Business

The new Batteries Plus in Huntington.

Trusted expert for all things batteries, lightbulbs and phone repair, opens on March 28.

Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, lightbulb, key fob and phone repair franchise, is opening its newest locally owned and operated store in Huntington. Opening its doors on March 28 at 169 Walt Whitman Rd., Batteries Plus is dedicated to providing the community with quality products and services, all at affordable prices.

Batteries Plus Huntington will provide residents services for their automotive needs, such as free car battery testing and installations on most vehicles, and help keep their cell phone, key fob, laptop, and tablet batteries lasting longer and more efficiently. Each staff member has experience working with top brands and operating systems to give the best inspection for a device, including phone repair for broken and cracked screens. Also offering a range of products, such as: automotive batteries (ATV, snowmobile, motorcycle, car, marine, and golf cart), chargers, cell phone batteries, phone essentials, SLA batteries, alkaline batteries, and generators.

To celebrate the opening of the new store, Batteries Plus will be hosting a grand opening event on April 28, which will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony. The store will be offering free 4-pack AA Rayovac batteries throughout the day while supplies last, and guests will also have the opportunity to enter for the chance to win a Champion 3500W Remote Start Generator.

The new Batteries Plus location is owned and operated by the Lewis family, who lives in Huntington. Years back the family was on a road trip to Virginia when their truck broke down. Victor Lewis Sr. decided to stop into a Batteries Plus and search for a new car battery. He fell in love with the concept. A few years later Lewis Sr. lost a hard-fought battle with cancer. Now his wife Audrey, his daughter Netanya and two sons Victor Jr. and Joshua plan to run the business in his memory.

“Victor was a loving husband and an amazing man, he brought a smile to everyone’s face,” said Audrey. “Our goal is to bring a smile to every customers face when they walk into our Batteries Plus the same way Victor would have done.”

The Lewis family plans to open three locations with Audrey as their public relations contact, Netanya as their commercial representative, Victor Jr. as their general manager, and Joshua as a floor worker. The Huntington location will be accompanied by stores in Westbury and Franklin Square.

Throughout the pandemic, Batteries Plus locations across the country have remained open to help individuals, communities, and organizations keep their devices and electronic equipment, including laptops, hearing aids, medical devices like infusion pumps, monitors, carts on wheels, and more, running as smoothly as possible. Offering services to businesses, large and small throughout the community, Batteries Plus can make on-site assessments at each location and will provide services for lighting and fixtures, helping technology operate efficiently, repair damaged items and more. Batteries Plus of Huntington will be another option for customers and local businesses to fulfill their essential needs.

Founded in 1988 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Batteries Plus has become the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb and smartphone/tablet repair company.

“The Lewis family and the new Batteries Plus location will be an excellent addition to our team,” said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. “We are excited for the Lewis Family and their location to grow within their community and provide our products and services to their neighbors in Huntington.”

To find out more information about the new Huntington location, please visit https://www.batteriesplus.com/store-locator/ny/huntingtonstation/batteries-plus-547?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=bpb&storecode=547. The Huntington location is hiring visit them in person or call the store line for more information.

 ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS:

Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels. The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https://www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.

For additional information on the brand, visit www.batteriesplus.com.

Photo from Facebook

Colon Cancer is Preventable, Treatable and Beatable. Early Detection Saves Lives

In support of Colorectal Awareness Month, Northwell Health Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) has adopted the recommendation to lower the minimum age to start colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 years old. In partnership with the Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County, free screenings can now be administered to those 45 and older, conveniently, and discreetly at home to people who are uninsured, underinsured, or at-risk.

The Colorectal Surgery Program at PBMC has expert surgeons who treat patients with conditions affecting the colon and rectum, intestinal tract and pelvic floor, as well as the anal canal and perianal area.  Brett E. Ruffo, MD, colorectal surgeon and Ashanti L. Franklin, colorectal surgeon, lead the program using minimally invasive techniques such as robotic-assisted surgery which offers leading-edge precision for treatment of life-threatening cancers of the colon and rectum.

