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.
Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center announced the winners of the 2024 Annual Gurwin Photo Contest, revealing the photos at a wine and cheese reception in Gurwin’s Simon Rainbow Room at the 460-bed skilled nursing facility in Commack on Dec. 9.
Nearly 1,000 submissions are received each year from across the globe by amateur photographers and students, and are judged by a panel of professional photographers for clarity, composition, subject matter and suitability for display at the Center.
This year’s judges, Iris Zaverdas De Vita of Golden Iris, Tony Lopez of Tony Lopez Photography, and Josh Schmidt of The Tiffen Company, chose 34 winning photos.
Grand Prize, Honorable Mentions, as well as a Best-in-Show winners were awarded in 12 categories: Action/ Sports, Altered/Enhanced, Children, Landscapes, Long Island/ New York, Nature, People, Pets, Still Life, Student, Travel, and Wildlife. Gurwin residents and staff also weighed-in on their favorites for “Resident/ Staff Selection” winners.
Best-in-Show went to Regina Matarazzo (Tobyhanna, PA) for her photo “Seagull Under the Pier” and Best-In-Show Runner-Up to Alan Sloyer (Roslyn) for “Millie’s Diner.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate not only the incredible talent of our photo contest winners but also the joyous return of our in-person reception at the Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, marking the first time since the pandemic,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System.
“Each year we are so very impressed by the incredible artistry of the participants, many of them perennial supporters of our unique contest. We are pleased to showcase their work, and a grateful for the beauty and inspiration the photos bring to our residents.”
Winning photos are permanently displayed in the Center’s renowned Tiffen Gallery, named in memory of Helen and Nat Tiffen of The Tiffen Company, long-time sponsors of the contest. More than 1,000 photos are showcased throughout the Center for the enjoyment of the community’s 460 long- and short-term residents, staff and visitors.
Photos not selected for a prize award are repurposed as reminiscence aids, for visual stimulation and art therapy, providing a source of comfort and inspiration, for residents throughout the Center, including Gurwin’s Memory Care Unit and Adult Day Care Programs.
“It’s hard for me to fathom that we’ve been hosting this contest for 31 years…at first, it was a way to decorate our newly opened nursing home; today, it’s so much more than that,” said Dennine Cook, Chief Corporate Communications Officer for Gurwin Healthcare System.
“All the selections, whether they be honorable mentions, grand prizes or resident/staff selections, will be judged, discussed and enjoyed by so many appreciative eyes for years to come. That is the real honor – that your photos will hang for decades in our residents’ home,” Cook added.
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.”
It was a big day for thirteen Long Island seniors, between the ages of 76 and 98, at the Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences in Commack, as they each took their turn arriving on a celebrity-style red carpet to celebrate the reveal of the “L’dor v’dor From Generation to Generation: 2025 Gurwin Jewish-Fay J. Lindner Residences Calendar,” celebrating the beauty and wisdom of the ages.
“I’m 88 years old and it was worth waiting for,” said Maureen Collins, “Ms. April,” who says her life’s motto, “Have Faith,” sustains her. “I never thought I’d see the day I’d be in a calendar and up on a screen and made a big deal of. It’s been enjoyable.”
Each resident was chosen to appear in the calendar for their unique personal story and their active involvement in daily life at Gurwin. The calendar was photographed earlier this year, in a professional celebrity-style photo shoot that included professional hair and makeup sessions and a pro-photo shoot. This is the 13th annual calendar from Gurwin featuring its residents.
“It’s almost a competitive event with the residents wanting to be in the calendar,” said Stuart Almer, CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “It’s a truly special event and one of the things that makes Gurwin unique.”
As part of the event, each calendar page was displayed on a giant projector at a reception including the models’ family and friends.
“I never thought that would be me in the calendar,” said Joseph Barreca, “Mr. March,” who’s advice for a good life is to smile. “I’m happy. I really enjoy life and I’m ready for whatever happens.”
Born between 1926 and 1948, these vibrant seniors have lived to see:
Eighteen US Presidents (Calvin Coolidge to Donald Trump)
The telephone, the iPhone, AI and Chat GPT
The invention of the automobile, airplane and space travel to Mars
World War II, Vietnam and 9/11
For more information, call 631-715-2000.
About Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences
Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community, located in Commack, Long Island, is part of the Gurwin Healthcare System, a renowned healthcare provider offering a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services for the frail and elderly, and younger adults with complex medical needs. In addition to its assisted living community, the System provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, advanced care, ventilator and respiratory care, on-site dialysis, memory care, and palliative and hospice care, as well as adult day care programs and home care. The campus is also home to Fountaingate Gardens, a newly opened 129-apartment Life Plan Community for seniors ages 62 and older. For more information, visit www.gurwin.org.
By Heidi Sutton
After 40 years of providing balloons and party supplies for birthday and graduation celebrations along with Halloween costumes, Party City announced on Dec. 20 that it will be closing all of its stores by February 28, 2025.
There are six Party City stores in Suffolk County including ones in Centereach, Patchogue and Commack. In total, over 800 stores will close.
The announcement was made by Party City CEO Barry Litwin to corporate employees via video conference. Litwin, who was appointed CEO just four months ago, cited financial challenges, helium shortages, competition from Walmart and Target, and inflation as the reason for the closures. The COVID-19 pandemic was also cited as less people are having parties.
“That is without question the most difficult message that I’ve ever had to deliver,” said Litwin. “It’s really important for you to know that we’ve done everything possible that we could to try to avoid this outcome,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s necessary to commence a winddown process immediately.”
The news came as a shock to many employees as grand re-openings had been celebrated at several stores in April of this year including one in East Hanover, New Jersey. The news also comes just a day after Big Lots announced it will be closing all remaining stores by early January.
By Bill Landon
It was Ward Melville’s Neelesh Raghurama who set the tempo for the Patriots in a home game against Commack, where the senior guard seemed to be able to score at will.
Whether it was driving the lane, shooting from long distance or being error free at the charity stripe, Raghurama led his team with 8 field goals, two triples and three from the free throw line, for 25 points defeating Commack 60-44 on Dec.16. Teammates James Coffey, the freshman point guard, netted 15 points, and Logan Seta and Jack Degen banked 6 points apiece in the League II matchup.
Jonny Ehlers topped the scoring chart for the Cougars with 10 points and Tyler Wilhelm added 9.
The win lifts the Patriots to 3-3 in the early season, while the loss drops Commack to 2-3.
— Photos by Bill Landon
By Heidi Sutton
Hanukkah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25 and ends on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 2 this year. Here are some menorah lighting ceremonies, parades and celebrations in our communities.
Commack
Multiple synagogues in the area and the Suffolk Y JCC will sponsor a community menorah lighting event at the Commack Corner Shopping Center parking lot, southeast corner of Jericho Turnpike and Commack Road, in Commack on Monday, Dec. 30 at 6:30 p.m. There will be entertainment, live music, dreidels, chocolate gelt, latkes and giveaways. 631-462-9800
Coram
Join Lubavitch of the East End for a menorah lighting at the Davis House, 263 Middle Country Road, Coram on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 4 p.m.
Dix Hills
The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills invites the community to their Grand Menorah Lighting on Thursday, Dec 26 at 5:30 p.m. with latkes and donuts. on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. 631-351-8672
East Setauket
Village Chabad, 360 Nicolls Road, East Setauket will host a Chanukah Car Parade and Grand Menorah Lighting with a Chocolate Gelt Drop on Thursday, Dec. 26 starting at 4 p.m. with latkes, donuts, magic show and hot cocoa. $10 per person in advance, $15 day before. RSVP required at at MyVillageChabad.com/RSVP. 631-585-0521
Farmingville
Join the Town of Brookhaven and Lubavitch of the East End for a Chanukah celebration at Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. with a menorah lighting, magic show, latkes, donuts and more. 631-698-4000
Greenlawn
The Greenlawn Civic Association will host a Menorah Lighting Ceremony and Hanukkah celebration at Harborfields Public Library, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn in the Communiy Meeting Room on Monday, Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. www.greenlawncivic.org
Huntington
Chabad of Huntington Village will host a Grand Menorah Lighting at the Huntington Village Winter Wonderland along Wall Street on Monday, Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. featuring music by Toby Tobias, fire juggling, festive balloons, chocolate gelt and donuts. 631-276-4453
Huntington Station
Chabad of Huntington & Melville invites the commuity to a Chanukah Wonderland at the Walt Whitman Shops,160 Walt Whitman Rd, Huntington Station (near center court) on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. Enjoy dreidel painting, doughnut decorating, face painting, giant Menorah lighting, build your own menorah, balloon designing, Chanukah gelt, arts & crafts, music, family entertainment, and much more. Free. RSVP suggested. www.Melvillechabad.com/chanukah, 631-385-2424.
