Chocolate Works in Stony Brook has renamed and rebranded itself to Stony Brook Chocolate to connect to the destination of Stony Brook Village.
With over thirty years of experience as a certified chocolatier, Bernice Fehringer has crafted Stony Brook Chocolate into a shop with treats for all ages. When she took ownership of the shop two years ago, Fehringer said it was always the goal “to incorporate ‘Stony Brook’ into the name of the shop. I felt that it would be my way of connecting to the community and adding to Stony Brook as a destination.”
Stony Brook Chocolate uses only pure milk and dark Belgium chocolate in their creations. Seasonal kits to decorate at home are available all year round. This February, take-home kits include twin chocolate hearts and milk chocolate lollipops that are accompanied by candy decorations. Also available are hot chocolate bombs in flavors like peppermint, peanut butter, white, dark and milk chocolate.
Stony Brook Chocolate is located at 143 Main Street in the Stony Brook Village Center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call their shop at 631-675-9366 or visit www.stonybrookchocolate.com.
The Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of Super Greek Gyro Bowls & More with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 12.
Located at 966 Portion Road in the former Peter’s Kitchen, the restaurant specializes in gyro bowls and other Greek classics while providing their own twist to Greek street food with Greek Nachos and Poutine, homemade Spinach and Cheese Pies, and Greek sodas.
The event was attended by New York State Senators Alexis Weik and Mario Mattera, Brookhaven Town Councilman Kevin LaValle, Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa’s Chief of Staff Robert Martinez, Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Hyms and Farmingville Hills Chamber President Michael Wentz, friends and family who wished owners Ralphy and Kostas Mokkas and Mikey Hernandez well on their new venture.
Operating hours are 11 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, closed on Sundays. For more information, call 631-648-9080 or visit www.supergreekny.com.
Weichert Realtors® — Performance Homes in Farmingdale recently partnered with a Long Island-based charity to help collect clothing for the homeless.
The public was invited to come out and support the Weichert® affiliate’s clothing drive, which ran through late December. Donations collected from community members in Farmingdale, Massapequa, Bethpage and surrounding areas were then dropped off to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless.
Weichert, Realtors® — Performance Homes agents, pictured from left, Joseph Blesi, Jared Garcia, Mark Debrich, Oscar Turcios, Joseph Garcia, Albert Celeste and Lorraine Sorce (not shown) played a vital role in organizing and executing the clothing drive.
“Teaming up with this amazing organization has always been a great way for us to give back to the community and help the less fortunate,” said broker/owner Anthony Garcia. “This was our third year hosting a clothing drive, and we’re extremely proud of all our team members and those in the community who helped make this a great success.”
Photo from Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce
The Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce welcomed Long Island’s eighth Philly Pretzel Factory to the community with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 21. The storefront is located at 346 Route 25A, Suite 92, Rocky Point in the Kohl’s shopping center.
Special guests included Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Senator Anthony Palumbo, who each presented a Certificate of Congratulations, as well as the chamber board, chamber members and residents.
Philly Pretzel Factory is known for its signature hand-rolled, fresh baked pretzels that come with a wide selection of dips. Party trays are also available.
“The Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce … looks forward to Philly Pretzel Factory’s success and the future patrons the business will bring to the Rocky Point community,” said Gary Pollakusky, President andExecutive Director of the chamber.
“Thank you Rocky Point and surrounding communities for the warm welcome!We are super excited to serve you all,” said franchise owners Nick Grillo and Salvatore Ruffo.
Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 631-849-3507 or visitwww.facebook.com/ppfrockypoint/.
Teresa Habacker, MD, FAAOS, FASSH and her practice, East End Hand Center, have joined Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group, Stony Brook Medicine’s expanding network of community practices.
“We are happy to welcome Dr. Habacker to a more inclusive role in Stony Brook Medicine. For more than five years, Dr. Habacker has served the Stony Brook Medicine community on the hand surgery/trauma team and the Hand Surgery Fellowship Training Program,” said Lawrence Hurst, MD, Professor and Chair of Orthopaedics, Chief of Hand Surgery at Stony Brook Medicine. “In our new relationship, we look forward to expanding her role in these areas, as well as the Center for Musculoskeletal Health, providing world-class care to patients on the East End.”
Dr. Habacker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with an additional certification in hand surgery. She provides comprehensive orthopedic care in Mattituck, Port Jefferson, Southampton and Wading River.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Hurst and the hand surgery team,” said Dr. Habacker. “I am pleased to be a part of the Center for Musculoskeletal Health and I look forward to working with the local physicians and ancillary teams as I continue to serve the communities on the East End of Long Island.”