“Colorectal cancer is traditionally one of the deadliest forms of cancer, but it is treatable and beatable if caught during the early stages before it spreads. Making screenings more accessible at a time when younger people are being diagnosed will save lives,” said Dr. Ruffo. “With timely screenings, we can remove dangerous polyps before they become cancerous. Don’t wait for symptoms to get tested. Recommendations for colorectal cancer screening options vary for individuals. Please discuss with your primary care provider to determine the best option for you and your family.”

The United States Preventive Services Task Force has lowered its recommended age for colorectal cancer screening for people at average risk from age 50 to 45. Recent studies have also found that adults born around 1990 have twice the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to adults born around 1950.

Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other bowel disease are at a higher risk and may need to begin screening before age 45. According to the National Cancer Institute, other heightened risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is for residents of Eastern Suffolk to get back to regular, on-time screenings,” said Maureen O’Connor, director of The Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County. “Talk to your health care provider about your risks for colorectal cancer and your testing options. Regular screening for colorectal cancer can save lives.”

Colorectal screenings are covered at little or no cost by most insurance plans. The Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead and the Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County offer free colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer screening to eligible adults who do not have insurance. Call Maureen O’Connor, director of The Cancer Services Program of Suffolk County at (631) 548-6320 for any questions and to find out if you qualify for free cancer screening. Visit http://www.pbmchealth.org for more information.

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Join the Middle Country Public Library for an exciting evening of career exploration! Long Island teens in grades 6 to 12 and first/second year college students are invited to register for this informative panel of professionals from specialized job fields who will give insights into their professions. Attendees will have an opportunity to chat with panelists one-on-one and learn about the library’s Career Counseling services.

Featured career panelists include:

Stephanie Knorzer: Owner/Operator, The Cookie Shop, Centereach

Dominika De Leon: Graphic Designer/Creative Director, Konwalia Design

Danielle Gruttaduario: Forensic Artist, Suffolk County Police Department

Karen Oswald: Senior Evidence Specialist, Suffolk County Police Department

Large Anthony: Tattoo Artist, Main Street Tattoo, Kings Park

Chris Kelly: Training Director, Long Island Electrical JATC with IBEW 25 & NECA LI Chapter

This event will take place on Wednesday, March 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Middle Country Public Library’s Selden location at 575 Middle Country Road. Registration required and open to district and non-district residents. Register in-person or call 631-585-9393 ext. 115.

Serving the Hungry: Presenting this year’s check were, from left, King Kullen President and COO Joseph W. Brown; Long Island Cares Chief Executive Officer Paule T. Pachter; Long Island Cares Chief Development & Communications Officer Katherine M. Fritz; King Kullen Vice President Corporate Strategy & Initiatives, and Long Island Cares Board Member, Tracey Cullen; and King Kullen Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer Bernard P. Kennedy. Photo from King Kullen

King Kullen recently came to the aid of Long Islanders in need by hosting its annual in-store “Check Out Hunger” campaign, raising $25,000. The money was donated to the Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank, which has served the hungry on Long Island since 1980.

“The need for emergency food supplies on Long Island continues to rise for families and people of all ages throughout Nassau and Suffolk. Long Island Cares helps provide food where and when it is needed. Once again, we want to thank our customers for contributing to the ‘Check Out Hunger’ campaign. King Kullen and Wild by Nature have been proud to support Long Island Cares for many years and remain committed to fighting hunger on Long Island,” said King Kullen President and Chief Operating Officer Joseph W. Brown.

In 1997, King Kullen was the first supermarket chain to participate in the annual “Check Out Hunger” campaign, a unique partnership between Long Island Cares and the shopping community in which customers can make a donation with a coupon when checking out at the supermarket register. One hundred percent of all donations go to Long Island Cares.

“King Kullen and Wild by Nature have made a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger,” said Long Island Cares/Harry Chapin Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Paule T. Pachter.  “Their customers continue to generously support our mission and we are forever grateful for their support all these years.”

