Joe and Kristen Farrell and Former Mayor Giuliani and Judith Giuliani Open Their Home and Hearts to SB Long Island Children's Hospital

A SUMMER NIGHT AT ‘SANDCASTLE’ THE $52 MILLION BRIDGEHAMPTON ESTATE DRAWS OVER 400; APPEARANCE BY “THE MAYOR”
 
First Fundraiser for Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital raises more than $200,000 
 
STONY BROOK, N.Y., August 17, 2010 – Rudy and Judith Giuliani were special guests and co-hosts with Joe and Kristen Farrell at “A Summer Night at Sandcastle,” a soiree attended by more than 400 benefiting the new Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital at Stony Brook University. Sandcastle, the $52 million Bridgehampton estate of real estate developer Joe Farrell and his wife Kristen, has the distinction of netting the highest two-week rental in the Hamptons, listing for $500,000 for two weeks. The Farrells donated the use of their estate as the fund-raiser venue as a token of support for the new Children’s Hospital and as an expression of gratitude to the NICU at Stony Brook where their child was cared for five years ago following complications at birth.

Also seen at A Summer Night at Sandcastle were Fox 5’s Bill Hemmer, co-host of “America’s Newsroom,” who conducted the live auction, Jackie “The Jokeman” Martling, former Duke standout and ex-Chicago Bull point guard, Jay Williams, and former New York Jets linebacker, Greg Buttle.
 
Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital, an $80 million project, is the only children’s hospital east of the Queens border and the only University-based children’s hospital on all of Long Island

Launched on June 30, 2010, Stony Brook Children’s is the only dedicated children’s hospital east of the Nassau/Queens border, providing patients with state-of-the-art technology and world-class specialty physicians, nurses and researchers, all contained in the only university-based children’s hospital on Long Island. Stony Brook Children’s represents a forceful response by the medical center to an increasing national trend within pediatric medicine in the severity of childhood illness, prevalence of chronic conditions and survivorship of care. Stony Brook Children’s serves the needs of the children of Suffolk County as a community hospital for local residents, a tertiary hospital for complex, chronic or congenital conditions and a safety net hospital for those who are underinsured or uninsured.

An associate membership status in the prestigious National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI), which promotes the health and well-being of all children and their families through support of children’s hospitals and health systems that are committed to excellence in providing health care to children, Stony Brook Children’s currently operates 100 pediatric beds with a faculty of more than 100 pediatric providers in 30 different specialties and more than 200 voluntary pediatric faculty members. More than 7,000 children and adolescents are admitted to Stony Brook each year and in 2009 the Stony Brook provided primary pediatric care services to more than 50,000 children with Medicaid coverage. In 2011, Stony Brook will complete the construction of the most advanced Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in New York State, adding to its existing specialized children’s services, including the Regional Perinatal Center, the National Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center, the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program, the Pediatric Cardiology Program, Pediatric HIV and AIDS Center, Cystic Fibrosis Center and the Cody Center for Autism and Development Disabilities.

    

“A Summer Night at Sandcastle”

Buttle Group ShotGroup with Rudi and Judith Guiliani

Jackie the Jokerman Martling and Dr. Steven Strongwater Joe and Kristen Farrell with President Stanley President Stanely, Bill Hemmer and Guest University Leadership with John Tsunis 

Smithtown Businesswomen Beat the Economy

You Learn by Living,You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.” You must do the thing you think you cannot do. Eleanor Roosevelt

By Erica Jackson  

Despite reports by the United States Women’s Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) that women-owned businesses are doing poorly in the economy, local women business owners are touting  high sales.According to USWCC, women-owned business market share has dropped ten percent over the last decade with nearly 50 percent of all women-owned firms reporting sales of less than $10,000 annually.  However, Angela Poppe, president of the Smithtown Business & Professional Women’s Network, says those statistics don’t apply to her company or to a number of her Organization’s 65 member businesses.  She said, “Actually women’s businesses are doing pretty well.”

