Community

Photo courtesy of Fathom Events

Calling all Trekkies! In addition to being the 55th anniversary of Star Trek, this year also marks the 35th anniversary of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. To celebrate, Paramount Pictures and Fathom Events will “beam” a remastered version of The Voyage Home to select movie theaters nationwide on Thursday, Aug. 19 (which also would have been Gene Roddenberry’s 100th birthday) and Sunday, Aug. 22.

This special screening will also include a featurette called “Three Picture Saga,” featuring cast and crew exploring the backstory of the story arc seen in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.

Plot: When a mysterious alien power threatens the atmosphere of Earth in the 23rd Century, Captain Kirk and his crew must time travel back to 1986 San Francisco to save mankind. Exploring this strange new world, they encounter punk rock, pizza and exact-change buses that are as alien as anything in the far reaches of the galaxy. 

“We are so proud to work with Paramount to bring this Star Trek film back to theaters for the 35th anniversary,” said Tom Lucas, VP of Studio Relations at Fathom Events in a statement. “Between being nominated for four Academy Awards and the unconventional storyline, this film, in particular, deserves the big-screen treatment.”

The event is set to coincide not only with the film’s 35th anniversary, but also with its upcoming release on 4K UHD Blu-ray in Star Trek: The Original 4-Movie Collection, set to hit shelves on September 7.

Screenings will be held at AMC Stony Brook 17, 2196 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook at 3 and 7 p.m. on both days and at Island Cinema De Lux, 185 Morris Ave., Holtsville at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19 and 3 p.m. on Aug. 22. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.

Mia

Mia is a three year-old Female Mastiff and Lab Mix. Mia has a heartbreaking story, arriving at the Smithtown Animal Shelter after she was hit by a car. Fortunately, she ended up with only minor scrapes and fractures in her foot. However, her owner could not afford medical treatments, and she was surrendered to the Shelter as a result.

Mia

Mia grew up as a yard dog, where she lived a life where she didn’t get much exposure to others. Her time in the Shelter has helped her come out of her shell, and she has shown how goofy, affectionate, and loving she can be. Mia’s favorite activities include walks and playing with toys! It takes her some time to get used to strangers, but once you become friends with her, she’ll reward you with snuggles and kisses. Mia would do well in homes with non-dominant dogs that are her size and with children 14 and older.

She is spayed, microchipped and up to date on her vaccines.

If you are interested in meeting Mia, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting, which includes our Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and our Dog Walk trail. Family Pet Meet and Greets and at home interactions are also welcome and an integral part of the adoption process.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Shelter operating hours are currently 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.smithtownanimalshelter.com.

 

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Chelsea Gomez, left, is a former employee who says Pentimento's owner has properly taken care of the septic system at the restaurant. Photo by Kimberly Brown

Residents who have banded together to save Pentimento Restaurant in Stony Brook Village Center, before taking to the village streets Sunday to protest, started a Facebook page and petition earlier this month.

The petition on Change.org, started by Patricia Kirchner, has received almost 3,300 signatures as of Aug. 18. It states that the restaurant has been refused a lease renewal by The Ward Melville Heritage Organization.

Eagle Realty Holdings is the owner of the Stony Brook Village Center storefronts, which selects tenants, collects rent and maintains the shopping center property. Net proceeds are distributed to WMHO. According to Gloria Rocchio, president of Eagle Realty Holdings and WMHO, the realty company pays more than $725,000 in real estate taxes a year.

Rocchio added the WMHO board of trustees are non-salaried volunteers.

On the Save Pentimento Facebook page, which has more than 400 followers, the administrators have requested that, in addition to members calling and emailing WMHO’s office and Rocchio, they also contact trustees and have listed the board members’ phone numbers and email addresses.

In a phone interview Aug. 16, Rocchio said she believes many community members are acting on misinformation.

“They don’t have all the facts,” she said. “They only have one side of the story.”

Rocchio added that it’s not standard protocol to discuss where a tenant stands as far as a lease, rent or any other interactions between the landlord and business. 

Earlier this month, Pentimento owner Dennis Young told TBR News Media that last year he was required to request an extension of the lease, which expires at the end of September. He said while trying to keep the restaurant afloat during the pandemic, renewing slipped his mind.

While Young is thinking about retiring in the near future, he said friends were interested in buying the business and keeping Pentimento as it is.

