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Amanda Liang with the winning bridge design. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/BNL

Amanda Liang, a ninth grader from Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School in Setauket, won first place at the 45th annual Bridge Building Competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory on April 3. 

The competition shows students in grades nine through 12 what it’s like to be an engineer as they attempt to design a strong bridge out of only basswood and glue with a set of challenging specifications in mind. Their structures were put to the test under a crushing machine that slowly added more and more weight from above until the bridges broke or bent more than one inch.

The event is organized by Brookhaven Lab’s Office of Educational Programs (OEP) to advance its mission to cultivate the next generation of STEM professionals.

Julia Pincott won second place for her bridge design. Photo courtesy of John Glenn High School

“I want you to imagine your future selves as professional engineers and you’re contributing something important to society,” Bernadette Uzzi, OEP’s manager for K-12 programs told students at the start of the competition. “Perhaps you’re designing a bridge, and you have to continually refine the structure to adapt to our ever-changing world, or maybe you’re here at Brookhaven involved in constructing our new Electron-Ion Collider, which is a ground-breaking machine that will unravel the mysteries of nature’s strongest force. Regardless of your future career plans, today you are engineering students and you’re part of Brookhaven’s journey.”

Uzzi also reflected on the recent bridge collapse in Baltimore: “I’m reminded why it’s so important to give students real-world, relevant experiential learning experiences like this event.”

This year, students from 14 schools around Long Island submitted 240 bridges — 193 of which met all qualifications for testing such as using a symmetrical design and weighing under 25 grams.

Bridges are ranked based on efficiency scores that are calculated from the load the bridge supports divided by the mass of the bridge — all in grams.

Liang’s design earned the top spot with an efficiency of 3,441.43.

“I looked at a bunch of old national bridges and I took a lot of inspiration from them,” Liang said, adding later, “I was really excited especially because it was my first year. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. I didn’t expect this.”

Alexander Song and Daniel Liang, both juniors from Ward Melville High School in East Setauket, took second place and third place with efficiencies of 2,536.142 and 2,112.446, respectively.

The top two winners in Brookhaven’s regional competition qualified to compete in the International Bridge Contest on April 27 in New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Competition judges also issued an award for aesthetic bridge design to Julia Pincott, a senior at John Glenn High School in Elwood.

Some of the bridges entered into the competition. Photo from BNL

Throughout the bridge testing day, students had the chance to meet engineers from across the Lab, including longtime contest volunteers and Jordanna Kendrot, a safety engineer at the DOE-Brookhaven Site Office. Kendrot shared how in her own path to becoming a researcher, she found it was important to expand her studies beyond only engineering courses.

“It’s really about broadening your horizons and questioning the norms in engineering that will help us keep moving forward,” Kendrot said.

Amid all the bridge crushing, competition organizers tossed Brookhaven Lab and science trivia questions to students, who had a chance to win Lab merchandise for their correct answers.

Competitors tested their engineering skills in an additional STEM challenge to construct a miniature floating table. Students were also treated to a tour of the National Synchrotron Light Source II, a DOE Office of Science user facility that creates light beams 10 billion times brighter than the sun.

“This year’s bridge contest was a new experience for everyone,” STEM educator and event co-coordinator Theresa Grimaldi said. “It was the first time OEP organized this contest to be during school hours and it was such a pleasure to have the students here for the whole day, getting to know the engineers and touring the site.”

Brookhaven National Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit science.energy.gov.

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Scene from last year's plant fundraiser. Photo from Farmingdale State College
Scene from last year's plant fundraiser. Photo from Farmingdale State College
Scene from last year's plant fundraiser. Photo from Farmingdale State College
Scene from last year's plant fundraiser. Photo from Farmingdale State College

Celebration of Spring at Long Island’s Original Agricultural College

Calling all gardeners! Farmingdale State College (FSC) will hold its annual Plant Sale from Tuesday, May 7 to Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (daily) at the Farmingdale State College campus, located at 2350 NY-110, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

The Plant Sale will feature a wide selection of flowers, vegetables/herbs, perennials, houseplants, succulents, and tropical plants for the patio. Much of the plant material is grown on-campus by College staff and students, while the remainder is grown locally on Long Island.

