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Jennifer Kenney, Suffolk County Community College EAC Project Coordinator; Daphne M. Gordon, Ph.D., Suffolk County Community College Project Administrator; Joanne Laloi, Suffolk County Community College’s EAC client and the 2024 NYS Entrepreneur of the Year; Elizabeth Lusskin, Executive Vice President, Empire State Development Small Business & Technology Development; Bette Yee, Senior Director, Entrepreneur Development, Empire State Development; Earl Thomason Jr., Vice President of Entrepreneur Development, Empire State Development. Photo from SCCC

Suffolk County Community College Entrepreneurial Assistance Center (EAC) has won the 2024 New York State Entrepreneurship Assistance Center Award for Outstanding Performance and Achievement. The college received an award at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, NY on October 10, 2024.

New York State Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers provide instruction, training, technical assistance and support services to new and aspiring entrepreneurs in local communities statewide and are strategically located throughout the state. The 26 centers assist new and aspiring entrepreneurs in developing basic business management skills, refining business concepts, devising early-stage marketing plans, and obtaining business financing.

Additionally, Joanne Laloi, a Suffolk County Community College EAC client, was a recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Joanne is an artist and the owner of Entremets Custom Cakes who transformed her passion into a thriving business. A graduate of Le Cordon Blue, she honed her technical skills in Paris. Despite her talent, she struggled with the business side of entrepreneurship. Realizing this gap, she seized the opportunity to expand her knowledge by taking the business plan course at Suffolk County Community College’s EAC.

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Ariel Baguio, Mia Locastro Do Coito, and Ethan Trinh. Photo from MCCSD
Ariel Baguio, Mia Locastro Do Coito, and Ethan Trinh with their parents. Photo from MCCSD
riel Baguio, Mia Locastro Do Coito, and Ethan Trinh with their music teacher Mr. Kubik. Photo from MCCSD

Stagecoach Elementary School in the Middle Country Central School District has announced that 4th graders Ariel Baguio, Mia Locastro Do Coito, and Ethan Trinh were selected to participate in the prestigious SCMEA PEAK (Parents, Educators, And Kids!) festival, which was held at Northport High School. This exciting event brought together over 200 talented 4th graders from various schools across Suffolk County.

Under the guidance of Mr. Kubik, the students’ dedicated music teacher, Ariel, Mia, and Ethan joined their peers to create an unforgettable musical experience. The festival emphasized collaboration, creativity, and the joy of making music together, allowing students to share their passion with their families and the community.

“This festival is a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect with others who share their love for music,” said Principal Shaun Rothberg. “We are incredibly proud of Ariel, Mia, and Ethan for their hard work and dedication, as well as grateful to Mr. Kubik for his inspiring leadership.”

The students enjoyed a day filled with rehearsals and performances, culminating in a grand showcase that highlighted their musical talents and teamwork. This event nurtured their growing talents and fostered lasting friendships among young musicians. Congratulations to Ariel, Mia, Ethan, their parents, and Mr. Kubik for this remarkable achievement! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off.

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

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Sustainability Coordinator Erin Kluge and Transportation Demand Management Coordinator Greg Monaco at the Nobel Hall Wolf Ride Bike Share docking stations. Photo by John Griffin

Stony Brook University is being honored with a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly University award by the League of American Bicyclists in recognition of its achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus, according to a press release on Oct. 29.

“Each year Stony Brook University continues to take steps towards improving sustainability including our campus accessibility by bike, and we are honored to receive this designation,” noted Tom Lanzilotta, assistant director of energy management & sustainability at Stony Brook. Mobility and Parking Services (MAPS), in partnership with the Office of Sustainability, is responsible for maintaining and tracking usage of the University’s Wolf Ride Bike Share Program, one of the main biking initiatives on campus. Since its inception in 2013, the program has continued to increase ridership each year, notably achieving 72,187 rides during the 2023-2024 academic year. In addition, the university provides ample bicycle racks, hosts a six-mile long Paul Simons Memorial Bike Path, and is home to the Freewheel Collective – a group helping refurbish bicycles for students.

