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Times of Smithtown

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METRO photo

By Jonathan Sharp

The long history of the U.S. military’s heavy reliance on asbestos — a naturally occurring mineral — has unfortunately left a lasting effect on the health of veterans, especially those in New York. Although the use of this material in the military setting has already been discontinued, former service members still deal with the severe and often delayed impacts of exposure, including mesothelioma — a rare yet aggressive form of cancer. The problem, however, is not just the diagnosis of this lethal disease but the failure to respond to it promptly because of the frequent misdiagnosis. A national mesothelioma registry could address this issue as this targeted data-driven approach would track and screen at-risk veterans to make sure those affected receive accurate diagnoses and immediate care.

Detrimental impact of mesothelioma on veterans

Mesothelioma is a cancer attacking the protective covering of the lungs, abdomen or heart. It is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos — a natural mineral once extensively utilized in construction, shipbuilding and military equipment because of its heat and chemical resistance. Even though most use of this mineral was banned since July 1989, it remains a persistent threat to veterans working in contaminated environments.

New York is one of the many states severely affected by this issue. A map by the Asbestos Nation shows that between 1999 and 2017, the state logged 15,205 asbestos-related deaths, of which 2,830 were mesothelioma cases. Suffolk County, in particular, reported 1,386 fatalities. And while mesothelioma poses hazards to anyone exposed, veterans remain among the most vulnerable populations.

True to this, the Purple Heart Foundation revealed that 30% of the nearly 3,000 Americans diagnosed with this disease yearly are former service members. Such a danger is mainly attributed to the extensive use of asbestos on military bases like Suffolk County Air Force Base and Francis S. Gabreski Airport. Such a crisis calls for continued attention and support for those directly impacted.

Cost of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment

Among the most critical concerns in addressing mesothelioma in veterans is the high rate of misdiagnosis. Recent statistics posted by Mesothelioma Guide indicate that 80.8% of stage 1 cases were inaccurate, while 69.5% of stage 2 diagnoses were wrong. Similarly, 35.4% of stage 3 patients and 12.8% of those at stage 4 also received erroneous findings. These missteps often lead to delayed treatments, which can significantly reduce the chances of patients’ survival.

One primary reason for these misdiagnoses is the slow development of mesothelioma. Often, its symptoms — such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, fever and unintentional weight loss — do not appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage, which makes treatment and recovery both challenging. In addition, the delay in recording new mesothelioma cases, which may take up to two years per the Federal Register, contributes to the problem. Such a reality calls for a systemic approach aiming for early detection and better patient outcomes.

Systemic approach to combat misdiagnosis

A national mesothelioma registry could be the key to reversing the trends of misdiagnosis — being a centralized database that allows health care providers to monitor susceptible individuals and invite them for screenings for early diagnoses and appropriate treatments.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense already have the structure to materialize this initiative as they already maintain registries for diseases linked to burn pits and Agent Orange. What they need now is to collaborate with vital stakeholders to get additional expertise and insights that could help the federal government integrate a national mesothelioma registry into the existing health care system. Such an endeavor would likewise be beneficial to researchers intending to track disease progression to lower the misdiagnosis rate and develop more effective treatments.

The impact of mesothelioma on veterans is a long-standing concern that has yet to be fully addressed. A national mesothelioma registry could nevertheless tackle this health crisis proactively — seeing to it that those who served our country are correctly diagnosed and benefit from timely care.

Jonathan Sharp serves as the CFO of the Environmental Litigation Group P.C., a firm in Birmingham, AL, assisting victims with environmental toxic exposure cases.

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David Ansel, vice president for the Center for Water Protection, presenting the report’s results at a press conference on May 20. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

On May 20, Save the Sound, an environmental organization that analyzes the water quality of the Long Island Sound, compiled data revealing updated scores of beaches along Long Island’s coastline. The biennial report focuses on beach water quality, bacteria levels and swimming safety. 

The report was launched at a conference at Centerport Beach, with Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth (R) and Cornell Cooperative representatives present as Save the Sound Vice President of the Center for Water Protection David Ansel presented the grades, challenges and solutions for the Long Island Sound water quality. 

