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From left to right: Walt Whitman Birthplace Association Executive Director Caitlyn Shea, poetry contest winners Abigail Kaloo and Aleuris Lantigua, Legislator Rebecca Sanin, Kat Hankinson of West Hills Neighbors, and poetry contest honorable mention Yerlyn Umana
Legislator Sanin with sponsor Say Cheese Pizza Café.
Legislator Sanin decorating pots with youth participants.

On Sunday, May 18, Legislator Rebecca Sanin hosted an Earth Day Celebration at West Hills County Park, bringing together residents, local organizations, and community partners for a day of environmental education, family fun, and sustainability-focused engagement. The event featured a wide range of community sponsors, partners, and vendors, including: Silver Edge Construction, Confident Minds Psychotherapy and Coaching, County Line Hardware, Harbor Paint, Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, West Hills Neighbors, DDR Farm, Say Cheese Pizza Café, and PSEG.

In addition, the event welcomed a series of organizations that provided educational materials and interactive experiences, including: Long Island Clean Energy Hub, Toxic/Nature Studios, Art League of Long Island, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Decor by Don, PuroClean of Huntington, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County – Marine Department, and the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS). Additional appreciation is extended to the Commack Library and Elwood Library for providing lawn games, and for contributing to a fun and engaging atmosphere for families throughout the day.

“It is truly an inspiration to watch our community gather in support of our home planet,” said Legislator Sanin. “Our earth is the most precious that gift we have, and it is up to all of us to advocate for, respect, and celebrate that gift.”

Now in its second year, Legislator Sanin’s Earth Day Celebration continues to bring the community together in support of local environmental efforts. The event highlighted the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future through the Earth Day Poetry Contest, where student participants expressed their environmental values through powerful creative writing. Legislator Sanin extends her congratulations to winners Abigail Kaloo and Kenji Flores of Walt Whitman High School, and Aleuris Lantigua of Brentwood High School for the creativity and care demonstrated in their poetry submissions.

The event showed a shared commitment to environmental change and the importance of making everyday Earth Day through continued advocacy, education, and sustainable choices.

 

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Celebrate turtles at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery on May 23 and 24.
PROGRAMS

World Turtle Day Celebration

Join the Cold Spring Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor in celebrating World Turtle Day on May 23 and May 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a scavenger hunt and crafts. On May 24, enjoy turtle encounters at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. along with a feeding demo at noon. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 5 to 12. 516-692-6768

Open Farm Days

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will be open to the public this weekend, May 24 and May 25, in celebration of Memorial Day from noon to 4 p.m. Tour the farm, visit with the animals, see the new babies and enjoy the Big Swing with an open mic event on a Model T truck on Saturday and sheep sheering demonstrations on Sunday. Admission is $12 adults, $10 seniors and children. 631-689-8172

Open Play at the Explorium

The Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson will be open on May 24 and May 25 for Open Play from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join them in celebrating STEM, Space, Math, and Makers with hands-on activities, crafts, and more. Admission is $8 adults, $6 children. 631-331-3277

Flag Craft for Memorial Day

Drop by the Cold Spring Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for a Make Your Own Flag craft on May 24 or May 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 5 to 12. 516-692-6768

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on May 26 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

THEATER

‘The SpongeBob Musical’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition by the Engeman Players on May 27 and June 2 at 7 p.m.  Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Why, it’s SpongeBob SquarePants! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. Tickets are $25. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for a hysterical musical retelling of the wonderful story Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs from May 31 to June 21 with a sensory friendly performance on June 1 at 11 a.m. Come on down for this daffy tale with a Queen, a Witch, a Princess with skin as white as snow, and seven crazy dwarfs that are guaranteed to keep you laughing from start to finish. Tickets are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

FILM

‘The Muppets Take Manhattan’

As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents The Muppets Take Manhattan on May 25 at noon. When Kermit the Frog and friends start a stage act, they decide to take the show from their college town to Broadway. However, once the Muppets wind up in New York City, they have difficulty finding financial support for the production, instead running into cheats like Murray Plotsky. Unable to stage the show, the group splits up, and they all take different jobs around the country. Just as Kermit thinks he has finally found a backer, an accident gives him amnesia. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

OPEN CAST CALL

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will hold open auditions for ages 12 to 18 on May 29 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. to join the Engeman Select Players for two performances of Grease School Edition. Call backs will be on June 19 and 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and classes begin on July 1. Performances will be held on Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. Call 631-261-2900 to register.

