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Smithtown Performing Arts Center shows us ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’

by Julianne Mosher - December 14, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

Just in time for the Christmas season, the Smithtown Performing Arts Center is now playing It’s a Wonderful Life on its main stage. But this version is slightly different compared to Frank Capra’s award winning 1946 film. In true 40s fashion, the show is cleverly set at a New York radio station where five voice actors tell the whole story as if you’d hear it on the air back in time: a live radio broadcast.

Originally written by Joe Landry, the stage turns into WBFR Radio located in the heart of Manhattan. Old microphones litter the stage while a pianist (Vincent Donnadio) plays the music live. Directed by Jordan Hue, we soon meet the broadcast’s cast — dressed in their best 40s attire — who will then be playing a whole other cast, portraying several different characters each (with different voices) straight from the movie.

And just like during a broadcasted show, there are commercials, too.

While It’s a Wonderful Life is based on the 1943 short story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, the tale is loosely based on the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. What’s common between the two? Christmas ghosts.

The show starts off with George Bailey (Zach Johnson) who is a generous and well-meaning man. When he was young, he had big plans of traveling the world and going to college. He wanted to get out of Bedford Falls. But things fell through, and fate had some other plans for him.

He marries a neighborhood girl named Mary (Elle Lucksted) and the two move into an old, abandoned house in town. Their family grows quickly while George takes over the family business, but Mr. Potter (Chris Dippel) — who is a member of the board, owns the bank and basically the rest of town — looks to dissolve the company.

Through a string of bad luck and some unfortunate circumstances, George starts to spiral. While he falls further and further into a depression, he’s being closely watched by Clarence (Eugene Dailey), his guardian angel. Clarence is told that if he helps George out, he will soon get his wings.

On Christmas Eve, George gets drunk at a bar and then contemplates jumping off a bridge. Before he can fall to his death, Clarence, straight from heaven, dives into the river forcing George to rescue him. Clarence explains he’s an angel here to help George, but George doesn’t believe him and states out loud that he wishes he was never born.

Similar to the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future haunting Scrooge, Clarence shows George a timeline of events that happened in a world where George was never born. He soon learns that even the smallest interaction with someone made a big difference and his life does matter.

While the cast is small and fast-paced, the actors do a phenomenal job of keeping the audience engaged. While Johnson and Lucksted play just two of the main characters, the supporting actors shine with their impressive voice changes and ability to switch personalities quickly on their feet.

Some other characters include Dippel (Freddie Filmore: Joseph, Tommy, Old Man Collins, Bert the Cop, the Bridgekeeper, Binky and Nick); Dailey (Harry Heywood: Peter, Charlie, Harry, Schultz, Mr. Welch, Pete, Horace, Ed); Christine Boehm (Lana Sherwood: Violet, Rose, Zuzu, Ruth, Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Thompson, Matilda, Sadie and Janie); and Andrew Lenahan (Sam Seymour: Stage Manager, Old Man Gower, Ernie, Sam Wainwright, Uncle Billy, Dr. Campbell and the Sheriff).

So, be prepared to step into the Smithtown Performing Arts Center and be transported to 1946 for this great rendition of a Christmas classic.

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The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play on weekends through Dec. 29. Tickets are $36.50 for adults, $33.50 seniors and $26.50 students. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Wildcat redemption: Shoreham-Wading River girls basketball defeats Kings Park 43-33

by Bill Landon - December 13, 2024

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By Bill Landon

The last time Shoreham-Wading River squared off against Kings Park was back on Feb. 28, in the Suffolk County Class A, semi-final round, where the Lady Kingsmen defeated the Wildcats, concluding their 2023-24 campaign at Centereach High School.

The wound was still raw for the Wildcats who looked to avenge that season ending defeat in a home game on Monday, Dec. 9. The score was close in the first 12 minutes of play, when the Wildcats surged in the closing minutes of the opening half, netting 10 points to alter the rhythm of the game.

The Kingsmen rallied too, coming within 7 points, with only 3 minutes left in the game. But the Wildcats were able to arrest the onslaught, winning the game 43-33.

