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Computer error message. Pixabay photo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

On July 19, a “routine” Microsoft software update left the world in chaos.

The cloud-based, cyber security firm, CrowdStrike, which is utilized by Microsoft, released a defective, antivirus security update, pertaining to the firm’s Falcon Sensor. The system is installed in approximately 70-80% of global PCs and numerous company servers,

Microsoft Windows operating system’s omnipresence, across major industrial hubs, affected crucial infrastructure, such as airlines, the London Stock Exchange, banks and other forms of commerce, to temporarily halt service. 

Some companies, including Delta, are still facing major delays, as of July 22. Many small businesses are continuing to play catch-up, as their computers slowly return to normal.

“Small businesses rely on third parties for this not to happen and instead, it became a ‘code red’ situation. … The ripple effects from this could be felt for days and weeks ahead,” said Dan Ives, Wedbush Securities tech analyst.

This problem led to widespread disruptions and caused the ‘blue screen of death’ to appear on Windows PCs.

CrowdStrike has fixed the mishap, but said that it could take “some time” for all systems to be back up and running, while Microsoft has stated that over 8 million devices have been affected by, what they are calling, the “largest IT outage in history.”

Here on Long Island, DMVs were unable to process transactions, the LIRR experienced scheduling issues and numerous Starbucks’ ordering-ahead options were disabled, forcing people to pay in cash.

“I went to order my morning coffee on the Starbucks app, as I do each morning, and was prompted with an error message,” said Samantha Rutt, a Stony Brook resident.

“Instead of preordering, I went into the store and there was a line longer than I have ever seen. The baristas looked as if they had a long morning at just 9 a.m. Just before my turn, the store manager started comping everyone’s orders.”

Northwell Health implemented “standard emergency response procedures,” where needed, as it experienced “sporadic” technology failures. Stony Brook Medicine officials confirmed that their operations were uninterrupted.

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) was quick to assure New York state residents that there was “no indication this [was] a hack or a cybersecurity threat.”

According to Markus Rauschecker, a cybersecurity expert with the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security, industries should view this episode as a wake-up call, of sorts.

“The bottom line is every organization, every kind of entity, needs to have a plan in place because the question is not if something like this is going to happen again, but when. And when another incident happens, you have to be prepared,” he said.

Scholarship winner Catarina Pacheco’s artwork. Photo courtesy MCCSD
Scholarship winner Alexandra Cesa’s artwork. Photo courtesy MCCSD


Centereach High School artist, Alexandra Cesa, and Newfield High School artist, Catarina Pacheco, have been awarded $100 scholarships from the Suffolk County Art Alliance Association. This prestigious honor recognizes the outstanding artistic talents of these students.

“Alexandra and Catarina have demonstrated remarkable growth and vision in their artistic journeys,” said Centereach High School art teacher Karissa LaLima.

“Their work is a testament to their passion and perseverance,” LaLima said.

In addition to the scholarship, both artists had the opportunity to have prints of their artwork displayed in the lobby of the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts. This exhibition coincided with the recent Atlantic Wind Symphony concert on July 7, an event dedicated to celebrating senior art and music students.

Scholarship winner Catarina Pacheco’s artwork. Photo courtesy MCCSD

“We are incredibly proud of Alexandra and Catarina for their exceptional talent and dedication to their art,”
said Newfield High School art teacher Sal Beretta. “Their artwork reflects not only their creativity but also their commitment to honing their craft.”

“Seeing their pieces displayed at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts is a proud moment for all of us,” he added.

SCALA continues to play a vital role in promoting and encouraging the arts in Suffolk County, with the organization emphasizing the importance of supporting the arts within the educational system.

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

A conservation-related press conference held in May. From left to right: County Legislator Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz, County Executive Ed Romaine and Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer. Photo courtesy SCWA

By Peter Sloniewsky

In response to the early summer heat waves, Suffolk County Water Authority has increased its efforts to promote water conservation.

The prime action taken by SCWA is in the form of an odd/even lawn watering system. In this system, customers with odd-numbered addresses may only water their lawns on odd-numbered days, and the inverse for even-numbered addresses. SCWA has also enacted a policy that forbids watering between the peak water usage hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

On average, approximately 70% of the 70 to 80 billion gallons of water pumped by SCWA each year will be used between May and October, largely due to the prevalence of in-ground sprinkler systems.

Increased strain on the system due to heat waves requires the construction of additional infrastructure unless water usage is reduced elsewhere. In this case, about two-thirds of the hundreds of public water wells are only necessary because of irrigation demands. This infrastructure would cost millions, and would be paid for by customers through increased rates.

