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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.

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John J. Labiak, MD. Photo from Stony Brook Medicine/Robert Tannenbaum

John J. Labiak, MD, and his practice at 329 East Main Street, #3, Smithtown has joined Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group, Stony Brook Medicine’s expanding network of community practices.

“As a spine surgeon, I have had the privilege and pleasure of working at Stony Brook University Hospital for many years. I have witnessed tremendous growth and outstanding commitment to excellence during my tenure,” said Dr. Labiak. “I look forward to continued mutual growth and providing exceptional care as we embark on this new chapter as part of Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group.”

As a board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Labiak specializes in all aspects of scoliosis and spinal surgery, providing comprehensive care to patients throughout Long Island and New York City.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Labiak to our network of community practices,” said Dara Brener, MD, Clinical Quality Director of Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group. “His extensive experience and commitment to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care ensures that patients will receive the highest quality treatment in the communities he serves.”

Dr. Labiak received his medical degree from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse and completed an orthopaedic surgery residency and subsequent spine surgery fellowship at The Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute in New York, NY. He shares his knowledge and experience as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery at Stony Brook Medicine.

Patients who wish to make an appointment with Dr. Labiak should call (631) 265-1855.

 

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Lisa Caselles

UCP-LI has announced that Lisa Caselles is the new Director of Educational Services/ Principal at The Children’s Center. With experience in special education and leadership roles, Caselles is well-equipped to lead the Center in its mission to provide educational services to children with disabilities.

“I am very honored to join this amazing team” says Ms. Caselles. “I share the team’s commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment that supports the development of each child’s gifts and strengths. I look forward to working closely with our dedicated staff and families to ensure that each student receives the individualized care and educational support they need to reach their full potential.”

Prior to becoming part of the UCP team, Ms. Caselles served as Preschool Education Site/Curriculum Coordinator at Alternatives for Children in East Setauket.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Special Education from St. Joseph’s College and then went on to complete a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education at Stony Brook University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lisa as the new principal of UCP-LI Children’s Center,” said Colleen Crispino, President & CEO. “Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge garnered through many years of leadership in special education. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive, nurturing environment aligns perfectly with our mission.”

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From left, Harlan Fischer, Kristen Domiano, Stephanie Gress, and Michael Brescia. Photo courtesy of Branch Financial Services, Inc.

Branch Financial Services, Inc. of Setauket is celebrating 50 years of serving clients this month. 

President Harlan J. Fischer founded Branch Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment advisor, on Oct. 1, 1974. According to a press release from the financial business, Fischer “is as committed to its success today as he was in those early days of business.”

“As its founder and principal, the mission he set forth for Branch Financial Services, Inc. 50 years ago was simple—to help clients achieve their personal and financial goals,” read the release. “Beyond this mission, Harlan and his staff are committed to providing a level of service that is rare to find today. They are so serious about this that they trademarked ‘You Can’t Hug an 800 Number’ ™ as their motto.”

Fischer said he takes tremendous pride in Branch Financial Services, Inc., its fiduciary status and independence, which he said carries through to every aspect of the business. The office, located at 21 Bennetts Road, is known for looking more like an art gallery full of contemporary sculptures and paintings.

Before moving the office to Setauket in 2020, Branch Financial Services, Inc. was located in Hauppauge for 21 years and Smithtown for 25 years. The financial business has been a member of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce since 1995 and the Three Village Chamber of Commerce since 2020.

Several clients have been with Fischer for most of his 50-year career, and their children and extended families have become clients in many cases as well.

Mia and Jerry Vogt, of Massapequa, have traveled to Suffolk County for more than 15 years to consult with Fischer.

“Harlan’s approach to financial planning seamlessly blends traditional values with the demands of a fast-paced modern world,” Mia Vogt said. “His commitment to time-honored principles—such as integrity, long-term vision and personal responsibility—provides a solid foundation for navigating today’s complex financial landscape.”

According to the press release, the “team understands the importance of a personal touch in investment. In an era dominated by impersonal, automated services, the firm’s dedication to understanding each client’s unique needs offers a deeply personalized experience. For Harlan and his colleagues, it’s not just about guiding clients through financial decisions, but also about fostering a trusting relationship.”

Fischer’s colleagues currently include Michael Brescia, Kristen Domiano and Stephanie Gress, who have worked beside him and have known him for many years. According to the press release, “He makes it clear to them that he values and appreciates them every day.”