The question of “how” comes to mind: In this economy, businesses — whether owned by a male or female — are discouraged by declining business.  Poppe says women business owners know how to “get out of their comfort zone and get creative.”  They also, she said, “are good at going above and beyond for their family and children.” For example, Poppe says to keep her home-based wellness company above the water, she started thinking outside the box and rather than focusing on boosting sales, she put her energy into donating her products for fundraisers. The end result — increased sales.  “It was a way for me to give back, but in the circle of things,it helped my business.”

What also aided her three-year-old business was networking.  “Networking has become so important. Women supporting other women has really helped,” said Poppe. And that’s just what the Smithtown Business & Professional Women’s Network does — provide networking opportunities for women business owners. “We meet and focus on social networking and motivation every month. We keep people positive,” said Poppe.

The organization also has an unwritten rule to support member businesses.  Whenever Jennifer Ryan, a professional organizer and motivational coach, who owns her own home-based business, Create New Order, needs services, she pulls out a list of fellow Smithtown Business & Professional Women’s Network members.  “We support each other and have created an environment where we can learn and share with each other.”

Networking, said Ryan, who is a former president of the Smithtown Business & Professional Network, has certainly helped her business in these economic times, but so has thinking outside of the box. When the economy began to decline, Ryan said she sat down with her assistant to work out a new business plan. She knew that people weren’t going to spend their money on luxury items such as a personal organizer, so she shifted gears and beefed up her lectures and workshops and offered them a lower rate.  The increased  exposure from the lectures and workshops increased her business to the extent that she had to hire additional staff and has a waiting list of new clients.

“I have been very lucky,” said Ryan, who says she has seen other personal organizers lose their businesses in this economy.  “I am fortunate that I am broad and can not only coach and organize, but I can help businesses with their strategies.  I do commercial, residential and between the ears.”

Diane and Jennifer Dente, mother-daughter owners of Metamorphous, a women’s clothing store in StJames has also worked  through the economy, despite being classified as a specialty shop.

Yes, Diane said business did slow down, but she said as the economy started to dwindle, she and her daughter looked to lower their price point.  Where before, Diane said they bought and sold $3,000 gowns, the last few seasons they brought in more of a mix.  “We went into lines that were more price conscious,” said Diane.
It helped the business and Diane says the last few months she has seen a turnaround with more and more customers coming in to spend.

In general Steven Webber, executive director of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce, said it seems that local businesses,which have onsite parking available are doing very well and things are starting to change for the better.  Executive Director of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce Barbara Franco agreed:  “Its summer time and people are out on the street, shopping more than they did before.  The economy is starting to turn slowly.

     Protesters Rally in Front of Smithtown Town Hall - June 5, 2010

Saturday June 5, 2010 – Armed with signs and the knowledge that Congressman Bishop would be at Smithtown’s Town Hall a group of approximately twenty people showed up to express their unhappiness with the Congressman and the Democratic administration in Washington D.C.

Although not all were affiliated with the Tea Party or the Conservative Society for Action, those who were members outnumbered those who were unaffiliated.  When asked how they learned of the Congressman’s presence at town hall at least two mentioned that they had received robo calls from Congressman Bishop inviting them to meet with him. Others said they learned through online sites.  A common factor is that they are not happy with the direction the government is taking and they are unwilling to sit idle and watch all that they have worked for disappear.   The protesters wanted to send the message that their voices are not being heard and that they are tired of being of ignored. 

Several of the protesters, including Hauppauge resident Edward Kalick, a Viet Nam Veteran, expressed his frustration with health care reform, and claimed that the administration, of which Bishop is a part, ignores Americans. Diana Erbio, a Saint James resident, said "people cannot afford big government" and cited her opposition to bail outs, health care reform and cap and trade as reasons for attending the rally. 

Jan Williams of Nesconset stated his concern that Congressman Bishop will support amnesty for illegal immigrants, cap and trade and cited Bishop's support for health care legislation and Bishop's voting record. He believes that Bishop aligns himself too closely with  Speaker Pelosi and the Obama administration.  

The people who attended this rally are united in their frustration with the federal government and they hold the belief that it is their vision of the constitution, the size of government and the role of government that the founding father's had in mind.  They no longer trust the federal government and feel compelled to work against all incumbants with voting records similar to Congressman Bishop's.