“Since MAPS’ creation in 2022, our team has worked diligently to onboard varying modes of transportation, including micro-mobility. We want our community to have modern, sustainable options that make their lives easier and Wolf Ride is a big part of this,” said Kendra Violet, executive director for Mobility & Parking Services (MAPS). “I’m extremely proud of our team’s efforts. We’re all in on enabling Seawolves to ‘ride green,’ and building a future-focused and flexible mobility plan.”

The League of American Bicyclists is the premier grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike. Its Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) program includes 210 colleges and universities in 44 states and the District of Columbia, and is part of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America program, which also awards communities and businesses with certifications as part of its mission to make bicycling safe, comfortable and more accessible for all.

“When universities make biking easier, safer, and more accessible, they’re not just helping students get from point A to point B—they’re leading the charge in creating a more sustainable future,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “By prioritizing better biking, Bicycle Friendly Universities like Stony Brook University are empowering students and staff to make choices that benefit their health, their environment, and their communities.”

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Seawolves at Suffolk

Stony Brook University, a SUNY flagship institution, is partnering with Suffolk County Community College to support a “Seawolves at Suffolk” program. The program provides Suffolk students with a transfer pathway that moves them from admission, to academic and social engagement with the university, and through transfer and graduation from Stony Brook.

Seawolves at Suffolk

Recently, Stony Brook University received a $500,000 Innovation Driven by Evidence and Advanced Strategies (IDEAS) grant from American Talent Initiative (ATI) College Excellence Program (CEP) and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The grant aims to amplify the power and potential of transfer students from lower income communities through high impact experiences, research-centered opportunities, and the development of workforce-ready skills. The university is partnering with neighboring SUNY Suffolk to support these initiatives.

“Seawolves at Suffolk” centers around an accelerated on-ramp to a paid summer research/internship opportunity with Stony Brook researchers in the summer prior to students transferring to the university. This is complemented by providing:

  • unique workshops
  • earlier access to university campus life
  • supported student leadership pipelines
  • comprehensive advising support with university advisors at SUNY Suffolk
  • priority course registration
  • mini-grants to take upper-division courses at Stony Brook before transferring
  • additional wrap-around support from success specialists and career coaches

Within this innovative program, selected students who have been referred to SUNY Suffolk from Stony Brook University will be part of a cohort of students who begin their studies at SUNY Suffolk, with a shared goal of becoming a Seawolf. SUNY Suffolk is the largest community college in the SUNY system and sister institution to Stony Brook University. By beginning their studies at SUNY Suffolk, and meeting certain transfer milestones, students in the program will be guaranteed entry into select Stony Brook University programs, including Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, English, Psychology, and more.

SUNY Suffolk transfers hundreds of students per year to Stony Brook University, far more than any other community college. Together, the two institutions maintain a strong and ongoing partnership in areas ranging from National Science Foundation research projects to internships at Brookhaven National Laboratories.

“Thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies, accepted transfer students from Suffolk County Community College are already a part of the Stony Brook University community prior to their first day of classes,” said Interim Stony Brook President Richard L. McCormick. “This grant, awarded by the American Talent Initiative, allows us to expand our commitment to social mobility while providing transfer students with paid experiential learning, academic advising, and career counseling opportunities.”

“SUNY Suffolk has always prepared our graduates for success at elite colleges and universities like Stony Brook. With support from the American Talent Initiative grant, we will provide Suffolk students with an accelerated pathway to engagement at SBU, as well as experiential learning. This partnership allows us to support even more deserving Long Island students and families to live, learn and stay on Long Island,” said Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College.

 

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School board meetings are held at Centereach High School.

By Dylan Friedman

The Middle Country Central School District Board of Education meeting Oct. 16 was a night to celebrate students’ outstanding achievements and the district’s continued progress in academics and technology. The meeting opened with the recognition of four Students of the Month, beginning with Diya John, a senior at Newfield High School.

John, described as a considerate and mature young lady beyond her years, is the president of the National Honor Society, where she was praised for her leadership, diligence and commitment to helping her peers succeed.

