January 18, 2023 - January 31, 2023 Suffolk Zone 6

SERVING: SETAUKET, EAST SETAUKET, PORT JEFFERSON, PORT JEFFERSON STATION, STONY BROOK, MILLER PLACE, MOUNT SINAI, & ROCKY POINT

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OAK AND OAR CEREMONY - Miller Place High School recently recognized eighteen outstanding students at its 22nd annual OAK (Outstanding Acts of Kindness) and OAR (Outstanding Academic Recognition) ceremony. Students were recommended by staff members for performing inspiring acts of kindness or demonstrating excellent work ethic or improvement in their classes. Photo courtesy of the Miller Place School District

Representatives from Suffolk Credit Union and New York

and Blood Specialists gather donations from the ‘Suffolk Smiles’ Holiday Toy Drive collected during the holiday season for Long Island children.

Miller Place High School Holds Annual OAK And OAR Ceremony

Miller Place High School recently recognized eighteen outstanding students at its 22nd annual OAK (Outstanding Acts of Kindness) and OAR (Outstanding Academic Recognition) ceremony. Students were recommended by staff members for performing inspiring acts of kindness or demonstrating excellent work ethic or improvement in their classes.

“The District is so proud of these eighteen model students who have shown acts of compassion and lent a hand to their peers in need or achieved remarkable academic progress and

development,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Seth Lipshie. “These accomplished students represent the best of our Miller Place community with outstanding pride and character. They are positive role models for their peers and continue to impress their teachers and faculty each day.”

OAK award recipients are recommended for performing gestures of kindness and displaying compassion without expecting anything in return. This year’s recipients are Olivia Bloom, Elianna Charbonnier, Eileen Duffy, Klarissa Escobar, Justin

Forlano, Jacob Huwer, Lucas McGuire, Sara Mendes, Joseph Ritieni, Natalie Shurbet, Jay Sun and Skye Welch.

OAR award recipients are recommended for achieving academic excellence by maintaining high scores, improving their scores or taking harder courses and rising to educational challenges that may be outside of their comfort zone. This year’s recipients are Christopher Barton, June Colletta, Mathilda Dottori, Eileen Duffy, Jacob Huwer, Aidan Maloney, Maya Murphy and Adrian Tamayo.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Bernath Visits Port Jefferson Students

Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Brendan Bernath is heading back to his base in Lake Erie where his unit missions consist of search and rescue, law enforcement and homeland security, but first he stopped in to thank the students of Edna Louise Spear Elementary School in Port Jefferson.

The school’s Buddy Program, the crossgrade-level initiative of fifth graders from Kari Costanza’s class and first

graders in Laura Kelly’s and Paige Lohmann’s class, created and sent holiday cards of gratitude to servicemen and service women. Petty Officer 3rd Class Bernath’s visit was an opportunity to thank them on behalf of his colleagues for their gesture.

To prepare for his visit, the students brainstormed some questions from how he spent his holidays to how fast his boat travels on the water. They also created some welcome

signs, choosing patriotic colors to honor him and his Coast Guard unit.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Bernath was thoughtful and engaging with the students, sharing a firsthand glimpse into his everyday work and his mission to explore the world. He encouraged the students to learn more about the waters of Long Island and the Coast Guard stations that welcome students to tour their facilities.

Scouts BSA Life Scout, Hanna R. of Troop 430 Chartered by Amvets Post 76, is working on her Eagle Scout Service Project and is asking for your help. The project includes collecting musical instruments to donate to Hungry for Music, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides instruments to schools

Eagle Scout Project To Support Hungry For Music

and children in need. The Instrument collection drive is ongoing and all band and orchestra instruments are accepted. If you or someone you know have an instrument you are no longer using and would like to donate, please call or text (631)647-0814 to set up pick up or drop off. Visit hungryformusic.org

for more information about the project beneficiary.