If every household and business is to follow SCWA’s odd/even lawn watering schedule, it would effectively cut the biggest driver of water use in half, allowing the utility to keep pace with demand and preventing any need for additional infrastructure.

Encouraging customer response

Reassuringly, SCWA’s guidance has been respected by customers. In a July 17 press release, Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz said, “During hot periods of the summer, we have to pump up to 530,000 gallons of water per minute to keep up. This year we haven’t seen those levels, and we think it’s because customers are responding to our calls to save water.” He described these statistics as an “encouraging sign” for the remainder of the season.

SCWA has also made it clear that this system benefits consumers as well.

Citing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the same press release explained that most lawns only need about 1 inch of water per week to remain lush and green, whereas watering every day can lead to harmful patterns of root growth.

Jeff Szabo, chief executive officer, noted the decrease in cost to consumers, saying, “SCWA may be the smallest utility bill that most of our customers pay but the savings can add up.” Reducing demand will also keep rates low by avoiding the need for expensive additional infrastructure.

In addition to the odd/even watering system, SCWA has both enacted and improved some previously set policies for water use.

In 2020, SCWA implemented a tiered rate structure that charges high-usage customers more. Taken in accordance with an initiative by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, SCWA set the policy in an effort to reduce peak-season water use by 15%. The policy has reduced water usage since.

In recent years, SCWA has offered a program, Water Wise, as well. This program offers customer account credits for the purchase of water-saving devices such as rain barrels, EPA low-flow showerheads and solar pool covers.

However, as Lefkowitz made clear in the press release, “None of these things are a silver bullet for solving water conservation alone. … It’s going to take years to change the culture on Long Island but SCWA and other water providers in the region knowbthat this is necessary because our summers aren’t getting any cooler.”

By Toni-Elena Gallo

With President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign, major players in the Democratic Party, including the president, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic presumptive presidential candidate.

As a result, TBR News Media had a question for locals: “How will this change impact the race to the presidency?”

— Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo

Kaylee and Emily, Ronkonkoma

Both girls expressed shock, but excitement, at the decision.

“I couldn’t believe it, I just found out,” Emily said.

Kaylee thinks that Harris’ presidential bid has given hesitant voters an “opportunity” to vote for a candidate possibly more competent than Biden, and more competent and likable than former President Donald Trump (R).

“Kamala running has made this election more competitive and serious than before,” she added.

Kaylee also voiced that she thinks Harris will “surprise people” during the upcoming debates with her intelligence.

Vic and Sheila Meneghini, Ronkonkoma

Grandparents to Smithtown school district students, Vic and Sheila Meneghini expressed the opinion that if “Kamala stays the nominee, there won’t be much of a difference [in voter choice] because of her alignment with Biden.”

They think that more women may vote, as Harris has the chance to be our first woman president.

The couple, additionally, shared that voting for Harris will probably be more enticing than voting for Biden, if you are a Democrat, which will affect some change, regarding voting turnout.

Vic, however, doesn’t think there’ll be much movement in voting, “as people have already made up their minds” if they are going to vote Democrat or Republican.

Vic and Sheila declined for their picture to be taken or other personal information to be included.

Eric and Cole, Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Eric, a Stony Brook University visitor, is “glad someone [who is of advancing years] isn’t going to be in office anymore. But, I don’t really have a big political view.”

As someone in his 20s, he would appreciate younger presidential options.

In addition, Eric feels people are likely to vote for the wrong or shallow reasons — because they view the election as a popularity contest, don’t like the candidates as people, and vice versa.

He wants to see people focus “on the issues,” as he is a “middle-class guy” who wants to live a decent and prosperous life.

Neither candidate “is doing anything to help me, right now,” he said.

Cole echoed his friend Eric’s sentiments, saying, “It is interesting to have a different face, who is not as old, and will stir the pot a little bit. But whatever these candidates do is not really going to affect my day-to-day life much at the end of the day.”

David, Long Island

David thinks that this change will encourage “more women and people of color to vote.”

Also, he expressed that making Harris the Democratic nominee “will give the [party] a better chance of beating Trump,” but he does not foresee any major developments coming in the wake of Biden’s decision.

David declined for his picture to be taken or other personal information to be included.

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Martin Stromsten. Courtesy of the Stromsten family

Prepared by the Stromsten family

Martin “Marty” L. Stromsten, 88, passed away after a short illness on Tuesday,  July 16.  He was born in Port Jefferson, on Jan. 31, 1936 and was the son of Norwegian immigrants, the late Endre and Karen Gard Stromsten.  

Marty was a graduate of Earl L.Vandermeulen High School where he first discovered his love of music.  At the age of 14 he took up the trumpet and by 18 he had been accepted to the Crane School of Music in Potsdam. He received his master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music where he met many titans of music.  

