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Photo courtesy of Urban Air Lake Grove
Photo courtesy of Urban Air Lake Grove
Photo courtesy of Urban Air Lake Grove
Photo courtesy of Urban Air Lake Grove
Photo courtesy of Urban Air Lake Grove

Day of fun for kids supports blood cancer research at Stony Brook Cancer Center

Urban Air Lake Grove raised more than $10,000 at the first annual David Wolmetz Memorial Fundraiser honoring the late co-founder of the popular indoor adventure park on the first anniversary of his passing, June 11.

Admission to the park for kids of all ages included access to the most popular attractions including the 30-foot tall Sky Rider zipline, Climbing Walls, Bumper Cars, and more. Local vendors were also on hand for face painting, balloon animals, temporary tattoos and more.

Proceeds from the event will support blood cancer research at the Stony Brook Cancer Center, where Wolmetz received treatment from 2019 to 2023.

“Dave was dedicated to Urban Air Lake Grove and giving back to his community, and he really loved the second family at Stony Brook Cancer Center that took care of him over the last four years,” said Keith Handler, Co-Founder of Urban Air Lake Grove. “Dave was a force of nature. When he set his mind to something you could not stop him. We miss him greatly.”

In October of 2018, Dave was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He was admitted to Stony Brook Hospital’s 19th floor, where his treatment started immediately. The wonderful staff at the Cancer Center and hospital treated him throughout his cancer journey, COVID, and subsequently several hospitalizations over the years due to his compromised immune system. Dave never lost hope and trusted his entire Stony Brook Cancer team immensely. Unfortunately, Dave lost his battle on June 9, 2023.

“He loved this place so much,” said Carrie Wolmetz, wife of Dave Wolmetz. “Even in the days that he was physically unable to walk around, he would come here. He never gave up. He focused on the positive and the people he was grateful for. The people in his life who meant a lot to him gave him strength.”

Donations to Stony Brook Cancer Center can be made here.

About Urban Air Lake Grove

With 50,000 sq. ft. of active play space, Urban Air Lake Grove is home to the popular Sky Rider, a zip-line style attraction with a winding track that carries young thrill-seekers flying along 30 feet in the air, the tallest on Long Island. Urban Air Lake Grove also offers a High Ropes obstacle course, Spin Zone bumper cars, and a full set of rock-climbing walls, wall-to-wall trampoline adventures, and Urban Air’s exclusive Urban Warrior Course™ and Battle Beam.  Urban Air Lake Grove is located at 3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove, NY 11755. Phone: (631) 861-4125.

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Photo from TOB

Special guest speaker was Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner 

On June 4, Councilwoman Janer Bonner served as the Keynote Speaker at the Decision, Women in Commerce and the Professions Installation of Officers and 45th Anniversary Dinner. The event was held at the Meadow Club in Port Jefferson Station.

Pictured left to right are Celeste Siemsen, President; Marion McNulty, First Vice President; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Kiran Wadhwa, Second Vice President; Kerry Baardsen, Treasurer; Leslie Mitchel, Corresponding Secretary and Kathryn Krejci, Recording Secretary

Decision, Women in Commerce and the Professions is an organization that has been serving the women of Brookhaven for the past 45 years. Membership includes women who are professionals and those who are administrators or who own their own businesses.  In addition to providing education and networking opportunities, Decision has been dedicated to making charitable donations for women’s causes in the community.  Over $300,000 has been shared with recipients as diverse as Good Samaritan Hospice, Mather Hospital, the Flag Fund at the corner of 112 and 347 in Port Jefferson Station and AGAPE, serving lunches in school districts where there are children with “food insecurity.” 

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Martha Stansbury. Photo by Chelsea McKenna,  Finishing Touch

Stony Brook University’s Economic Development Office has named Martha Stansbury director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Stony Brook. It was announced by Peter Donnelly, Associate Vice President for Technology Partnerships, Economic Development. Stansbury has worked with SBDC at Stony Brook as the center administrator since 2017 developing budgets as well as managing operations. She will report to Donnelly in her new role.

Stansbury will oversee a team of eight at SBDC at Stony Brook. The Center is located at the university’s Research and Development Park (Building 17) in Stony Brook, New York.

SBDC at Stony Brook provides free, one-on-one, confidential business advising in areas including business planning, marketing, fiscal management, access to capital and technology transfer. The Center will help  assist entrepreneurs, business and industry leaders to solve  their problems and  increase productivity and profitability.

