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Backstage School of Dance ribbon cutting. Photo from Councilmember Kornreich's office

The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 12 to celebrate the grand opening of the new location of Backstage Studio of Dance. 

Located at 200 Wilson Street in Port Jefferson Station, the studio is described on its website as “a place where kids of all ages, shapes and sizes learn to dance and perform and where creativity, individuality and self-expression is encouraged through a community of teachers, students and families who are passionate about the performing arts.” Serving the community for 35 years, the studio’s motto is “We don’t just teach you to dance, we teach you to love dancing.”

The event was attended by Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright, students and staff. 

“Thank you to the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, especially Jennifer Dzvonar, Joan Nickeson and Kristin Winter for their assistance in organizing the ribbon cutting and to Assemblyman Englebright and Councilmember Kornreich for their support,” said Gwenn Capodieci, the executive director of the studio. She also thanked her “incredible staff who make up the backbone of Backstage Studio of Dance and all the loyal families that support BSD and trust us with their children. It takes a village to run a dance studio and we are truly blessed with ours!”

“Backstage Studio of Dance in Port Jefferson Station is home to a passionate group of teachers and trainers who have made it their life mission to not just teach dance, but to teach students to love dancing. They have been committed to serving our community’s kids for over 35 years and are starting a new chapter in their new location,” said Councilmember Kornreich. 

“Having a stage and her own location for the studio has been owner Gwenn Capodieci’s lifelong dream. I was so honored to be a part of their grand opening and can’t wait to see their next musical theater production performed at this new location. Congratulations to Gwenn and her amazing team,” he said.

Pictured in center from left, Gwenn Capodieci, partners Nicole Lattanza Terlizzo and Pamela Christopher Strain, Councilmember Kornreich and New York State Assemblyman Englebright.

For more information, call 631-331-5766 or visit www.backstagestudioofdance.com.

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Lidl

Lidl has announced that it will open its 23rd store on Long Island on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Located in the Mayfair Shopping Center at 210 E. Jericho Turnpike in Commack, the grocery store will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 7:40 a.m. The first 100 customers in line before the ribbon cutting will receive gift cards ranging from $5 to $100 each. Shoppers can also enter to win a $500 Lidl gift card, sample Lidl’s award-winning assortment and take advantage of special giveaways throughout the day, according to the franchise. The 30,000-square-foot store will employ more than 50 people and will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Photo from Mather Hospital

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has awarded a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence to Mather Hospital’s Critical Care team in Port Jefferson.

The Beacon Award for Excellence — a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments — recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that achieve this three-year, three-level award with gold, silver or bronze designations meet national criteria consistent with the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

“I want to extend my congratulations to Mather Hospital’s Critical Care team on earning a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses,” said Mather Hospital CNO/VP for Nursing Marie Mulligan, PhD, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC. “This designation is the highest level of recognition that Critical Care services can achieve for this award.”

“Achieving the gold level AACN Beacon Award for Excellence is a tremendous honor and validates our nursing team’s efforts for providing high quality care and optimal patient outcomes,” said Laura O’Brien RN MSN CRN, NE-BC, Nursing Director of Critical Care at Mather Hospital.

AACN President Beth Wathen, MSN, APRN, CCRN-K, applauded the commitment of the Critical Care caregivers at Mather Hospital for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence. “The Beacon Award for Excellence is a testament to a team’s commitment to providing safe, patient-centered and evidence-based care to patients and families. Creating healthy and supportive work environments empowers nurses and other team members to make their optimal contribution,” Wathen said. 

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George, Linda, Stefan and Dawn Karatzas gather in front of James Cress Florist on Main Street in Smithtown. Photo by Jan La Roche

By Chris Mellides

Founded in Manhattan at the turn of the 20th century, James Cress Florist has flourished and become a fixture on Smithtown’s Main Street since the 1960s. 

Photo by Jan LaRoche

With their fingers on the pulse of a bustling suburban street in a prominent Long Island town, new owners George and Linda Karatzas always admired the James Cress name and its storied legacy. Their vow is to keep the integrity of the popular flower shop that broke ground in 1903 without sacrificing on quality or service.