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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Long Island native and RSOM graduate Kevin Langbart, center, is among the new MDs who will stay at Stony Brook Medicine for their residencies. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz
A group of new MDs from the RSOM celebrate with each other during the school’s 51st Convocation. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz
A total of 133 graduates of the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) recite the Physicians’ Oath for the first time as newly minted MDs. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz
The RSOM Class of 2025 pose and wave during the Convocation on May 19 at Stony Brook University. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz

133 RSOM graduates celebrate during the school’s 51st Convocation; residency training begins in July

The Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) at Stony Brook University celebrated its 51st Convocation on May 19 when 133 graduates received their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. The newly minted physicians will start their residency training in early July.

A talented and diverse group set to practice medicine in more than 20 specialties – such as residencies related to primary care, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, neurology, radiology, surgery and psychiatry – the RSOM graduates, collectively, will practice at leading hospitals and academic medical centers in New York State and 17 other states. A majority (55 percent) will remain in New York, with nearly 15 percent staying at Stony Brook Medicine.

The need for more physicians in the United States and globally remains high, particularly because of aging populations and the need for physician specialists. With ever increasing new technologies to diagnose and treat diseases, and the emergence of AI and telemedicine, opportunities to further advance Medicine in this 21st Century will expand. New MDs entering the workforce will be a major part of that advancement.

Peter Igarashi, MD, the Knapp Dean of the RSOM and Presider over the Convocation, congratulated the 133 graduates and cited their dedication, perseverance, and achievements during this celebration of their journeys that brought them all to this moment as new physicians.

“Over the last four plus years at the Renaissance School of Medicine, you have received the best medical education that New York State has to offer,” said Dr. Igarashi. “The combination of training in the science and art of medicine and the social determinants of health has prepared you to be doctors, well-equipped for whoever walks in the door.”

Susan M. Wolf, JD, a nationally recognized leader in medicine, law, and ethics, Chair of the Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences, Regents Professor, and Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota, delivered the Convocation Address.

Professor Wolf has devoted her academic career to solving ethical and legal challenges in patient care and biomedical research. Her pioneering work has influenced how medicine approaches end-of-life care, the return of research results and incidental findings, and the ethical integration of technologies like genomics and AI.

She encouraged the students to practice medicine with the highest ethics and to be patient advocates during the caregiving process, helping to empower patients and their decisions in an age when medicine is advancing at a rapid pace even as quality of life and death issues remain paramount.

The 133 new MDs celebrated with each other, RSOM faculty, friends and family members throughout the day. This included a special shout out and a rousing applause from them during the ceremony directed to their parents and loved ones, who sacrificed much time and means throughout the graduates’ medical school journey.

The RSOM Class of 2025 join a long history of the school’s graduates. Since the first graduating class of 1974, the RSOM has issued more than 5,000 MD degrees, more than 600 PhD degrees, and nearly 750 master’s degrees to more than 6,200 graduates.

 

 

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A participant at last year's tournament. Photo by Carol Tokosh

The Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve will hold its annual Catch and Release Junior Angler Fishing Tournament at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, on Saturday,  June 14. The event is rain or shine.

The tournament will be divided into two groups: ages 5 through 8 from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. and ages 9 to 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Sign-in begins 30 minutes before each start time. Trophies will be awarded in three categories at each session.

Those interested in participating in the tournament must register by Thursday, June 12, and adults must accompany anglers under the age of 10. The entry fee is $20 and includes bait, hooks and bobbers, junior angler tee shirts, refreshments, and goody bags for all participants. A limited number of fishing rods are available if required. An $8 NYS Parks parking fee will be in effect. 

