Business

One woman’s pandemic project brings local scents across Long Island

By Julianne Mosher

When the world shut down in 2020, Renee Fondacaro immediately knew she wanted to take on a hobby. 

Always a fan of candles, Fondacaro would have them constantly burning in her Old Field home. She took on a hobby at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic by blending essential oil scents with a clean, healthier candle wax base that she would drop off at her friends’ homes.

“I had ordered a candle kit because the pandemic was boring,” she said. “I made a bunch of them and would drop them off to my friends because I felt like it was a little gift that could maybe bring happiness when everyone was so stressed out.”

And they did bring happiness — because they smelled great. Fondacaro’s friends and family began to ask her, “Why are you not selling these?”

So, just about six months later, the mom of three signed up for her first craft fair in October 2020 where she made her first official sale. She and her husband John, who is a veterinarian specialist, decided that instead of a hobby, this was going to be a business. Soon after, they formed an LLC, got insurance and trademarked, and settled on the name “Old Field Apothecary,” as she creates her mini masterpieces right inside her Old Field home.

As a two-time cancer survivor, and retired nurse, Fondacaro is very health conscious. As an avid candle lover, sometimes it’s hard to know what exactly is being put into the air we breathe. That’s why she decided to make her candles at Old Field Apothecary 100% natural.

“It was really important for me to find ingredients that were very, very clean,” she said. “Candles can be very toxic if they’re not made with good, clean ingredients.”

Using clean coconut and apricot cream wax, she melts the mixture into jars that are heat safe for with woodburning wicks that make the perfect crackling sound. She would ask people what scents they were looking for, and now, nearly three years later, she has created over 80 different types, along with linen and room sprays and wax melts. She said the process is relatively simple, the longest part is melting the wax.

Fondacaro, who grew up in Setauket, would travel to local farmers markets and other craft fairs, along with making a website to sell her products. But she wanted to include the community even more. She started to approach local and other Long Island-based stores to start collaborating with including the Three Village Historical Society in Setauket and The Reboli Center for Art and History, The Long Island Museum, and The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook (where the candles are named after famous jazz musicians).

She began to venture out of the local Three Village area, too, including a collab with Kidd Squid Brewing Company in Sag Harbor and the Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay. She is currently planning a scent for a shop on Block Island, too, and for some wineries on the North Fork.

But the Reboli Center is the place that has the most variety. Lois Reboli, president of the center, said that Fondacaro walked in one day and they talked about a collaboration. She couldn’t be happier with their partnership.

“Her candles are exceptional and we are very honored to have them at our place,” said Reboli. “They bring in a lot of foot traffic from people who may have not come into the Reboli Center before.”

Fondacaro said some of her most popular scents are the lavender candles because they’re calming and not overwhelming. She loves the more woodsy, earthy scents. 

“Almost everyone who buys my candles always come back and tell me that they really can see the difference in the way they burn,” she said. “They don’t get headaches. They don’t get watery eyes. They don’t get side effects and symptoms from any toxins, so I love that.”

And there is a scent for everyone: blackberry and musk, coffee bean and cacao, strawberry cream truffle, or “after the rain” — just to name a few. Plus, they’re animal friendly so furry friends can enjoy these new smells, too. 

Candles start at $27.95 and are hand-poured right in Old Field. To view the entire collection, visit www.oldfieldapothecary.com

This article originally appeared in Summer Times, a seasonal guide supplement by TBR News Media.

 

It is said that all good things come in threes and the The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s  event on June 13 was no exception as it hosted ribbon cuttings for Stony Brook Village Center establishments Robinson’s Tea Room, Camera Concepts & Telescope Solutions, and Schnitzels.

The celebratory events were attended by Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Town of Brookhaven Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Dan Panico; NYS Assemblyman Ed Flood; Kim Bryant, Legislative Aid for Suffolk County Leg. Kara Hahn; WMHO President Gloria Rocchio; WMHO Chairman Dr. Richard Rugen; WMHO trustees; and members of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce.

