Whisper Woods Of Smithtown Honored With Humanitarian Of The Year Award

Whisper Woods of Smithtown Honored with Humanitarian of the Year Award

Senior Assisted Living Community Recognized for Dedication to Long Island Seniors by Kings Park Chamber of Commerce

Susan Cantone, Sales Associate, Angeline Sikorski, Programming Director, Vanessa Lemke, Dining Services Director, Sharon Hayes, Director of Business Administration, Desiree Krajnyak-Baker, Executive Director, Janel Negron, Plant Operations Director and Mary Constantino, Director of Community Relations, all at Whisper Woods of SmithtownSmithtown, N.Y. – Whisper Woods of Smithtown, a Benchmark assisted living and Mind & Memory Care community, today announced they’ve received Kings Park Chamber of Commerce’s annual Humanitarian of the Year award. The award was given to the assisted living with memory care community for their ardent support of local seniors and their families. 

On March 7, Desiree Krajnyak-Baker, executive director of Whisper Woods, accepted the award at the Chamber’s annual Persons of the Year Award Dinner & Dance held at Stonebridge Golf Links in Smithtown. 

“For six years, we’ve worked hard to be a valued resource for all Suffolk County seniors and families,” said Krajnyak-Baker. “For our team, it’s about continuing to empower our residents as they age while nurturing their passions, connections and their quality of life. We are incredibly grateful to have our dedication recognized by the Chamber.” 

Tony Tanzi, President, Kings Park Chamber of Commerce, Desiree Krajnyak-Baker, executive director, Whisper Woods of Smithtown, Diane Motherway, Executive Director, Kings Park Chamber of Commerce.“Whisper Woods is a valued and very visible member of our community. Even in challenging situations, the caring and commitment of the staff is incredibly evident in each and every interaction. I can’t think of an organization in our community who is more deserving of this award,” Diane Motherway, executive director, Kings Park Chamber of Commerce. 

Last year, Whisper Woods was selected one of the country’s best by U.S. News & World Report with a 2023-2024 Best Assisted Livingexcellence award. They were the only senior living community in the greater Smithtown area to have earned this prestigious award.

Whisper Woods’ care and experiences spans independent assisted living to specialized memory care assisted living for those who would benefit from a safer, engaging environment, chef-prepared meals, supportive living services, transportation and assistance with daily activities, such as getting dressed and medication management. Residents enjoy connecting over programs and amenities offered in many common spaces including a bistro, art gallery, hair salon and spa, fitness center, recreation room and outdoor terrace with wine bar.

Whisper Woods’ award-winning Mind & Memory Care program offers carefully created living environments and unique opportunities for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia to find joy in each new day. Residents are supported by 24/7 care providers who have been hired for heart and educated in memory loss, communication and empathy. Neighborhoods provide the comforts of home and have unique features that help those with memory impairment stay connected to who and what matters most to them. Thoughtful touches, visual cues and purposeful amenities further promote familiarity and wellness.

# # #

About Benchmark Senior Living 

Benchmark is New England’s largest senior living provider with 65 independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care communities and over 6,700 dedicated associates providing compassionate care and outstanding experiences throughout the Northeast. The Waltham, Mass.-based company was founded over 27 years ago by Tom Grape with the purpose of Transforming Lives Through Human Connection. Since then, Benchmark has continued to set the industry standard, having won over 300 hundred local, regional and national awards for its care, programs and as a top workplace. Benchmark has been named one of the Top Places to Work for 16 straight years in The Boston Globe’s annual employee-based survey and received repeated recognition in FORTUNE’s Best Workplaces for Aging Services list. In 2023, Benchmark communities received 53 U.S. News & World Report Best of Senior Living excellence awards based on resident and family feedback. For more information, visit BenchmarkSeniorLiving.com.

Teams From Local Schools Are Participating This Weekend In Robotics Competition

FIRST Long Island Regional FIRST^® Robotics Competition Celebrates 25 Years

Forty-Nine Teams from Long Island, NYC and the World to Compete at Hofstra University for CRESCENDO^SM Presented by Haas

Area students are excited about the 25^th annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Long Island Regional FIRST^®Robotics Competition, which will be held in a double-elimination style, with tournaments March 22 to 23 at Hofstra University’s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. Presented by FIRST Long Island, Zebra Technologies and Optimum, this regional features 49 teams from across Long Island, New York City, Canada, Chinese Taipei and France. These students, aged 14 to 18, utilize robots to compete in alliance-style tournament rounds under this year’s challenge, dubbed CRESCENDO^SM Presented by Haas. Long Island residents are encouraged to attend to support these local high school students.