Using data collected by the departments of health that conduct the beach monitoring,  the beach report department of health, the beach report revealed an increase in wet weather that led to a decline in water quality. Consistently, samples collected within 48 hours of a quarter-inch or more of rainfall revealed diminished water quality. Indeed, there was an overall increase in samples that failed to meet state standards for bacteria concentration (including beaches in Connecticut). 

The grades, ranging from an F to an A+, are determined based on the presence of enterococcus bacteria. Swimmers can become sick if they swim in waters with unsafe concentrations of this fecal indicator bacteria. A failing sample contains 104 colony forming units per 100 ml. 

New York City and other areas surrounding the part of the Long Island Sound known as “the narrows” continue to receive low grades as the water is less often flushed out as opposed to beaches in eastern Suffolk County. 

Samples taken after precipitation contained higher levels of the bacteria suggest that pollutants are getting washed into the water. Ansel said “green infrastructure” can help. Paved areas do not allow for storm water absorption, instead leading runoff, and all the pollutants like oil and debris it picks up on the way, to run straight to the water. 

“We have seen high incidents of wet weather in the last number of years and we believe it is having a negative effect on the scores for the beaches. In our last beach report 78% of the beaches received As and Bs. In this year’s report 72% of the beaches are receiving As and Bs,” Ansel said, adding that we are coming off the wettest two-year stretch with 44 inches of rain. 

Animal waste is a big contributor to the presence of the bacteria in the water. Cleaning garbage, maintaining sewers and planting native plants can help minimize fecal-bacteria contamination. 

Ansel is active in advocating for solutions that would improve the Sound. The same day of the conference, he traveled to Albany to testify that more data is needed regarding algal blooms in saline water. 

“We are hopeful that there will be a conversion of Rikers Island to a water treatment facility that would have a materially positive impact on the Western Narrows of New York City and New York Sound.”

Smyth said the town began harvesting sugar kelp in 2022 and implemented a program for spawning oysters, which help filter the water. Huntington even supplies other municipalities with oysters shell stock to grow. 

“The sugar kelp is native to Long Island and requires little to no effort to grow in Long Island’s bays and harbors. The benefit is it improves water quality by removing harmful nitrogen which causes algae blooms,” Smyth said. 

Deputy Supervisor John McCarron said they harvest the kelp and grind it to a powder, which is then used as fertilizer. 

Although the town has only been harvesting sugar kelp for three years, McCarron said he has noticed  positive growth with marine wildlife diversity, with various species of fish dwelling by the kelp. The presence of wildlife seemed like a good sign. “This means it is doing something to clean up the area,” he said. 

High scoring beaches include Port Jefferson beach and Cedar Beach West, which had an A- and A+ respectively. 

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Photo courtesy SCPD

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina are warning residents of a new scam that has targeted multiple residents.

During these incidents, the victims were contacted by an individual claiming to be a bank representative who convinced them their bank account was compromised. Each victim was convinced to physically turn over their bank card and pin, which were later used to withdraw money from ATMs.

It is important to keep the following tips in mind in an effort for you to protect yourself and your bank account.

— Don’t answer unknown calls.

— Scammers can spoof a number to make it look like a legitimate company is calling. If they start asking for money or making demands, hang up and call the company directly.

— No one from a company is traveling to your home to pick up a bank card. If someone claims your bank accounts have been compromised, hang up and call the number on the back of the card.

— Do not provide personal information, wire money or send gift cards.

Please share this information with friends and family to help others avoid becoming a victim!

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METRO photo

This Memorial Day the staff at TBR News Media remembers and pays tribute to our brave fallen heroes. The office is closed today but will reopen tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Interesting facts related to Memorial Day:

Memorial Day is celebrated annually on the last Monday of May across the United States. The proximity of Memorial Day to the summer solstice has led many to view the weekend preceding the holiday as the unofficial kickoff to summer. However, Memorial Day is about more than backyard barbecues and weekend getaways. Memorial Day honors service members who died while serving in the United States military.

Though Memorial Day traces its origins to the years following the American Civil War in the mid-nineteenth century, it did not become an official federal holiday until 1971. That’s one of just many interesting facts about Memorial Day that are worth noting as the United States prepares to commemorate the sacrifices of military personnel who died in service of the country.

• Memorial Day began as something of a grass roots movement. According to History.com, by the late 1860s individuals in towns across the war-ravaged United States began holding springtime tributes to soldiers who lost their lives during the American Civil War.

