Business

Photo from Mather Hospital/Jim Lennon

Northwell’s Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson announced on Oct. 24 that it has achieved numerous accolades for clinical excellence from Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital. Mather Hospital’s distinctions include: 

  • America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care Award™  
  • America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention Award™  
  • Four Specialty Excellence Awards, placing the hospital among the nation’s top 10% for Critical Care, Gastrointestinal Care, Coronary Intervention and Pulmonary Care 
  • Five-star rated for seven services: Coronary Intervention Procedures, Treatment of Heart Attack, Treatment of Stroke, Treatment of Pneumonia, Treatment of GI Bleed, Treatment of Respiratory Failure and Sepsis 
  • A Five-Star Distinction in Outpatient Total Knee Replacement  

According to Healthgrades, Mather Hospital was also ranked third in New York for Critical Care and second  in New York for Pulmonary Care. These achievements place Mather Hospital in the upper echelon of hospitals for these specialties nationwide and reflect the organization’s commitment to consistently deliver  care that exceeds expectations. 

“Healthgrades’ latest rankings for Mather Hospital reflect our ongoing commitment to the highest quality patient care,” said Hospital President Kevin McGeachy. “Led by our Magnet-recognized nursing staff, every member of the Mather team is focused on safety and quality and treating our patients like family. Northwell’s investment in our new Emergency Department, scheduled to open in 2025, is an example of that commitment.”

Previously Healthgrades ranked Mather Hospital in one of America’s best 250 Hospitals nationwide  and top in the country for overall patient experience for the past three years.

As part of its 2025 hospital assessment, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for more than 30 of the most common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to determine the top performers in specialty care. The Healthgrades objective performance measures help consumers find and select a hospital that excels in providing the care they need. 

As variation in performance among hospitals continues to grow, it is increasingly important for consumers to seek care at top-rated programs. Healthgrades’ 2025 analysis revealed that if all hospitals as a group performed similarly to five-star hospitals during the 2021-2023 study period, on average, 224,958 lives could potentially have been saved and 141,692 complications could potentially have been avoided.*  From 2021-2023, patients treated at hospitals receiving the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care Award had, on average, a 58.3% lower risk of dying than if they were treated in a hospital that did not receive the award.*

“Healthgrades commends Mather Hospital for their clear commitment to delivering consistently superior patient outcomes in critical service areas, including Pulmonary Care, Coronary Intervention, Gastrointestinal Care and Critical Care,” said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer and head of data science at Healthgrades. “Mather Hospital’s leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication to clinical excellence set a high mark for specialty care in New York and nationwide.” 

Consumers can visit healthgrades.com  to learn more about how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and access a patient-friendly overview of how we rate and why hospital quality matters.

*Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2021 through 2023 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. Click here to view the complete 2025 Specialty Awards and Ratings Methodology.

Sweet Arts in Northport. Photo from PSEG LI Facebook

October is National Women’s Small Business Month

PSEG Long Island is proud to celebrate local women business owners in October, which is National Women’s Small Business Month, and throughout the year with its grants, rebates, bill credit programs and liaison services. 

Small businesses are the backbone of Long Island’s economy. They create jobs, encourage commerce and support communities. PSEG Long Island is proud to provide money and energy saving opportunities to them through itsBusiness First program. 

Some women entrepreneurs recently supported by PSEG Long Island’s Business First include:

·       Angela’s Bra Boutique in Farmingdale

·       Baking Coach baking class venue in Bellport

·       Blue Rose Dresses in Lindenhurst

·       Corner Dance Studio in Saint James

·       iSmash painting and activity venue in Farmingdale

·       Issi Beauty Spa in Port Washington

·       LI Salty Kids Cove, a play place for children, in Patchogue

·       Lovers Lane Home Décor in Seaford

·       North Fork Chocolate in Mattituck and Riverhead

·       Silver Dollar Pottery in Rocky Point

·       Sweet Arts, a candy shop and party venue, in Northport Village

·       Valentina Paige Hair Studio in Saint James

·       Victoria Elizabeth bridal spa in East Northport

PSEG Long Island’s Business First program helps small and medium sized business owners save money and energy.Business First includes the company’s vibrant Main Street Revitalization grants and Vacant Space Revival bill credits program, free energy assessment tools, and its helpful energy efficiency rebate program. PSEG Long Island’s business customer advocates provide a personal concierge service for busy business owners with timesaving account services.

To learn more about the support PSEG Long Island offers business owners, visit psegliny.com/businessfirst.

Jeff Szabo

Suffolk County Water Authority Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo has been elected President of the Board of Directors for the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), an organization representing the largest publicly-owned drinking water systems in the United States. The appointment highlights SCWA’s leadership in water quality, infrastructure management and public health protection. Szabo will continue his responsibilities as SCWA CEO while guiding AMWA in advancing water management practices nationwide.