For more information or to register, call the Caleb Smith State Preserve office at 631-265-1054, Tuesday through Sunday.

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Photo courtesy of StatePoint

Ancient civilizations had hieroglyphics, we have QR codes: the patterned graphic boxes prompting you to access restaurant menus, pay for parking, find out information about a package and more.

Generally, quick response (QR) codes are safe, but they can be used to redirect you to malicious websites, so caution is important. Here’s how it works.

• You get prompted to use your device’s camera.

• You scan the code and a link pops up.

• You click the link, exposing you to threat actors.

• You’re directed to apps, websites, locations using your maps and much more.

Bad actors understand people are in a rush, so this is an appealing form of attack. It’s a cost-efficient scam because these codes are easy to generate and distribute. And they are creative in finding new ways to make them appear legitimate. In public places, criminals can cover an official code with a sticker or printout showing a fraudulent code. Some of the more prevalent and convincing scams include:

• Parking Ticket Scams. Criminals place fake parking tickets with QR codes on windshields, causing unsuspecting victims to scan the code and click the link to learn of their offense and digitally pay the alleged fine.

• Brushing Scams. A criminal will ship goods you never ordered, then require you to scan the QR code and click the link to see who sent you the gift.

• Payment Scams. Criminals cover a legitimate QR code with a sticker that has a fraudulent code that directs to a malicious site. This can happen at gas pumps, bank windows, parking lots, etc.

• Crypto Scams. Crypto transactions are often made through QR codes associated with crypto accounts, making this an appealing target for fraudsters, especially since once crypto payments are made, it’s unlikely those funds will be recovered.

To stay safe when using QR codes:

• Check the URL: Once you scan and the link pops up, stop! Examine it for unusual domain names or shortened URLs before clicking.

• Verify the source: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources, like official websites or apps. Codes from unfamiliar sources are more likely to be malicious.

• Check for tampering: Look for signs of tampering, like altered graphics, design flaws or stickers placed atop original codes.

• Be suspicious: Treat sites asking for a password or login information as a red flag.

• Be wary of promotions: Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.

• Use a secure connection: Look for a secure connection (HTTPS) or padlock.

• Confirm validity of request: Before taking action, like making a payment or entering personal information, confirm a request to scan with the company. If you receive a QR code from someone you know, reach out to them through a known number or email to verify they sent it.

• Protect your device: Use antivirus and antimalware software.

• Report. If you identify a suspicious QR code or fall victim to a QR code scam, notify your bank and report it to law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission.

If you scan a fake QR code, your bank account, email and identity could all be at risk. For actions to take, consult PNC Bank’s Reporting Fraud page on pnc.com.

Cyber criminals are always finding new ways to defraud their victims, and QR codes are no exception. With a little caution however, you can better protect yourself. (StatePoint)

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Pope Leo XIV. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

By Luciana Hayes

On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected and chose the name Pope Leo XIV after a two-day conclave. He is the first American pope. But with any change comes controversy, especially when there is conflict between tradition and modernization. What do locals think of this new pope? 

TBR News Media tackles this question by asking Long Islanders to share their opinions about recently elected Pope Leo XIV.

Nicole Connelly

Nicole Connelly looks forward to seeing a pope from the same city as her, Chicago, and one that enjoys tennis as much as she. While this is a simple validation, it leads her to feel a connection to the new pope because of it. 

Thomas Worthington

Based on the information received, Thomas Worthington thinks Pope Leo XIV will continue the work of Pope Francis. In addition, Pope Leo XIV seems to be a good humanitarian who supports marginalized individuals. Worthington says, “He appears to be looking out for the underdogs in the world.”

Anonymous, East Setauket

This resident reflects on the matter by explaining how she thinks Pope Leo XIV will effectively enforce Catholic tradition, while still maintaining a more humane aspect that previous popes lacked. She also feels that many American Catholics can relate to him because of his nationality. “He has shown he’s a very human person with his enthusiasm for baseball,” Moody explains.