The Plant Sale at Farmingdale State College is managed by the Department of Urban Horticulture and Design, a legacy program with a storied past dating back more than 100 years, when the institution opened its doors as an agricultural school.

“Over the years, the Department of Urban Horticulture & Design has developed a strong partnership with the local horticulture industry, since many local professionals complete their training at Farmingdale,” said Dr. Jonathan M. Lehrer, Chairman of the Horticulture Department.

Horticulture students learn their skills in the department’s classrooms, studios, labs, and greenhouses. Perhaps most important is the “living” classroom, the renowned Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens. Beyond its iron gates rest 5+ acres of theme gardens that are carefully designed, planted, maintained, and treasured by students as an integral component of their training, during the semester and as part of the Summer Garden Intern Program.

The Gardens are also a source of inspiration and education for the campus and Long Island community. They are open to the public daily during the growing season.

All proceeds from the Sale are used to support Horticulture students and the Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens. Customers are encouraged to bring their own wagon for convenience.

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.

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Photo courtesy of Gurwin Healthcare System

 Gurwin Healthcare System has announced that it has received the following awards across various categories in the health and wellness category industry Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s 2024 Best of Long Island Awards:

  • Julie Yerkes, RN voted Best Nurse for the second consecutive year.
  • Gurwin Adult Day Health Program voted Best Adult Day Care Program for the eighth consecutive year.
  • Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center voted Best Rehabilitation for the fourth consecutive year.
  • Gurwin Home Care Agency voted Best Health Aides for the sixth consecutive year.
  • Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center voted Best Nursing Home. The Center also received this honor in 2021.
  • Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences voted Best Assisted Living. The assisted living community also received this honor in 2010, 2011 and 2019.

The annual Bethpage Best of Long Island contest is a roadmap to the best businesses and services throughout both Nassau and Suffolk counties. This year, more than one million votes were cast by Long Island residents and patrons, who each voted in dozens of categories.

“We are delighted that Long Islanders have chosen so many of Gurwin’s programs as the Best on Long Island,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “This recognition stems from the talented staff on the Gurwin team whose dedication is evident in their compassionate care and innovative programming.  We are privileged to serve as a steadfast resource for thousands of older and medically frail adults in our surrounding communities and are honored to be recognized for our commitment to 5-star quality, patient-centered care.”

To view the complete list of winners, visit https://www.bestoflongisland.com/

About Gurwin Healthcare System

Gurwin Healthcare System is a renowned healthcare provider offering a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services for more than 35 years.  Set on a 36-acre campus in Commack, NY, the System includes Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, providing short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care, memory care, respiratory and ventilator care, palliative and hospice care, social and medical adult day programs and on-site dialysis. Located within the Center is Gurwin Licensed Home Care Services Agency and Certified Home Care Agency, which provide in-home skilled care as well as home health aides.  Sharing the campus is Gurwin’s Assisted Living community, Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences, and Fountaingate Gardens, a luxury independent living community.  Completing the Gurwin family of healthcare services is Island Nursing and Rehab Center, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility located in Holtsville, New York.   For more information, visit www.gurwin.org. Follow Gurwin on Facebook (@GurwinNursingRehab) (@GurwinAssistedLiving) and on X (@GurwinJewish).

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PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE Above, from left, Suffolk County Supervisor Ed Romaine, New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood and Port Jefferson Village Mayor Lauren Sheprow help plant a tree in the Village of Port Jefferson last Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Avril Coakley
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano.
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine spoke at the event.
Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano.
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano.
Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano.
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24
A scene from Port Jefferson Village's Arbor Day Celebration 04/24/24

By Heidi Sutton

The Village of Port Jefferson hosted its first annual Arbor Day Celebration on April 24. The event, organized by the newly formed Tree Committee members Anne Leahey and Avril Coakley, was attended by local officials and community members.

