Parents Need to Educate Children To Dangers Of Substances

By Thomas Biancaniello, MD

On December 2^nd the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and the Department of Health issued a joint Health Advisory on Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages identifying their use as a serious public health concern.  Recent headlines in the newspapers and stories in the media have focused on their use in binge drinking particularly in college age students.  A rash of visits to emergency rooms by college students raised the media attention.  Some colleges and universities have banned these drinks from their campuses.  These premixed drinks may contain other stimulants such as guarana, taurine, ginseng, or choline.  Combining stimulants with alcohol can mask the effects of the alcohol resulting in impaired judgment and the protective effect of sleepiness, which can serve to protect from the overconsumption of alcohol that in the extreme can lead to serious health impairment or death.  Alcohol can cause respiratory depression, unconsciousness, vomiting and aspiration and death.

Caffeinated beverages especially when combined with other stimulants and drugs such as cocaine may precipitate cardiac rhythm disorders which may directly result in death or impair cardiac function which may cause permanent injury to the heart, brain and other vital organs.  Frequently individuals indulging in recreational drugs do not consider the harm in combinations or these drugs.  Furthermore, the content and quantity of substances in illicit drugs is frequently unknown.  This further increases the danger and risk.

While the news reports have focused on college students, we have already seen significant harm to younger students on Long Island.  Not surprising, high school and junior high school students who may be drinking or using illicit drugs are also at risk for these combinations.  Parents need to be vigilant – sometimes the sleepover is not just for staying up all night with friends.

While the government has focused attention on the manufacturers, one needs to remember the ingenuity of adolescents and substance abusers who have no problem mixing their own concoctions.  High caffeine containing beverages are sold legally and underage drinkers seem not to have much trouble obtaining the alcohol to mix in.  We are all aware of the dangers of access to prescription drugs in the medicine cabinets.   We have also seen some of the over the counter medications withdrawn from the market because of their potential for abuse or for extraction of dangerous substances from them by amateur chemists.

In medicine we say there are no safe drugs.  As parents we need to educate our children to the dangers of substances, even those that sold in local stores.

Business Strategy - For J.Michaels in St. James It's All About Customer Service

By Pat Biancaniello

Three stores in St. James under the same roof. Each owned by Smithtown residents. Each banking on high quality and exceptional customer service to keep them in business.  

I recently visited three local shops; J. Michaels owned by Cheryl and Michael Jones, Geraci Condello Boutique owned by Madeline Grudens, and Julie’s owned by Julie Bergmann.   My question to them was how did Black Friday and Small Business Saturday affect their business?  They were unanimous in stating that there was no impact.  They all felt that people who shop on Black Friday are mall shoppers, looking for bargains and the ability to visit many stores in a single shopping day.  Their businesses are small and located on a main street in a small town, not the normal Black Friday venue.   All three businesses have developed strategies to cope with the tough economy.  Here are their stories.

J.Michaels

J. Michaels - St. JamesMichael Jones has been in the industry for a long time. He grew up in Smithtown well aware of its limited shopping opportunities for men. Cheryl Jones has an extensive background in the clothing industry as a tailor and as a buyer. Armed with their experience in the clothing industry and a healthy dose of confidence, they established J.Michaels three years ago.   J.Michaels has been located in its current building at 529 Lake Avenue in St. James for over a year.  Before this location, J. Michaels was located on N. Country Road where it developed a customer base and quickly outgrew the building.

Michael and Cheryl understand that for many men, shopping is about as much fun as having teeth pulled. Cheryl & Michael Jones - J. Michaels, St. James They also understand that there are other men who don’t mind shopping and enjoy the shopping experience. The goal at J.Michaels  is to make  shopping hassle free.

Their niche is selling high quality merchandise perfectly tailored and establishing personal relationships with their clients.  It seems to work well for Paul Valente, a small business owner of Lane Valente Ind., who lives in St. James.  He was shopping at J.Michaels and agreed to speak with me. Paul was shopping for himself. He swears by the store, “it’s convenient, I don’t have to travel far, which is very important.”  The location is a factor in repeat visits but Paul says that is not the sole reason for his allegiance to J. Michaels. His appearance is important to him, and “the tailoring is excellent.  They keep my sizes on file and they know what I have already purchased.”  

The Jones will stop at almost nothing to help their customers. They are called upon in many emergencies to deal with problems like; the jacket doesn’t fit,  a shirt needs to be altered, I need a new suit.  Sometimes clothing wears out at the most inconvenient times, like for a wedding you are attending tomorrow.  Paul Valente has  a line he uses, “Cheryl, I have a challenge for you.” 