Rocchio said in addition to not providing notice of an interest to renew the lease last year, the tenant failed “to comply with the requirement to maintain the septic system” which is described in the lease. She added the new owners that were recommended by Young were interviewed as well as other candidates.

Young said he has maintained the property during his 27 years of ownership.

Restaurant manager Lisa Cusumano in a phone interview said she and Young have not been part of any of the planning of the petition or the rally and have been too busy running the business to keep up with the comments on the Save Pentimento Facebook page.

“The community is taking it in their own hands, and it has a life of its own,” she said.

In an Aug. 6 post to the Pentimento Restaurant Facebook page, residents were asked to remember that the business isn’t a separate entity but is part of Stony Brook Village Center. Patrons were encouraged to support all the businesses in the shopping center.

“The community outpouring has been overwhelming and it’s touching, but we don’t want people to go against the village center because that’s our home, and they’re all our neighbors — those businesses are just like us,” Cusumano said.

Not only have Young and her been overwhelmed by the community’s response via social media and the Aug. 15 rally, they said customers come in every day asking why they are closing.

“There isn’t a customer that does not walk in our restaurant every day and says, ‘What is going on, why is this happening?’” Cusumano said.

According to Rocchio, no final decision has been made as far as a future tenant.

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Residents rally in front of Pentimento. Photo by Kimberly Brown

Residents gathered outside Pentimento on Sunday to show support for the restaurant, which is set to close its doors on Sept. 30. The business has been a staple in Stony Brook Village Center for 27 years.

Julia Lopinto, of Setauket, shows support for Pentimento Sunday. Photo by Kimberly Brown

Standing at the entrance of the restaurant with pizza boxes, cardboard strips and homemade picket signs reading “Save Penti!” and “Good Neighbors Deserve Better Treatment!” a few dozen locals made sure to exhibit their concerns for the struggling business.

“I loved watching them grow,” said Sharon Goetchius, of Stony Brook. “It is such a warm place, and the food is amazing. It’s got everything, and the way this is all going down is really unfortunate.”

On July 29, Pentimento posted on its Facebook page that it was unable to extend the term of its lease and will be looking to relocate in or around the Three Village area.

Disappointed that Eagle Realty Holdings didn’t negotiate a new lease for the long-standing restaurant, locals are hoping to garner support throughout the community, making sure their voices are heard and the restaurant stays.

“They should turn this around and extend their lease, that is the ethically right thing to do,” Goetchius said.

“Because of all the COVID madness, the renewing of the lease kind of slipped through the cracks, although they always intended to renew.” said Lisa Blake, of St. James. “Rather than extending some kindness and neighborliness, the landlord is saying, ‘No, you missed that little window, so you’re out of here.’”

According to Gloria Rocchio, president of Eagle Realty Holdings, along with not renewing the lease in time, the business also failed to comply with the maintenance of its septic system. However, Chelsea Gomez, a former employee of 15 years at Pentimento, said she highly disagrees with this statement.

“I have firsthand knowledge of how often we had to pump the septic system, so I know that the owners were doing everything they could to maintain it,” Gomez said. “This is not a case of neglect or that they didn’t want to spend the money to fix it. They’ve always done everything they can to maintain not only the septic system but everything about this restaurant, too.”

Loyal customers reflected on their fond memories of Pentimento Restaurant, from celebrating weddings, anniversaries, birthdays to just a simple night out to dinner — it seems the business has played a part in every customer’s life.

“I’ve come here throughout my childhood, and it’s such an integral part of the community that I don’t want it to go away,” said Julia Lopinto, a Setauket resident. “It’s a quaint, homey place that has strong roots in this community, and us being here today is evidence of how willing we are to defend it.”

For Rocchio’s and Cusumano’s reaction to the rally, read WMHO president, restaurant manager respond to residents’ cries.

Photo from Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket will present an African Drumming Circle in September. Sharon Pataky and Tracy Hamilton will be teaching a 12- week semester of 1 hour classes (in person and zoom) on Friday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

There are many benefits from learning the African drum (djembe and dunun). Being in a communal drum circle reduces anxiety, reduces stress and gives one a feeling of connection with those around you. The drum is a vehicle for different kinds of transformation. It can transform an emotional state from one of anger, sadness or conflict  into  a state or feeling of well-being.