Robinson’s Tea Room is under new ownership by Donna and Michael Aliperti. The eatery continues to serve English high teas, light bites and more. Robinson’s Tea Room is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 631-751-1232. They are located in Inner Court at 97E Main Street in Stony Brook Village.

Camera Concepts & Telescope Solutions owned by Jeff Norwood suffered a fire in February. After four months, the shop and showroom are reopen. One of the only shops in the state of New York that specializes in astronomy, photography and more, Camera Concepts and Telescope Solutions also offer a variety of cameras, telescopes, binoculars and children’s educational toys and activities. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The shop is located in Market Square at 85 Main Street in Stony Brook Village. For more information, call 631-475-1118.

Schnitzels is the newest eatery in Stony Brook Village, occupying the former Grist Mill Eatery. A collaborative concept between Crazy Beans & Brew Cheese, the restaurant will offer an all-day menu that will feature German bratwurst and pretzels, different variations of schnitzel with other fun dishes. They will be serving eggs for breakfast, lunch sandwiches, dinner appetizers with share plates, and entrees, all available for take-out. They will have a beer and wine list that will include German style beers and local craft beer on tap. 

Schnitzels will be open seven days a week. Their soft opening will begin Tuesday, June 27 and their hours until grand opening will be Monday through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The eatery is located in Market Square at 77 Main Street in Stony Brook Village. For more information, call 631-675-1478.

The lobby of Jefferson’s Ferry community center was abuzz on June 5 as residents, employees and guests packed in to witness the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the Life Plan community’s new commons building. The mood was buoyant as residents and friends prepared to embark on tours of the spaces.

The audience joined in on the countdown as scissors wielded by Jefferson’s Ferry’s President and CEO Bob Caulfield; Board of Directors Chair Gloria Snyder; Vice Chair James Danowski and Treasurer John Sini; Resident Council Chair Pat Boone and Construction Project Manager Matthew Moroney cut the ribbon to enthusiastic applause. 

Addressing the crowd, Bob Caulfield thanked the residents and staff for their patience and support during the renovation process, dubbed Journey Toward Renewal, which has taken place in stages over the past several years. Additional renovations and expansions are currently underway in Jefferson’s Ferry’s Vincent Bove Health Center, including a new Memory Care Unit which is expected to open in the fall.  

“This is a landmark day for us, as our new commons building adds beautiful new spaces to our community center, the heart of Jefferson’s Ferry,” said Caulfield. “We’ve all been patiently awaiting this day, and I thank every one of you who has been as eager as I have been to celebrate this major milestone. This includes the Board of Trustees, who had the strategic foresight and financial oversight of the ambitious project, our construction team, who labored to complete this phase of the project, and of course, our residents and staff.”

Among the latest updates and additions to the social and recreational aspects of the community center are a variety of new gathering spaces, including a larger and redesigned creative arts center, expanded card rooms for the popular bridge and gin rummy tournaments, and a game room with billiards, ping pong, shuffle boards and large screen television.  Another bright open space is dedicated to puzzling, newspaper reading and socializing.  The fitness center, which can be accessed 24-7 through a separate keypad operated entrance includes a full complement of exercise machines, a dance/yoga studio and separate locker rooms with showers for men and women.  Right down the hall, a salon offers hair cuts and styling, manicure and pedicures by appointment.  

Earlier this year, six new dining venues opened, each one offering a distinct menu to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. Options range from grab and go to casual, and from pub dining to a more formal dining room.

Adjacent to the workout rooms is a new physical therapy and rehabilitation suite that includes a replica of a Jefferson’s Ferry apartment that enables residents to easily transfer what they’ve learned during rehabilitation to their own home.  The rehabilitation suite also features an outdoor therapy courtyard with different surface areas and slopes to help residents fare better in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments post rehab.   

The addition of the commons building has made room for an expansion of the Health and Wellness Program.  Residents can now schedule in-house physician visits with doctors and a nurse practitioner who offer office hours at Jefferson’s Ferry.