The FIRST Long Island Regionals feature teams of high school-aged students competing in a cooperative tournament-style robotics competition. Guided by their mentors, students rely on their skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) to compete for honors and recognition that reward design excellence, competitive play and sportsmanship. This high-energy event further emphasizes the importance of high-impact partnerships between students, universities, businesses and communities.

In CRESCENDO^SM Presented by Haas, two competing alliances are invited to score notes, amplify their speaker, harmonize onstage and take the spotlight before time runs out. Alliances earn additional rewards for meeting specific scoring thresholds and for cooperating with their opponents.

This year marks the 25^th season of the FIRST Robotics Competition supported by FIRST Long Island’s late Founder Fred Breithut, using his vision for the students of Long Island and the innovative program developed through FIRST. Mr. Breithut, a former educator, founded FIRST Long Island in 1984 to address the gap between the skills needed by Long Island’s business community and the relevant preparation provided by local school districts. In the first 15 years of its operation, FIRST Long Island formed over 100 successful partnerships between high schools and local businesses.

The presenting co-sponsors of this year’s competition are Zebra Technologies and Optimum, both long-term supporters of FIRST and FIRST Long Island. Zebra Technologies provides industry-tailored, end-to-end technological solutions for retail/ecommerce, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare and other industries. Optimum is the local provider of Internet, mobile, phone and TV services.

The event is free to the public. Those in attendance are encouraged to cheer on their home teams and  visit the teams’ pit areas to see firsthand how these students are able to program, repair and operate their robots. Visitors can also meet with FIRST Long Island representatives, who can explain to them the different tournaments the organization presents and how one can form a team.

“The FIRST Long Island Regional is an amazing way for students to showcase their talents,” says Larry Toonkel, Regional Director, FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Long Island. “We are very excited to be celebrating 25 years of FIRST and hosting teams from Long Island, New York City and around the world at this competition that puts the arts back into STEM to create a STEAM event.”

“We are certain that this event will provide a great opportunity for teams to live the FIRST experience and have a chance to advance to the Championships,” adds Bertram Dittmar, Executive Director, FIRST Long Island. “To accomplish these goals, we’ll need the continued support of our valued schools, families, volunteers and donors.”

FIRST Long Island, along with Zebra Technologies and Optimum, are the title sponsors of the FIRST Long Island Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. Captain of Innovation-level sponsors include Canon, Cradle of Aviation Museum, Farmingdale State College, FESTO, Investors Bank, Northrop Grumman, PMMI, PSEG Long Island, Schenck USA, School Construction Consultants, Inc., SCOPE Educational Services, Stony Brook University, TTM Technologies, the U.S. Army and the United States Navy. Friends of the Future-level sponsors include accessLinx, Inc., Brookhaven Science Associates, Inc. (BNL), the Dittmar Family, the Engineers Joint Committee of Long Island (EJCLI), Mary Ellen Freeley, Idress Hamid, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Yacov Shamash and the Stern Family.

The list of teams participating in the 2024 FIRST Long Island Regional FIRST Robotics is as follows:

Team No.	Team Name	School/Organization	Hometown
28	Pierson Whalers	Pierson Middle/High School	Sag Harbor
263	Aftershock	Sachem High Schools North and East	Ronkonkoma
271	Mechanical Marauders	Bay Shore High School	Bay Shore
287	Floyd Robotics	William Floyd High School	Mastic Beach
329	Mohawks	Patchogue-Medford High School	Medford
353	POBots	Plainview-John F. Kennedy High School	Plainview
358	Robotic Eagles	Hauppauge High School	Hauppauge
496	Royals	Earl Vandermuelen High School	Port Jefferson
514	Entropy	Miller Place High School	Miller Place
527	Red Dragons	Plainedge High School	Massapequa
533	The PSIcotics	Lindenhurst High School	Lindenhurst
545	ROBO-DAWGS	Island Trees High School	Levittown
564	Longwood Robotics	Longwood High School	Middle Island
569	Rambots 569	Home School	Westbury
601	BayBots	Hampton Bays High School	Hampton Bays
806	The Brooklyn Blacksmiths	Xaverian High School	Brooklyn
810	The Mechanical Bulls	Smithtown High School	Smithtown
870	TEAM R.I.C.E.	Southold High School	Southold
871	Robotechs	West Islip High School	West Islip
884	Mechanical Mules	Malverne High School	Malverne
1468	Hicksville J-Birds	Hicksville High School	Hicksville
1546	Chaos, Inc.	Baldwin High School	Baldwin
1554	Oceanside Kraken	Oceanside High School	Oceanside
1803	Vikings	Paul D. Schreiber High School	Port Washington
2027	Robotic Dragons	Westbury High School	Old Westbury
2161	Robocats	Walt Whitman High School	Huntington Station
2347	Trial and Error	Walter G. O’Connell High School	Copiague
2487	Mechanical Animals	Sayville High School	West Sayville
2638	Rebel Robotics	Great Neck South High School	Great Neck
2869	Regal Eagles	Bethpage High School	Bethpage
2872	CyberCats	The Wheatley School	Old Westbury
2875	CyberHawks	Cold Spring Harbor High School	Cold Spring Harbor
3137	T-Birds	Connetquot High School	Bohemia
3624	ThunderColts	Half Hollow Hills High School West & Half Hollow Hils High School East	Huntington Station
3950	RoboGym Robotics	North Shore High School	Huntington Station
3990	Tech For Kids	Collège Regina Assumpta	Montreal, QC, Canada
4567	The Mechanized Mafia	Seaford High School	Seaford
5099	Northport Robotics	Northport High School	Northport
5553	Robo’Lyon	Notre Dame de Bellegarde	Neuville-sur-Saône, Rhône, France
5599	The Sentinels	Benjamin N. Cardozo High School	Bayside
5736	Kingsmen Robotics	Kings Park High School	Kings Park
6423	Ward Melville Iron Patriots	Ward Melville High School	East Setauket
6806	Mineola Wild Reds	Mineola High School	Mineola
8020	CyberpunK	Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo (Jianguo) High School	Taipei, Taipei Special Municipality, Chinese Taipei
8267	Riptide Robotics 8267	Long Beach High School	Long Beach
8595	This Is How We Play	New Taipei City Ger-Jyh	Sanchong District, New Taipei, Chinese Taipei
9016	Syosset Super Sonics	Syosset High School	Syosset
9220	Geekos	Centre International de Valbonne	VALBONNE, Alpes-Maritimes, France
9646	The Marinators	Southampton High School *	Southampton

*Denotes a rookie team.

For more information on FIRST Long Island or the FIRST Robotics Competition, please visit www.firstlongisland.org.

###

About FIRST^®  

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $30 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST^® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST^® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST^® LEGO^® Leaguefor Grades 4-8; and FIRST^® LEGO^® League Jr. for Grades K-4. Gracious Professionalism^® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST^®, go to www.firstinspires.org.

About FIRST^® Long Island
FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Long Island is a fully volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the goal to enable students to find their passion, while preparing them for the challenges facing the 21st-century workforce.

FIRST Long Island evolved from School-Business Partnerships of Long Island (SBPLI). In 1984, Frederick Breithut had the vision and foresight to recognize the need to develop partnerships between local high schools and businesses. His goal was to provide students with practical experience and curriculum development, while helping the business community develop its future workforce, which resulted in the formation of over 100 partnerships. To further this mission, in 1999, SBPLI partnered with FIRST to administer and bring FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) to Long Island. The Long Island robotics program featured just eight FRC high school teams culminating in the inaugural FRC Regional event. Since then, the FRC Long Island Regional has grown to two events with over 80 teams consisting of over 2,000 students competing each year. FIRST Long Island also hosts the FIRST LEGO League programs, in which over 2,000 elementary and middle school students from Nassau and Suffolk Counties take part each year. In 2016, the FIRST Tech Challenge was added to its roster of programs, roughly impacting another 500 students on Long Island.