For more information on Scouts BSA in Suffolk County please visit https:// www.sccbsa.org/

For more information on scouting in the Bay Shore Brightwaters area visit:http:// troop0043bayshore. ScoutLander.com

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT TO SUPPORT HUNGRY FOR MUSIC (PHOTO

RIGHT) - Scouts BSA Life Scout, Hanna R. of Troop 430 Chartered by Amvets Post 76, is working on her Eagle Scout Service Project and is asking for your help. The project includes collecting musical instruments to donate to Hungry for Music, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides instruments to schools and children in need. To donate, please call or text (631)647-0814

OAK AND OAR CEREMONY - Miller Place High School recently recognized eighteen outstanding students at its 22nd annual OAK (Outstanding Acts of Kindness) and OAR (Outstanding Academic Recognition) ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Miller Place School District

COAST GUARD PETTY OFFICER BERNATH VISITS - Students in Kari Costanza’s fifth grade class at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School with Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Brendan Bernath. Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson School District

Professor John Fleagle To Receive Charles Darwin Lifetime Achievement Award

John Fleagle, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Anatomical Sciences at Stony Brook University’s Renaissance School of Medicine, has won the Charles Darwin Lifetime Achievement Award. Granted by the American Association of Biological Anthropology (AABA), the award will be presented at the association’s annual conference held April 19-22 in Nevada. Known as the AABA’s most prestigious honor, this yearly award recognizes a senior member of the association who has exhibited a lifetime of contributions and commitment to biological anthropology.

Fleagle is only the second Stony Brook professor to receive the Charles Darwin Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2004, it was bestowed upon the late Robert R. Sokal, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolution.

Professor Fleagle’s presence in the field of biological anthropology spans half a century. Much of his work has centered around investigating primate evolution, primate locomotion, and broad patterns of evolution and adaptation across many taxa. From Argentina to India, his fieldwork has taken him across the world. In Ethiopia, Professor Fleagle directed a groundbreaking study that uncovered fresh insights into the African origin of homo sapiens.

Professor Fleagle has

mentored and trained young anthropologists, founded and edited an authoritative review journal called Evolutionary Anthropology, and authored a highly regarded textbook titled Primate Adaptation and Evolution. He is also a member of the Scientific Executive Committee of the LSB Leakey Foundation.

“I’m delighted that John was granted the award,” said AABA President Steven Leigh. “His work is remarkable and has made major impacts across many aspects of our discipline. His textbook set the standard for our field and I consider it one of the best textbooks in

Bird Walk

any field.

“Personally, John helped me immensely 30 years ago when I was a postdoc at Stony Brook just getting a start in the field,” added Leigh. “It will be a career highlight for me to present the award to him.”

Professor Fleagle is a MacArthur Fellow, a Guggenheim Fellow, and a member of three graduate programs at Stony Brook University –the Doctoral Program in Ecology and Evolution, the Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, and the program in Anatomical Sciences.

At Hempstead Lake State Park

Join the South Shore Audubon Society on a bird walk at Hempstead Lake State Park on Sunday, January 22, starting at 9:00 am.

All are welcome. Walk leaders and other birders and nature enthusiasts

will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you.To register, text your name and contact information to Joe Landesberg at 516 467-9498. Bring binoculars. The bird walk is free of charge.

The group will meet in

Parking Field #3, Exit 18 South, from the Southern State Parkway. Rain or snow will cancel the bird walk. For more information, log onto www.ssaudubon.org. We follow Covid protocols in effect at the time of walk.

JOHN FLEAGLE, PhD - Stony Brook Professor John Fleagle during a paleontology expedition in Ethiopia. Photo courtesy of John Shea

Helping You Help Others

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for January is Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is a local non-profit organization that began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. They grew from having two programs, eight horses and 80 students per week to 11 programs, 25 horses and 400 students per week - and they continue to grow today!

“2023 will be a year of physical growth with our new educational center and treatment clinic, as well as spiritual growth by continuing to serve the many who need our 13 acre farm and herd to help them heal from trauma, grow in personal strength and learn new things to brighten their future,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder of Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. The organization will be o ering various events throughout 2023, some of which are noted below.

February 15th they will kick-o a 3 month virtual Hay Drive Fundraiser. “We’ve been holding this Fundraiser once a year for 3 years now because in the last few years the cost of hay has tripled,” said Lisa. “Every penny donated through this fundraiser goes directly to helping us buy hay for our herd. I’d like to warmly thank everyone in advance for their support and donations, it truly helps us more than you know.” This year they are proud to o er a new text to donate feature. More information is available on their website (www.pal-o-mine.org).

Additionally, May 3rd through May 7th from 9:30AM-2:30PM they are holding their annual J-STEP Spring Craft Fair at their farm, located at 829 Old Nichols Road in Islandia.