“Martha will bring a wealth of experience, passion and vision to SBDC at Stony Brook in her new role,” said Donnelly. “Martha’s commitment to community engagement is also evident through her many external roles including as a member of the Women Economic Developers of Long Island serving in the roles as vice president and president. Martha has also been a trustee of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce and was voted in 2020 to her present role as treasurer. Last year, Martha received the Chamber’s Roy Dragoda Award for 15 years of community service with the Chamber and voted as the 2024 Member of the Year for her contributions to the Chamber’s financial management system.”

The New York Small Business Development Center (NY SBDC) comprises 20 campus-based centers and outreach offices (including the SBDC at Stony Brook) across New York State. NY SBDC  is overseen by the State University of New York (SUNY) System Administration. Since 1984, NY SBDC has helped 582,806 state residents. $8.7B has been used so far to start or expand businesses with 263,997 jobs created/saved. It is part of the US Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), which funds the NY SBDC.

“I am honored to have been given the opportunity to lead the Small Business Development Center at Stony Brook as the New York State-wide network embarks on its 40th year, “ said Stansbury. “Together with the Center’s experienced NYS Certified Business Advisors and support from Economic Development, I will endeavor to increase the economic impact our Center has in the small-to-medium-size enterprise arena throughout Suffolk County.”

Previous to her present position, the East Setauket resident has also served as a management consultant where she provided facility management of Stony Brook University’s Business Incubator and Agriculture Consumer Center. She also served as a business manager for Gallery North; a management consultant,  accounting systems manager for an international LCD distributor ; assistant to the director of development at Boston College; and a Commercial Real Estate Analyst for the Bank of New England. Stansbury  earned her MBA from Fordham Gabelli School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and teaching from Boston College.

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Michael Epifania, DO Photo by Jeanne Neville/Stony Brook Medicine

Michael Epifania, DO, and his practice at 280 Union Avenue in Holbrook have joined Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group, Stony Brook Medicine’s expanding network of community practices.  

“We are excited to welcome Michael Epifania, DO, to our growing network of community practices,” said Dara Brener, MD, Clinical Quality Director of Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group. “We continue to grow our primary care practices, as we feel it is important to have a good foundation of care in each community and this starts with your primary care physician.”

Dr. Epifania is a family medicine physician who provides primary care to patients in Holbrook and the surrounding communities. “I look forward to bringing my expertise, intellect, and passion to Stony Brook Medicine, fostering strong connections with patients and families, and furthering my commitment to holistic care and community well-being,” he said. For more information, call 631-216-9253.

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A Thankful Sign: King Kullen Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Initiatives Tracey Cullen (top) stands alongside the new King Kullen Place street sign. Joining Cullen are, from left, Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank CEO Paule T. Pachter; King Kullen VP of Perishables Richard Conger; Wild by Nature President Michael Infantolino; and LI Cares VP for Development & Communications Katherine Fritz.

Each month, Long Island Cares distributes over one million pounds of food to Long Islanders in need. The food items are collected, stored, and packaged for distribution at Long Island Cares’ central warehouse in Hauppauge, which now boasts an exciting new addition — a “King Kullen Place” street sign displayed high above a main aisle.

The recognition is part of a unique legacy naming program developed by the Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank to further its mission to provide food where and when it’s needed to communities across Long Island.

“King Kullen has been a generous, committed corporate supporter of Long Island Cares for well over 30 years,” stated Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Paule T. Pachter. “Along with its Wild by Nature stores, King Kullen each year raises tens of thousands of dollars for Long Island Cares through its ‘Check Out Hunger’ campaigns and food drives in addition to donating over 300,000 pounds of food. We are honored and delighted to name an aisle King Kullen Place in appreciation of this steadfast partner that has done so much to help Long Island’s food insecure populations.”

According to Tracey Cullen, King Kullen Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Initiatives and the great-granddaughter of King Kullen founder Michael Cullen, the new sign follows a recent donation by King Kullen to Long Island Cares’ “Giving Guitar” naming opportunity, which includes displaying a King Kullen plaque on a Giving Guitar created by Long Island Cares in honor of songwriter Harry Chapin’s mission to end hunger on Long Island.

“Our donation will provide 6,100 meals for Long Islanders in need,” observed Cullen, who serves on the Long Island Cares board of directors. “Fighting hunger on Long Island is a top priority at King Kullen and Wild by Nature. We are committed to making a meaningful difference and thank everyone at Long Island Cares for creating the pathway that makes help possible.”

