contest

Press release submitted by the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve

Despite the rain, 45 junior anglers participated in the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve Junior Angler Tournament on Saturday, June 7.

The Friends group hosted two catch-and-release fishing competitions at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve in Smithtown. The first session included 5- to 8-year-olds in the morning, and the second in the afternoon, 9- to 12-year-olds.

Throughout the day, the junior anglers caught a total of 35 fish, according to Tom and Carol Tokosh, who run the Junior Angler Tournament every year. The variety of fish included pumpkinseed sunfish, which is a pan fish, and bass.

Morning winners included Evie Filandro for most fish caught, Asher Rogienski for largest panfish, and Vincent Suarino for largest other fish. In the afternoon, Oliver Aravena received the trophy for most fish caught; Connor Biddle won largest panfish; and Dillian Dubeau won largest other fish.

Despite the weather, Tom Tokosh said, “Planning ahead made an enjoyable time for the Junior Anglers and their families.”

Participants in the tournament borrowed rods from the Friends group or brought their own. Tom Tokosh spent time making sure that the rods and reels were ready for the children to use. Carol Tokosh added fishing is a way to spend quality time together, and many families told her they had a fun day of fishing. At one point in the tournament, she asked a child if they caught a fish, and who said “no.”

“I asked if they were having fun, and the response was ‘yes’ with a smile,” Carol Tokosh said. “Many of the children were participants from previous years. There were many children fishing for the first time, and for others, it was the first fish they ever caught. It was wonderful to see the excitement on a child’s face when they caught a fish, and their families were also excited.”

A fishing rod/reel was raffled after each session, which was donated by Campsite Sports Store. In the morning session, a rod/reel and fishing backpack was donated in memory of Mike D’Agostino, who was one of the co-founders of the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve as well as one of the founders of the Junior Angler Tournament and photographer for the tournament. In the afternoon session, the Friends group raffled off a fishing backpack, which was donated in memory of Peter Paquette, the past treasurer of the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve, who was also a judge for the Junior Angler Tournament.

Catherine Hart, founder of Long Island Junior Anglers, brought a few of the new club’s members to the event: Mason (12), Arden (11), Katie (11), Charlie (10) and Henley (5). She described the tournament as “an unforgettable experience for kids and families across Long Island.

“From start to finish, the event was incredibly well-organized and welcoming — thanks to the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve, who truly go above and beyond to create a fun, educational, and supportive environment for young anglers,” she said, adding that such an event was “about more than just catching fish. They’re about getting kids outside, helping them connect with nature, and building confidence through hands-on learning. For many of our junior anglers,this was a highlight of their summer.”

All participants received goodie bags containing information about fishing and the preserve as well as word search puzzles, a park activity book and other fishing items.

Carol and Tom Tokosh said they were grateful for the Caleb Smith State Park Preserve staff for getting the park ready for the tournament and providing the worms for fishing. “We would also like to thank the volunteers from the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve, judges, volunteers, Campsite Sports Shop and Bob from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.” The couple added they are already planning for next year’s event. “Until next year, have fun fishing.”

Children under the age of 15 are welcomed to fish at Willow Pond at Caleb Smith Preserve Park from April through October. For more information, call 631-265-1054. 

Photos by Carol Tokosh

Yang with the black dress she recreated from the 1940s vintage original. Photo courtesy of Avery Yang

By Daniel Dunaief

For her in-depth research about the Prime Thimble Factory in Huntington, Smithtown High School East senior Avery Yang has won the Honorable Peter Fox Cohalan Scholarship in American Studies from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.

In its 10th year, the scholarship provides $10,000 per year for four years to a student who plans to study history in college and who demonstrates a commitment and interest in the subject by focusing on an element of local history on Long Island that reflects New York state and American history.

Yang wearing a period dress she designed and created based on Theodore Gericault’s “Portrait of Lauren Bro” painted in 1818. That project, which involved using silk and cotton, took two months to create. Photo courtesy of Avery Yang

An accomplished student at Smithtown High School East, Yang focused on the factory that produced the small metal pieces that protected the fingers of those who were sewing from 1836 until the 1880’s.