Shoreham Wading River opened their season with a pair of non-league wins against Sachem East and Hauppauge, a league victory against Miller Place. They look to be on solid footing for another run at the Suffolk Class A title.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Gurwin‘s Immersion Room honored at McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards competition

by Press Release - December 12, 2024

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Gurwin Immersion Room — Photo courtesy of Gurwin Healthcare System

Gurwin Healthcare System in Commack recently announced that its Immersion Room for Memory Care has won Gold in the Resident Engagement & Recreation category, and “Best in Show” in the 14th Annual McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards competition.

The annual industry competition recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies that positively impact the aging services sector.

Located in the heart of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s Memory Care Unit (MCU), the Immersion Room is the first of its kind in long-term care on Long Island, designed specifically for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, and was created in collaboration with Besser Rooms of Amityville. Gurwin’s Immersion Room incorporates state-of-the-art projector technology and custom-made immersive experiences with stimulating sights, sounds and scents to engage the senses, mitigate symptoms and stir memories from bygone days. The innovative technology helps connect residents with parts of themselves that – in some cases – have been lost for years.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition for the Gurwin Immersion Room, which is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents living in our Memory Care Unit,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “The rapid growth of an aging population, together with the rising number of people affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive issues has brought an urgent need for effective support therapies to ease symptoms of these diseases. We continually seek out advanced technologies and innovations that will help our residents feel more comforted and connected as they navigate their care journey.”

Made possible through a grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Gurwin’s Immersion Room is at its core an augmented virtual reality reminiscence therapy program, sans cumbersome VR googles, offering an engaging multisensory experience. The patented wall system is integrated with custom software designed to create therapeutic user experiences in a safe and stimulating environment. The total experience includes a seamless projection of 4K video onto each wall, surround sound, an aromatherapy feature and custom-made props, enabling residents to become fully immersed in the experience selected. From calming scenes customized to match resident interests such as a snowy forest or quiet chair yoga, or a more lively experience with a hands-on virtual drive through Gurwin park, or a YouTube roller coaster experience, the Gurwin Immersion Room offers a high-tech, holistic means to ease dementia symptoms, preserve cognitive function and enhance quality of life.

Piloting the program at Gurwin is Kathleen Biggs, CTRS, a Certified Dementia Specialist and Gurwin’s Assistant Director of Therapeutic Recreation, who says that the Immersion Room has enhanced programming for residents on the 60-bed Memory Care Unit. “The Immersion Room delivers individualized, patient-centric experiences that resonate with our residents and offer opportunities that may never have been possible again. Since its inception, we’ve noted sustained engagement in the experience provided, positive reminiscing and reduction in negative behaviors for those participating in the experiences. The Immersion Room is a holistic, non-pharmacological intervention that is helping to create meaningful connections and experiences for Gurwin’s memory care residents and their families to share.”

Click here to see a video on the Immersion Room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5nklDERdQ0

About Gurwin Healthcare System

Gurwin Healthcare System is a renowned healthcare provider offering a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services for more than 35 years. Set on a 36-acre campus in Commack, NY, the System includes Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, providing short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care, memory care, respiratory and ventilator care, palliative and hospice care, social and medical adult day programs and on-site dialysis. Located within the Center is Gurwin Home Care agencies which provide in-home skilled care as well as home health aides. Sharing the campus is Gurwin’s Assisted Living community, Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences, and Fountaingate Gardens, a luxury apartment independent living community. Completing the Gurwin family of healthcare services is Island Nursing and Rehab Center, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility located in Holtsville, New York. For more information, visit www.gurwin.org. Follow Gurwin on Facebook (@GurwinNursingRehab) (@GurwinAssistedLiving) and on X (@GurwinJewish).

About the McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards

Recognizing healthcare organizations that have effectively utilized technology to enhance care and operations within their facilities, the McKnight’s Tech Awards honors organizations that are revolutionizing the industry within three divisions: Senior Living, Skilled Nursing, and Home Care. Each division for this competition was divided into four categories: Quality, Innovator of the Year, Keep It Super Simple, and Building Bridges. Submissions were judged by a distinguished, independent panel of 21 long-term care stakeholders.

