of East Northport brought their children, Callie and Max, for the first time. “The kids had so much fun walking around and getting candy,” Jamie Desteoglu said.

Some stores go all out for this yearly tradition. “The event is one of my favorites,” said Chloe Sontag, store manager of Fame + Rebel Boutique. She decorated the store and offered shoppers sangria in candy-filled margarita glasses, along with 20% off everything in store.

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Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On Oct. 20 Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner celebrated the grand opening of The Wax Bar, a new full body waxing studio located at 648 Route 25A, in Rocky Point. The new business caters to both women and men, offering a full line of waxing services, packages, classes, gift cards and products. 

For more information about the waxing services offered or to book an appointment, call 631-603-9811 or visit www.vagaro.com/thewaxbarli.

Pictured from left are Danielle McCauley; Abigail Ordmandy; Samantha Ringle; Danny Holmes; Julia McCord (owner); Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Alex McCord; Josh McCord; Karen Holmes; Thomas Holmes and Lauren Holmes.

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Jennifer Kenney, Suffolk County Community College EAC Project Coordinator; Daphne M. Gordon, Ph.D., Suffolk County Community College Project Administrator; Joanne Laloi, Suffolk County Community College’s EAC client and the 2024 NYS Entrepreneur of the Year; Elizabeth Lusskin, Executive Vice President, Empire State Development Small Business & Technology Development; Bette Yee, Senior Director, Entrepreneur Development, Empire State Development; Earl Thomason Jr., Vice President of Entrepreneur Development, Empire State Development. Photo from SCCC

Suffolk County Community College Entrepreneurial Assistance Center (EAC) has won the 2024 New York State Entrepreneurship Assistance Center Award for Outstanding Performance and Achievement. The college received an award at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, NY on October 10, 2024.

New York State Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers provide instruction, training, technical assistance and support services to new and aspiring entrepreneurs in local communities statewide and are strategically located throughout the state. The 26 centers assist new and aspiring entrepreneurs in developing basic business management skills, refining business concepts, devising early-stage marketing plans, and obtaining business financing.

Additionally, Joanne Laloi, a Suffolk County Community College EAC client, was a recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Joanne is an artist and the owner of Entremets Custom Cakes who transformed her passion into a thriving business. A graduate of Le Cordon Blue, she honed her technical skills in Paris. Despite her talent, she struggled with the business side of entrepreneurship. Realizing this gap, she seized the opportunity to expand her knowledge by taking the business plan course at Suffolk County Community College’s EAC.

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