Nesconset Cousins Climb Kilimanjaro For Breast Cancer Research

Local cousins conquer Kilimanjaro and meet fundraiser goals for Breast Cancer research

By Chad Kushins

Photos courtesy of Brian Maloney

1.) Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance – the peak that has been inspiring adventurers and writers for decades.Reaching the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro wasn’t just a personal best for Brian and Jason Maloney, but also a symbolic forge towards conquering an insidious disease.  But in July, after months of preparation and training, the local cousins did just that – scaling one of the most dangerous and historic peaks in the world in order to raise funding towards Breast Cancer research. 

After his both mother-in-law suffered from the disease and later beat it in 2008, Nesconset resident Jason Maloney, 36, made the decision to take part in the fundraiser climbs; that year Maloney scaled Washington’s Mount Rainier, which at 14,411 feet, is one of the highest peaks in the nation, and succeeded in raising $5,000 for the hospital.  For this summer’s feat, Maloney was joined by cousin Brian, 35, for the Kilimanjaro trek, with both men aiming to raise a combined $20,000 for the cause.  As Brian told Smithtown Matters, they were not only able to meet that figure, but also have an adventure of a lifetime.

“We got there a little bit earlier to prepare, but the trip itself took us a total of about 11 days,” said Brian, a health teacher in the Levittown School District.  “We left on July 18 and we started climbing on July 23.  We scaled back down on July 29, and it was a great challenge.

“It felt like a great accomplishment once it was over,” Maloney added, referring to both the physical endeavors he shared with his cousin and the successful bid to raise $10,000 apiece.  “We both reached our combined goals, which amounted to over $23,000 for breast cancer research … That was the main concern and it felt incredible to meet that number.  It was amazing.”

According to Maloney, the initial concept of climbing one of the most famous – and infamous – peaks in the entire world was a nerve-wracking idea, even though the challenge was for a great cause.  “We flew half-way around the world with a monetary goal in mind,” Maloney added, “and even with all the training and the right attitude, I was always nervous that we might not make it.  It was a strange place we had never been and a physical challenge at an extremely high altitude.  Luckily, we made it.” 

Once arriving in Africa, the Maloney cousins and the rest of their seven tour participants, began the climb after a few days of additional training and acclimation to the environment.  According to Maloney, the trek itself proved to be “more of a mental game,” as weather would dictate when and where the actual climb could take place – and for how long a period at a time.  Looking out for the health and fitness of their climbers, the guides from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center made sure everyone involved got enough rest during the week-long excursion. 

“We ate well and drank plenty,” said Maloney, “and every morning we would pack up and start off again.  Honestly, there wasn’t much downtime, or just sitting around the camp and relaxing.  Sometimes, it felt great just to sit a little while and take your boots off and read a book, but after hiking and stopping and hiking and stopping, it would be cold and dark up there after dinner.  We would just climb and go back to the tents – everyday.”

Although the adventure had its own ups and downs – including an unrelated incident in Cape Town, South Africa days after the climb, when Brian and his girlfriend were mugged of money and their Passports – Maloney claims that the positive feedback and the genuine outpouring of excitement and gratitude for their efforts have been tremendous.  “It was amazing,” Maloney added.  “After reaching the fundraising goals, people were really happy and enthusiastic about what everyone in the project had done – wanting to ask us everything about the trip, telling us that they were proud, and wanting pictures with us … We even left our information on the research centers’ website because donations have been continuing, and that’s the real goal.”

According to organizers, The Fred Hutchinson Center for Cancer research has been hosting and utilizing various incarnations of the “Climb to Fight Breast Cancer” for well over a decade, making the Maloney cousins’ endeavor part of its 15^th annual yearly event.  While Jason and Brian’s climb was a major event for this season, other related cancer research “peaks” have included Mount Adams and Mount Baker in Washington, Mount Elbrus in Russia, and Mount Hood in Oregon.  Each climb will have a limited number of team members – generally nine or 10 – as established by the guide services. Participants commit to fundraising minimums of $3,000 to $12,500, depending on the mountain. 

To make a donation or for further information on both Jason and Brian, visit The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s official “Climb to Fight Breast Cancer” website, www.fhcrc.org/climb.  

Forewarned Is Forearmed! Emergency Preparedness

By P. Biancaniello

“Being prepared, as most experts will tell you, is one of the most 
important things a person can do to survive and recover from a disaster. 
The information presented at these meetings will be instrumental in putting 
together a plan of action. I greatly appreciate the efforts of all the 
organizations involved for participating in this series and for ensuring 
the safety of our communities,” Senator Flanagan. 

Senator Flanagan is hosting Emergency Preparedness meetings click here for dates

Are you prepared for an emergency?  That is the question being asked by people at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES).  There is a wealth of information available to the public free of charge to ensure that the public is prepared for emergencies.  Will people avail themselves of the information? Will you prepare for an emergency that hopefully never happens? 