“Since its opening in 2001 as the first not for profit Life Plan community on Long Island, Jefferson’s Ferry has set the standard for continuing care for older adults, providing a vibrant, caring community and peace of mind to its residents,” concluded Caulfield. “Over our more than 20 years in operation, Jefferson’s Ferry has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the people who have made Jefferson’s Ferry their home. Journey Toward Renewal is evidence of our commitment to excellence.”

Jefferson’s Ferry, a not-for-profit Life Plan Community for active adults aged 62 and above, is located at One Jefferson’s Ferry Drive in South Setauket. For more information, call 631-650-2600 or visit www.jeffersonsferry.org

Curinne Polizzi, owner of Ivory & Main: The Curvy Corner Boutique. Photo by Julianne Mosher

After a successful five years selling plus-size wedding gowns and occasion wear on the South Shore, a Comsewogue High School graduate is making her way back north for her second shop — Ivory & Main: The Curvy Corner Boutique.

After graduating, Curinne Polizzi went straight into the workforce, getting a job in retail and falling more in love with fashion.

“I always knew I wanted to own a shop, and then bridal just fell into my lap,” she said.

It began when she was looking for her own wedding gown. Polizzi said that when she was growing up in Port Jefferson Station, it was often hard to find clothing as she began to gain weight, and then finding a gown for her wedding opened her eyes.

There were no strictly plus-size gown stores on Long Island. In fact, the closest similar wedding shop was in Maryland.

She remembered sitting at her kitchen table talking to her grandmother who said she should open her own wedding gown store on Long Island. On March 15, 2018, Ivory & Main: The Curvy Bridal Boutique opened in Sayville and it was a hit.

Since then, she has sold thousands of wedding gowns to women of all sizes, dresses to mothers of the bride and prom gowns. She had to expand in Sayville twice because it was getting so popular, soon realizing she needed to open up a second location.

“My five-year plan was to open up a second store,” she said.

And five years exactly to the day of getting the keys to her Sayville bridal boutique, Polizzi got a second set to her newest location, The Curvy Corner in downtown Port Jefferson.

The 46-year-old mom of three, who now lives in Oakdale, said when she heard Christina’s Fashion Handbags, formerly located at 98 Main Street, had closed, she had to take a look. As soon as Polizzi walked in, she said, she knew this was the spot and signed the lease.

“I grew up down here, and I’ve always loved Port Jeff,” she said. “When I moved to the South Shore, I hadn’t been here in a long time, but when I found this space, I asked if I could sign the papers that day.” She added, “I felt like I was coming home.”

Since officially opening its doors in May, Polizzi is already gaining a lot of visibility. She said she has a large client base who comes in from out of state. Compared to its sister store south, Ivory & Main: The Curvy Corner Boutique will house more date-night or wedding-guest looks like sundresses, jumpsuits and other occasion wear looks.

The back of the shop has racks of elegant evening gowns for prom and mothers of the bride that go up to size 30, as well as a wide variety of fun accessories like jewelry, handbags and hats for which anyone can shop.

The styles she brings can appeal to the younger clientele, which has always been a struggle for more inclusive clothing brands. Polizzi said that sometimes other plus-size stores or brands have baggier, more matriarchal styles that may not suit everyone. What she has to offer is trendy — and will have something for everyone.

“This type of store is what I wanted when I was in high school,” she said.

Ivory & Main: The Curvy Corner Boutique sells clothing ranging from size large to 5X and will have its grand opening June 17 from noon to 9 p.m. featuring sales and other surprises for people visiting the boutique.

Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden welcomed the new shop with open arms, saying she is happy to see another new business owner investing in Port Jefferson, especially one who came back to town, as Polizzi has.

“It has always been my priority to make Port Jefferson a place folks want to live, work and play,” Snaden said. “Seeing new businesses moving in lets me know that what we’re doing is working.”

The store, located at 98 Main Street, is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.IvoryMain.com.

