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Photo from Town of Smthtown
Photo from Town of Smthtown
Photo from Town of Smthtown
Photo from Town of Smthtown
Photo from Town of Smthtown
Photo from Town of Smthtown
Photo from Town of Smthtown
Photo from Town of Smthtown
Photo from Town of Smthtown
Photo from Town of Smthtown

On May 15, the Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety and Town Officials honored department members during the annual ceremony, which is held during National Police Week every year. Awards were presented to nine Public Safety officers for exceptional dedication and commitment to the job. The ceremony was led by Chief Tom Lohmann, Director of Public Safety with support from Deputy Director, Catherine Caillat and division leaders.

“It is with a great sense of pride that I get to present these officers with their recognitions for the selfless work throughout the year.  Having been with this department for over twenty years I have seen day in and day out the dedicated service which all members of the department provide to the residents and visitors of the township.  All of our the officers who were promoted and those who received departmental awards are extremely deserving of their recognitions.” – Chief Tom Lohmann, Director of Public Safety

Harbormaster Thomas Daly and Harbormaster Donny Edwards were presented with the Meritorious Service Awards for a daring Smithtown Bay rescue of two badly burned boaters. The Exceptional Service Award was presented to Fire Marshals Timothy Clark, Matthew Raia, Zakary Griffin, Kyle McCarthy, and James Easton for their actions during a residential structure fire. The Department Recognition Award was presented to Sergeant Scott Roberts for his actions during an overdose incident at Long Beach. The award for Peace Officer of the Year was presented to Fire Marshal Matthew Raia for exemplary qualities and characteristics associated with being a dedicated law enforcement professional.

“It gives me a great sense of pride to commend the Smithtown Department of Public Safety today, along with the honorees, your families, and those Peace Officers receiving a promotion in rank, for their exceptional dedication and commitment to the job. The role of a peace officer is far more complex than it was just a decade ago… requiring a greater level of fortitude, affinity, and steadfast dedication to service. You make us proud every day and it’s truly an honor to acknowledge and properly thank you and your families.” – Councilman Tom Lohmann, Liaison Smithtown Department of Public Safety

Additionally, four officers were recognized for receiving promotions prior to the presentation of awards. Thomas Smith was promoted from Park Ranger Sergeant to Park Ranger Lieutenant. Brendan Dennihy was promoted from Park Ranger Investigator to Park Ranger Sergeant. Brian Cann was promoted from Park Ranger to Park Ranger Sergeant. Christopher Gonzalez was promoted from Park Ranger to Park Ranger Investigator.

“I would like to commend this year’s recipients, and congratulate those receiving much deserved promotions in rank. The Department of Public Safety is a shining example of what it means to protect and serve the people of Smithtown. As we close out National Police Week, it gives me great pride to thank each of you for your service, on behalf of the citizens of Smithtown.”  – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Town of Smithtown

Meritorious Service Award – Harbormaster Thomas Daly and Harbormaster Donny Edwards

Harbormasters Daly and Edwards received the Meritorious Service Award for the daring rescue which took place on the evening of August 5, 2023, when they were dispatched to a report of a vessel explosion in the Smithtown Bay. Harbormasters Daly and Edwards arrived on scene (aboard vessel S-312) within three minutes of the initial call to find two separate vessels. One of which was emitting large amounts of smoke with two severely injured individuals on board, holding a lit flare. The Harbormasters could smell excessive amounts of gasoline coming from the smoking vessel and immediately instructed the pair to extinguish the flare in prevention of a secondary explosion. While the vessel was continuing to emit large amounts of smoke, the harbormasters did precariously and cautiously approach the subject’s vessel to perform an emergency evacuation of the injured boaters. Harbormaster Daly skillfully maintained control over both vessels, while Harbormaster Edwards rescued the injured boaters, safely bringing them aboard Public Safety’s vessel. Both individuals were suffering from severe burns. As such, a command decision was made for an immediate transport of the individuals to the Stony Brook Dock for treatment and transport to Stony Brook Hospital. Prior to departure from the location, Stony Brook Fire Department Marine Unit 5A3-26 arrived on scene. The Fire Department vessel arrived with two New York State EMT’s to board Public Safety’s S-312 vessel with additional medical equipment and burn kits to render aid to both victims. The Harbormasters immediately transported the victims and EMT’s to the Stony Brook Fire Department Ambulance which was waiting at the dock. The Stony Brook Fire Department’s vessel remained on scene to monitor the condition of the two remaining occupants of the subject vessel who had been relocated to the good Samaritan vessel. Stony Brook FD extinguished the remaining fire within the engine compartment. Suffolk County Police’s Delta Boat, towed the subject vessel to the Stony Brook Boat Ramp for further investigation.