The old James Cress business was housed in a 13,000-square-foot building on the corner of Main and Bellemeade Avenue, and George Karatzas admits that moving his location a few doors down to 127 E. Main St. and into an 18,180-square-foot establishment was no easy task. Despite this, the Karatzas family is wholly optimistic. The move date initially occurred on Aug. 18.  

“It’s happening,” George Karatzas said on the day of the move, “Flowers are here, I’m slowly bringing the computers over, and I’m ready to put the phone lines into this new location.”

“Once all the product is here and computers are operational, we’re going to be doing business out of the new location,” he added. 

James Cress has grown since the Karatzas purchased the iconic Smithtown location in December 2021. With the expansion, James Cress now serves Long Islanders with two other shops that can be found in Port Jefferson Station as well as Woodbury.

Overseeing the operations of three individual stores is a huge undertaking and one that was further complicated by the pandemic and the shops’ lack of employees, despite there being over 50 staff members at this time.    

“It’s quite a task with today’s COVID still happening,” Karatzas said. “If we don’t have employees with COVID issues, we have staffing problems. We’re having a very difficult time recruiting new help. That is a problem across the board.”

Asked what measures he can take to stymy this looming problem, the florist said, “There really isn’t much you can do other than reaching out more on social media platforms.” The focus, he continued, is on “expanding the reach” of James Cress. 

The award-winning flower shop provides same-day flower deliveries for just about any occasion. These occasions include weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, parties of any stripe and themed events, where a wide array of flowers and bouquets are needed to spruce up a special day.  

“The event business is busy,” Karatzas said. “There are [times] where we have eight events over the weekend, it’s a lot. I would have to say that the weddings during the summer months — where business is normally slower because there are no holidays and whatnot — we’re busy doing weddings. There are no two ways about it. Valentine’s Day is a big one for us.” 

While it’s not exactly known when James Cress himself launched the Smithtown storefront, designer and senior employee Kevin Henchey estimates that the old building was purchased by Cress sometime in the early 1960s and quickly became a prominent location serving patrons in and around the surrounding area. Henchey has been with James Cress for the last 40 years, according to the Karatzas family.  

Photo by Jan LaRoche

The entirety of the upstairs floor of the new James Cress building was perfect for showcasing a dedicated bridal showroom, since the space is considerably larger than the last, according to George Karatzas. 

“We took the first half of the top level, and we rented it. That is going to be the bridal showroom where brides can come in and do their consults like we’ve been doing for the past 30-some-odd years,” Karatzas said. 

No matter the occasion, the Karatzas understand the importance of the James Cress name and are equally determined to provide unmatched service across all three locations. With George Karatzas stating that it would have been a shame to see the Smithtown location close and was happy to relocate the storefront instead of shuttering its doors for good. 

“So, really at the end of the day, Linda and I don’t want to lose the legacy of James Cress,” Karatzas said. “We’re going to continue it and my son Stefan is on board with me and my daughter Dawn is also helping us out.” 

He added that he wants “to continue with our relationship with the customer base that we currently serve. And give them a more modern facility for the walk-in traffic that’s on Main Street.”

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Luca Restaurant ribbon cutting. Photo from WMHO

It’s official! Luca Restaurant, 93 Main St. in Stony Brook Village is set to open on Tuesday Aug. 30. In anticipation, a soft opening and ribbon cutting was held on Aug. 18.  

“We are excited to bring Luca and modern Italian cuisine to Stony Brook Village Center with exceptional food and service, great vibe and beautiful ambiance. We look forward to serving the community for many years” said David Tunney, partner, Luca Restaurant.

“Luca will be a great addition to the Center. Their modern Italian cuisine is superb and brings an exciting new style to the area” added Gloria D. Rocchio, President, Stony Brook Village Center.

Old Fields Hospitality Co. partners David Tunney (Ward Melville graduate and partner of Besito Mexican) Rory Van Nostrand, Anthony Argiriou, and Chef Luke DeSanctis are a great team with decades of fine dining and hospitality experience.

Dinner will be served Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 4 to 9 p.m. Lunch hours will be available this Fall. To make a reservation, visit their website at www.lucaitalian.com or call 631-675-0435.

