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Anant Yardi

Stony Brook University’s College of Business is proud to announce that Anant Yardi, Founder and CEO of Yardi Systems, will deliver the keynote address at the College’s convocation ceremony on May 21, 2025. Yardi, a pioneer in real estate technology and a champion of educational opportunities, will share insights from his career journey and discuss the importance of innovation, leadership, and giving back to communities.

“We are honored to have Anant Yardi as our Convocation speaker. His visionary leadership in real estate technology and entrepreneurship serves as an inspiring example for our graduating students, said Dean Haresh Gurnani. Anant’s journey from innovator to industry leader embodies the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and technological innovation—qualities that will empower our students as they embark on their own professional paths. We look forward to his insights and the invaluable lessons he will share with the Class of 2025.”

Yardi Systems is a global leader in investment, asset, and property management software for the real estate industry. The company’s software solutions support both residential and commercial property management, integrating accounting, operations, and ancillary services. Yardi has offices throughout the US and the world, including in Melville on Long Island.

Beyond its business success, Yardi Systems is deeply committed to education and community development. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the company partnered with 28 colleges and universities across North America, including Stony Brook, to provide scholarships for first-generation students. This initiative reflects Yardi’s core values: “Take care of our clients, take care of our employees, take care of our communities, stay focused and grow.”

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to address the class of 2025 at Stony Brook College of Business. I look forward to sharing my experiences in innovation, entrepreneurship and risk management during a 40 year period that saw immense technological change and gave rise to incredible business opportunities.”

Anant Yardi founded Yardi Systems in 1984 after recognizing the need for integrated accounting and property management software in the residential marketplace. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a global powerhouse in real estate technology. With an M.S. in Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Yardi has been widely recognized as a visionary in the industry, earning accolades such as the Realcomm “Digie” Award and induction into the Multi-Housing News Hall of Fame.

The Stony Brook College of Business convocation ceremony will celebrate the achievements of graduating students and honor their hard work as they transition into the next phase of their professional lives.

For more information on the event, please visit https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/business/

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Ribbon cutting at CVC on April 4, 2025.
Ribbon cutting at CVC on April 4, 2025.

The Crime Victims Center, CVC,  announced the official opening of its Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) and Rape Crisis Response Training Program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their Ronkonkoma training site on April 4. This groundbreaking initiative brings renewed hope and vital essential resources to Suffolk County and the surrounding region, addressing  a critical gap in care for sexual assault survivors caused by a lack of trained forensic examiners. 

The event was attended and supported by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Deputy County  Executive Dr. Sylvia A. Diaz, PhD, LMSW, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina,  NYS Senators Monica R. Martinez and Dean Murray, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy,  Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Suffolk County Legislators Jim Mazzarella and Jason A.  Richberg, along with representatives from the Suffolk County Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office.  Additional support came from federal, state, and county lawmakers with staff in attendance, including  US Senator Charles E. Schumer, US Congressman Nick Lalota, NYS Senator Alexis Weik,  Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, and Suffolk Legislators Sam Gonzalez, Chad Lennon, and Nick Caracappa.  

The unveiling of the training site marks a significant step forward in building capacity in Suffolk  County and the region. The CVC SAFE Program offers specialized training for medical professionals,  ensuring that sexual assault survivors receive timely medical, forensic, and trauma-informed care. The  Program is approved by the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN) – an accredited  approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on accreditation. 

The launch of the SAFE Training Program demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the CVC,  policymakers, lawmakers, and community stakeholders to advocate for survivors, provide  compassionate care, and drive systemic change in responding to sexual violence. The first training  starts on April 7, 2025.  

For more information about the SAFE Training Program or to join CVC’s mission to support survivors,  please contact (631) 689-2672. 

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The CVC is a NYS DOH Certified Rape Crisis Program, and NYS Office of Children and Family  Services (OCFS) Domestic Violence Services Provider and SCPD’s Crime Victims Center, providing  trauma-informed support and services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, human  trafficking, and all victims of violent crime.  

Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Sadly, 70%  of sexual assaults are not reported to the police. Join us in our efforts to raise awareness during SAAM.



