Business

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright, left, and David Prestia, co-owner of Bagel Express. Photo from Steven Englebright’s office

Each of the 18 Suffolk County Legislators honored a small business from their district at the Legislature’s General Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1.


Caption: Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright, left, and David Prestia, co-owner of Bagel Express. Photo from Steven Englebright’s office

When tasked with choosing a small business that has made unique contributions to the community, Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) knew Bagel Express in Setauket was the perfect choice. At the Oct. 1 presentation, Englebright described co-owner David Prestia as “a wonderful man.”

“For many years, I have had the pleasure of knowing David Prestia,” the legislator said. “Bagel Express is known for its delicious bagels and catering in the Three Village Area, and Dave is recognized as a businessman who wholeheartedly embraces the community.”

For 30 years, Prestia has been a constant and welcoming presence in the Three Village community. His generosity with food donations and volunteering his time has been unwavering since he opened his first business in the area, Fratelli’s Market Place, with his business partners, Eric Keller and his brother, Michael Prestia.

Three Village residents can find him and his employees preparing food and engaging with their neighbors at countless community events, including the Chicken Hill Barbecue and Culper Spy Day 5K. Prestia is also known for his festive spirit, handing out free hot chocolate and cookies at the Three Village Electric Holiday Parade. He donates food to local trail cleanups, and during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prestia and his team delivered heroes to Stony Brook University Hospital workers.

Bagel Express has also sponsored the Staller Center for the Arts at SBU receptions and is a proud supporter of SBU Athletics. In addition to donating time and food, Prestia offers valuable business and community knowledge as a trustee on the Three Village Community Trust board and as a director of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce.

“David Prestia and Bagel Express are more than just an owner and a business; they are staples in the community,” Englebright said. “Under David Prestia’s inspired leadership, Bagel Express has become a crossroads in our community, where goodwill intersects with and reinforces the Three Village’s indelible sense of place. Thank you, Dave, for all you do and all you have done. You honor us every day and are a vital part of the fabric of our community.”

Dr. Jose Galeas

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS) has announced the addition of board-certified Hematologist and Medical Oncologist Jose Galeas, MD. Dr. Galeas will see patients at 1500 Route 112, Building 1, Port Jefferson Station and 501 Hawkins Avenue, Lake Ronkonkoma.

“We are happy to announce that Dr. Galeas will be joining our team of physicians,” said Jeff Vacirca, MD, CEO of NYCBS. “Dr. Galeas shares our dedication to advancing patient care with a particular emphasis on cancer treatment and quality improvement. Welcome aboard, Dr. Galeas.”

Dr. Galeas’s focus on improving both the delivery of care and patient outcomes will be central to his work at NYCBS. He believes the organization’s commitment to incorporating cutting-edge cancer treatments and maintaining strong patient relationships aligns perfectly with his own vision for quality cancer care.

“I am particularly excited about practicing at NYCBS because it allows me to continue making meaningful contributions in a dynamic, patient-centered environment. I look forward to participating in clinical trials, advancing personalized medicine, and continuing my efforts in quality improvement projects,” said Dr. Galeas.

Dr. Galeas earned his medical degree from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras Facultad de Ciencias Médicas and further honed his expertise during his residency and fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Dr. Galeas is fluent in both English and Spanish.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Galeas, please call 631-751-3000. For more information, visit nycancer.com.

Hope House Ministries received a much-needed new roof thanks to a donation from King Quality Roofing and Siding. The Long Island-based contractor installed the roof at Hope House’s Emmaus House, located at 202 Stonyhill Road in Port Jefferson on Sept. 27.

Hope House Ministries, founded in 1980, provides critical residential, counseling and educational services to young people and families in crisis. The ministry has served more than 350,000 individuals.

After discovering that the roof of Emmaus House had a hole and needed to be replaced, King Quality CEO Jeff Brett knew he wanted to give back to the ministry that has done meaningful work in the community.