“She did a great job on her research,” said Judge Cohalan, for whom the scholarship is named and who is one of the four trustees of the foundation. “Her English was perfect, there were no mistakes. I’m a nitpicker.”

Yang, who plans to attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in the fall, is especially passionate about the history of fashion and its connection to the cultural history of an era.

In her paper, which included 30 references and 47 endnotes, including a photo from her own collection of thimbles, Yang described not only the history of the factory but also the symbolism associated with the thimble.

To continue to receive the scholarship, whose previous winners have attended schools including William & Mary, Dartmouth, the University of Michigan and Marist, Yang must earn a 3.25 grade point average during each semester and contribute to a local historical society through a host of possible eligible activities, including website design and maintenance general research.

Over the course of its operation, the factory, which was owned and operated by Ezra Prime, “reflected changes and conflicts within American society. It echoed the broader shift across industries from artisans to factories, and shaped social debates surrounding women’s rights through its product’s symbolic meaning,” wrote in her winning essay.

Gibson girls

Shaun Minton, who taught Yang last year in an Advanced Placement US History class, was delighted that she won this scholarship.

He described Yang as the “top of the top” among students. 

During class last year, Minton was discussing the flapper style of the 1920’s. He usually compares the flappers to the Gibson Girl.

While some students may have heard of, read about or seen films with flappers, few have any working knowledge of the Gibson Girl, whose archetypal fashion preceded the flappers.

That, however, wasn’t the case for Yang, who was able to “explain the fashion of the Gibson Girls better than I could.”

In an email, Yang described the Gibson Girl, who was described in illustrations by Charles Gibson, as fashionable women who were modern and active and yet conformed to a patriarchal view of femininity.

Minton, who provided a college recommendation for his former student, recalled how she wrote a targeted and accurate response to a document based question.

“She was able to get right to the point and analyze the material in such a concise manner that I photocopied her paper and showed it to the rest of the class,” he said.

Fashion and history

Yang became fascinated with understanding history through fashion in middle school, when she started watching videos on the Internet of people who made historical clothing.

“The tactile aspect drew me into it,” she said. 

To live the connection to history, Yang sews her own clothing that reflects the styles and fashions of the time. She recreated a vintage original dress that took about three weeks to make from the 1930’s and early 1940’s with rayon crepe that she bought from an online fabric store. 

For another ensemble from around 1818, she worked for about two months to recreate a gown from Théodore Géricault’s “Portrait of Laure Bro.” She researched primary sources such as historical sewing guides and garments in digital museum collections.

She enjoys the connection to the people, history and culture when she designs and sews these outfits.

It is a “magical experience to feel like you are participating in the same sorts of practices and rituals as someone from the past,” she said. “When I finally get to put it on, it’s a completely surreal experience.”

Yang has her own Youtube channel and her videos, which include descriptions of old antique machines and the dresses she’s made with them as well as a description of sock plushies.

Yang’s parents Alan and Cherry Yang are happy and proud of the work her daughter, who has also been a Gardiner scholar, did for this scholarship, which is an ongoing part of her passion for history.

Yang surrounds herself with history, as her room has various antiques including a collection of working children’s sewing machines, old irons, advertising pieces and spools of thread, said her mother.

Yang loves antique shops, where “each object there has a story. We bring items home” and her daughter delves into its history, her mother said.

Minton appreciates how Yang, who is successful in math and science classes as well, has chosen to study history in college.

“Kids of her caliber nowadays tend to do STEM,” he said.

Yang’s parents would like their daughter and her older siblings to find their own way. After college, Yang, who also plays alto saxophone in several groups including the pit orchestra and jazz band, would like to go into museum conservation where she can work with historical pieces and help preserve them, giving her the opportunity to paint a picture of cultural and social trends that are often missing from the written record. She would also consider becoming a history teacher.

Yang, who is hoping to participate in the graduate level program in public history at UMass Amherst, sees fashion as a reflection of cultural and social aspects of life.

“I find it really interesting to see changes in fashion and the ways in which things are sewn,” she said.

