Back row, from left, Michael Letter, MHA, LNHA Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer GurwinHealthcare System; Jennifer Carpentieri, LMSW, LNHA Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center; Stuart B. Almer, FACHE, President and CEO Gurwin Healthcare System; front row, from left, Doris Gessner, Gurwin Resident Council President; Mary Creter, Gurwin Resident Council Secretary. Photo courtesy of Gurwin
Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center has been named one of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025 in Newsweek magazine’s annual list of top skilled nursing facilities in the U.S. The annual ranking serves as a guide for patients and their families in their search for high-quality, long-term and post-acute care options.
“We are honored to be recognized by Newsweek once again in their prestigious America’s Best Nursing Homes rankings,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “This achievement reflects the unwavering dedication of our staff, whose compassion and expertise create a warm, safe and supportive environment for the more than 400 residents who turn to Gurwin each day for care.”
The America’s Best Nursing Homes ranking lists the nation’s leading nursing homes in the 25 unique states with the highest number of facilities according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Compiled by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a statistics portal and industry-ranking provider, the annual ranking is based on performance data scores for health inspections, staffing and quality measures; recommendations of medical professionals; accreditations; and resident satisfaction scores. Gurwin was ranked on the 2025 national list of America’s Best Nursing Homes, as well as New York’s list, both in the category of 150+ certified beds.
Global Language Reads ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of PJCC
Global Language Reads ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Kornreich’s office
It was a great turnout for the ribbon cutting of new Port Jefferson Village business Global Language Reads at 402 Main Street on Jan. 15.
Hosted by the Greater Chamber of Commerce, the event was attended by Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, former New York State Senator Ken LaValle, Port Jefferson Village Trustees Kyle Hill and Robert Juliano, PJCC President Stuart Vincent, Third Vice President Douglas Quattrock, family and friends who came out to congratulate owner Caterina Lemos-Cunha and wish her the best of luck in her new venture.
“I’m excited to welcome Global Language Reads to our community. This new bookstore offers a unique collection of books in multiple languages, providing an opportunity for locals and visitors to explore stories from around the world,” said Councilmember Kornreich.
“Global Language Reads is a wonderful addition to our town, celebrating diversity and encouraging cultural exchange. I can’t wait to see this new business thrive and contribute to the cultural fabric of Port Jefferson. Be sure to take advantage of the variety of exciting activities they host! From movie and game nights, to engaging book clubs, to the science society and debate club for young adults, there’s something for everyone,” he added.
Andrew Reid, 19, who transformed his family’s East Northport home into a holiday lighted winter wonderland with over 500 restored holiday decorations, along with his mother, Christine, presented a check for $16,023.20 in donations raised by visitors to their holiday light display to representatives from Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro on Jan. 15.
The size of the donation was kept a surprise by Andrew right up until the moment the check was presented.
“I was blown away, I had no idea it was going to be that large,” said Matt Campo, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro. “I told the family we work so hard to raise every dollar. For someone to come and hand us more than $16,000 is just amazing.”
What began as a passion for refurbishing discarded holiday decorations grew into an annual tradition for Andrew and his family, with more than 500 decorations covering nearly every inch of Andrew’s home, yard, and even his car. His display was chronicled by media across New York and nationally. Andrew’s “Misfit Island” Christmas display was also voted the winner of Newsday’s “Holiday Lights” contest, with a prize of $1,000, which will be part of the donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro.
“I surprised myself as well. It was a lot of work, a lot of standing in front of the house collecting donations,” said Andrew, who says he begins setting up his display in August every year. “Ronald McDonald House is a very good organization to support and it’s local, so the money will stay here.”
The money donated will go toward the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last year and construction will begin in the spring with plans to open in 2027.
Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro provides comfort and support to families of children undergoing medical treatment. Funds raised through Andrew’s light display will directly benefit the new 24/7 care facility at Stony Brook Hospital, ensuring families can stay close to their sick or injured children.
Attention job seekers! South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station will host a Job Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join them to learn about hundreds of job opportunities from Suffolk County companies looking for local talent!
Presented by Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center, the event will feature representatives from a host of companies including Catholic Charities, Express Employment Pros, Cold Spring Harbor Labs, CAM Staffing, Suffolk 311, Huntington Coach, Schivo Medical and more!
No pre-registration required. Bring your resume and dress for success. For more information, call 631–853-6600.
The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce honors two local business owners as members of the year, Raquel Fernandez and Risa Kluger.
The chamber’s director of operations, Barbara Ransome, said that while the chamber does not typically award the honor to two members, she felt that it was necessary to recognize both Kluger and Fernandez for their service to the Port Jefferson community.
“They are very good business people. They take pride in the services they provide,” Ransome said.
Fernandez and Kluger are businesswomen, but their identities as community members inform how they lead their businesses, Century 21/Icon and SERVPRO, respectively. Their obligation to their community is inextricable from their role as entrepreneurs, which is evident through the work they do with the chamber of commerce.
Raquel Fernandez
Fernandez, who serves on the chamber’s executive board as the second vice president, believes a foundation of trust helps elevate the mutually beneficial relationship between consumers and herself.
