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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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Paws in Puddles ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On May 3, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (holding scissors) joined in celebrating the grand opening of Paws in Puddles, a small, family owned and operated self-service dog wash and grooming salon located at 1844E Route 112 in Coram with a ribbon cutting.

The new business, owned and operated by Eduardo Fernandez (center left) and his wife, Christine Fernandez (center right), is equipped with multiple tubs for self-service dog washing, or you can entrust your pet with the “Paws in Puddles” staff to wash for you. If you are interested in their staff grooming services, bring in your dog ahead of time for a fair and accurate quote in person. 

For more information, please call 631-846-6096 or visit their website at www.PawsInPuddles.com. 

Front row, pictured left to right are Brett Davenport (Senior VP at Island Federal Bank); Joan Nickeson (Port Jefferson Station (PJST) Chamber of Commerce Community Liaison); Kayla Fernandez, Eduardo Fernandez, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Jennifer Dzvonar, president of PJST Chamber of Commerce; Eduardo Fernandez (owner), Christine Fernandez (owner), Cheryl Goodall (groomer), Jennifer Sanchez (groomer), Tabatha Fajardo (Town Legislative Aide), Stephanie Quiroga (PNC), Paul Perrone (VP of PJST Chamber).

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Dr. Allan Zhang

New York Health (NY Health) has announced the addition of Interventional Pain Specialist Dr. Allan Zhang. Dr. Zhang will practice at 5316 Nesconset Hwy, Port Jefferson Station.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Zhang to NY Health, ” said Dr. Chris Ng, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director of NY Health. “His training and thoughtful approach reassure patients that they receive the best care to manage their pain and maintain their normal daily routines.”

Dr. Zhang specializes in spine-related diseases and pain, treating patients presenting with radiculopathies and lower back arthritis. Treatment is multimodal, involving physical therapy, cognitive behavior therapy,
medications, and different interventional procedures ranging from epidurals, radiofrequency ablations, peripheral nerve stimulation, and spinal cord stimulators. In addition to spine-related disease, Dr. Zhang also treats patients with degenerative joint disease, knee pain, shoulder pain, chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), headaches, abdominal pain, and pelvic pain. Many patients experience pain relief from sympathetic nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulation.

Dr. Zhang believes every patient is unique and must be treated with an individualized plan. Chronic pain patients are complex and require an individualized treatment plan that involves both patient and physician participation, a multimodal approach, and novel innovation.

With a background as a diagnostic radiologist, Dr. Zhang has often seen the reason for the patient’s presenting symptoms based on MRI, CT, or other forms of imaging. He would dictate the report’s findings, and then that would be the end of his patient care experience. With his additional fellowship training in interventional pain management, Dr. Zhang can provide comprehensive and multifaceted pain management care, from when patients first present in the office to their follow-up after interventional treatment.

Dr. Zhang earned his Doctor of Medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed an Internal Medicine Internship at Yale-Griffin Hospital, an Anesthesiology Residency and Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Connecticut, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Zhang further honed his skills through an ACGME Pain Management Fellowship at the University of Virginia. In 2020, he became board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology.

“I am excited to be part of NY Health to work in an environment where I have access to world-class facilities, exceptional physician colleagues, and the opportunity to help patients,” said Dr. Zhang.

To make an appointment with Dr. Zhang, please call 833-660-7246. For more information, visit nyhealth.com.

About New York Health

New York Health (NYHealth) is the premier center for primary and specialty care services. Our network of outstanding physicians specialize in family medicine, internal medicine, physical therapy, nephrology, rheumatology, surgery, urology, OB/GYN, and interventional spine and pain. At NY Health, we are dedicated to healthcare excellence and provide highly professional, sensitive, and personalized care. For more information, visit nyhealth.com.

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Dr. John Fitzgerald

New York Health (NY Health) has announced that board-certified Urologist Dr. John Fitzgerald has joined its Urology team.

Dr. Fitzgerald will practice at:  5316 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station; 300 Old Country Road, Riverhead; 1061 N. Broadway, 2nd Fl, North Massapequa; and 1055 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage.

“Dr. Fitzgerald joins NY Health, bringing tremendous clinical experience in treating all types of urological malignancies and improving quality of life with minimally invasive treatments in a patient-centric fashion. He is fully supported by our first-in-class oncologists, who are thrilled with this new addition to our physician family,” said Dr. Chris Ng, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director of NY Health.

Dr. Fitzgerald is an experienced urologic oncologist who specializes in the surgical management of kidney, prostate, and bladder, as well as other genitourinary malignancies, which are treated with any approach. He  also has expertise in the treatment of non-malignant diseases, including BPH and kidney stones.