Letters to the Editor: Dec. 12, 2024

by TBR Staff - December 12, 2024

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letters_page-scaled-1-700x467-1-1-2-3-2-1 — Photo by Raymond Janis

Not a rebuttal

Stefanie Werner’s letter, “Missing the Boat: A Rebuttal to the Three Village Start-Time Debate” [Village Times Herald, Nov. 28], raises questions about her understanding of the term “rebuttal.” A rebuttal requires more than simply using dismissive terms like “lackluster,” “inane,” “nonsense,” “so-called,” “half-cocked” and “fantasy.” If Ms. Werner has objective evidence contradicting the extensive, peer-reviewed research supporting the benefits of later school start times, she should present it — perhaps even publish it.

In any case, she seems to have misunderstood a key point: research does clearly demonstrate that even a 30-minute delay in start times yields measurable benefits. So the planned 35-minute shift from 7:05 to 7:40 qualifies. If we fully followed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of an 8:30 a.m. or later start, we would likely see even greater positive effects.

What remains open to good-faith debate is whether the proven benefits to students’ health and academic performance outweigh the financial costs — estimated at less than 0.5% of the district’s budget, according to the BOE — and other trade-offs. Perhaps they don’t. But Ms. Werner should address these trade-offs with honesty, presenting accurate data on potential impacts to class sizes, electives and other logistical concerns.

John Hover

East Setauket

New Yorkers need expanded access to creative arts therapy, a vital treatment in mental health care

Mental health issues are not one-size-fits-all and neither should be the design of their treatment. Due to a multitude of unique cultures and life experiences, the availability of a variety of approaches is required to meet the mental health needs of New Yorkers. Take the case of my patient, “Rose.”

Rose survived a horrific automobile accident. Afterward, she struggled with physical pain, anxiety and fear. As a licensed creative arts therapist (LCAT) and music therapist at a Long Island hospital, I worked with Rose to help her cope through her recovery. Rose was additionally impaired by a word retrieval problem caused by her traumatic injury, but she soon discovered she could convey her thoughts and feelings eloquently through the language of music. During individual music therapy sessions, she learned tools to reduce her anxiety and process her emotions. In collaborative sessions with her physical therapist, Rose experienced the priming effect of music and its ability to promote steadiness and motivation. Her explanation of how music therapy integrated the healing of her mind and body was clear: “the music held the pain for me.” And then her music therapy treatment had to stop.

Due to current New York State law, Medicaid insurance would not cover Rose’s therapy with an LCAT once discharged from the hospital. However, a new bill (A9018/S8715) has been presented to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) that seeks to amend the law, permitting LCATs, like other licensed mental health practitioners, to bill Medicaid directly for mental health services to Medicaid patients.

LCATs are master’s and doctoral-level licensed mental health professionals trained in clinical psychotherapy and a specific arts discipline (music, dance/movement, drama and art therapy). LCATs offer unique, evidence-based techniques to foster healing and recovery. Rooted in the world of images and sound, creative arts therapies tend to be less reliant on verbal interchanges, opening a dimension to self-expression and emotional exploration to those who may have difficulty with talk therapy. Far from one-size-fits-all, these interventions are individualized and tap into the patient’s potential to create, develop and change. Research studies highlight creative arts therapy as a low-risk, high-benefit category of intervention.

In my work, I have seen people, seemingly broken, rise through the ashes of their pain and trauma, empowered by a piece of music that speaks their truth like nothing else could. Whatever the medium, engaging in the creative process in a therapeutic context can be transformative. Rose, and others on Medicaid, should not be deprived of this treatment opportunity. I call upon Gov. Hochul to sign the Medicaid bill and expand access to these life changing therapies.

Ilene “Lee” Berger Morris lives and works on Long Island, and is a board-certified music therapist and licensed creative arts therapist.

Ilene “Lee” B. Morris, MM, LCAT, MT-BC

Neurologic Music Therapist

Member of the American Music Therapy Assoc.

Member of The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy

In response to “Clarifying Roles: Code Officers don’t need firearms

Mr. Drew Biondo has written a very well composed letter to the Editor advocating that Village Code Officers do not need firearms. He is technically correct. Their primary job is “code enforcement.”