Dr. Habacker completed her medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, VA. She completed her surgical residency at SUNY Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn, NY and her orthopedic surgical residencies at Louisiana State University in New Orleans, LA and Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY. Dr. Habacker then went on to complete a hand surgery fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor and has admitting privileges at Stony Brook University Hospital, Catholic Health Services and Northwell Health hospitals in Suffolk County.
East End Hand Center is accepting new patients. Office hours are Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, call 631-473-4263.
About Stony Brook Medicine
Stony Brook Medicine integrates and elevates all of Stony Brook University’s health-related initiatives: education, research and patient care. It includes five Health Sciences schools — Dental Medicine, Health Technology and Management, Medicine, Nursing and Social Welfare — as well as Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and more than 230 community-based healthcare settings throughout Suffolk County. To learn more, visit www.stonybrookmedicine.edu
About Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group
Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group, an arm of Stony Brook Medicine, includes over 35 community practices with over 50 locations across Long Island, from Farmingdale to Greenport. We offer exceptional care by more than 100 providers in 18 specialties committed to enhancing medical care coordination in the community. To learn more, visit sbcommunitymedical.org
From left, Richelle Rugolo and Debbie Loggia (Photo from Jefferson's Ferry)
Jefferson’s Ferry in South Setauket recognized two employees for their outstanding commitment and exceptional care and leadership at the award-winning life plan community located at One Jefferson Ferry Drive. Director of Nursing Richelle Rugolo was named Manager of the Year and Certified Nursing Assistant Debbie Loggia was named Employee of the Year. The announcement was made by Jefferson’s Ferry CEO Bob Caulfield.
“2020, though one of the most challenging we’ve faced due to COVID-19, showcased the caliber, dedication, and heart of our employees,” said Caulfield. “Individuals like Richelle and Debbie protect and care for our residents, inspire our teams, and exceed the high standards we set for ourselves as a premier life plan community.”
Rugolo has served as the director of nursing at Jefferson’s Ferry for six years. Under her leadership, Jefferson’s Ferry has resulted in an overall 5 Star Rating by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and was named a “Best Of” nursing home by U.S. News & World Report.
“Richelle consistently strives for exceptional outcomes and manages performance to the highest standards which are reflected in the results of our third-party satisfaction surveys and NY State Department of Health surveys,” said Caulfield. “She’s a respected professional whose sound leadership created a safe haven for both residents and staff.”
Loggia joined Jefferson’s Ferry as a certified nursing assistant in 2011. “Debbie is a dedicated and respected member of the nursing team, who cares for residents with a smile and a positive attitude,” said Caulfield.
Residents and families express their respect and appreciation for Debbie through surveys and positive messages, and recognize her as an advocate, always trying to better accommodate residents’ needs.
From left, Branch Manger Hope Kinney; Retail District Manager Michael Billia; President & Chief Operating Officer Domenick Cama; Retail Market Executive Ana Oliveira; Manuel London, Dean, Stony Brook University’s College of Business; and John Tsunis. Photos by Leah Dunaief
Investors Bank of Setauket presented a check in the amount of $25,000 to the Stony Brook School of Business on Jan. 19. The donation will be used to fund the College of Business’s Pandemic Shift program to support small businesses in Suffolk County as they pivot, re-start, and expand.
Domenick Cama
“So many of our small businesses have been hurt by this pandemic. Supporting Stony Brook brings help and hope to these businesses. We believe their progress is our responsibility as a member of the Long Island community,” said Domenick Cama, President and COO of Investors Bank.
A division of Suffolk Forward, spearheaded by County Executive Steve Bellone, the program provides workshops for business owners, virtual internships for students to work with businesses, pro-bono faculty consulting, technology support from Stony Brook’s Office of Economic Development, and faculty research on the effects of the pandemic on businesses and consumers.
Each session consists of four interactive 90-minute sessions via Zoom. For more information, please visit www.shiftgroup.com/pandemic-shift.
Rigatoni with shrimp at Pasta Pasta in Port Jefferson. Photo by Kimberly Brown
By Kimberly Brown
Long Island Restaurant Week has created a new spin on its yearly week-long dining event — but this year takeout will be the focus due to the precautions of COVID-19.
The event is running from Jan. 24 through 31 and select restaurants will feature a $25, $35 or $42 three-course prix fixe available for takeout. Customers are still allowed to dine in if they choose to do so.
Steve Haweeli, president of LIRW, emphasized the importance of the changes made for the event this year.
“This campaign stresses takeout,” he said. “It’s safer from a COVID-19 standpoint, and allows restaurants to save tables for those who dine in.”
A tasty calamari appetizer at Pasta Pasta. Photo by Kimberly Brown
One of the four participating restaurants in Port Jefferson is Pasta Pasta, a popular Italian trattoria that is offering the three-course prix fixe for $35. Owner, Debra Bowling, said one of the good things to come out of the pandemic was the loyalty from her customers, and knowing the support she has from them.