A Queer Art Workshop. Photo courtesy of the Art League of Long Island

In a significant show of support for the LGBTQIA+ community and their artistic endeavors, TD Bank has generously donated $25,000 to the Art League of Long Island (ALLI). The funds will be directed towards the expansion of ALLI’s Queer Art Initiatives, aimed at promoting equal rights, inclusion, and creative expression within the visual art community. The LGBTQIA+ community has long been at the forefront of the fight for equality, and ALLI is proud to celebrate and champion queer artists and artwork. By fostering a safe and inclusive space, ALLI aims to uplift and embrace the LGBTQIA+ community in their artistic journey. TD Bank will make a formal announcement of the donation at the reception for our recent Queer Art Workshops on June 22nd at 6:30pm all are welcome to attend. 

As part of the Queer Art Initiatives, ALLI recently organized a series of three workshops, conducted by queer artist Liv Cocozza,exploring LGBTQIA+ art and literature from the past to the future. These workshops culminate with an exhibition of the artworks created during the program, which will be on display in the Art League’s Strolling Gallery from June 17 to July 29, 2023. The artist received support through a grant from the Huntington Arts Council, while ALLI provided various in-kind services such as marketing, web hosting, facilities, exhibition supplies, and preparator fees.

To commemorate the participants’ achievements and celebrate their artwork, an exhibition reception will be held on June 22, 2023. TD Bank will make a formal announcement of their support at this reception. This event will bring together the instructor, participants, and the wider ALLI community to engage in conversations with the artists and instructor, and to appreciate the creative expressions on display. Notably, Newsday has expressed their intention to cover the final workshop and exhibition, further amplifying the visibility of ALLI’s Queer Art Initiatives.

With the generous support of TD Bank, the Art League plans to expand and scale this project throughout the remainder of 2023 and 2024. The expansion will encompass three distinct programs designed to empower and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community:

1. LGBTQIA+ Create Nights: ALLI will organize a series of free monthly two-hour workshops, providing youth, teens, and young adults with a safe space to gather and create art. By offering these workshops free of charge, the Bank enables equal accessibility to art education for this previously marginalized community. Participants will be given prompts for new artwork or have the opportunity to work on existing pieces under the guidance of the instructor. The artworks created during these sessions will be showcased in an exhibition at ALLI’s Strolling Gallery from June to August 2024.

2. Queer Youth Mentorship Program: ALLI will launch a mentorship program aimed at four qualified high school students. This program will enable the selected students to develop their artistic skills, voice, narrative, and the impact of their art in relation to their identities. A qualified mentor from the LGBTQIA+ community will lead the program, facilitating skill-building and engaging in constructive conversations surrounding LGBTQ themes. In collaboration with the Art League, one student will also receive a scholarship to access specific mediums not available in their school. The culmination of the program will be a group exhibition showcasing the students’ portfolios at the ALLI Strolling Gallery from June to August 2024.

3. Pride Month Festival: ALLI proposes to host a day-long Pride Festival in June 2024, celebrating Long Island’s queer visual art community. The festival will feature three free artist workshops, music, and entertainment. ALLI has partnered with Colored Colors for previous cultural festivals and will collaborate once again to combine art, music, and community. Workshops on silkscreen or linocut printmaking, videography, and fiber arts crafts will be offered, allowing participants to explore queer activism, storytelling through videos, and discuss identities and togetherness through loom-based crafts. The exhibition of artwork created during the Create Nights and the Mentorship Program in the Strolling Gallery will serve as the focal point of a reception during the festival.

The impact of TD Bank’s generous funding is immense. It empowers queer youth from Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens by providing them with a safe space to create art, collaborate with professional artists and mentors, receive unencumbered support from the artistic community, and exhibit their artwork in a professional setting. While there are numerous nonprofit organizations providing social services to the queer community, there are none on Long Island that provide this type of safe and supportive artistic outlet and expression. By providing an opportunity to celebrate this community, the ALLI will poise itself as the leading artistic center on Long Island, raising awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues, fostering community support, and encouraging acceptance through various artistic outlets.

