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Dr. Wiiliam Wertheim. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine

By Daniel Dunaief

When Dr. William Wertheim visited Mozambique, where Stony Brook University has created the Global Health Institute, he was on a boat that got stranded in low tide.

The convivial and supportive Wertheim, who is Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine, immediately climbed out of the boat and helped push it closer to shore, waiting for the tide to come in.

Stony Brook University’s Dr. William Wertheim with Malakhi Washington. Photo by Dr. Sierra Washington

“When he was out on the Indian Ocean with some fisherman, myself and my eight-year-old son, he was very quick to roll up his sleeves and start pushing the boat ashore,” said Dr. Sierra Washington, the director of the Stony Brook Center for Global Health Equity.

Indeed, Washington suggested that pushing the boat forward became a theme for Wertheim’s visit.

TBR News Media is pleased to recognize Wertheim as a person of the year for his leadership, his deep listening skills and his ongoing commitment to the university and the surrounding communities.

For a few weeks in the spring, Wertheim’s roles and titles changed, even if the manner and his focus did not.

In June, former SBU President Maurie McInnis named Wertheim executive vice president for Stony Brook Medicine, as he shed the interim label he had taken on starting the previous October.

A few weeks later, Wertheim effectively took over for McInnis, who resigned after four years to become president of her alma mater, Yale University, when he became officer-in-charge at Stony Brook University.

“Having Wertheim named as officer-in-charge gave everybody a sigh of relief,” said Dr. Todd Griffin, vice dean for clinical affairs and vice president for clinical services.

Justin Fincher, interim chief deputy to the president and senior vice president of government and community relations, said that Wertheim, who has been at Stony Brook for 28 years, “is the epitome of the university citizen. He’s the person we all think about as a leader among leaders.”

While Wertheim was in charge of the university for about six weeks until current Interim President Richard McCormick arrived in August, he supported leadership across the campus, offering to listen or provide advice.

“He was trusting the team in place to lead,” said Fincher. “He takes his ethic of care from his training as a medical doctor and applies that in every setting and in every decision.”

Indeed, first and foremost among Wertheim’s many responsibilities and roles, he continues to serve as a practicing physician with several hundred patients.

Finding the time to see patients requires taking some extra hours. He also relies on support from other physicians and nurse practitioners who work as a team whenever he is unavailable to see his patients.

“Seeing patients is at the core of what I do,” said Wertheim. “I did go to medical school for a reason.”

A graduate of Harvard University, Wertheim earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine.

Through his medical practice, Wertheim not only helps the patients who come see him, but also recognizes and can offer solutions to challenges patients or doctors face.

“It’s one thing to hear about a problem, but another thing to have that sense that this really does affect what happens, when you’re going through the care of patients,” Wertheim said.

This year, doctors had trouble setting up appointments in one particular department, and Wertheim struggled to schedule appointments for his patients. Griffin, one of the senior leaders on Wertheim’s team, was able to assess the challenges for doctors in seeing new and follow-up patients. Under the guidance, nurse practitioners now see follow-up patients. This change cut the delay time in half in under a year.

Pulling in the same direction

Griffin has known Wertheim for 25 years and appreciates the way Wertheim has brought various efforts and initiatives together.

From left to right: Scientific and Pedagogic Director Professor Cesaltina Ferreira Lorenzon, Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine Dr. William Wertheim and Dr. Sierra Washington. Photo courtesy Stony Brook University

“We are a number of different entities: the hospital, the school, physician practices,” said Griffin, suggesting that Wertheim helps all those people “pull the oars in the same direction.”

One of Wertheim’s directives that has been particularly effective involved developing a new governance structure for Stony Brook Medicine. Whereas groups had been creating strategic plans for one year, Wertheim asked them to develop a three- and five-year plan.

Wertheim also unified service lines, combining such areas as ambulatory care and hospital expertise.

By understanding how patients transition from ambulatory to hospital care, Stony Brook Medicine can ensure a smoother and more patient-centric experience.

As a leader, Wertheim makes a concerted and ongoing effort to interact with staff throughout the system, including medical assistants, front-desk representatives and janitors, to name a few.

“All those people in those services get to see him and know him,” said Griffin. “He’s not some leader in an ivory tower.”

Role reversal

Wertheim was a vice dean of the medical school a few years ago when Dr. Peter Igarashi, dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine, first arrived.