• Among the more notable postwar commemorations was one organized by former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. That commemoration occurred less than a month after the Confederate forces surrendered in 1865. Despite that, History.com notes that in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the birthplace of Memorial Day.

• Postwar commemorations also were organized by northern veterans of the Civil War. General John A. Logan, who led an organization of Union veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance in May 1868. General Logan referred to the holiday as Declaration Day and chose May 30 because it was not the anniversary of any specific battle and therefore unlikely to be viewed by some as controversial.

• Early commemorations of Decoration Day, which gradually came to be known as Memorial Day, initially honored only those soldiers who died during the American Civil War. However, that changed over time as American servicemen fought in various wars, including both World Wars, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and other conflicts.

• The red poppy has become a symbol of Memorial Day. That red poppy can be traced to a poem by Canadian John McCrae, who served as a Lieutenant Colonel in World War I. “In Flanders Field” notes the red poppies that grew in fields where countless soldiers had been buried in modern-day Belgium. The poem was published in 1915, three years before the war ended. Sadly, McCrae himself was a casualty of the war, succumbing to pneumonia in France in 1918 while still in the service.

Memorial Day honors service personnel who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. The holiday’s inspiration and lengthy history merits consideration as the nation prepares to commemorate countless soldiers’ sacrifices once more.

 

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2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
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2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown

Eight exceptional senior volunteers were recognized at the 2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception on Thursday, May 15th, at 2:00 p.m. in the lobby of the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. The annual event, hosted by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, recognizes senior residents who have made a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults throughout the County.

 
“The volunteers at the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department truly represent the best of who we are as a community. Their work – whether it’s delivering meals to homebound neighbors, crafting heartfelt gifts for veterans and those in need, or bringing joy through activities and fundraising – creates an impact that ripples far beyond the walls of the senior center. I am deeply proud to celebrate these selfless individuals and all the nominees for their extraordinary service and commitment to others. I especially want to thank Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and the New York State Office for the Aging for recognizing the outstanding contributions our local seniors make every day in our community.” – Supervisor Edward Wehrheim
 
Smithtown’s esteemed honorees recognized at the 2025 ceremony were Madeline Johanson, Nick Arettines, William Caulfield, William Maynard, Peter Ruh, Norman Scheff, Stephen Sutich, and Joann Magri. These remarkable individuals were nominated by Doreen Perrino, Program Director of the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department, and her staff.
 
“These honorees are a lifeline for the senior community of Smithtown. They may create and donate quilts and cards to local care facilities or deliver meals to a homebound senior who looks forward to their smiling face each day; their kindness and dedication are instrumental in uplifting the senior community and strengthening the fabric of Smithtown itself.” – Doreen Perrino, Program Director.
Each Suffolk County nominee is also recognized for their contributions by the New York State Office for the Aging.
 
From organizing community favorites like the Tender Years Treasury to donating quilts and handmade gifts to institutions such as Brooksite MultiCare, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, the Long Island State Veterans Home, and the Northport VA Medical Center, Smithtown’s senior volunteers are a lifeline of kindness throughout the region. Their dedication not only uplifts the senior community but strengthens the fabric of Smithtown itself.
 
Each Suffolk County honoree is also recognized by the New York State Office for the Aging for their contributions.
 
For further information regarding the programs available at the Smithtown Senior Citizens Center or to learn more about becoming a volunteer, call the Senior Center at 631-360-7616.

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Photo courtesy PSEG

PSEG Long Island is improving the reliability of the energy grid in Lake Grove. The storm hardening work on this distribution circuit is part of many system improvements included in the “Power On” program.

“This Power On infrastructure improvement project in Lake Grove is part of PSEG Long Island’s ongoing, multi-year effort to continue to improve electric reliability for customers,” said Peggy Keane, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Construction and Operations Services. “We are working hard to reduce the number of outages that occur during severe weather by strengthening the electric lines that directly power homes and businesses.”

The work began in early May and is expected to last approximately one month. PSEG Long Island’s licensed and approved contractors will work along distribution lines in Lake Grove. To ensure traffic moves safely, PSEG Long Island will provide cones, flaggers and signage at the worksites as needed. Local officials will also be notified in advance regarding any potential traffic concerns.

