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Ribbon Cutting

From left, John Lessard, CEO, DDI; Philip Veneziano, his son Christopher, and his wife Linda; and Monique Diaz, Residential Manager, DDI. Photo by Anekwe Noel (DDI)

Thanks to a $25,000 donation, residents of a group home for adults with developmental disabilities in Setauket will have guaranteed power for the continuity of critical systems, including life-sustaining medical devices, in the event of a power outage. Funding for the whole-house backup generator was provided by Linda and Philip Veneziano.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the installation of the whole-house backup generator was recently held at the home, operated by Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), where the Veneziano’s adult son, Christopher, resides. Mr. Veneziano is VP of Finance for Broadridge Financial Solutions and presently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors at DDI.

“The addition of whole-house generators to our residences greatly enhances the lives of people with autism and other developmental disabilities, as well as the staff that care for them, by ensuring that their lives are not disrupted by power outages and that their health and safety are not jeopardized during emergencies,” explained John Lessard, CEO, DDI. “The generator will help ensure the continuity of electrical power and critical systems in the event of a power failure; we are thankful for this wonderful gift.”

The Three Village Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Brookhaven co-hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration for D.J.’s Clam Shack in Stony Brook on Dec. 15. The event was attended by Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Brookhaven Town Clerk Donna Lent, Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, members of the chamber and members of the community.

The new location at 1007 Route 25A is the company’s fourth on Long Island, including East Northport, Wantagh and Huntington in addition to two Florida locations in Key West and Indian Shores. The Key West restaurant was featured on the Food Channel program, “Diners, Drive-Ins’ and Dives.” 

Owner Paul Riggio was presented with Certificates of Congratulations from the chamber, Town and County .

The new, traditional quick-service restaurant has a diverse menu of seafood, chicken and drinks with an option to dine-in or take out. 

“Congratulations to D.J.’s Clam Shack on your grand opening. We are so happy to welcome you to our community. Thank you to Paul and the rest of the staff for ‘overstuffing’ us with your delicious lobster roll,” said Councilmember Kornreich.

“It was great to join in welcoming D.J.’s Clam Shack to the Stony Brook community.  After the last two years, it is wonderful to celebrate the opening of a new business in Brookhaven Town. I believe D.J.’s will quickly become a neighborhood favorite,” added Town Clerk Lent. 

For more information, call 631-675-9669 or visit www.djsclamshack.com.

Town of Huntington Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Town Clerk Andrew Raia and Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman were joined by Town officials, the Town’s EOSPA Committee and the Greenlawn Civic Association for a ribbon-cutting to open the new playground at the Town’s regional Greenlawn Park on Nov. 16. 

“We are excited to see these playground improvements realized at Greenlawn Park, one of our most popular regional parks, which will provide a complement to the popular Greenlawn skate park and athletic fields,” said Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, whose administration worked closely with the Greenlawn Civic Association to develop plans for the new playground. “Greenlawn Park Playground is a case study in a community advocating for the improvement of their open space and a local government responding to that community.” 

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson said, “I want to thank the Greenlawn Civic Association and the community for their hard work and activism on behalf of renovating this park . Although it took longer than expected due to Covid it is finished and it’s a beautiful place for our residents to enjoy.” 

Councilwoman Joan Cergol stated, “I absolutely love the improvements made to Greenlawn Park’s playground and am grateful to the Greenlawn Civic Association and our Town departments that worked so diligently to ensure our children have a safe and vibrant place to play while enjoying nature.” 

Deputy Supervisor Ed Smyth and Councilman Eugene Cook were unable to attend the ceremony but voted to approve the EOSPA funding for the playground along with Supervisor Lupinacci, Councilman Cuthbertson and Councilwoman Cergol. 

Deputy Supervisor Ed Smyth stated, “The Greenlawn Park Playground reconstruction was truly a collaborative effort. Thank you to the Greenlawn Civic Association for working with Town staff in the Departments of Engineering, Parks and Recreation, and Planning and Environment as well as the Town’s EOSPA Committee to develop a playground plan that reflects the community’s needs.” 

“I would recommend to every parent and grandparent to find some time with their children or grandchildren to explore the new playground at Greenlawn Park, it’s beautiful,” stated Councilman Eugene Cook. “Greenlawn Park has something for everyone in the family, including new playground equipment, a new concrete walkway, a new picnic area with a gazebo, landscaping and even solar cell phone/tablet charging stations. A wonderful park for a family to share an afternoon.” 

Town Clerk Andrew Raia stated, “It was a pleasure to take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Greenlawn Park Playground. This is a state-of-the-art playground that will provide local children with a safe, nourishing environment and place to grow.” 

Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman said, “The Greenlawn Park Playground is a stunning example of the great work that can be achieved when local government partners with the community.  That the playground is handicap accessible is reflective of the vision that should be included in all construction initiatives.  I love the solar powered charging stations too.  Many thanks to the Greenlawn Civic Association for their important role in the design of this local treasure!” 

“The Greenlawn Civic Association would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Town of Huntington with the completion of the new playground at Greenlawn Park. It is a beautifully renovated open space for the community to enjoy! It was truly a cooperative effort between the Greenlawn Civic Association and the Town of Huntington,” said Jane Irving, President, Greenlawn Civic Association. 

Greenlawn Civic Association was represented at the event by President Jane Irving, Kevin Smith, Secretary Ellen Niemczyk, and Richard Holmes. 

 Also in attendance from the Town were David Kaufman, Elana Israel-Edgar, and Garrett Chelius from the Department of Planning & Environment, Director Bill Musto and Deputy Director Walter Edwards from the Department of Parks & Recreation, and members of the Town EOSPA Committee (Environmental Open Space & Park Fund Advisory Committee): Chairman Mark McAteer, Ken Christensen, and Steven Spucces. 

Representatives of the Greenlawn Civic Association requested the playground improvements, working with Director Jim Ahrens and Town Engineer Nick Jimenez in the Department of Engineering, staff in attendance as well as Margo Myles from the Department of Planning & Environment, and the Town’s EOSPA Committee to develop a playground plan that reflected the community’s needs. The Town Board designated up to $525,000 in EOSPA-recommended Environmental Open Space and Park Improvement Funding for the project in January 2020. The project was bid in January 2021, the Town received 12 bids, and the Town Board awarded the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Greenlawn-based Turf Tek USA in February 2021. Construction started in June 2021. Total construction costs came to approximately $450,000.

Greenlawn Park (Tri-Village) Playground, at the corner of Pulaski Road and Broadway-Greenlawn Road in Greenlawn, has undergone substantial improvements, including: 

Ribbon cutting event for Island Rheumatology and Osteoporosis. Photo from Larry Mikorenda

Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich joined Dr. Sanjay Godhwani for the grand opening of Island Rheumatology and Osteoporosis, PC, 10 Roosevelt Avenue in Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 9. The celebration included a ribbon cutting and presentation of a certificate of congratulations. 

“Congratulations to Dr. Sanjay Godhwani and his wife Puja on creating a beautiful space that will promote wellness throughout our community. Upon meeting Dr. Godhwani I quickly recognized his commitment to high-quality care and passion for his profession. I wish him nothing but success at his new location,” said Councilmember Korneich. For more information, call 631-886-2844 or visit www.islandrheumatology.com.

The Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting celebration for Studio E Art Classes, located at 77 Broadway in Rocky Point, on Oct. 15. The chamber welcomed the studio’s new owner, Kathleen Grancher, and thanked the previous owners, Michelle and Stelios Stylianou, for being pillars in our community. 

“From science to art, Kathy has spent the past 30 years working in Clinical Research. The gift of pottery lessons with a master potter 25 years ago furthered the love of art and clay. Now after retiring Kathy has embarked on a new adventure as owner of Studio E Art Classes. She is thrilled to have the opportunity of providing a welcoming environment for all to find joy in creativity,” read a press release sent by the chamber.

The celebration was attended by Gary Pollakusky, RPSB Chamber founder and President, Nichaldeep Parhar, RPSB Chamber Membership Director, Charles Todaro, RPSB Chamber Treasurer, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner, NYS Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Chad Lennon representing NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo, family and friends.

Studio E has a dedicated team of teachers and visiting artists who offer weekly programs for children, teens and adults and also offer birthday parties and summer camps. For more information, call 631-744-4001 or visit www.studioeartclass.com.

A ribbon cutting was given for Give Kids Hope on Sept. 23. Photo from PJCC

The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Give Kids Hope, Inc. on Thursday, Sept. 23. The new thrift store, located at 1506 Main Street in Port Jefferson, is an endeavor by owner Melissa Paulson (center holding scissors) to bring more resources to people struggling within the community. 

The celebration was attended by Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant, Village Trustee Bruce Miller, Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden; members of the chamber including President Mary Jo Pipe, 1st President Stuart Vincent and Director Douglas Quattrock; friends and family.

Created as a nonprofit to help provides assistance to less fortunate children and families on LongIsland, the storefront features housewares, antiques, furniture, etcc. with a food pantry in the back of the store. 

“We are so thankful for the warm welcome we received from our village,” said Paulson. “[And a] huge thank you to my amazing volunteers who have donated countless days and hours to make our mission possible. The love and generosity we receive from our donors and supporters is incredible. We are truly blessed beyond words.”

The thrift store is currently open Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please call 631-538-5287.

The Three Village Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting and grand reopening celebration for Mario’s Restaurant in East Setauket on Aug. 18. The community welcomed back brothers Jack and Gary Tiply, along with partner Billie Phillips, for a classic reboot of one of the oldest and most notable Italian restaurants on the North Shore.  

The special event was attended by Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, members of the chamber, family and friends.