Pictured from left, Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) Trustees, Andy Skitmore, Charles Napoli, Mary Van Tuyl, Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, WMHO Chairman, Dr. Richard Rugen, Luca partners Rory Van Nostrand, David Tunney, Anthony Argiriou, and Executive Chef & Partner, Luke DeSanctis, WMHO President, Gloria D. Rocchio, Head of the Harbor Mayor Doug Dahlgard, WMHO Trustees, James Murdocco, Laura Ernst and Graham Scaife.

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Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty at ribbon cutting on Aug. 4.

Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty (DGSIR), serving Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, officially opened its new Huntington office in downtown Huntington Village with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 4. The new office replaces its longtime Huntington office located about a mile outside of the village.

Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty Chief Executive Officer Deirdre O’Connell cut the ribbon with help from President and Chairman of the Board Patricia J. Petersen and Huntington Sales Manager Melissa Stark.  The trio was joined by local government officials, representatives of the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, and many members of the Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty family. 

The new state-of-the-art office, ideally situated on the corner of Main Street and New York Avenue in the heart of downtown, will reap the benefits of high visibility and heavy foot traffic in this destination village known for its popular restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues.

“The opening of our new Huntington office is exciting on so many levels, not the least of which is its outstanding location,” said O’Connell. “It’s the first of its kind, designed  to be truly new in every way, from its technology to its layout and overall feel.  It is welcoming, comfortable and flexible to meet the needs of all who visit or work here.  It’s a place to gather, collaborate, and build relationships.”   

Stark echoed O’Connell’s thoughts and added, “An essential part of our culture is our commitment to the local community and that includes partnerships with village and other businesses.  And that relationship starts with the cutting of the ribbon.”

For the opening celebration, local restaurants and retail businesses including Prime, The Ivy, Crabtrees, Madison’s Niche, Endo Ethos, and the newest iteration of the popular bookstore Book Revue, The Next Chapter, donated raffle prizes. The proceeds of the raffle will benefit the Daniel Gale Foundation, which in turn will make donations to Long Island not-for-profit organizations.  Additionally, The Next Chapter has set up a pop up bookstore within the Huntington office, and will be open for business there throughout the month of August. 

Every month the office will host a different business, event or not-for profit.  In September, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty will be accepting donations of food and funds for Island Harvest, and in October, supporting Pink Aid’s work to assist breast cancer patients.  The office will regularly host the Long Island Board of Realtors’ Daniel Gale Young Professionals Network meetings as well.

“It is very exciting to be play a role in the action on Main Street and be a part of something new and fresh, every day,” added Stark.  “We invite our neighbors, friends and passersby to stop in and say hello. We can’t wait to meet you.”   

About Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty

Consistently achieving among the highest average sales prices nationwide, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty is a $5.02 billion-dollar organization based on Long Island, N.Y. with close to 950 real estate advisors serving New York City’s metropolitan area with 29 sales offices in Brooklyn, Queens,  Nassau and Suffolk counties, the North Fork of Long Island, and Westhampton Beach.  Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty is committed to marketing and showing homes in a way that gives prospective buyers and sellers the flexibility and convenience of online 3-D and regular video tours of many listed properties, floor plans, and photography, as well as virtual smart phone tours by request.   Our other services include a full Relocation/Referrals Division, a Rental Division, DGNY Commercial, and Ambassador Abstract Title company. The Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliate for Long Island and Queens since 1976, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s has gained national and international recognition, including top honors for sales, marketing and technology worldwide. For more information, visit danielgale.com.

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Andy Sperling. Photo from Harbor Country Day School

Harbor Country Day School  in St. James has announced Andy Sperling as the new Head of School. Sperling was selected from an impressive list of candidates through an extensive national search process. Sperling, who succeeds former Head of School, John R. Cissel, began his term on July 1.

With over thirty years of experience as an educator, Sperling began his teaching career in a suburban public school after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics (K-12) from Illinois State University in 1990. While teaching math and providing professional development, support and curriculum coordination for K-8 within his district, he earned his Masters of Educational Administration certificate in 1997. 