Port Jefferson Village Deputy Mayor and Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability Rebecca Kassay served as Master of Ceremony and introduced speakers Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and Port Jefferson Village Mayor Lauren Sheprow. Former Mayor Sandra Swenk, Leahey and Port Jefferson Village Trustee Bob Juliano also spoke at the event.

Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano read a poem that he wrote for the occasion titled “The Tree Stands Tall” followed by the planting of two native trees — an American Hornbeam (Carbines Carolinians) and a Hackberry tree (Celtis Occidentalis) in the Maple Street parking lot.  All attendees were given a native tree or shrub sapling to plant in their own yards.

Reached after the event, Port Jefferson Deputy Mayor Kassay said, “As Port Jefferson Village’s first Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability, I’ve been honored to bring together and galvanize our community’s tree enthusiasts. Last year, I helped to form the Village’s first Tree Committee with a group of residents who shared the goal of making PJV a “Tree City, USA” under the Arbor Day Foundation canopy. We have successfully worked towards this goal, including creating a budget line for tree plantings, and an annual Arbor Day event. Their work to plant trees this year will serve their neighbors for decades to come. Many thanks to all who came out to celebrate the planting of two new trees in the Village, our young poet laureate of the event, and the distribution of native tree and shrub saplings.”

Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and the NYS Urban Forestry Council, Port Jefferson Village is now one step closer to achieving a Tree City USA designation.

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"THE WHEEL": The largest Ferris wheel on Long Island at an impressive 110 feet tall, The Wheel offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the midway and surrounding area. The ride features 24 spacious gondola cars, each with a 6-person capacity to accommodate the whole family.
Local family business focuses on family fun at carnivals as well as three major events featuring several fireworks shows and a stunning new Ferris wheel

Leading carnival midway and family entertainment provider Dreamland Amusements is bringing first-rate family fun back to Long Island this summer with exciting rides and games for all ages, favorite fair food, and a variety of special attractions including live entertainment, a series of spectacular fireworks shows, and “The Wheel,” the largest Ferris wheel on Long Island at a towering 110 feet tall.

This summer, Dreamland will also introduce a third signature event: the Bald Hill Fair at Catholic Health Amphitheater, which will kick off the 2024 Long Island Summer Tour May 9-19 in Farmingville.

The busy Long Island schedule includes the Long Island FunFest, June 13-23 at Suffolk County Community College’s Grant Campus, and the Empire State Fair, June 28 – July 16 at Nassau Live Center, the final stop before Dreamland continues on its northern route.

Among the signature event entertainment will be circus shows, live music, pirate thrill shows, petting zoos and much more. Be sure to visit the individual event websites for each one’s schedule of offerings.

In addition, a total of eight dazzling fireworks displays will illuminate the Long Island night sky this summer at Dreamland’s three major events. These crowd-pleasing shows will be produced by the renowned Fireworks by Grucci, a Long Island-based family business founded in 1850.

While Dreamland Amusements, another well-established family business, services the length of the East Coast from Florida to Maine, Long Island is particularly special to owners Kathy and Bob DeStefano, who make their home there when they’re not on the road with the two carnival units they operate with two of their daughters, two sons-in-law and a nephew.

Bob DeStefano said his family looks forward every year to seeing many familiar faces enjoying Dreamland’s Long Island events.

“These folks aren’t just patrons, they’re our neighbors and friends,” DeStefano said. “I can’t express how much it’s meant to have the support of the Long Island community all these years, and we’re very pleased to give them the best experience we can.”