Mount Sinai
Join Lubavitch of the East End for a menorah lighting at Heritage Park, 633 Mt. Sinai-Coram Road, Mt. Sinai on Monday, Dec. 30 a 5:30 p.m.
Northport
Join the Village of Northport in lighting the menorah outside Northport Village Park on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. 631-261-7502
Port Jefferson Station
The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Menorah Lighting at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on Wednesday, Dec. 25 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Join them for a special ceremony led by Rabbi Aaron Benson of the North Shore Jewish Center. 631-821-1313.
St. James
The community is invited to the St. James Menorah Lighting Ceremony at The Triangle, Route 25A and Lake Ave., St. James on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 at 5 p.m., Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 28 to Jan. 2 at 5 p.m. 631-584-8510
Stony Brook
Temple Isaiah, 1404 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook invites the community to a Community Candlelighting on Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 5 p.m. Join Rabbi Josh, Rebbetzin Meg and the Shabbat Singers for the first night of Chanukah. Please RSVP by calling 631-751-8518.
Smithtown
The Town of Smithtown and Chabad of MidSuffolk will hold its annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Town Hall, 99 West Main St., Smithtown onThursday, Dec. 26 at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, latkes, donuts and a special gelt drop for children. 631-360-7512
By Mallie Jane Kim
New York’s horseshoe crabs remain available to use as bait, after Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) vetoed a bill that would have prohibited the practice. Long Island environmental groups that had advocated for increased protections were not happy with the move.
“I’m angry and disappointed,” said George Hoffman, cofounder of the Setauket Harbor Task Force, which monitors water quality in area harbors and was one of about 60 organizations that signed on to a September letter urging Hochul to sign the bill.
“It will be hard to build enthusiasm among the environmental community for this governor,” Hoffman said.
Hochul’s Dec. 13 veto argued the species is already regulated by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), and said the bill could have “unintended consequences” on managing species like whelk and eel, which are harvested using horseshoe crabs as bait.
“While this bill is well intentioned,” she wrote in a letter to the state assembly, “the management of marine species is better left to the experts at DEC.”
She also expressed concern the bill could be detrimental to the commercial fishing industry and the biomedical field, which uses horseshoe crab blood in the development of vaccines.
Members of the commercial fishing industry were grateful for the reprieve.
“We’re thrilled that legislation didn’t take the place of science,” said Bonnie Brady, executive director of Montauk-based Long Island Commercial Fishing Association.
Brady questions the sufficiency of methodology and equipment used to count New York’s crab population for the ASMFC’s report, which rated the state’s stock of horseshoe crabs as “poor.” She laid out her concerns in a letter to Hochul earlier this month, arguing the species is already highly regulated and not overharvested.
“Fishermen’s lives and livelihoods depend on this,” Brady said. “Fishermen deserve the best science available — we aren’t doing anything that’s even close to on par with what other states are doing.”
Brady added that fishermen do not want to see the species depleted, and they will work within the regulations they are given.
Before its veto, the bill drew attention from legendary conservationist Jane Goodall, who urged Hochul to sign the bill to protect the ancient species, calling on their “shared sense of responsibility for the natural world.”
For her part, Hochul said she is directing DEC to evaluate whether additional measures could help protect the species, and she pointed to the agency’s current efforts to address concerns about overharvesting, including harvest prohibitions during the May and June spawning season. The agency also limits the annual horseshoe crab harvest in New York waters to 150,000, which is half the quota allowed by the ASMFC.
Environmental groups are not taking her assurance as consolation.
“Governor Hochul didn’t just drop the ball; she dropped the axe,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Farmingdale-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment, in a statement. “It’s unacceptable to allow the continued antiquated practice of chopping up horseshoe crabs so they can be used as bait by fishermen.”
Esposito said her organization will keep advocating for stronger regulations to ensure long-term protection of the species.
Carlow Wind Watch, a new luxury apartment community at 1721 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge, has welcomed its first residents, according to a press release from Southern Land Company (SLC), a national real estate developer of master-planned, single-family, multifamily, and mixed-use communities, on Dec. 19.
Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Southern Land Company has market-leading projects in nine states, with regional offices in New York City; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Plano, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Vallejo, California.
Carlow introduces “much-needed rental residences to the area and emphasizes impeccable design, comfort, and convenience, marking a new kind of residential experience,” stated the release.
