Options For Community Living Hosted Murder Mystery Event For Vulnerable Long Islanders

Options’ Hosts Second Murder Mystery Event  Vital Funds Raised for Vulnerable Long Islanders

(Wantagh, NY) Options for Community Living, Inc. (Options) recently held its second Murder Mystery Event- I Love the 80’s to Death, at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh. Guests enjoyed dinner and refreshments while teaming up to question “suspects” and discover who committed the crime. It was an afternoon of laughter, intrigue, and fundraising. The event hosted 139 guests and raised over $56,000 for Options’ programs which help vulnerable adults, children, and families living on Long Island. 

Yolanda Robano-Gross, CEO at Options for Community Living, Inc. welcomed sponsors and guests with gratitude. “Your generous support helps people who are diagnosed with mental illness and other chronic illnesses live with dignity in the community and we are incredibly thankful.” 

A moving testimonial was provided by Paul Ferretti, who resides in Options housing and works for the agency providing peer services for others living with mental illness. Paul discussed his life full of “highs and lows” including recovery from substance use and a debilitating stroke. “It’s been a journey,” said Paul. “I didn’t have the drive or energy to pick up and start over again, but every step of the way there was Options. I don’t know where I’d be without them.” 

The afternoon concluded with the announcement of raffle basket and silent auction winners along with prizes for the “Best Dressed,” “Best Detectives,” and “Worst Detectives.” Thanks to generous sponsors and a caring community, the event was a “phenomenal success” stated Robano-Gross. “We are already discussing plans for next year’s event and what the theme will be.” Stay tuned!  

To learn more about Options for Community Living, Inc. and how you can support its mission, visit www.optionscl.org or call a member of the Development Department at (631) 361-9020.  

About Options for Community Living, Inc.

Established in 1982, Options for Community Living, Inc. operates residential programs for adults recovering from mental illness, care coordination services for adults and children with chronic health conditions, and housing and services for homeless people with disabilities and/or HIV/AIDS. Options’ mission to assist people to live independently and with dignity in the community has grown through the years to serve more than 2,200 adults and children annually. 

$40,000 Raised In Head Of The Harbor For Ronald McDonald House At Stony Brook

ST. JAMES FIVE-MILE CHALLENGE & 5K FUN RUN THROUGH HEAD OF THE HARBOR RAISES $40,000FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT STONY BROOK CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL 

Photo: Ronald McDonald House Charities NY MetroNew Hyde Park, NY (April 22, 2024) – More than 400 runners and walkers took part in the St. James Certified 5 Mile Challenge and 5K Fun Run, hosted by Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro, on Saturday, April 13, 2024, raising $40,000 for the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Hospital.  

“We are so grateful to all the Long Islanders – runners, walkers and families – that came out to support our work to build the first Ronald McDonald House in Suffolk County,” said Cynthia Lippe, Chair of the Committee for the Stony Brook house. “This has been a labor of love for many years – and we are near the finish line, just like in a race.”  Among the runners was Wendy Lau, of Northport, whose family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while her son Tolby received treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). 

“Running eased the reality of my son’s AML diagnosis in April of 2014. It’s been exactly 10 years. He is well and experiencing the life of a healthy 13 year old,” said Wendy. “I run in celebration, in thanks, in remembrance and for joy.” The new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s is set to break ground on April 30, 2024. This will be the first Ronald McDonald House located in Suffolk County, and only the second on Long Island. The other Ronald McDonald House is in New Hyde Park in Nassau County, located adjacent to Cohen Children’s Medical Center. 

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.

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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.

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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.