In an effort to support the charitable work of local organizations that serve the areas of Suffolk Federal branch locations, the credit union has identified nonprofit organizations to which provide financial support. In Port Jefferson, Branch Sales Director of Retail Banking Micah Schlendorf presented a $1,000 contribution to Theatre Three in December.
“Theatre Three not only brings incredible entertainment to the community, but continues to provide educational opportunities to local students,” said Schlendorf. “We are extremely proud to be able to support their efforts.”
“We’re so thankful to Suffolk Federal for their support and generosity,” said Jeffrey Sanzel, executive artistic director of Theatre Three. “These funds will specifically go towards our educational touring program that we present in schools and community centers across the tri-state area. To date, The Bullying Project: Stand Up! Stand Out!, Class Dismissed and From the Fires: Voices from the Holocaust have brought awareness to thousands of students. This donation will assist the Theatre in continuing these efforts.”
Celebrating its 50th season at the historic Athena Hall in Port Jefferson, Theatre Three has continued to bring Broadway to Main Street and offers the community a robust variety of programming that includes Mainstage, Second Stage, Cabaret, Children’s Academy and workshops. They present a diverse portfolio of both classic and modern revivals all while providing an educational environment to all in the community.
Pictured from left, Douglas Quattrock, Theatre Three’s director of development and artistic associate; Catherine Rodgers, Suffolk Federal mortgage loan originator and a member of Theatre Three’s Box Office staff; Jeffrey Sanzel, Theatre Three’s executive artistic director; and Micah Schlendorf, Suffolk Federal branch sales director of retail banking.
Lance Reinheimer, executive director of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum since February 2011, has resigned to accept a new post as director of the Suffolk County Legislature’s nonpartisan Budget Review Office.
Among the numerous achievements of his nearly nine-year tenure, Reinheimer stabilized the museum’s finances; developed new revenue streams; totally renovated the Vanderbilt Planetarium and created a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology; expanded special-events programming; significantly increased attendance and memberships; accomplished wide-ranging infrastructure and restoration work on several major museum buildings; and directed the intensive, year-long review that resulted in reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums.
Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan, associate director of the museum since 2016, will serve as interim executive director and assume Reinheimer’s responsibilities until the post is filled.
From left, WMHS Visual Arts Coordinator Jennifer Trettner, DGSIR CEO Deirdre O’Connell, aritst Corinne Angeand DGSIR Regional Manager Anthony DeGrotta. Photo by Lianna Kosch
Corrine Ange with her winning artwork. Photo by Lianna Kosch
Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty of Stony Brook celebrated all of the final contestants featured in the Fall 2019 Ward Melville High School Student Art Contest on Dec. 1.
The public voted on their favorite piece of art during the month of November.
The winning artist was Ward Melville High School senior Corrine Ange. Her watercolor piece impressed many with its vibrant colors and lifelike quality. The prize for Ange was a $500 scholarship presented by Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s CEO Deirdre O’Connell, who applauded all of the artists for contributing their talents and thanked all attendees for their support for making community events like this possible.
The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Knitting Cove & Yarn’s new location in the Pen and Pencil Building at 1303 Main St., Suite D, in Port Jefferson on Nov. 21. The shop offers classes in knitting and crocheting for all skill levels and has needles, knitting supplies, notions and yarn for sale.
New holiday hours through Dec. 23 are Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Pictured from left, James Tavernese, Greater Port Jefferson Chamber President Mary Joy Pipe, owners Toni and Barry Burns, Terry Stephan and Greater Port Jefferson Chamber Director Nancy Bradley.
For more information, call 631-473-2121 or visit www.theknittingcove.com.
Arts and crafts retailer A.C. Moore has announced it will close all of its 145 stores, including the Holbrook and Selden locations. The 34-year-old company, which is owned by Nicole Crafts, made the announcement in a press release on Nov. 26.