The storm-hardening improvements include:

● Stronger poles: PSEG Long Island will replace some existing utility poles with stronger, more durable poles that are capable of withstanding winds up to 135 mph. The new poles will be approximately the same height as the existing poles, have a stronger base and will be placed no more than 5 feet from the current pole locations. PSEG Long Island will actively coordinate the removal of old poles with other utilities and municipalities.

● Narrow profiles: To help wires deflect falling limbs instead of catching them, PSEG Long Island will be installing shorter cross arms atop some poles.

● Stronger wire: Current wire will be replaced with more resilient and durable wire.

● Upgrading: PSEG Long Island will upgrade or replace worn equipment as necessary.

Crews will be working on the following streets in Lake Grove:

● Glen Way between Parsnip Pond Road and Bea Street

● Bea Street East of Sarah Drive

● Sy Court East of Sarah Drive

● Sarah Drive between Bea Street and
Hy Place

● Hy Place between Sarah Drive and Gould Drive

 PSEG Long Island prepares year-round for extreme weather to maintain reliable service for approximately 1.2 million customers. Since 2014, the company has made significant investments in strengthening the electric infrastructure. Using funding from both FEMA and LIPA, PSEG Long Island has completed storm hardening and reliability work on more than 1,000 miles of distribution mainline circuits.

 Power On, a program that started in the spring of 2020, continues the work now that the FEMA program has concluded. Since the launch of Power On, more than 420 miles of the most vulnerable distribution mainline and branch line circuits on Long Island and in the Rockaways have been storm hardened with stronger poles, thicker wire and other modern equipment.

These investments have strengthened the system so that fewer customers experience outages and, when they do occur, the duration is shorter, especially during extreme weather. Excluding catastrophic storms, from the first quarter of 2024 through the first quarter of 2025, the sections of circuits that PSEG Long Island has storm-hardened have seen a 39% reduction in damage leading to outages, compared with the rest of the distribution system.

Power On focuses on mainline circuits, the backbone of the distribution system. The main lines feed the many branch lines that power the homes and businesses in individual communities.

For more project details, visit psegliny.com/inthecommunity/currentinitiatives/stormhardeningprojects.

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Police car stock photo

The Suffolk County Police Department is advising motorists of a road closure for the annual Memorial Day Ronkonkoma Street Fair on Sunday, May 25.

Hosted by the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce, the Street Fair will be held along Hawkins Avenue from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and feature over 200 vendors with live entertainment, merchandise, food, children’s rides, arts and crafts.

Hawkins Avenue will be closed from Portion Road to Lakewood Road from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.

 

 

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Rendering courtesy of Simon Property Group

By Heidi Sutton

Exciting news for home chefs! Sur La Table, a culinary destination offering cooking classes, high-quality kitchen products, and premium in-store experiences, has announced their return to the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove with a grand opening set for Thursday, June 5 at 10 a.m. The new store will be situated in Lifestyle Village in the same location as before.

Created by chefs for chefs, this new store will provide an inviting space for culinary enthusiasts of all levels to explore the world of cooking — from hands on classes to top-of-the-line kitchen gear, Sur La Table “inspires chefs of all levels to make more and gather often,” according to a press release.  

The opening is part of Simon Property Group’s multi-million dollar transformation project at the mall, which, when completed in 2026, will include a number of retailers including Zara, Mango and Primark; restaurants; new landscaping; interior and exterior improvements including new flooring, lighting and paint; along with an extensive revitalization of the mall’s Center Court and Food Court. 

“Sur La Table’s arrival at Smith Haven Mall is one of many exciting changes we’re making to our center,” said Jillian Friello, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Smith Haven Mall. “This new addition aligns perfectly with our vision to offer shoppers a more dynamic, elevated, and diverse experience. We’re proud to welcome Sur La Table to our growing list of brands joining the center and are confident it will be a great addition to the mall.”  

“We are thrilled to bring Sur La Table’s engaging experiences around cooking to the Smith Haven Mall,” said Sur La Table CEO, Jordan Voloshin. “Our mission has always been to inspire people to cook with joy, and this new location allows us to connect with an even larger community of food lovers. With the revitalization of Smith Haven Mall, we’re excited to be part of this exciting new chapter and offer a fresh, innovative shopping experience to the region.”  

Store hours will be Mondays to Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.,  Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To learn more about upcoming events, cooking classes, and exclusive products, visit www.surlatable.com. 