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Optical Outfitters in Port Jefferson held a ribbon cutting on March 22. Pictured on left, chamber members Ron Schlumpf, Mary Joy Pipe, John Huber, Brett Sceraviao and Steve Munoz; pictured on right, Alan Paulus, owner Danielle Cossari Paulus (with scissors), Natalie Cossari, Anne Cossari, staffer Amelia Bass and Dr. Alfred Cossari.Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
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Optical Outfitters in Port Jefferson held a ribbon cutting on March 22. Pictured on left, chamber members Ron Schlumpf, Mary Joy Pipe, John Huber, Brett Sceraviao and Steve Munoz; pictured on right, Alan Paulus, owner Danielle Cossari Paulus (with scissors), Natalie Cossari, Anne Cossari, staffer Amelia Bass and Dr. Alfred Cossari.Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Optical Outfitters. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Optical Outfitters. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, celebrated new chamber partner, Optical Outfitters, with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on March 22 at 158 E. Main Street & Arden Place, Suite 2 in Port Jefferson. 

The new shop offers affordable quality prescription eyewear for children and adults with an added focus on specialty collections, quality sunglass brands and a gift section. 

Upcoming events include Mother’s and Father’s Day Wishlist gatherings with a jewelry making demonstration and sunglass fittings to be announced on the shop’s website, opticaloutfitters.com. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and extended concierge appointment hours are available by calling 631-928-6401.

 

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Ribbon for Chick-Fil-A in Selden on April 1, 2025. Photo courtesy of Brookhaven Town Clerk LaValle's office
Ribbon for Chick-Fil-A in Selden on April 1, 2025. Photo courtesy of Brookhaven Town Clerk LaValle's office

By Heidi Sutton

A new Chick-fil-A® restaurant began serving the Selden community on Tuesday, April 1. The event kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, Tabatha Fajardo from Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa’s office, Penny Hines from New York State Senator Dean Murray’s office, Thomas Lupo on behalf of Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Ryan Gessner from the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, staff, and members of the community. Franchise owner Stan Abrahamsen and his wife Debbie cut the ribbon.

Located in the College Plaza shopping center at 949 Middle Country Road, the 5,500-square-foot restaurant will be open for drive-thru, dine-in and delivery from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The new restaurant will also feature Mobile Thru, a fully dedicated lane in the drive-thru where Guests can pick up orders placed ahead of time on the Chick-fil-A App®.

The Selden restaurant joins 10 other Chick-fil-A restaurants serving Long Island, including Port Jefferson Station, Commack, Smithtown, Huntington, Farmingdale and the recently opened location in Farmingville in Suffolk County. Additional restaurants are planned for Medford, West Babylon and Lake Ronkonkoma.

Stan Abrahamsen, who also operates the Port Jefferson Station location, will be responsible for all day-to-day activities of the Selden business, including employing approximately 120 full- and part-time team members, “serving guests, cultivating relationships with local organizations and businesses, and tailoring philanthropic efforts to meet the Selden community’s needs,” according to a press release.

According to the release, Abrahamsen has lived on Long Island for 38 years and has spent more than two decades as a small business owner, building a career rooted in hospitality and service. His journey with Chick-fil-A began in 2015 when he became the local owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Port Jefferson Station, which was the first free-standing Chick-fil-A restaurant in New York state. He will continue to operate the Port Jefferson Station restaurant in addition to the new restaurant in Selden.

“As a longtime Suffolk County resident and the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Port Jefferson, I’m honored to continue serving my neighbors and making a positive impact in the community that I call home,” Abrahamsen said. “At Chick-fil-A Selden, my focus is on building a welcoming, service-driven culture and helping my Team Members grow — both personally and professionally.”

 

Chick-Fil-A in Selden. Photo by Heidi Sutton

According to the press release, Chick-fil-A business is built to add positive impact beyond profit, including giving back to local communities. Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators are empowered to support the neighborhoods they serve with a key focus on hunger, education, and specific community needs.

In celebration of the opening, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has donated $25,000 to Feeding America in honor of the new restaurant. These funds will be distributed to partners in the greater Long Island area to aid in the fight against hunger.

Abrahamsen’s restaurant will plan to participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, an initiative that redirects surplus food from the restaurant to local soup kitchens, shelters, food banks and nonprofits in need. To date, more than 35 million meals have been created from Chick-fil-A Shared Table donations from over 2,300 Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the U.S. and Canada.

