Community

With a heat advisory [weather.gov] in effect for most of Long Island and the Rockaways through Wednesday night, PSEG Long Island is activating its voluntary Smart Savers thermostat program today, July 16.

While PSEG Long Island expects to have the power required to meet customer demand during this potential heatwave, activating the voluntary Smart Savers thermostat program will reduce loading on the system. It will also help save money next year by reducing the amount of required capacity purchased in advance.

“Our Smart Savers thermostat program is a voluntary program available to residential customers with smart thermostats,” said Michael Voltz, director of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for PSEG Long Island. “Customers enrolled in this program save money, and are also helping everyone in the service area by allowing us to reduce the overall peak demand on some of the hottest days.”

Here’s how it works:

On Tuesday, July 16, at 3:30 PM, which is 30 minutes prior to the activation, enrolled customers’ homes will be pre-cooled by 3 degrees for 30 minutes, then their thermostats will be raised by 4 degrees from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. In exchange, these customers receive a discount on their electric bills.

More than 40,000 customers have enrolled in the program. To learn more and join the program, customers can visit: enrollmythermostat.com/faqs/pseg-long-island-faq/

The Smart Savers program is dispatched for economic and load reduction purposes. Each year, PSEG Long Island must pre-purchase the electricity it will need to provide power to its customers for the following year, especially in the more demanding summer months. That capacity is estimated based on the previous year’s usage. When Smart Savers is implemented, it reduces the amount of overall energy being used, which reduces the amount of electricity needed to be purchased for the following summer period. That translates into future savings for all customers.

Activating the Smart Savers Thermostat program also allows PSEG Long Island to maintain an up-to-date assessment of the program’s capability to reduce demand on the hottest days of the year, or “peak load” days.

Be safe and energy-conscious

PSEG Long Island is providing suggestions for its customers to stay healthy, safe and energy-efficient during the extreme heat.

  • Set home thermostats or air conditioner units to 78 degrees.
  • Run major appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and pool pumps, in the morning or late evening to avoid the peak demand hours of 2 PM to 8 PM.
  • Set refrigerators and freezers at most-efficient temperatures.
  • Do not cool an empty house. Set your thermostat higher when you are away, or use a smart thermostat to control the temperature in your home.
  • Commercial and residential customers may sign up for the Peak Load Rewards program. Visit psegliny.com/saveenergyandmoney/GreenEnergy/PeakLoad for more details.
  • Close blinds and window coverings facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat.
  • Ceiling fans cool fast and cost less than air conditioning. (In hot weather, set ceiling fans to spin quickly, counterclockwise to push air downward.)
  • Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows with caulk or weather-stripping.
  • Replace old appliances with new energy efficient ENERGY STAR® appliances.
  • Replace air filters monthly. Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder.

Prepared for potential outages:

High temperatures, thunderstorms and high electric demand can sometimes cause scattered outages. PSEG Long Island has personnel available around the clock to address potential outages during this forecasted heatwave safely and as quickly as possible.

Stay connected:

  • Download the PSEG Long Island mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more.
  • Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to PSEGLI (773454). You can also report your outage through our app or our website at psegliny.com/outages.
  • To report an outage or downed wire, you can also call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number at 800-490-0075.
  • Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to report an outage and for updates before, during and after the storm.
  • Visit PSEG Long Island’s MyPower map for the latest in outage info, restoration times and crew locations across Long Island and the Rockaways at mypowermap.psegliny.com/.

# # #

PSEG Long Island

PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a long-term contract.  PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company. 

Visit PSEG Long Island at:

www.psegliny.com

Stony Brook University Hospital

Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) has been recognized as a 2024-25 Best Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, ranking in the top 15 in the state. SBUH climbed to a No. 12 ranking overall in New York State out of more than 153 hospitals statewide, up from No. 13 in the state last year. In addition to ranking in the top 8% overall in New York State, SBUH also rated high performing in 5 adult specialties nationwide, including Geriatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Urology and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. The announcement was made in a press release on July 16.

“We are immensely proud to be recognized by U.S. News for our commitment to excellence in patient care,” said William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Officer in Charge, Stony Brook University and Executive Vice President, Stony Brook Medicine. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication, skill, and compassion of our entire Stony Brook Medicine team and reflects our unwavering focus on providing patients the highest quality of care.”