“Jeff’s election as AMWA President reflects his deep commitment to delivering high-quality drinking water through innovative management strategies and his ability to tackle the challenges facing our nation’s water systems,” said AMWA Chief Executive Officer Tom Dobbins. “We are thrilled to have him lead as we work to ensure safe and reliable drinking water for communities across the country.”

As SCWA CEO, Szabo has led significant advancements in water conservation, infrastructure upgrades and customer service, ensuring SCWA remains one of the most efficient and forward-thinking water utilities in the country. Szabo is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Drinking Water Advisory Council which provides the regulatory agency advice, and recommendations related to national drinking water programs. He was also the chief architect of the Long Island Commission of Aquifer Protection, where he also previously served as Chair.

SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz added, “Jeff’s leadership at AMWA is a testament to his dedication and the hard work of our SCWA team. This recognition not only honors Jeff but also highlights SCWA’s role as a national model for water utilities.”

AMWA represents the largest publicly owned drinking water systems in the U.S., serving over 160 million people. Founded in 1981, AMWA is the nation’s only policy-making organization dedicated solely to metropolitan water suppliers, working with Congress and federal agencies to ensure public health protections through cost-effective regulations. AMWA provides its members with resources to improve utility management, sustainability and security. Governed by a Board of Directors representing all regions, AMWA’s professional staff is based in Washington, D.C.

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.

By Heidi Sutton

The day has finally arrived. After remaining vacant for nearly two years, Amazon Fresh officially opened in East Setauket in the former Waldbaum’s location on Thursday, Oct. 24. The 42,900-square-foot store in Suffolk Plaza at 4054 Nesconset Highway is the first of its kind in Suffolk County. 

The community was invited to celebrate the momentous occasion at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8 a.m. featuring music, samples, games, the chance to win $500 toward groceries, and a $5 off $25 coupon. The first 100 customers in line received an Amazon.com gift card and all customers received a free tote while supplies lasted. 

The East Setauket store is one of a handful of new Fresh locations that Amazon has launched in recent months after making some improvements to its business format. The biggest change was the discontinuation of the much touted Just Walk Out cashier-less checkout technology which has been replaced with computerized Dash Carts — smart shopping carts equipped with scanners that track items as customers place them inside —  along with Amazon One, a palm-based payment device, for a more seamless checkout experience.

Shoppers will find a wide selection of popular national and local brands along with Amazon’s private-label products, such as Aplenty, Fresh Brand and 365 by Whole Foods Market, which was acquired by Amazon in 2017. The store also offers prepared foods made fresh daily, as well as produce, meat, and seafood.

Amazon Prime members can save up to 50 percent off on eight to 15 grocery items that rotate each week, according to a company statement and can earn 5% back when they use their Prime Visa card.

The store also offers same day grocery delivery or free grocery pickup and serves as a drop-off location for Amazon return packages. All surplus food will be donated to Long Island Cares.

“We offer great prices on quality items every day at Amazon Fresh, ensuring grocery shopping is convenient and affordable for all our customers,” said Claire Peters, worldwide VP, Amazon Fresh in a statement. “Increasing our weekly deals across thousands of items and expanding the reach of Prime savings at Amazon Fresh is just one way that we’re continuing to invest in competitive pricing and savings for all of our customers — both in-store and online.”

Store hours will be from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. 

The success of the East Setauket store will be watched closely as the company continues to expand in Suffolk County.

Another Amazon Fresh at 3017 North Ocean Ave. in Farmingville was completed last year but remains empty.

“We remain committed to grocery, and will selectively open new Amazon Fresh stores as we see positive customer feedback on the new format,” read a statement from the Seattle-based company. For more information, call 1-800-250-0668.

Stock photo

Calling all job seekers! Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport hosts a Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Come meet representatives from area companies including Cold Spring Harbor Labs, SCOPE, Family Service League, BAE Systems, United Parcel Service, New York Life, Suffolk County Civil Service, Max Security USA, Schivo Medical, Sterling North America, Citizens Options Unlimited, Aides at Home, Long Island State Veterans Home, United Way of LI and American Regent to discuss job opportunities. 

Bring your resume and dress for success! Arranged by Suffolk County One Stop Employment Center. No registration required. For more information, call 631-261-6930.

Photo from St. Charles Hospital

Catholic Health’s St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson has been awarded prestigious accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Robotic and Hernia Surgery. The two accreditations recognize St. Charles Hospital’s commitment to the delivery of high quality, safe patient care. Achieving the status of an accredited Center of Excellence means that St. Charles Hospital has met both nationally and internationally recognized standards. 