The 2024 Long Island Summer Tour includes:

  • May 9-19: Bald Hill Fair at Catholic Health Amphitheater, 1 Ski Run Lane, LIE Exit 63 (North Ocean Avenue) in Farmingville (www.BaldHillFair.com)
  • May 9-19: Hicksville Carnival at Broadway Commons
  • May 23-27: Levittown Carnival sponsored by the Levittown Chamber of Commerce
  • May 23-27: Merrick Train Station Carnival at Merrick LIRR Station
  • May 30 – June 2: Herricks Community Fund Carnival at Herricks Community Center in New Hyde Park
  • May 30 – June 9: South Shore Mall Carnival in Bay Shore
  • June 12-16: Westbury Carnival at Samanea New York Mall
  • June 13-23: Long Island FunFest at Exit 53S off the LIE (www.LongIslandFunFest.com)
  • June 26-30: Hicksville Summer Carnival at Broadway Commons
  • June 28 – July 14: Empire State Fair at Nassau Live Center, Uniondale (www.EmpireStatefair.com)
  • July 4-7: Lynbrook Titans Carnival at Greis Park

“We’re really excited to be back on Long Island and provide a topnotch family-fun experience at all of our upcoming events,” DeStefano said. “And we believe our guests will be excited by the roster of rides at each event and the entertainment offerings at the Bald Hill Fair, FunFest and Empire State Fair.”

All Dreamland events feature mechanical rides for the whole family, from whimsical kiddie rides to state-of-the-art thrill rides, entertaining midway games, and deep-fried treats, sweets and other tantalizing carnival eats.

For more information, call 866-666-FAIR (3247) or visit www.DreamlandAmusements.com.

For details on the Long Island events, including online savings, visit www.DreamlandAmusements.com/upcoming-events-amusement-carnival/long-island-carnivals/.

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Photo from TOB

On April 29, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (fourth from left) stopped by the Leisure Village
Senior Club in Ridge to thank the members for their generous donation of $5000 to Saint Jude Children’s
Research Hospital.

Over the last 3 years, the group has raised and donated $9000 to Saint Jude. The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of their founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.

Councilwoman Bonner said, “The work that these volunteers do for the children at St. Jude is truly heroic. It’s a labor of love that pays back ten-fold when you see the smiles on the faces of the children and their parents when they leave the hospital.”

Pictured left to right are Cheryl Guastello; Linda Staszak; Stacey Bawker, St. Jude’s Philanthropic Advisor; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Kathy Senatore; Ellen Fisher; Lil Nociforo and Gail Powell.

To learn more about how you can donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, go to www.stjude.org .

 

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Dr. Susan Lane. Photo by Jeanne Neville/SBU

The title invokes her outstanding impact on the field of medicine as a clinician and educator

 Susan Lane, MD, MACP, Professor of Medicine at Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM), was recently inducted as a Master of the American College of Physicians (MACP), the world’s largest medical specialty society.

According to the American College of Physicians (ACP), MACPs, a title reserved for a limited number of physicians each year, are selected because of their “integrity, positions of honor, impact in practice or in medical research, or other attainments in science or in the art of medicine.” In addition to their contributions to medical research, Masters must be active ACP members and are expected to maintain active involvement after their convocation as MACPs.

Since 1991, only two other physicians from Stony Brook Medicine have received this unique distinction. This includes Drs. Jordan J. Cohen (1991) and Martin R. Liebowitz (1999), making Dr. Lane the third Stony Brook physician to become an MACP.

Dr. Lane joined Stony Brook University in 2000. She and 56 other recipients were formally inducted at the ACP’s annual Internal Medicine Meeting in Boston on April 18-20.

“I am honored to be named an ACP Master, joining a renowned group of physician leaders who are my role models, and who like the ACP are dedicated to quality patient care, advocacy, and education to improve the lives of our patients,” says Dr. Lane.

Within the RSOM, Dr. Lane is the Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program and Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Medicine.