“For over 30 years, our stores have been servicing the creative community with a vast selection of art and craft materials, with one common focus, the customer,” A.C. Moore CEO Anthony Piperno said in the release. “Unfortunately, given the headwinds facing many retailers in today’s environment, it made it very difficult for us to operate and compete on a national level.”
Some good news, however, is that arts and crafts retail giant Michaels has announced it will take over 40 of the A.C. Moore locations, keeping those stores open under the Michaels brand.
“This transaction enables us to further expand our presence in strategic markets and serve even more customers both online and in store,” Michaels CEO Mark Cosby said in the release.
“We are looking forward to re-opening these stores under the Michaels name in 2020 and welcoming new team members.”
As of now, A.C. Moore has stopped taking orders on its online site, but previously placed orders will ship to customers. Specific store locations that are closing for good (i.e., not transitioning to a Michaels) will be listed on its website in the coming weeks. The New Jersey-based company has more than 5,000 employees across its stores, corporate offices and distribution centers.
Outside The Gift Corner in Mount Sinai. Photo by Kyle Barr
While Thanksgiving weekend is synonymous with stuffing one’s mouth with turkey and leftovers, it has been transformed into the time when people take advantage of some of the best sales right before the thick of the holiday season.
But beyond big box stores and online, local small businesses still shuffle for room and attention amongst giants like Amazon.
From 2010-18, spending on Small Business Saturday had reached a reported estimate of $103 billion, according to data from American Express.
It was estimated that in 2018 more than 104 million people shopped and dined on Small Business Saturday generating a record $17.8 billion in reported spending — up from $12.9 million in 2017.
This past Saturday, U.S. consumers spent $19.6 billion at small businesses, according to survey data from American Express and the National Federation of Independent Business.
For small businesses, everything can be a factor for foot traffic, whether it’s the economy, the weather, even construction just down the road.
Here’s what a few business owners across the North Shore had to say on how they did on the busy shopping weekend.
The East End Shirt Co., 3 Mill Creek Road, Port Jefferson — owner Mary Joy Pipe:
Pipe has been at the head of the famed custom screen-printed design shop for years, and was recently named president of the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.
Outside East End Shirt Co. in Port Jefferson. Photo Courtesy of Google Maps
“We had a very good day and we were pleased with how many people came out. It was nice to see how customers were expressing their support for local businesses.
“My business gets a lot of transient customers [from the village] but we also had a lot of locals and repeat customers come in. Sales were up a little bit from last year — we always try to offer great deals.
“Being in business for 40 years, I think the nice weather on Saturday really helped and I think it helped other businesses in the area as well.
“I think it’s good to show that there can be a happy medium of online and small business shopping.”
Niche Boutique, 430-11 N. Country Road, St. James — owner Christine Mazelis:
Niche Boutique, which was once located on Lake Avenue, moved over onto North Country Road earlier this year, opening in time for the Black Friday weekend.
Outside the new location of Niche Boutique in St. James.
“The store was offering 10-30 percent off a minimum purchase of $50.
“We had a really nice day, with the new location we have definitely noticed the increase in foot traffic. There is definitely a different vibe in this location. I was very happy with the turnout and sales, we had returning and new customers coming throughout the day.”
Red Shirt Comics, 322 Main St., Port Jefferson — owner Josh Darbee:
Red Shirt Comics, which opened in 2017, has been a mainstay for the comics community in the local area. Last year, Darbee said he saw a steady stream of customers walk through his doors Small Business Saturday.
Outside Red Shirt Comics in Port Jefferson. Photo by Kyle Barr
“We had Black Friday sales throughout the weekend. … Saturday went pretty poorly we didn’t see the foot traffic and sales as in years past.
“The weather might have had something to do with it, people are not going to go out as much when it’s cold.
“We saw an initial crowd of holiday customers earlier in November. The people that did stop by [Saturday] bought a lot of books, periodicals and comic books.”