Now doing business as FIRST Long Island, the organization seeks to expand its impact by strengthening relationships with students, volunteers, and sponsors while helping to connect students and alumni to internship and job opportunities. FIRST Long Island continues to use robots as the vehicle to “build students“ and prepare them for the future.

For more information about the programs, find out about volunteering, or to learn how to become a sponsor, visit www.firstlongisland.org.

Nesconset Athletic Association's Opening Day Parade April 13th

Nesconset Athletic Association Hosts Spectacular Opening Day Parade & Ceremony

The parade scheduled for April 13th will start at Gibbs Pond Park at 9am and march to Sprofera Park where a special ceremony will begin at 10:30am.

Nesconset, NY – The Nesconset Athletic Association is thrilled to announce the eagerly awaited Opening Day Parade & Ceremony to kick off the Spring 2024 baseball and softball season. This exciting event will take place on Saturday, April 13th, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Teams will assemble at Gibbs Pond, where the parade will commence down Gibbs Pond Rd., crossing over 347 and concluding at Browns Rd. Park for the Opening Day Ceremony at Sprofera Park on Browns Rd.. Led by Nesconset Athletic Association President, Rick Nasta, Vice President Rich Massa, Executive Directors Bill Demato and Rob Taormina, the association is proud to host over 500 local kids in Baseball and Softball programs.

This year’s event will be attended by esteemed guests of honor, including Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Councilman Tom Lohmann, Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo, Joe Arico, Tom Heester, Rob Renner and Kenny Brotherton, who will help the local league officially kick off the Spring 2024 season.

The ceremony promises to be a memorable affair, featuring a special performance of the National Anthem by the talented Smithtown High School Band. Attendees can look forward to enjoying offerings from local vendors with giveaways, indulging in delectable treats from a food truck, and dancing to tunes spun by a live DJ.

Moreover, the event will unveil the newly renovated fields at Sprofera Park, the home complex of Nesconset Athletic Association, including the unveiling of the brand new turf field, in a special ribbon cutting ceremony.

“We are excited to bring the community together to celebrate the start of another thrilling season of baseball and softball,” said Rob Taormina, Executive Director of the Nesconset Athletic Association. “This event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters, and we look forward to showcasing the talents and spirit of our young athletes.”

All members of the community are cordially invited to attend this momentous occasion and join in the festivities. For more information about Nesconset Athletic Association’s Spring 2024 season and available baseball/softball travel teams, please visit www.nesconsetaa.com.

Local Scouts Receive Catholic Religious Emblems At Convocation

LOCAL BOY SCOUTS RECEIVE CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS AT CONVOCATION

On January 21, two Boy Scouts of Troop 343 (Hauppauge) were among the 23 Catholic Scouts from Theodore Roosevelt Council (Nassau County) and the Suffolk County Council Boy Scouts of America who were presented with their Catholic Scout Religious Emblems from Most Reverend Luis Miguel Romero Fernandez M.il, Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre and Reverend Joseph Catafago, Scouting Chaplain of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, during the 66th annual Scout Convocation held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church (Melville). Left to right: Ad Altare Dei recipients from Troop 343 (Hauppauge) Boy Scouts John Kogel and Jacoby Merritt. On January 21, there were 13 Boy Scouts from the Matinecock Scout District and Smithtown and Ronkonkoma areas of the Benjamin Tallmadge Scout District who were among the 23 youths from Theodore Roosevelt Council (Nassau County) and the Suffolk County Council Boy Scouts who were presented their Catholic Scout Religious Emblems from Most Reverend Luis Miguel Romero Fernandez M.il, Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre and Reverend Joseph Catafago, Scouting Chaplain of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, during the 66^th   annual Scout Convocation held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Melville.