The question I raise is: are Village Constables Parking Meter Readers or are they an aide to the local police? My experience indicates that they are the invaluable eyes and ears for the local police. They are usually the first on the scene when an unfortunate accident or crime occurs.

Yes, they are “Peace Officers”, and I value their role in Belle Terre and especially in Port Jefferson which has many transient visitors.

Now, if you want “Meter Readers” issuing parking tickets, etc., then take away their firearms. Take away their uniforms too. Do you think that an armed criminal differentiates between a Constable or a SCPD Officer? Who is going to apply for your Constabulary positions. Not a retired SCPD Officer when you tell them to leave their personal firearms at home.

We don’t live in Rural Vermont. We have an active and fun community. Let’s keep it that way. I believe we had a shooting on Main Street last year. I was shocked! But this happened in Port Jefferson! Two nights ago in Belle Terre, a car with 3 kids under the age of 23, smashed into a tree on Cliff Road. The car exploded into flames. The Belle Terre Constabulary were on the scene within 2 minutes to pull the kids out of the car to save their lives. The Constables are trained professionals, and they saved 3 lives. They are not Meter Readers and respond more as trained first responders.

The local residents and I have always respected the Port Jefferson Constabulary. In my professional opinion, if it is not broken, why fix it. These constables provide a valuable service to the residents and to the community.

Ted Lucki

Former Belle Terre Mayor

An open letter to Port Jefferson Station/Terryville residents and neighboring communities

The Port Jefferson Station /Terryville Civic Association would like to remind everyone of a very important meeting next week about a significant proposal impacting our community and others like ours nearby. We are hopeful of having as many of our residents and concerned neighbors attend our Civic Association meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m. at the Comsewogue Public Library.

We will hear a presentation from Recall Strategies who represent New Leaf Energy, Inc. New Leaf Energy is a renewable energy developer proposing to build an 8-10 MW Battery Energy Storage System at 1577 NYS Rt. 112 in Port Jefferson Station. This proposed site is nearly adjacent to the Sagamore Hills Condominium Complex on Rt. 112 in Port Jefferson Station and very proximate to Comsewogue High School.

This relatively new technology for an energy center for lithium-ion battery storage has stimulated a lot of discussion and some controversy in our area so it is important that all community members be informed. In turn, we need to ensure our collective voices and views are heard by our elected officials in Brookhaven Town who have the responsibility for overseeing any activity of this nature at that location. We strongly encourage all our Civic members, residents and neighboring friends to attend this meeting. Please pass this meeting’s topic to any of your neighbors, family and friends that live in or near Port Jefferson Station/Terryville.

As I wrote in last week’s issue (see “Community Call to Action,”.Port Times Record, Dec. 5), this is not the only Lithium Battery Storage Facility proposed nearby. Savion Energy is looking to build a 350 MW Lithium Battery Storage Facility in Setauket on the border of Port Jefferson Station, at the Chip-It All site on Sheep Pasture Road. This may be the largest facility proposed on Long Island, The health and safety of the shared resources with our neighbors in the Three Villages and Port Jeff Village should provide the impetus for mutual consideration of the benefits and/or risks associated with this use which seems poised to proliferate throughout the region of our Town. To paraphrase our namesake, Thomas Jefferson, “the best defense of democracy is an informed citizenry.” Let’s stand up for democracy and show up on December 17th to continue together to safeguard the quality of life in our area by participating and staying informed!

Ira Costell, President

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association

D. None of the Above: Teeth maintenance doesn’t always work out as planned

by Daniel Dunaief - December 11, 2024

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By Daniel Dunaief

You can’t win.

I don’t have to tell you that. One way or another, in one context or another, you already know.

You see, I floss my teeth religiously. I mean, I don’t do it while praying or to some funky weird sounding music that you might hear in a massage parlor, where they speak in whispers and the room smells like scented candles.

No, my wife and I, and sometimes a good friend or two, will take out floss and work through our teeth. I’m not sure how it became a social activity, but we enjoy it and feel virtuous at the same time.

I’ve become so good at it and it’s become so routine that I know the space, or lack thereof, between my teeth better than I know the back of my hand, which, at the moment is cracking and dry because of the cold air and the dry weather.

