Photo (from left): Michael Fracchia, MD - Physician; Galo Burbano, CRNA - Community Outreach; Louise Grinere - Volunteer; Metzi Shea,
RN, Gary Bernstein, MD, Salim Matar, MD; Stephen Coccaro, MD - Community Outreach; Mather President Kenneth Roberts, Sr. VP
Kevin Murray, VP Wayne Shattes – Healthcare Professionals
It was a proud day for Mather Hospital and its honorees at the
2008 Long Island Business News Healthcare Heroes Awards breakfast, held at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury in
October. Mather was represented by its distinguished honorees in the categories of: Community Outreach, Physician, Healthcare
Professionals, and Volunteer. Mather finalists and their fellow honorees were all featured in a special edition of Long Island Business News.
The purpose of the competition is to recognize excellence, promote innovation and recognize the tireless efforts of men and women who contribute to the healing of everyone on Long Island. You can read about Mather honorees’ achievements in the Mather Newsroom at www.matherhospital.org.
Mather Hospital’s 43rd Annual One Enchanted
Evening fundraising gala was once again a huge success, raising more than $350,000 to benefit the
Fortunato Breast Health Center and breast cancer treatment at Mather Hospital.
The more than 540 guests at the event all agreed that
“life is a cabaret,” as they enjoyed fine dining, dancing and entertainment with a “Moulin Rouge” flair at the Hyatt Wind Watch Hotel in Hauppauge Friday,
October 10.
Highlights of the celebration included the presentation of the 2008 Theodore Roosevelt Awards to Paul Elliott , president of Prudential CRES/Soundview Realty, and
Mather Hospital medical staff members Fredric Matlin,
MD, Steven Rothstein, MD, and Randall
Schrager, MD . This year’s special honorees were
Marsha and Henry Laufer.
All were heralded for their work, generosity, dedication, and vision on behalf of Mather Hospital and the community it serves.
Enjoying a truly enchanted evening were (from left): Mather Board
Chairman Kenneth A. Jacoppi, Dr. Steven Rothstein, Dr. Randall
Schrager, Mather Benefactor and OEE Co-Chair Judith Fortunato,
Special Honorees Henry & Marsha Laufer, Event Co-Chair
Barney Fortunato Jr., Paul Elliott, Dr. Fredric Matlin, Mather
see page 12
President Kenneth Roberts.

As we approach the holiday season and move closer to the end of the year, it’s gratifying to reflect on what we’ve accomplished in 2008. Our
Mather Hospital Family has a lot to be proud of, particularly the buoyant launch of our Voyage to
Excellence. Your level of involvement and enthusiasm in embracing the spirit of our goal, which is
, has been a vital component in the success of our Voyage so far, and provides a strong foundation for an exciting future.
Another important and memorable milestone in
2008 is the recent opening of our new
Our new ORs are state-of-theart facilities, which represent the culmination of the talents, foresight and hard work of many dedicated individuals at Mather Hospital.
Our new surgical facilities showcase the leading advancements in integrated surgical technology in
Suffolk County. These advancements will enable us to improve procedural efficiency and further enhance the high quality level of medical care we provide to our patients.
With multi-view LCD monitors, among other advancements in surgical technology, the new facilities are outfitted for enhanced performance of all types of major surgery, and are especially suited for advanced laparoscopic, orthopedic and total joint replacement procedures.
Primary advancement features include
a voice-activated control system, which gives surgeons direct control of surgical equipment, and
a computerized surgical navigation system. Computer navigation, which works in similar fashion to a GPS system, gives surgeons the ability to install implants in perfect alignment – a tremendous advantage for surgeons and most importantly our patients. Mather Hospital is among the first in the United States to integrate this leading technology.
Our new ORs will be featured in the next issue of Community News, which will be distributed in late December. Be sure to look for it.
With the end of 2008 quickly approaching, I would like to wish you, your friends and loved ones a safe and happy holiday season. I would also like to thank all of you in our Mather
Hospital Family for all your hard work and commitment to excellence. The camaraderie and dedication to our Voyage is making an important difference. I am very proud of what we accomplished in 2008.
JOHN T. MATHER
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board
Kenneth A. Jacoppi, Esq.
President
Kenneth D. Roberts
Vice Chairmen
Betsy Noyes Britton
Konrad J. Kuhn
Harold Tranchon, Jr.
Treasurer
John R. Sini
Secretary
Gene Gerrard
President, Medical Staff
Chairman, Medical Board
Randall Schrager, M.D.