In the United States Army, he continued pursuing his passion by playing in the Army Band, serving honorably from 1959 to 1961. Later, he worked as an elementary band music teacher, passing on his talents to many eager students and creating an elementary jazz band.  He was always looking for new and innovative ways to teach his students how to understand and love music.  His last place of employment was in the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District. 

Every community Marty lived in benefitted from his musical talent.  He was constantly forming, conducting or playing in different musical groups from Dixieland bands to big band jazz, and classical quintets to community orchestras.  

Marty was a longtime resident of Port Jefferson and Riverhead.  Outdoors, he loved walking on the beautiful beaches of Long Island and sailing in his sailboat on the Long Island Sound. Politics, books and music were his favorite topics of discussion. Even though he would tell you he was a “terrible student”, he was very well-read and could talk on just about any topic.  Many who have met him would consider him a brilliant, generous, and friendly person.  Marty settled in Port Jefferson and was very proud of the family that he and his then wife, Joan, created.      

Marty is survived by Helen Jones, his life partner of 28 years; Joan Stromsten, the mother of his children; daughters Pamela Fetcho and Suzanne Hennigan; his grandchildren, Nicholas Fetcho, Jesse Fetcho, Trevor Hennigan and Taylor Hennigan; and his great grandchildren, Aiden Fetcho, Atlas Fetcho and Ava Pickett. He was predeceased by his cherished son, Erik Stromsten and his brother, Edvin Stromsten.

Marty lived a life on his terms, and it was a life well lived.

The funeral will be held on Friday, July 26, at 3:30 p.m. at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home in Clifton Park. Calling hours will be from 1:30 to 3:30 pm on Friday prior to the service. Interment will be in the Jonesville Cemetery, Clifton Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Latham. For online condolences please visit gordoncemerickfuneralhome.com

Alex Kelly competes in the long jump for Princeton University. Photos courtesy Rich Acritelli

By Rich Acritelli

“The goal is always to work the hardest.” Track and  field standout – Jasmine Moore

Rocky Point resident Alexandra “Alex” Kelly, a gifted, 20-year-old athlete, had the opportunity to compete in the 2024 Olympic Trials June 21. There, she was placed 21st in the Women’s Long Jump Qualification – Group 1. She has gained valuable knowledge watching the preparation of other top athletes on the national stage.

Reuben Jones, assistant women’s track and field coach at Princeton University, said, “Alex is one of the all-time most physically-gifted athletes I have ever coached in my 14 years in the Ivy League and the last eight with Princeton. Alex can raise her game to meet the level of any competition. Before she graduates, she can surpass the 22-foot mark in the long jump and the 45-foot mark for the triple jump.”

In 2022, Kelly graduated from Rocky Point High School as an honor student, with a 101 GPA, who enjoyed singing in the chorus and working as lifeguard at her local beach.

As an eighth grader, she was still somewhat new to athletics but still broke the long and triple jump records at the high school.

During COVID-19, every athlete was stopped in their tracks. But, being the positive individual she is, Kelly took this period in stride, and realized that it could be an opportunity for growth. She prioritized her leg health, and never stopped training.

For a time, Kelly ran the 4×100 meter relay, and while she liked this event with her teammates, she stopped running this discipline to devote more time to jumping. To stay in shape, she ran sprints and had a strenuous lifting regimen. All of this training paid dividends as Kelly kept establishing new jumping records, and finished first in New York State championships in the triple jump during the 2021-22 winter and spring track seasons.

Right before high school graduation, Kelly was New Balance Nationals champion in the triple jump, held at the University of Pennsylvania.

As this remarkable athlete successfully competed at the highest levels of track and field in high school, Kelly was aggressively recruited by Columbia, Dartmouth, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Stanford and both the Air Force and Naval academies.

For Kelly, Princeton University was the perfect distance away from home. She is majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology, and minoring in the history of science technology and medicine. Kelly is equally as dedicated to her academics.

During her freshman season, Kelly quickly cemented her presence on the Princeton team, as she helped the school earn three Ivy League titles.

This special athlete has some current time to see her family and friends, but she looks forward to her junior season when she will return to Princeton as a captain.

A goal-oriented student-athlete who has her eyes set on attaining her education and the pursuit of athletics brilliance, she will keep being a role model to other younger women and will surely continue to make the North Shore proud of her accomplishments.

Social media applications. Pixabay photo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

According to News12 Long Island, thirteen Long Island school districts are suing social media companies Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook, citing increased mental health concerns among students.