She has balanced a career as a physician with a passion for education and advocacy. Dr. Lane is currently Vice Chair of the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine Board of Directors and the former President of the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine (2021-2022). For her research and excellence in education and leadership, she has won numerous awards, including the RSOM Aesculapius Award for Excellence in Medical Education (2019), the  American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) Inspire Award (2022), and the RSOM Department of Medicine Outstanding Service Award (2021).

The East Setauket resident received her B.A. from Amherst College, her M.D. from the University of Connecticut, and completed her Internal Medicine Residency Training at Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and has practiced general internal medicine since 1996.

Caption:

Susan Lane, MD, MACP

Credit: Jeanne Neville, Stony Brook Medicine

Editor’s Note: Dr. Susan Lane resides in East Setauket, NY.

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There was a party going on recently at Jefferson’s Ferry Foundation’s 19th Annual Gala in support of its Resident Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance to Jefferson’s Ferry residents who outlive their assets or experience a shortfall through no fault of their own. Reflective of this year’s “New York State of Mind” theme, partygoers posed with “NYC taxi cabs” to kick off the event. Pictured here: (L to R:) Jefferson’s Ferry residents Ruth Weinreb, Rose Modica, Josephine Pheffer, Jean Grunwald and Dolores Dellova. (Photo by resident Martin Cohen)

Popular Fundraiser Benefits the Foundation’s Resident Assistance Fund 

Every spring for nearly 20 years, Jefferson’s Ferry residents, donors, and vendors have joined Jefferson’s Ferry management, staff and board members to support the Jefferson’s Ferry Foundation at its annual gala fundraiser on April 18. This year was no exception. The party, held at Flowerfield in St. James, celebrated the vibrant community, active lifestyle, and peace of mind that can be found in abundance at Jefferson’s Ferry. 

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Foundation’s Resident Assistance Fund, which was established in 2006 to provide financial assistance to Jefferson’s Ferry residents who outlive their assets or experience a shortfall through no fault of their own. Over the years, the Resident Assistance Fund has played a role in upholding the Life Plan Community Promise of peace of mind and health care for Jefferson’s Ferry residents by subsidizing the monthly fees of residents in need.

This year, the gala gave a nod to New York City nightlife with “A New York State of Mind” theme. Party-goers enjoyed live music by the Jazz Loft, dancing, New York-style hor d’oeuvres, casino-style gaming and hand-rolled cigars. 

With Jefferson’s Ferry’s “Journey Towards Renewal” renovation and expansion project a hair shy of completion–the new Memory Support Neighborhood is due to open in the coming weeks — the gala honored the two architectural and design firms critical to the project, KDA Architects and Merlino Design Partnership (MDP). Principal architect and KDA Partner David Fowles and principal designer and MDP President Bruce Hurowitz were on hand to accept their honors. 

“The outpouring of generosity in support of the Jefferson’s Ferry Foundation and the Resident Assistance Fund is deeply gratifying and demonstrative of the strong community bond we enjoy here at Jefferson’s Ferry,” said President and CEO Bob Caulfield. “We have neighbors helping neighbors through the Resident Assistant Fund and in so many other less tangible but no less important ways. It’s one of the many reasons Jefferson’s Ferry is such a singular community.”  

Photo Caption:  There was a party going on recently at Jefferson’s Ferry Foundation’s 19th Annual Gala in support of its Resident Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance to Jefferson’s Ferry residents who outlive their assets or experience a shortfall through no fault of their own. Reflective of this year’s “New York State of Mind” theme, partygoers posed with “NYC taxi cabs” to kick off the event.  Pictured here: (L to R:) Jefferson’s Ferry residents Ruth Weinreb, Rose Modica, Josephine Pheffer, Jean Grunwald and Dolores Dellova.  (Photo by resident Martin Cohen)

About Jefferson’s Ferry   www.jeffersonsferry.org

Jefferson’s Ferry is a not-for-profit Life Plan Community for active adults aged 62 and above, with Independent Living cottages and apartments, assisted living apartments, and a quality health care center all on one site.  A multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation project, “The Journey Toward Renewal,” is part of a larger strategic initiative launched in 2018 to create a life-enriching environment for all new and current residents at every stage of their life. Journey to Renewal has added 60 one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments, provided six distinct dining venues, an expanded Healthy Living Center, Fitness Center, and its state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Therapy Center. A new Memory Support Neighborhood will provide a high quality of life and care for people diagnosed and living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Common areas in Assisted Living and the Health Care Center will be renovated.