Sisters Nora, left, and Caroline, right, recently visited Legislator Steven Englebright to share some bicycle safety tips. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office
The warmer weather means more children will be outside riding their bikes. Port Jefferson residents Nora and Caroline Boecherer, 8 and 5, respectively, have proven they are well-versed in bicycle safety.
Photo: Sisters Nora, left, and Caroline, right, recently visited Legislator Steven Englebright to share some bicycle safety tips. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office

The sisters tied for first place as Legislative District 5’s Bicycle Safety Poster winners and recently stopped by Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright’s (D-Setauket) office. This is the second year in a row that Nora won in the district. In 2024, she was named Suffolk County Legislature’s overall winner.

Earlier this year, all 18 legislators invited students from local schools to participate in the annual Bicycle Safety contest. Elementary students are asked to send in a poster, while intermediate and high school students are eligible for a video contest. Each legislator picks one poster and one video from entries submitted to their districts to be considered as the overall Legislature winners.
During their recent visit to Englebright’s office, Nora and Caroline, Edna Louise Spear Elementary School students, rode their bicycles in the office building’s parking lot. They also discussed their posters and bicycle safety with Legislator Englebright, who presented the sisters with certificates to acknowledge placing first in the district.
“Nora and Caroline Boecherer are two bright young constituents who are doing their part to help educate others about safe cycling habits, so everyone of all ages can enjoy the roads together,” Englebright said. “It was a pleasure to name them both as District 5’s winners for the Suffolk County Legislature’s annual Bicycle Safety Contest.”

Pexels photo

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will host a Sand Castle Contest at Sunken Meadow State Park, Field #1, 1 Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park on Tuesdays, June 24,  July 15, and August 19. 

Each week, prizes will be awarded for the best sculptors and castles in several categories. T-shirts will be provided by the Natural Heritage Trust. 

Sand sculptors may use sand, water, and any other natural materials native to the beach. Registration is held at 9:30 a.m. at the Main Beach Boardwalk, build time is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., judging is at 10:30 a.m. and an awards ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. A $10 vehicle use fee will be in effect. For further information, call 631-269-4333, ext. 0.

Best College TV Broadcast: (From Left) Prof. Holli Haerr, Jeff Kramer, Daniel Garcia, Fernando Gomez, and Prof. Brigette Boyle, Courtesy of Five Towns College

Five Towns College has announced its outstanding performance at the 2025 Press Club of Long Island (PCLI) Media Awards Dinner, held on June 5 at Fox Hollow in Woodbury, NY. Representing the college at this distinguished event were faculty members Professor and Department Chair Holli Haerr and Professor Brigette Boyle, and students Jeff Kramer, Fernando Gomez, and Daniel Garcia.

Daniel Garcia – Best College TV Reporter (1st Place) Courtesy of Five Towns College

Competing among peer colleges and universities across Long Island and alongside leading professional news outlets, Five Towns College students received top honors in two of the event’s most competitive categories:

  • Best College TV Broadcast (1st Place) was awarded to Promote the Vote 2024, produced in Prof. Haerr’s advanced broadcast classes. The program, which aired on The Record Online, featured a dynamic team of student journalists, including Daniel Garcia (producer), Jeff Kramer, Fernando Gomez, Stephen Cooney, Tyler McCready, Alexis Mack, Jena Chambers, Thomas DiSalvo, Madelyn Llanes, Sydney Mountain, Jose Rojas, Aaron Jones, Winter Petracca, and Anthony Deus.
  • Best College TV Reporter (1st Place) went to senior Daniel Garcia, who earned the top honor for the second consecutive year. His compelling storytelling and on-camera reporting, including pieces like NYC’s Bryant Park Winter Village boasts holiday fun for all, continue to set a high standard in student journalism.