For more information about ALLI’s Queer Art Initiatives and their upcoming events, please visit www.artleagueli.org

 

Tents traditionally line Shoreham’s Duck Pond during the annual festivities. File photo by Kyle Barr
By Sofia Levorchick

On the hot, sunlit, summery day of Sunday, June 11, many gathered at the Wading River Duck Pond on North Country Road to partake in the annual Duck Pond Day hosted by the Shoreham-Wading River Chamber of Commerce. 

People from all across Long Island browsed a diverse array of vendors ranging from small businesses to nonprofit organizations while also getting a bite to eat at local restaurants or food trucks. As many as 80 vendors attended throughout the event.

The head coordinator, Samantha Nagorski of R.E.N. Design Company, a store situated just in front of the duck pond, has managed this event for six years, devoting six months to its organization annually.

The primary purpose of Duck Pond Day is “to get the community together to just celebrate the beautiful pond,” Nagorski said. And it has consistently drawn a significant turnout every year. 

“Even with rainfall,” she added, “we still have our community come out in droves.” 

The success of Duck Pond Day can be attributed to its tradition, Nagorski explained. 

“People love the deep history and grew up with it over the 30 years of it going on. You came here as a kid, and now you’re bringing your kids to it.” 

‘Even with rainfall, we still have our community come out in droves.’

— Samantha Nagorski

The tradition initially stemmed from the community’s search for resources to clean up debris from the pond. After gaining town approval and support approximately 15 years ago, the event has expanded and flourished into what it is today. As attendees strolled around, smiles spread across their faces as they caught the delectable aroma of funnel cakes and enjoyed the sounds of live music. The vendors enthusiastically engaged with customers, diffusing joy with every transaction. 

However, the vendors’ roles extended beyond selling products. For instance, the Shoreham-Wading River Special Education PTA used the opportunity to promote awareness for the organization’s cause, encouraging volunteer sign-ups and donations. 

This year was their first time at Duck Pond Day, and one of the PTA volunteers expressed her appreciation. “This is an amazing community event, and everyone has been so friendly and happy,” she said.

The event puts a substantial emphasis on supporting small businesses, such as Etsy shops, community businesses and student-run shops, generating opportunities to promote and sell products, build clientele and strengthen the local economy. The festival also allows for much more as community connections often emanate from Duck Pond Day.

The event works to catalyze collaboration, networking and support within the community, empowering entrepreneurs and encouraging a sense of pride in the unique offerings and talents of Long Island.

“Duck Pond Day is something where the community really comes together,” a graphic designer from True Artistic Media (T.A.M) said. “It’s just a great event for everyone. Everyone is so pleasant, and everyone is having fun.”

Duck Pond Day at the Wading River Duck Pond has established itself as a cherished and highly anticipated annual tradition for showcasing the strong sense of community within Shoreham-Wading River and across Long Island. This vibrant event not only supports local businesses and offers a platform for various vendors but also fosters meaningful connections among community members. 

By celebrating the beauty of the pond and bringing people together, Duck Pond Day has transcended its role as a simple gathering, serving as a reminder to locals of the importance of cultivating a strong community spirit and coming together to celebrate and promote small businesses.

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS) has announced the appointments of Paul Kazemier to Senior Vice President of Patient Communications and Kathryn Paliotta to Vice President of Patient Communications.

“Paul’s appointment as Senior Vice President of Patient Communications is a testament to his exceptional leadership in overseeing a team of over 275+ employees and his continued dedication to enhancing patient communication,” said Jeff Vacirca, MD, CEO of NYCBS. “His forward-thinking approach and adaptability to change will enable the organization to achieve improved outcomes for healthcare providers and patients, demonstrating our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our partners, patients, and the community.”

“Kathryn’s dedication and leadership have been invaluable to our organization, and we are thrilled to recognize her contributions with this well-deserved promotion,” said Vacirca. “Her extensive clinical background, coupled with her ability to effectively manage our patient communication departments, has allowed us to provide even better care and support to our patients. We look forward to seeing her continued success in her new role as Vice President of Patient Communications.”