For more information about drum purchasing, tuition information and class schedule, call Linda at 631-543 0337 or email [email protected].

Stock photo

Senator Mario R. Mattera (2nd Senate District) and The Salvation Army of East Northport are partnering for a back-to-school supply drive from now through Friday, August 27th. During the effort, Senator Mattera’s district office, which is located at 180 East Main Street in Smithtown, will serve as a drop off location for supplies.

With the help of The Salvation Army, volunteers will fill backpacks to be distributed to children in the community. According to the Salvation Army, the most-needed supplies include: backpacks, binders, folders, notebooks, index cards, pens, pencils, glue sticks, rulers, pencils, pencil cases, crayons, highlighters, markers, and erasers.

The Salvation Army in East Northport prioritizes having a positive impact on its community through education and service; offering numerous services and events to better our communities financially, educationally, and physically. In addition to the school supply drive, the Salvation Army supports sports programs, educational programs and recreational camps.

“It is truly my privilege to partner with The Salvation Army to help school-aged children in our area.  My office is happy to partner with a purposeful, passionate group to ensure that the children of our community have the resources they need to succeed in the upcoming school year. By getting these children the supplies they need, we can help set them up for greater success and that is something every child deserves,” stated Senator Mattera.  “I thank everyone who has donated and all who will.”

For more information, please call 631-361-2154.

'Phoenix' by Jae JQ Breslow

The Huntington Arts Council (HAC) in partnership with Sea of Visibility is currently presenting SEA of Visibility: The Voyage Exhibition: Curated by Anu Annam at their Main Street Gallery in Huntington and on their website at huntingtonarts.org.  The show runs through Sept. 4.

Artists were invited to “add your vision, your voice, and your voyage, making the invisible, visible, so the story of our collective struggle can be found, and the very specific connection for healing and integration can be made.”

Participating artists include Anu Annam, Tiffany Asadourian, Leila Atkinson, Robyn Bellospirito, Angelo Blanda, Jae ‘JQ’ Breslow, John Cino, Patty Eljaiek, Sueey Gutierrez, Regina Halliday, Andrew Hornberger, Roya Jenner, Maya Kawachi, Christophe Lima, Gina Mars, Margaret Minardi, Loretta Oberheim, Mark Propper, Dr. Nichelle Rivers, Devlin Starr, Robert Stenzel and Chloe Wheeler.

“The artwork for SEA of Visibility: The Voyage was selected based on visual craftsmanship, language, and resonance, and the stories that drove their creation. The work represents the deeply personal and varied experiences of the artists included. Topics range from a life-altering accident, perseverance through various disabilities, strained family relationships, acknowledgment of vulnerabilities and shadow sides, dreams, death, living with grief, facing absurdity, coping with a harrowing pandemic to the inexplicable, even irrational, hope that is the wind in the sails of our own “hero’s journey”. The final artwork selections embrace the sunlit space of the Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery—chosen based on how they interact with one another and the venue. They create a community voice through this larger work of art that is the exhibition, together, on a singular voyage to be heard and understood” said Curator Anu Annam.

“The Huntington Arts Council is very happy to have the opportunity to partner with Anu Annam and Sea of Visibility. The pieces in The Voyage reflect a beautiful diversity of work and variety of mediums. The exhibition tells individual stories filled with emotion and powerful intent. I encourage everyone to come to our Main Street Gallery and experience this show in person” said HAC Executive Director, Marc Courtade.

The Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington is open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For weekend hours, call 631-271-8423.

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SEA of Visibility is an organization based in Long Island, NY that embraces our multicultural, queer, and disabled artists and our allies, focusing on neurodiversity and mental health. It “Supports Expression through the Arts” (SEA) and promotes destigmatization and integration through multidisciplinary art exhibitions, performances, and art-making programs-broadening the public’s vision on what mental illness is.

Matthew Hetterich with Nancy Geiger, Director of Gurwin Home Care Agency, after receiving his award. Photo from Gurwin Jewish

Matthew Hetterich, administrator of Gurwin Healthcare System’s Certified Home Health Agency in Commack, has been honored with a 2021 Moxy Man Award. The award is presented by the Moxxie Mentoring Foundation and honors men and organizations that have contributed to the advancement of women in the workplace.