South Huntington, Kings Park and Port Jefferson are just three of the school districts taking part in the class-action lawsuit.

South Huntington Union Free School District superintendent, Vito D’Elia, commented on his school district’s decision to join the lawsuit in a notice on the district’s website, saying, “We know the damage it’s doing to our students. We see it. We’re dealing with it. We see students that are more focused on their interactions on social media as opposed to their education. And, the ramifications are extremely dangerous.”

This stance was, recently, corroborated by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, when he said that “it is time to require a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms,” citing found evidence that more than three hours per day on social media can double the risk of poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Social media use is a major component of the vast majority of adolescents’ lives. According to data obtained by Pew Research Center in 2022, up to 95% of youth, ages 13 to 17, use at least one social media platform, and more than a third use social media “almost constantly.”

A prime motive for joining the lawsuit is hiked mental health service costs, as students have been showing symptoms of internet overexposure.

South Huntington school district is seeking increased funding to employ more mental health professionals, as well as implement “social emotional learning lessons more,” including assemblies and workshops, on safe digital use.

Social media harm to students’ psyches has forced the school district to revamp their curriculum in recent years, with teachers having to focus on things “other than their actual lesson plans,” explained South Huntington Board of Education president, Nicholas Ciappetta, who added that the board’s decision to join the lawsuit was unanimous.

“There are costs associated with [our plans],” he said.

The lawsuit is also asking for the social media companies to implement appropriate and stricter safeguards including improved age verification, parental notification upon sign-up, improved management of age appropriate content and the design of their algorithms.

Ciappetta did add that the purpose of social media is not completely negative, or in vain.

“We’re not trashing social media,” he said. “[The school district] certainly uses it as a way of getting our message out. But if you look at any of the platforms, there’s a lot of negativity on there. And I think the negative always gets amplified. So you need a little more positivity and you need a little more kindness. And that’s something that the social media companies can invest in too. They can partner with us to promote that message.”

Joining the lawsuit comes at no cost to the school districts. Lawyers taking on this case will get a percentage of a monetary recovery, if any, that comes out of this legal challenge.

By Katherine Kelton

Three Village resident Matthew Niegocki. Photo courtesy Matthew Niegocki

Three Village resident Matthew Niegocki has been ranked No. 91 Top Best-in-State Financial Security Professionals on the 2024 Forbes list.

TBR News Media sat down with Niegocki to learn about his work and how he earned the coveted Forbes title. 

Niegocki, who grew up in Ridge, had to make a difficult decision upon graduating college: Did he want to become a police officer or pursue an insurance career? He admits to not knowing much about financial security as it was more of an area of intrigue for him. 

Though his proficiency in the job is undeniable: “Right out of college, after interviewing at different financial advising positions, I chose Prudential. Graduated in May and started in June, 18 years later here I am.”

Niegocki’s dedication to his profession is unparalleled.

He shared a recent story that underscores his clientele relationships.

“I have a client out in Glendale, Queens — a senior woman,” he said. “She called me up asking for funds out of one of her accounts to make home improvements. So, I sent her some of the money. Then, she calls up again asking for more money — and this is someone who doesn’t spend extensively, and lives below her means. Her taking out large deposits, to me, raised a red flag.”

He continued by saying he had a conversation with her about exactly what home improvements she was having done that cost such a deep investment: a 7-foot flat roof for which she was going to be charged $136,000. Niegocki immediately called the Queens district attorney’s office and a contractor friend of his, who traveled out to the woman’s home.

It was clear to Niegocki that his client was being scammed.

“The guy that was scamming her got two guys from Home Depot, and they weren’t even using the correct tools,” he said. His contractor was able to complete the job, charging only a fraction of the original at $11,000. 

“My philosophy is to have a conversation,” he added. Taking time to build relationships with clients is key. With new prospects, he asks many questions, ensuring he is properly understanding them and their concerns, on a personal level.

Prudential Financial, the financial security company for which Niegocki has worked his entire career, has been designated one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies — an award given by the Ethisphere Institute, for the last 10 years.

Niegocki does admit that most firms in the financial security industry are “good companies.” He says that there is not a lot of competition within the industry, “believe it or not.”

He usually advises people not to switch their financial advisers, so long as they are happy. 

Prudential does have a unique outlook on insurance, Niegocki shared.

“It’s more of a needs-based approach. So, we sit down with families, individuals and business owners and have a conversation to see what their concerns are and what they’re looking to accomplish. Based on that, we tailor retirement planning and life insurance around that,” he said.

The Forbes distinction gives Niegocki extra credibility, as it will distinguish him from other advisers in the state.

