People always seem to open up when something that they are passionate about. We saw this as we conducted interviews for the Game Theory Workshop at the Wang Center.
Doing a whole research paper on the movie, Crazy Rich Asians, I just found out that Rachel is not only an economics professor, but she studied Game Theory. Game Theory is thinking about the whole picture, predicting what the other side is going to do and base your decisions off of that. It’s a big mind game and a very intriguing way of thinking.
Both Mr. Chin and Mr. Samuelson shifted into professional mode when we interviewed them on their expertise. Mr. North also gave us a lot of his professional advice and aided us in the interview process.
Everyone can be a winner and when you find the right work it won’t feel like a day of work!
On the cusp of realizing his baseball dreams, Ray Weber made the dramatic switch from the baseball field to pitching for a New York State senator.
(Credits: rayweber_ on instagram)
Weber is serving as Sen. Anthony Palumbo’s director of community affairs, but what many don’t know is his past in baseball.
He described his experience working on a competitive team and getting his start into baseball in his youth. This expanded his horizons and he went on to play professionally. He played at the University of Albany as a right-hand pitcher, showcasing his skills to the world — but he still had a craving for more.
After playing for the university, Weber moved on to playing for a summer team named Trenton Thunder, part of the MLB summer draft leagues. This area of the league specializes in showing off players who are ready to be drafted into the ranks of bigger household-name teams. Weber said he was fortunate enough to be included — he was even able to play with some very popular players.
At a news conference with the Greene Team, he recalled those days — and friends — fondly.
“I get to watch TV and see a lot of my former teammates on TV playing baseball,” Weber said. “So, I’d say seeing them succeed now, it’s a pretty cool feeling, being able to text someone on TV.”
Although his career was on the up, Weber had some conflict with his path.
“It’s tough to make the major leagues,” he said. And through this realization, he would find another passion and make the switch of a lifetime.
Ray Weber now serves as State Senator Anthony Palumbo’s director of community affairs. Greene Team Photo
Weber traded his uniform and baseball cleats for a business suit and dress shoes, leaving baseball to get involved in politics.
“I got an internship with Cong. (Andrew) Garbarino through a friend of mine, actually through baseball, who had worked for the congressman in D.C.,” he said. “Just working in D.C. for a few months, I realized I loved it. I wanted to stay down in D.C. with the congressman.”
It was love at first sight when it came to working in politics. Weber said.
“I stayed there for a few more months, and really [it was] just the most impactful thing for me and the reason why I decided to stay with politics,” he said. “It’s one of those jobs that you can really see a difference in your work.”
His career in politics is just starting, but he plans to stay for a while. He said he plans to leave some sort of mark because of how much he enjoys what he does.
“What kept me going was seeing that you could actually make a difference for people in politics,” Weber said, adding, “and that was why I stayed.”
Former Marine Chuck Kurtzke and Executive Director Fred Sganga of the LI State Veterans Home Photo by Adrie Quinn
Where are the heroes to go when the battles are over and the years grow long? For many veterans, that answer lies in the quiet dignity of a state-run veterans home. It offers not only shelter, but a sense of belonging, care, and gratitude from the country they served.
“We’re one of the 172 state veterans homes in the United States of America,” said Fred Sganga, the executive director of the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University, as he showed the space where veterans will enjoy a new recreational space including an entertainment area, a kitchen, and movie screen.
“This home was founded in 1991, so we’re about 34 years old. We’re a 350-bed nursing home facility, completely dedicated to our military veterans,” he said
The state veterans home provides a range of services for former members of our armed services. Currently serving 318 residents, it offers short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, Alzheimer’s and dementia treatment, and palliative and end-of-life care.
Residents told the Greene Gazette stories about their time in the military and their lives at the veterans home.
“I joined the Army to go to West Point, and I was subsequently picked to go to West Point,” said Mark Sheridan, a resident who served in the Vietnam War. “And I obviously spent time becoming a cadet and then four years at West Point. And then, approximately five years after I graduated, I was shot in the back and the spine and the stomach, and as a result, I’m a long-term care resident.”