Exceptional Service Awards were presented to Fire Marshals Timothy Clark, Matthew Raia, Zakary Griffin, Kyle McCarthy, and James Easton for their actions during a residential structure fire.

On the morning of March 8, 2024 the Department of Public Safety was alerted to a residential fire on Maple Avenue, in Smithtown. Fire Marshal’s Clark, Raia, Griffin, McCarthy, and Easton responded to assist the Smithtown Fire Department in any way possible. The active fire involved 250 lbs. Liquid Propane Gas Cylinder to the rear of the property. The fire could have easily spread to structures on the property, making rapid mitigation critical. While the Smithtown Fire Department was able to successfully extinguish the active fire, the escaping liquid propane gas posed a threat. The first arriving Marshals recognized the need to perform a burn off of the remaining gas within the cylinder to safely and efficiently mitigate the danger. Sr. Fire Marshal Clark called for the burn off kit which is part of the specialty equipment maintained by the Fire Prevention Division.  Fire Marshals Timothy Clark, Matthew Raia, Zakary Griffin, Kyle McCarthy, and James Easton utilized their hazardous materials training and incident management skills to successfully, safely mitigate the danger. Their efforts eliminated any real possibility of the fire extending to other areas of the property including the garage and residence itself. Their actions prevented the fire from spreading to other structures, earning them the Exceptional Service Award.

The Department Recognition Award – Sergeant Scott Roberts* 

(This is Sergeant Robert’s Fifth Department Recognition Award)

The Department Recognition award was presented to Sergeant Robert’s for his actions during an overdose incident at Long Beach on May 10, 2023. Harbormasters Shannon, Gifford, and Sergeant Scott Roberts responded to a possible overdose call at Long Beach Marina. After an initial search of the parking lot turned up empty, they expanded their search to the beach area, utilizing their four-wheel drive vehicles. At 2:42 PM Shannon and Gifford found the victim approximately a quarter mile from the nearest roadway. Sergeant Roberts arrived moments later to find a “Good Samaritan,” who was an off-duty New York City Fireman, pulling the victim up the shoreline. The Good Samaritan relayed his observation of the male victim stumbling while he was surfcasting, he observed the victim slowly collapse onto his back at the water’s edge. Based on his observations, there were no indications that this was a water related incident. Sergeant Roberts, Harbormasters Shannon & Gifford as well as the good Samaritan began medical care on the victim who was not breathing and had an insufficient pulse. His eyes were in fixed positions with pinpoint pupils. At approximately 2:43 PM, Harbormaster Shannon administered the first dose of Narcan. As a New York State EMT Sergeant Roberts retrieved oxygen and a BVM resuscitation device from his vehicle. Harbormaster Gifford started chest compressions while Sergeant Roberts performed manual ventilation with the BVM. With little to no effect from the first dose of Narcan, Harbormaster Shannon and Sergeant Roberts administered a second dose of Narcan. After eight minutes working on the victim, (2:51 PM) a strong pulse and spontaneous breathing was observed in the patient. He regained consciousness and was able to assist in his extrication from the beach where a Nissequogue Fire Department Ambulance was waiting. The victim intimated to responding officers that he had recently undergone back surgery and had over administered narcotic painkillers to himself to lessen discomfort. Sergeant Scott Roberts’ life-saving actions earned him the Department Recognition Award.

Peace Officer of the Year- Fire Marshal Matthew Raia

Fire Marshal Matthew Raia has distinguished himself over the course of the year and exemplifies the qualities and characteristics associated with being a dedicated law enforcement professional.

In recognition of his unwavering dedication and exemplary service, Fire Marshal Raia is awarded the Peace Officer of the Year Award. His commitment to duty, positive attitude, and tireless work ethic set a standard for all members to follow. Demonstrating a continuous pursuit of knowledge, Fire Marshal Raia actively seeks out training opportunities and collaborates with fellow department members to enhance his skills. His significant contributions, particularly in joint efforts with the Suffolk County Police to combat illegal massage parlors and vape shops, underscore his invaluable role in ensuring public safety. The unanimous nomination and approval by the command staff speak volumes about Fire Marshal Raia’s exceptional character and contributions. It is with great pride that we honor him with this distinguished award, recognizing his outstanding service and dedication to the community.

 

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Scenes from the May 4 Pancake Breakfast. Photo courtesy Nicole LaMacchia NYS Senate Regional Director

On Saturday, May 4, several elected officials hosted a pancake breakfast to honor the service of local veterans. The first annual pancake breakfast took place at the VFW Post 3054.