“He worked for me,” Igarashi said. “I now work for him. There’s a lesson there about be careful how you treat people who work for you.”

Igarashi is delighted that Wertheim supports the work he and others do throughout Stony Brook Medicine.

After Wertheim became interim executive vice president, he visited several clinical sites and met personally with providers.

Through these interactions, Wertheim has built “authentic personal relationships,” Igarashi said.

As a primary-care physician, Wertheim has also communicated effectively to residents and students about the importance of having a fundamental foundation of excellence.

Igarashi, who is a physician researcher, values the complementary nature of Wertheim’s strength as a clinician and educator.

Wertheim “makes it easier for us to bring the benefits from a research discovery or research program to the clinical setting so patients have access to the latest expertise,” Igarashi added.

Carol Gomes, chief executive officer/chief operating officer of Stony Brook University Hospital, has worked with Wertheim for over 20 years. She never feels like “I’m reporting to him. He always says I’m his partner.”

Dr. Bill

In addition to connecting with medical professionals, Wertheim has an ability to connect with people of different ages and in different stages of life.

When he was in Mozambique, Wertheim lived with Washington and her son Malachi, who called him “Dr. Bill.”

Wertheim was “like one of the family,” said Washington. “He’s very down to Earth and was just as easily able to have a stimulating conversation with my son as with hospital directors.”

During his visit, Wertheim and Malachi both shared their passion for the Mets.

Wertheim has been a “great ally” to the Center for Global Health Equity, Washington said, and is always available to discuss core strategic planning.

Wertheim recognized that the limitations on health care workers in Mozambique had less to do with their knowledge and skills than with supplies.

“What they lack are resources,” said Wertheim.

A talented baker

At Harvard, where he was a history and literature major, Wertheim wrote his thesis on the influence of the philosophy of William James on the literature of Robert Penn Warren, author of “All the King’s Men.”

The first time Wertheim read the book, he was on a plane flying to St. Louis. He recalls reading the first chapter, which described the governor’s driver maneuvering down a highway.
“The description is so brilliant, I paused and looked out the window and realized that I was flying over the country that was not dissimilar from what he was describing. It was an incredibly powerful moment,” he said.

As if all of his skills weren’t enough, Wertheim, who is the fifth of five brothers, is also a passionate baker.

“I’m of an age where the kitchen might have been thought of as a place for girls or women,” Wertheim said. “That wasn’t the case in my house.”

He made several mistakes, particularly with his sourdough bread, but has learned from those earlier experiences.

“It’s fun and relaxing,” Wertheim said. “When you spend a lot of time thinking about very serious things, it can be gratifying to focus in on a small task” such as kneading dough.

Gomes recalled recently receiving a croissant. She loved the “very buttery” taste.

Griffin sees overlaps between Wertheim’s medical duties and his baking abilities.

“The precision needed, following recipes being detail oriented, having the patience to bake and make it come out the way you want” is also evidence in how “careful and precise [Wertheim] is in how he engages with others. Big complicated things don’t happen overnight. He’s methodically and carefully putting down the ingredients.

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Michael Joseph

By Jennifer Donatelli

As the year comes to a close, it’s a time to reflect on the individuals who have had a profound impact on our lives. Whether through their kindness, wisdom or unwavering support, people leave an indelible mark, shaping us in ways both big and small.

To round out 2024, TBR News Media took to the streets, asking locals to nominate their Person of the Year. Here are their responses

Dorinda Haberfield, Smithtown

Dorinda Haberfield, Smithtown

Haberfield nominated her mother, 97-year-old Genevieve Antonucci, as her Person of the Year, because of “everything she has been through in her life.” “She lived through the Great Depression, the loss of her father at a young age, homelessness and having to work to help support the family,” said Haberfield.

“Her perseverance and resilience has been a true inspiration and example of integrity and strong character,” she added.

Lisa Goldfeder

Lisa Goldfeder, Babylon

When asked to nominate someone as Person of the Year, Goldfeder immediately said Caitlin Clark, the WNBA basketball athlete.

“She single-handedly changed the landscape of women’s basketball, with TV viewership rising over 300%,” Goldfeder said.

Michael Joseph

Michael Joseph, Halesite

Joseph nominated Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, for his dedication to his country and for “having the courage to put it all in a public memoir.”