The Gift Corner, 157 N. Country Road, Mount Sinai — owner Marion Bernholz:
The Gift Corner owner Bernholz has over the last several years gone to lengths to promote her store on the Black Friday weekend. Over the past few years she reported good sales on Small Business Saturday.
Outside The Gift Corner in Mount Sinai. Photo by Kyle Barr
“We had a wonderful day. It was one of our best Small Business Saturday [events], sales were way up. “We had so many regulars and new customers come in throughout the day.
“We have a good following [of customers] and many of them told us that they came out just to support us on Saturday.
“People are decorating their houses for the holidays, so many were buying Christmas signs, ornaments and other festive items. We have a lot of different areas in the store so a lot of customers we are trying to find some nice gifts for their families or their dogs.
“I think it is really refreshing that people continue to come out on Small Business Saturday and remember that we are here.”
Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) of Smithtown, the leading service provider for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities on Long Island, recently announced its Employee of the Year. Catherine Young of Medford accepted the honor at DDI’s 2019 Employee Service Awards event at the Watermill in Smithtown on Oct. 22.
“Catherine has proven leadership skills and, more importantly, true dedication to the individuals we serve,” said DDI Executive Director John Lessard.
“She is a caring, innovative manager who always provides fresh new ways to care for individuals and help them reach their full potential. A true inspiration to her peers as well, Catherine serves as a mentor to her colleagues that look for guidance and support. We are fortunate to have her here at DDI,” he added.
Young began with DDI in 2014 as an assistant manager before being promoted to program manager in 2016 at DDI’s Adult Residential Services Creek Road site in Smithtown where she started the Creek Road Social. This initiative offers individuals from other programs the chance to socialize with each other and includes dancing, playing games and sharing a meal.
“Catherine’s heartfelt commitment enables DDI to continue its mission to help children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities experience personal growth,” said Lessard.
Pictured from left, Erin Davies, chief human resources officer; Kim Mudano, adult residential services director; Catherine Young, DDI 2019 Employee of the Year and program manager; Larry Boone, vice chairperson of DDI board; and DDI Executive Director John Lessard.
The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening for Hair, Lash, & Brow Bar, located at 138 East Main St., Port Jefferson, on Nov. 9. The storefront was previously North Shore Interiors.
The salon joins the already existing Hair, Lash, & Brow Loft at 120 E. Main St. Both businesses specialize in natural looking permanent makeup, scalp micropigmentation along with lash extensions, lifts and tinting. The expansion offers a larger facility to provide services for wedding and special occasion events.
Hours for the Hair, Lash & Brow Bar are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The salon is closed on Sundays and Mondays. For further information, please call 631-509-5944.
Pictured by bow, from left, owners Thomas Marr and Nancy Piazza (holding scissor) and Port Jefferson Chamber President Joy Pipe surrounded by family, staff and friends.
Assemblyman Steve Stern and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone outside Bon Bons Chocolatier in downtown Huntington Nov. 25.
On Nov. 25 New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) unveiled a series of state legislative proposals intended to help small businesses on Long Island.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy,” Stern said. “They employ half of New York’s private sector workforce and generate nearly $190 billion in payroll receipts, according to the Small Business Administration. Given these statistics, it is imperative that New York State move forward with a business-friendly agenda that supports local economies and fosters our suburban neighborhood quality of life.”
The announcement was held at Bon Bons Chocolatier, a local family-owned business located in the heart of downtown Huntington for 40 years. The announcement came just prior to Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, which encourages consumers to shop locally at the start of the holiday shopping season.
In addition to the owners of Bon Bons, the officials were joined by a host of local chambers of commerce and business advocacy organizations including representatives from the Long Island Association, Long Island Business Council, Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers of Commerce, Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce and Melville Chamber of Commerce. They all applauded the initiatives and welcomed the extra exposure and promotion for small local businesses as the holiday shopping season kicks off.
“Small businesses are vital to our downtown communities. Not only are they the backbone of our local economy, they are what makes Long Island such a vibrant place to live, work and raise a family,” said Bellone.