“This honor highlights Stony Brook University Hospital’s continued efforts to deliver the highest quality care to our patients,” said Carol Gomes, MS, FACHE, CPHQ, Chief Executive Officer at Stony Brook University Hospital. “I am grateful to our entire team for their tireless efforts ensuring that our patients receive the comprehensive treatment and support they deserve.”

The evaluation of SBUH includes data from Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, which make up the Stony Brook Medicine healthcare system.

U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions; only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.

“For 35 years, U.S. News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A ‘Best Hospital’ recognition empowers patients to seek out medical care from the best of the best to treat their illness or condition.”

To calculate the Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodologymeasure patient outcomes using data from millions of records provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This year, among other methodology refinements, U.S. News incorporated new data on care provided to patients with Medicare Advantage insurance and on care provided to outpatients, nearly doubling the number of patients included in its annual data analysis. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals.

Photo from Vanderbilt Museum

Join Biologist-Ranger Eric Powers for a Hike on the Vanderbilt Estate

Join CEED wildlife biologist-ranger Eric Powers from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for an interpretive Nature Walk on the grounds of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“I enjoy taking a slow easy walk through the woods as I look for tracks and listen to bird calls,” Powers said. “I feel that animals often get a little closer when we are appreciating the beauty in nature.”

Please bring water and wear sturdy footwear. Bring binoculars if you have them, and your sense of adventure!

Other Nature Walks are scheduled for August 21 and September 18.

This is an advanced hiking trail with many steep climbs and descents along a variety of mixed terrain with an elevation gain of nearly 300 feet. There will be two opportunities to cut your hike short and head back to the parking lot if you feel you or your party cannot finish the entire loop. The signs will show you the way out.

Ticks are active in the woods all year long when temperatures are above freezing. To avoid ticks, please stay on the trail. Hikers assume all risks.

Tickets are $12 per person. To reserve your spot, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org or click here.

 

By TBR Staff

Port Jefferson residents enjoyed a day of American patriotism, which included a procession of community members, festively dressed families with red, white and blue-adorned pets and more for their annual 4th of July parade. The parade began on Main Street at 10 a.m. and was held by the Port Jefferson Fire Department. 

– Photos by Bill Landon

Two Stony Brook Heart Institute (SBHI) cardiothoracic surgeons have been inducted into the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS). Member inductions are reserved for a limited number of select physicians each year and SBHI has the distinction of having two cardiothoracic surgeons as AATS members. Henry Tannous, MD, Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Co-Director, SBHI, was inducted during AATS’s 104th annual meeting on April 29th and Allison McLarty, MD, Director, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program and Co-Director, Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Program, was selected by the AATS for induction in 2020. The membership recognizes expertise, innovation and outstanding reputation for clinical excellence in both adult cardiac and thoracic surgery.

“It is an honor to have been inducted into the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and to be acknowledged among so many esteemed researchers, clinicians and clinical leaders,” says Dr. Tannous. “I am immeasurably grateful to join this noteworthy group of individuals, including my accomplished colleague Dr. McLarty. Our entire cardiothoracic team is focused on one goal — to deliver the best in surgical outcomes to our patients.”

From Dr. McLarty, Stony Brook’s first AATS inductee: “Being a part of the elite AATS community is humbling and inspires me daily to be even more resolute and unwavering in my pursuit of cardiothoracic excellence. It is a pleasure to extend my congratulations to Dr. Tannous.”

Stony Brook’s Chair of the Department of Surgery, Apostolos Tassiopoulos, MD, shared his congratulations, “Drs. Tannous and McLarty have truly set a benchmark in their striving for quality cardiothoracic care — their hard work and dedication are always evident, and this honor is well deserved. Placing Stony Brook among the most advanced facilities in the U.S., our skilled and dedicated heart and lung surgeons and our growing cardiothoracic program continues to raise the bar for cardiac and thoracic care here on Long Island.”

Founded in 1917, the prestigious AATS is composed of more than 1,500 of the world’s foremost cardiothoracic surgeons from 46 countries and recognizes the height of professional achievement and significant contributions of those at the top of their field.