“For over 44 years, Hope House has been a beacon of hope, saving lives and offering compassionate care to the most vulnerable among us,” Brett said. “This roof donation is a small way for King Quality to express our gratitude to Father Frank and the entire Hope House team for the life-changing work they do.”

“I’ve known Jeff since he was a teenager and the ways he has given back, not just to Hope House but to various programs in our larger community, is truly extraordinary,” said Father Francis Pizzarelli. “He gives me hope that the world can be a better place because of young men like him.”

This donation marks the latest initiative under King Quality Cares, the contractor’s charitable arm dedicated to supporting and raising awareness for charities and community organizations across Long Island. Last year, King Quality donated and installed a roof at Hope House’s Matt’s House in Port Jefferson.

In addition to King Quality’s contribution, GAF and ABC Supply Company generously provided the roofing materials needed to complete the project.

Legislator Sanin with the owner of Zaro's Café, Edmund Zarou

At the October General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Legislator Rebecca Sanin proudly recognized Zaro’s Café, a beloved Greek-Italian family-owned and operated eatery in the heart of Huntington Station, as the 16th Legislative District’s “Small Business Month” honoree.

Established by the Suffolk County Legislature in 2023, “Small Business Month” provides a dedicated time to recognize the critical contributions of Suffolk County’s small business entrepreneurs and to further encourage awareness and appreciation.

For over 30 years, Zaro’s Café has been a cornerstone of the Huntington Station community, providing not only delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine but also demonstrating a deep commitment to the well-being of Suffolk County residents. The leadership of owner Edmund Zarou and his team has been instrumental in setting an example of resilience, innovation, and compassion, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the pandemic gripped the nation in 2020, Zaro’s Café saw an urgent need in the community for protective face shields for frontline healthcare workers. In response, Zaro’s transformed its dining room into a production space and began manufacturing nearly 1,000 face shields using 3D printers. Over two months, the café distributed these vital supplies to local fire departments, nursing homes, and EMS teams.

“Zaro’s Café is more than just a place to enjoy incredible food—it’s a symbol of what makes our community strong. From their longstanding commitment to providing great service to their selfless efforts during the pandemic, Zaro’s Café embodies the spirit of giving back and stepping up when it matters most. I’m honored to recognize their exceptional leadership, resilience, and dedication to Suffolk County,” said Legislator Sanin.

To this day, Zaro’s Café continues to serve as a community gathering place, offering a warm and welcoming environment for all. This recognition is a testament to the lasting contributions Edmund Zarou and his team have made to Huntington Station, and Legislator Sanin is proud to honor them as District 16’s ‘Small Business Month” honoree.

PSEG Long Island’s Mobile Electric Safety Unit teaches electric safety to children, adults and first responders.

PSEG Long Island is taking its Mobile Electric Safety Unit on the road during the month of October to help local firefighters educate their communities about fire safety and prevention at their open house events. October is Fire Safety Month and Oct 6-12 is Fire Prevention Week.

PSEG Long Island’s Mobile Electric Safety Unit is a three-quarter-scale model of the electric distribution system on a 40-foot-long, 15,000 pound trailer. It includes high voltage wires, poles and other structures and items that can be found around homes and neighborhoods. Using this tool, instructors from PSEG Long Island simulate scenarios, including a live wire down on a vehicle, an aluminum pool skimmer coming into contact with an overhead wire, a squirrel on the electric line shorting out the circuit, and a wire down on a metal fence. They also demonstrate the lifesaving importance of properly inspecting utility workers’ personal protective equipment. Attendees can see electricity arcing and flaming in these situations and see and hear what happens when a fuse blows out.