J-STEP, which stands for Job Security Through Equine Partnership, is their Vocational Program. The program o ers a paid internship that runs 5 days per week for people with disabilities who are 18 years or older. Every item showcased at this fair is handcrafted by the J-STEP interns.

Lastly, May 4th from 6PM-9PM they will hold a Stable Spirits Art Show and Auction in their barn. This will be a night you won’t want to miss, filled with local wine and cheese, creativity and philanthropy! Pal-O-Mine will proudly feature up and coming artists in individual “stalls” in the barn and proceeds from each sale will go towards building their new educational center and clinic.

If you are interested in finding out more about their J-STEP Program or learning about the opportunity to have your art displayed at the Stable Spirits Art Show, contact Tessa at TessaVF@pal-o-mine. org. For more general information about Pal-O-Mine, call 631-348-1389, visit their website (www.pal-o-mine.org), Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Instagram.

Port Jefferson School District/One River School Exhibit

Student artwork from the Port Jefferson School District’s fine arts department was exhibited at the One River School

for Art and Design’s Port Jefferson Station location. As a collaborative effort, student artwork across grades K-12 was

showcased. There was an opening reception on Jan. 7 welcoming students and families to celebrate their outstanding artistic

achievement. The school district thanks art teachers Skylar Benatar, Meghan McCarthy, Nancy Randazzo

and Stacey Schuman; Director of Music and Fine Arts Dr. Michael Caravello and the One River School’s Assistant Director of

Education Ellen Jones for organizing this special community event.

Retiring Early

According to Gallup’s 2021 Economy and Personal Finance survey, the average individual in the United States is retiring earlier than many people might expect. Gallup found that the average retirement age was 62, which is two years earlier than the working respondents

indicated they planned to retire. Canadians are retiring a little bit later than their American counterparts, as Statistics Canada reports the average retirement age in Canada is just over 63 and a half. The average retirement age is worth noting, as studies routinely find that many

working professionals greatest concern about retiring is that they won’t have enough money saved to meet their needs.

By recognizing that they may end up retiring earlier than they initially planned, professionals can make a concerted effort to save more money in the years ahead.

ART EXHIBIT - Port Jefferson School District students and art teachers with Director of Music and Fine Arts Dr. Michael Caravello (right). Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson School District

Jazz Loft Celebrates Black History Month With Exhibits Honoring Jazz Musicians Who Called L.I. & NYC Home

The Jazz Loft will be marking Black History Month in February with special exhibits in the Loft’s museum celebrating jazz greats Louis Armstrong (Corona), Lloyd Trotman (Huntington), Ernie Royal and Benny Powell (Both who lived in New York City). The Jazz Loft’s museum contains more than 10,000 pieces of jazz memorabilia. The museum is open Thursday-Saturday and opens at Noon until 5 p.m.. The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook.

“In many ways every month is Black History month at the Jazz Loft,” said Founder and President Tom Manuel. “Jazz is a music and tradition that was born from the Black experience and African roots. This February we will be adding several new exhibits that focus on local jazz greats who had a

connection to Long Island and New York.”

On February 1 the Jazz Loft’s Young at Heart daytime concert series pays homage to Black History Month with the spotlight on African American women of song—Sarah Vaughan; Billie Holiday; Dinah Washington; and Ella Fitzgerald. The Ward Melville Heritage Organization is a cosponsor of the concert series. The band will feature Manuel and the Young at Heart Trio, with Manuel on cornet; Steve Salerno on guitar; and Keenan Zach on bass. All concerts are from 1-2 p.m. for the discounted price of just $10.

“The contributions by Black musicians, singers and composers to the art of Jazz are infinite,” said Manuel. “We are proud to be highlighting some of the leading ladies of

song in February with our ‘Here’s to the Ladies’ Young at Heart concert. The artistry and impact of vocalists like Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, and Ella Fitzgerald is everlasting.”

On February 9, Mala Waldron, daughter of jazz legend Mal Waldron, will kick off the Loft’s Acoustic in the Living Room series. This jazz music series showcases small duos/trios in the Loft’s main performance room which will be set up to resemble an intimate living room, with spaced out seating. The concerts are conversational, engaging and intimate and a very special window into the heart and mind of the artists. The concert will feature Mala Waldron on piano and vocals; with Mike Hall on bass; and Tom Manuel on cornet.

Take Heart With Tea

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a recent study found drinking tea might keep the cardiologist at bay.

