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Ribbon Cutting

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Ribbon cutting at CVC on April 4, 2025.
Ribbon cutting at CVC on April 4, 2025.

The Crime Victims Center, CVC,  announced the official opening of its Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) and Rape Crisis Response Training Program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their Ronkonkoma training site on April 4. This groundbreaking initiative brings renewed hope and vital essential resources to Suffolk County and the surrounding region, addressing  a critical gap in care for sexual assault survivors caused by a lack of trained forensic examiners. 

The event was attended and supported by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Deputy County  Executive Dr. Sylvia A. Diaz, PhD, LMSW, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina,  NYS Senators Monica R. Martinez and Dean Murray, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy,  Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Suffolk County Legislators Jim Mazzarella and Jason A.  Richberg, along with representatives from the Suffolk County Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office.  Additional support came from federal, state, and county lawmakers with staff in attendance, including  US Senator Charles E. Schumer, US Congressman Nick Lalota, NYS Senator Alexis Weik,  Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, and Suffolk Legislators Sam Gonzalez, Chad Lennon, and Nick Caracappa.  

The unveiling of the training site marks a significant step forward in building capacity in Suffolk  County and the region. The CVC SAFE Program offers specialized training for medical professionals,  ensuring that sexual assault survivors receive timely medical, forensic, and trauma-informed care. The  Program is approved by the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN) – an accredited  approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on accreditation. 

The launch of the SAFE Training Program demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the CVC,  policymakers, lawmakers, and community stakeholders to advocate for survivors, provide  compassionate care, and drive systemic change in responding to sexual violence. The first training  starts on April 7, 2025.  

For more information about the SAFE Training Program or to join CVC’s mission to support survivors,  please contact (631) 689-2672. 

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The CVC is a NYS DOH Certified Rape Crisis Program, and NYS Office of Children and Family  Services (OCFS) Domestic Violence Services Provider and SCPD’s Crime Victims Center, providing  trauma-informed support and services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, human  trafficking, and all victims of violent crime.  

Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Sadly, 70%  of sexual assaults are not reported to the police. Join us in our efforts to raise awareness during SAAM.



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Optical Outfitters in Port Jefferson held a ribbon cutting on March 22. Pictured on left, chamber members Ron Schlumpf, Mary Joy Pipe, John Huber, Brett Sceraviao and Steve Munoz; pictured on right, Alan Paulus, owner Danielle Cossari Paulus (with scissors), Natalie Cossari, Anne Cossari, staffer Amelia Bass and Dr. Alfred Cossari.Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
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Optical Outfitters in Port Jefferson held a ribbon cutting on March 22. Pictured on left, chamber members Ron Schlumpf, Mary Joy Pipe, John Huber, Brett Sceraviao and Steve Munoz; pictured on right, Alan Paulus, owner Danielle Cossari Paulus (with scissors), Natalie Cossari, Anne Cossari, staffer Amelia Bass and Dr. Alfred Cossari.Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Optical Outfitters. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Optical Outfitters. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, celebrated new chamber partner, Optical Outfitters, with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on March 22 at 158 E. Main Street & Arden Place, Suite 2 in Port Jefferson. 

The new shop offers affordable quality prescription eyewear for children and adults with an added focus on specialty collections, quality sunglass brands and a gift section. 

Upcoming events include Mother’s and Father’s Day Wishlist gatherings with a jewelry making demonstration and sunglass fittings to be announced on the shop’s website, opticaloutfitters.com. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and extended concierge appointment hours are available by calling 631-928-6401.

 

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From left, Deborah Pflieger, President, Board of Directors, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Brian Cabezas, Chief Operating Officer, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Andrew Richards, LIREG; John McGuigan, CEO, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Ayse Bin Csalman; Director of Residential Services, People’s Arc of Suffolk; Christina Goerler, President, AHRC Suffolk Foundation; Mary Fu, Chief Advancement Officer, People’s Arc of Suffolk surround Janice, one of nine residents of the Dix Hills home receiving the newly renovated kitchen. Photo courtesy of People's Arc
$25k project donated by the Long Island Real Estate Group
People’s Arc of Suffolk hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 26 to celebrate the renovation of the kitchen at their Dix Hills Residence, which will enhance the daily lives of the intellectually and developmentally disabled residents who live there, offering a more functional and welcoming environment.
“The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where people get together to share stories about their day,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “For the nine people who live here, this is where they get together. It’s an integral part of the program for them.”
The renovation took approximately three weeks and saw the installation of new dining room and kitchen floors, new recessed lights, baseboard covers, window moldings, blinds, countertops, cabinets, new refrigerators, paint, and a new flattop stove. The kitchen suffered from decades of wear, including scuffed countertops, uneven floors and aging plumbing.
“This is good because I can get around easier that way,” said Janice, a 30-year resident in the house, as she surveyed the new kitchen from her motorized wheelchair.
The renovation was made possible through the generous support of the Long Island Real Estate Group, which donated $25,000 for the project. The renovation exemplifies the power of community partnerships and the commitment of the Long Island Real Estate Group to making a positive impact.
“To see people in a home, happy, to make them more comfortable, is wonderful,” said Andrew Richards, member of the LI Real Estate Group. “It’s very personal. We care. A lot of us don’t have to deal with the challenges people in this program live with every day. To be able to make this happen is very important to us.”
People’s Arc of Suffolk says the next project is renovating the bathroom, for which they are seeking a similar philanthropic partner.
About People’s Arc of Suffolk
Formerly known as AHRC Suffolk, People’s Arc of Suffolk is dedicated to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy life to its fullest. The organization provides a wide array of services, including employment opportunities, education programs, and community engagement, all aimed at fostering an equitable and integrated community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Follow People’s Arc of Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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By Heidi Sutton