The program began with an opening prayer by Chaplin Michael Russell, who was followed by Chaplin David Mann, singing a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. 

The highlight of the gathering was the moment Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), Assemblyman Ed Flood (R,C-Port Jefferson) and Leg. Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) presented staff Sgt. Michael E. Russell with a state proclamation acknowledging his service and dedication to his community.

Michael Russell was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Toms River, New Jersey. He was enlisted in the United Air Force from 1966-1970 and served in Vietnam from 1968-1969. Upon his return to the United States, Russell was employed with the Federal Aviation Administration from 1970-1981 until he left there and spent the remainder of his career as Managing Director and Senior Vice President of merged Wall Street firms. 

For his service, Russell received two bronze stars and a purple heart.

Throughout his life in the private sector, Russell continued to serve his fellow man. He was a member of the NYS small business administration and the MTA Capital Review Board. 

He was commissioner of New York State Cable TV Commission, special assistant to NYS Senate Majority Leader Ralph Marino, a trustee on the SUNY Board of Trustees, the chair of the Committee of SUNY Hospitals and the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council. 

Russell also served as a member of the Committee of SUNY Community Colleges, the Committee of Finance and Investments, Committee of Athletics and Four-Year Schools, Committee on Charter Schools, and a member of the Board of Trustees at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital. 

Russell is a founding member of Jefferson’s Ferry Continuous Care Facility and was chair of the Transition Team for Suffolk County District Attorney James M. Catterson and a member of the  Transition Team for Suffolk County Executive Robert Gaffney.

Russell is married to his wife Barbara Russell and they have three children and six grandchildren.

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Online donation site is live; community collection drives begin Memorial Day weekend

PSEG Long Island, Island Harvest Food Bank and Stop & Shop are gearing up the fourth annual PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island food drive initiative. The first in-person collection event is slated for Friday, May 24, which is also the kickoff to Memorial Day weekend. The online donation site is currently open for donations at psegliny.com/feedLI.

Collection drives will be set up at seven Stop & Shop supermarkets across Long Island, where community members can donate nonperishable food and essential care items. Any customer who makes an in-person donation will receive a free LED light bulb and a reusable shopping bag.

“We are proud to announce the 2024 kick off of PSEG Long Island’s Power to Feed Long Island food collection drive to benefit Island Harvest Food Bank,” said David Lyons, interim president and COO, PSEG Long Island. “PSEG Long Island created these events for people to support their neighbors in need in their own communities, and they have been successful thanks to the generosity of Long Islanders. Their kindness in giving to this cause has generated thousands of dollars in online donations and in person contributions of cash, food, pet food and personal care items to help their neighbors. There is hunger in every ZIP code on Long Island, and PSEG Long Island is energized to partner with Island Harvest and Stop & Shop for the fourth year to help families in our communities who need it.”

Hundreds of thousands of Long Island families struggle with hunger and food insecurity throughout the year. During the summer months, there is a significant reduction in food donations to local food banks, pantries and other programs. Compounding the issue, children are not in school where they can receive free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch. In addition, the pandemic and increased inflation continue to strain local food pantries and emergency feeding programs served by Island Harvest.

“We are grateful to have our longtime partner, PSEG Long Island, stand with us and actively support our efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity on Long Island, and its annual Power to Feed Long Island collection event demonstrates that commitment,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO, Island Harvest Food Bank. “We continue to see families struggle to put food on the table while trying to meet other essential monthly financial obligations, and the tremendous support of PSEG Long Island and Stop & Shop, coupled with the generosity of their customers who support Power to Feed Long Island, will help provide much-needed and welcome relief to our Long Island neighbors in need.”

“Stop & Shop’s primary charitable effort is to combat hunger in the communities we serve,” said Daniel Wolk, external communications manager, Stop & Shop. “We are proud to host PSEG Long Island and Island Harvest at our stores throughout the summer in support of the Power to Feed Long Island food drive. By working together, we can help Long Islanders fight food insecurity.”

There will be collection bins and drive-up/drop-off options available at each collection site. This year, there are seven collection events:

Friday, May 24 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

702 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa
Saturday, June 8 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

3126 Jericho Tpk., East Northport
Friday, June 21 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

3750 Hempstead Tpk., Levittown
Friday, July 12 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

260 Pond Path, South Setauket
Friday, July 26 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

95 Old Country Rd., Carle Place
Friday, Aug. 16 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

3577 Long Beach Rd., Oceanside
Friday, Sept. 13 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stop & Shop

365 Route 109, West Babylon

Representatives from PSEG Long Island and Island Harvest Food Bank will be available at all locations to provide information on low-income programs and money-saving energy efficiency options.