Throughout the month of October, PSEG Long Island’s Mobile Electric Safety Unit will be at the following fire houses:

Deer Park Fire Department, 94 Lake Avenue, Deer Park on Saturday, Oct. 5

South Farmingdale Fire Department, 819 Main Street, Farmingdale on Sunday, Oct. 6

Huntington Fire Department, 1 Leverich Place, Huntington on Friday, Oct. 18

Dix Hills Fire Department, 115 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills on Sunday, Oct. 20

Safety is PSEG Long Island’s top priority. Along with the mobile unit, the company offers safety programs for children and adults throughout the year, including Electric Safety Town, Touch-a-Truck and the Safety Sleuth poster program. To learn more about or request any of these programs, visit psegliny.com/inthecommunity. For electric safety and fire prevention tips, visit psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/safetytips.

Photo courtesy of Town of Brookhaven

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (second from right) was on-hand for the grand opening ribbon cutting of Daisy’s Nashville Lounge, located at 275 Route 25A, Suite 33, Miller Place in North Country Plaza on Sept. 28.

This is the second location of the popular nightspot, with the first Daisy’s Nashville Lounge established in Patchogue in 2020. Daisy’s offers authentic Nashville fare with an ambience that will make you feel like you’re on the Nashville Strip with the best in country music on Long Island. Dinner reservations are recommended. 

For more information, call Daisy’s Nashville Lounge at 631-403-2900, visit the website at www.daisysli.com or Facebook at Daisy’s Nashville Lounge.

FCA’s Ryan Kiser (holding scissors) is flanked by FCA President and CEO Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds (left) and Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine (right) and enthusiastic FCA staff and supporters.
Free Recovery Center Serves Long Island’s North and South Forks

Family and Children’s Association (FCA), one of Long Island’s leading human services agencies, wrapped up National Recovery Month by cutting the ribbon today on its THRIVE East End Recovery Center in Riverhead. The event was attended by FCA management, THRIVE staff and volunteers, its not-for-profit partners in recovery services, THRIVE clients, families and friends, and state and local government officials.

As Long Island’s first recovery community and outreach center, THRIVE has been helping individuals and families find, maintain and strengthen their recovery since 2017. To date, thanks to continued funding from NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and donors, THRIVE centers in Hauppauge, Westbury and the East End have served more than 30,000 people.

THRIVE East End, the first drug and alcohol recovery center to open in Eastern Suffolk (Westhampton 2021), relocated to Riverhead to provide a more centralized and larger space to serve the recovery community of the North and South Forks.

Providing support at every stage of recovery, THRIVE offers a safe, welcoming haven for substance-free recreational and social activities that provide a meaningful alternative to social activities that involve substance use. All programs are free of charge.

“The success of the THRIVE community continues to grow through word of mouth and from the incredible support of our partners,” said Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds, President and Chief Executive Officer of FCA. “We know the need is real – and we’re excited to launch this new, centrally located facility to better support the East End of Long Island.”

Joining Dr. Reynolds at the ribbon cutting were:

  • Ryan Kiser, Director of Recovery Services, FCA;
  • Kym Laube, Executive Director of HUGS Inc. (Human Understanding & Growth Services);
  • Maureen Amy, THRIVE client speaker in recovery;
  • Thalia Olaya, Suffolk County Regional Representative for Governor Kathy Hochul;
  • John Bouvier, NYS Executive Chamber Regional Representative, Eastern Long Island, for Governor Kathy Hochul;
  • Angela M. Noncarrow, District Office Director for Senator Anthony H. Palumbo;
  • Edward P. Romaine, Suffolk County Executive;
  • Denise Merrifield, Riverhead Town Councilwoman;
  • Bob Kern, Riverhead Town Councilman;
  • James M. Wooten, Riverhead Town Clerk;
  • Jodi Giglio, New York State Assembly, 2nd District.

In conclusion, Dr. Reynolds added, We support individuals on their recovery journey by helping them sustain their progress and enhance their overall well-being. Together, we’re committed to ending epidemics.”

THRIVE East End is located at 680 Elton Street, Riverhead, NY. For more information visit www.fcali.org.