“I feel that no matter what the issue, a patient should feel better upon leaving a doctor’s office than when walking in,” he said.

Dr. Fitzgerald earned his Doctor of Medicine at University College Dublin in Ireland. He then completed residency training at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, where he was named Chief Resident. Dr. Fitzgerald completed his Urology Oncology Fellowship at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he earned his Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MScI). He is certified by the American Board of Urology and the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO). He serves as the Chief of Urology and the director of robotics at Northport VAMC, where he spearheads innovative approaches to urologic surgery and ensures the highest standards of care for his patients. Additionally, he has been recognized as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and Newsday.

To make an appointment with Dr. Fitzgerald, please call 631-663-4850.

For more information, visit www.nyhealth.com.

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Daniel R. Liff

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS )has announced that Daniel R. Liff, a Managing Director, Financial Advisor in the Firm’s Hauppauge Wealth Management office, has been named to Forbes Magazine’s 2024 list of Best-in-State Wealth Advisors.

Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list comprises a select group of individuals who have a minimum of seven years of industry experience. The ranking, developed by Forbes’ partner SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quatitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors and weighing factors like revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews.

“I am pleased that Dan is representing Morgan Stanley,” commented Robert Forte, Market Manager of Morgan Stanley’s Hauppauge office. “To be named to this list recognizes Dan’s professionalism and dedication to the needs of his valued clients.”

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.

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From left, Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO, Gurwin Healthcare System; Arlene Markarian, Safe Observant Seniors Program Coordinator & Nassau County Elder Abuse Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator, FCA—Family & Children’s Association; Megan Shergill, Vice President of CDPAP Services, Community Care; Laura LaFauci, LI Director of Community Outreach, Amber Court Communities; Julie Wexler MPA, Director of Business Development, The Bristal Assisted Living; Kerri Winans Kaley, Director of Business Development, Encore Luxury Living; Jennifer B. Cona, Esq. Managing Partner Cona Elder Law PLLC.
From left, Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., senior partner, Cona Elder Law; Mr. David Marshall; Jennifer B. Cona, Esq. Managing Partner Cona Elder Law PLLC.

More than 200 guests and 40 elder care industry sponsors and exhibitors gathered for the annual Cona Elder Law Caregiver Conference at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington in Melville on May 8 to discuss “The Loneliness Epidemic: Tackling Isolation, Care Needs & Finances In Senior Living,”

This year’s conference focused on social senior living options and explore key differences between assisted living, independent living, continuing care retirement communities, the ALP program and the CDPAP program, allowing different options for family and financial support.

“Loneliness has been declared a public health epidemic by the US Surgeon General because it reportedly leads to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and depression,” said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law, located in Melville. “The majority of adults aged 65 and older report feeling lonely. For this already vulnerable population, it is critical that we consider alternatives to aging-in-place.”

Topics also included financing senior living, including asset protection planning, Medicaid planning and eligibility, and provide practical tips for determining the best way to finance needed care and services.

Presenting Sponsors Included: Cona Elder Law, Gurwin Healthcare Systems, Amber Court Assisted Living, The Bristal Assisted Living, Encore Luxury Living, Community Care Home Health Services, and Family & Children’s Association. 

Conference Sponsors included: SeniorCare Companions, Inc., Life’s WORC, Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center, Heritage Harbor Financial Associates, Jerusalem Memorial Chapels, Senior Health Plan Specialists Inc., Handled Real Estate, Centerlight Healthcare, Alzheimer’s Association, and M&T Bank.

Cona Elder Law also presented its annual Caregiver of the Year award at the conference to David Marshall, of Baldwin, a dedicated husband who has helped and supported his wife of 75 years as she lives with dementia. A WWII veteran, David was recognized for his infinite dedication and service to his wife as a model caregiver.

Photo 2: Melissa Negrin-Wiener, Esq., senior partner, Cona Elder Law; Mr. David Marshall; Jennifer B. Cona, Esq. Managing Partner Cona Elder Law PLLC.

ABOUT CONA ELDER LAW: 

Cona Elder Law is an award-winning law firm concentrating in the areas of elder law, estate planning, estate administration and litigation, and health care law.  Cona Elder Law takes a holistic approach to elder law, providing support and resources for older adults and caregivers. The firm has been consistently ranked the #1 Elder Law Firm by various publications and industry awards.  For additional information, visit www.conaelderlaw.com.

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Photo courtesy of ELIJA
Photo courtesy of ELIJA

ELIJA (Empowering Long Island’s Journey through Autism) officially opened its marketplace at ELIJA Farm, paving the way to employment and a pathway to adulthood for individuals with autism.