Brescia provides financial and legal services to his Branch Financial Services, Inc. clients, while Gress is a service associate, and Domiano supervises the office administration, compliance and back office for the firm.

While 50 years may sound like a long time to some, Fischer said, “I feel like I’m just getting warmed up.”

Over the years Fischer has served on many boards for professional and arts organizations. He and his wife Olivia have funded several historic restoration projects in the Three Village area, and they sponsor events and public programming. Currently, Fischer serves as Chairman of the Village of Head of the Harbor Planning Board. 

In 2024 alone, he was named a Best in State Wealth Advisor by Forbes and received the Corporate Citzenship Award by the Long Island Business News.

As he reflects on his years in business, the financial advisor is deeply grateful to Bill Weidner, his mentor from early in his career, and the clients of Branch Financial Services, Inc.

“My career journey has been enriched by the wonderful people I have worked with and for through the decades,” Fischer said. “I eagerly look forward to working with everyone for years to come.”

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Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Legislature

Small businesses from across Suffolk County were recognized for their critical role as the backbone of the local economy.  Each of the 18 members of the Suffolk County Legislature introduced an honoree from their district at Oct. 1’s General Meeting of the Legislature in the Rose Caracappa Auditorium of the William H. Rogers Legislative Building in Hauppauge.

With this ceremony, the lawmakers honored individual businesses – with fewer than 25 employees—and noted the unique contributions to the community that these businesses and their owners make every day.  The businesses — ranging from restaurants, including pizzerias and delis, to insurance agencies, to local newspapers and salons – were each chosen for their standing within their community and were often cited for their civic and charitable endeavors.

“Our small businesses deserve to be recognized for their part in making Suffolk a thriving and desirable place to live,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey.  “From my district, I am pleased to be able to honor Peter Buccino, the proud owner of Viking Solutions in Lindenhurst since 2015. He started with the company, then named Cardwell Condenser Corporation, just a week after graduating from Copiague High School in 1979. Peter then worked his way up the ladder all the way to taking ownership in 2015.”

“Peter is an active member of the business community locally and across the county. He is the First Vice President of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce, an Executive Board Member of the Lindenhurst Chamber, and a member of the North Babylon and Montauk Chambers. Peter Buccino’s smiling face can be seen at many events in the district. He is a truly a small business success and embodies the spirit of this award,” said McCaffrey.

Across the United States, small businesses employ nearly half the American workforce, representing 43.5% of America’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the US Chamber of Commerce. Suffolk County itself is home to many thousands of small businesses. As a partial measure of the number and variety of small businesses, the Suffolk County Department Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs notes that there are over 15,800 active licenses and registrations for businesses. The wide range of businesses encompasses, for example, appliance repair, painters, electricians, plumbers, sign hangers, precious metal dealers, dry cleaners, and more.

HONOREES by LD:

LD Legislator Small Business Honoree Business Location

  1. Catherine Stark  — Wendy’s Deli in Mattituck

  2. Ann Welker West—  Robins Oysters in Southampton

  3. Jim Mazzarella —  TJs Hero Shop in Mastic Beach

  4. Nick Caracappa — Team Rita (Tsoukaris) in Centereach

  5. Steve Englebright—  Bagel Express in Setauket

  6. Chad Lennon — Personal Fitness in Rocky Point

  7. Dominick Thorne — Greg Mehrhoff State Farm Agency in Bellport

  8. Anthony Piccirillo — Joe’s Pizza and Pasta in Holbrook

  9. Sam Gonzalez—  Gala Foods in Brentwood

10. Trish Bergin — Bellina’s Pizza & Restaurant in East Islip

11. Steve Flotteron — Our Little Italy in West Islip

12. Leslie Kennedy — Maureen’s Kitchen in Smithtown

13. Rob Trotta — The Smithtown News in Smithtown

14. Kevin McCaffrey, PO — Viking Solutions in Lindenhurst

15. Jason Richberg — Valde Ice Cream in Wyandanch

16. Rebecca Sanin — Zaro’s Café in Huntington Station

17. Tom Donnelly — Soto Appearance Enhancement Salon in Deer Park

18. Stephanie Bontempi — Twisted Cow Distillery in East Northport

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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.”

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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.

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Jeff Brett in front of Hope House and its new roof. Photo from King Quality
A King Quality employee working on installing the new roof. Photo courtesy King Quality
King Quality CEO Jeff Brett talking with Hope House Director of Operations Kurt Hall in front of the Hope House. Photo courtesy King Quality

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.

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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.

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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.

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