“I am incredibly grateful for this promotion and the opportunity to continue to lead and grow my departments. It means the world to me,” said Kazemier. “My goal is to not only ensure the highest level of patient satisfaction and experience but also to foster an environment where employees can grow within the company and achieve their own success.”

“I am immensely grateful to have found my niche,” Paliotta said. “Working for an organization as diverse as ours has afforded me the privilege to care for patients across various specialties. I have also had the pleasure to learn from an inspiring group of mentors and look forward to growing my career at NYCBS.”

For more information, visit nycancer.com.

The Suffolk County Legislature has appointed John M. Porchia, III of Wading River to the Board of the Suffolk County Water Authority. The unanimous vote came at the June 6 general meeting of the Legislature. He will serve the remainder of a five-year term that expires on May 28th, 2027. The seat was vacated by Charles Lefkowitz when he was appointed as Chairman of the SCWA Board.

“I am honored to be chosen by the Legislature to serve in this important position and am excited to get to work, serving the customers,” said Porchia. “We live in a great place that I am proud to call my home. We need to keep Suffolk County affordable for everyone and maintaining the already very low rates on our water bills is a part of that. I also know there are huge tasks ahead for SCWA to keep our water free of contaminants and protect our aquifer for future generations. I plan to bring my experience and knowledge to help tackle those challenges.”

Porchia is a practicing personal injury attorney with 20 years of experience. He specializes in motor vehicles accident, premise liability and job site accidents. 

“John is going to bring an important perspective to the SCWA Board with his extensive experience,” said SCWA Chairman Lefkowitz. “He has a record of success throughout his professional career, and I am confident he will bring that skill with him to SCWA. I look forward to seeing his contributions to the organization.”

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (PJCC) hosted a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Revival by Toast on May 17.

Owner Terry Scarlatos and chef Scott Andriani cut the celebratory ribbon surrounded by family members, staff and members of the chamber.

Located in the former Toast Coffeehouse at 242 East Main Street in the Village of Port Jefferson, the new upscale restaurant offers farm-forward cuisine and a boutique bar specializing in rotating small plate and tasting menu experiences, curated beverages and hidden gem wines. 

Restaurant hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. with brunch served on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information, call 631-480-8700 or visit www.revivalbytoast.com.

Dr. Richard Halpert

Personal Woman’s Care, a comprehensive women’s health practice in Smithtown, has officially joined Suffolk OBGYN’s growing network of providers. Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists Drs. Richard Halpert and Keith L. Sommers will continue to practice at 148 Terry Road in Smithtown.

Dr. Keith L. Sommmers

“We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Halpert and Dr. Sommers to the Suffolk OB/GYN team,” said Dr. Rohit Reejsinghani, FACP, MBA, Executive Director of NY Health. “Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care to every patient, and their addition will strengthen our ability to serve the community with high-quality obstetrics and gynecological services.”

Dr. Halpert and Dr. Sommers are two highly skilled OB/GYNs who share a passion for providing specialized care to women and are both experts in minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Halpert’s love of genetics and his deep connections with women and their families have inspired him to focus on using advanced technologies to diagnose and treat genetic disorders.

“As a physician, I believe that patient care should always come first,” said Dr. Halpert. “I am proud to be part of NY Health, an organization that puts patients at the center of everything they do. We are dedicated to making every aspect of healthcare easier and more pleasant for our patients. It’s a philosophy that I embrace and one that guides me in my practice every day.”

“As an OB/GYN, I have seen firsthand the importance of early detection of breast cancer,” Dr. Sommers said. “I always encourage my patients to get yearly mammograms, especially after the age of 40. In my experience, regular mammograms have helped detect breast cancer in its early stages, often before it has a chance to progress. By catching it early, we have a better chance of treating it successfully. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in a woman’s health.”

For more information, call 631- 862-4000 or visit nyhealth.com.