In addition, Chick-fil-A Selden is recognizing 100 local heroes making an impact in the Selden area by providing them with free Chick-fil-A entrées for a year.

“With this opening and the impending opening of Aspen Dental next door it marks the redevelopment of two lots that were empty or barely used for well over a decade. Wishing Chick-fil-A success as they serve up delicious food and great hospitality to the community. Stop by and check them out!” said Town Clerk LaValle.

For the latest news and updates on Chick-fil-A Selden visit the local restaurant’s Facebook page. For more information about Chick-fil-A and stories about the Brand’s food, people and customers across the country, visit chick-fil-a.com.

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Cary Staller talks to the group and addresses concerns. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
The plan designs. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
The plan designs. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
Cary Staller talks to the group and addresses concerns. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
Of three proposed architectural designs for the buildings, this one was voted most popular, according to a raise of hands. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
Of three proposed architectural designs for the buildings, this one was voted in the middle, according to a raise of hands. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
Of three proposed architectural designs for the buildings, this one was voted least popular, according to a raise of hands. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
Community members at the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association meeting on 3/25/25. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association met on March 25 with Staller Associates Realty and its architect to discuss possible architectural designs for the Staller’s 280-unit, three-story apartment complex, which would replace the abandoned shopping center on Route 112, between Cherub Lane and Terryville Road. 

John Lewis from NELSON Worldwide, described as a “masters of suburban mixed-used development master plans” by Staller Associates Vice President Valentin Staller, presented three possible designs for the civic’s consideration. The three buildings were all angular, with long wrap-around balconies, large windows, discrete first-floor parking garages and glass elements. 

The first design was mostly brick with a “warehouse or mercantile kind of feel,” said Lewis, who was inspired by feedback about the Staller’s property in Farmingdale, The Lofts on Main; the second integrates more color and other textures and materials with sleek white columns, while the third is more geometric, contemporary and mostly white. 

“A more residential tone is more of a tone of exclusivity than inclusivity. A commercial feel allows people to feel welcome and draws them in,” Lewis said, saying later that the property will be a community center as people walk from store to store. 

Some residents repeated the complaint that it is reminiscent of Brooklyn and Queens; others thought it was trendy and would be popular among the younger generation; many wanted a more subdued, classic New England feel — something that would mesh more with Port Jefferson. 

While aesthetic discussion revolved mostly around feel, but some residents wanted specific elements such as a unique trim, no shutters or more cast stone.

“They are a little sterile. I like the idea of making it more farmhouse or colonial,” said a Port Jefferson resident. 

“We are the gateway to Port Jefferson…is there a way to make this more to that kind of perception?” asked another. 

Staller had previously lowered the building height at the request of the civic. The property will have a 25-foot setback, be 35-45 feet tall and will not include balconies in the back where the building faces a residential area as well as a larger buffer. 

PJS/Terryville Civic President Ira Costell appreciated the effort to involve the community, but was dissapointed with the renderings. He said a computerized model that displayed the depth and other aspects of the project would have given a “real sense of the feel of the place” and allowed for more effective communication in the future. The meeting which was attended by around 70 people and lasted 2 hours.”It is a starting point rather than ending,” Costell said.

Staller Associates President Cary Staller said construction will start in two to three years. He still intends to devote 20% of the units to people with disabilities, although he doesn’t have a price point per unit approximation. Staller Associates is still looking for vendors, and the civic responded with many suggestions, ranging from a health food grocery store to a bakery, a suggestion that was enthusiastically received. 

Bike lanes and sidewalks are part of the plan, and Cary Staller said he is trying to connect the bike lane to the existing lane. “We are going to have bike lanes from Terryville throughout the site and then to [the Greenway] and we think that will make the Greenway a lot more desirable,” Cary Staller said. 

Lewis said there will be some construction traffic but roads will remain open. 

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A view of the Port Jefferson Country Club

The Village of Port Jefferson has entered into a new partnership with Lessing’s Hospitality Group to provide exclusive food, beverage, and catering operations at the Port Jefferson Country Club, according to a press release. The Village Board of Trustees voted unanimously on March 17th to approve the license agreement (an assignment of the existing lease), marking a significant step forward in enhancing hospitality services for residents, members, and visitors alike.

Known for delivering personalized service and high-caliber events, Lessing’s will provide custom menus, full-service event support, and tailored food and beverage experiences at the Port Jefferson Country Club. They will begin operating “The Turn,” with food and beverage service officially launching on opening day of golf at PJCC, Saturday, March 29, 2025. Effective immediately, Lessing’s will assume responsibility for all catering operations at the Country Club, including member events, weddings, social, and corporate functions.

“We are so proud to welcome Lessing’s Hospitality Group to Port Jefferson Country Club,” said Mayor Lauren Sheprow. “With their longstanding reputation for excellence in golf course food and beverage management, catering, and member events, we are confident this partnership will bring a new standard of service to Port Jefferson Country Club and elevate the overall guest experience for our community.”

Established in 1908, the Port Jefferson Country Club is a distinguished fixture on Long Island’s North Shore. The golf course was designed by renowned architect Alfred H. Tull and spans 145 acres as a 6,800-yard, par-72 championship course. The 170+ acre Country Club was acquired from the estate of the late Norman K. Winston by the Inc. Village of Port Jefferson for $2.9 million in 1978 via a resident referendum. Today, the Port Jefferson Country Club remains one of the premier golf and event destinations in the region, offering an 18-hole membership-accessible championship course with sweeping views of the Long Island Sound.

Michael Lessing, CEO of Lessing’s Hospitality Group, added, “It is an honor to partner with the Village of Port Jefferson and oversee hospitality at such a distinguished venue. We look forward to serving the community with exceptional dining experiences and memorable events, both at The Turn and throughout the Country Club.”

Lessing’s Hospitality Group brings over 135 years of hospitality management experience and operates at over 100 locations, including 10 golf and country clubs. Their portfolio features renowned venues such as The Heritage Club at Bethpage State Park and Stonebridge Golf Links & Country Club.

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Rendering of the Smith Haven Mall after intended renovations. Photo courtesy Simon Property Group

By Sabrina Artusa

The Smith Haven Mall will undergo “major redevelopment” this summer, including new stores, an outdoor green area and new flooring. The work is expected to be completed in 2026. 

 The process of renovating has already begun with the addition of stores like Primark and Ford’s Garage. Sur la Table, a former favorite that filed for bankruptcy in 2020, will return. The court between Barnes & Nobles and the mall entrance will be transformed to allow for more seating and open space. 

“At Simon, we are committed to making significant investments across our portfolio to ensure that our centers continue to deliver exceptional customer experiences for today’s shoppers,” said Mark Silvestri, president of development at Simon, a property group that owns Smith Haven Mall.

Other shops to be added include fashion retailers Zara and Mango and a golf facility with a bar called Golf Lounge 18. 

Smith Haven Mall management were unable to disclose additional information. More information can be found at https://www.simon.com/mall/smith-haven-mall

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James Cress Florist owners Linda and George Karatzas. Photo courtesy of Nick Karatzas

By Joshua Kim

Go down Main Street in Smithtown and you might be able to spot it tucked away in a row of stores just off Hauppauge Road: James Cress Florist. Founded in 1903 in Manhattan, the flower store expanded to Smithtown around 1961 and has been a fixture of the community ever since.

James Cress Florist owner George Karatzas. Photo from Nick Karatzas

George Karatzas started selling flowers when he went to high school here on the North Shore, and he’s been selling flowers through various flower shops ever since. Most recently, he had been running Commack Florist for the past 20 years with his wife Linda. Then, in 2021, at almost 60 years old, they received a deal that caught their eye.

In December 2021, James Cress was owned by Family Flowers, a large flower company operating out of Alpharetta, Georgia, and, according to the Karatzas family, in decline, from both a profit and a customer trust perspective. Family Flowers, which was acquainted with the Karatzas family, reached out and offered to sell the two James Cress locations in Smithtown and Port Jefferson Station to the Karatzas. “[We] wanted to at least allow the brand to survive,” said Nick Karatzas.