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Police car. Stock photo

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian in Saint James on May 23.

A woman was crossing southbound on Middle Country Road, near White Avenue, at approximately 6:45 p.m., when she was struck by an eastbound 1999 Toyota Camry, driven by Natalio Osorio-Vargas.

The pedestrian, Anna Lopresti, 63, of Saint James, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Osorio-Vargas, 57, of Centereach, was not injured.

The Toyota was impounded for a safety check.
Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Fourth Squad at 631-854-8452.

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Flowerfield Fairgrounds car show on May 18. Photo by Caroline O'Callaghan
Memorabilia in trunk of 1949 Dodge Pickup Truckat, Flowerfield Fairgrounds Car Show. Photo by Caroline O'Callaghan
Flowerfield Fairgrounds car show on May 18. Photo by Caroline O'Callaghan
Memorabilia in trunk of 1949 Dodge Pickup Truck at Flowerfields Fairgrounds on May 18. Photo by Caroline O'Callaghan
Flowerfield Fairgrounds car show on May 18. Photo by Caroline O'Callaghan
Don Heitner and Thomas Galicia. 1995 Camaro Z28 6 Speed Convertible & 2017 Dodge Challenger GT. Photo by Caroline O'Callaghan
Helen and Robert Mayer stand in front of his 1949 Dodge Pickup Truck. Photo by Caroline O'Callaghan

By Caroline O’Callaghan

It was a sunny day on May 18 for the first Flowerfield car show of the season, which shuffled in droves of visitors. The St. James fairgrounds off Route 25A ceremoniously showcased dozens of modern and vintage vehicles alongside their proud owners, vendors and musicians on its lawns. The car show and swap meet event was one of many held there every year by Long Island Cars. 

Some of those in attendance were auto enthusiasts looking to downsize, like Ken Sitterley, who came there to sell his preloved 1950 Chevrolet Deluxe among other things. Sitterley, who is currently trying to purge his load of around 20 cars, reflected on his time with the Deluxe. “I drove this car for many years, went to different events with it, just as you see it — believe it or not,” said Sitterley. As he spoke, a man purchased the car, “I came out today to sell all this stuff. And I’ve sold the car to this gentleman over here,” Sitterley confirmed. 

Many car owners sparked discussions with one another based on similar interests. Thomas Galicia and Don Heitner parked their muscle cars next to each other and the rest was history. Both of them expressed gratitude for the freedom their cars have brought them as they’ve gotten older. Galicia, who drives a 2017 Dodge Challenger GT, loves its convertible feature. 

“It was the first way I could get back into having a muscle car because I had kids. When my last child got her license, it was time to go back to a two-door car,” said Galicia. He was elated over the unconventional terrain that the fairgrounds provides for car shows.

Galicia continued, “I love Flowerfield, it’s great. It’s nice being able to walk around a grass field as opposed to walking around an “asphalt jungle” where most of these car shows are. When you get to be my age, it’s a lot easier on your knees to walk around in the grass.” 

Heitner, with his 1995 Camaro Z28 6 Speed Convertible, spoke of the beautiful weather at Flowerfield, “Today is one of the best days of the year, and there’s not that many of them that line up with the car shows, so, today’s a good day.” 

Although Heitner said his Camaro is “a little low to the ground,” he doesn’t mind getting in and out of it as it “keeps him young.” 

There were trucks on display as well. Helen and Robert Mayer came with their black 1949 Dodge Pickup decked out in memorabilia from its original era. As it turned out, the truck was a family heirloom for Robert. 

Helen described the valiant history of the truck, “[Robert’s] father bought it new, and his father died back in ‘65. So, it’s been out of the woods for the last 30 years, at least. And we started [rebuilding the truck] at our house over several years ago.” 

She then pointed to a board in the trunk which contained photos of the truck at various phases of its restoration and a description of the Mayer family’s rich history with the vehicle. For Ben Piecora, the Flowerfield car show goes back generations, as his father brought him to the show when he was growing up. “I’m always gonna vote for more car shows. I’ve been coming to Flowerfield since I was little, so I’ve been coming here for about 10 years,” said Piecora. 

Piecora drove his refurbished 1989 Chevrolet Corvette — the same car that his father showed at Flowerfields when he was a child.

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