The Sound Beach resident was nominated by four women who have worked closely with him throughout his career. They highlighted his intelligence, kindness, fierce independence and his ability to constantly unify those he worked with. 

“Matt has always reminded us to continue to fight the good fight and that sitting back was never an option. He always inspired,” said Taryn Birkmire, executive director of Recco Home Care. Eileen Gerard, an agency consultant at Addus Homecare, said, “Matthew was surrounded by powerful, convicted women, and he never feared us. He embraced us as we all learned from each other, and together we soared.”

Hetterich was celebrated at a luncheon in June. Upon receiving the award, he shared high praise for his female colleagues. 

“Healthcare, especially home care, is primarily dominated by women in both clinical and administrative roles. I’m fortunate to have spent my career surrounded by strong, intelligent women who have shared invaluable professional and life experience that has helped me to not only become a better leader, but a better person as well.”

Photo from Stony Brook Medicine

As we continue to battle against the coronavirus and approach flu season, it’s imperative that we know the facts about the vax. This Tuesday, August 17, join experts from Stony Brook Medicine as they discuss the importance of and science behind vaccines during a LIVE virtual event. Our experts will dispel misconceptions and address concerns surrounding key vaccinations, including those for COVID-19, the flu, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

The ongoing pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for healthcare providers and patients. A recent study showed a 71% drop in healthcare visits for 7 to 17-year-olds, when critical vaccines like Tdap, HPV, and meningitis are given. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls at age 11 or 12 because it works best when given before exposure to HPV. It can be given as early as age nine, and through age 26 for both men and women, if they did not get vaccinated when they were younger. The vaccine is safe with more than 270 million doses having been given worldwide since 2006. Even though the HPV vaccine can prevent many cancers caused by HPV infection, nearly half of adolescents in New York State are not getting the vaccine as recommended.

Every year in New York, nearly 2,600 people are diagnosed with cancer caused by HPV. To help educate those across Long Island about the importance of HPV vaccination for cancer prevention in adolescents, the Stony Brook University Cancer Center received a grant funded by the New York State Department of Health and Health Research Inc. This allows Stony Brook, the first and only institution on Long Island to be part of the Cancer Prevention in Action (CPIA) program, an opportunity to further promote the importance of the HPV vaccine as cancer prevention.

WHEN:

Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Noon EST

The livestream event can be seen on:

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stonybrookmedicine/posts/4181276798594857

Or

Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlmY5d_QUTE

Moderator Sharon Nachman

MODERATOR:

  • Sharon Nachman, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Dean for Research at the Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University & Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

PANELISTS:

  • Jill Cioffi, MD, FAAP, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University and Medical Director of Ambulatory Primary Care Pediatrics, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

  • Lauren Ng, DO, FAAP, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University and Primary Care Pediatrics, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital

For more information on Stony Brook Medicine’s vaccine program visit, https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/vaccine

This program is supported with funding from the State of New York. The views expressed in this educational event and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the State.

Muppet

Old dogs have something to wag about this summer, as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center in Huntington are among the winners.

Little Shelter is one of 77 animal welfare groups chosen from 266 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs.  The winning groups received more than $616,000 in grants to help save or improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities.

“This grant will help us give senior dogs like 13-year-old Muppet the veterinary and dental care he needs so he’ll be ready to go to his forever home,” said David Ceely of Little Shelter. “No one is more grateful or loving than an old dog, and we’re looking forward to helping more senior dogs get the second chance they all deserve.”

Over the past 13 years, the national nonprofit Grey Muzzle Organization has provided $3.1 million in grants to support its vision of “a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.”

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re delighted to help deserving organizations like Little Shelter make a difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities,” Grey Muzzle’s Executive Director Lisa Lunghofer said. “Many senior dogs on Long Island are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the wonderful work of Little Shelter.”

Little Shelter is a non-profit no-kill animal shelter located at33 Warner Road in Huntington and has been dedicated to saving abandoned dogs and cats and placing them in loving homes since 1927. Age, physical condition, and socialization issues are never criteria for rescuing a dog or cat whose life is in jeopardy.https://www.littleshelter.org/

The national nonprofit The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other nonprofit groups nationwide. For details, please visit https://www.greymuzzle.org/

For more information, please visit https://www.littleshelter.org/ or call 631-368-8770 x 21