He added: “I’m one of two airborne Rangers, and the other one is my classmate who graduated from West Point, a year ahead of me.”
Chuck Kurtzke, a former Marine who served in Vietnam and also received a Purple Heart for his service, said that the veterans home changed his life for the better.
“I was 124 pounds when I got here,” he said. “And I’d just be locked in my apartment, day after day. My daughter would say, ‘Are you OK?’ I would say I was fine, when I was not fine, but I’d just be stupid and stubborn, thickheaded . . . Then I came here and here is where I changed,” he said.
Kurtzke also takes pride in helping out with small tasks in the veterans home.
“It’s my job to water all of the flowers and the saplings on the patio,” he said. “I was never much of a gardener, but I enjoy doing this task very much.”
Kurtzke won’t be able to water his flowers much longer. Fortunately, it is for a good reason. The courtyard will be going through a major renovation to better utilize the space in the yard, and to make it more accessible for residents and their families.
“They can’t wait for it to happen,” he exclaimed. “We’re gonna have more space. More space for more activities. You’re gonna have movies, you’re going to have a place where they set up a grill, for hamburgers, hot dogs and stuff, and then they’re going to have another side with soda and stuff like that on one side.”
When asked what his favorite part of the renovation would be, Kurtzke said that he is most excited about the movies that will be shown in the courtyard.
He isn’t the only one excited about the revamp of the courtyard. Numerous members of the Veterans Home’s adult daycare program, one of only three of its kind in veterans homes, also said they looked forward to the project.
“It will be beautiful!” said Chris Klein, a member of the adult daycare program.
As the Long Island State Veterans Home prepares for its next chapter, it’s clear that this home is far more than a facility — it’s a community built on service, resilience, and care. It’s complete with fresh flowers, movie nights, and the laughter of families gathered in a revitalized courtyard,
For veterans like Sheridan and Kurtzke, it represents a second chance at connection, comfort, and dignity. And for all of us, it stands as a quiet reminder that while the battles may be over, our duty to those who fought them is never done.
Stony Brook’s nursing simulation center houses a unique, crucial classroom that serves as the stepping stone to treating patients, and it’s about to get its biggest upgrade yet.
The world is currently facing a nursing shortage. However, in a large room filled with eight identical stations, realistic cadavers, IV units, the future of teaching nursing is actually expanding.
The nursing program at Stony Brook University already houses an extensive program that ensures every student nurse can practice their skills hands-on in the classroom. As one of three New York State institutions housing regional nursing simulation centers, Stony Brook’s program enables aspiring nurses to apply their learning while also considering how to communicate effectively and maintain positive patient-student relationships.
“Learning by having a simulation center like this enables us to really place more students in more environments to get the training, then we may be more available in the community,” said Debra Giugliano, who’s been practicing nursing for the last 35 years and has a doctorate in nursing. “So, it’s a great opportunity to train even more nurses.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed off on an initiative to support the expansion of simulation programs at the three centers. This incentive totals over $62 million, of which Stony Brook will receive almost $20.5 million in funding to expand its center. The simulation center is already sizable, able to teach two groups of nurses at once. The center features eight stations that resemble hospital cubicles and is roughly 1,500 square feet.
Expanding the financial support to these centers will increase their size tenfold.
“It gives us the opportunity to train even more nursing students to fill the nursing shortage to help take care of the health of our communities, and without that funding, we would not be able to do it so it’s absolutely critical.” Giugliano said
With the nursing shortage expected to continue, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 23% of registered nurses in the field have or plan to retire in the next five years. Students coming out of the simulation spoke about how this project affected them.
“I feel like the resources that we have are pretty good with alleviating my anxieties in the clinical setting.” Elizabeth Harvey, a first-year nursing student, said. “I feel like a new nursing student. The only thing you can do is gain as much exposure as you can. So, I’d say the lab does that for us as well as it’s just clinicals once a week.”
Harvey said the practical clinical situation offers her a good opportunity to learn what it is to act as a medical professional.