“I feel as a business owner you have to get involved so the community can identify with the brand and what you bring to the community and what you’re doing,” she said. “I wanted to create a culture that I could be proud of and really have a sense of family and loyalty —all the essence of all the things that I value.”
Serving in the chamber is “second nature” to Fernandez. “If I had something to tell myself 20 years ago, I would say join the chamber. Organically you are meeting the other business owners, networking, exchanging ideas, getting to know each other, and it becomes really cool that you get to support other businesses,” she said.
Ransome said Fernandez always does “the best she possible can” to assist the chamber, whether it is volunteering at the dragon boat festival, which is one of Fernandez’s favorite events, or sponsoring the events. “She has been very consistent and we are very appreciative,” Ransome said.
Risa Kluger
Kluger directs her damage restoration business, SERVPRO, with the collegial mindset of a person helping her neighbors.
“It’s a big responsibility, I feel, to set a standard to show people that you are an honest business person not only as a business but to the community,” she said.
“From the very beginning she was there to help,” Ransome said of Kluger. “If I call and ask her to do anything, she’s there. It’s not only her, but she gets her entire family involved.”
Indeed, Kluger said that while she tries to always make time for chamber events, her busy schedule sometimes means she has to send representatives to support her.
“I felt the involvement was important to show a presence in the community; so you are not just there to earn money in the community, but to help and get involved,” Kluger said.
Kluger also serves on the board of the Long Island Insurance Community, where she helps raise money for various charities, including the nonprofit United Way of Long Island.
Ransome mentioned a specific instance that encapsulates Kluger’s dependability and generosity: After noticing roof damage on one of the chamber’s buildings, Kluger immediately had it repaired, without Ransome asking.
Fernandez, too, finds fulfillment in using her business to help others. She runs a successful internship program, which has led past interns to pursue careers at major companies such as Amazon and J.P. Morgan.
“To be able to be a part … [of] that and help them a lot along the way … that kind of drives me,” Fernandez said.
Earning member of the year means a lot to both Kluger and Fernandez, who have worked hard to make their businesses successful while also staying true to their consumers.
“Our industry is cyclic and you go through these ups and downs but you have to know how to weather the middle,” Fernandez said. “And then you realize you have been doing it for all these years and that in itself is a huge accomplishment.”
Nelson, Pope & Voorhis, LLC (“NPV”), a full-service environmental, land use and planning services firm has announced that Hannah Motyka has rejoined NPV’s Long Island office as Project Manager/Sr. Environmental Scientist. Ms. Motyka will be responsible for ecological assessments, habitat assessment, wetland delineation and habitat inventories, preparation of Environmental Impact Statements, environmental assessments and planning studies, land use feasibility analysis, municipal board representation, wetland/regulatory applications and other assignments.
Ms. Motyka brings to NPV an in-depth knowledge of ecological systems and extensive skills in geospatial science which includes the use of remote sensing programs and GIS spatial analysis across multiple platforms. Her skillset spans from land use and environmental permitting to Biological Inventory/Monitoring and Sustainable Landscape. She has a thorough understanding of environmental permitting requirements at the NYSDEC, USACE, NYSDOS, Town and Village levels, and is an expert in the flora and fauna of New York State.
Partner, Kathryn Eiseman says “I am thrilled that Hannah has rejoined the NPV team and I’m looking forward to collaborating on many projects.”
Ms. Motyka received a MA in Biology with a concentration in Applied Ecology from Stony Brook University and a BS in Wildlife Science from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She also holds an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science from Stony Brook University.
ABOUT NELSON POPE & VOORHIS, LLC
Nelson, Pope & Voorhis, LLC, is an environmental firm founded in 1997 that brings a wealth of experience and expertise to complex planning, zoning, environmental analysis, and project management. NPV serves public, retail, private, institutional, and governmental clients. NPV’s staff includes AICP-certified planners, certified environmental professionals, economists, ecologists, hydrologists, grant administrators, and GIS/graphic specialists. The primary focus of the firm is to provide quality environmental, planning, and related services that balance the needs and goals of our clients while protecting the environment. Clients rely on NPV’s depth of experience and expertise to provide solutions to each unique project within budget and on schedule. Our New York offices are strategically located on Long Island (Melville) and in the Hudson River Valley (Suffern). For more information, visit www.nelsonpopevoorhis.com.
Michael R. Sceiford of the financial services firm Edward Jones recently received a promotion to the position of regional leader, responsible for the health and wellbeing of 40 branch teams.
In addition to this leadership role, Sceiford will continue to help the people of his community with their investment needs.
Located at 640 Belle Terre Road, Building B, in Port Jefferson, the investment firm helps its customers prepare for retirement, save for education and be a tax-smart investor. For more information, call 631-928-2034.
Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP (Meltzer Lippe) has announced that accomplished corporate attorney Sherry J. Sandler has joined the firm as a partner. A highly regarded leader in corporate law, Ms. Sandler brings unparalleled experience in financial and regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and capital markets transactions to the Long Island legal community.