After a year’s preparation in earning this award, the Scouts were presented with the Ad Altare Dei (To The Altar of God) Emblem during the ceremonies when Bishop Romero put the religious medal (which was on a ribbon) around their necks and spoke with each of them and their parents when they were called up for the individual presentations. “This emblem is offered to help to equip the scout to take his place in the world with an understanding to his Christian commitment, to recognize his advancement in the spiritual content of scouting and to help him fully live the Boy Scout Promise and Law.  The program strongly emphasizes the sacraments, for it is through the sacraments that one encounters Christ.”  Of the 14 recipients, the eight Scouts from the Matinecock District (which encompasses the Town of Huntington and the western section of Smithtown Township’s Kings Park, Commack, and Hauppauge scouting units) and those in the Smithtown and Ronkonkoma areas of the Benjamin Tallmadge District included Troop  309 (Dix Hills) Kieran Walsh, Troop 343 (Hauppauge) John Kogel and Jacoby Merritt, Troop 7 (St. James) Andrew Davidson, Steven Ciraoio, Brendan Kieran, Joshua Prew, and Matthew Trabulsi 

Additionally, of the nine scouts recognized with the Pope Pius XIIPope Pius Emblem (Justin W.).jpg — On January 21, five local Boy Scouts were among the 23 Catholic Scouts from Theodore Roosevelt Council (Nassau County) and the Suffolk County Council Boy Scouts of America who were presented with their Catholic Scout Religious Emblems from Most Reverend Luis Miguel Romero Fernandez M.il, Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre and Reverend Joseph Catafago, Scouting Chaplain of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, during the 66th annual Scout Convocation held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church (Melville). Escorted by their parents and presented with the Pope Pius XII Emblems by Bishop Romero, the recipients were scouts of Troop 349 (Smithtown)’s Daniel Keenon, Justin Weisberg, and Matthew Lasher, and Troop 78 (Huntington)’s Jude Larson and Jackson Zullo. Photo’d is Troop 349’s Boy Scout Justin Weisberg,  Emblems, there were five Boy Scouts who were recognized for their additional work and efforts in learning about and giving service to their church community. “The program for high school age scouts was developed in recognition of the need for Catholic lay leaders in the church and community affairs.  This emblem reflects the ideal of youth’s growing concern with the world of God as well as the world of humanity.  Girls registered in the Venturing Program of the Boy Scouts of America are eligible for this emblem.” They were escorted by their parents and were presented with the Pope Pius XII Emblems by Bishop Romero.  Locally the recipients were scouts of Troop 349  (Smithtown) Daniel Keenon, Justin Weisberg, and Matthew Lasher, and Troop 78 (Huntington) Jude Larson and Jackson Zullo.

On January 21, local Boy Scouts were among the 23 Catholic Scouts from Theodore Roosevelt Council (Nassau County) and the Suffolk County Council Boy Scouts of America who were presented with their Catholic Scout Religious Emblems from Most Reverend Luis Miguel Romero Fernandez M.il, Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre and Reverend Joseph Catafago, Scouting Chaplain of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, during the 66th annual Scout Convocation held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church (Melville). Troop 309 (Dix Hills)’s Kieran Walsh was recognized as the Catholic Committee on Scouting’s representative for the 2024 St. George Trek in Philmont, New Mexico. The St. George Trek is a biennial venture that invites Scouts to consider the ways that they are called to live out their duty to God and country in service and vocation.Troop 309 (Dix Hills)’s Kieran Walsh was recognized as the Catholic Committee on Scouting’s representative for the 2024 St. George Trek in Philmont, New Mexico. The St. George Trek is a biennial venture that invites Scouts to consider the ways that they are called to live out their duty to God and country in service and vocation.

PSEG Is Making Upgrades In Kings Park

Circuit Reliability Upgrades Begin in Kings Park

(UNIONDALE, N.Y. – Feb. 29, 2024) PSEG Long Island is improving the reliability of the energy grid in Kings Park. The storm hardening work on this distribution circuit is part of many system improvements included in the “Power On” program.

“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,” said Peggy Keane, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Construction and Operations Services. “This Power On infrastructure improvement project in Kings Park is part of PSEG Long Island’s ongoing, multi-year effort to continue to improve electric reliability for customers.”

The work began in mid-February and will last for approximately three months. PSEG Long Island’s licensed and approved contractors will work along distribution lines in Kings Park. 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 Kings Park:

• Sunken Meadow Road between Kohr Road and Old Dock Road

PSEG Long Island prepares year-round for extreme weather to maintain reliable service for its 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 335 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. In 2023, the sections of circuits that are storm hardened saw a 44% reduction in damage leading to outages compared to the rest of the distribution system.

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

For more project details, visitpsegliny.com/inthecommunity/currentinitiatives/stormhardeningprojects.