Jeanine Lewis, Holbrook

When asked about Pope Leo XIV, Jeanine Lewis responded, “I like him because he has a very kind smile and he’s a people person. You can see he connects with the people.” Another quality Lewis appreciates from the pope is his ability to keep Catholic traditions, but modify some of them to fit modern times.

Layla Fayed, East Setauket

Layla Fayed welcomes the new pope with cautious optimism in hopes to see him successfully modernize church doctrine. She looks to Pope Leo XIV to allow female leadership in the Catholic Church and openness toward the LGBTQ+ community. Fayed states, “overall, his papacy will be closely observed for how seriously it regards equality and inclusivity.

 

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Photo from Staller Center Facebook

This summer marks a major milestone as the Stony Brook Film Festival  celebrates its 30th anniversary at Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts. Running from Thursday, July 17, through Saturday, July 26, audiences are invited to experience ten nights of extraordinary films from around the world, including world premieres, U.S. debuts, and must-sees that you cannot see anywhere else.

Early Bird Passes are on sale now, offering the best value for access to the film screenings and festival events. Pass options include the VIP Gold Pass, Regular Pass, and the Flex Pass, which grants access to any five days of the festival. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-time guest, there’s a pass to match your interest and availability. Pass prices increase after June 9, so film lovers are encouraged to secure their passes early for the best price at stonybrookfilmfestival.com.

What began in 1995 as a modest campus initiative to enliven the quiet summer months has grown into a nationally recognized festival known for its bold storytelling and strong community of filmmakers and filmgoers. Over the past three decades, the festival has remained a champion of hard-to-find films, selected from over 2,000 annual submissions, and continues to thrive as a live, in-theater experience. This year’s lineup features 36 amazing short films and powerful feature-length dramas, thrillers, and comedies—many of which are screening for the very first time. These exceptional American independent and international titles cannot be seen in local theaters or streamed on any platform. They are only available on the region’s largest screen at Staller.

All passholders receive guaranteed Priority Seating, entry to filmmaker Q&As, eligibility to vote for the Audience Choice Awards, discounts at local partner businesses, and a commemorative festival gift. Each pass level includes its own set of perks, which can be found at stonybrookfilmfestival.com/pass.

Take this opportunity to be part of a cinematic tradition 30 years in the making. For more information and to purchase Early Bird Passes, visit stonybrookfilmfestival.com.

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From left, (standing) Chief of Department Sean Martin, Third Assistant Chief Ken Kowalchuk, Commissioner John Buchner, Commissioner Ken Staufer, Commissioner Hank Strong, Second Assistant Chief Jeremy Freund, (sitting) Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Commissioner Debra Handel, and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office
Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio joined local leaders, first responders, and residents in honoring the members of the Rocky Point Fire Department at their annual Installation Dinner held on Saturday, May 17th at Majestic Gardens in Rocky Point. The event marked the formal installation of the department’s 2025 officers and celebrated the continued dedication and service of the department’s firefighters and volunteers.
“It’s always a privilege to be with the brave men and women of the Rocky Point Fire Department,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “Their selfless commitment to protecting our community is truly inspiring, and this evening is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work.”
The Installation Dinner is a time-honored tradition that brings together the Rocky Point community in support of its fire and emergency medical services. The evening featured speeches, acknowledgments of years of service, and the swearing-in of newly appointed leadership within the department. Councilwoman Bonner expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the department for their ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and for the sacrifices they make every day in service to the community.

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Dr. James Paci and Dr. Robert Trasolini pose with orthopedic implants. Photo from Northwell Health
The sports medicine team at Huntington Hospital’s orthopedics department has introduced two biologically advanced implant procedures designed to improve outcomes for patients with knee injuries and early joint degeneration.

Orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Robert Trasolini, DO, recently performed the hospital’s first BEAR® (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration) Implant procedure on an 18-year-old male athlete, offering a promising new alternative to traditional ACL reconstruction. The BEAR implant is a collagen-based device that, when combined with the patient’s blood, forms a collagen matrix that protects and supports the healing ligament. It contains biological signals that stimulate the ACL to heal, preserving the body’s own tissue rather than replacing it with a graft.

