contest

Florence Aghomo

Stony Brook University has announced that doctoral student Florence Aghomo won the Young Women in Conservation Biology (YWCB) Award from the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) Africa Region. Aghomo is a doctoral student in the Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences (IDPAS) and a member of the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments (ICTE) under the supervision of State University of New York (SUNY) and Stony Brook Distinguished Service Professor Patricia C. Wright.

This annual award presented to a woman aims to recognize and applaud contributions to conservation. Aghomo was selected for her:

  • evidence of leadership, creativity, self-motivation, and enthusiasm in the execution of conservation work;
  • evidence of service to conservation biology; and
  • ability to work with others across gender, social class, and ethnicity to achieve concrete conservation outcomes.
Florence Aghomo

Since June 2019, Florence is the coordinator of the Red Colobus Conservation Network project under the Primates Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN/SSC/PSG), Re:wild and the African Primatological Society (APS). Under this project, she is technically and administratively coordinating the implementation of the Red colobus Conservation Action Plan (ReCAP) and an international network (more than 300 primatologists). She is responsible for sourcing collaboration with conservation partners and organizations, fundraising and reviewing members’ proposals. She is also responsible for hosting, organizing, and steering meetings with international partners and members, sustaining digital platforms, monitoring and evaluating achievements, and supporting youth professional growth through training and mentorships.

Before this position, Aghomo’s research/work involved studying the behavior and ecology of endangered Red colobus monkey as well as establishing practices to ensure their protection and safety in the Korup National Park in Cameroon. Her work takes her into dense forests where these monkeys live and she explores the canopies of trees looking for these large primates.

“They [Red colobus monkeys] are so special because they are very beautiful, unique, and perfect indicators of ecosystem health or habitat change since they are usually the first group of primates to leave a habitat when any disturbances or degradation occur,” said Aghomo. “Moreover, their diversity reflects the various bioregions of the African forested areas at large.”

Passionate for primate well-being and conservation, in 2020, Aghomo facilitated the creation and legalization of the Cameroon Primatological Society (CPS) and organized the 1st and the 2nd General Assemblies with the support of Re:wild. In Madagascar, she created a Language and Environmental Center in Ranomafana under her foundation “Flor’Afrique” to support education and conservation in this part of the world, which is home to a high biodiversity (Biodiversity hotspot) and the world’s second leader in primate diversity.

“Florence is a conservation hero, who has already made an incredible difference in saving wildlife in Africa,” said Professor Wright. “I am pleased to see her apply her skills to Madagascar and to graduate school here at Stony Brook. We are looking forward to sharing in her future accomplishments. She is a winner!”

The YWCB Working Group was established in 2005 by the Africa Region of the SCB, based on the need to fill the gap created by the limited numbers of women professionals in the field of conservation science in Africa. It was further mandated to act as a platform for early career African conservation biologists to share experiences (albeit with a major emphasis on women), generating incentives and mentorship opportunities to strengthen female conservation biologists in their careers.

Aghomo currently resides in Stony Brook while studying at Stony Brook University.

 

Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center announced the winners of the 2024 Annual Gurwin Photo Contest, revealing the photos at a wine and cheese reception in Gurwin’s Simon Rainbow Room at the 460-bed skilled nursing facility in Commack on Dec. 9. 

Nearly 1,000 submissions are received each year from across the globe by amateur photographers and students, and are judged by a panel of professional photographers for clarity, composition, subject matter and suitability for display at the Center.

This year’s judges, Iris Zaverdas De Vita of Golden Iris, Tony Lopez of Tony Lopez Photography, and Josh Schmidt of The Tiffen Company, chose 34 winning photos. 

Grand Prize, Honorable Mentions, as well as a Best-in-Show winners were awarded in 12 categories: Action/ Sports, Altered/Enhanced, Children, Landscapes, Long Island/ New York, Nature, People, Pets, Still Life, Student, Travel, and Wildlife. Gurwin residents and staff also weighed-in on their favorites for  “Resident/ Staff Selection” winners.  