For more information about Dr. Tannous and Dr. McLarty, visit https://heart.stonybrookmedicine.edu/AATS

 

by -
0 494
Pictured here with four of the scholarship winners are (l-r): FCA supporter Rob Greenberger, Key Bridge Smiles; FCA President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey L. Reynolds, PhD, FCA Vice President of Strategic Advancement and Chief Development Officer Paige O’Brien, and Anthony Robles. Photo courtesy of FCA

Keynote features NCAA Champion wrestler Anthony Robles

Family and Children’s Association (FCA), a leading health and human services nonprofit organization on Long Island, held its 39th Annual Scholarship Breakfast last month at Nassau County Community College in Garden City. The event celebrated the shared accomplishments of its 46 scholarship recipients, who drew inspiration from two guest speakers; past scholarship winner Andrea Gomez and motivational speaker Anthony Robles, the 2011 NCAA individual wrestling national champion in the 125-pound weight class and 3-time All-America wrestler. Born with only one leg, Robles is the author of the book, Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion.

Nassau County Community College student Andrea Gomez opened the program, speaking of her journey to college; the challenges she faced immigrating from Honduras, her time in foster care and especially her determination to succeed. “Unstoppable” Anthony Robles gave the keynote address, holding the audience in rapt attention as he chronicled his astounding journey to achieve his wrestling titles and life goals. Both speakers touched upon their successes and their setbacks, stressing the importance of persistence, accepting help, guidance, and belief in oneself.  As Robles put it, “Never let your challenges be your excuse.”

New for this year, all attendees were invited to interact with and contribute inspirational, positive quotes or words of wisdom and share them on FCA’s “Wisdom Wall.” In addition, through a collaboration with Little Words Project, which creates inspirational bracelets popularized by Taylor Swift and other celebrities, FCA customized its own “Unstoppable” bracelet.  Guests who made a $35 donation received a bracelet specially designed to honor FCA’s 2024 Scholarship recipients and remind us ALL that there are no limits to what we can do.  One hundred percent of the profits go directly to FCA and benefit the more than 35,000 Long Islanders they help every year. Bracelets are still available. Make a donation and receive your bracelet by clicking HERE. 

The scholarship breakfast celebrates the generosity of scholarship donors, the extraordinary achievements of the scholarship winners, and the dedicated staff who administer the program. As part of the breakfast program, scholarship recipients are encouraged to meet the FCA donors who help make their education journey possible, gaining further opportunity for career insights and guidance.

Over three decades, FCA has gifted more than 1,500 scholarships collectively worth over $2,000,000 to students engaged with FCA’s programs and services, enabling at-risk teens to pursue higher education and improve their lives. In 2023 35 students received scholarship support and this year, 46 students will be receiving scholarships.

About FCA

FCA is a not-for-profit agency helping more than 35,000 Long Islanders each year. For 140 years, the organization has worked to protect and strengthen vulnerable children, seniors, families, and communities on Long Island.

FCA believes in the potential of Long Island – a place where no child, senior, family or community is left to struggle alone with barriers to health care, education, employment, or economic prosperity. Long Island continues to be one of the greatest places in the world to live and raise a family for many; FCA exists to ensure that be the case for all.

For more information about FCA, visit www.fcali.org

Scenes from Centereach High School’s graduation. Photos courtesy MCCSD

Middle Country Central School District celebrates 2024 high school graduates

Newfield High School and Centereach High School, of Middle Country Central School District, hosted respective commencement ceremonies for their 2024 graduating classes Thursday, June 27.

The ceremonies highlighted the achievements of the graduating seniors, while looking forward to their futures.

The event was attended by students, families, faculty and distinguished guests.

“Congratulations to the exceptional Class of 2024. These remarkable young individuals have positively influenced the Middle Country community through their academic and personal accomplishments, excelling in academics, creativity and athletics,” said Scott Graviano, principal of Newfield High School.

During the graduation ceremonies, the Class of 2024’s valedictorian and salutatorian took the podium to reflect on the last four years of their high school journeys, and expressed their gratitude to their teachers, parents and peers. The valedictorians are Michael Cosmo for Centereach and Saitta Roy for Newfield. The salutatorians are Gregory Mears for Centereach and Danica Lyktey for Newfield. 

“I am immensely proud of the Class of 2024, and all they have accomplished,” said Centereach High School principal, Thomas Bell. “I’d like to thank our teachers, staff and families for their relentless support and dedication to our students’ success. We look forward to seeing the amazing futures this class will create.” 

For more information regarding Middle Country Central School District and its students’ achievements, please visit the district’s website at www.mccsd.net.

Teachers Federal Credit Union, has announced the upcoming opening of its newest branch in The Shops at SunVet in Holbrook. Set to open in 2025 as part of the highly anticipated redevelopment of the existing SunVet Mall shopping center, this will be the newest branch Teachers Federal Credit Union will open since expanding its branch presence to Florida last year.