“I am extremely proud of our students for their wins in these two categories. I think it really shows the quality of work our Five Towns College Mass Communication students can do,” said Prof. Holli Haerr, Chair of the Mass Communication Department at Five Towns College. “This is the first year we’ve done serious election coverage, including Promote the Vote and our first ever live coverage on election night. Students Daniel Garcia and Jeff Kramer were interested in informing students about the issues, and I think it was great experience for all the students who worked on those projects.  I’m thankful for them for their leadership on this. I’m also excited that Daniel has won best college TV reporter for a second year in a row. His hard work and dedication have really paid off and can hopefully inspire other students as well.”

The Press Club of Long Island, a chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists founded in 1974, is dedicated to protecting First Amendment rights, promoting ethical journalism, and fostering excellence in reporting across Long Island.

Five Towns College is honored to be recognized by such a respected organization and applauds its students and faculty for their creativity, commitment, and professional growth.

About Five Towns College: Located in Dix Hills on Long Island, Five Towns College has been educating creative students for over 50 years. Dedicated to musicians, artists, filmmakers, and performers, and scholars, the College offers hands-on programs led by industry professionals. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and other national organizations, Five Towns College prepares students for careers in music, business, multimedia, and the performing arts. Its graduates have gone on to succeed at top companies in the music, media, and film industries. For more information, visit www.ftc.edu

The first-place winning photo by Steven Zaitz at the Press Club of Long Island Awards.

By TBR staff

TBR News Media won its first two Press Club of Long Island awards in the history of the organization on June 5, as photographer and sportswriter Steven Zaitz won both first and second place for Best Sports Photography.

Steven Zaitz at the Press Club of Long Island awards ceremony. Photo courtesy Steven Zaitz

Competing with Long Island multimedia behemoth and 10th largest paper in the U.S., Newsday, Zaitz’s two photos, named “Laxing Gravity” and “Loose Ball Blues”, took gold and silver in the category. A winner of 15 New York Press Association awards, 13 for photography and two for Sportswriter of the Year since 2020, Zaitz was ecstatic to have been able to not only win against the stiff competition, but win twice.

“I was shocked because Newsday has so many talented photographers and their high school sports coverage is so good and voluminous,” Zaitz said. “Plus, there are so many quality papers and photographers in addition to Newsday that win consistently at NYPA, so I’m honored to have won both of these prizes. I am also thrilled for our organization and hope that this is just the first two of many for TBR News Media.”

The contest was judged by the San Diego Society of Professional Journalists and took place at The Fox Hollow country club in Woodbury. Many recognizable Long Island media stars were on hand, as Antoinette Biordi and Shari Einhorn, both of News12 Long Island, hosted and took turns calling out the winners. National baseball writer and Newsday-based David Lennon won first place for Best Sport Feature about a Hofstra alumna and professional baseball umpire Jen Pawol, and Newsday TV reporter Virginia Huie won nine awards in total, including top prize for the prestigious Video Reporter of the Year award.

John Hildebrand, senior education writer for Newsday; Ellen Mitchell, a reporter for WCBS Newsradio; and Timothy Bolger, the editor-in-chief of both the Long Island Press and Dan’s Papers, were inducted into the Long Island Journalism Hall of Fame during this year’s ceremony.

The second-place winning photo by Steven Zaitz at the Press Club of Long Island Awards.

Held since 1982, the PCLI awards ceremony has recognized excellence in Long Island journalism for over 40 years and they hand out several scholarships to high school content creators. The Stony Brook Statesman won gold for Best College Newspaper and The Stony Brook Press won top prize for Best Magazine — an award that is open to all Long Island publications, professional as well as student-run entities. Overall, Stony Brook University won 17 PCLI awards.

Zaitz’s top two photos ran on the front page of The Times of Huntington on April 18, 2024, and Feb. 8, 2024 respectively. Laxing Gravity depicts Northport High School boys lacrosse player Logan Cash lifted out of the air and sandwiched belligerently by two opposing Ward Melville High School players. Loose Ball Blues was taken at the Commack High School gym during the fourth quarter of an intense boys basketball game. Evan Kay of Commack, currently a pitcher on the Stony Brook University baseball team, and Northport’s Brendan Fenlon, who starred for the Tigers hoops and volleyball teams, are at each other’s throats to corral a loose ball. The judges commented only on Zaitz’s first-place winner:

“In an extremely competitive category, the winner had it all: artful composition, color, and focus, resulting in a photo that captured the movement and physical, as well as sporting and visual impact of the moment.”