Fred Kruger Ph.D. Speaking about Emergency Preparedness at Commack - Kings Park Rotary Club MeetingCommack resident Fred Kruger Ph.D., K2LDC, is prepared, and he advises that everyone think about what his or her needs might be in an emergency.  “People tend to think about the basic storm related emergency - loss of electricity for a couple of hours, or maybe a day or two. You need to think of the situation that may arise where you do not have access to your personal documents. Are you prepared? Do you have a list of your prescriptions in a safe place? Emergency contact numbers are very important, but so is having a planned meeting place or a person to call who can answer questions about your whereabouts.” These are some of the issues that Dr. Kruger encouraged people to think about when he addressed emergency preparedness with the Commack –Kings Park Rotary Club. Dr. Kruger’s message was simple,  “Yes, prepare the basics, have flashlights, water, a battery operated radio. By all means make sure you have food that is easily prepared and include a manual can opener in your emergency kit, but also be prepared for an event that is long term.  The deed to your house, wills, powers of attorney, living wills, insurance information, health records, health proxy(s), prescriptions, phone numbers and addresses are all basic items that you need to have in a safe but accessible place.”

No one likes to think that they are vulnerable in their own home but there have been instances when fires have completely destroyed homes and without documents homeowners are left searching for information before they can begin the rebuilding process. “Make sure you have important information available, it will make life easier should an emergency occur.” Said Dr. Kruger

Example of Wind up Radio/flashlightDuring last summer’s storm trees fell on homes and cars, wires fell on buildings, stores and restaurants were closed, and heavy rains created flooding situations.  Many people were without electricity for extended periods of time.  What did people miss the most?  Communication.  Left without access to television news and internet, radio became the “go to” source for information.  Many people in our area tuned their radios onto WBLI (106.1) where they were providing access to updates on LIPA’s power restoration.  “While it was frustrating to not have the amenities we are used to having, not being able to know what was happening around us made everything worse. Thank goodness for WBLI.  At least we knew we were not forgotten,” said Smithtown resident Jay B.    Knowing how and where to access information is important.  Battery operated radios are important, don’t forget to keep fresh batteries! There are radios and flash lights that work with a wind up mechanism.  

An additional piece of advice from Dr. Kruger was to make the call to LIPA if you lose power. “Don’t assume that someone else has made the call.  Outages are often addressed according to the number of people without service. The area with the most people experiencing an outage will see repair crews before the single customer. Make the call.”

Don’t wait for an emergency. The old saying “ an ounce of precaution is worth a pound of cure” is true for many situations and none more meaningful than emergency planning.

Doo Wop For Stroke Prevention

On Saturday, August 4th, Bob Zebrowski 

held his first Doo Wop/Classic Car Event for Stroke Awareness & Prevention at the Smithtown Historical Society Bob Zebrowskiproperty. With temperatures ranging into the 90’s that day, he had live entertainment by Doo Wop Group… “Back In Time” Charlie Molica, Bob Comanducci, Paul Punzone, Jerry Chinella, and Rich Lanna. John Corr performed 50’s and 60’s music, Andrew G. Ratway, performed as ELVIS, and Cyclone Universe Band, Dennis Salerno, Guy Koutouvidis, and Mark Zaharis performed vocals, guitar-bass guitar, and drums. There were 60 classic cars to view, 30 plus vendors, blood pressure testing, stroke awareness & prevention literature given out, lots of great food, and Cablevision covering the event. The Smithtown Community had a joyful and learning day and successfully supported the efforts of stroke awareness and prevention. Many thanks to all who participated.

By Judy Ratway

The Other View Of Nissequogue River State Park

Demolition of buildings at the Nissequogue River State Park (former Kings Park Psychiatic Center) began this week.  The photos in this article were taken at the Nissequogue River State Park on Saturday, August 18, 2012.  The work site is not pretty but if all goes as planned, next year’s photos of the site will show a remarkable tranformation from blighted site to parkland where visitors will be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery and majestic views that are available at the park. Click Here

Thank you ! Shirley Borrillo

Pictured from left to right Laura Greif Program Director, Shirley Borrillo and Mae Inzone Club Leader.For the past twenty-three years Shirley Borrillo has kept the senior citizens of Smithtown moving! Shirley originally joined the Smithtown Senior Citizen Center as a participant because of her love of dance.  She quickly became an important part of the Center as a volunteer and teacher of both exercise classes and line dancing – twice a week for over twenty years!

Not only did Shirley donate her time and energy but she also choreographed her own line dances and created videos and music

CD’s for the classes she taught.  Her talent also led her to participate in the Center’s yearly Talent and Fashion Shows.

A group of Shirley’s friends and students recently gathered at the Senior Center to honor and thank her for her many contributions.  A proclamation from the Town of Smithtown presented by Supervisor Vecchio was read to Shirley thanking her for her years of service.  According to Laura Greif, Program Director at the Smithtown Senior Citizen Department, “Shirley’s passion inspired countless seniors to get and stay active. She will be sorely missed and we all wish her well in her retirement.” For more information about the Smithtown Senior Citizen Department come visit us at 420 Middle Country Road in Smithtown, call us at 631-360-7616 or visit us at  HYPERLINK “http://www.smithtowninfo.com” www.smithtowninfo.com.