“Obviously it’s a bit of an uncomfortable situation, walking up to a mannequin in front of your classmates and talking to it like a real patient, but it does gives you the opportunity to be like patient facing or feel like you’re speaking to a patient, so it sort of just alleviated that anxiety of the first time being in a clinical setting,” she added.
Stony Brook’s resources have provided many nurses with security in their practice along with secure jobs after graduation, as mentioned by School of Nursing Dean and Professor Patricia Bruckenthal, who also has a doctorate in nursing and has practiced for the last 44 years.
“Ninety-five percent of our nursing students pass the nursing certification exam,” she said. “Routinely, that’s a very, very high score that’s one of the top in New York State, and so we’re very proud of that. But I think that this will even accelerate or advance our reputation even more, and that’s really exciting.”
The increase in these programs excites both Bruckenthal and Giugliano as they raved about how much this investment will allow them to expand such an established, prestigious program that’s already affected its community for the better.
“I think another way to say that too is all the technology that nurses would use when they’re working in the hospital or in any other settings is available here or will be available if we don’t have it, we will with this new funding to have all of the technological equipment that is the same as they would be used to using when they go into the hospitals” Giugliano said.
“With a 19 percent increase expected in enrollment,” Bruckenthal added.
It’s undeniable what this support will do for the future of Stony Brook nursing and the expansion of such a crucial stepping stone in medical service.
I have a mix of different aesthetics. I’m one of those who have no exact style when it comes to what I wear, especially because I can never make up my mind for what I want to wear. So, today’s outfit was inspired by the Tumbler grunge aesthetic. It’s one of my favorites, not only because of the music scene, but because I love the style. How did I do?
The actual fit was a black tank, flannel shirt, wide-legged pants. And it obviously wouldn’t be something without the Docs!!! Am I giving I listen to The 1975?? For those who don’t know, The 1975 is my second favorite band. I LOVE THEM ONLY A LITTLE LESS THAN I LOVE THE STROKES, BUT THEY’RE STILL AMAZING.
Now lets talk breakfast! On the menu today was delicious waffles, THE EGGS MY FAVORITE PART, and some turkey bacon plus a muffin!
Only problem is, there was no coffee…I am definitely really reliant on coffee, it gives me the energy people know and love me for. The machine was broken and I almost cried on the food line…I ended up getting some sort of headache because of no coffee. So I basically embody the cliche that I am the person that cannot live without coffee. But moving on, today was a pretty standard day.
New headline: Overworked (not actually) high school students try real world hours…
WE WERE NOT ACTUALLY OVERWORKED BUT THE AMOUNT OF TIME WE SPENT EDITING AND WRITING WAS SO MUCH…(standard time, I’m exaggerating)
Moving on to lunch time!!! After all that work, we got to sit down, eat and then prepare to go back to our second home, the newsroom. During lunch, I saw some random guy with a Korn shirt, and decided I had to be his friend. Another thing about me, I’m one of those people who love others who share the same interest as me! I live for it actually.
After lunch, WE FINALLY MET THE INFAMOUS BILL BLEYER. The man who’s comments made me throw my phone but at the same time made my writing a lot better than before. He’s definitely a lot more sweeter in person than on email. On email, you feel as if he’s bashing everything you do and just overall sounds very mad at you, versus in person, he’s so kind and really interesting to talk to.
Had to add a the strokes reference. IFYKYK!
Lastly, we had the privilege of attending the Stony Brook Film Festival. The film playing was Heart of Stone, which is about two statues. Well, to be more specific, one is a woman who dresses like a statue and the other actually IS a statue. The actual girl is in love with the statue and sees her as her muse. It is some of the best scenes I’ve ever seen.
If you were to tell me four days ago that I, and twelve other people, would be getting rained on the first day of camp — and have a bond over that — I would’ve brushed you off. But now I can’t do that because it really did happen, and it sure was an experience.
This camp had pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t think I would achieve in a long time and although I haven’t 100% broken out of my shell yet, I still appreciate the camp for putting me out there, whether it was through podcasting, recording, or networking and working with others. I believe that I was able to be more open to communication and working together with other people.