It looks like some book lovers will have to wait a bit longer. In TBR News Media’s Arts & Lifestyles on March 20 it was announced that the new Barnes & Noble in  Huntington Station at 301 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station would hold a grand opening celebration on Wednesday, March 26.

Author Tessa Bailey will attend a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m.

Now the retail store has issued a statement that the grand opening has been pushed to April in a Facebook post, writing “Hello BN NY Huntington Shoppers! Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, BN NY Huntington’s Grand Opening will be delayed until April 2nd. We thank you for your continued patience while we make this store perfect for you! We will post an update soon about opening day events, so keep an eye out!”

The retail store lost its lease in the Huntington Square shopping center in East Northport and moved to the current location last year in the space formerly occupied by Johnson Fitness & Wellness. The new store has about 14,000 square feet of space and features books, toys, games and gifts and an updated B&N Café.

“While we were saddened to leave East Northport, we could not be happier with the space we have found in Huntington,” said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble. “Here we bring the community a completely updated Barnes & Noble and, fittingly, do so right next to the birthplace of one of the greatest American poets.”

“We are so excited to bring Barnes and Noble back to the community of Huntington and surrounding areas,” said Store Manager Kyle Goehle, Barnes & Noble Bookseller of five years. “I can’t wait for all the new memories our customers will make with our brand-new bookstore and café!”

Special guest, New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey, will attend the ribbon cutting on Wednesday, April 2 at 9 a.m. followed by a book signing. For more information, call 631-350-5503.

 

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Sal Filosa and Jenny Bloom cut the ribbon for the new Teen Center at 205 Main Street on March 14. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

By Heidi Sutton

It’s been 10 years in the making but it was all worth it when the doors to the new Port Jefferson Free Library Teen Center swung open after a ribbon cutting event on March 14. A large crowd, including Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, attended the celebration which continued into the evening and at an Open House on March 15. 

According to a press release, the library purchased the 1812 Bayles house at 205 East Main Street 10 years ago with plans of turning the former “Scented Cottage” store into a Teen Center which had been operating out of a rental space across the street from the library.

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich present certificates to staff of the Port Jefferson Free Library. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

A designated “Safe Space,” the new Teen Center features “multiple small rooms offering teens the ability to browse the library’s book, video and game collections, get homework and college application help, play board and video games, access craft supplies or participate in the busy schedule of program offerings,” according to the release. The Center, which is geared for teens in grades 6-12, also features a 3-D printer, homework stations and laptop computers. 

Working with BBS Architecture and Belfor Property Restoration, the library preserved much of the building’s charm, including 5 fireplaces, a beehive oven, the front “Dutch Door,” and the original pine floors. A covered front porch was added after Kate Von der Heyden of the Port Jefferson Historical Society shared historic photos which showed a previously existing Greek Revival-style porch. Amendments include a wheelchair lift and wider doorways.

“The reputation of this institution transcends the boundaries of the village. This is a draw for kids not just in this community but all the surrounding communities. I want to thank you for putting this together and for doing it in such a sensitive way that it maintains the streetscape and the look and feel of the village; it is such a great enhancement,” said Councilmember Kornreich.

“I am so grateful to this library board, to the leadership here and to the community for having the foresight to obtain this historic building, maintain it and renovate so that it can continue to be part of the beating heart of our library system and be a safe, wonderful and fun place for the teens,” said Assemblywoman Kassay.

“… So proud to walk through these doors for the first time and see what’s inside. I want to use it! There’s a nook and cranny for everything. I’m so glad that my nieces and my nephews and their friends will be able to use it as they come through middle school into the high school … It’s an incredible facility and what a great resource for them,” said Mayor Sheprow, who went on to thank Head of Teen Services Sal Filosa and Library Director Jenny Bloom for bringing the Teen Center to fruition.