Board Members
Alan D. Beck
James F. Canniff, Ed.D.
Gary Cress
James Danowski
Carl Ferraro
M. Cecile Forte, Ph.D.
Judith A. Fortunato
Kathryn B. Frey
Robert A. Isaksen
Frederick C. Johs, Esq.
Thomas Kohlmann
Richard Lusak
James F. Maiella
Wayne Rampone
Richard Savino, M.D.
Leo Sternlicht
Edward J. Weiss
Chairman, Public Affairs
Committee
Gene Gerrard
Co-Chairman,
Public Affairs Committee
Alan D. Beck
Vice President, Public Affairs
Marlene Israel
Director, Public Relations
Patrick Regina
Public Affairs Coordinator
Julie Parenti
Published quarterly by the
(631) 476-2723 or ext. 4291 or e-mail us at publicaffairs@matherhospital.org
2

Mather Hospital’s comprehensive cancer care program has earned a commendation from the
American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
“The commendation demonstrates to patients that they can expect outstanding care because we have met or exceeded the standards of the commission,” said Oncology/Hematology Section Chief Edward
Samuel, MD.
The standards ensure that Mather Hospital provides comprehensive care, including state-of-the-art services and equipment; a team approach to treatment; information about ongoing cancer clinical trials and new treatment options; access to cancer-related information, education and support; a cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results; lifelong patient follow-up; ongoing monitoring and improvement of care; and quality care close to home.
Cancer Care Program Team members: Edward Glenn, MD; Edward Borden, MD;
Theresa Grimes, NP; Edward Samuel, MD; John Chumas, MD; Mary Ellen
LaBarca, program coordinator.
Michael Petersen, MD (right) and Marge Gordon, RN, WOCN, as they treat and advise patient on proper wound care.
Mather Hospital in conjunction with Diversified Clinical Services, which manages Wound Care Center outpatient and inpatient programs, has launched a hospital inpatient wound care program. The initiative is designed to help prevent hospital acquired pressure ulcers (i.e. - bedsores) and aid in the early identification and treatment of existing wounds upon patient admission.
“The program offers an interdisciplinary approach to comprehensive wound care,” says Wound Care Center Medical Director Michael Petersen,
MD.
Marge Gordon, RN, WOCN, as Wound Continuum Coordinator, will evaluate patients with non-surgical wounds and communicate the findings to the attending physician. According to Marge, “The program’s goal is to improve the quality of care for patients with wounds by reducing resulting complications, decrease the patient’s length of stay, reduce inpatient readmissions and further improve patient satisfaction.”
The Men’s Prostate Health Service at Mather Hospital held a free prostate cancer screening for the community on September 16. More than 50 men took advantage of the free healthcare service. Section chief of Urology Dr. Richard Musto and Dr. Louis Pastore who volunteered to perform the screenings, were greeted by Senator Ken LaValle, a perennial supporter of the program. “Approximately 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime,” warns Men’s Prostate
Health Service Director Eileen Swieczkowski, RN. “Those statistics are alarming, but the good news is that the survival rate for those men whose cancer is found early is nearly 100 percent.”
Pictured, from left, Dr. Richard Musto, Senator Ken LaValle,
Dr. Louis Pastore and Eileen Swieczkowski, RN.
3

A crowd of more than 700 women decked in pink ribbons and tee-shirts packed the grounds of Mather
Hospital for its 12th Annual Breast Cancer Victory Day
September 20 — an event that honors those whose lives are touched by breast cancer.
Leading cancer researcher Dr. Diane Esposito of Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory talked to the captivated crowd about recent strides in cancer research.
Breast cancer survivor Jeannine Grantham shared her emotionally gripping story of how she coped with her illness, its impact on her life and where she is today.
Inspirational psychologist Dr. Marlena Vega, a three-time cancer survivor, led the crowd through a spirited version of the Macarena as a guide for self breast examination.
Long Island Rail Road provided round-trip transportation from Penn Station to Port Jefferson for nearly 300 of the
Victory Day celebrants on the specially decorated “Breast
Cancer Victory Train.”
Victory Day, the largest non-fundraising breast cancer awareness event on Long Island, was sponsored this year by the Mather-St.Charles Health Alliance, Astoria Federal
Savings Bank and Marsha & Henry Laufer.