       

  

Erica Portnoy and Alexis Tchaconas - Making Commack Proud

Commack Junior Takes First Place in International Science Competition

Commack High School junior Erica Portnoy won top honors today in Microbiology at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair held in San Jose, California. Senior Alexis Tchaconas also took fourth place in the Cell and Molecular Biology Division, as well as receiving a $500 American Society of Physiology Award, and an $8,000 Naval Marine Corps Scholarship.

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) is the world’s largest premiere global science competition for students in grades 9-12. This year, 1,611 high school students representing 59 countries, showcased their independent research.

To qualify for the Intel ISEF, both Erica and Alexis won first place in their divisions in the NYS Science and Engineering Fair, held on March 15 at the NY Hall of Science. Today, Erica's project: "Construction of a Novel Plasmid to Study Attachment Factor Secretion in Uropathogenic E. coli Bacteria," won first place in the Microbiology division, and she received a $3,000 prize. Erica is very involved in the service learning engineering projects at Commack High School, and is a member of Team Commack, a group of students who invent customized devices to assist the disabled. The Team has also been recognized at the national level for assistive technology developed for a worker at a local United Cerebral Palsy facility.
Alexis' project, "A Genetic Investigation of Autism: The Role of Type III/neuregulin-1/ErbB4 Signaling and Contactin4 in Neurodevelopment," took fourth place with an award of $500 in the Cell and Molecular Biology Division. She also received recognition and prize money as stated above. Her interest stems from helping her brother, who has Autism, and she is very active in volunteering with autistic children. She is also the winner of other prestigious awards, including a Coca-Cola Scholarship.
Accompanied at the competition all this week by Commack High School Principal Russ Stewart and Science Research Teacher Richard Kurtz, the girls exhibited and explained their research to judges and attendees at the competition.  Richard Kurtz remarked, "These kids really deserved these awards. They work so hard at everything they do. The competition at these contests is mind boggling, and taking such high honors is an amazing tribute to the science program in the Commack School District, and to the tenacity of these young ladies."

Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Feltman was ecstatic when he heard the news. "We are absolutely thrilled at the results of the hard work of both Alexis and Erica,  and that independent judges have found the quality of their research to be so commendable."

 Erica Portnoy displays her project.

 Alexis Tchaconas with high school principal Russ Stewart.

 Erica and Alexis at the INTEL ISEF Competition.

Smithtown Democratic Committee Recongnizes

On Wednesday, May 12th between the hours of 6:30 and 9:30pm at the
Watermill in Smithtown, the Smithtown Democratic Committee is set to
recognize the efforts and contributions of two of their strongest
supporters, Martin Aponte and Elaine Turley. Both Marty and Elaine have
given so much of their time and energy, unselfishly, in support of
Democratic principles. Marty has long been considered the "go to guy" of the
committee and Elaine has long been considered " the force" that kept the
Smithtown Dem. Committee moving forward.  Incoming chairperson, Edward Maher,
has a challenge ahead of him, however, he has the skills and vision to lead
the committee into the next decade.  The path ahead may be difficult but
Marty and Elaine have demonstrated that anything and everything is possible.

Mr. Marty Aponte

Smithtown Democratic Committee’s

2010 Community Service Recipient

 Mr. Martin (Marty) Aponte is the Hauppauge Zone Leader of the Smithtown Democratic Committee and a life-long Democrat. Marty is the Committee’s “He Can Do It” person. Whenever a task is needed to be expertly completed, Marty gets it done.

 Marty's parents Michael and Maria Aponte moved into SmithtownPines in 1953, where they raised four children. Marty met his lovely wife Jeanine in High School and have been happily married for the last 23 years.  Together they are raising three wonderful sons; Christopher 21, Nicholas 19 and Brandon 16.

 Marty Aponte and family have worked tirelessly and seemingly effortlessly on our many  Democratic Campaigns, starting in 1996. He was first selected to the position of Zone Leader in 2002.

 Marty attended Hauppauge High School and graduated in 1980. He attended Suffolk Community College and 1983 earned a degree in Business. He received his Real Estate license in 1989.