Jefferson’s Ferry offers exceptional living and amenities, including indoor pool, computer center, library, recreational areas, gardens, and gazebos.  A mix of cultural excursions, civic activities, and a community of residents who help shape Jefferson’s Ferry’s future ensures a spirited and engaged lifestyle.  

The Vincent Bove Health Center at Jefferson’s Ferry enjoys a 5-star rating from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and was named a “Best Of” nursing home by U.S. News & World Report.  Jefferson’s Ferry has repeatedly earned the industrywide Community Choice Award for resident satisfaction and engagement and has been recognized with the Pinnacle Quality Insight’s Customer Experience Award for five years running. FitchRatings has assigned Jefferson’s Ferry a BBB bond rating.  Jefferson’s Ferry has consistently been voted Best Retirement Community, Best Nursing Home and Best Assisted Living on Long Island by The Long Island Press and has been recognized for Excellence by the Hauppauge Industrial Association’s Business Achievement Awards program.  

For more information visit www.jeffersonsferry.org

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John Connell. Photo courtesy M.A. Connell Funeral Home Inc.

Prepared by Caitlin Berghela

John Joseph Connell, affectionately known as “Eddie” and “Pop Pop” by his grandchildren, passed away on Friday, April 26, surrounded by his family. 

Born March 18,1937, to Michael and Florence Connell, John was a lifelong resident of Huntington who deeply loved his community. Growing up, he attended St. Hugh’s School and Huntington High School, where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Class, daughter of William Class, John’s physical education teacher and the first athletic director at Huntington High School. After high school, John made frequent trips to visit Betty Ann at Cortland State University, while working at the M.A. Connell family funeral home in Huntington Station and serving in the Navy Reserve. 

In 1960, John and Betty Ann married and began building their family and a life filled with love in Huntington. In 1961, the high school sweethearts welcomed their son, Michael and, soon after, John’s Navy service was activated to defend his country during the Cuban Missile Crisis. John was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1962, and in the following year, he and Betty Ann welcomed their daughter, Debbie. 

As he and Betty Ann raised their family and planted deeper roots in Huntington, John proudly ran the funeral home for decades with his brother Peter, furthering his family’s legacy and eventually working alongside his son, Michael, and son-in-law, Nicholas Berghela Sr. In 2018, his grandson, Nicholas Berghela Jr., joined the funeral service, making him the fourth generation that has served the Huntington area now for over 100 years. John’s commitment to his work was seen and felt by every person he served, so much so that he never officially retired, and would come to the funeral home nearly every day, right up until the very final days of his life. 

While John was able to accomplish so much in his life, it is without question that family was at the core of his existence. As his children grew and started families of their own, John welcomed his son-in-law, Nicholas, and his favorite daughter-in-law, Anne Penders, into his family and loved them as if they were his own children. In turn, his children blessed him with four grandchildren, Krysti (Josh), Nicholas Jr. (Caitlin), Edward John and Grace, and three great-grandchildren, Oliver, Myles and Nicholas III. Becoming a grandfather, and eventually a great-grandfather, was one of John’s greatest joys in life and something in which he took immense pride. Alongside Betty Ann, they loved supporting their grandchildren and great-grandchildren by attending every concert, sporting event or graduation. To add to his list of loving nicknames, John proudly donned the title of “El Grande de Grandisimo Great Papa” upon welcoming his great-grandchildren. 