Kieran Johnson. Photo credit @Colorsmediagroup, Jon Collins

The Huntington Arts Council has announced that the Board of Directors has chosen Kieran Johnson as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Most recently HAC’s Director of Community Partnerships and Development, Johnson has been an integral part of the organization since first joining as Business Manager in July of 2017. He currently serves as the Town of Huntington’s Chair of the Public Art Advisory Committee and Co-Chair of the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce Arts & Experiences Committee. Prior to HAC Johnson was Operations Manager at Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Office Manager/Financial Coordinator for the Richard Avedon Foundation, served as the Chair for the Society for Photographic Education North East, and on the The Penumbra Foundations Associate Board.

Johnson’s work over the last several years has focused on expanding the reach and depth of the Huntington Arts Council. He has dedicated his time as a cultural steward, building meaningful community relationships/partnerships, targeted art initiatives, and strengthening the financial platform of the organization.

“I’m honored to be the next Executive Director of the Huntington Arts Council with its storied history, and it’s stewardship of the arts on Long Island. My lifelong passion has been about increasing accessibility, opening doors, and enforcing that the arts are for everyone,” said Johnson.

An educator and practicing artist, Johnson has exhibited his photographs in New York City at New Century Artists, Rogue Space, and Greenpoint Gallery as well as throughout Michigan at ActiveSite in Grand Rapids, and Delta College in Saginaw. More recent exhibitions include Huntington Art Center, NY, The Memorial Gallery at SUNY Farmingdale, NY, Project Basho in Philadelphia, PA, Ricoh Photo Gallery in Tokyo, Japan and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City, Indiana along with being included in the Postcard Collective. In addition to exhibiting his work, he has lectured at Adrian College, Commack High School on Long Island, New York, and at the SPE Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.Johnson holds a BFA from Purchase College School of Art and Design and an MFA from Kendall College of Art and Design.

Johnson fills the Executive Director position vacated by Marc Courtade who retired on Feb. 28 after 7 years with the HAC.

 

From left, Craig Fligstein, Chief Grants Officer of United Way of Long Island accepts a check for $10,000 from Project Warmth Fuel Fund Committee member Dennis Galvem of Eversource and Brian Tymann of Ørsted in support of United Way of Long Island’s Project Warmth. Photo courtesy of United Way

Ørsted/Eversource of East Setauket contributed $10,000 to United Way’s Project Warmth on March 1. 

United Way of Long Island’s Project Warmth Fuel Fund Committee, a group of key representatives from the energy sector across Long Island including Ørsted/Eversource, is at the forefront of helping to warm the homes and hearts of neighbors in temporary financial distress.

Due to the collective efforts of individuals and corporations, United Way was able to impact over 3,200 adults and children, including seniors and veterans in need of emergency heating assistance this winter season. 

As Long Island’s only island-wide non-governmental emergency heating fund, United Way’s Project Warmth is available as a safety net for individuals and families who are facing energy insecurity. Assistance with an oil delivery or heat-related utility bill means people have room in their budgets to cover essentials like food or medication.

 “Many working or ALICE* families make financial trade-offs during the winter months to make ends meet. This can be as simple as paying for groceries for their family instead of a heating bill. Because of dedicated supporters like Ørsted/Eversource, United Way can be sure that Long Islanders’ homes remain heated, and in a safe manner,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President & CEO of United Way of Long Island.

To support Project Warmth for the 2022-23 season, please visit unitedwayli.org/projectwarmth.

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PSEG Long Island urges customers to think twice if someone threatens to immediately shut off their power

On Consumer Protection Week, PSEG Long Island urges customers to understand the ways scammers impersonate utility employees to trick customers out of their money.

“While we are all looking forward to brighter days ahead, the pandemic has created lingering financial hardship for many, many people, and that is a target-rich environment for scammers,” said Rick Walden, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Customer Services. “They like to create the impression of an urgent problem in the hopes that your panic will prevent you from seeing all the clues that they’re not who they appear to be. PSEG Long Island wants customers to know the signs, take a moment to think, and then contact us directly using the number on their bill if they’re still not sure.”

Some 4,150 scam calls were reported to PSEG Long Island in 2021, down considerably from the more than 5,900 calls customers reported to the company in 2020.

