LIRR Service From Huntington To Port Jeff To Be Temp Suspended For Maintenance

SPERRY TESTING – HUNTINGTON TO PORT JEFFERSON

• From approximately 10:45am to 3:00pm on from Tuesday September 10th until Thursday September 12th, service from Huntington to Port Jefferson will be suspended in both directions due to Sperry Rail Testing.
  • This is part of our annual track maintenance program which ensures our infrastructure is in a state of good repair. 
• This will result in several cancelled trains and we will be providing buses to accommodate our customers. They should allow approximately between approximately 30 to 40 minutes of additional travel time in either direction due to this work. 
• Part of Sperry testing involves catching defects in the rail, and when possible our crews will address these on site. As such, while the Sperry train itself does not cause much noise, any potential remedial work that is undertaken will, so there could be extra noise in the vicinity of our outage. 
• Please see a full list of schedule changes here.

*Work is weather dependent, dates are subject to change to take advantage of favorable conditions 

Fill A Glass With Hope And Fight Hunger With King Kullen

KING KULLEN PARTNERS WITH AMERICAN DAIRY ASSOCIATION NORTH EAST TO PROVIDE MILK TO LONG ISLAND CARES FOR HUNGER ACTION MONTH
 Fill a Glass with Hope® program will deliver fresh, nutrient-rich milk to families in need

(September 3, 2024) Hauppauge, NY– September is Hunger Action Month, and King Kullen is joining forces with American Dairy Association North East in support of Fill a Glass with Hope® to provide fresh milk to families in need through Long Island Cares. Inc.- The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank.

The campaign, beginning on September 1 and running through September 30, gives shoppers at King Kullen stores across Long Island an opportunity to donate $1, $3 or $5 at checkout to help make milk available to children and families in their local community. 

According to Long Island Cares, an estimated 221,000 people on Long Island are food insecure, including 65,000 children. Approximately 40% of food-insecure Long Island households are above the poverty level but don’t make enough to keep up with the high cost of living in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, making them ineligible for nutrition assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“Milk is one of the most requested items at Food Banks, but one of the least donated due to its perishability,” says Robert LaBarbara, Long Island Cares Vice President for Procurement & Supply Chain Oversight. “Without milk in the diet, it is difficult to get the recommended essential nutrients for health. Milk is the top source of calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D in the American diet – nutrients critical to development and growth in children.”

Fill a Glass with Hope® is a joint effort between the American Dairy Association North East, dairy farmers, agriculture partners, and business leaders to help provide fresh milk to families in need through a network of local food banks. Thanks to generous supporters, the program has distributed more than 36 million servings of fresh milk since it began through a network of pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and feeding programs.

“King Kullen is a longtime supporter of Long Island Cares - Harry Chapin Food Bank,” says Tracey Cullen, Senior Vice President – Company Operations and Long Island Cares Board member. “Twice a week, food is collected at nearly all of our King Kullen stores and all Wild by Nature stores and delivered to Long Island Cares’ headquarters and satellite facilities. During Hunger Action Month, we’re focusing on raising money for nutrient-rich milk to help fill a void at food banks.”

“On behalf of dairy farmers throughout the Northeast, we are grateful to corporations like King Kullen who can partner with us and use their resources to make a difference,” says John Chrisman, CEO American Dairy Association North East. “As shoppers purchase a gallon of milk during September, we urge them to consider their neighbors in need and donate to Fill A Glass With Hope® at checkout.”

About King Kullen:
Headquartered in Hauppauge, NY, King Kullen Grocery Co. Inc. is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as America’s first supermarket. Michael J. Cullen opened the doors of King Kullen in 1930. Today, five generations later, King Kullen is still family owned and operated. It remains a leader in the supermarket industry. From that very first store in 1930, King Kullen today operates 27 supermarkets and four Wild by Nature stores across Long Island providing the best service and selection for shoppers in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. For more information, please visit www.kingkullen.com.

About Long Island Cares

Founded by the late Harry Chapin, Long Island Cares brings together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry and food insecure on Long Island and, to the best of our ability, provides for the humanitarian needs of our community. Our goals are to improve food security for families, sponsor programs that help families achieve self-sufficiency, and educate the general public about the causes and consequences of hunger on Long Island. Our vision is A Hunger Free Long Island.  Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank has a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator as well as earning GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency and is a BBB Accredited Charity Seal Holder. For more information, visit www.licares.org.

About American Dairy Association North East

The American Dairy Association North East (ADANE) is the local affiliate of the National Dairy Council® and the regional consolidation of three promotion organizations, including the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Inc., Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program. Committed to nutrition education and research-based communications, ADANE provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Funded by dairy checkoff dollars from 9,000 dairy farm families in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and northern Virginia, ADANE works closely with Dairy Management Inc.™ to bring a fully integrated promotion program to the North East region. For more information, visit AmericanDairy.com. 

The Beauty Of Nature Right Here In Smithtown

Kudos to Smithtown resident, Juan Acosta for the magnificant photos. Juan, a student at the New York Institute of Photography, submitted two photos depicting what he describes as “the beautiful nature of our neighborhood.” 

The Blue Jay photos were taken outside in his backyard near Sweet Briar Nature Center. 