The Tipleys owned Mario’s for 28 years before selling the restaurant in 2007. They reclaimed ownership in 2019 after a fire damaged the restaurant’s kitchen. Renovations have been completed and the restaurant has put pizza back on the menu.

“Mario’s Restaurant is a community treasure as are the owners. Everyone in the community can tell a story about being there for a reunion of friends or classmates, a special life event or family gathering. So many people in the area also met their spouse here. Congratulations to Gary, Jack and Billie on the new Mario’s,” said Leg. Hahn.

Pictured in first photo from left, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, Three Village Chamber President Jane Taylor;  chamber members Carmine Inserra, Colette Frey-Bitzas, Rob Taylor; Legislator Kara Hahn; owners Gary and Jack Tipley; and chamber members Charles Lefkowitz, and Michael Ardolino.  

Located at 212 Main St., East Setauket, the restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Tuesday to Sunday for indoor dining and takeout. For more information, call 631-751-8840 or visit www.mariossetauket.com.

Arkk Wellness Center ribbon cutting. Photo from Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich's office

On July 26, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (sixth from left) and Town Clerk Donna Lent (second from right) and members of the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce were on hand to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for The Katherine Jon Salon’s The Arkk Wellness Center and Academy located at 4747 Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson Station. 

The ceremony included live music from 1 Step Ahead and featured healthy food tastings and tropical beverages. Also pictured are members of the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce; Katherine Jon Salon and The Arkk Wellness Center and Academy team members and owner Kat Riley (fourth from right).

“Congratulations to Kat Riley on her continued success. Self-care is an important part of our overall wellness and I’m happy to see that the salon utilized its resources and opened a creative and much needed space,” said Councilmember Kornreich. “I wish nothing but success to Kat and her team who have already done and continue to do such amazing work. Despite the challenges that may occur when owning a business, she remains as cool as the other side of the pillow.”

“Kat Riley’s history of long-standing success in business continues to flourish with the grand opening of The Arkk Academy. This wellness center, born out of the pandemic and driven by a desire to bring forth healing through education and self-care, is a testament of Kat’s commitment to the community,” added Town Clerk Donna Lent.

For more information, call 631-474-0747 or visit arkkwellnesscenter.org.

Photo from Your CBD Store

The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting celebration for Your CBD Store® in Port Jefferson Station on July 23.  

In less than two years, Your CBD Stores® have grown to become the world’s largest brick and mortar CBD retailer with locations in over 600 locations and 40 states. Founded with an emphasis on education and community, Your CBD Store® has helped dismiss misconceptions about its hemp derived products.

“Everything we do is focused on improving the lives of our customers. We are a high-quality learning environment where customers can try products and leave knowing what is in their CBD product,” said Dee Earle Browning, store owner of Your CBD Store Port Jeff Station. 

“We are not just another retail chain. We are a community of store owners who truly care and are educating CBD consumers around the nation,” she said.  

Your CBD Store® offers a variety of CBD infused products that don’t require a prescription or medical card to buy. All stores only sell products manufactured by SunMed, which uses a special CO2 extraction process to eliminate the need for chemical solvents to produce a high-quality, full-spectrum CBD. The CBD is then processed again to remove all traces of THC for the company’s zero-THC products. 

Located at 590 Patchogue Road in Port Jefferson Station, Your CBD Store® is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sundays. For more information, call 631-828-3877.

Photo courtesy of America's VetDogs

America’s VetDogs, a national non-profit that trains and places guide and service dogs with veterans and first responders with disabilities, hosted a ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, July 6 at their campus in Smithtown to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated, state of the art, training facility.

With the ever growing demand for service dogs, the need for expansion of the training facility will assist in placing more guide and service dogs with veterans and first responders with disabilities. The expansion and renovations were made possible by the support and donations by the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation, Francis & Gertrude Levett Foundation, Manual Barron, Ludwick Family Foundation, Scaife Family Foundation, Van Sloun Foundation, Manitou Fund and the The Omer Foundation.

Notable attendees included New York State Senator Mario Materra, New York State Senator Alexis Weik, New York Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Steven Castleton, Senior Veterans Services Officer for Suffolk County Retired U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard Master Sgt. Melissa Pandolf, Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, America’s VetDogs Board Chair Don Dea, and VetDogs Board Member and HIA-LI Board Chairman Joe Campolo.

 “To increase our capacity to train service dogs, America’s VetDogs embarked on an ambitious renovation of our training center to create additional spaces where more instructors will be able to train their dogs at the same time. Among these improvements is a mock apartment, which includes a kitchen, living room, and bedroom areas that will allow instructors to train their dogs in “real-world” scenarios,” said President & CEO John Miller of America’s VetDogs.

 It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog; however, all of VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the individual.  Funding comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses, and service and fraternal clubs. To learn more, visit www.VetDogs.org.