Photo (left to right): Assemblyman Marc Alessi, Dr. Michelle Price of the
Fortunato Breast Health Center at Mather, Victory Day Sponsor Marsha Laufer,
Guest Speaker Dr. Marlena Vega, Mather President Kenneth Roberts, Mather
Board Member and Benefactor Judith Fortunato, Mather Board Chairman
Kenneth A. Jacoppi, Dr. Joseph Carrucciu of the Fortunato Breast Health
Center, Guest Speaker Dr. Diane Esposito, Guest Speaker Jeannine Grantham.
It truly was “An Evening of
Fabulous Food” at the elegant
Blackwells Restaurant in
Wading River. The event was held to benefit the Chest Pain
Emergency Room at Mather.
This special food tasting showcased the culinary excellence of Long Island – all while supporting a worthy cause. Blackwells co-owner Walter Hurney and the Port Jefferson Lions Club were honored that evening for their ongoing support of Mather
Hospital. Participating vendors included: Blackwells, Wading River; Flories Finalies, Nesconset; Fruit Flowers, Nesconset; Lombardi’s on the
Sound, Port Jefferson; Michael Anthony’s Food Bar, Wading River; Paces Steakhouse, Port Jefferson; The Rolling Pin Bakery, E. Setauket; Ruvo,
Port Jefferson; Sushi 1, Westhampton Beach; Sysco of Conn.; Tequila Jacks, Port Jefferson; The Fifth Season, Port Jefferson; Villa Lombardi’s,
Holbrook; Martha Clara Vineyards; Paumanok Vineyards; Village Beverage, Wading River; Manhattan Beer Dist.; Osprey Dominion
Vineyards; Waters Crest Winery.
More than $20,000 was raised for the Men’s Prostate Health Center at Mather Hospital through the third annual Golf Classic October 15 at the Great Rock Golf Club in Wading River. The event was supported by
Soundview Realty Group and Prudential CRES Commercial Real Estate.
Participants enjoyed breakfast and a putting contest before the single shot-gun play. The day wrapped with a buffet dinner prepared by
Blackwells Restaurant, dessert, raffles and a sports memorabilia auction.
Pictured, left to right: Event Coordinator Laura Juliano, Mather
Public Affairs; 1st place golfers Larry Fenn, Greg Zohlnick,
Nicholas Spora, Don Leitkowski of the Law Office of John C.
Bahrenburq, Esq.; Nancy Weiner of Prudential CRES Real Estate.
4

Anesthesiologist Dr. Robert Nataloni, who has been a part of the Mather Hospital Family since 1986, is spending six months with the 345th Combat Support Hospital in Iraq. A reservist since 1992, this is Dr. Nataloni’s second trip to the warzone. He spent three months in Abu Ghraib in 2005.
“It is very rewarding taking care of American soldiers and making sure they get back home,” said Col. Nataloni.
Nataloni’s wife, Roberta, whom he met while they were in medical school, is also a reservist. She signed up in 1992 and was recently promoted to lieutenant colonel.
The entire Mather Hospital Family, especially his closest colleagues, wish him all the best in his mission and await his safe return.
A potentially fatal tale had a very happy ending for the
LoMastro family of Centereach on November 3rd after being treated at Mather Hospital for CO poisoning. All five family members, three children – ages 12, 8 and 6 – were given a very good prognosis after each spent 90 minutes in the hospital’s hyperbaric oxygen chambers.
Everyone in the family had experienced varying degrees of nausea, vomiting and headaches in the middle of the night after being exposed to CO fumes from the home’s heating system.
Unfortunately, their CO detector was not properly engaged, thus no warning of the fumes. Fortunately, the father, Andrew LoMastro, was well enough to call 911 and get the family out of the house.
The LoMastro family was very cooperative in sharing their story with the media to help warn the public about the dangers of CO poisoning and how easy it is to overlook the necessary safety precautions in your home. To prevent danger, every home should have a carbon monoxide detector near bedrooms.
The LoMastro Family (from left): Joseph, Andrew, Susan, Jennifer,
Angela.
The Pink Rock Committee (from left): Tim McAuley, Great Rock Golf professional; Phil
Hogan, Prudential Realty; Laura Juliano, Mather Hospital; Brian McCabe, Prudential; Jean
Larsen, co-founder; Michael Fedrow, Prudential; Maria Wolfe, Northwestern Mutual; Dick
Rocchio; Cheryl Byrne, Empire National Bank; Joe DeDonato, Prudential; Brookhaven Town
Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh; Walter Hurney, co-founder; and Mary Fogarty.