The economy has impacted on J. Michaels’ business.  Faced with the challenges of a difficult economy the Jones made a decision to talk with their vendors.  The decision was to incorporate an additional line of clothing.  Same top brands but the line would be more affordable.  Will it work?  It seems to be working so far.  The customers coming into the store are buying.  However, the number of customers coming into the store is down from last year which Michael attributes to the economy. “Many customers are seeing a slow down in their own businesses and they may not need the extra suit, shirt or jacket.”  Also, after three years in St. James, the Jones’ have a better handle on their customers.  The customer they anticipated when they opened up three years ago is not always the customer who shops in their store.  They are seeing a lot of younger men and have adjusted their stock accordingly.     

While a majority of their customers shop for themselves, the holiday season is important to their bottom line.  Hanukkah and Christmas is the time when many people are looking for gifts for that special male in their lives.  When they come to J.Michaels and are purchasing for one of our clients we can help them select items that fit with their wardrobe.  New to the store?  They help you find a gift that you will be proud to give. Gift wrapped, and for special customers, they have even been known to deliver.

Despite the difficult economy Cheryl Jones is encouraged. “We work hard to meet the needs of our customers and I think they understand that and appreciate that.”  Paul Valente said it best “ J. Michaels is my favorite place to shop.”

(Part II to follow)

Edward C. McElhone Honored by Knights of Columbus

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Kings Park’s  Knights of Columbus honored Edward C. McElhone for his many contributions to the hamlet.   Anne and Ed McElhone’s large family was there along with many well wishers. The event, held at the St. Therese Shrine in Hauppauge, was highlighted by the dedication of a beautiful statue of the Child Jesus donated by the Knights.  Grand Knight Joseph Gunning and Pastor Séan Gann, (St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Kings Park) spoke of  Ed’s good works performed over the years for both church and community

Hauppauge MS Student Joseph Roberti Named LI Math Scholar

Joseph Roberti, a sixth grade student at Hauppauge Middle School, has been named a Long Island Math Scholar by the prestigious Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at SUNY Old Westbury.  This mathematically talented student is among the top 0.1 percent of math students’ island-wide.

Principal Maryann Fletcher and Joseph Roberti 

 “We are very proud of Joseph for his participation and recognition as a Long Island Math Scholar,” said Middle School Principal Maryann Fletcher.  “He has proven his dedication to academics by challenging himself in this rigorous program.”

 The Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at State University of New York (SUNY) College at Old Westbury is a Saturday program for students in grades 5-10. The Institute has been established to improve the problem solving skills of a small group of 75 high ability Long Island students in grades five through ten.  Students study creative problem solving in mathematics, science and engineering, and each student is expected to spend 60 hours in class during 20 Saturday mornings and 60 hours in related outside projects. 

Hanukkah - Celebrate Life

Hanukkah also spelled Chanukah (Festival of Lights) begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 1 and continues until sundown on Thursday, December 9. Hanukkah, is a celebration of triumph over defeat and serves to remind the faithful of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem 2,300 years ago. Hanukkah is celebrated by Jewish people all over the world. 

The story of Hanukkah is the story of Judah Maccabee and his army’s victory over the Syrian army. The Maccabees retook the temple and celebrated by lighting the eternal flame called N’er Tamid. There was only a small amount of oil and yet it lasted for eight days. This allowed enough time for the preparation and consecration of fresh oil.  Jewish people all over the world celebrate this miracle with Hanukkah celebrations. 

Hanukkah celebrations include special food like latkes, special blessings and gifts. For some there is a tradition of giving gifts on each of the eight days of Hanukkah.  

SmithtownMatters asked the question, “what is the meaning of Hanukkah?” Here are some responses. Rachel Jones a resident of Commack said “ It’s not about the gifts, it’s not about the food… well…sometimes the food.  Chanukah is about reflection, spending time with family, and celebrating life!” 

Tammie Rafle sees Hanukkah as “a belief in religious freedom and a willingness to fight for what your beliefs are.”

Barbara Kruger told SmithtownMatters that Hanukkah is a historic holiday. “We recall the Miracle of lights.  When the temple was destroyed. The celebration of Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of light it is really a remembrance of religious freedom.”

Vicki isn’t Jewish but she believes “Hanukkah is a time to give to those who need help, and to give justice to those who come here to work taking care of the sick.”

In Smithtown there will be several opportunities to join with others in celebrating Hanukkah.  The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Hanukkah Festival on Sunday, December 5th at 4pm at the Veterans Plaza at the Kings Park Libraty.  The St. James Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Menorah lighting starting Dec. 1 for eight nights at the triangle at Route 25A and Lake Avenue. Join the chamber at 4pm on Friday’s and 5pm on other days.