Island Harvest has a need for specific items, including:

  • Nonperishable food: Healthy varieties of canned foods, such as low-sodium beans, vegetables, soups, pasta sauces and tomato varieties, tuna and chicken, rice, pasta, nut butters, olive and canola oil, spices and pet food (no glass containers please).
  • Household essentials: Toilet paper, paper towels, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent and dish soap.
  • Personal care items: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, feminine care products and shaving products, antibacterial wipes and washcloths.
  • Baby care items: Diapers, wipes, formula, creams, ointments and baby wash.

Additionally, information will be available from PSEG Long Island on electric service payment plans and programs, and ways to save money through energy efficiency options.

For additional information on Power to Feed Long Island, or to make an online monetary donation, visit psegliny.com/feedLI. Island Harvest estimates each dollar donated provides roughly two meals.

 

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Photo courtesy of NYS OPWDD

Partnership Offers Microcredentials Through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals for Current and Aspiring Direct Support Professionals at SUNY Campuses Statewide

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and The State University of New York (SUNY) joined with Farmingdale State College and developmental disabilities service providers Community Mainstreaming Associates, Developmental Disabilities Institute, Epic Long Island, Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Life’s WORC, The Center for Developmental Disabilities, Inc., and Viability today to celebrate the success of its Direct Support Professionals Microcredential Program. Officials were on hand to acknowledge 26 students from the first cohort who are graduating this month. Enrollment for a second cohort is happening now.

The SUNY Microcredential program, a partnership between The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, SUNY and OPWDD, provides training that leads to national certification in the distinct skills and competencies required of today’s direct support professionals. The Direct Support Professional Microcredential opportunity is being offered at 19 participating SUNY colleges throughout the state. Direct Support Professionals who are enrolled in the program report feeling empowered to make decisions and employ best practices on the job, while preparing to take the next steps in their careers.

NYS OPWDD Commissioner Kerri Neifeld said, “The response from DSPs who want to participate in this professional development opportunity has been tremendous and is a testament to what we know to be true – the field of direct support needs and deserves a career pathway that honors the skills and best practices that these professionals bring to their jobs every day. Thank you to our SUNY partner Farmingdale State, Chancellor King and the providers who are helping their employees to take these next steps in their career. New York State is a leader in this effort and DSPs who are earning credentials from the NADSP SUNY Microcredential Program should feel proud to be a part of this movement to professionalize the field.”

SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “SUNY is committed to increasing upward mobility for all New Yorkers and this program does just that. The high demand for the Direct Support Professionals Microcredential Program shows that more individuals, whether working in the field already or not, want to provide vital care to New Yorkers in need, and want to improve their skills at doing so. The success of the program has opened up more opportunities for DSPs across SUNY, including at Farmingdale State College, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

CEO of The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals Joseph Macbeth said, “The direct support workforce crisis has been well-documented for decades. Direct support work is not easy and it’s certainly not a job that just anyone can do. It requires complex skills, adherence to ethical standards and impeccable judgment. Over the past few years, OPWDD has worked closely with the SUNY system to address these challenges by developing a comprehensive microcredential initiative. Now, prospective and incumbent direct support professionals can achieve college credit, national certification and financial assistance as they learn and demonstrate their direct support skills. The leadership at SUNY and OPWDD in this area is commendable.”

Laura Joseph, EdD, Senior Vice President and Provost, Farmingdale State College said, “Farmingdale State College is honored to be part of this joint initiative with OPWDD and SUNY to provide an educational opportunity for students to become Direct Support Professionals. The funding has allowed us to develop the curriculum for the Direct Support Professional I and II credential as well as the wrap-around support needed to help students complete the course of study. Students enrolled in the DSP I and II Microcredentials are frontline workers and serve as the backbone of the Human Services industry. These microcredentials empower these professionals and further legitimize the profession. Dr. Michael Figuccio, Chair of the Psychology Department, has been instrumental in launching this program with over 30 students in the first cohort.”   

Supported through over $50 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Microcredential Program aims to assist direct support staff already working in the profession and those new to the developmental disabilities field in earning college credits that meet requirements for certification from The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. Students will be able to secure national certification and college credit toward a certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree. The grant program covers tuition, certification, fees, books and student support, and students can earn a one-time $750 stipend. Each participating SUNY campus is working with an OPWDD-operated or affiliated provider partner to help upskill incumbent workers or to provide internships for those new to the field.