“We are proud to introduce Carlow in this peaceful hamlet on Long Island and provide opportunities for residents to enjoy unparalleled luxury apartment living,” said SLC Founder and CEO, Tim Downey. “Carlow exemplifies luxury living through its sophisticated design, premium amenities, and idyllic views of Wind Watch Golf & Country Club, creating an environment where residents of all ages can cultivate meaningful connections and prioritize wellness.”
Carlow, comprised of two distinctive buildings—five and seven stories, respectively—features 150 pet-friendly one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental residences. Residents can choose from 12 different floor plans ranging from 935 to 1,755 square feet with monthly rent starting at $3,802. Carlow’s residences cater to residents seeking refined living spaces. Each residence, available in two different color schemes, showcases a designer kitchen with stainless steel appliances and finishes, and includes a gas range, washer and dryer, custom closet system, and spacious balcony or terrace.
In addition to its residences, Carlow offers residents a comprehensive collection of resort-inspired amenities designed to promote community and wellness. Carlow features full-time concierge services, a resort-style pool and heated spa, outdoor dining room with gas grills, a resident clubroom and lounge area, a convertible community table for game nights, a poker table, a pool table, shuffleboard, a co-working area with private meeting rooms, a contemporary fitness center and yoga studio, and a golf simulator.
“In keeping with SLC’s commitment to foster a true sense of community, residents will also enjoy unique programming and events,” read the release.
Additional features at Carlow include secured parking with two spaces designated per residence, access control home entry, and a package locker room for secure mail delivery and storage.
Adjacent to Wind Watch Golf & Country Club and Hyatt Regency Long Island, and just minutes from the Northern State Parkway, Carlow “is a peaceful suburban respite that provides convenient access to Hauppauge’s diverse selection of restaurants, retailers, and services,” as well as key Long Island transportation hubs, including Long Island MacArthur Airport and Fire Island Ferries, and charming nearby towns like Stony Brook and Port Jefferson.
Carlow marks SLC’s first multifamily community on Long Island and in New York, and the company has two additional New York projects that are on track to open in 2025:
To learn more about Carlow, visit https://carlowapartments.com/.
A call for transparency and accountability in village leadership
I’m writing this opinion piece in response to a recently published opinion piece by former (appointed) trustee Drew Biondo [TBR News Media. Nov. 21]. In this instance, it’s important to recognize that this opinion is clearly a biased one in support of the very same mayor that appointed Mr. Biondo to the short-lived position he held in this village. It is commendable that he defends the actions of his mayoral friend.
However, there is a very shocking lack of accountability in this opinion. Is this not the same trustee that stood on a village soapbox passionately speaking of the importance of ethics and transparency? This same mayor unethically misled members of the current trustee board when discussing the very incident that sparked this change. Misled enough so that 3 of the 4 board members publicly said so. Frankly, an emergency meeting was called by the mayor and all trustees were not truthfully informed of the timeline that led to this emergency meeting. That is not to be ignored or glossed over.
While the complicated issue of guns can be debated for months, the unethical lack of transparency and honesty cannot.
Keith Ottendorfer
Resident and Admin of Healthy Conversations in Port Jefferson
Examining Governor Hochul’s proposed inflation refund
Governor Hochul’s $3 billion proposed inflation refund to taxpayers funded out of a surplus of excess tax revenue is nothing more than a preelection bribe to grease the wheels of her upcoming 2026 reelection campaign. Offering those with income under $150,000, $300 comes to $25 monthly over one year. Offering joint filers with income under $300,000 dollars, $500 comes to $41.66 monthly over one year,
There are better alternatives such as reducing the state sales tax, using the funds as a down payment toward reducing Albany’s $423.4 billion long term debt, which represents $21,700 per citizen, or help fill the $33 billion shortfall in the MTA’s proposed $68 billion, 2025-2029 Capital Plan.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
A call for action on battery storage zoning
This is a call to our hires — to those with jobs we provide through taxes and elections at Brookhaven Town.
I urge the board to get to work. Create an appropriate zone for siting battery storage facilities so we can expand our use of alternative energy.
At best, the lack of action in creating zones for battery storage far from folks and forests, conveys a lack of insight. At worst, and I hope this is not the case, the lack of movement is deliberate, setting residents against applicants.
Whatever your challenges, kindly set them aside as your assignment is due.
Joan Nickeson
Terryville
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