“This is a tremendous advancement for younger, active patients,” said Dr. Trasolini. “The BEAR implant not only restores stability to the knee but does so in a way that supports the body’s natural healing process, potentially reducing recovery time and improving long-term joint health.”

In a separate milestone, James Paci, MD, director of orthopedic surgery and sports medicine for Suffolk County at The Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group at Northwell, performed the hospital’s first CartiHeal Agili-C™ implant procedure on a 52-year-old female patient. The coral-based implant acts as a biological scaffold for patients with cartilage lesions who have not yet reached the stage requiring a total knee replacement.

The implant is designed to buy patients 10 to 15 years of pain relief and function before more invasive surgery might be necessary. Made from natural coral, the implant encourages bone marrow elements to migrate into the lesion, promoting the regrowth of cartilage over 6 to 9 months.

“This technology fills a significant gap in our treatment options,” said Dr. Paci. “For the right patient, typically someone too young or active for a knee replacement but dealing with painful cartilage defects, the Agili-C implant offers a bridge that restores function and improves quality of life.”

“These breakthrough procedures reflect Huntington Hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering advanced, evidence-based orthopedic care to our community,” said Adam Bitterman, DO, chairman of orthopedic surgery at Huntington Hospital. “Innovative treatments like these not only enhance recovery outcomes but also support the long-term joint health and quality of life for our patients.”

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The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook recently hosted Huntington Film Director Sean Quincy King  who screened his latest film ScreamWalkers on May 17. This event was part of LIMEHOF’s Monthly Local Filmmakers Series putting the spotlight on Long Island Directors and their films.

“We’re so appreciative of the spotlight and the opportunity to screen here,” said King. “Having a place like LIMEHOF to screen local movies and feature local talent is so invaluable because it gives other people the opportunity to see what’s happening locally and to inspire. For someone who just started a band or just picked up a movie camera for the first time…to see that there is a place here that is interested and is willing to feature you and give you a chance. Filmmakers beg for that kind of opportunity.”

The film series is sponsored by Rob Eberle of Magnetic Vine and G&R Events. Following the screening, there was a Q&A panel emceed by LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham. Director Sean King, Bob Heckman, Will Puntarich, Glenn McBride Jr. and Peter Bune Jr. participated.

“The LIMEHOF Local Filmmakers Series is a celebration of the incredible filmmaking talent emerging from our region,” said Needham. “Each month, we showcase the creativity, passion, and dedication of local filmmakers, providing them with a platform to share their work and connect with audiences who appreciate the power of storytelling. This series is an important part of our mission to support the arts and highlight Long Island’s impact on the entertainment industry.”

Sean Qunicy King is an award-winning director, cinematographer, producer and actor whose films and TV credits include the cult classic comedy/horror TV show The Ghouligans! (2005-2015). He is also known for his cinematography work on the award-winning films Night For Day (2008), The Night Never Sleeps (2012), Send No Flowers (2013), and Cigarette Soup (2014). King has also worked as director on many commercials, documentaries, feature and television projects as well, such as Lost Suburbia (2007), This Mortal Coil (2010), and Hunter’s Moon(2015).

Screamwalkers was shot on Long Island in Huntington, Northport, Farmingville, and Setauket and stars actors from Long Island including Elizabeth Davoli, Glenn McBride Jr., Sasha Graham, Andy Rowell, Jason Seidl, Celia Spero, Rose Stark, Will Puntarich, Dino Castelli, Jen Elyse Feldy, Bernard Jackson, Ariann Huether, Ed Huether, Arabelis Griffin, Talia Griffin, Aidan P. Finnegan, Joe Winchell and Matt Weir.

The next LIMEOHF Local Filmmaker series film series event will be on June 21st and feature West Babylon Film Director Joe Pomarico. LIMEHOF welcomes nominations of local film directors and movies for consideration to feature in the series. For more information: Contact LIMEHOF at [email protected]

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 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

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