Margaret Munsch

Margaret Munsch, Huntington

Munsch nominated her son “because he is my heart, and gives me a purpose for living.”

Gladys Brandow

Gladys Brandow, Oceanside

Brandow’s nomination for Person of the Year is her son Steven, “for being brave, accomplishing his goals and pursuing his dreams,” despite the death of his father as a teenager.

Michelle Mulderrig

Michelle Mulderrig, Syracuse and Huntington

Mulderrig said she would nominate “anyone who has faced the diagnosis of cancer.:

These people have had to navigate waters they might find themselves drowning in. So for anyone battling cancer and the people it affects around them, you are all heroes to me,” said Mulderrig.

 

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Front row, from left, ECLI Co-Founder and Program Development & Education Director Feride Castillo; ECLI Co-Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Hernandez (with scissors); Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr; and Legislator Rebecca Sanin. Photo courtesy of ECLI-VIBES

By Julianne Mosher

There is hope for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence thanks to the founders of Islandia-based nonprofit ECLI-VIBES.

Co-founded by Feride Castillo and Jennifer Hernandez, ECLI-VIBES is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive community for individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and abuse. Through their trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach, they work to break the cycle of violence, one life at a time, by empowering individuals to achieve safety, independence and healing through their services.

ECLI-VIBES not only serves survivors but also helps their families by providing essential resources and support to help them rebuild their lives. On average, they serve more than 2,500 people every month.

“ECLI-VIBES began with a small spark nearly 10 years ago,” Hernandez said. “We founded ECLI with the idea that we create something extraordinary when we pour love and care into others.”

According to their website, a major cornerstone of the group’s mission is to foster a warm, welcoming and supportive environment where individuals facing trauma feel safe, respected and understood. At ECLI-VIBES, they believe that trauma is the catalyst for complex issues rooted in violence and abuse. They aim to uncover and address the underlying causes of trauma, enabling genuine healing and lasting transformation.

“That tiny spark has grown into a flame, one that burns brighter than ever as we work tirelessly to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and abuse,” Hernandez added.

Castillo said that the duo wanted to build a space that supports individuals, heals generations and breaks cycles.

“True transformation happens in spaces where people feel connected, loved, validated and seen,” she said. “My goal is for everyone to know what it’s like not to feel alone and empowered by the support of a team that believes in them every day.”

Some services that ECLI-VIBES boasts is a 24-hour “hopeline” that is available to all members of the community who are seeking crisis intervention, emotional support, information on victim rights and other resources.

They also host a youth program that provides support and mentorship to children and teens, a community food pantry, counseling, an advocacy program, housing program and legal programs, among others.

“This work is not just about providing services — it’s about creating a community where love and resilience lead the way,” said Hernandez. “People are inherently resilient, and love is what brings that strength to the surface. My passion comes from knowing that we all rise when we share our light with others. My job is to keep my cup overflowing so I can pour into my team and help them pour into our community. Together, we create the kind of impact that changes lives and builds brighter futures.”

“At its core, ECLI-VIBES was designed to put the ‘human’ back into human services — to be a place where people can rediscover hope, tap into their inner strength and heal,” Castillo added. “Every day, I am inspired by the power of human resilience as individuals take the courageous step to reach out, no matter how impossible their circumstances may seem.”

ECLI-VIBES also has created an Anti-Human Trafficking Program that supports individuals who have experienced human trafficking, helping them through complex issues they might have faced by utilizing a holistic approach with cost-free services.

“Human trafficking has been an ongoing issue in our county, and I am proud to work with ECLI-VIBES to support the victims and combat the traffickers,” said Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon [R-Rocky Point].“ In addition, ECLI-VIBES has been providing help to so many other people throughout our county.”

Hernandez said that ECLI-VIBES’ mission is to ensure that survivors have access to everything they need to “survive and thrive.”

“We have the privilege to stand in solidarity with them, offering not just services but an open heart, a shoulder to cry on and someone who listens to guide them toward long-term healing,” she said. “We are dedicated to supporting the mindset that empowers individuals to reclaim their power and self-sufficiency.”

For their passionate education and advocacy, TBR News Media is pleased to name Feride Castillo and Jennifer Hernandez 2024 Persons of the Year.