Best-in-Show went to Regina Matarazzo (Tobyhanna, PA) for her photo “Seagull Under the Pier” and Best-In-Show Runner-Up to Alan Sloyer (Roslyn) for “Millie’s Diner.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate not only the incredible talent of our photo contest winners but also the joyous return of our in-person reception at the Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, marking the first time since the pandemic,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. 

“Each year we are so very impressed by the incredible artistry of the participants, many of them perennial supporters of our unique contest.  We are pleased to showcase their work, and a grateful for the beauty and inspiration the photos bring to our residents.”

Winning photos are permanently displayed in the Center’s renowned Tiffen Gallery, named in memory of Helen and Nat Tiffen of The Tiffen Company, long-time sponsors of the contest.  More than 1,000 photos are showcased throughout the Center for the enjoyment of the community’s 460 long- and short-term residents, staff and visitors. 

Photos not selected for a prize award are repurposed as reminiscence aids, for visual stimulation and art therapy, providing a source of comfort and inspiration, for residents throughout the Center, including  Gurwin’s Memory Care Unit and Adult Day Care Programs.

“It’s hard for me to fathom that we’ve been hosting this contest for 31 years…at first, it was a way to decorate our newly opened nursing home; today, it’s so much more than that,” said Dennine Cook, Chief Corporate Communications Officer for Gurwin Healthcare System. 

“All the selections, whether they be honorable mentions, grand prizes or resident/staff selections, will be judged, discussed and enjoyed  by so many appreciative eyes for years to come. That is the real honor – that your photos will hang for decades in our residents’ home,” Cook added.

Michael Dowling

For the 18th year, the president and CEO of New York’s largest health system has been named to the prestigious list – this year ranking number 35.

Northwell Health has announced that Michael Dowling, president and CEO, was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare of 2024, coming in at number 35. The complete ranking can be found in the December issue of Modern Healthcare magazine.

This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors individuals who are deemed by their peers and the senior editors of Modern Healthcare to be the most influential figures in the industry in terms of leadership and impact. Michael has consistently ranked among the top leaders in health care on the annual list and was named the most influential in 2022.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by Modern Healthcare among such distinguished leaders. This recognition reflects the dedication of the entire Northwell Health team to not only providing exceptional care today, but also building the future of healthcare,” said Mr. Dowling. “At Northwell, we are committed to addressing critical issues like health equity, healthy aging, and gun violence prevention, ensuring that everyone can live a healthier life. Together, we can truly improve the health of everyone in our communities.”

As president and CEO of Northwell Health, he leads a clinical, academic and research enterprise with a workforce of more than 87,000. Northwell is the largest healthcare provider and private employer in New York State, caring for more than two million people annually through a vast network of more than 900 outpatient facilities and 21 hospitals. Under his leadership, Northwell’s annual operating budget has increased to more than $18 billion.

Mr. Dowling is focused on creating the health system of the future. This includes addressing today’s public health infrastructure and the inequities, like addressing Black maternal health disparities, that exist in access to care, especially in underserved communities and communities of color.

He has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, resulting in a 90 percent employee satisfaction rate among diverse populations, significantly above the national average. Furthermore, Mr. Dowling has demonstrated a commitment to workforce development through the establishment of the Northwell School of Health Sciencesand a partnership with New York City public schools to create a dedicated health sciences high school.

Since 2019, he has remained a staunch advocate on national issues, including gun violence prevention. Under his leadership, he created the Center for Gun Violence Prevention, has hosted multiple Gun Violence Prevention Forums and has started a wide-reaching public campaign to raise awareness of gun violence. Through the Northwell-initiated National Health Care CEO Council on Gun Violence Prevention & Safety, 54 leading health care CEOs have pledged to leverage their collective influence and resources to curb the historic spike in gun-related deaths and injuries – including a commitment to help fund a $40 million national Ad Council PSA campaign.

Recognizing the inadequacy of most healthcare systems to address the growing needs of an aging population, Mr. Dowling continues to advocate for embracing innovation, technology, and new care models to ensure seniors age with dignity and access the support they need to thrive and to develop solutions to create more age-friendly health systems and improve overall care for our aging population. Just this year, Mr. Dowling coauthored the book, The Aging Revolution: The History of Geriatric Health Care and What Really Matters to Older Adults.