What customers should know about payment scams

  • Scammers impersonating PSEG Long Island most frequently threaten to shut off power immediately unless payment is made.
  • Many scammers use phone “spoofing” technology to make their number display on your phone as “PSEG Long Island.”
  • PSEG Long Island will never request that customers use one specific method of payment.
  • Scammers typically want their victims to transfer money via a web-based electronic payment service, a prepaid debit card, or even Bitcoin, sometimes asking people to buy a prepaid card at the nearest convenience store and then to read them the PIN over the phone.
  • PSEG Long Island does not accept web-based electronic payment services, prepaid debit cards or Bitcoin as payment.
  • Sometimes phone scammers will demand a deposit for a priority meter installation. PSEG Long Island does not require a deposit for meter installations.
  • If a customer has doubts about the legitimacy of a call or an email — especially one in which payment is requested — call the company directly at 1-800-490-0025.

In-person visits

Occasionally, scammers may go door to door impersonating PSEG Long Island employees, flashing a fake ID and/or claiming to be a utility collection representative. The impostors may wear “uniforms” or affix false company signs to their vehicles. The scammers generally ask for personal information, which real utility representatives do not do, or offer bogus discounts. Again, if customers have any doubts, they should not let the person in, and should call 1-800-490-0025 to verify.

PSEG Long Island employees must carry a company ID and present it when requested. If customers have doubts, do not let the person into the house. Call PSEG Long Island at 1-800-490-0025 and a customer service representative will gladly verify if an employee has been dispatched to the location.

Fake websites

Some scammers purchase web domains that closely resemble the actual URL of a utility and create a fraudulent replica of the legitimate website. Their plan is to dupe users who click on these fake sites via search results, or type in an inaccurate web address. Once on the spoofed site, a visitor is presented a number of bill payment options, all pointing back to an outside bill pay site.

PSEG Long Island always uses the “.com” domain. Its real website can be found at www.psegliny.com.

How actual PSEG Long Island reps handle phone calls

Customers should also know what PSEG Long Island will and won’t discuss over the phone. A genuine PSEG Long Island representative will ask to speak to the Customer of Record. If that person is available, the representative will explain why they are calling and provide the account name, address and current balance. If the person on the phone does not provide the correct information, it is likely the customer is not speaking with a PSEG Long Island representative.

If the Customer of Record is not available, the PSEG Long Island representative will not discuss the account at all and ask that a message be left for the Customer of Record to call 1-800-490-0025.

PSEG Long Island is a member of the Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) collaborative. UUAS, a consortium of more than 145 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations, has helped to create awareness of common and new scam tactics and to cease operations of nearly 5,000 toll-free numbers used against utility customers by scammers.

For more information on various payment scams reported in the PSEG Long Island service area and around the country, visit https://www.psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/scamsandfraud.

Pictured from left are Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Victoria (Chef Filomena’s family); chamber members Colette Frey-Bitzas and Michael Ardolino; owner/chef Filomena Lombardi; Scott (Chef Filomena’s Family); Farm to Table Catering and Café staff members; chamber members Martha Stansbury, Kenneth Kroncke and Carmine Inserra; and Jenna Alberti from Assemblyman Steve Englebright’s office. 
Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich with owner Filomena Lombardi

On February 17, Farm to Table Catering and Café by Filomena, located at 2460 Nesconset Highway, Suite #1 in Stony Brook, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  The new business is a full-service catering company founded by head chef, Filomena Lombardi. 

The event was attended by Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, the Three Village Chamber of Commerce and Jenna Alberti from NYS Assemblyman Steve Englebright’s office.

“It was a pleasure welcoming Farm to Table Catering & Café by Filomena at their new location in Stony Brook. The food and service brought by Filomena is like no other, offering a homemade variety of avocado toasts, sandwiches, wraps, salads, cookies and baked goods that provide a healthy alternative for those who are looking for a clean diet. I love seeing our local businesses thrive and encourage everyone to try an avocado toast from this new eatery,” said Councilmember Kornreich.  

For more information, call 631-675-9066.

Photos courtesy of Johathan Kornreich’s office.

Island Sports Physical Therapy, located at 6 South Jersey Avenue, Unit 6B in East Setauket, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 16. The new office is the second to open in Brookhaven Town. Services include spinal rehabilitation, sports specific therapy, fitness programming and more.