Enrolled students not yet working in the developmental disabilities field will be offered work-based learning opportunities with OPWDD or OPWDD-certified service providers.

These programs build on Governor Kathy Hochul’s efforts to expand the direct service professional workforce and address worker shortages.

About SUNY’s Microcredential Program

This academic year, SUNY will offer nearly 700 microcredentials at 51 of its 64 campuses. Microcredentials are smaller, academic- and skills-focused credentials that can be completed in months, not years. SUNY’s program is designed to provide earners with immediate workforce-ready skills, knowledge, and experience, while also providing a pathway to additional credentials, certificates and degrees. Recognized with the inaugural Business Council of New York State Workforce Innovation Award in Higher Education, SUNY Microcredentials increase access to higher education by providing another pathway for New Yorkers to earn the credentials they need to meet their academic and career goals, all while collaboratively meeting the needs of New York businesses and industry.

About OPWDD 

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) provides high-quality person-centered supports and services to people with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and other neurological impairments. OPWDD provides services directly and through a network of over 600 not-for-profit providers. OPWDD’s mission is to help people with developmental disabilities live richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth, and a home within their community. For more information, visit www.opwdd.ny.gov or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About The State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2022, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

About Farmingdale State College 

Farmingdale State College offers 46-degree programs focused on emerging, high-demand, and relevant careers to help prepare the next generation of leaders in technology, engineering, business, healthcare, science and the arts. With nearly 10,000 students, FSC is SUNY’s largest college of applied science and technology. More than half of our graduating seniors leave debt-free and 82% are employed six months after graduation or enrolled in graduate school. FSC is home to Broad Hollow Bioscience Park, which supports the development of biotech start-up companies and partners with surrounding businesses and research institutions along the Route 110 Business Corridor. Our engaging student experience, highly inclusive campus and sustained commitment to accessibility, affordability, and student support, helps make FSC one of the best values in higher education.

Photo of the announcement at Farmingdale State College attached, credit NYS OPWDD. 

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Pictured from left, Manager of Marketing & Communications Lisa DeVerna; Head Teen Services Librarian Emily Ostrander; Librarian Jennifer Mullen; Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Library Director Ted Gutmann; and Town of Brookhaven and Environmental Educator Nicole Pocchiare. Photo from Emma Clark Library
From left, Building Manager Jim Krause and Manager of Information & Technology Bob Johnson build the new little free library. Photo from Emma Clark Library
Beachgoer with Library Director Ted Gutmann. Photo from Emma Clark Library
TIME TO READ: The new Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach. Photo from Emma Clark Library

Due to popular demand, the Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach hosted by Emma Clark Library was installed before the usual time so that beachgoers may enjoy books even longer. Its official opening was Thursday, May 9.

A literary summer tradition, the Little Free Library at the beach has been going strong since its inception in 2016. After close to ten years, the structure itself had taken quite a beating; therefore, library employees have built a replacement cabinet, once again constructed from recycled materials. You might recognize the sides of the structure, which were assembled from end caps of previous library shelving units. The legs of the cabinet were made from an old library chair. 

This “Take a Book or Leave a Book” concept inspires beachgoers to read, share, and reuse and encourages lifelong reading. It is located under the pavilion at the beach. Visitors are encouraged to grab a book and/or donate one. The books are all donated by the public and cater to all ages. This little library is possible thanks in part to many generous booklovers (books are not curated or owned by Emma Clark — don’t return your library books here!). Library teen volunteers “adopt” the library each week to ensure that it is neat, undamaged, and well-stocked. There is no need to live in Three Village to participate, as long as you are a visitor to the beach. The Town of Brookhaven and Environmental Educator Nicole Pocchiare have once again graciously given their consent for Emma Clark to host the Little Free Library at the beach. 

“I was happy to take part in the installation of the Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach again this year,” remarked Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich. “The dedication of Emma Clark Library to providing access to books and knowledge for the community, especially younger readers, is truly commendable. I see the positive impact this resource has on the residents of our town. Thank you to all involved for continuing this project for nine consecutive years.”

Little Free Libraries have become an international phenomenon since their inception in 2010, and Little Free Library was established as a nonprofit organization in 2012 in Wisconsin. According to the official Little Free Library website, there are over 150,000 registered book-sharing boxes across the United States and 120 countries worldwide. Emma Clark’s Little Free Library at West Meadow Beach is registered on www.littlefreelibrary.org and can be found on the site’s official map of all Little Free Libraries. 

Emma Clark Library is delighted to increase access to books for all ages and promote the exchange of books within the community, enhancing a day at the beloved West Meadow Beach.