“The customers would come up to order takeout and say, ‘Are we helping? Are you OK?’” she said.
Bowling added that at the beginning of the pandemic, customers would visit the restaurant and give money to the workers in the kitchen because they knew their hours were cut.
“It’s so overwhelming,” she said. “Sometimes I get choked up. It’s a very warm feeling.”
Some of her customer’s favorites include the tortelloni stuffed with six cheeses, filet mignon, wasabi calamari and the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
“We have customers that come in for the same thing every week,” Bowling added. “It’s so funny — it never changes.”
Wave Seafood & Steak and The Club a Public Steakhouse, are also participating in LIRW. While both are operated by Crest Hospitality, the restaurants have their own ambience.
Wave Seafood overlooks the marina, and The Club a Public Steakhouse is located on a cliff over-looking the Long Island Sound. Both spots will be offering the $35 three-course prix fixe for take-out or dine in as well.
Outdoor insulated igloos are good balance between indoor and outside dining at Danfords. Photo by Kimberly Brown
Michael Lang, vice president of food and beverage with Crest Hospitality, explained the attributes that he considers make his restaurants stand out.
“Three simple reasons — the food, the service and the views.” he said, “We provide a great experience for people who come, and for $35 this is a great opportunity if you haven’t been to our restaurants before.”
Learning to roll with the punches of the pandemic, both restaurants also provide enclosed, heated, outdoor seating. Wave Seafood offers insulated igloos to rent, which are located on the deck.
“Every day you learn something new,” Lang said. “You learn to manage day-to-day and go with the flow to make it work as best as you can, and we have had a lot of good successes come out of that.”
Ruvo East is the fourth Port Jefferson restaurant joining The Club, Wave and Pasta Pasta with a $35 prix-fixe menu.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar on Jan. 4 announced the official launch of its 5th annual Above and “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest, which recognizes top teachers – as nominated by their students – by rewarding them with a sponsorship check and end-of-year class party. The contest is being offered at Applebee’s restaurants in Long Island owned and operated by local franchisee Doherty Enterprises.
Applebee’s will award two deserving teachers, one in Nassau County and one in Suffolk County, with a $500 sponsorship check to use toward their classroom for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, along with an end-of-year party for their current class*! To nominate a teacher and enter the contest, students must submit an essay in-person at their local Applebee’s explaining why their teacher deserves to be Applebee’s “Teacher of the Year.” As an additional incentive, students who enter an essay will also receive a free ice cream certificate** for later use. Essay submissions are limited to one per student and will be accepted at participating Applebee’s restaurants from Monday, January 4 through Sunday March 7, no later than 10pm. Winners will be announced on Monday, April 12 and end-of-year parties will be thrown before Sunday, June 27. If end-of-year parties are not viable, class parties will be replaced with two Dinner for Four certificates.
“We’re excited to announce the launch of our fifth annual Above and BEEyond Teacher Essay Contest at our Long Island restaurants,” said Kurt Pahlitzsch, director of operations, Applebee’s Long Island. “Our restaurants are committed to giving back to the local community now more than ever. We’re honored to support local schoolteachers who have transitioned from in-classroom teaching to online teaching, as Applebee’s wants to recognize their dedication and hard work amidst the pandemic.”
Applebee’s Above and “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest entries will be accepted at the following Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises on Long Island in: Nassau County: Baldwin, Bellmore, Bethpage, Elmont, New Hyde Park, Rosedale, Valley Stream and Westbury and in Suffolk County: Bohemia, Brentwood, Commack, East Farmingdale, East Islip, Farmingville, Huntington, Lake Grove, Lindenhurst, Miller Place, Patchogue, Riverhead and Shirley.
*One winner will be selected from both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Please note, essay submissions from the 2020-2021 school year will also be included in this year’s voting. Prizes are subject to change based on COVID-19 restrictions. If end-of-year parties are not viable, class parties will be replaced with two Dinner for Four certificates.
**Offer valid only at Doherty Enterprises owned and operated Applebee’s® locations in LI. Limit one per person. May not be redeemed on day of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
Bob’s Store in Selden may be closing its doors but it’s not ready to call it quits. An employee at the 17 Middle Country Road location confirmed that the business is moving next door into the former A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts location at 15 Middle Country Road by the end of February.
The large department store, which sells clothing and shoes, is located in the College Plaza Shopping Center which also houses ShopRite, Panera Bread, Duck Donuts and the Selden Post Office.
It is rumored that the national crafts and home decor chain Hobby Lobby has expressed interest in the space.
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