“As I reflect on this journey, I’m reminded of the incredible power of community and the importance of leading with love. ECLI-VIBES was built on this foundation, and it’s what continues to guide us as we create lasting change for the individuals and families we serve,” Hernandez said. “This honor is not mine alone — it belongs to every survivor who’s trusted us, every team member who’s shown up, and every person who’s believed in our mission. Love is what our community needs and will always lead us forward.”

Castillo said that the co-founders have always believed they are “the extended family member, cousin or friend who will pick up your call when you’re in need and figure out a way to help you.”

“No one should have to face the hardest moments of their life alone,” she added. “That’s why we’re committed to breaking down barriers and removing gatekeeping to provide tangible, life-saving information and resources. It’s about creating spaces where people feel supported, validated and empowered to reclaim their power and take back their lives.”

If you need help or know someone who does, visit www.eclivibes.org or call 631-360-3606.

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Ira Costell, president of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association. File photo

By Dylan Friedman

When two years ago, a significant development threatened to reshape the character of his tight-knit community dramatically, Ira Costell knew he had to act. 

As the recently elected president of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association, Costell became more determined than ever to ensure his neighbors’ voices were heard.

“I figured, this was an opportunity for me to pitch in and try to do my best to give voice to those issues that I felt some of my neighbors and myself were concerned about,” Costell said.

Over the past two years, Costell has done just that, reinvigorating the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association and transforming it into a powerful platform for community advocacy. 

“I try to do it to the best of my ability. It’s a learning experience, but I think I’ve grown into the position, and [I] do my best to be an honest broker so that it’s not just about my opinion. I really try to facilitate what I think the group is trying to say,” Costell said.

Through Costell’s leadership, the organization has seen a surge in engagement. It has over 200 people on its mailing list, over 50 voting members and countless other community members who show up at meetings to voice their concerns. 

This grassroots mobilization has allowed the civic group to have a tangible impact on key issues facing the area, from influencing the outcome of a contentious rezoning proposal to securing a commitment for a comprehensive traffic study, all completed under Costell’s leadership.

While the association has accomplished many things under Costell’s leadership, his decades-long commitment to community service extends far beyond the organization.

“I have a background of giving service to protecting the environment. I was the former chair of an environmental commission in the county of Suffolk,” Costell said. “I [also] continuously give service as a family advocate for people struggling with problems with drugs and alcohol,  connect people to treatment and give them help, and I try to educate and assist families that are struggling with loved ones who are challenged with the disease of addiction,” Costell continued. 

Costell’s dedication to his community has not gone unnoticed. His tireless efforts and passionate advocacy have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and neighbors.

“Ira Costell goes about his business in a quiet way. His planning background and decades-long residency in Port Jefferson Station and Terryville are priceless. He uses both to assist in his decision-making as it pertains to our community,” Lou Antoniello, treasurer of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association, said. 

Costell’s ability to galvanize community support and his commitment to addressing local concerns have significantly impacted the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville community. His leadership has not only revitalized the civic association but also empowered residents to actively participate in shaping the future of their neighborhood.

As Costell continues to serve his community, he inspires others to get involved and make a difference. His story is a testament to the power of individual action and the importance of community engagement at every level. 

For his work with the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association, TBR News Media is pleased to name Ira Costell as a 2024 Person of the Year.

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Gloria Rocchio standing in front of the Stony Brook Village post office. Photo courtesy of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization

By Rita J. Egan

Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 45th Annual Holiday Festival on Dec. 8 filled the Stony Brook Village Center with holiday spirit as entertainers played music, a short parade featuring large puppets weaved through the center and Santa visited with children.

It was hard to believe that diagonally across the street from the Village Center laid the remnants of a summer storm that brought down several inches of rain during a short time in the late evening hours and early morning hours of Aug. 18 and 19, altering a landmark in its wake. The deluge of rain left the historic Stony Brook Grist Mill’s dam breached and the Stony Brook Mill Pond drained. Harbor Road running along the pond and Mill Creek Road were destroyed, and part of a home and its backyard fell into the Mill Pond.

Heading up the charge to keep the Stony Brook Village Center, which WMHO owns, running smoothly despite the devastation and working to restore the Stony Brook Mill Pond to its former glory has been Gloria Rocchio, WMHO’s president.

Regarding the aftermath, Rocchio said it was the worst weather-related damage she knows of since she became WMHO president more than 40 years ago. Despite the tragedy, Stony Brook Village Center businesses remained open, and events such as the holiday and Halloween festivals have continued. For her leadership and stewardship skills in keeping continuity and order, TBR News Media has named Rocchio one of its People of the Year for 2024.

Rocchio said when the news of the dam breaching awakened her, she didn’t sleep for the rest of the day. The WMHO president has had to balance environmental, historical preservation, commerce and tourism concerns in the following months.

Regarding juggling all the responsibilities, she said, “I have a very good staff but inevitably I have to be involved.”

She also has been grateful for volunteers (see sidebar) who have offered assistance. Among them, joining WMHO employees, were more than 70 nearby residents who cleaned debris and dead fish in Stony Brook Mill Creek on Aug. 22. Some debris came from the home that partially fell into the pond. Among the items found were suitcases, furniture and apparel. Some larger items, such as a lawn mower, couldn’t be removed immediately.

Rocchio said WMHO was grateful for the help they have received. Reflecting on the last few months, she was reminded that Stony Brook’s hamlet gets its name from the stony mill creek. “This is the heart of Stony Brook.”

Richard Rugen, WMHO chairman, said Rocchio has been working 24/7.

“It is a job for three people, and the reason she’s able to handle it is that she not only has been doing it for a very long time, but she has worn so many hats on Long Island relative to civic things, that she’s got an inventory, a mental inventory, that is like none other.”

Rugen added that Rocchio began her journey with WMHO during a time when she was able to get to know philanthropist and developer of Stony Brook Village Center Ward Melville, as well as his wife, Dorothy, and other notable WMHO board members. To this day, Rugen said, Rocchio respects their vision of the Stony Brook Village Center and WMHO’s other properties.

“I don’t think a board meeting goes by — and if it does, it’s a short one — where the Melville mantra is not brought up: What would Dorothy and Ward think of this idea?” Rugen said. “So, they are still there in that respect.”

Since the storm, Rocchio has been in constant contact with elected officials, including Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket). The legislator has worked on various projects with WMHO and secured grants for the nonprofit during his former role as a New York State assemblyman.

Englebright said Rocchio tremendously respects the architectural and overall vision of Ward Melville and Richard Haviland Smythe, the Village Center’s architect. The legislator has seen Rocchio at work, most recently restoring the historic eagle on the center’s post office.

“It’s a fragile entity that needs constant attention and care, and in this case, repair, and she’s the right person,” Englebright said. “She’s doing almost curatorial-quality care for that architectural treasure that is the village, but it’s not a static exhibit. It’s a community. It’s where people live and shop.”

Englebright said that during the last few months after the storm, Rocchio has continued making the Village Center a welcoming place and kept it “vibrant and economically viable,” adding that such a task is important but not easy.

“She’s not just passively overseeing the Ward Melville Heritage Organization,” the legislator said. “She’s making sure that it remains a part of our living experience and our consciousness.”

WMHO board grateful for community’s help

Ward Melville Heritage Organization President Gloria Rocchio and Chairman Richard Rugen said they appreciated the assistance Long Island residents offered after the August storm that left Stony Brook Mill Pond drained.

Rae Marie Renna, general manager of the Three Village Inn, drove from the South Shore immediately after hearing about the dam breach and offered rooms to occupants of five homes that were evacuated near the dam.

Rocchio said Avalon Nature Preserve offered to patrol by the Stony Brook Grist Mill after people were walking into the drained pond, which is dangerous as the mud acts like quicksand. Residents have also called animal rescuers such as Sweetbriar Nature Center and Frankie Floridia, of Strong Island Animal Rescue League, when they have spotted fish and wildlife in distress. Both Rocchio and Rugen said the animal rescuers who have saved fish, turtles and more were risking their own safety when walking in the drained pond.

Rocchio added that some of the animals were confused after the storm. Canada Geese have been sitting on a sandbar when the tide goes up and then swim with whatever water is there. One goose adopted TEB North Country Car Care service station after the pond drained and was named Scooter. Owner Brian Barton and his staff gave the goose cracked corn and water. When it was too hot, they bought the goose a kiddie pool to swim in.

Olivia Ross, of Port Jefferson, has been selling bracelets inscribed with Stony Brook Strong and Save the Mill Pond for $2 each where all proceeds are going to WMHO. Rocchio said,  “She has worked tirelessly with us.”

The WMHO president and chairman said among the volunteers, especially during the Aug. 22 cleanup, were Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) and Lois Reboli of the Reboli Center for Art and History. Local businesses such as Crazy Beans Restaurant, Sweet Mama’s Restaurant and Premiere Pastry Shop contributed food and beverages, while Stony Brook Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals, along with Lessing’s Hospitality Group and the Three Village Dads, also took part in the cleanup. Stony Brook Fire Department was on standby to assist in an emergency, and the Town of Brookhaven Highway Department delivered dumpsters.

Rugen said they were grateful for everyone who had volunteerism “in their hearts.”

 

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Robert Lusaka. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

Smithtown Library Director Robert Lusak continues to work tirelessly to repair the immensely damaged library after the Aug. 19 storm. From arranging various reparations to meeting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimagining the damaged basement, Lusak’s days are packed. His devotion exceeds simple career obligations and has made him a 2024 TBR News Media Person of the Year.  

Talking to the director of almost 25 years, it is clear that the library is in capable hands. 

About 17 years ago Lusak renovated and expanded all four library buildings under his jurisdiction. Back then he planned and replanned, sought approval, held meetings and consulted residents. 

In August, when the basement of the Smithtown building was drowned in 8 feet of water, sludge and debris; when the windows were pushed inward and propelled almost 20 feet away; when the doors wouldn’t open due to the water pressure; and when it would have been easy to give up, Lusak climbed to the roof with volunteer fire fighters and descended the ladder to determine what was next. 

What followed were phone calls to cut the power, meetings with staff, the salvaging of archives, interviews, fundraising and a high level of coordination that wouldn’t have been possible without Lusak. 

“[Lusak’s work] is all for the people and preservation of history and you need to have the discipline for that, and Rob possesses that quality,” said Vinny Puleo, the vice president of the Rotary Club of Smithtown Sunrise, where Lusak sits as president.

“It was rapid-fire decisions,” Lusak said. “We set up a team, almost. We had our local history librarian come over and she was so composed and professional when she saw what happened to her collection. She treats it like her child. We had janitors and custodians bringing it up here to rescue it, to protect it. Obviously, you don’t learn this in library science school.”

Lusak has sympathy for employees who lost their offices and personal belongings and for community members who lost their library. 

“The first week was a blur almost,” he said. “This is home to us, all of us.”

As Lusak walks around the building, that fact couldn’t be more apparent. The affection with which he indicates subtleties are proof of his care and attentiveness. Partial to Disney, Lusak points out that the artwork of the Smithtown library card contains a hidden Mickey Mouse. Evidence of Lusak’s impact and passion for his job is inextricable from the library itself.

The basement is now gutted and cleaned. There is still over a year before the main floors can be opened — a permanent electric line will need to be established and a new HVAC system installed —but Lusak is optimistic and already thinking of ways he can improve the library’s layout and services. 

Smithtown Library Assistant Director Eileen Caulfield lauded Rob’s “exceptional leadership, commitment to service and impactful contributions across different sectors.”

In addition to his work as Smithtown Library director, Lusak is president of the Rotary Club of Smithtown Sunrise. Club members, who meet Thursday mornings, frequently organize donation events and partner with local charities. Recently, club members volunteered to purchase gifts for children whose families may not have the money for luxuries. 

Lusak also makes time to fulfill his duties as a major with the 11th New York Infantry Regiment, a volunteer honor guard program that performs services to honor veterans and their families. 

“When I heard it was honoring families and their loved ones who passed away, I was attracted to that. It is letting the families know that their loved one represented our country well. That’s why when [the unit] was brought to my attention I said ‘I’m in. I want to do this,’” Lusak said. 

Lusak’s consistent consideration for his fellow community members is inspiring. The strength, perseverance and grace he has shown make him a valuable leader.

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Barbara Ransome

By Mallie Jane Kim

Port Jefferson Village is a North Shore gem for locals and visitors alike, with restaurants and shops a cornerstone of this historic district experience. For decades, Barbara Ransome, 16-year director of operations for the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, has worked tirelessly and effectively to keep this charming corner of Long Island thriving.

“Barbara is a force of nature,” said Stuart Vincent, president of the chamber and senior community relations program manager at Mather Hospital. 

Vincent praised Ransome’s ability to organize complicated logistics of village events, and to make sure everything the chamber hosts — from the Health and Wellness festival to the Santa parade — is successful. She also keeps abreast of any new regulation or change that might impact local business, attending countless relevant meetings to keep chamber partners informed. She even dresses as the Easter Bunny for Port Jefferson’s Easter parade and egg hunt.

“Barbara’s all over,” Vincent said. “I wonder sometimes how she gets everything done in the day.”

Ransome, who also owns and operates The Ransome Inn on East Broadway, has brought to the village events like the Dragon Boat Race Festival, the Chowder Crawl during Oktoberfest and the Mac & Cheese Crawl during the village Ice Festival — all features that add to the tangible sense of place in Port Jefferson while drawing more customers to local retail shops and restaurants. 

Her presence has added to a sense of unity among village community leaders as well. According to Lobster House owner James Luciano, who is also president of the Port Jefferson Business Improvement District (BID), Ransome goes above and beyond to volunteer her time to help. 

“If there’s a chamber partner out there who needs help, she’s there,” Luciano said. “Any time I need help with anything, she’s always the first one asking, ‘What do you need?’”

Ransome served six terms in local elected positions, including as village trustee and deputy mayor, so she has a deep understanding of how the system works, and she is adept at helping business owners navigate bureaucracy.

Luciano added that she has been an invaluable partner for other organizations looking to serve the village, including the Business Improvement District. 

“The chamber and the BID used to be very separate years ago, and now they’re very much one and the same,” Luciano said, describing the tight relationship his organization has formed with the Chamber of Commerce. “Having someone as committed as her is what really makes it happen.”

For Ransome herself, keeping the chamber running springs naturally from her personality and her long history in the village.

“I do like to work,” she said. “My motivation is to make sure that things are done correctly and the chamber as a whole benefits.”

Ransome also credits her success to having a board that trusts and supports her, due to her reputation for doing the right thing. 

“There’s an expression in the horticultural community of a ‘proven winner,’” she said, referring to plants that have a track record of success. “I think that’s what I am for them — I’m a proven winner in doing the job here.”

For her unflagging commitment to the continued success of Port Jefferson Village, TBR News Media recognizes Barbara Ransome as a 2024 Person of the Year.

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Jonathan Kornreich. Photo by Michael Rosengard/North Island Photography and Films

By Rita J. Egan

Jonathan Kornreich (D, Stony Brook) may have grown up in Smithtown, but his heart is in the Town of Brookhaven.

The long-time Stony Brook resident and Town of Brookhaven councilmember is seen frequently at community events and civic meetings with his staff members Amani Khan and Abigail Choi, interacting with constituents, listening to their concerns and aiming for what’s best for all.

Before being elected to the TOB board during a special election in 2021, Kornreich, the only Democrat on the board, was known for his leadership skills and open-mindedness as a board member of the Three Village School District for 14 years. He was also president of the Three Village Civic Association for seven years and served on the executive boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Suffolk County and the North Shore Montessori School.

For his work, Kornreich has been named TBR News Media Person of the Year for 2024. This year’s honor is the councilperson’s second time receiving the recognition as he was named the news outlet’s Man of the Year in Education in 2012.

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico (R) called the honor “well deserved.” 

“He is very caring, conscientious, and is frequently in my office as we discuss issues — and a myriad of issues — that affect the first town council district,” Panico said. “He’s proven himself to be a very diligent individual here at the town.”

Herb Mones, Three Village Community Trust president and TVCA land use chair and former president, has known Kornreich roughly 20 years and said he admires Kornreich’s willingness to help out with community matters and concerns. Mones added he also appreciates how Kornreich shows up for cleanups for the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail and the Stony Brook train station and joins residents in tasks such as raking and picking up trash.

Joan Nickeson, Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce community liaison, said the chamber has had the same experience with the councilmember.

“Upon his election, Jonathan rolled up his sleeves, intent on maintaining open dialog and to improve community life in the Port Jefferson Station and Terryville hamlets,” Nickeson said.

Nickeson said Kornreich has a “can-do attitude” and such assistance has produced tangible solutions for the chamber of commerce’s Train Car office and park.