I try to suppress a smirk when I go to the dentist and a hygienist tries to work floss between my teeth. I could tell them, like a tooth GPS system, where to go, how hard to push and at what angle.

Sooner or later, they get that piece of floss in between my teeth.

So, now to the you-can’t-win-part. You see, I was flossing my teeth in bed the other day, sitting next to my wife as we navigated back and forth between TV stations, one with a Knicks game and the other with a game show.

Like a concert pianist, I worked the top teeth, gliding along the keys and opening my mouth just enough to get my fingers into position. I use much more floss than my wife, as I wrap rows of floss around my fingers and try not to reuse the same piece between teeth.

After moving to a new section of floss, it was on to the bottom, weaving around the misaligned center of the bottom teeth, which, despite a general straightening thanks to Invisalign from a few years ago, is still unwilling to form a perfect line.

As I got to the bottom left, I gave a tug and, poof! Out came half of a tooth. I thought it might be some larger piece of food that was hiding back there, but, no, the density, size and sharpness on my tongue suggested I shouldn’t swallow it.

“Hey,” I said to my wife, “I just broke a tooth.”

On further review with the piece in my hand, it was clearly a broken tooth.

Flossing, which should be as healthy and helpful as sit ups, stretching or overall general maintenance, shouldn’t be hazardous.

Then again, the previous week, a friend told me he had to have surgery because he brushed his teeth too vigorously. He described how a dentist took a piece of the roof of his mouth and transferred it to his gums. Fortunately, I don’t have the same aggressive brushing technique.

So, the next day, I called my dentist and described the problem. She fit me into her busy schedule.

When she came in the room and asked me to open my mouth, she flinched.

“Yup, that’s going to need a crown,” she offered, trying to keep her voice from reflecting the surprise at the size of the missing piece.

While she was numbing my mouth, a TV next to me was showing a food network competition. That seemed ironic. With a numbed jaw, eating even hours afterwards wasn’t much of an option. Watching people prepare food and hearing critiques of the way the food exploded in their mouths was like driving by a field of magnificent flowers with a bad head cold.

So, now that I’m back from the dentist with a temporary crown and numbness that spreads from my cheek around my lower jaw, I am left to wonder whether flossing is all it’s cracked up to be. Then again, I have had root canal for gum problems. That’s no picnic, either.

Between You and Me: Is there a time when we will never need cash?

by Leah Dunaief - December 11, 2024

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pexels-olly-3831185 — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

By Leah S. Dunaief

A couple of my favorite restaurants will only accept payment in cash or check. My doctors’ offices will only take credit cards. Perhaps the next thing is that we’ll have to pay in beads, like the Europeans for Manhattan Island.

Those who only take credit cards explained to me that they are preventing robberies. They put up signs saying, “No cash” to dissuade potential thieves. And I suppose those who only take cash are refusing to share their revenue with the credit card companies. I can understand that, especially if the profit margin of the business is only a couple of percent.

But the swinging back and forth is taking its toll, especially on older consumers, who tend to use only cash and are hardest hit in a cashless situation.

“A Fight to Preserve the Value of Cash,” was an article in The New York Times by Paula Span this past Tuesday that addressed the subject.

“Some no-cash practices date to contagion fears after the outbreak of Covid; others are intended to discourage robberies,” explains the reporter. “But such policies are a disadvantage to several groups, including low-income people who don’t have bank accounts, people who have accounts but don’t qualify for credit or debit cards, the homeless, undocumented immigrants and older adults,” she goes on to say.

Additionally, anyone can have a problem with electronic payments when it comes to paying, which can cause delay and frustration. Natural weather disasters can disrupt electricity and telecommunication networks that fail immediately disconnect a cashless society. Even international thieves can hack bank accounts on the internet. “With cash, a thief has to be within striking distance.”

Another disadvantage of credit cards is that consumers spend more when they are using them because it delays the “pain of paying” until the bill arrives at the end of the month.

And privacy concerns enter into the picture due to “middlemen facilitating digital transactions-credit card companies, banks, the tech giants behind mobile apps-(…) then sell consumers’ data.”