Zaitz’s approach has stayed consistent over his career, always searching for angles that offer a fresh perspective.

“My process during a game shoot is to look for a vantage point that is not often seen,” said Zaitz, who has been a freelancer for TBR for five years. “I make educated guesses on where I think the highest drama is likely to take place and I am constantly moving around, searching for the best light, or background, or emotion.”

TBR News Media Publisher and Editor in Chief Leah S. Dunaief is proud that the paper now has Long Island recognition to go along with its long history of success at the New York State level.

“Steven Zaitz makes us proud to feature his photography, both for its action and professionalism,” Dunaief said. “He not only captures the right moment but also the human striving that makes his pictures glow.”

Photo courtesy of Del Vino Vineyards
Gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to Northport-based winery

Del Vino Vineyards of Northport has announced that several of its wines have received top honors at the prestigious 2025 Mid-Atlantic Winemaker Challenge, earning three Gold Medals, one Silver, and one Bronze, further solidifying its position as a leader in premium winemaking on Long Island’s North Shore.

The vineyard’s 2022 Ultimo, 2023 Sauvignon Blanc — Ventola, and 2023 Orange Blossom wines each received Gold Medals in their respective categories. The 2022 Suprema earned a Silver Medal, while the 2023 Pinot Grigio — Bobina was awarded Bronze.

“These awards are a reflection of our team’s passion, precision, and commitment to the craft,” said Joe Evangelista, Head Winemaker at Del Vino Vineyards. “From vineyard to bottle, every detail matters. We’re thrilled to see our Ultimo and Ventola recognized with top honors. 

“It’s especially exciting to see our Orange Blossom recognized—it’s a brand-new varietal we introduced last year, and it was an instant hit during the summer season. As far as we know, we’re the only vineyard on the East Coast producing wine from these grapes,” he added.

“This recognition means everything to us,” said Fred Giachetti, owner of Del Vino Vineyards. “We’ve always believed that Northport could be home to world-class wines, and these awards are a testament to that belief. We’re incredibly grateful to our community, our team, and every guest who supports us year after year.”

The Mid-Atlantic Winemaker Challenge is a blind-tasting competition judged by industry experts and sommeliers, showcasing the best wines from across the region.

Award-winning bottles are now available at the vineyard’s tasting room and can also be enjoyed during regular dining hours.

By John Broven

John Broven with the ARSC Lifetime Achievement Award.

During my 30 years living on Long Island, I have been fortunate to travel to places south, west and north in the United States, but never to the heartland. 

So, with a curious mind, it was an easy decision to attend the Association of Recorded Sound Collections annual conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 14-17.

One of the panels revolved around my favorite subject, the independent record industry from the post-World War II years onward. This is where rock ‘n’ roll music was born. 

My presentation was accepted on “The Pioneering Black NYC Record Men, with a Nod to New Orleans.” This was based on my taped interviews with Bobby Robinson of Harlem in 1986 and New Orleanian Harold Battiste, then living in Los Angeles in 1975, also including Juggy Murray of New York. Interview excerpts were embedded in an accompanying video professionally prepared by Debbi Scott Price of Stony Brook. 

Robinson captured the street beat sound of Harlem from the 1950s blues and vocal group era to hip hop in the late 1970s. In 1959, he had a national No. 1 record on the pop charts with “Kansas City” by Wilbert Harrison. Murray was responsible for breaking Ike and Tina Turner’s very first hits on the Sue label and his recordings were a bedrock of the British 1960s Mod era. While on the West Coast, Battiste established the careers of Sonny & Cher (“I Got You Babe”) and Dr. John. How lucky was I to meet and get to know these great record men.

To the heartland

And so on a chilly May 14, I set out for Tulsa. The Long Island Rail Road train from Stony Brook was on time and I disembarked at Woodside station for LaGuardia Airport. There, with suitcase and bag in hand, I was confronted by an impossibly steep staircase, probably unchanged since Victorian times. Happily, a kind gentleman grabbed my case and we found our way through the bustling streets to the free bus to LaGuardia. He turned out to be a Kenyan citizen now living in Texas, and our British Commonwealth backgrounds created an immediate bond. 

The Delta Air Lines direct flight to Tulsa was slightly delayed but we arrived on time at the “oil capital of the world.” A courtesy shuttle bus was arranged by the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Here, in early evening, was my first taste of Oklahoma. The vegetation was surprisingly green, yet I was mindful of the hurt of the Dust Bowl era, also the American Indian heritage. 

During the conference, we visited Leon Russell’s Church recording studio, which is still active. In its time, George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder have all recorded there. Oklahoma itself has deep music history ranging from the western swing of Bob Wills, Black bandleaders Ernie Fields and Roy Milton to the folk music of Woody Guthrie and the mesmeric rock of J.J. Cale. A film screening of “Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison” was also arranged. 

I couldn’t resist the invitation of distinguished German record collector, Dr. Rainer Lotz, to a gourmet meal at the best restaurant in Tulsa, the FarmBar. We had a “traditional” five-course meal from local produce with the menu showing wine pairings from Oregon, Austria and France. Lotz, in his inimitable way, insisted that as we were in America, we must have all-American wine pairings. And the charming sommelier and her staff duly obliged. A splendid evening culminated in two couples at the adjoining table inviting us Europeans to join them for a final drink. When I said I didn’t realize that Oklahoma was so near to Texas, one of them quipped, “Yes, Texas is south of heaven.”

I managed to call in quickly into the Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan centers. Sadly, I ran out of time to visit the Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center, covering the appalling destruction of the Black part of town in 1921.

So what was it like for an East Coast “elitist” to be in the heartland? It was an eye opener. Not once did I see a lawn sign or banner promoting the current president, nor was he mentioned by any of the friendly locals. The only time I heard his name was when I caught up with the news on CNN and MSNBC. The Democratic strategists have work to do.

ARSC awards ceremony

The conference Closing Banquet and ARSC Awards Program was held on Saturday, May 17. It was an Oscar-like OMG moment when the Lifetime Achievement Award was announced to … John Broven. The citation included my books, writing for Blues Unlimited and Juke Blues magazines and my stint with Ace Records of London. 

In an impromptu speech, I thanked my fellow pioneering Brit writers and researchers — we were no more than keen amateurs with day jobs — who from the 1960s onward documented America’s great musical heritage. This award, essentially on their behalf, came from an organization whose membership includes representatives from the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, major universities and public libraries. In my later years, I am indebted to the staunch support of my late wife Shelley, the daughter of a record man. 

Riding on cloud nine, I made the journey back home Sunday to East Setauket. It took three hours to fly from Tulsa to New York. It took another three hours to get from Jamaica station to Stony Brook, courtesy of LIRR. 

Still, I was greeted by a garden with irises, lupines, foxgloves and dogwood tree in full bloom. And my kitchen had been beautifully repainted in Shelley’s favorite color. Life could not be grander for a lad who had grown up in austerity postwar Britain with a passion for American rock ‘n’ roll music. 

One of the first records I played on my return? It had to be Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys’ “Take Me Back To Tulsa.”

Author John Broven was copy editor at TBR News Media from 2006-24.

— All photos courtesy John Broven

From left, Kayleigh Smith and Kimberly Phyfe of the Three Village Historical Society. Photo from TVHS

By Kimberly Phyfe

The Three Village Historical Society & Museum (TVHS) recently received an Award of Excellence from the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN).

For 2025, Chicken Hill: A Community Lost to Time was recognized as Exhibit of the Year — the first time a completely digital museum exhibit has received this award.

The Landmark Preservation Society partnered with GHHN to present these awards on May 7 in Poughkeepsie. Representing TVHS were Research Fellow and Public Programs Coordinator, Kayleigh Smith and Community Engagement Manager, Kimberly Phyfe.