Photo from Town of Brookhaven

Linda Loftus (center) from Council District 2 (Rocky Point) recently stopped by Town Hall to pick up her prize as one of six winners of the Town of Brookhaven’s “Brookhaven Recycles Day” Compost Tumbler Giveaway. Also pictured is Councilwoman Jane Bonner (right) and Recycling Educator Zachary Sicardi (left). The online contest was held on Facebook and had entrants pledge to recycle for a chance to win. One winner was selected in each Town Council District. For more information about recycling in the Town of Brookhaven, visit www.BrookhavenNY.gov.

Photo courtesy of Town of Brookhaven
Bruce Hennessy (center) from Council District 1 (Stony Brook) recently stopped by Town Hall to pick up his prize as one of six winners of the Town of Brookhaven’s “Brookhaven Recycles Day” Compost Tumbler Giveaway. Also pictured is Councilperson Jonathan Kornreich (left) and Recycling Educator Zachary Sicardi (right).  The online contest was held on Facebook and had entrants pledge to recycle for a chance to win. One winner was selected in each Town Council District. For more information about recycling in the Town of Brookhaven, visit www.BrookhavenNY.gov.

Candy Cane Pretzel Bark Cookie

When we think about the holidays, a lot of the special moments we remember most fondly from years past involve sharing food with loved ones — from festive cookie exchanges to the scents and smells of family-favorite dishes and desserts, to warm beverages on cold nights.

That’s why McCormick is dishing up these cooking tips for creating special moments:

• Incorporate seasonal herbs, spices and seasonings like sage, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and nutmeg into your cooking and baking to provide long-lasting fresh flavors, vibrant colors and appetizing aromas.

• Use ready-to-make dry recipe mixes, such as turkey or brown gravy, to easily create perfectly blended flavors for sauces that elevate your holiday meals.

• Rely on extracts like pure vanilla and peppermint to enhance the flavors and aromas of holiday treats.

This holiday season, the McCormick brand is also going on a virtual quest for the best holiday cookie recipe through the McCormick Cookie Quest contest. If you have a winning cookie recipe, consider joining in the fun. Official Rules and entry instructions can be found by visiting: mccormick.com/cookie-quest-terms-and-conditions. [NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Starts 11/19/24; ends 12/8/24. Sponsor: McCormick & Company.]

In the spirit of the virtual cookie recipe exchange, McCormick is partnering with famed bakery Milk Bar and its rule-breaking, award-winning founder and CEO, Christina Tosi, to create and share Milk Bar x McCormick Candy Cane Pretzel Bark Cookies.

On Dec. 4, which is National Cookie Day, select Milk Bar locations in New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. will give away these scrumptious cookies to the first 100 customers, while supplies last. The limited-time cookie will also be on sale at select locations starting on National Cookie Day through December 31. And as part of the collaboration, McCormick and Milk Bar are also sharing the recipe, so you can make these delectable cookies at home!

Milk Bar x McCormick Candy Cane Pretzel Bark Cookie

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract

• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 cups white chocolate chips

• 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons McCormick Candy Cane Sugar, divided

• 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two half-sheet pans with no-stick cooking spray or line with parchment or silicone baking mats. Mix butter and sugars in large bowl with heavy spatula for about 2 minutes until well blended. Add egg and extracts, stirring until combined and fluffy, about 1 minute.

2. Mix flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in medium bowl. Add dry ingredients to butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until combined. Stir in white chocolate chips, 3 tablespoons of the Candy Cane Sugar and mini pretzels, mixing until evenly blended.

3. Place remaining 1/4 cup Candy Cane Sugar in medium bowl. Use a 1/3-cup measuring cup or 2 3/4-ounce cookie scoop to portion dough into balls. Toss dough balls in Candy Cane Sugar to coat and place 2 to 3 inches apart on prepared baking pans.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Cool completely before serving.

Tip: Can’t get your hands on McCormick Candy Cane Sugar? Increase McCormick Peppermint Extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons, stir in 2 tablespoons of red colored sugar along with the chocolate chips, then use 1/4 cup red colored sugar to roll cookies before baking.