The SunVet Mall, once a landmark in the Holbrook community, is being transformed into a vibrant 168,000-square-foot open-air shopping center, The Shops at SunVet. This major revitalization project will feature an array of retail and dining options anchored by a new Whole Foods Market. The modernized center aims to provide a dynamic and enjoyable shopping experience for the local community and visitors alike.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence on Long Island and be a part of this exciting new development aimed at revitalizing the Holbrook area,” said Brad Calhoun, President and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union. “Selecting The Shops at SunVet for our next branch location underscores our commitment to strategic growth and providing our members with increased convenience and flexibility as they partner with Teachers Federal Credit Union on their financialjourneys.”

The new Teachers branch will feature a welcoming and innovative design and provide a full suite of financial services, including personal and business banking, mortgages, auto loans, and financial planning. Members will continue to benefit from the credit union’s commitment to exceptional service, competitive rates, as well as tools and resources needed to make informed financial decisions.  

“Opening our next branch at The Shops at SunVet aligns with our commitment to enhancing the financial well-being of our members and supporting the communities we serve,” added Calhoun. “We are excited to continue to share the value of a Teachers Federal Credit Union membership with more people in New York and across the country.” 

ABOUT TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Teachers Federal Credit Union (Teachers) is one of the country’s largest credit unions, with more than $9.8 billion in assets and more than 460,000 members across all 50 states. Founded in New York in 1952, Teachers is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution with an open charter offering membership to anyone in the U.S. through its 30 full-service branches and best-in-class digital solutions. Teachers is a key supporter of the communities it serves and is proud to offer a range of member-focused products with competitive rates and low fees. What started as a smart solution for teachers is now smart for all. For more information, visit www.teachersfcu.org.

Rachel Redhead. Photo by John Griffin/SBU

Stony Brook University Director of People & Culture, Rachael Redhead, has been awarded the State University of New York  (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

Working in a shared services model, which includes Finance & Administration (F&A), the Executive Office, as well as Marketing & Communications, Rachael’s responsibilities include oversight of human resource services for over 1,200 staff members across several diverse University areas including Budget, Financial Planning & Analysis; Enterprise Risk Management; Facilities & Services; Finance; HR; Marketing & Communications, Government & Community Relations, Athletics, and the Executive Office. During her tenure at Stony Brook, Rachael has implemented successful models for HR functions such as employee engagement, retention and training as well as provided organizational development and support from Central HR to various Divisions and Departments. She is also a leader of the F&A Alliance for Culture, Diversity & Inclusion at Stony Brook University.

The Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence are System-level honors conferred to acknowledge and provide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. Individuals nominated for these awards must meet all prescribed eligibility criteria and must be individuals of achievement, committed to the State University and its students, respected by the campus community and worthy of emulation by colleagues and students on the home campus and across SUNY.

“I congratulate Rachael on this well-deserved achievement,” said Jed Shivers, Senior Vice President, F&A. “She is an integral member of our F&A team, serving each of our VP areas and their unique goals, nuances and functions. Rachael consistently remains committed to treating each request, from each area, with her total focus, utmost attention and an enthusiastic attitude. She is always willing to help, and is someone who treats all members of our faculty, staff and student populations with respect, diplomacy and dignity.”

Rachael joined Stony Brook University in 2014 as an HR Coordinator in Finance & Administration. After working in F&A for three years, Rachael was recognized for her achievements and appointed to Senior Human Resources Business Partner of DoIT in 2017. In this position, she continued to assume additional responsibilities, routinely going above and beyond the scope of her role and was appointed in 2021 to her current position.

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School’s Class of 2024 graduates celebrated their commencement ceremony on June 28. Photo courtesy of Elwood School District

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School proudly celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2024, in a poignant ceremony.

This milestone event marked the students’ culmination of years of hard work, dedication and academic achievement.

Amidst a backdrop of cheers, applause and heartfelt speeches, the graduates of Earl L. Vandermeulen High School bid farewell to their alma mater, and embarked on the next chapter of their lives. The ceremony was attended by proud parents, family members, faculty and distinguished guests.

Superintendent Jessica Schmettan, and High School Principal, John Ruggero, delivered a heartfelt address to the graduating seniors.

As the evening concluded with the traditional tossing of caps, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of optimism and excitement for the bright futures that lie ahead for the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students.

For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District, and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org, and follow our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools.