A participant at last year's tournament. Photo by Carol Tokosh
The Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve will hold its annual Catch and Release Junior Angler Fishing Tournament at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, on Saturday,June 14. The event is rain or shine.
The tournament will be divided into two groups: ages 5 through 8 from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. and ages 9 to 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Sign-in begins 30 minutes before each start time. Trophies will be awarded in three categories at each session.
Those interested in participating in the tournament must register by Thursday, June 12, and adults must accompany anglers under the age of 10. The entry fee is $20 and includes bait, hooks and bobbers, junior angler tee shirts, refreshments, and goody bags for all participants. A limited number of fishing rods are available if required. An $8 NYS Parks parking fee will be in effect.
For more information or to register, call the Caleb Smith State Preserve office at 631-265-1054, Tuesday through Sunday.
Northwell Health’s Michael Dowling (left) and Dr. John D’Angelo. Photo by Lee Weissman/Northwell Health
Dowling will transition to CEO Emeritus in October.
Northwell Health has announced that after serving as Northwell’s first president and chief executive officer for more than 23 years, Michael J. Dowling will step down effective October 1, 2025 and transition to the role of CEO Emeritus, where he will serve in an advisory capacity, supporting the advancement of key public health initiatives, and focusing on teaching and writing, according to a press released on May 14.
Dowling’s transition marks the end of an extraordinary tenure characterized by significant growth, industry innovation, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing health for all. Over the past two decades, his visionary leadership has transformed Northwell from a network of Long Island-based hospitals into one of the nation’s ten largest health systems, renowned for its clinical, academic, and research excellence. Under his leadership, Northwell became New York State’s first integrated health system in 1992 and now includes 28 hospitals across New York and Connecticut, employing 104,000 individuals, with over 14,000 affiliated physicians, 1,000 care locations, and a comprehensive network of home care, rehabilitation, and end-of-life services.
As president and CEO of Northwell, Michael Dowling spearheaded the system’s remarkable expansion, championing investments in research, leading to the growth of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and positioning Northwell at the forefront of bioelectronic medicine. His dedication to innovative medical education through the Zucker School of Medicine, the Hofstra-Northwell School of Nursing, and Northwell’s Center for Learning and Innovation has cultivated the next generation of health care professionals.
Additionally, Dowling has taken a leadership role in addressing gun violence, the leading cause of death among children in the United States, recognizing it as a critical health care issue. He has mobilized over 60 health care CEOs nationwide to support gun violence prevention. For 18 consecutive years, he has been named to Modern Healthcare magazine’s list of the “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare,” achieving the magazine’s #1 ranking in 2022.
Above, Dr. John D’Angelo will succeed Dowling in the fall.
After an extensive nationwide search, and confirmed in a unanimous vote, Northwell’s Board of Trustees has appointed John D’Angelo, MD, who currently serves as executive vice president of the health system’s central region, to succeed Dowling as president and CEO in October. Dr. D’Angelo began his more than 25-year tenure at Northwell as an emergency medicine physician at Glen Cove Hospital before advancing into health system-wide clinical and administrative leadership roles.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead Northwell through a period of unprecedented growth and clinical transformation that has enabled our team members to make a meaningful difference and improve the lives of the tens of millions of patients and families who we’ve cared for over the last 25 years,” said Dowling in the release.
“In Dr. D’Angelo, the Board of Trustees has selected a tremendous leader who will lead Northwell to greater heights. John is someone who understands and champions Northwell’s unique and differentiated culture and his clinical and operational acumen coupled with skills as a decisive and collaborative leader will enable Northwell to raise the bar on the quality of care we deliver to the communities we serve in New York and Connecticut. I look forward to partnering with Dr. D’Angelo in the coming months to help ensure a seamless transition to what will be an exciting new chapter in the 33-year history of Northwell,” he added.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected to succeed Michael Dowling as Northwell President and CEO. I am committed to build on his unparalleled legacy and vision that grew Northwell from a Long Island-based health system into a regional and national health care leader,” said Dr. D’Angelo. “Health care is a calling. Every minute of every day, we have an opportunity to change someone’s life for the better, and I look forward to leading our more than 100,000 team members who contribute to this critically important mission. Together, we will continue advancing better health for all.”
As president of Northwell’s central region, Dr. D’Angelo leads a dynamic health care network serving 2.8 million residents in western Nassau County and Queens, a network that includes six hospitals, over 270 ambulatory practice locations, and a dedicated team of 24,000 employees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. D’Angelo was at the forefront, orchestrating Northwell’s operational response and later becoming Chief of Integrated Operations, charged with streamlining system operations in the post-pandemic era.
Before this role, Dr. D’Angelo was the senior vice president of Northwell’s Emergency Medicine service line, where he managed 18 emergency departments and a network of 60+ urgent care centers, serving 1.5 million patients annually. With nearly three decades of experience as an emergency medicine physician, Dr. D’Angelo possesses a deep understanding of clinical care delivery, quality, process improvement, and operational management.
“The Northwell Board of Trustees is enormously grateful for Michael Dowling’s extraordinary tenure, and we are delighted to name Dr. D’Angelo as our next CEO,” said Board Chair Margaret Crotty. “Dr. D’Angelo is an experienced administrator, leading a region that itself would rank among the country’s largest health systems. He is a trusted mentor for so many Northwell leaders; a respected manager who inspires his team to consistently drive results; and a strategic leader who deploys technology toward the best health outcomes. John clearly stood out among an impressive slate as the best person to bring Northwell into a new era of care.”
On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected and chose the name Pope Leo XIV after a two-day conclave. He is the first American pope. But with any change comes controversy, especially when there is conflict between tradition and modernization. What do locals think of this new pope?
TBR News Media tackles this question by asking Long Islanders to share their opinions about recently elected Pope Leo XIV.
Nicole Connelly
Nicole Connelly looks forward to seeing a pope from the same city as her, Chicago, and one that enjoys tennis as much as she. While this is a simple validation, it leads her to feel a connection to the new pope because of it.
Thomas Worthington
Based on the information received, Thomas Worthington thinks Pope Leo XIV will continue the work of Pope Francis. In addition, Pope Leo XIV seems to be a good humanitarian who supports marginalized individuals. Worthington says, “He appears to be looking out for the underdogs in the world.”
Anonymous, East Setauket
This resident reflects on the matter by explaining how she thinks Pope Leo XIV will effectively enforce Catholic tradition, while still maintaining a more humane aspect that previous popes lacked. She also feels that many American Catholics can relate to him because of his nationality. “He has shown he’s a very human person with his enthusiasm for baseball,” Moody explains.
Jeanine Lewis, Holbrook
When asked about Pope Leo XIV, Jeanine Lewis responded, “I like him because he has a very kind smile and he’s a people person. You can see he connects with the people.” Another quality Lewis appreciates from the pope is his ability to keep Catholic traditions, but modify some of them to fit modern times.
Layla Fayed, East Setauket
Layla Fayed welcomes the new pope with cautious optimism in hopes to see him successfully modernize church doctrine. She looks to Pope Leo XIV to allow female leadership in the Catholic Church and openness toward the LGBTQ+ community. Fayed states, “overall, his papacy will be closely observed for how seriously it regards equality and inclusivity.
If an amusement park suddenly changed the criteria that would allow visitors to ride on a roller coaster or log flume, the number of potential customers would suddenly climb.
The same holds true for the number of people whom doctors are diagnosing with autism.
Over time, health care professionals have changed the definition of autism, recognizing the heterogeneous nature of a diagnosis that is often different from one individual to the next.
Debra Reicher. Photo courtesy Stony Brook University
Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the head of Health and Human Services, suggested that he planned to share a detailed analysis of autism by this September to explain the increase in the number of people who receive such a diagnosis.
Based on numerous reports, Kennedy indicated he would present research findings at the end of the summer that explains why and how the number of cases of autism and other childhood chronic diseases has risen.
“The biggest, most widely agreed reason for the increase in numbers is the broadening of the diagnostic criteria,” said Debra Reicher, Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University.
Over her 35 years in the field of autism, Reicher said the definition of autism has changed.
“We are getting better at diagnosing people at the higher end of the spectrum,” she said.
When Reicher started in the field, about 80 percent of those diagnosed with autism also had an intellectual developmental disorder or cognitive delay. That is currently closer to 40 percent.
“We are getting better at identifying people who have good cognitive skills,” and who have autism, Reicher added.
Over time, the male-female gap has also narrowed. Historically, boys and men were more likely to receive an autism diagnosis.
Clinicians are getting better at understanding the presentation of autism in females, who have different symptoms that can fly under the radar.
Girls are more likely to “mask or camouflage” autism, which physicians might miss, Reicher added.
Matthew Lerner
People are also more aware of autism as a diagnosis.
“Young parents are tracking their child’s development and are asking their pediatricians questions,” Reicher said. That leads to earlier detection.
On a smaller but not insignificant level, some studies suggest that older ages of fathers can also contribute to autism.
“Advanced paternal age is a statistically significant predicator of increased rates of autism,” said Matthew Lerner, Research Associate Professor and Research Director of the Autism Initiative at Stony Brook University.
Premature babies, who are much more likely to survive today than they were even a few decades ago, can also receive an autism diagnosis as they develop.
More support
At the same time, health systems are not only more actively screening for autism, but they are also providing more support and benefits.
By offering people and their families services, these health care systems are providing people with autism care, making a diagnosis a potential starting point for more care.
“If somebody was diagnosed with autism in the 1980s, there weren’t a lot of things that folks could do,” said Lerner, who is also Associate Professor and Leader of the Life Course Outcomes Program Area at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University.
Some research also suggests a correlation between environmental exposure or pollutants and the incidence of the condition.
Researchers, however,caution that a correlation doesn’t necessarily indicate a causation, which is a significant challenge in the world of science and medicine.
A correlation may or may not be relevant in the context of a disease or the treatment for it. Researchers who can conclude based on larger and statistically significant samples a cause between something like environmental exposure and a disease can reduce the likelihood of a condition.
To be sure, despite considerable chatter through online forums, the Internet and people who have limited or no medical expertise, people in the autism field have not seen any evidence that vaccines for diseases like measles have any connection with autism.
The studies that were done in the 90s and early 2000s that suggested a potential link between autism and vaccines were biased and were eventually retracted in a journal, Reicher said.
“Research shows no difference in the rates of autism between vaccinated and unvaccinated children,” she added.
Some new or expectant mothers are hesitating to give their children a measles, mumps and rubella shot.
Reicher urges parents to study the issue carefully and to provide the kind of protection that will prevent the spread of infectious diseases and the lifelong consequences of contracting measles.
Reicher suggested that some of the fear comes from the fact that MMR is given around the time physicians recognize the symptoms of autism.
“With vaccines, there’s no evidence to support” a connection with autism, Reicher added.
New research
Researchers and clinicians welcomed the possibility of new studies that might help the heterogeneous community of people with autism.
New work done with “rigorous science that have reputable approaches and ask meaningful questions” could be “fantastic” for people with autism and their support networks, Lerner said.
To be sure, Lerner doesn’t anticipate any major findings in the development of autism, particularly in the context of vaccines or any other speculation that researchers have tested for decades.
The notion that significant studies from around the world that thousands of researchers conducted over the course of decades would suddenly be overturned in the next four months “seems highly implausible,” he said.
Lerner hopes that any focus on autism research that the current administration conducts respects and adheres to the level of rigor necessary to make any changes in diagnosis, treatment or potential causes.
At this point, Reicher, who has spent decades working with a wide range of people with autism, has seen many people with autism live “wonderful, successful, fulfilling lives.” People with autism are “making huge contributions to the arts, to science and to everything in between.”
Understanding and enhancing an awareness of autism through well-documented and rigorous research could help some people with the diagnosis, although a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work for a larger population that has different symptoms and needs.
A recent photo of Owl Hill. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office
Since 2016, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta has worked tirelessly to preserve Smithtown’s unique Owl Hill estate and its 27 acres from being developed into multiple housing units. His efforts prevailed as Suffolk County purchased the entire parcel from the developer for $8.3million using money from the Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Fund.
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta accepts the award for “Organization Excellence” from Preservation Long Island’s Director Tara Cubie. Photo courtesy of PLI
The sprawling property is home to the 117-year-old, 6,500 square foot mansion designed by world-renowned American architect Henry Killam Murphy. Noted first patent attorney, Edmund Wetmore, commissioned Murphy to design it. Inside the mansion, there is an impressive mahogany staircase, mahogany floors and paneling; library; wood paneled dining room; eight bedrooms; music/living room; five bathrooms; kitchen; several fireplaces; basement, and much more. The dining room has an “owl” motif on the chairs, as well as the matching buffet. The grounds include stunning plants and mature trees, along with a garage and outer building.
On January 25, 2025, at its biennial awards ceremony, Preservation Long Island (PLI) awarded Legislator Trotta and Suffolk County with its biennial Preservation Award for “Organizational Excellence” for their efforts to preserve Owl Hill as a valuable resource in the community. Trotta is very committed to preserving the storied historic estate and adapting it for continued cultural and civic programs.
The public is invited to attend an “Open House” to see the property and “Owl Hill” on Saturday, May 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Owl Hill is located at 99 Sunken Meadow Road, Fort Salonga. For more information or questions, please call Legislator Trotta’s district office at 631-854-3900.
When we feel achy, nauseous and dizzy, we know something is wrong. We might visit the doctor, take cold medicine or cancel plans in order to get some rest.We quickly equate the corporeal symptoms with a physical ailment and treat the illness appropriately. A cut requires a bandage, a broken bone needs a cast.
When we are mentally struggling, the problem is more difficult to diagnose. Our stubborn minds, too smart for their own good, may equivocate and minimize the pain, convincing ourselves that in the absence of physical symptoms, pain should not exist. We are busy–kids need rides to school, deadlines loom and work piles up. There isn’t time for a quiet moment to check in with our emotions.
It may seem inconvenient, or even embarrassing for us to admit that our mental state is suffering, but we can’t outrun, outwork or suppress something as vital as mental health. We shouldn’t accept it as a weakness or as an unavoidable dispositional quality. Help awaits to alleviate our discomfort or suffering.
Prolonged distress or anxiety has physical consequences, such as high blood pressure, weight fluctuation, heart disease and sleep issues. We shouldn’t ignore our minds.
Mental illness doesn’t discriminate by age, gender or class. Stigmas surrounding asking for help differ by demographic, with men less likely to reach for help when they are struggling. Prescribing to stereotypes and gender roles contributes to the idea that men shouldn’t ask for help, or are failing in their masculinity if they do. Less than half of men suffering from depression or anxiety actually seek help.
It may seem like we are alone–that there must be something wrong with us for feeling anxious or depressed or paranoid. This is untrue. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 8 adults suffer from mental disorders each year.
It is time to prioritize mental health instead of pushing it to the side. If something is off with friends or loved ones–they aren’t as enthusiastic about their hobbies, aren’t eating as much or are eating more than normal, or are isolating themselves– make sure they know you are there to support them and get them any help they may need. If you feel your mental health slipping, lean on those around you or call the Suffolk County’s Mental Health Helpline at 631-471-7242.
Sometimes, just opening up and talking about what you are feeling can ease the pain. Other times, contacting a professional could be what work best.
After weeks of preparation, fourth and fifth grade orchestra students at Pines Elementary School in the Hauppauge School District welcomed New York City-based composer, teacher and Broadway musician Eric Davis, the composer of one of their concert pieces.
Students first performed for Mr. Davis, showcasing their hard work and interpretation of his piece, “Dark Forest Legend.” Following their performance, Mr. Davis took the baton and led an interactive workshop on his composition. He shared stories about the inspiration behind the song, the narrative he hoped to convey and even how his original title was initially rejected by the publisher.
“It’s always rewarding to watch the students work with the original composer,” said orchestra teacher Tracey DeRose. “Seeing them learn directly from the expert is a delight.”
After the workshop, students asked Mr. Davis questions about the life of a composer.
Students asked thoughtful questions, gaining a deeper understanding of what it takes to create music.
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa, who turns 100 on June 19, was celebrated by her Smithtown Central School District colleagues for her upcoming milestone birthday. Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Hela Ressa loves to knit and crochet. She loves it so much that she has taught the skill to thousands of yearning learners for more than 25 years in Smithtown. So it was only fitting that her adult students celebrate her upcoming 100th birthday with a surprise party before her adult ed class at the Smithtown administration building on May 12. She turns 100 on June 19.
Smithtown Central School District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Secaur, shared a letter with Ressa congratulating her accomplishments. The letter read in part, “Your hands have crafted far more than scarves and sweaters….Through your lessons, we’ve learned to slow down, to create with purpose, and to find joy in the quiet rhythm of our craft…you have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many.”
Ressa emigrated to the United States from Germany more than 70 years ago. She settled on Long Island and began teaching knitting and crocheting classes at Sears Roebuck Department Store in 1969. Since then, Ressa has taught the adult education class in seven school districts and at a community center throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
For her efforts, Ressa received a proclamation from Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Werheim.
This Mother’s Day, locals reflected on therole their mothers have played in their lives; from attending sports games to dispensing unforgettable advice, these matriarchs shaped who their children are today.
TBR News Media asked community members, “What is your favorite memory with your mother?
Laurel and Dylan Gallo
Laurel and Dylan Gallo, Centereach
Laurel remembers going to Cedar Beach with her mother, people-watching and shopping together. Her son
Dylan recalled recently going to see Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats at Madison Square Garden withher, sipping margaritas together in their booth. “We got to hear all our favorite songs that we grew up listening to together, and I don’t think I’m ever gonna forget it.”
Alex Andre
Alex Andre, Hempstead
Alex’s fondest memory of his mother was going out for food together before he went to Germany for the Army.
Thomas and Flynn
Thomas and Flynn,St. James
Flynn’s favorite memory was going to Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park, together with his mom. His brother Thomas also shared his favorite memory: “probably the day when I was born!”
Nekki Lang
Nekki Lang, Southbury, Conn.
This former Long Islander’s favorite memory with her mother was trekking up to Vermont to visit after her mother had moved off of Long Island.
Jace Mas
Jace Mas, Port Jefferson Station
While checking people out at The Frigate, Jace shared his favorite memory: coming off the mat at his wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu matches and seeing his mom cheering him on.
Mashal Siddiqui
Mashal Siddiqui, Centereach
Mashal recalled going to the beach as a family when her brothers were young. She said the time she spent with her family then was her favorite memory with her mother.
Ryan
Ryan,Mount Sinai
Ryan’s absolute favorite memory with his mom was going to Universal Studios with her. His sister’s favorite memory is a secret.
Jack and Shannon Chant
Jake andShannon Chant,Middle Island
Shannon’s favorite memory with her mother is going on vacation with her and getting one-on-one time together. Her son Jake’s favorite memory, similarly, is visiting the beaches of Nantucket with her.
The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office
The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office
The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office
The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office
The Town of Smithtown Senior Softball Team, Smithtown Patriots, kicked off their Opening Day game for the 2025 season on Thursday, May 8th. The Smithtown Patriots played the Brookhaven Bluejays at Flynn Memorial Park. Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and Councilman Tom Lohmann were in attendance to wish both teams good luck, a great season, and a memorable opening day.
“It was a beautiful day for a ball game as the Smithtown Patriots took the field, bringing their skill, sportsmanship and unbeatable spirit to kick off a brand-new season. Flynn Memorial Park was filled with energy, laughter and the kind of camaraderie that makes our community so special. We were proud to host the Brookhaven Bluejays and even prouder to celebrate a game thatis timeless, much like our incredible senior leagues.”said Wehrheim.
Opening ceremonies began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for Patriot’s long-time teammate and dear friend, Christopher Revere Sr., who passed away on March 26. Richard Claxton, the Patriot’s team manager and player, referred to Revere as “the heart and soul of the team.” Just before the Patriots took the field for the top of the first inning, Supervisor Wehrheim threw out the ceremonial first pitch, enthusiastically declaring, “Play ball!”
The battle between the Patriots and Blujays ultimately ended in a draw, as each team won one of the two games played. The Smithtown Patriots Senior Softball Team is sponsored by the Smithtown Senior Citizens’ Department.
Interested in joining?
Eligible players must be at least 59 by the year’s end (2025) to join the team. The team plays doubleheaders on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The season starts in May and ends in August. Any interested participants should contact the Smithtown Senior Center at (631) 360-7616.