Headquartered in Hauppauge, King Kullen is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as America’s first supermarket. Also headquartered in Hauppauge, Long Island Cares was founded in 1980 by singer-songwriter and activist, Harry Chapin.

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Mather Hospital. Photo by Jim Lennon

Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson earned its 20th top ‘A’ grade for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group in the current ratings period, the most of any hospital in Suffolk County. The national distinction recognizes the hospital’s commitment to patient safety and achievements in promoting best outcomes. Mather was one of seven Northwell Health hospitals to earn the top grade, according to a report released today by The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2024. 

“This honor is a testament to Northwell’s commitment to raising health and putting patients first,” said Peter Silver, MD, senior vice president, associate chief medical officer and chief quality officer at Northwell Health. “It takes complete dedication at every level to truly prioritize the well-being of those we serve. This recognition reaffirms our mission to deliver the highest standard of care, day in and day out.”

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Photo from Island Federal

Island Federal Credit Union (Island Federal) awarded college scholarships to 11 graduating high school seniors totaling $50,000 on May 21.

“For nearly seven decades, Island Federal has been a trusted financial partner to tens of thousands of Long Island families, helping them to achieve their dreams, from buying their first car to owning a home to affording a college education for their children,” said Craig Booth, Interim President/CEO, Island Federal. “We are thrilled to be able to help make college more affordable through our Island Federal Scholarship Program.”

Kyle Hickam of Oceanside High School , Leah Vanderborgh of Sayville High School, and Megan Young of Bayport-BluePoint High School each received a $10,000 scholarship. 

Wendy Bonilla of Brentwood High School, Christopher Brito of West Babylon High School, Julieanna D’Amato of Rocky Point High School, Haley S. Orehek of Commack High School, Skyla Peltzman of Half Hollow Hills East High School in Dix Hills, Rachel Petri of Bellport High School, Angeli Rubinstein of Division Avenue High School in Levitown and Brian Schoemmell of Ward Melville High School in East Setauket each received a $2,500 scholarship.

Since the inception of the Scholarship program in 1992, Island Federal has awarded scholarships to 375 local high school graduates totaling $910,000.

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Town of Brookhaven employees remove illegal signs from public right-of-ways. Photo courtesy Town of Brookhaven

By Sabrina Artusa

The Town of Brookhaven is making a revitalized effort to remove illegal signs and enforce commercial sign restrictions. 

Unclear diction in the existing code made enforcement difficult, but now, as the town revises the code, officials are reviewing and discarding prohibited signs throughout Brookhaven. 

Signs in the right of way along state-owned highways were simplest to extricate, as anything in that zone is considered litter according to New York State. However, restrictions unique to the town in regards to size, location and lighting were more challenging to enforce. 

Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) said, “The new sign code will be a little more detailed and enforceable in regards to size, location and lighting.” According to him, unclear language and years of making exceptions make the current code insufficient. 

The proposed new code includes a more extensive list of purposes and 30 more definitions for terms and signs named in the code.

While zoning districts have different restrictions in terms of size, placement, lighting and materials, there are certain signs prohibited in all areas, such as revolving signs, reflective signs, billboards, roof signs, signs for off-premises businesses and signs attached to a tree, fence or utility pole, among others.

“The public interest has to be taken into consideration and allowing the proliferation of signs makes the streetscape look terrible,” Kornreich added. 

Improving the aesthetic of the community and preventing dangerous distractions to drivers were listed as considerations in the code revision.

While some business owners may feel these restrictions hinder their ability to attract customers, Kornreich, a small-business owner, is confident that by improving the atmosphere, more people will want to visit the area. 

Instead of signs, businesses can buy ads in newspapers or utilize websites and social media, he said. “Ultimately, making the community beautiful and a more desirable place to live is good for everybody. Our goal is not to harm small businesses — our goal is to make our downtown community better and more inviting.” 

This sentiment is echoed in the revised code. Most signs, including personal expression signs and temporary signs, require a permit from the Building Division. 

The town has sent the proposed revised code to the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association and chamber of commerce, also the Three Village Civic Association and chamber of commerce for review. After a period of feedback from these organizations, there will be a public hearing. 