The board also recognized Jeanlee Marcano Robles, an eighth grader at Selden Middle School, and Adam Khazanovich, an eighth grader at Dawnwood Middle School. 

According to Brad Smith, Jeanlee’s soccer coach, she is a “diligent student who is focused on hard work and positivity.” Meanwhile, Adam was praised for his academic excellence, leadership in extracurricular activities and kind, friendly demeanor. 

Alexa Carmody, of Centereach High School, was also honored as a student of the month.  

Celebrating athletic achievements

In addition to the student accolades, the meeting highlighted the district’s athletic achievements. Meaghan Grieco, a four-year varsity starter and captain of the Centereach volleyball team, was named the district’s female Athlete of the Month. 

“Megan will be sorely missed next season, but we know she is looking forward to continuing her playing career at Farmingdale State College,” said head coach Mike Weaver.

The board also recognized Matt Evers, a senior quarterback on the Newfield varsity football team, as the district’s male Athlete of the Month. Assistant coach Nick Adler commended Evers’ character, positive attitude and exceptional performance on the field, which led the team to a 3-0 record in September. 

PTA community engagement

The  meeting also featured an update from the Bicycle Path PTA, highlighting the group’s efforts to support the district’s youngest students and their families.

According to PTA president, Rose Noonan, and first vice president, Nicole Esposito, the PTA has already hosted several successful events, including a membership drive that surpassed expectations, a book fair and a welcome-back picnic with over 330 attendees. Upcoming events include a trick-or-treat street, a pumpkin patch and a frozen pie fundraiser.

Fiscal responsibility and technological advancements

The district’s auditor, Chris Schneider, delivered good news, reporting that the district received “unmodified opinions,” the highest level of audit opinion, on both the district’s financials and the extracurricular activity funds. “For a district of this size, to have no comments is a great thing,” Schneider said. 

Finally, the district’s technology director, Vincent Raicovi, provided an overview of the district’s robust technology infrastructure, including a high-availability data network, virtualized servers and a growing number of devices and digital whiteboards deployed across the schools. 

“When we started this, we had a little over 3,000 devices on our network. And now, many moons later, we are up to 18,000 devices,” Raicovi reported, highlighting the district’s commitment to supporting student learning with the latest technology. 

The next BOE meeting is Oct. 30 at Centereach High School at 7 p.m.

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Legislator Bontempi with Ms. Patricia Taylor’s Civics’ Class, at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn.
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Legislator Bontempi with Ms. Patricia Taylor’s Civics’ Class, at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn.
Legislator Bontempi with Ms. Patricia Taylor’s Civics’ Class, at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn.

On October 21, Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) visited Harborfields High School, where she spoke with students in Ms. Taylor’s Civics class.

During her visit, Legislator Bontempi delivered an engaging presentation on the role of the Suffolk County Legislature. She explained the responsibilities of a Suffolk County Legislator, provided insight into her day-to-day work, discussed water quality initiatives and legislation on this year’s election ballot, as well as highlighted various community outreach programs offered by her office. Legislator Bontempi also guided students through the legislative process, from the inception of an idea to its passage as law.

The discussion included an opportunity for students to express their thoughts on school policies, such as the controversial “No Cell Phones in Class” rule. Legislator Bontempi encouraged students to think critically about how policies are formed, getting involved, and how they can influence their community.

“The students were incredibly thoughtful and engaged. It’s inspiring to see young people so interested in the civic process and government as a whole,” said Legislator Bontempi. “Their perspectives on policymaking are invaluable, as they will shape the future of our communities.”

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Mount Sinai High School. File photo

By Jennifer Donatelli

At the Oct. 16 Mount Sinai Board of Education meeting, Jill Sanders, of certified public accountants Cullen & Danowski, presented the results of the June 30 financial statement audit, reporting a smooth process and strong internal controls. She emphasized that the district remains in good financial health despite challenges related to health care and pension costs.