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Emerald Magic and Old Town
Emerald Magic and Old Town Blooms at the May the fourth event. Photo courtesty Joan Nickeson

Craig den Hartog, of Emerald Magic Lawn Care and Planter of Old Town Blooms, a local community beautification project, had great success Saturday, May 4 with an early Great Brookhaven Clean Up event. This community right-of-way and sidewalk clearing on Old Town Road between Pagnotta Drive and Old Town Road connects residents of Comsewogue and Middle Country School districts.

Thanks go to the many volunteers who pre-registered and those who saw the street side set up arriving with rakes, cases of water and financial donations. T-shirts, cotton gloves and leaf bags were provided by Brookhaven Town with the assistance of Christine Hoffmann, Associate Administrator of their Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials.

The sidewalk overgrowth was cleared. Eight full garbage bags of litter were removed from the site by Craig and his team. He used his ride-on lawn mower to mulch dozens of wheelbarrows of leaves in order to clear the sidewalk. They even managed to plant native creepers in the to help mitigate the invasive poison ivy. In Autumn, daffodil and tulip bulbs will be planted in the right-of-way.

“There are projects everywhere you look. We can take it upon ourselves to be the change to have a more beautiful community,” says Craig. 

If you would like to “Be a Bloomer” and participate in community beautification near you send a DM to Old Town Blooms on Facebook or contact [email protected].

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Paws in Puddles ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On May 3, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (holding scissors) joined in celebrating the grand opening of Paws in Puddles, a small, family owned and operated self-service dog wash and grooming salon located at 1844E Route 112 in Coram with a ribbon cutting.

The new business, owned and operated by Eduardo Fernandez (center left) and his wife, Christine Fernandez (center right), is equipped with multiple tubs for self-service dog washing, or you can entrust your pet with the “Paws in Puddles” staff to wash for you. If you are interested in their staff grooming services, bring in your dog ahead of time for a fair and accurate quote in person. 

For more information, please call 631-846-6096 or visit their website at www.PawsInPuddles.com. 

Front row, pictured left to right are Brett Davenport (Senior VP at Island Federal Bank); Joan Nickeson (Port Jefferson Station (PJST) Chamber of Commerce Community Liaison); Kayla Fernandez, Eduardo Fernandez, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Jennifer Dzvonar, president of PJST Chamber of Commerce; Eduardo Fernandez (owner), Christine Fernandez (owner), Cheryl Goodall (groomer), Jennifer Sanchez (groomer), Tabatha Fajardo (Town Legislative Aide), Stephanie Quiroga (PNC), Paul Perrone (VP of PJST Chamber).

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Kevin Gardner. Photo credit:  Elise Sullivan

Stony Brook University announced today that Kevin H. Gardner, PhD, former Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Louisville, has been appointed Vice President for Research. Dr. Gardner will report to university President Maurie McInnis and is expected to join Stony Brook on August 1, 2024.

In this role, Gardner will be the senior executive overseeing the development and stewardship of the university’s research and economic development enterprise. He will also serve as Stony Brook’s Operations Manager of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit education corporation established to service the administrative activities related to sponsored research. The Vice President for Research is considered the university’s Chief Research Officer/Senior Academic Administrator who is responsible for the campus-wide advancement of the University’s research, scholarship and creative activity mission and oversees all services to the University provided by the Research Foundation of the State University of New York looking to benefit the state, nation and world.

“Throughout his expansive career, Kevin has demonstrated exceptional leadership fostering interdisciplinary research, mentoring junior faculty in research excellence, and advocating to advance innovation, creative activities, entrepreneurship and economic development,” said President McInnis. “He deeply understands the importance of supporting faculty and innovative projects with multiple PIs and embraces the profound ways research universities can, and do, impact society. I know that Stony Brook will benefit greatly from his collaborative style and approach to reaching across institutions and industries to find new, innovative ways to apply knowledge and discoveries to real-world issues.”

Prior to working at the University of Louisville, Gardner was the Vice Provost for Research at the University of New Hampshire where he also was a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and held several positions including the Director of the federally-funded Recycled Materials Resource Center. He also served as the State Director of the New Hampshire Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Program. In addition, Dr. Gardner served as the George B. Mayer Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University and taught at Hofstra University.

“It is an incredibly exciting time at Stony Brook University and I am thrilled to be joining this university at this time,” said Gardner. “There is tremendous opportunity for Stony Brook to increase its impact in the world through new knowledge generation, new ways of understanding our world and new ways of applying that knowledge and understanding to make the world a better place. Stony Brook has a mission as the state’s flagship institution to create this impact and to be known nationally and internationally for the impact the university’s faculty and students make. I am committed to advancing, recognizing and celebrating all the ways that the university’s faculty, clinicians, staff and students create and make a positive impact in the world every day and will work tirelessly to support them in their work.”