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Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Supervisor Dan Panico, co-owner Eddie Spagnola and co-owner Carolyn DiBernardo Ingoglia celebrate the grand opening of the new Firehouse Restaurant and Bar. Photo courtesy Town of Brookhaven

By Sofia Febles

New York City firehouse. The space resembles the home of a firefighter — from the hook door handle when you first walk in, to the model fire trucks and family photos from first-time restaurant owner Joseph DiBernardo’s personal memorabilia. 

The building now occupied by the Firehouse has been home to a restaurant for many years. It was first called Boyle’s, then Shorty’s and for years it’s been known as the Hartlin Inn. For nearly three years, the local community has been left wondering what will take Hartlin Inn’s place. Now the DiBernardos have brought it back to life, in their late son FDNY Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo’s honor. 

The owners of the restaurant, Joe and Barbara DiBernardo opened this restaurant in memory of their son, Joey, who came from a long line of firefighters, including his dad. 

When Joey was young, he would create and play with firefighter sets. Joey would help his dad in a Brooklyn firehouse, being part of his first real fire at the age of 10. When Joey turned 18 he became a fire alarm dispatcher on Long Island. 

Joey went on to work at the World Trade Center for nearly six months in the rescue and recovery operation. He was one of the people who founded the Town of Brookhaven Technical Rescue Task Force and was one of the first team leaders. 

In 2005, he was called to an apartment fire in the Bronx — a day known as Black Sunday, when three firefighters died including Joey. 

Trapped on the top floor in a backdraft, he was forced to jump out of the window five stories above the ground. From his plunge, Joey landed in a courtyard, breaking many of his bones from the waist down, and would eventually experience respiratory arrest and then a coma. 

On Nov. 22, 2011, Joey passed away as a result of injuries sustained from his heroic efforts on Black Sunday. He was awarded the IAFF Medal of Honor, the New York City Medal of Supreme Sacrifice and the FDNY Medal of Valor. 

In 2013 the “Joey D” foundation was created by the father and Joey’s friends in honor of the fallen firefighter. The foundation provides personal safety ropes to fire departments throughout the United States. It is run strictly by volunteers, mostly Joey’s friends. The foundation’s goal is that no firefighter dies because of lack of safety ropes. Joey’s father hopes that the foundation will continue even when he is gone.

The opening of the Firehouse Restaurant & Bar for the DiBernardos was an important event in celebration of their son. “I want my customers to know and understand Joey’s story, and I want Joey to live on in perpetuity through this restaurant,” Joe said. “This restaurant is like a family, surrounded with the best people.”

On the menu is a variety of sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, burgers and “firehouse favorites.” “The ‘big pretzel’ and meatball appetizers are guest favorites,” Joe said.

“I went for lunch with my husband two weeks ago, we found everything great,” said Ruth McDowell of Port Jefferson Station. “He had the fish and chips, I had French onion soup and a BLT. Perfect balance of everything. Even the coffee was delicious. We will be back.” 

The bar section has been refurbished beautifully and is often filled with locals who enjoy happy hour and beyond.

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Pictured, from left, are Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, Library Director, Middle Country Public Library; Sal DiVincenzo, Coordinator of Digital Services, Middle Country Public Library; Edward Russo, Mortgage Loan Officer, TD Bank; Tom Kelly, Manager, TD Bank; and Elizabeth Malafi, Coordinator, Miller Business Center, Middle Country Public Library. Photo from MCPL

TD Bank recently provided a generous grant of $5,000 to the Middle Country Library Foundation in support of Strictly Business and the Women’s EXPO. 

As the Strictly Business Enterprise sponsor, TD Bank supports the library’s efforts to bring valuable educational, networking, and tradeshow experience to the local and regional business community. 

Held on May 7, the 16th annual Strictly Business event, a partnership between Middle Country Public Library’s Miller Business Center, the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, and the Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition, featured more than 80 local businesses and business organizations and welcomed over 550 attendees. 

The 24th Women’s EXPO, a showcase and a marketplace for Long Island women entrepreneurs, will be held on Oct. 10 and features more than 80 exhibitors and over 2,500 attendees each year.

Pictured, from left, are Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, Library Director, Middle Country Public Library; Sal DiVincenzo, Coordinator of Digital Services, Middle Country Public Library; Edward Russo, Mortgage Loan Officer, TD Bank; Tom Kelly, Manager, TD Bank; and Elizabeth Malafi, Coordinator, Miller Business Center, Middle Country Public Library. 

For more information about the many programs of the Miller Business Center, visit www.millerbusinesscenter.org. 

Photo courtesy of MCPL

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