The marketplace will be staffed by individuals with autism, that ELIJA hires from funds raised during its Pave the Way to Employment campaign, which will continue through Mother’s Day. This exciting new venture will increase and enrich vocational training beyond current farming operations. Employees will learn how to prepare and store food, develop customer service and learn other skills that will get them ready for future work opportunities and assist them with living independently.

ELIJA Founder and CEO Deb Thivierge led the ribbon cutting, and was joined by ELIJA Board President Joann Scanlon, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Sheriff Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr., New York State Senator Mario Mattera and Assemblyman Steve Stern, Suffolk County Legislators Steve Flotteron, Rebecca Sanin and Tom Donnelly, Huntington Town Clerk Andrew Raia, Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino, Huntington Deputy Town Supervisor John McCarron, and Kelly Smith on behalf of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. Also in attendance were representatives from the offices of District Attorney Ray Tierney, Congressmen Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, and Huntington Councilwoman Theresa Mari.

A press conference to recognize and celebrate April as Autism Acceptance, Awareness and Action month, immediately followed, with remarks delivered from Thivierge and her son Jason, a 25-year old with autism that inspired ELIJA, County Executive Romaine, Sheriff Toulon and Legislator Donnelly.

In addition to creating meaningful employment opportunities, ELIJA prides itself on supporting individuals with autism throughout their lifespan and educating persons responsible for their care.

The ELIJA Foundation and ELIJA’s Transitional Programs and Services (TPS) will be hosting an inaugural conference on pathways to independence for individuals with autism, at Hofstra University on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 8:00am to 5:00pm. A network of experts will connect families for housing and employment initiatives, and talk about a variety of topics, including but not limited to transition processes, self-direction, housing, special needs trusts, and guardianship.

If you are an advocate, educator, agency, school professional, family member or other individual, navigating the pathway from school services to adulthood, then this conference is for you!

To register now or to learn more about the conference presenters, please visit: https://www.elija.org/events/view/A-Pathway-To-Adulthood-Using-Self-Direction-Transitioning-To-Independence-2024-05-11/.

“We are chipping away at the estimated 80% unemployment rate amongst individuals with autism, one person at a time,” said Debora Thivierge, Founder and CEO of ELIJA. “We all play a vital role throughout their lifespan, helping them to develop skills and preparing them for adulthood, so they can live independently.”

ELIJA Farm is located at 43 Foxhurst Road in South Huntington. For more information, call (631) 423-2379 or visit www.elijafarm.org.

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Stonebridge Golf Links & Country Club. Photo courtesy Stonebridge Facebook page

By Sabrina Artusa

As of May 7, Stonebridge Golf Links & Country Club withdrew its application to modify the 1999 agreement, which if accepted, would have allowed the club to further develop its property.

While the development proposal was accepted initially by the Town of Smithtown, the Planning Board’s approval was necessary for any covenant change.

After fierce backlash and extensive media coverage, Stonebridge withdrew its application three days before the end of the feedback period. 

When Stonebridge released a proposal to add a driving range, an 8,000-square-foot clubhouse and 28 new housing units to a total of 133, among other modifications to the golf course, Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) received hundreds of letters in protest. 

The original covenants were intended to protect the environment, taking into consideration the Nissequogue River, adjacent forest and impacts to the floodplain. Stonebridge was prevented from building any more than 105 single-family residences on its 134-acre property. If more housing units were to be built, the covenants stated, then the golf facility must be closed and 90 acres must be preserved as open space.

As a result, community members feared not only that development would result in a rise in traffic and environmental damage, but also the loss of the golf course.

“The threats of the Stonebridge owner closing the golf course or reducing it to an executive course is alarming,” read a petition letter from the Hauppauge community.

At the March 20 Planning Board meeting at the Smithtown Senior Center, an influx of community members attended to voice their opinions, which were overwhelmingly against the development. Among those who spoke were Sue Stavrakos, secretary of the Stonebridge Homeowners Association, county Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) and Michael Kaufman, vice chair of the Suffolk County Council on Environmental Quality. 

“If this covenant is abolished, then what?” Stavrakos asked. “What else could he apply for? This was put to protect the community.”

Hundreds of residents of this area have experienced flooding in their houses and adding to the property would only hinder the flow of water, according to Kennedy. 

Residents, including Trotta, noted the influx of traffic on an already busy road, congestion, dwindling open space and encroachment on Blydenburgh Park as more reasons to reject the proposal and honor the covenants.

“It really goes against what Suffolk County has been doing along with preservation and streambed maintenance,” Kennedy said. “My interests are preserving what little we have left.”

Now the Stonebridge application has been withdrawn. 

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