Juan used Sigma 150-600mm lenses so as not to interfere with the Blue Jay’s habitat.

Developer Of Fortnite Video Games To Pay $275 Million For Alleged Violations Of Children's Privacy Law

Epic Games Inc., Developer of Fortnite Video Game, Agrees to $275 Million Penalty and Injunction for Alleged Violations of Children’s Privacy Law

12/19/2022 12:00 AM EST

The Department of Justice, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), today announced a settlement that, if approved by a federal court, will require Epic Games Inc. (Epic Games) to pay $275 million in civil penalties as part of a settlement to resolve alleged violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule), and the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Making the Holidays Accessible and Enjoyable for People with Sensory Challenges

 The holidays are here, and many people have already started celebrating. However, this time of year can be challenging and stressful for people with sensory issues. People with autism and other developmental disabilities often do not experience physical environments the same way neurotypical people do. Bright lights, lighting changes, temperature swings, loud noises, music, crowds, rapid movements, unfamiliar smells and textures can overwhelm the senses and cause behavioral challenges.   

“Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) would like to raise awareness and educate the public about ways to help make the holidays more enjoyable and less stressful for people impacted by sensory issues, as well as their families and loved ones. A little awareness, patience and compassion can go a long way in supporting inclusive holiday festivities,” said Dr. Richard Timo, Director of Behavioral Health Services at DDI. 

For over 60 years, DDI has provided comprehensive care and services for children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Decades of research, experience and innovation have made DDI a respected organization in the field, particularly as it relates to people who have the most complex and challenging behaviors.   

To raise awareness and help those with sensory challenges, DDI is sharing ways the public, business owners and workers can make the holidays more enjoyable for all.  

Understand Schedules and Routines  

Scheduling and routines are essential for many individuals on the autism spectrum and those with sensory challenges. Discuss with caregivers the individual’s event schedule and activities ahead of time. It is essential not to over-extend or create hectic environments.  Provide break times, quiet periods and even a quiet sensory-calming room if possible.    

Sensory Overload  

Loud sounds or music can be disconcerting and problematic for people with sensory issues. Be aware of this and lower the music volume, don’t pop balloons or confetti poppers. Bright or blinking lights can also have the same negative impact. Rapid temperature changes are uncomfortable for many individuals; this can be much more dramatic for people with sensitivities. Keeping temperatures consistent and comfortable is recommended in homes or places of business.  

Interactions  

Familiarity is important for people with autism. Unfamiliar people and pets should be introduced slowly and calmly. For those who are uncertain, watch for cues from parents or caregivers.  

Large or active crowds or groups can also create a complex environment. Therefore, options should be offered to people with sensory challenges that will limit or prevent exposure to large groups or closely packed groups of people.  

Meals and Food  

Having access to proper and familiar foods is helpful. New smells and odors can be overwhelming. Preparing favorite foods beforehand and bringing everyday utensils and dishes can reduce stress and anxiety. Holiday foods such as candy and cookies are full of sugar. When eaten, even in small quantities, challenging behaviors can arise. Always check with parents and caregivers before offering food.  

Holiday Parties and Festivities  

Holiday parties are a common part of life and the season. Party hosts should take the time to speak with and understand their guests’ needs. Fellow party guests can also make themselves aware of these needs and how to interact with people who are sensory sensitive.  

Setting aside areas that can be used for sensory breaks can provide much-needed respite. Identify or offer a quiet, safe space that can be used as a calming area. Providing places where short, 10-minute breaks between activities helps to reset the body’s nervous system. 

Gifts  

Gifts are part of holiday traditions. However, when choosing a gift, mainly clothing, be aware that textures of new and different styles and materials may be uncomfortable and just not work for people with sensitivities. In addition, toys with lights, loud music or sounds should be carefully introduced or avoided entirely. You can ask parents and caregivers which gifts would be most appropriate and appreciated.   

Special Events and Santa Claus Visits  

Many holiday attractions and events now offer low-intensity sensory accommodations. These include sensitive Santa, where visits are done in small groups and quiet settings. Some holiday light shows will dim lights or stop lights from blinking. Business owners can learn from these examples and offer events and times that accommodate people with special needs. 

Whether you are a shopper, business owner, restaurant patron, waitress, cashier or store greeter, take a few minutes to prepare and think about how you will interact with people with sensory or related challenges.    

Choosing consideration, compassion and appropriate action will help spread joy this holiday season. Choosing kindness, awareness and acceptance as new years resolutions will help spread that joy all year round. 

About Developmental Disabilities Institute 

For more than 60 years, Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) has provided compassionate personal care to meet the emotional, educational, therapeutic, and vocational needs of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Founded by parents of children with developmental disabilities, DDI has grown into a dynamic, non-profit, multi-site agency serving more than 1600 children and adults in our care each day. The parental influence continues with several of our board members being mothers and fathers of the people we serve. DDI recognizes that while each person in our care has unique needs, each person also deserves every opportunity to live a rich and meaningful life. Over six decades, we have built a strong reputation for providing exceptional services for all people in our programs, and in particular those who present with the most significant challenges. With a workforce made up of people inspired by purpose ®, DDI provides the highest standards of individualized services from expertly trained, caring, and competent staff. For more information, visit www.ddiny.org.