The event was attended by Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Jenna Alberti from NYS Assemblyman Steve Englebright’s office, members of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce and Michael Murphy of Douglas Elliman.

“Our community is so lucky to have a facility like this where patients looking for physical therapy can heal in a supportive environment,” said Councilmember Kornreich. “Island Sports Physical Therapy works together with local businesses, hospitals and schools to provide care for anyone and everyone who need rehabilitative services. I encourage those who are recovering from injuries and those who want to prevent future re-injuries to stop by this location to learn more about their services.” 

Pictured seated from left are Executive Director, Keith A. May; Director Brendan McCann; and Office Manager, Kayla O’Brien. Pictured standing from left are Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Three Village Chamber member Martha Stansbury; Brendan McCann’s wife Kelli McCann; chamber members Carmine Inserra and Eliel Pimentel; Jenna Alberti from NYS Assemblyman Steve Englebright’s office; and Michael Murphy of Douglas Elliman Commercial Real Estate.

For more information, call 631-675-1706 or visit www.islandsportspt.com.

Allied Pediatrics celebrated their grand opening on Feb. 16. Photo from Allied Pediatrics

Allied Physicians Group, an independent provider of high-quality comprehensive family health care services for both children and adults, recently held their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for its new office, Allied Pediatrics of Rocky Point, at 346 Route 25A, Rocky Point, on Feb. 16. The new office is the 24th Allied location on Long Island, bringing the total number of pediatric offices in the New York Metropolitan Area to 36, and is also Allied’s first office that has been constructed from the ground up.  

The 5,500 sq. ft., state-of-the-art pediatric office has eight employees, with three pediatricians Dr. Nubia Vargas-Chen, Dr. Eric Levene and Dr. Daniel Freidman. With an urgent need for Pediatricians in the area, these physicians will provide the highest quality of care to all patients in the Rocky Point and surrounding communities.  

The event was attended by Councilwoman Jane Bonner on behalf of the Town of Brookhaven.

Councilwoman Jane Bonner presents Dr. Kerry Fierstein, CEO of Allied Physicians Group, with a Certificate of Congratulations from the Town of Brookhaven on Feb. 16.

“I am very happy to welcome Allied Physicians Group’s to the Rocky Point community. This is an important new business in our community and I wish Dr. Fierstein and her staff the best of luck. We have a growing number of families with young children in the area who will be well served. This new office will be convenient for families living here in Rocky Point and the surrounding area,” said Councilwoman Bonner. 

The Rocky Point office has health safety protocols in place to protect patients from the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Design elements include separate sick and well areas and a state-of-the-art HVAC system with UV lighting to improve air quality. Services for patients and families includes wellness care, vaccinations, sick care, a new parent helpline, breastfeeding support, telehealth services, nutrition assistance, asthma control education (ACE) and community education (webinars, CPR classes). 

“Our experienced pediatricians and clinicians are committed to providing high quality care and exceptional service to families and children of the Rocky Point community,” said Dr. Kerry Fierstein, CEO of Allied Physicians Group. “With a growing number of children in the community, this new office is convenient for families in Rocky Point and the surrounding areas.” 

Pictured in top photo are, from left, Lauren Diguisieppe, Angela Holdorf, Ariele Alon, Angela M. Noncarrow, District Office Director for Senator Palumbo, Pat Athanasakes, Nicole Mann, Dr. Gregson Pigott, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, Dr. Nubia Vargas-Chen, lead physician at Allied Pediatrics of Rocky Point, Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Dr. Kerry Fierstein, CEO of Allied Physicians Group, Andrew Phillips, Kevin Edwards, SVP of Business Development, Patricia Martin-Quinn, Allen Wirtenson, David Baskin, Jennifer Colamartino, Sylvia DaCunha, Heather Edwards, Executive Director of Allied Foundation, Tina Colangelo, Mary Ellen LaSala, Cathryn Mackie, Margaret Galatioto, Jack Rosebery, Josh Klinger, Brianne Chidichimo, Director of Marketing for Allied Physicians Group.

For more information, call 631-315-7747 or visit www.alliedphysiciansgroup.com.