According to Pew Research, only 79 percent of people over 65 have a smartphone, which is often used in cashless systems, compared with 97 percent of those between 30-49. Those over 55 paid in cash 22 percent of the time last year, compared with 12 percent among younger groups, according to the Federal Reserve, as quoted by The NYT.

And according to a federal survey, 85 percent used the internet for financial services in their 20s and 30s, but the percentage drops as the groups age. For people in their 60s, the number becomes 70 percent, for those in their 70s it is 64 percent, and in their 80s, it’s only about half.

Cash is so simple: no buttons, no passwords, no problems other than the possibility of counterfeit bills.

“Older adults are far more likely than younger ones to lose money to tech support fraud, lottery and sweepstakes swindles, and family impersonations”, according to the Federal Trade Commission and cited in The NYT. Losses to investment and romance cons continue to climb, too.

As a result of an experience I had some years ago, before plastic became so prevalent, I could personally attest to a cashless society working, at least for a few days.

On my way out the door to my limo ride, I forgot my wallet. I realized half way to the airport and confessed to the driver. “No problem,” he said. “I take credit cards Do you have one?” Fortunately I did. I then realized that I would depend solely on that card for all my expenses getting to, and from, and while I was at the convention. It was going to be an interesting experiment, I said to myself.

During those four days, I was able to manage quite well with only the card. The future for payments became clear to me.

Gurwin Adult Day Care Health Program hosts inspiring Art Gala for their program artists

by Press Release - December 10, 2024

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Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation’s Adult Day Care Health Program recently hosted an Art Gala, celebrating the artistic achievements of their program participants. The event showcased their creativity and talents in a stunning display of more than 50 pieces of artwork, ranging from mixed media to pottery and jewelry.

The Program’s main lobby and hallway were transformed into a captivating gallery, featuring acrylic paintings on canvas, watercolors, colored pencil drawings, marker illustrations and an impressive selection of handcrafted pottery and jewelry. Visitors admired the diverse styles and expressions that reflected the enthusiasm and talent of each artist.

In March 2025, selected pieces from Gurwin’s Adult Day Care Health Program’s gala will be showcased in the Commack Public Library’s gallery, bringing this remarkable exhibit to the wider local community.

Significant to the event’s success is art mentor Marcia Tapia, who runs the Love Without Barriers Foundation. For the past two years, Marcia has generously volunteered her time every Thursday morning, guiding Gurwin’s Adult Day Care participants with compassion, patience and exceptional teaching skills. Through her mentorship, participants have gained confidence and refined their artistic techniques, unlocking their creative potential.

The Art Gala also included a heartfelt tribute to one of the program’s most talented artists, Olga Trujillo. Olga’s artwork holds a special place in the program, with one of her pieces featured as the cover of the 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center’s Annual Calendar. All of Olga’s works were beautifully displayed at the event, honoring her memory.

“Our art program is one of the many awe-inspiring activities our participants engage in,” said Jeraldine Fedoriw, LMSW, Chief Adult Day Officer at Gurwin. “We’ve had legally blind individuals create stunning artwork, even when they’ve never done any type of art before. Our Art Gala highlighted their pride in showing their work and the appreciation of their families says it all.”

Attendees left inspired by the passion of the artists from the Gurwin Adult Day Care Program.

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About Gurwin Adult Day Care Program:

The Gurwin Adult Day Care Program, located at Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, is part of the Gurwin Healthcare System and offers a compassionate and supportive environment for individuals in need of daytime care. Designed for seniors and adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities, the program focuses on enhancing quality of life through medical supervision, personalized care plans and engaging activities. Participants receive tailored services, including physical therapy, socialization opportunities, and cognitive stimulation from a team of skilled professionals dedicated to meeting both the medical and emotional needs of participants. The award-winning program is located in Commack, NY, and serves the surrounding communities. For more information, please visit www. gurwin.org/adult-day-health or call 631-715-2520.

Dr. Farzad Forohar joins Stony Brook Medicine Physician Network in Smithtown

by Press Release - December 9, 2024

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Farzad Forohar, MD, North Shore Digestive Medicine, SBCM — Farzad Forohar, MD. Photo by Jeanne Neville/Stony Brook Medicine

Farzad Forohar, MD, and his practice, North Shore Digestive Medicine located at 50 Route 111, Suite #302 in Smithtown, have joined Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group, Stony Brook Medicine’s expanding network of community practices.