Outside of work, Niegocki’s life does not revolve around phone calls, computer screens or emails. He enjoys a very active lifestyle, biking around the shores of the Three Village community, gardening and spending time with his family.

Matthew Niegocki, pictured with the Three Village Dads. Photo courtesy Matthew Niegocki

As a part of his community appreciation, he joined the Three Village Dads Foundation. This group has raised over $100,000 for the Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. The nonprofit, additionally, fundraises for local businesses and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3054, which serves the Three Village area.

“I love the Three Village community,” he said. “I feel like it’s a community like no other. There’s so much history. It’s great to raise a family and own a business — it is beautiful here.”

Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai. Wikimedia Commons photo

By Peter Sloniewsky

On Thursday, June 11, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) was joined by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R) and Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) to promote a new I/A water filtration system, soon to be installed at Cedar Beach.

Innovative and Alternative On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems use advanced treatment methods to remove nitrogen and other pollutants from wastewater before it is released into the environment.

As of July 2021, Suffolk County requires installment of I/A systems for most new residential construction projects. However, much of Long Island, especially Suffolk, uses septic systems instead of sewers due to the area’s historic low population density. While septic systems are cost-effective and efficient, increases in population have led to nitrogen pollution in both surface-level and underground bodies of water. This nitrogen pollution causes harmful algal blooms, which can destroy ecosystems by consuming excess oxygen in water and cause a variety of conditions in exposed humans.

The more-than 1.5 million people of Suffolk County rely on more than 380,000 cesspools and wastewater systems, including over 209,000 systems located in areas that already have environmental risks. Bonner, who represents the town’s District 2, told TBR News Media that “we have a water problem, with a direct correspondence to cesspools.”

Additionally, the sewer systems already in place on Long Island have a tendency to contribute to road runoff, with a similar effect of nitrogen pollution. When there is more water than sewer pipe systems can handle, partially treated wastewater can flow directly into nearby bodies of water, which can include waste, pesticides, oil and litter. Bonner clarified that “the topography [of the North Shore] lends itself to road runoff … I/A systems and sewers will certainly help that.”

In Suffolk County, there are two types of I/A systems which have been approved by the Department of Health Services — FujiClean and HydroAction. Both technologies have been proven to reduce total nitrogen levels far below the county standard, and to reduce those levels more than 80% from conventional septic systems (which do not typically meet the standard).

The Cedar Beach filtration system will be paid for by a $100,000 grant funded by the Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program. This program was revised and extended in late June, and was sponsored by Romaine.

Revisions to the program include the establishment of a referendum for this November’s general election ballot, which, if approved, would establish an additional sales tax of one-eighth of 1 percent to fund a new Water Quality Restoration Fund. Romaine claimed he “cannot emphasize enough the importance of this referendum” to address water contaminants, and the language of the referendum itself claims that its passage will ensure “county funding to 2060 for clean water projects, improvements in drinking water, bays and harbors” — such as the I/A system to be installed at Cedar Beach.

Bonner told TBR News Media that this new fund would be “split between I/A systems and sewers,” and Romaine described the fund as vital to fund sewer construction especially in less developed areas of the county.

Rendering of artist locations around the village for the Music Throughout the Village event. Photo courtesy Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Local organizations collaborate to host weekly event

By Aramis Khosronejad

This past weekend, a musical addition to the Port Jefferson community has been added to the charming local streets, Music Throughout the Village.

A collaboration between The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council and Port Jefferson Retailers Association, it is a program that will bring music to this cozy, small town.

This summer event consists of local musicians, who will have the opportunity to play for spectators at set locations. Passersby will be able to “shop and dine in our community,” according to the retailers association, while enjoying the relaxing ambiance.

The ultimate goal for this musical program is to get it “codified” so it can become a permanent fixture of the community, said Barbara Ransome, director of operations for the chamber of commerce.

The program will run every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. from July 13 to Oct. 20. Each musician has been carefully reviewed and vetted by the arts council.

Through the coming weekends, the musicians can be heard in select locations around the village.

“There are four locations though that can, certainly, be expanded,” Ransome said. The current venues are at the intersection of Arden Street and Main Street in downtown Port Jefferson (next to the local Starbucks), as well as by the popular restaurant Salsa Salsa on Main Street, the Kate & Hale store on East Main Street and, finally, near Tiger Lily Café further down East Main.

This past weekend’s musicians, Hank Stone, Denise Romas, Faith Krinsky and Karl Blessing, were from a variety of musical genres.

“What better way than to walk through a beautiful town hearing beautiful music?” said a spokesperson from the retailers association.

To view a map of current and future concert locations and for additional information, go to the chamber of commerce and retailers association’s Instagram pages, also the respective Facebook pages.