“Growing from our one-room rental space to multiple rooms with a covered porch offers a variety of spaces for teens to relax, do homework, play games, or create art. We hope they consider the Teen Center to be their new ‘home away from home,” said Filosa.

“The restoration of the Bayles House and development of the new Teen Center has been the dream of a decade of Board Trustees, Staff, and community members, and the Library is very proud to welcome the community to the grand opening, and for teens for generations to come,” added Bloom.

The Teen Center is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 631-509-5707.

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Wegmans in Lake Grove is the first to open on Long Island. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

By Heidi Sutton

The wait is finally over. Wegmans Food Markets has announced that it will celebrate the grand opening of its Lake Grove store on Wednesday, Feb. 26 with a ribbon cutting set for 9 a.m. Located at 3270 Middle Country Road in the DSW Plaza, the 101,000 square-foot supermarket will be Wegmans’ first on Long Island. 

“We have been actively hiring and training new employees and are excited to open our doors on Feb. 26 to serve the Lake Grove community,” said store manager Dawn Cooper in a press release. 

Located in the former Fairway Market  space, the new store will employ more than 500 people in full- and part-time positions and will feature restaurant-style foods at its Market Café including sushi, pizza, chef-made salads, and sandwiches; along with a hot self-serve bar; a large produce department; and a wide variety of seafood, meat, bakery, deli, and cheese options. 

There will be an equal number of full-service and self-checkout registers and plenty of parking. Casanova the Rooster,  the company’s mascot, will greet customers at the top of every hour and there is a designated seating area to enjoy eat-in meals.

Before even opening, the Lake Grove leadership team has been focused on building relationships and getting to know and support the local community. 

Over the summer, fall, and holiday season, the team participated in festivals, volunteered at local food pantries, and sponsored the annual Pictures with Santa display at the Smith Haven Mall. 

They also formed a partnership with Long Island Cares and Island Harvest to improve food security for local families through their annual Check Out Hunger scanning and by providing donations three days a week to the food banks through their perishable pick-up program. 

“With Wegmans’ help, we will be better able to support those on Long Island experiencing hunger, including families, children, seniors, veterans, unhoused individuals, and others who need assistance,” said Bob LaBarbara of Long Island Cares.

To date, the store team has donated nearly $30,000 to over two dozen local non-profit organizations and events, including United Way of Long Island, Village of Lake Grove for the Summer and Harvest Festivals, Ronkonkoma Fire Department, Suffolk Community College Foundation, Sachem Teen Center, and United Veterans Beacon House.

“It is such a warm and welcoming community; we are enjoying getting to know the people who live here,” said Cooper. “From volunteering at events to sponsoring them, the team has done a great job building connections in the area, and we are excited to have those connections grow.”

Based in upstate Rochester, the regional supermarket chain operates over 100 locations along the east coast. The family company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. 

After Wednesday’s 9 a.m. opening, the Lake Grove store will be open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. For more information, call 631-285-1300.

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Global Language Reads ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of PJCC
Global Language Reads ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Kornreich’s office

It was a great turnout for the ribbon cutting of new Port Jefferson Village business Global Language Reads at 402 Main Street on Jan. 15. 

Hosted by the Greater Chamber of Commerce, the event was attended by Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, former New York State Senator Ken LaValle, Port Jefferson Village Trustees Kyle Hill and Robert Juliano, PJCC President Stuart Vincent, Third Vice President Douglas Quattrock, family and friends who came out to congratulate owner Caterina Lemos-Cunha and wish her the best of luck in her new venture.  

“I’m excited to welcome Global Language Reads to our community. This new bookstore offers a unique collection of books in multiple languages, providing an opportunity for locals and visitors to explore stories from around the world,” said Councilmember Kornreich. 

“Global Language Reads is a wonderful addition to our town, celebrating diversity and encouraging cultural exchange. I can’t wait to see this new business thrive and contribute to the cultural fabric of Port Jefferson. Be sure to take advantage of the variety of exciting activities they host! From movie and game nights, to engaging book clubs, to the science society and debate club for young adults, there’s something for everyone,” he added.

For more information, visit www.glrbooks.com.

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Brendel's Bagels opened it's Centereach location on Jan. 8. Photo courtesy of Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce

Brendel’s Bagels & Eatery of New York celebrated the grand opening of its Centereach location with a ribbon cutting on Jan. 8. The event was attended by members of the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, local officials including Suffolk County Leg. Nick Caracappa and community supporters. 

Located at 1311 Middle Country Road, the shop boasts its signature Newfield Pride Bagels along with an extensive breakfast, lunch and catering menu. 

“Brendel’s Bagels is proudly owned by local Middle Country residents, and the store manager, Zach, is a graduate of Newfield High School. We take immense pride in seeing our homegrown talent thrive by opening and managing businesses that enrich our community,” said Lenore Paprocky, President of the  Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, in a press release.

“We look forward to many great things ahead for Brendel’s Bagels and encourage everyone to stop by, support this new local gem, and enjoy their delicious offerings. Here’s to new beginnings and continued success for our community,” she added.

Legislator Caracappa praised the business and its team, stating, “They are an incredible bunch of individuals, from owners to employees committed to the quality of their food and services and representing and participating in community events.”

Brendel’s Bagels also has locations in Syosset, Glen Cove and Hauppauge. 

Store hours are 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 631-320-1009.

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Gina Ireland Interiors ribbon cutting on Dec. 18. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office
Gina Ireland Interiors ribbon cutting on Dec. 18. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, New York State Senator Mario Mattera, Town of Smithtown Councilwoman Lynne Nowick and members of the St. James Chamber of Commerce welcomed At Home With Gina Ireland Interiors to St. James with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 18.

Gina Ireland is an interior designer with more than 20 years of experience specializing in both residential and commercial projects. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Locally she worked on Toast in Long Beach, a wedding venue, and the Waters Edge in Centerport, formerly known as The Thatched Cottage.

She has relocated her studio from Port Jefferson to St. James for more space but also to be closer to her home in Nesconset as one of her daughters has leukemia. In addition to the design studio, her shop sells furniture, artwork, clothes and accessories as well as jewelry, perfume and decorative objects for gift giving.

According to Ms. Ireland, “This store is more than a business to me. It’s a symbol of hope. It’s a place where I can share my passion for design and bring inspiration to others.”

“Gina Ireland Interiors is a wonderful addition to the other stores and art endeavors on Lake Avenue in St. James. I welcome her and wish her much success,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

Pictured at the Ribbon Cutting for Gina Ireland Interiors are from left Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, Gina Ireland, Highway Superintendent Bob Murphy, Councilwoman Lenne Nowick, Senator Mario Mattera, St. James Chamber board members Debby and Scott Posner and Denise Day.

At Home With Gina Ireland Interiors is located at 438 Lake Avenue in St. James. Operating hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; closed on weekends.

For more information, call 516-413-9999 or visit ginairelandinteriors.com.

 

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Denise Driscoll, NP, Assistant Vice President for Behavioral Health at Mather Hospital cuts the ribbon to the new facility with hospital staff, local officials and community members. Photo courtesy of Mather Hospital

Northwell’s Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson formally dedicated its recently acquired Outpatient Behavioral Health Services building that allows the hospital to transform how it provides mental health services at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 25.

The building, located across the street from the hospital at 100 Highlands Blvd., was purchased with public and private funding totaling $9.2 million including a grant from the NYS Department of Health. 

“Tonight, we choose hope. Tonight, we celebrate a victory,” Erin Dainer, MD, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry for Mather Hospital, said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This facility, born from the collective will of government, healthcare providers, and generous philanthropists, stands as proof that together, we can make a difference. Within these walls, lives will be transformed.”

The building houses Mather’s Adult and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Programs, Chemical Dependency Program, Eating Disorders and Gambling Addiction programs, and a new Rapid Access Center allowing patients immediate access to assessments and referrals for behavorial health care. The Center is expected to be opened by the end of the year. 

As part of the acquisition, Mather also expanded its Adolescent Partial Hospitalization program by 10 slots and added a co-occurring disorders track. The hospital also added capacity for its outpatient Medication Assisted Treatment program. 

A recent series of community leader forums conducted by the hospital revealed a severe shortage of behavioral health services for both adolescents and adults was a top concern. 

“The statistics are stark, but they are not just numbers. They represent real people, our friends, family, and neighbors. Every year, more than one in five New Yorkers battle the invisible wounds of mental health disorders, and in any year one in ten face challenges so profound they impact their ability to work, to love, to simply live,” said Dr. Dainer. “The need is monumental and has only been made worse by the opioid epidemic and recent pandemic.”

“There is no doubt we have a mental health and substance abuse crisis in this country,” said Denise Driscoll, NP, Assistant Vice President for Behavioral Health at Mather Hospital, noting that 53 million Americans are living with mental illness. “Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S, and  2.5 million Americans are diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. According to the CDC, annual drug overdose deaths have eclipsed the peak of yearly deaths from car crashes, gun violence or any one year of the AIDS epidemic.”

Driscoll said that there is only one provider available for every 350 individuals looking for services, and 28% of adults experiencing mental health symptoms reported they were not able to access or navigate their way to the treatment they so desperately needed. 

“Let 100 Highlands be a permanent symbol to our community that no one gets left behind and a beacon of hope to those living with mental illness and substance abuse that recovery and a life well lived is possible,” she said.

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