I am really thankful for this program not only for the practical skills that I have gained for the field of journalism but a potential career path and experience for myself and what I could really do with my life and future with an apperception at the fact that not many kids my age get the privilege to experience a potential career field especially at my age where picking your career or pressure to have at least some idea for what you wanna do.
Lastly, I loved the social experience, comfort, and experimentation that I was able to gain through this program. Although I may not be as open or extroverted as I thought I would get by the end of the program, I still am grateful to the fact that I have a newfound perspective on working with, speaking to, and being open to other people. And I really, ultra-appreciate everyone, especially my fellow classmates, for gifting me with such an unforgettable growing experience.
With the summer’s warm and really hot temperatures, it is the perfect time to go swimming. But drowning prevention advocates and Stony Brook Children’s Hospital officials urge everyone to keep an eye on children from ages 1 to 4 around bodies of water: Drowning, they say, is the No. 1 killer of kids that age in New York State and nationally.
The statistics in New York State are clear, according to Bobby Hazen, executive director of Stop Drowning Now. About 4,000 people die from drowning in the state every year. Hazen, who is also a founding member of the NY Safety Coalition, said that in addition to the alarming statistic for toddlers, water accidents are the second biggest killer of children from ages 5 to 14, behind traffic accidents.
Drownings of toddlers and young children aren’t just in pools or at beaches. This past September, two sisters, ages 2 and 4, drowned in a pond on their Holtsville apartment complex property after they had wandered from their apartment. Rescuers speculated that one child may have fallen in, and the other tried to help. In a story from CBS News, a neighbor said, “How do these things happen? That’s why they’re called tragic accidents. They have a gate. They have all the safety precautions. I’ve never seen the children left unattended.”
SUFFOLK COUNTY DROWNING PREVENTION ROUNDTABLE CONVENED TO ADDRESS COUNTY’S ALARMING RISE IN DROWNINGS. Organized by The ZAC Foundation, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and Stop Drowning Now, Roundtable will Bring Together Water Safety Experts, Advocates, and Affected Families with the Goal of Launching the First-Ever Suffolk County Drowning Prevention Action Plan
On Tuesday, July 1 from 11 AM – 12:30 PM at Stony Brook University Hospital. (7/1/25)
At Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, doctors are working to prevent child drowning. In July, the hospital organized a roundtable event with the ZAC Foundation and Stop Drowning Now, both water safety nonprofit organizations dedicated to preventing drownings, to discuss preventative measures not only in New York but also the nation as a whole.
A plan was created to educate parents, including a test of general knowledge of drowning prevention beforehand, followed by a video on what to expect, with the main goal being to inform parents so there is a higher success rate with drowning prevention.
Water safety experts recommend getting children comfortable with being near water at an early age and learning to swim. There are programs offered by local YMCAs, town pools, and commercial ventures, like Saf-T-Swim’s ABCs & Ds of Drowning Prevention, a widely recognized system of guidelines such as adults supervising their children when they are in or are around water. Swim classes for children are recommended as are life jackets for non-swimmers.
“When kids learn how to swim young, they are able to carry it when they are adults,” said Bruce Meirowitz, vice president of the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps and president of the New York State Lifeguard Corps Chapter of United University Professionals. “You have to start somewhere.”
SUFFOLK COUNTY DROWNING PREVENTION ROUNDTABLE CONVENED TO ADDRESS COUNTY’S ALARMING RISE IN DROWNINGS. Organized by The ZAC Foundation, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, and Stop Drowning Now, Roundtable will Bring Together Water Safety Experts, Advocates, and Affected Families with the Goal of Launching the First-Ever Suffolk County Drowning Prevention Action Plan
On Tuesday, July 1 from 11 AM – 12:30 PM at Stony Brook University Hospital. (7/1/25)
Hundreds of families and Long Island locals were sitting on the grass in anticipation for what film there was to come. They gathered under the evening sky at LaValle Stadium for a memory that will last forever. Moana 2 played loudly through the stadium speakers as families with young kids and Stony Brook students lounged on the green turf field to watch the film.