Superintendent Christine Criscione noted that School Board Recognition Week, held from Oct. 14 to 18, celebrated the theme Supporting Success for All Students. The board enjoyed a musical performance from students in the high school orchestra from the Music and Applied Arts Department, which was intended to express gratitude for the board’s support, highlighting the essential role of the arts in fostering creativity and critical thinking among students.

Christina Romeo, assistant high school principal, recognized the Talented Tech students for crafting a wooden sign for the board. In a celebration of academic achievement, five high school students were commended for their participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program, ranking among the top 50,000 from PSAT results.

The meeting also covered updates on fall sports and ongoing capital items. Recent projects included heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements and library flooring upgrades, while state approval is pending for this year’s security enhancements and athletic field updates

Upcoming events including Financial Aid Night and Halloween festivities were announced, as well as new programs at the elementary and middle schools, emphasizing character education and community service initiatives.

In addressing community concerns, the district reassured parents about mold remediation efforts following a recent inquiry about air quality. 

The next BOE meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20, with a livestream available on the district’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

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It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
COPYRIGHT BILL LANDON
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon
It was the final edition of the Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Bill Landon

By Bill Landon

It was the final edition of the Patriot Run to honor the legacy of Thomas Cutinella, who tragically lost his life following a head injury sustained on a varsity football field Oct. 1, 2014. 

Thomas’ football jersey No. 54 has since been retired and the Shoreham-Wading River Wildcat Athletic Club, which sponsors the event, established the race distance at 2.54 miles in his memory. 

The finale was held Sunday morning, Oct. 20, at Wildwood State Park in Wading River. The runners were met with mild temperatures and brilliant sunshine, and were treated to a barbecue after the race.

The fundraising event raises money for the Thomas Cutinella Memorial Foundation, whose mission is to improve awareness of football-related head injuries, stress the importance of being an organ donor and keep Thomas’ legacy alive.

The foundation awards scholarships to local area students who exhibit characteristics of kindness, modesty and selflessness, as well as a genuine concern for improving the condition of the community at large.

For more information visit www.tom54.org.

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SCHOOL Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School first graders with a Sound Beach firefighter. Courtesy Rocky Point School District

Students at Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School in the Rocky Point School District got an exciting hands-on lesson in fire safety on Oct. 8, thanks to a visit from the Rocky Point and Sound Beach fire departments during National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12).

The volunteer firefighters led an engaging assembly, sharing essential fire safety tips with eager kindergartners. Afterward, students explored fire trucks and ambulances up close, getting a first-hand look at the life-saving equipment firefighters use in emergencies.

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Earl L. Vandermulen High School. File photo

By Peter Sloniewsky

The Port Jefferson Board of Education held its regular meeting on Oct. 8 to discuss a number of matters. The agenda included various actions and reports, including a variety of personnel decisions, policy updates and financial resolutions.

Among the important personnel actions, the board reapproved a student-teaching affiliation agreement with St. Joseph’s University for the upcoming school year. Several instructional substitute personnel were also appointed and rescinded, alongside teachers assistants. Concluding the board’s personnel actions, teachers Victoria Damm and Jeanette Garofola were appointed as advisers for the high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance and freshman class respectively.

On the financial side, the board ratified tax levies in the sum of approximately $39.8 million for the district alongside $3.4 million for the library in this upcoming school year. The district budget was also increased by $200,000 to cover damages from recent flooding. This portion of the meeting concluded with approval for a number of financial reports from the month of June.

The board also moved to approve policy changes to the district’s nondiscrimination policy for a first reading. These preliminary changes, entitled Policy 0100, would enable the district to follow the New York State Department of Education’s guidelines on creating a “safe, supportive and affirming school environment for transgender and gender-expansive students.”

During the reports portion of the meeting, Edna Louise Elementary Principal Amy Laverty gave a brief presentation on the school. Additionally, the board opened the meeting with resolutions recognizing recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, as well as recognition for some administrative staff in the district.

The meeting concluded with a review of surplus items and welcoming of public comment. The board will reconvene for a work session on Oct. 22 and then again for a regular business meeting on Nov. 12.

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