Beyond being supportive parents and grandparents, John and Betty Ann filled their days by traveling the country and the world together. From their summers in Montauk, to trips to Ireland, Switzerland, Germany and Bermuda — John and Betty Ann loved every moment of their travels with their children and grandchildren. For many years, they split time between their home in Huntington, with their homes in Florida, from Palm Coast and, eventually, Fort Myers, ingratiating themselves into their communities, and making lifelong friends. Some of their favorite time spent in Florida were the many trips they made to Sanibel Island, either by themselves or with family and friends.

Perhaps the only thing that could rival the deep love that John felt for his family and community was that of his sharp wit and cunning sense of humor. John could be counted on to make everyone laugh, no matter how serious a situation — whether that was by busting out some dance moves, offering one of his signature one-liners that were sure to stop you in your tracks (like offering to lend a hand, and then proceeding to clap), or by making a clean (and sometimes questionable) joke. His ability to keep the party going, lift spirits or soothe a troubled heart, was unparalleled. 

As John rejoins his bride, who passed in 2020, he will be loved and missed by his family, extended family, many friends and the community in which he dedicated his life. Viewings to celebrate John’s life will be fittingly held at M.A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 New York Ave., Huntington Station, Wednesday, May 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs R.C. Church, 53 Prospect Road, Centerport, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 2, with graveside burial to follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 183 Mount Pleasant Road, Huntington.

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L-R LIMEHOF Educator of Note Recipients Alan Schwartz, Susan Weber, Frank Abel and Kim Löwenborg-Coyne.

Five music teachers from across Long Island were recently honored at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook in a special ceremony honoring the organizations most recent Educator of Note Award winners.

The teachers honored  include Alan Schwartz (Great Neck, 2023), Frank Abel (Uniondale/Roosevelt, 2022), Kim Löwenborg-Coyne (North Babylon, 2021), Marc Greene (Middle Country School District, 2020), and Susan Weber (Uniondale, 2019).

“It was wonderful,” said Tom Needham, Tom Needham, Second Vice Chair and Educational Programs Director at LIMEHOF. “When you get all these people together in one room and you hear about the number of students they’ve influenced over the years and the impact they’ve had on music education on Long Island. It’s truly incredible. We’re so excited to have this opportunity to have them all here in the room and to celebrate the good things that they’ve accomplished.”

“We all had and have such meaningful careers that have impacted music education in so many different ways,” said Susan Weber. “Bottom line is that we all love seeing the reaction with our students and former students and as time goes on how music education impacts kids and it was just a very special day.”

“It’s a wonderful opportunity and I’m just so thrilled to be amongst these people here and to have my name with these people, these legends is just one of the biggest honors of my life,” said Alan Schwartz.

“What a wonderful ride… a wonderful journey after 42 years of teaching on this very special day to receive this very special award at the Hall of Fame. We don’t go in teaching for awards but this one right here I’m going to cherish,” said Frank Abel.

Supporting and highlighting musical education and upcoming talent through its education programs is a large part of LIMEHOF’s mission. Each year the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame presents an Educator of Note Award recognizing outstanding achievement in Long Island music education and normally they present the awards publicly during their galas. LIMEHOF has not held an awards Gala since 2019 in large part due to covid restrictions these award winners were unable to receive their awards in a public ceremony, so LIMEHOF organized this special ceremony for them at their Stony Brook Museum location.

LIMEHOF says it’s important to recognize the music teachers who are top in their field and making a difference by building strong educational programs for students to be able to perform and be evaluated.

“We celebrate music history here on Long Island and everybody knows we honor people like Billy Joel and John Coltraine and other artists but sometimes people forget that the people who have the biggest impact on Long Island in terms of music are music teachers,” said Needham. “Music teachers have the ability to reach thousands of kids throughout a career.”

The 2024 Educator of Note nomination process is currently open with a deadline of September 30th. For more information about LIMEHOF’s Educator of Note, scholarships and other music education programs, please visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org/educator-of-note/

About LIMEHOF

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 120 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

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