Ms. Sandler’s distinguished career includes senior roles at leading financial organizations, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), where she served as Senior Director and Associate General Counsel. She has also held prominent legal positions at KCG Holdings, Inc., Knight Capital Americas LLC, and Milbank, LLP, where she honed her skills in securities laws, M&A, and complex corporate governance matters.
During her tenure at the NYSE, Ms. Sandler advised on critical regulatory and compliance issues affecting equity and options exchanges, self-regulatory organizations (SROs), and federal SEC regulations. Her extensive experience equips her to navigate the intricate intersection of corporate law, securities regulation, and business strategy, offering clients unparalleled insights and solutions.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sherry Sandler to Meltzer Lippe,” said Managing Partner David Heymann. “Her extraordinary background and reputation place her among the top corporate attorneys in the region. Sherry’s addition enables us to expand our corporate finance offerings and deliver exceptional value to our clients—both locally and beyond—while maintaining the cost-efficiency of Long Island-based rates. Her vast experience strengthens our ability to serve a diverse client base with sophistication and foresight.”
The Huntington resident expressed her enthusiasm for joining Meltzer Lippe: “After years of working in New York City, I’m excited to bring my breath of experience to private practice and align with a firm that embodies an entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking culture. Meltzer Lippe’s commitment to high-level, sophisticated work and its collaborative environment resonates deeply with me. I look forward to contributing to the firm’s growth while achieving a balance that allows me to prioritize family and personal time.”
In 2023, Ms. Sandler served as General Counsel to several companies under her own Trading & Capital Markets, guiding Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions through regulatory complexities and strategic decisions. She has also served as Of Counsel to several law firms and as outside general counsel.
A magna cum laude graduate of Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Sandler is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey. She is an active member of professional organizations including Women in Financial Markets (WIFM), the New York and New Jersey Bar Associations, and the Jewish Business Network (JBN) of Long Island.
Ms. Sandler, the daughter of Ukrainian immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, is fluent in Russian and serves on the Membership Committee of Temple Beth Torah in Melville.
About Meltzer Lippe
Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP is a full-service law firm with offices in Mineola, New York City and Boca Raton, FL. The firm’s 80-plus attorneys represent businesses and individuals in over 15 practice areas. For more information, please visit www.meltzerlippe.com.
Brendel's Bagels opened it's Centereach location on Jan. 8. Photo courtesy of Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce
Brendel’s Bagels & Eatery of New York celebrated the grand opening of its Centereach location with a ribbon cutting on Jan. 8. The event was attended by members of the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, local officials including Suffolk County Leg. Nick Caracappa and community supporters.
Located at 1311 Middle Country Road, the shop boasts its signature Newfield Pride Bagels along with an extensive breakfast, lunch and catering menu.
“Brendel’s Bagels is proudly owned by local Middle Country residents, and the store manager, Zach, is a graduate of Newfield High School. We take immense pride in seeing our homegrown talent thrive by opening and managing businesses that enrich our community,” said Lenore Paprocky, President of theGreater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, in a press release.
“We look forward to many great things ahead for Brendel’s Bagels and encourage everyone to stop by, support this new local gem, and enjoy their delicious offerings. Here’s to new beginnings and continued success for our community,” she added.
Legislator Caracappa praised the business and its team, stating, “They are an incredible bunch of individuals, from owners to employees committed to the quality of their food and services and representing and participating in community events.”
Brendel’s Bagels also has locations in Syosset, Glen Cove and Hauppauge.
Store hours are 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 631-320-1009.
Nelson + Pope (N+P) is a local engineering, architecture, and surveying firm based in Melville, NY, and the Partners has announced the promotion of Keith J. Gurnick, RA, LEED AP from Senior Associate to Senior Associate Partner.
According a press release, Gurnick will continue to lead and develop the architectural team while focusing on broadening the department’s range of services, projects, and markets.
“Keith’s leadership in the architecture department has been a significant catalyst for strengthening both his team and the firm. His extensive expertise and experience have led to successful results for our clients and showcase his commitment to excellence in the industry. I am proud to celebrate and recognize our new Senior Associate Partner, and I look forward to his continued success.” said John Perrotta, PE, Senior Partner of N+P.
Gurnick has been with the firm for one year and has over 30 years of experience in leadership, design, project/construction administration, and operations related to architecture projects in all markets throughout New York.
“Nelson + Pope is thrilled about the accomplishments Keith has already achieved and looks forward to his continued success. Congratulations to Keith on being promoted to Senior Associate Partner!” read the release.
About Nelson + Pope
Nelson + Pope, established in 1954, is a multi-disciplined engineering, architecture and surveying partnership with headquarters in Melville, NY and a branch office in New York, NY. With a team of more than 100 technical professionals and support staff, Nelson + Pope provides a full range of services including land development; architecture; roadway design; waterfront engineering; land surveying; construction inspection; wastewater and water supply design; traffic engineering; and environmental engineering. Nelson + Pope delivers innovative solutions that ensure real and implementable designs, while attaining the goals of our clients.
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