Gardner earned his PhD and MS at Clarkson University and his BS from Union College. He also has his individual Professional Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Ohio.

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Bunnie XO
Bunnie XO
Bunnie XO

MEET BUNNIE XO!

This week’s featured shelter pet is Bunnie XO, a 5-year-old bully/mastiff mix who was abandoned in a park with her (presumed) boyfriend, Jelly Roll, but is now safe at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Bunnie XO warms up quickly to all new people, gently nudges for attention and treats and loves to play. This sweet lady was obviously used for breeding and discarded. While she and Jelly enjoy seeing each other, they are not bonded and she would love to be in a home that will dote on her and show her affection all day long. 

The shelter staff is still learning about her as she settles in and reveals her true personality but they assume she will accept calmer dogs (Jelly is very laid back). If you are interested in meeting Bunnie XO, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

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F. William Studier, senior scientist emeritus at Brookhaven National Laboratory, in 2004. (Roger Stoutenburgh/Brookhaven National Laboratory)

Prestigious honor recognizes development of widely used protein- and RNA-production platform

F. William Studier, a senior biophysicist emeritus at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, has won the 2024 Richard N. Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology [https://merkinprize.org/] for his development in the 1980s of an efficient, scalable method of producing RNA and proteins in the laboratory. His “T7 expression” technology can be used to make large quantities of nearly any RNA or protein and has been for decades, and continues to be, a mainstay of biomedical research and pharmaceutical production. Studier’s approach has been used to produce numerous therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines — including the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines credited with extending millions of lives in recent years [see: https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=218806].

“F. William Studier’s brilliant work on the T7 system transformed biomedicine, saving millions of lives globally and improving the chances for further research that will change healthcare delivery,” said Dr. Richard Merkin, CEO and founder of Heritage Provider Network, one of the country’s largest physician-owned integrated health care systems. “His work exemplifies why I created this prize initiative that honors and showcases amazing innovators like Bill. I’m honored to be celebrating his remarkable achievements.”

The Merkin Prize, inaugurated in 2023, recognizes novel technologies that have improved human health. It carries a $400,000 cash award and is administered by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutes. All nominations for the 2024 Merkin Prize were evaluated by a selection committee composed of nine scientific leaders from academia and industry in the U.S. and Europe. Studier will be honored in a prize ceremony held on Sept. 17, 2024.

“The T7 system has been influential in biomedicine and has had important clinical implications for many years, but Bill Studier’s contribution to the field has really not been as celebrated as it ought to be,” said Harold Varmus, chair of the Merkin Prize selection committee. Varmus is also the Lewis Thomas University Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, a senior associate at the New York Genome Center, and a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on the origins of cancer.

“Bill Studier’s development of T7 phage RNA polymerase for use in preparing RNA templates for multiple uses in research labs worldwide has been a truly revolutionary technical advance for the entire field of molecular biology,” said Joan Steitz, the Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University.

“Today, virtually every protein you want to produce in bacteria is made with a T7 system,” said Venki Ramakrishnan of the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England, and a winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. “There’s not a single molecular biology or biochemistry lab I know that doesn’t use T7.”

“This award is a great honor for Bill Studier, recognizing the significance of the research and technology he pioneered. It reinforces how basic research — asking fundamental questions about the way the world and everything in it works — can result in important and unexpected advances that continue to have impact even decades after the initial discoveries,” said Brookhaven National Laboratory Director JoAnne Hewett. “It is fabulous to see Bill recognized for his lifetime of work and the critical role it has played in biotechnology and medicine.”

Studier’s T7 expression system uses the T7 promoter to “turn on” a gene of interest and the T7 RNA polymerase to transcribe that gene into messenger RNA (mRNA) so that E. coli ribosomes can use the RNA-encoded information to synthesize the desired protein. The system can also be used to make desired mRNAs as, for example, was done to make the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. (Tiffany Bowman/Brookhaven National Laboratory)



Driven by basic biology

Studier grew up in Iowa and became fascinated with biophysics while an undergraduate at Yale University. Then, during graduate school at the California Institute of Technology in the early 1960s, he was introduced to bacteriophage T7, a virus that infects Escherichia coli bacteria. He wondered how T7 could so effectively and quickly take over E. coli, rapidly turning the bacterial cells into factories to produce more copies of itself. That question launched a career focused on the basic biology of T7.