“This distinguished recognition is a true testament to St. Charles’ highly-skilled surgeons trained in both minimally-invasive robotic surgery and laparoscopic hernia repair surgery, allowing for much smaller incisions, shorter hospital stay, minimal blood loss and less need for pain medication,” said St. Charles Hospital President James O’Connor. “Using the da Vinci® and Xi™ systems, we offer robotic-assisted surgeries across various specialties including bariatric, colorectal, general, gynecological, thoracic and urologic surgery. With SRC accreditation, residents of Port Jefferson and surrounding areas can have confidence in receiving top-notch care, enabling them to regain their quality of life.”

Health care facilities and surgeons seeking an SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure the applicant meets SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, and an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. 

“We’re proud to recognize St. Charles Hospital for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”

Pictured from right, Nicolette Fiore Lopez, PhD, RN, CENP, FAAN, St. Charles’ Chief Nursing Officer; Lynne Cassidy, RN, ANCC,  PACU; Jennifer Manuel, RN, ANCC, OR; Jamie Ribaudo, CST, Robotics Coordinator; Jim O’ Connor, President, St. Charles Hospital; Patti Williams, RN, St. Charles’ Director of Perioperative Services; Hesham Atwa, MD, St. Charles’ Chief of Robotic Surgery; Cindi Vanderhoff, SRC Surveyor; Sunil Dhuper, MD, St. Charles’ Chief Medical Officer; Lisa Farrell, OR Systems Coordinator; and Chukwuma Egbuziem, MS, RN, CPHQ, St. Charles’ Vice President, Quality Management. 

For more information about St. Charles’ robotic surgery and hernia repair program, call 631-474-6797.

Photo from Middle Country Chamber of Commerce
Collaboration to raise funds for Positively Pink During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Paprocky Motorsports has teamed up with Middle Country Automotive of Selden to launch the “Racing For A Cure” initiative, joining the fight against breast cancer throughout October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This collaboration aims to raise awareness and funds for Positively Pink, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by breast cancer.

On-site at MCA of Selden, key partners came together to promote the campaign. Pictured are Suzanne & Troy Schmidt, Owners of MCA; Alyssa Paprocky, driver of the MCA-sponsored race car; mechanic and local Selden Firefighter Mathew Parrish; Lenore Paprocky, President of the Greater Middle Country Chamber; Councilman Neil Manzella and Legislator Nick Caracappa; and Maria McMullen, founder of Positively Pink. This powerful team is united by a shared mission to make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

Throughout October, Middle Country Auto of Selden will run fundraising efforts and with proceeds benefiting Positively Pink’s life-changing programs.

“It’s about the community,” said Troy Schmidt. “We are proud to harness the excitement of motorsports to support such a vital cause. This initiative shows what we can accomplish when we combine passion with purpose. We encourage everyone to stop by MCA and support.”

Maria McMullen, founder of Positively Pink, expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying, “Partnerships like this help us continue our mission of providing vital services to those facing breast cancer. Every dollar raised has a meaningful impact.”

To participate, donate, or learn more about “Racing with a Cause,” visit Middle Country Automotive at 839 Middle Country Road in Selden. All money collected will be matched by MCA. For more information, call 631-698-4455.

 

Legislator Bontempi with Suffolk County Small Business Appreciation Honoree John Pawluk, Owner of Twisted Cow Distillery in East Northport.
Suffolk County Small Business Appreciation Honoree John Pawluk, Owner of Twisted Cow Distillery in East Northport

Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) honored Twisted Cow Distillery as the 2024 Suffolk County Legislature’s Small Business Appreciation Honoree for the 18th Legislative District, during the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting on Oct. 1. Twisted Cow Distillery crafts premium artisanal liquor in their local distillery and tasting room located in East Northport.

John Pawluk, a resident of East Northport, founded and opened Twisted Cow Distillery in November of 2022, so that he could be closer to his family and community, after many years working as a former CPA and CFO on Wall Street. At Twisted Cow Distillery, John and his team create the highest quality spirits, including whisky, rye, vodka, and bourbon, made from the finest ingredients and local grains grown in the salt air and sun-fed farms of Long Island’s East End.  In addition to distilling, John also hosts events and raises money for many organizations that support veterans, mental health disorders, animal shelters, first responders, and more. John’s pragmatic approach to the distilling process, combined with barrel aging and blending techniques, forms the foundation of Twisted Cow and reflects his own life experiences.

“Twisted Cow Distillery exemplifies the dedication and passion of small business owners who invest in our community,” said Legislator Bontempi. “John Pawluk’s commitment to crafting quality products and giving back to those in need makes Twisted Cow Distillery a true asset to East Northport and Suffolk County as a whole.”

Joshua Bozek

Joshua P. Bozek, DO, has been appointed Chief Medical Officer at Catholic Health’s St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown. Additionally, Karen T. Fasano, DNP, MBA, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, has been named Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for the hospital and will also serve in a system role as Vice President of Nursing Patient Experience for Catholic Health.