The USDA reported that men and women who drank black tea for three weeks reduced their total and bad

cholesterol (LDL) levels by an average of 7.5 percent. Researchers concluded that drinking tea may reduce the

risk of coronary heart disease. Antioxidants called flavonoids, found in both green and black teas, are thought to

be potent weapons in the fight against heart disease.

That news may be especially important

for women, given that heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined including breast cancer.

JAZZ LOFT CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH - Mala Waldron, left on piano, will be featured as part of the Jazz Loft’s Acoustic in the Living Room series.

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Elderly Army Veteran Has Wish For Restaurant Gift Cards Granted

Ron Matonti, a resident of Medford, New York, had his wish for restaurant gift cards granted, thanks to the Long Island chapter of national nonprofit Twilight Wish Foundation. Matonti is an Army veteran who has congenital heart failure and is homebound. Because of this, he relies mostly on canned foods that are delivered to him from a local food pantry. His wish is to receive restaurant and food delivery gift cards so that he can order fresh food instead of just eating canned foods.

Matonti was nominated by Melanie Corinne, the project coordinator for the Joseph Dwyer Peer Support Project in Suffolk County. Long Island Chapter Director James Ciervo and Corinne delivered the gift card basket to Matonti on Friday, December 17th at his Medford home.

Twilight Wish Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization whose mission is to honor and enrich the lives of seniors through intergenerational Twilight Wish celebrations. Since its founding in 2003, Twilight Wish has granted over 4,810 individual wishes to seniors throughout the U.S. Twilight Wish grants wishes to seniors who are 65 and older or a permanent resident of a nursing home and earn less than 200% of poverty level. If you would like to nominate a deserving senior or get involved with Twilight Wish, please visit the website at www.twilightwish.org or call 215230-8777 ext. 104.

Alert Avoid Malicious Online Advertisements

(NAPSI)—Beware, cybercriminals target consumers with malicious ads that use scare tactics to trick them into downloading malware, including ransomware that takes over files to force victims to pay to regain access—but you can protect yourself.

The Problem

A new joint investigation—dubbed The Unholy Triangle—by the Digital Citizens Alliance, White Bullet, and Unit 221B found that consumers, who use online piracy sites to watch and download unauthorized movies and television shows, are highly susceptible to scams that prey on fears by deploying scare tactics and other dubious means to trick or entice users to click on dangerous ads.

Piracy operators, advertisers who use ads to install malware on computers (malvertisers) and ad intermediaries are reaping monster profits. The investigation found more than $121 million in malicious ads on piracy sites. Nearly 80 percent of pirate sites served up malware-ridden ads to their users. And the volume of malvertising targeting pirate-site users is significant. Visitors to piracy sites faced an estimated 321 million ads designed to harm them.

The starkest example of the cyber threat was a ransomware attack that occurred while visiting a piracy site. Investigators were prompted to click on an ad—but instead found their files locked up, followed by a demand to make a payment to regain access.

Consumer

“Ransomware is the most serious cyber threat that consumers, small businesses, governments, and corporations face,” said Tom Galvin, executive director of the Digital Citizens Alliance. “The revelations that piracy operators, malvertisers, and ad intermediaries are profiting by harming Internet users is a wake-up call that we need a concerted and coordinated response to combat this growing threat.”

Previous Digital Citizens Alliance research estimates piracy is a $2 billion-plus ecosystem fueled by illicit access to movies, TV shows, and live entertainment. While investigations have previously shown how piracy is used to infect devices, the Unholy Triangle report is the first to detail the relationship between piracy operators, malvertisers, and certain players in the ad intermediary ecosystem.

What You Can Do

Consumers need to be vigilant and protect themselves. Essential tips for maintaining your cybersecurity include:

• Visit only authorized content sites. If a movie or television show is free to download, it is most likely pirated/illegal content. While not every visit to a piracy site results in malware, the investigation found that—on average—1 in 6 times a visit to a piracy site leads to an attempt to serve malware.• Do not click on advertisements. Never click on an ad that purports to know about viruses or specific information about your computer. It is a scam.

AVOID MALICIOUS ONLINE

ADVERTISEMENTS - Crooks lurk online. Be careful what you click on and keep malware protection current a new report advises.

• Ensure that you use the most up-to-date antivirus and malware protection software.

Learn More

The Unholy Triangle report can be found at: www.digitalcitizensalliance.org.

Ron Matonti with gift card basket