 Mr. Aponte began his working experiences as a bartender in Whispers Lounge (this lounge was named after Smithtown's legendry Bull, "Whisper") at Suffolk County's first hotel, The Sheraton of Smithtown.  Soon after, he was promoted to the hotel’s Food and Beverage Manager.  In 1984, he found employment in Smithtown’s Highway Department as a Heavy Equipment Operator.  Martin Aponte was also a Correction Officer for the Suffolk County Sheriff Office.

 The experience and training from these jobs, has taught Marty the invaluable lessons of trust, honor, loyalty, leadership and commitment. He shares his guidance and expertise with the Smithtown Democratic Committee on a daily basis.

 Marty has given many years of volunteer community service.  As a coach  for the Hauppauge Youth Organizations (HYO) Basketball and Little League Baseball teams he enabled participants to excel in these sports activities. Additionally, he was a guide for the Fire Island Light House and presently, he volunteers at The Smithtown Historical Society.

 We honor Mr. Martin Aponte’s commitment and leadership to the Smithtown Democratic Committee and sincerely appreciate all the hard work and efforts that he continues to exhibit to the Committee. It is with a great sense of pride and admiration that, “We Can Do It” for you and your family.

When Elaine Turley left her career as a title closer to spend more time with her two children in 1993 she immediately recognized the opportunity to advocate for the social and political policies she held dear.  Contacting the Islip Town Democratic Committee to become involved in the political process was the obvious choice to promote a greater sense of community among her fellow citizens, advocate for gender equality and fairness, and to assure that her fellow citizenshad the supports available to reach their potential. When Elaine moved to Fort Salonga in 1997 she became a member of the Smithtown Democratic Committee and in 2005 was elected Chair.  Elaine recently resigned the Chairmanship to devote more time to developing her law practice and to her family and personal life.

 Elaine was a candidate for public office in 1998, 1999 and 2001.  Elaine won 49.97% of the vote in her 1999 campaign for County Legislator against an eighteen year incumbent, losing by 126 votes.  When she opposed a new candidate for the seat in 2001 she was defeated handily and decided to attend law school, a long unfulfilled goal.  In 2005, while attending law school, Elaine became committee Chair and led two candidates to victory, the first for the committee in nearly a decade.

 The values and political views that inform Elaine’s actions are borne in her experience of being raised by her mother, who was a victim of domestic violence and was forced to live in poverty when Elaine’s father left her with no work experience and three young children.  Her mother, Audrey Anderson, worked as a school bus driver to feed her children and to keep the small house she and her husband bought in West Islip nine months before he left the family.  Since Mrs. Anderson was not a member of a union and her company offered no health benefits, she and her children were not able to visit doctors or dentists for most of Elaine’s childhood.

 When Elaine announced to her mother that she wanted to attend college, the first in her family to do so, the family was not able to offer assistance.  Thanks to government assistance for disadvantaged students, Elaine graduated Suffolk Community College in 1979 but left SUNY Albany after one year for a job in New York City.  When Elaine received her Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College in 1996 and her Juris Doctorfrom St. John’s School of Law in 2007, her husband, Bill Turley, and children, Brendan and Erica, were there to share the celebration.  Elaine’s experience has reinforced her belief that college tuition assistance is a viable investment of taxpayer dollars that yields a high economic and immeasurable personal return to our society.

 From 1994 through 2000, Elaine spent much of her time advocating for children and adults with special needs and was co-founder of the Nassau/Suffolk Parent Coalition, an organization which provided advocacy and information for parents of children with special needs.  She was  member of the Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council, the parent member of the West Islip School District Committee for Preschool Special Education, and a director of Community Enterprises, a supported employment organization for adults with special needs.

Elaine and Bill Turley have been married for nearly twenty years and have two children.  Brendan who is completing his second year of college and Erica who will begin college in August.  Elaine’s mother, Audrey, is enjoying a comfortable retirement in North Carolina, and her two sisters, Donna and Lynn, are her best friends.

 Elaine’s law practice, the Law Office of Elaine A. Turley, represents clients in guardianship proceedings, Medicaid planning and Medicaid applications, estate planning and administration and real estate transactions.  Elaine serves as guardian pro bono for a number of indigent persons in need of  guardians.  Many of Elaine’s clients are children and adults with special needs.