From left, Kayleigh Smith and Kimberly Phyfe of the Three Village Historical Society. Photo from TVHS

There, TVHS received the GHHN Award for Excellence for their new online exhibit, Chicken Hill — A Community Lost to Time. These awards recognize and commend exceptional efforts among museums throughout New York State. They are presented to projects that exemplify creativity and professional vision, contributing to the preservation and interpretation of the historic landscape, material culture, and the diversity of the region.

Smith and TVHS Visitor Services Associate Jack Maloney finalized the project in March of 2025 after months of cataloging, researching, and compiling information about the exhibit. By digitizing this exhibit, the TVHS brings more public awareness to the importance of local history by breathing new life into it via the online platform.

The Three Village Historical Society & Museum is grateful to be recognized for this innovative way they transformed a permanent exhibit of thirteen years into a multi-media interactive website, contributing to understanding not only our local history, but broader state and national narratives, and preserving our shared cultural heritage.

Chicken Hill’s story isn’t the first of its kind. It is reflective of many multiethnic communities born from industries of labor across the United States. This interactive, multi-media approach can open doors to meaningful conversations of the importance of marginalized communities in local history.

“The online exhibit features the section Conflict and Turmoil which was not part of the physical display,” said Mari Irizarry, Society Director. “After many years of continuous engagement with local community, and new perspectives being brought to light, the society made sure to include these stories never before seen. By adding this section, we hope to further collective understanding, to highlight additional perspectives excluded from the original curation, and demonstrate a nuanced interpretation of a community that no longer exists physically but whose story helps us connect to the people who built this community.”

Chicken Hill: A Community Lost to Time can be experienced online at any time by visiting tvhs.org.

Author Kimberly Phyfe is the Community Engagement Manager at the Three Village Historical Society & Museum headquartered at 93 North Country Road in Setauket.

From left, Tim Matejka, Chief Development Officer, Gurwin Jewish Healthcare Foundation; Maureen Fagan, Assistant Director of Corporate Communications, Gurwin Healthcare System; Stu Almer, President & CEO, Gurwin Healthcare System; Jennifer Carpentieri, VP and Administrator, Gurwin Jewish Nursing &Rehabilitation Center; and Nicole Hopper, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Photo courtesy of Gurwin

Gurwin Healthcare Systems’ cutting-edge Immersion Room in Commack recently took home top prize in the Innovation Category in the 13th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards.  

Designed for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Gurwin’s Immersion Room was lauded for delivering immersive virtual reality experiences that enhance resident quality of life. 

The annual Imagine Awards competition was created by Cerini & Associates LLP to showcase the good work being done by Long Island’s nonprofit sector. The region’s top organizations are selected to receive the prestigious recognition in the following competitive categories: Arts & Culture, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA), Innovation, Leadership Excellence, Rising Star and Social Impact.  

The Innovation Award, sponsored by Flagstar Private Bank, is given to the nonprofit that has been innovative in adopting new platforms that have led to a significant increase in the organization’s ability to meet its mission. 

“We are truly honored to be the recipient of the Flagstar Innovation Award,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. 

“The Gurwin Immersion Room is bringing patient-centric care to a whole new level for our residents, helping to ease dementia symptoms as well as creating new memorable experiences for visiting families and their loved ones. We are literally putting our residents back in the driver’s seat, helping them reconnect with parts of themselves that in some cases have been lost for years. It is our goal to roll out this transformative technology throughout our other communities within the Gurwin Healthcare System,”  he said.

Located in the heart of the Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s Memory Care Unit, the Gurwin Immersion Room is the first of its kind in long-term care on Long Island, and was made possible through collaboration with Besser Rooms of Amityville, and grant support from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The Immersion Room incorporates state-of-the-art projector technology, custom-made props and immersive   experiences with stimulating sights, sounds and scents to engage the senses, mitigate symptoms and stir memories from bygone days. Calming scenes are customized to match resident interests, such as a snowy forest, quiet chair yoga, a lively, hands-on virtual drive, or even a roller coaster experience for thrill-seeking residents.

Details about Long Island Imagine Awards and the list of winners in all categories are available at https://www.imagineawardsli.org/finalist/.