“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Bozek and Ms. Fasano as part of St. Catherine’s executive leadership team,” said St. Catherine of Siena Hospital President Declan Doyle. “I am confident that both Dr. Bozek and Ms. Fasano will further enhance our hospital’s mission in providing the highest quality of care to our patients.”

Joshua Bozek

Dr. Bozek has a long-standing relationship with Catholic Health, having served as Systems Medical Director overseeing the Emergency Departments at St. Catherine’s and St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson. In his new role, he will ensure highest standard for quality care, timeliness and appropriateness; provide clinical oversights for all performance improvement, utilization management and quality management activities; collaborate with senior management to develop new clinical programs; ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards; develop a comprehensive physician recruitment and retention strategy; and educate, supervise and monitor performance of the medical staff.

Through Dr. Bozek’s prior affiliation with Alteon Health/USACS, he oversaw four hospital emergency departments including St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, St. Charles Hospital, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Health System, and Bayshore Medical Center. In addition, he oversaw the Hospitalist Program at Bayshore Medical Center and the House PA Program at St. Charles Hospital. During his 12 years at St. Catherine’s, Dr. Bozek held numerous roles including Chairman and Associate Director of the Emergency Department, as well as Director of Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement. Dr. Bozek was pivotal in the development and implementation of the first St. Francis Heart Center’s Chest Pain Unit at St. Catherine’s, serving as the Director for the past three years. Dr. Bozek’s career as an RN, having worked in both Medical Surgical Unit and the ICU, will also give him a unique outlook on how he can best serve St. Catherine in his new role. 

Karen Fasano

A renowned leader in the nursing field, Ms. Fasano has over 30 years of healthcare experience. In her new role as St. Catherine’s CNO, Ms. Fasano will oversee the hospital’s nursing care to patients that is in keeping with the hospital’s mission, vision and values. Ms. Fasano will also collaborate with the hospital’s executive and clinical leadership teams to develop mechanisms to ensure seamless integrated patient care systems; develop, implement and continuously evaluate programs to promote recruitment, retention and continuing education of nursing staff members; and, collaborate with nursing leadership from various clinical areas, to determine staffing requirements to effectively deliver the highest quality of nursing care to patients.  

As Catholic Health’s Vice President, Nursing Experience, Ms. Fasano will be responsible for fostering a culture of empathy and responsiveness among nursing staff. In addition, she will have a key role in creating an environment where exceptional care and positive patient experiences are paramount.

Prior to joining Catholic Health, Ms. Fasano served for the past six years, as Vice President of Patient Care Services at Central Region Hartford Healthcare, overseeing over 1,600 full-time employees between three campuses. She also served as Director of Clinical Operations for the Hospital of Central Connecticut and was accountable for the efficient operations of inpatient nursing and respiratory units between two campuses.  Earlier in Ms. Fasano’s career, she was appointed as Bristol Hospital’s Operations Manager for the intensive care unit and respiratory therapy and a year later, was promoted to Director of Clinical Operations. At other healthcare facilities in Connecticut, Ms. Fasano also held numerous roles as Director of the Cancer Service Line; Nursing Supervisor; Nursing Manager; and, Nursing Instructor.

Dr. Siva Kolruypoti. Photo from Stony Brook Medicine/Jeanne Neville

Siva Kolupoti, MD, and his practice, Three Village Medical Care at 140 North Belle Mead Road, Suite E, in East Setauket has joined Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group, Stony Brook Medicine’s expanding network of community practices.

Dr. Kolupoti is a highly skilled, board-certified internal medicine physician with more than 20 years of experience serving the healthcare needs of his local communities.

“We proudly welcome Dr. Kolupoti back to Long Island with his practice, Three Village Medical Care,” said Dara Brener, MD, Clinical Quality Director of Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group. “His dedication to providing comprehensive primary care to his patients is an essential foundation in their healthcare journey.”

Dr. Kolupoti’s patient-centered approach is at the core of his practice. He understands the importance of actively listening to his patients’ concerns and empowering them to participate in their healthcare journey through open communication and collaboration.

“As a primary care physician, I am thrilled and honored to serve this community,” said Dr. Kolupoti. “My excitement stems from the opportunity to provide comprehensive and compassionate care that revolves around each patient’s unique needs and well-being. Together we can build a healthier future.”

He received his medical degree from Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada, India, and completed his residency in internal medicine at the Catholic Medical Center of Brooklyn and Queens in Queens, NY.

Patients who wish to make an appointment with Siva Kolupoti, MD, should call (631) 216-9242.

About Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group
Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group, an arm of Stony Brook Medicine, includes over 40 community practices with over 50 locations across Long Island, from Farmingdale to Greenport. We offer exceptional care in 22 specialties committed to enhancing medical care coordination in the community. To learn more, visit sbcommunitymedical.org.