“We continue to depend upon his intuition, skill navigating Town Hall and support of small local businesses, and partners in Port Jefferson Station and Terryville,” Nickeson said.

Tackling the district’s issues

The myriad of issues facing Brookhaven’s Council District 1, which includes Stony Brook, Old Field, Poquott, Setauket, East Setauket, Belle Terre, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station and Terryville, recently has included a dam collapse that drained Stony Brook Mill Pond after a summer storm. In addition to the devastation the storm left behind, among local issues, Kornreich deals with constituents’ concerns regarding land development in the area and, more recently, two proposed battery storage facilities for East Setauket. Kornreich is also working with the TOB on relocating the historic Roe Tavern to East Setauket Pond Park as part of the redesign and expansion of the open space. In his spare time, he has worked on raising funds to renovate the American Legion Irving Hart Post 1766 in Setauket.

Regarding tackling the more complex matters, Panico said Kornreich puts “public service ahead of politics.”

“I think he’s always a person who has a good compass when it comes to right and wrong,” the town supervisor said. “I think he’s a good listener and a person who does what’s right, even though that decision may not appear to be popular at the time.” 

Mones described Kornreich as “sincere with a tremendous amount of integrity with communicating and dealing with complex issues.”

“I feel that Jonathan has a certain unique capacity to communicate with people, understand their points of view and then express himself after being thoughtful and deliberate in his way,”

Mones added that Kornreich is unique in leadership because he’s not showy or flashy.

“He is calm, thoughtful and able to bring about a certain amount of consensus by his speaking to people that way.”

Mones said that when the two worked together on the civic association board, Kornreich’s ability to talk to various people and develop relationships where he understood people’s interests drew newer members to the civic association.

Regarding the land use issues the council district faces, he said Kornreich goes out of his way to listen to everyone from residents to developers and get them to work together and see what needs to be done to move forward.He added that Kornreich will bring developers back to reality when developers have proposals that may be “considered over the type in their asks for number of units or the type of build out of a store” and ask, “how could you expect that this would occur.”

Recently, at the civic association’s last meeting of the year, while there was no formal agenda, attendees had questions regarding the proposed battery storage facilities. Mones said Kornreich was more than happy to field questions.

“He’s not fazed by that idea of having people questioning, proposing ideas,” Mones said. “He’s willing to be that listener and try to help in whatever way he can with the community.”

 

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The staff at TBR News Media would like to wish all of our readers a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year!

We would also like to take this time to remind everyone that our office will be closed for the next two weeks and will reopen on January 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Another year has almost gone. Maybe it was a good year for some of us or perhaps not. Maybe we’re wondering where all the days went when we could’ve sworn there were months left to lose ten pounds, learn to play the piano or master the art of relaxation. Time — it moves slowly but passes quickly.

2024 was a year of great change and tumult. November brought one of the most talked-about elections in recent history — a race that pitted the first Black Vice President, a woman, against a former president who survived an attempted assassination in July. The year also bore witness to nature’s fury with catastrophic storms like Hurricane Milton, Beryl and Helene wreaking havoc across the country, not to mention right here on the North Shore. And while some of the troubles of  2024 may fade into the past, remember — we endured it together as a community.

No matter how 2024 treated us, the good news is that a new year lies ahead. New Year’s Eve has a way of inspiring hope — a symbolic chance to start fresh to envision the possibilities of a blank slate. After the ball drops in Times Square, there’s a unique energy in the air — a sense of renewal that hopefully propels us into a year filled with potential.

But remember, 2025’s promise is only as meaningful as the actions we take to shape it. 2025 does have one very massive roadblock — December 31, 2025. So before another 365 days roll around, let’s set goals that matter — big, small or both, that we can achieve by the end of next year. Want to get involved in our community? Take that first step. Want to learn something new or pursue a long-held interest? Go for it. This is a cliche but it’s true — there’s nothing to lose and everything — even something — to gain. But above all, let’s be the change we want to see in our lives and in the world. If 2024 was a disappointment, let the fresh pages of a new calendar inspire us to address the challenges we see before us. Let’s not be deterred by the belief that meaningful change is only achievable by “others.” Change starts with all of us — and it can absolutely begin now.

As we bid farewell to 2024, all of us  wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. May 2025 bring joy, opportunity and the necessary inspiration to make it the best year yet. As J.P. Morgan wisely said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.”

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