“The holiday season is all about sharing. That’s why we’re so excited to share one of our favorite holiday cookie recipes and encourage creative bakers all around the country to do the same,” says Giovanna DiLegge, vice president of Marketing, North American Consumer at McCormick. (StatePoint)

Photos courtesy of Three Village School District

Two students from the Three Village Central School District won essay contests sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. High school students were invited to participate in the VFW Voice of Democracy student essay contest. The contest challenged students to write and record an audio essay based on an annual patriotic theme.

This year’s theme was, “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” Nafisah Haque, a junior in Ms. Parrella’s United States History and Government Honors class at Ward Melville High School, was selected as the local winner for Setauket Post 3054. Haque’s essay will now move on to the district level competition.

Additionally, students in grades six through eight were encouraged to enter the VFW Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest, which provides an opportunity for students to share their thoughts on an annual patriotic theme. The theme for the 2024-2025 school year was, “My Voice in America’s Democracy?” Amelia James, a sixth grader in Mr. Prinzo’s class at Nassakeag Elementary School, was chosen as the local winner. Amelia’s essay will also advance to the district level competition.

Dr. Christina Cone, district director of social studies, commended the students, saying, “We are proud of their thoughtful reflections on our nation’s values. Their participation showcases both academic dedication and a commitment to the ideals of democracy. We wish them the best of luck in the next stages of the competition. A special thank you to Setauket VFW Post 3054 for their continued support of our students.”

SMM Advertising Davey Awards Winner 2024

SMM Advertising, a full-service advertising, branding, and lead generation agency in Smithtown, has won three Davey Awards for their website work for Applied Technologies of NY (ATI), a leading manufacturer’s representative in the commercial and industrial boiler industry.

The awards include General-Manufacturing, Silver 2024; Best Home Page, Silver 2024; and Best Visual Appeal — Aesthetic, Gold 2024.

“We’re beyond appreciative of the Davey Awards’ recognition of our work with ATI,” said SMM Managing Director Judy DeBiase. “This large, complex project was a welcome challenge for the agency, and the fact that it has become not only a source of substantial lead generation for ATI, but also an award winner, is very gratifying.”

The website, designed and developed by SMM’s web development team, includes custom and CMS programming, in addition to dynamic product pages. Its launch last year has resulted in better positioning in searches, more user-friendly content, a better experience for ATI’s customer base, and an increase in leads.

The Davey Awards is an international awards program tailored to recognize and honor “small shops” with big ideas and outstanding creative and marketing work. 

John Buscema. Photo courtesy of the Harvey Awards

By Heidi Sutton

John Buscema’s Harvey Award

The Harvey Awards, one of the comic industry’s oldest and most prestigious awards, inducted five comic book artists, including the late John Buscema, into its Hall of Fame at the 36th annual awards ceremony at New York Comic Con on Oct. 18. The other inductees included Arthur Adams, Larry Hama, Sergio Aragonés, and the late Akira Toriyama. 

Born in Brooklyn, John Buscema was inspired by Sunday comic strips like Prince Valiant and Flash Gordon. He graduated from Pratt Institute and began his career in 1948 at Timely Comics in New York City, which later became Marvel Comics. 

In 1958, he moved his young family to Port Jefferson and worked with some of the most famous illustrators of the time including Bob Peak at Chaite Advertising for 8 years before returning to Marvel Comics after receiving a job offer from Stan Lee. 

What followed was an illustrious career working on the artwork of The Avengers, The Mighty Thor, The Thing, X Factor, Captain Marvel, The Fantastic Four, the Silver Surfer, The Incredible Hulk, Wolverine, The Punisher, Tarzan,  Conan the Barbarian and many others. He also created many superheroes including Ultron, Vision, She Hulk and Ms Marvel and  illustrated the world-famous 1978 book How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way, written by Stan Lee. 

Buscema received numerous awards in his lifetime including the Shazam Award for Best Penciler in 1974, the Alley Award and the Inkpot Award. He retired in 1996, and died of cancer in 2002 at the age of 74. His obituary stated that he was buried with a pen in his hand.