Two years later, he joined the faculty of Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) where he continued his career as a middle school math teacher and was promoted to Head of Upper School in 2012. In this role, Sperling led the effort for diversity and inclusion training, developed relationships through parent education and presentations, assisted in the planning and design of several campus renovation projects, facilitated and developed the schoolwide social and emotional learning program, developed the middle school STEAM program and prepared the students for FLL Robotics competitions.

“It is a distinct honor to be named the twelfth Head of School at Harbor Country Day School. From the moment I stepped through the majestic front door at Tulip Knoll, I sensed that indescribable vibe that can only be felt when you have experienced it firsthand. It’s far more than just the charm — it’s the way in which the children carried themselves and how they exuded confidence that drew me in. Harbor epitomizes what it means to embrace and live its mission. It will be a privilege to lead the faculty and staff on their continued journey of excellence,” said Sperling.

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Photo courtesy of Mather Hospital

Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson was one of 29 hospitals nationwide to receive the Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award in July for demonstrating exceptional and innovative performance in leadership, practice, education, advocacy, and research. 

“The ENA Lantern Award is a display of all the hard work and innovation that the Emergency Department nurses and staff carry out each and every day,” said Christine Carbone MBA, BSN, RN, Director of Nursing for Mather’s Emergency Department which sees about 38-40,000 patient visits a year. “It is a true testament to the commitment of quality care and compassion that our staff provides to our community and patients.” 

The award showcases an emergency department’s accomplishments in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care and serves as a visible symbol of its commitment to quality, safety, and a healthy work environment.

In addition, Northwell Health presented Mather Hospital’s Emergency Department with a North Star 90 Hospital Award for achieving the 90th percentile nationally in patient experience in 2021 based on a national patient satisfaction survey.

In 2019 the Emergency Department  also received a Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians. The three-year accreditation recognizes that the Emergency Department is focused on the highest standards of care for our community’s older adults.

And The Joint Commission gave Mather its Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check Mark for Advanced Primary Stroke Care Center certification, which recognizes its commitment to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care. The hospital has been a Stroke Center since 2005.

For more information on this year’s Lantern Award recipients, visit the Emergency Nurses Association website.

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AMVETS 3rd Vice Commander, Post 48, Fred Pearl presents a check to Pal-O-Mine CEO Lisa Gatti. Photo courtesy of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc. of Islandia, a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, was awarded a $500 grant by AMVETS, the most inclusive Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization open to representing the interests of 20 million veterans and their families.

The funds will be applied to support Pal-O-Mine’s Military Programs and in particular, assist veterans and their family who are experiencing difficulties associated with post-traumatic stress). Pal-O-Mine is an EAGALA Military Services Provider, whose programs benefit veterans from the Vietnam, Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, as well as service men and women who fought in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Operation  New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, and active duty service members. Also supported with these programs are 9-11 and first responders, and military and first responder family members.

Clinical evidence and decades of human experience demonstrate the ability horses have in helping people work through emotional barriers. Through its EAGALA Designated Military Program, Pal-O-Mine’s EAGALA licensed and certified professionals provide their specialized training and experience to assist military service members and their families with equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning.

“We appreciate the great work AMVETS does on behalf of our nation’s veterans and share their mission of helping veterans who have given of themselves to protect our nation, the freedoms we have, and democracy around the world. AMVETS’ support of our military programs will be put to good use in meeting this goal,” said Pal-O-Mine founder and CEO Lisa Gatti.

About Pal-O-Mine

Founded in 1995 by Lisa Gatti, Pal-O-Mine is a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, as well as those who have been abused or neglected, veterans and the economically compromised.  Pal-O-Mine offers a broad range of programs many of which involve the organization’s herd of therapy horses and livestock. Pal-O-Mine relies on grants and contributions from private citizens, foundations and businesses to help raise funds. For more information on Pal-O-Mine, visit:www.pal-o-mine.org or call: 631-348-1389.