“Small businesses are vital to our downtown communities. Not only are they the backbone of our local economy, they are what makes Long Island such a vibrant place to live, work and raise a family.”
-Steve Bellone
“The new measures Assemblyman Stern has laid out will help strengthen our brick and mortar shops and ensure they have the tools and resources they need to thrive.”
The business-friendly agenda, which will be up for consideration when the New York State Legislature re-convenes in January, includes the following innovative legislative proposals:
• SMALL BUSINESS INCOME TAX EXEMPTION EXPANSION: increases the corporate tax threshold by $100,000 for businesses and farms that employ at least one person and lowers the rate from 6.5 to 4 percent. Coupled with other incentives, these changes are estimated to save small businesses $300,000,000 statewide (A.6309).
• NEW YORK STATE INNOVATION VOUCHER PROGRAM: provides direct funding to eligible small businesses with dollar-for-dollar matching funds to acquire expertise from our outstanding local colleges and universities, government laboratories and public research institutes and facilitate innovation and job creation in New York State (A.45).
• REDUCING COMMUTING COSTS AND BUSINESS EXPENSES THROUGH TAX INCENTIVES: designed to enable workers to offset commuting costs (by as much as $265 per month) and save employers through reduction of payroll tax liability; this plan may also reduce traffic congestion and pollution with mass transit incentives. (A.7264).
• SMALL BUSINESS TAX-DEFERRED SAVINGS ACCOUNT PROGRAM: allows small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to deposit profits into a tax-deferred savings account as an incentive for both job creation and economic development in New York State (A.7693).
• FUTURE OF WORK COMMISSION: to study and research the impact of technology on workers, employers and the economy of the state of New York and develop a plan to keep the state’s economy competitive, durable, equitable and sustainable while protecting and strengthening middle-class jobs for a new generation of New Yorkers (A.8446).
The proposals, officials said, all represent “outside the box” approaches to help retain our existing businesses and attract new ones through a combination of tax incentives, collaborations with colleges, universities and research institutions and proactive anticipation of new technological advancements.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Long Island’s economy and thus I commend Assemblyman Stern’s plan to lower taxes and reduce costs that would help these companies grow and succeed,” said Kevin Law, president and CEO of the Long Island Association.
The Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers of Commerce stated that brick and mortar businesses, offices, manufacturing and service contractors are at a disadvantage when the economy turns. The proposed legislation, they said, allows small businesses the opportunity to save “tax free” in good times and establish that rainy day account.
“As policy makers, we have an obligation to listen to the concerns of our local business community and work together to create a business-friendly environment to keep our homegrown workforce on Long Island both now and for generations to come,” Stern said. “I am proud to support these innovative measures, which are key to sustaining and growing our local economy, and I urge my colleagues in the State Legislature to do the same.”
Construction continues on the Brockport apartment complex. Photo by Kyle Barr
Village residents living near the construction of The Brookport apartment complex on the old Cappy’s Carpets site have been hearing the hammering of pilings going in, signaling construction starting on the long-awaited project.
Some residents have complained about the noise of the pilings hammered into the ground, comparing the noise to what residents heard when the original Shipyard apartment complex was being constructed.
Rob Gitto, of The Gitto Group, the developer behind the project, said that, weather permitting, the significant construction noise should cease by around Wednesday, Nov. 27.
“We are also very sensitive to the noise issue as our office building is on the north side, adjacent to the project and our Barnum House/CVS property is located directly south and adjacent of the project,” Gitto said in an email.
He said the next phase of the project will include helical piles, which are drilled into the ground and make significantly less noise.
Alison LaPointe, the special village attorney for the Planning and Building department, said the developer had received the project’s site plans after sending them to another firm for additional review in October. The planning board received the site plans and had issued the developer a building permit last week. She confirmed the developer’s projection of finishing hammering the pilings by at least the end of the week.
“They are making good progress, no snags thus far,” she said.
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