“We posthumously induct the esteemed John Buscema, a prolific artist whose work helped shape the look of Marvel Comics throughout the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s,” said John Lind, co-chair of the Harvey Awards, via a press release provided to Comic Book Club. 

Reached by phone, John Buscema’s daughter, Dianne Buscema Gerogianis, said her father “would have been honored to have accepted the Harvey Award.”

“Dad was known as the Michaelangelo of comicbook art. He enjoyed drawing all of his covers, although he is most famous for his work on The Avengers (issue #57) and The Silver Surfer (Thor #4). His favorite character to draw was Conan, as he was realistic and he really enjoyed that,” she said. Those drawings later became the model for the Arnold Schwarzenegger films.

Indeed, Stan Lee once said of Buscema, “If Michelangelo had elected to draw storyboards with pencil and pen, his style would have been close to that of Big John’s. I had only to give him the briefest kernel of a plot, and he would flesh it out with his magnificent illustrations.”

Marvel Comics covers designed by John Buscema

Buscema drew superheroes from his home studio in Port Jefferson. “My parents decided to take a drive out on Long Island one weekend in 1958. They drove out on 25A and came upon Setauket and Port Jefferson. My parents fell in love with the area and decided to buy a house here. Dad said the area reminded him of a Norman Rockwell painting!” said Dianne who still lives in the area.

“In the beginning Dad had a courier delivering  his pages. Afterwards, he would deliver his own work to Marvel every month or so. It was a great way for him to get together and collaborate with other artists there,” she explained.

Buscema also had a School of Comicbook Art in the 1970’s. “He would drive into NYC two times a week after a full day’s work to teach. Although he loved it, it became too much back and forth, and he gave it up after a few years. A few of his students currently work for Marvel and DC,” said Dianne, adding that “Dad was also an avid and the John Buscema Sketchbook was published with his artwork.”

Dianne and her younger brother John Jr. have many wonderful memories of their father. “Growing up he would always paint a holiday poster for my classes during elementary school, be a guest speaker for my art classes … and spent countless hours helping to design and paint for my Senior Prom,” said Dianne.

In his later years, Buscema and his wife Dolores traveled quite frequently throughout Europe. 

“Dad was invited to many Comic Cons. His favorite country to visit was Italy,” said Dianne. 

But ultimately his family was the most important to him, said his daughter.

“My children were blessed to have their grandparents living 4 houses away from our house — more time spent there than our home! In Dad’s studio, next to his drawing board, he set up a small table for my two children to draw and create! Both my son and daughter are creative. How lucky we were to have Dad with us day and night, every single day.

Photos courtesy of Dianne Buscema Gerogianis

 

This summer, the Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve hosted a design contest for its custom brew label, created in collaboration with Six Harbors Brewing Company in Huntington.

Artists and photographers were challenged to capture the 18th-century Lefferts Tide Mill and Dam in Lloyd Harbor in its prime. To spark creativity, participants were invited to join a tour presented through the Huntington Historical Society, paddle to the end of Puppy Cove in their kayaks, or visit their website for inspiration.

Over the summer, a barge was filled with restoration tools in front of the mill. Participants were tasked with portraying the essence of the Tide Mill—whether including the barge docked for the restoration work or not—in their artwork.

The organization received twelve unique entries, each offering a different perspective on this iconic landmark. A panel of three judges from the Board reviewed the submissions and ultimately selected a stunning aerial photograph. 

“It was a beautiful setting, with the Lefferts Tide Mill looking majestic as the subject of the photo,” commented judge Toby Kissam.

The winning entry was submitted by Peter Stango, who joined the group at a fundraiser on Aug. 16 to see his artwork featured on the Lefferts Tide Mill Lager label. He explained, “It was a drone shot, with a few Photoshop adjustments to remove the work equipment and complete the walkway.”

The Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2013, dedicated to preserving and protecting an 18th-century tide mill in the Village of Lloyd Harbor. This mill is considered the best-preserved tidal grist mill in the United States. Its design is based on U.S. Patent No. 3 for an “automatic mill,” signed by President George Washington. The surrounding mill pond has become a thriving habitat for native and migratory waterfowl, playing an important role in supporting the region’s biodiversity. For more information, www.leffertstidemill.org.