About AMVETS

AMVETS, which is also known as American Veterans, is the most inclusive Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization open to representing the interests of 20 million veterans and their families. The organization of veterans serving veterans was founded in 1944 and chartered by an act of Congress. AMVETS has over 250,000 members nationwide. Its mission is to enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American Veterans who have served honorably and to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy, and services. Membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who honorably served or is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. AMVETS has made a long-term economic impact by providing assistance, jobs, and services to veterans and their communities for more than 70 years. For more information, visit: https://amvets.org/

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The Long Island Cranx Foundation, which completes "Epic Rides For A Cause" will bike to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital to deliver a check for $22,000 in support of Stony Brook Children’s Hospital Child Life Program and the Pediatric Emergency Department Expansion project. The Foundation has pledged a gift of $50,000 over 5 years, and has already surpassed its first-year goal of $10,000, on Wednesday July 27, 2022. Photo from Stony Brook Medicine

On July 27, the Long Island Cranx Foundation, completed its “Epic Rides For A Cause” biking to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital where members of the charitable organization delivered a check for $22,000 in support of Stony Brook Children’s Hospital Child Life Program and the hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Department Expansion project. The Cranx Foundation has pledged a gift to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital of $50,000 over 5 years and has already surpassed its first-year goal of $10,000.

With the help of word-of-mouth, grassroots fundraising, social media, and an event held on April 9th called “The Epic-High Five”, $22,000 was raised in about 4 months to help aid the hospital expansion project that will double the number of patient exam rooms and pediatric emergency specialists; enlarge the child playroom; purchase books and toys and bolster a pet therapy program.

“This gift and the ongoing relationship with the Long Island Cranx Foundation will have a far-reaching impact as we significantly expand our Pediatric Emergency Department to more than four times the current space,” said Dr. Carl Kaplan, Chief, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “The foundation’s epic rides will help fuel our epic expansion project for our physicians, providers and nurses as they continue to care for the most critically ill and injured children in Suffolk County.”

“The connection between Long Island Cranx and Stony Brook Children’s has been a perfect fit,” said Michael Attard, Child Life Specialist, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “We’re incredibly grateful for their epic rides to help hospitalized children have a more comfortable, anxiety-free visit. Funds raised by Cranx helped with the purchase of cutting-edge resources such as the MRI compatible video goggles which reduce how often patients need to be sedated for MRI procedures.”

Brian LeDonne of Mount Sinai and Larry Alvarez of Sound Beach, friends for more than 6 years, were among the riders (Roy, Matthew, Loreta, Antonio, Larry & Brian) on April 9th who cycled for 20 grueling hours through the woods and endured 5 arduous laps on the 30-mile Glacier Ridge/Overton Trail System (GROT) on Long Island’s Glacial Moraine.

Matthew Herrschaft of Bayport and Brian LeDonne founded the Long Island Cranx Foundation in 2021 as a Registered 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization. The group has grown to 15 thrill-seeking mountain bikers and roadies from Suffolk County, with the collective charitable goal of giving back to the community in which they live. “I’m impressed by Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and its medical experts. Children’s health is top-of-mind for me as my wife is pregnant. We’re expecting our first child on October 3rd,” said LeDonne.

Alvarez is ecstatic that the foundation will have the opportunity each year to help Suffolk County meet its growing demand for pediatric emergency services. He joined Stony Brook Medicine’s MRI Department in 2010 and is now the lead MRI tech, overseeing the cardiac MRI program and the Child Life Program’s imaging service.

“I’ve been at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital for 11 years and have seen it grow and build. Every day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help families and their children, and a lot of money is needed to expand the pediatric emergency room. Knowing that the ER will continue to get bigger because we are helping to contribute is something special to be a part of,” he said.

Stony Brook Children’s Hospital is Suffolk County’s only children’s hospital offering the most advanced pediatric specialty care in the region. The pediatric emergency department cares for about 21,000 patients per year.

About Stony Brook Children’s Hospital:

With 104 beds, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital is Suffolk County’s only children’s hospital. Part of Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook Children’s has more than 180 pediatric specialists in 30 specialties. The hospital is Suffolk County’s only Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center and Level 1 Regional Pediatric Trauma Center. It is home to the nation’s first Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center and also offers a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Center, Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity Center, Healthy Weight and Wellness Center, Cystic Fibrosis Center, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program, Pediatric Cardiology Program, Pediatric HIV and AIDS Center. To learn more, visit www.stonybrookchildrens.org.

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