 

Jaime Gonzalez. Photo courtesy of Gurwin

Annual Tribute Recognizes Efforts to Improve Quality, Safety and Equity of Patient Care

 Gurwin Healthcare System recently announced that Jaime Gonzalez, RN, of Brentwood, has been honored as a Quality Improvement Champion by United Hospital Fund as part of its annual Tribute to Excellence in Healthcare. Mr. Gonzalez is a Nurse Manager at Island Nursing and Rehab Center, a 120-bed skilled nursing community located in Holtsville, part of the Gurwin Healthcare System family of services.

Mr. Gonzalez and his team care for clinically complex patients with multiple comorbidities,  including those requiring specialized care offered by Island Nursing and Rehab Center, such as Total Parental Nutrition (TPN), Lasix IVPB and Solumedrol IVPB. This specialty niche facilitates timely hospital patient discharges to Island Nursing, one of the few skilled nursing facilities on Long Island uniquely qualified to provide such treatment services. Mr. Gonzalez was recognized for his leadership skills in cultivating a supportive and caring environment, for identifying opportunities for improvement, and for bringing forth and carrying out new concept initiatives as part of Island Nursing’s nursing administration team.

“We are very pleased that UHF has recognized Jaime’s contributions to advancing the quality of care and caring at Island Nursing and Rehab Center,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “Jaime’s hands-on leadership style and the respect and compassion he has for his patients, their families and his fellow staff is the driving force behind increased resident satisfaction and the provision of high-quality care at Island. We congratulate Jamie on this prestigious award.”

 

 

Members of the local community and Dunkin’ fans alike poured into Dunkin’s newly remodeled next generation restaurant at 560 Smithtown Bypass in Smithtown on Sept. 19 as part of its grand reopening ceremony. 

Dunkin’ franchisee Scott Campbell of Metro Franchising commemorated the occasion with a $2,500 donation to The Viscardi Center. The Viscardi Center is a non-profit organization that educates, employs, and empowers children, adults, and veterans with disabilities or similar needs, so they can all discover the love of learning, the power of work, the freedom of independent living, and the self-confidence to fulfill their dreams.

“The Henry Viscardi School is proud to be the recipient of such generous support from Metro Franchising and Dunkin’,” said The Viscardi Center Chief Development Officer Lauren Marzo. “Our relationship spans well over a decade, and Dunkin’s support has helped provide critical programs for our students with severe disabilities. These programs help our students learn, grow and take important steps toward an independent future.”

The celebration also included New York State Senator Mario Mattera, Suffolk County Undersheriff John Becker, members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth Precinct, members of the Smithtown Fire Department and representatives on behalf of U.S. Congressman Nick LaLota, who joined Dunkin’ representatives for a commemorative ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The morning featured all guests receiving a free medium hot or iced coffee and a donut, while many other Dunkin’ Rewards members spun the Dunkin’ prize wheel for free Dunkin’ merchandise.

The 2,000-square-foot Dunkin’ employs 20 crew members and is open daily from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.

For more information, call 631-257-5072.

File photo

The Suffolk County Water Authority will host a Pharmaceutical Take Back Day on Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the SCWA Education Center, 260 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge. This event offers a simple and environmentally responsible way for residents to dispose of unused or expired medications. No sign-up is required—just drive up, drop off your medications, and leave. Note that medical sharps cannot be accepted.

“We are excited to partner with the Suffolk County Police Department to help our customers properly dispose of their pharmaceuticals,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “By participating in this event, customers help protect our sole-source aquifer by disposing of medications properly, rather than flushing them, which can harm our water supply. We encourage all Suffolk County residents to join us.”

When medications are flushed down the toilet, they run the risk of contaminating Long Island’s aquifer, which can be a detriment to public health.This event serves as a kickoff to Source Water Protection Week, when water providers bring attention to the importance of safeguarding our natural water sources.

After residents drop off their medications during the Pharmaceutical Take Back Day event, they will be taken by a Suffolk County Police Officer to be safely incinerated, ensuring that these contaminants do not end up in the aquifer. Attendees will also be invited to come into the education center to learn more about what the SCWA does and the importance of protecting precious water sources.

About SCWA:

The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.