Once they bought the store, their children, Stefan, Dawn and Nick, also helped out at the store, with Stefan and Nick helping grow the business online and Dawn running the wedding section of the business. They helped out despite having full-time jobs, with Stefan as a marine technician, Dawn as a teacher in Rockville Center and Nick as a credit underwriter.

They set to work revitalizing the store with diligence, never getting to celebrate holidays because holidays are the busy seasons for flower shops. But it paid off – these days, they process around 300 orders a day, and George can take over 100 calls a day from customers. Sales are up over seven times from what they were this time last year. Also, the James Cress building in Smithtown is a few doors down from its original location, with a wedding location behind to boot. And the business itself looks a little different too. When the Karatzas took over the business, around half of the James Cress customers were not on Long Island; now, the number is closer to 90% Moreover, James Cress now boasts over 200,000 registered people on its website.

But at the core of their business remains customer service: “I know that this order might be a little quirky, but I’m paying attention to it. I’ll make sure it gets delivered on time exactly how you want,” said Nick to describe the mindset of his father George. “Like he really cares about the customer at the end of the day and doing the right thing. And customers notice that.”

“The product that we actually offer is a way to celebrate and connect with people in a way that words can’t say.”

Visit James Cress’ website  to learn more or place an order.

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By Heidi Sutton

It looks like some book lovers will have to wait a bit longer. In TBR News Media’s Arts & Lifestyles on March 20 it was announced that the new Barnes & Noble in  Huntington Station at 301 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station would hold a grand opening celebration on Wednesday, March 26.

Author Tessa Bailey will attend a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m.

Now the retail store has issued a statement that the grand opening has been pushed to April in a Facebook post, writing “Hello BN NY Huntington Shoppers! Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, BN NY Huntington’s Grand Opening will be delayed until April 2nd. We thank you for your continued patience while we make this store perfect for you! We will post an update soon about opening day events, so keep an eye out!”

The retail store lost its lease in the Huntington Square shopping center in East Northport and moved to the current location last year in the space formerly occupied by Johnson Fitness & Wellness. The new store has about 14,000 square feet of space and features books, toys, games and gifts and an updated B&N Café.

“While we were saddened to leave East Northport, we could not be happier with the space we have found in Huntington,” said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble. “Here we bring the community a completely updated Barnes & Noble and, fittingly, do so right next to the birthplace of one of the greatest American poets.”

“We are so excited to bring Barnes and Noble back to the community of Huntington and surrounding areas,” said Store Manager Kyle Goehle, Barnes & Noble Bookseller of five years. “I can’t wait for all the new memories our customers will make with our brand-new bookstore and café!”

Special guest, New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey, will attend the ribbon cutting on Wednesday, April 2 at 9 a.m. followed by a book signing. For more information, call 631-350-5503.

 

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The new storefront at 37 West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station. Photo from Harry & Davids

Harry & David, the gourmet food brand known for its premium products and artisanal gift baskets, opened a new brick and mortar retail store in Huntington Station on March 6. 

Located at 37 West Jericho Turnpike, next to the store operated by its parent company, 1-800-Flowers.com, the boutique storefront is the only one on Long Island and is committed to offering customers “a one-of-a-kind, in-person shopping experience and last-minute gifting options,” according to a press release.

Cheryl’s Cookies, renowned for their buttercream frosted cookies, will also be featured at the shop. This marks the first time Cheryl’s will have a retail store presence on the East Coast.

The Huntington location will feature a curated selection of Harry & David and Cheryl’s Cookies signature items, including Royal Riviera® pears and other premium fruit, gourmet food and wine, Moose Munch® premium popcorn, Scharffen Berger® chocolates, English muffins from Wolferman’s Bakery, seafood from Vital Choice and an assortment of gift baskets. 

In addition to offering fan favorites, the store will host a variety of special events throughout the year, including exclusive product tastings, seasonal promotions, and interactive experiences designed to delight food lovers of all ages. The company also offers in-store discounts for AAA members, veterans and their families, and Senior Tuesdays.

“We are thrilled to open a community store on the east coast and especially in Long Island,” Jim McCann, CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com, said in a statement. 

“This store embodies the legacy and spirit of our brand allowing us to foster connections with our customers in a more personal and meaningful way, creating shared experiences that bring the community together,” he said. 

Operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-485-8970 or visit www.harryanddavid.com.

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