On Tuesday, July 15, Stony Brook Athletics hosted their second annual Movie Night and transformed the football field into a laid-back, open-air theater. Movie buffs cast votes online to choose one out of four films to see — and Moana 2 won out.
“We have a two-month planning process,” said Jack Clark, Director of Athletic Communications at Stony Brook. “We set up the poll, people vote, and once we get the movie, it’s just a ton of promotion.”
He highlighted the goal of consistent improvement.
“If that means we can get 5 percent more people each year, that would be awesome,” he said, adding that this year, that growth was noticeable. “I think we said it was somewhere between, like, 1,200 and 1,500 [attendees].”
It was his second time working Movie Night.
Using his own experience growing up on Long Island, Clark compared the evening’s atmosphere to something familiar.
“I know what it looks like when you go to the beach and you see people wheeling their wagons and carrying chairs on their backs,” he said. “That’s associated with going to the beach and seeing people get off the ferry at Fire Island. But that’s what we see coming to our stadium and down to the field.”
Around the field, student volunteers from Stony Brook and staff from local businesses like Ralph’s and Mickey’s handed out stickers, coupons, and free ices to guests. “This is my first time working this event, and I think it’s pretty fun,” said Rose, a Ralph’s Ices employee. “We gave out a bunch of ices for people to sample, and we’re giving out coupons as well.”
Families also made the trip from nearby towns to enjoy the evening.
“We live in Smithtown, and we heard about this,” said one attendee, Gabriella Reynolds. “Our kids really wanted to see Moana.”
Others came just for the community feel. “It’s a great fun night for the family,” said another guest, Leslie Granger. “The vendors that they set up around here for the giveaways, and the kids come here, play sports, and just hang out. It’s a nice, fun summer night.”
Even younger viewers had opinions on the film — and its predecessor
“Moana one, only because I have a love for Manuel,” said Christina, referencing famed director Lin-Manuel Miranda’s contributions to the soundtrack.
Whether it was the movie, the field games, or the atmosphere, the night offered something for almost everyone. As Sam, a student volunteer, summed up: “It’s a good idea. I think it’s like the most wholesome thing that everyone’s just sitting on the field, watching.”
This is definitely a bittersweet day. Although we are leaving today, we are also leaving with more knowledge, connections, and people we can now reach out to when needed. Breakfast was amazing as per usual and I managed to pack everything back into my travel size mini suitcase! Phew 🙂
Tuesday was a jam-packed day of walking and walking, all in anticipation of earning the enjoyment of Stony Brook’s mystery movie night. This movie night is held every year and was between four movies: Moana 2, Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2, and my absolute favorite movie, Sonic 3. It doesn’t take anyone to notice I love Sonic the Hedgehog. I own so much merchandise, play any game I can get my hands on (even if I’m horrible at playing them) and watched Sonic Boom, Sonic X, and most importantly every movie in the franchise.
Our instructors gave us our big assignments throughout the day, which was a fun introduction to reporting and interviewing. Faith Welch, Hennie England, and I comprised my group. We got exclusive access to the Zuccaire Gallery and interviewed the director of the gallery, Karen Levitov. She was wonderful, and all the art really spoke for itself, reflecting indigenous culture and its combination with contemporary art.
We also went over to get an exclusive interview for my article at the Nursing School of Natural Sciences simulation center. The simulation centers were uncanny and full of realistic-looking cadavers that were being rolled into the closet when we came in. I got the pleasure of interviewing two women with doctorates in nurses: Dr. Brockunthal and Dr. Giugliano. Both women were beyond excited to tell me all about what it meant to them to have their nursing initiative funded to expand at a time where nursing was in decline. Nurses are integral to healthcare, and our interview was long and detailed and very emotionally driven with how much time both women have spent with Stony Brook and its nursing program.
We closed the day off to my disappointment watching Moana too, but this didn’t take my triumph away from such an intensive day of walking and interviewing. The movie night featured an assortment of games and booths for companies and groups that handed out all sorts of swag. My personal favorite being the hat I made my plushie wear. All and all while I didn’t care for Moana 2, the Greene Team made it enjoyable and tasty with the ashwaganda gummies we ate while watched the sun set for another day.