“I’ve always been interested in solving problems,” Studier told Brookhaven National Laboratory in a 2011 profile [https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=22241]. “The motivation for my research is not commercial application. My interest is in basic research.”

When he joined Brookhaven Lab in 1964, Studier focused on sequencing the genes of the T7 bacteriophage and understanding the function of each of its corresponding proteins during infection of E. coli. By 1984, he and Brookhaven colleague John Dunn successfully identified and cloned the protein within T7 that was responsible for rapidly copying T7 DNA into many corresponding strands of RNA [see: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.81.7.2035]. RNA is the molecule that instructs cells which amino acids to link up to build a particular protein — a critical step in protein synthesis and therefore the bacteriophage’s ability to infect E. coli.

Studier realized that the protein, called the T7 RNA polymerase, might be able to quickly and efficiently produce RNA from not only T7 DNA but also from the genes of any organism. If a gene was tagged with a special DNA sequence, known as the T7 promoter, then the T7 RNA polymerase would latch on and begin copying it. In 1986, Studier described this system in the Journal of Molecular Biology [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3537305/].

“His work really illustrates that sometimes a remarkable technology can emerge not only from people trying to build technologies but from someone who is trying to use basic science to understand a fascinating biological phenomenon,” Varmus said.

Speeding science

Before Studier’s development of the T7 system, scientists who wanted to produce RNA or proteins generally inserted the genes into the natural E. coli genome and let the E. coli polymerase produce the corresponding RNA at the same time as the bacteria produced its own RNA and proteins. But the E. coli machinery was relatively slow, and scientists often ran into problems with the bacteria turning off their DNA-reading programs. T7 polymerase overcame both these problems: It was far faster, and E. coli had no built-in way to shut it off.

Within a few years, biologists had rapidly switched from their older methods to the T7 system for producing both RNA and proteins. When proteins are the desired end result, the E. coli molecular machinery for translating mRNA into proteins is used after the T7 system makes the RNA.

Studier continued studying the T7 polymerase and promoter, fine-tuning the system for years and publishing new improved versions as recently as 2018.

As of 2020, the T7 technology had been cited in more than 220,000 published studies, with 12,000 new studies using the technology published each year. There are more than 100 different versions of the T7 technology available commercially and 12 patents in Studier’s name related to the system.

Making medicine

The T7 technology has also had immediate impacts in industry, with more than 900 biotech and pharmaceutical companies licensing it to produce therapeutics and vaccines.

In 2020, scientists used the T7 platform to produce enough mRNA for COVID-19 vaccines to vaccinate millions of people in the U.S. and around the world. With the T7 promoter placed next to the gene for the COVID-19 spike protein, the T7 polymerase could generate many kilograms of mRNA — the active molecule in the vaccines — at a time.

“I think it’s an incredible testament to this technology that, decades after its development, it’s still the go-to method for RNA and protein production,” said John Shanklin, a distinguished biochemist and chair of the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory, who considered Studier a mentor for many years.

Those who know Studier say the Merkin Prize is well-deserved; Studier changed the course of biomedicine while working quietly on basic science questions that interested him.

“Almost no one has heard of Bill Studier because he is a quiet, modest guy who had a small lab,” said Ramakrishnan, who worked with Studier at Brookhaven in the 1980s. “But he is an absolutely fantastic role model of what a scientist should be like.”

“He has flown under the radar and hasn’t been recognized for his accomplishments very much,” Shanklin agreed. “This is a well-deserved honor.”

Studier was also committed to guaranteeing access to his technology. When Brookhaven was in the process of licensing and commercializing the T7 system shortly after its development, Studier ensured that it remained free for academic labs while charging commercial licensing fees to companies.

F. William Studier earned a bachelor’s degree in biophysics from Yale in 1958, followed by a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology in 1963. He worked as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Biochemistry at Stanford University School of Medicine, and then he joined Brookhaven Lab’s Biology Department in 1964 as an assistant biophysicist. Over the years, Studier rose through the department’s ranks, receiving tenure in 1971 and becoming a tenured senior biophysicist in 1974.

He served as chair of the Biology Department from 1990 to 1999 and then returned to research. He also served as an adjunct professor of biochemistry at Stony Brook University. His achievements have been recognized by election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1990, the National Academy of Sciences in 1992, and as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2007. He retired from the Lab in 2015 and was named senior scientist emeritus. In 2018, he was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He holds 15 patents of which nine have been licensed and commercialized, including those on the T7 system.

Studier’s research at Brookhaven Lab was supported by the DOE Office of Science.


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