Dr. Forohar is a highly respected, board-certified gastroenterologist with more than 25 years of experience. He has been a dedicated healthcare provider to the Smithtown and surrounding communities, offering compassionate and comprehensive care to his patients.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Forohar has joined Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group,” said Dr. Olga Aroniadis, Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Stony Brook Medicine. “Dr. Forohar’s partnership enables Stony Brook Medicine Gastroenterology to continue to expand its footprint, allowing us to seamlessly service our community and provide exceptional care to our patients.”

Dr. Forohar received his medical degree from the University of Pécs Medical School in Pécs, Hungary. He then completed his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Forohar shared, “I have had the pleasure of living in and serving this community for the past 25 years. As my practice has grown and evolved, so has Stony Brook University. Becoming what it is today: a world-class hospital system. By joining Stony Brook Medicine, my patients’ needs are best served right here at home.”

Patients who wish to make an appointment with Farzad Forohar, MD, should call 631-724-5300.

Town of Smithtown awarded $200,000 for Emergency Operations Center upgrades

by Press Release - December 7, 2024

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Screenshot — The Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety employees. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown Department of Public Safety has been awarded $200,000 through the Federal Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program provided by FEMA to enhance the town’s emergency preparedness. Announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the funding will allow Smithtown to upgrade its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) facilities, improving coordination and response during crises.

“Effective communication during a disaster is the cornerstone of emergency management. We’re especially grateful to Gov. Hochul for this funding, which will allow the Town of Smithtown to enhance our local emergency operations facilities, ensuring we are well-equipped to protect our residents and coordinate response efforts during emergencies,” said Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim (R.)

“I am pleased to see that we have been awarded the grant to update and improve our Emergency Operations Center. With these funds we will reconfigure the EOC, replace antiquated equipment and enhance our interoperability with partner police and fire agencies. This center is staffed 24/7 and our dispatchers will now have all the resources they need at their disposal, greatly enhancing our ability to serve residents not only during disasters but daily, ensuring we operate at the highest capabilities. I’d like to commend Deputy Director Caillat for her work on this project and securing this award,” said the director of public safety, Thomas Lohmann.

The EOC Grant Program supports projects that equip, upgrade and construct emergency operations centers, ensuring municipalities are ready to respond effectively to disasters. These improvements are key to a comprehensive national emergency management system enabling communication and collaboration among emergency organizations across multiple jurisdictions and hazards.

The Town of Smithtown remains steadfast in its commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness. This grant will enhance the town’s ability to respond efficiently to emergencies, supporting a unified approach to disaster management while safeguarding the community.

About the Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program

The FEMA EOC Grant Program provides financial assistance to local, state and tribal governments to enhance emergency management capabilities. The program focuses on equipping, upgrading and constructing emergency operations centers to ensure communities are prepared for all-hazard events.

About the Town of Smithtown Emergency Management Unit

The Department of Public Safety serves as the town’s emergency management office and is actively involved in all phases of preparedness for natural and human-made disasters. To plan for disasters, the department coordinates drills with local fire departments, police and other emergency agencies. During actual emergencies, the department integrates activities from its own divisions and local, state and federal agencies. The department also maintains a townwide communications center, which serves as the hub of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies.

Smithtown East boys basketball tramples Ward Melville 77-39

by Bill Landon - December 7, 2024

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By Bill Landon

The Patriots of Ward Melville were no match for the visiting Bulls of Smithtown East in both teams’ season opener Saturday afternoon, where the Bulls broke out early in the opening quarter and never looked back, trampling the Patriots 77-39 in the non-league matchup Nov. 30.

Craig O’Neill, a junior, led the way for Smithtown East with seven field goals and five from the free-throw line for a team high of 19 points. Seniors Nico Skartsiaris netted 11 points, and Tom Fanning added 10.

Ward Melville senior Neelesh Raghurama topped the scoring chart for the Patriots, banking 10 points, and James Coffey, the freshman, notched nine.

Smithtown East retakes the court with another non-league game when they host William Floyd on Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon

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