Created by Jean Larsen and Walter Hurney of Prudential Cres Commercial Real Estate, the
Pink Rock Classic helps provide uninsured women in need of breast cancer treatment with access to the state-of-the-art breast screenings, education and diagnostic procedures. “Today you are not only lending a helping, healing hand in the fight against breast cancer, but you are also champions of a life-saving cause,” said Larsen. She also thanked the event’s major supporters, including Mercedes Benz of Smithtown, CMB
Components, Inc. and CWG-CMB Wireless
Group, Jet Blue Airlines, James Cress Florist,
Suffolk County National Bank, and Walmart.
5

Dr. Buffone received his degree from the
Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine in
1988. He is board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
He completed his residency at St. Joseph’s
Hospital in Flushing, NY, where he was trained in reconstructive foot surgery. He had been in private practice in Ithaca, NY for 17 years, returning to Long Island in September 2007.
Dr. Desire received her medical degree from the
SUNY at Stony Brook School of Medicine, where she also completed her internship and a geriatric medicine fellowship.
Prior to joining Mather, Dr. Desire was in private practice focused on home-based geriatric care, wherein she managed the health care needs of geriatric patients in home and facility settings.
Dr. Litman received his medical degree from the
University of Rochester School of Medicine and
Dentistry in Rochester, NY. He completed his internship in general surgery and his residency in otolaryngology at Albert Einstein College of
Medicine in Bronx, NY.
In addition to his published work in medical journals, Dr. Litman developed a multi-media CD-ROM teaching guide on the treatment and care of tracheotomy patients.
Dr. Mitsinikos received his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Winthrop
University Hospital in Mineola. He recently finished a fellowship at the same hospital in endocrinology and metabolism. Dr. Mitsinikos has served as a clinical research assistant at St.
Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan. He is fluent in Greek.
Dr. Gresser received his degree from New York
College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at Foot Clinics of New York. Dr. Gresser has been in private practice since 1986, concentrating on diabetic maintenance and care of geriatric, pediatric and special needs patients. He is on the faculty of the American College of Foot and
Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine and a diplomate of the American
Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine.
6
Dr. Sileo received his medical degree from the State
University of New York at Stony Brook in 2002. He completed his surgical internship and orthopaedic surgery residency at SUNY Stony Brook Medical
Center. Prior to joining Mather, Dr. Sileo completed a sports medicine and arthroscopy fellowship at the
Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic
Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Dr.
Sileo has published several articles on the topic of arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder and knee in peer-reviewed medical journals.
Dr. Webber received his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury. Dr. Webber completed his internship at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical
Center in West Islip and his residency in diagnostic radiology at Nassau University
Medical Center in East Meadow. Dr. Webber recently finished a combined MRI fellowship at University of
Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY.
Dr. Sheth finished a post-doctoral research fellowship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine,
Maryland before completing his neurosurgical training and clinical spine fellowship at the
University of Miami, Florida. This year he completed an additional fellowship in neurosurgical oncology at Memorial Sloan-
Kettering Cancer Center, NY. Dr. Sheth comes to Mather Hospital with an academic record of 20 publications. His interests include minimally invasive spine surgery and awake craniotomies with functional mapping for tumors located in eloquent areas.
Specializing in internal medicine, Dr. Tawiah received her medical degree from University of
Ghana in Ghana and completed her residency in internal medicine at Flushing Hospital Medical
Center. Dr. Tawiah served as Medical Officer in
Internal Medicine at Komfo-Anokye Teaching
Hospital in Ghana, where she was also House
Officer in pediatrics and surgery. Dr. Tawiah is Board Certified and is affiliated with the American College of Physicians and the American
Medical Association and has volunteered as a coordinator of UNICEFsponsored Health Weeks.
Dr. Levi received her degree from State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn.
Dr. Levi completed her internship in pediatrics at
Schneider Children’s Hospital in New Hyde Park,
NY and her residency in ophthalmology with the
North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System in
Great Neck. She recently completed a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus at Indiana University.

Members of the
Mather community bid farewell to Sister
Maeve (center), who headed up the Pastoral
Care program at the hospital. Interfaith members of the
Pastoral Care staff try to visit every patient within 24 hours of admission, offering spiritual and emotional support with attention to the patient’s own convictions and beliefs. Presenting her with a token of appreciation is Mather Hospital President Kenneth Roberts (left) and
Vice President for Nursing Services Marie Mulligan, RN.
She started her career at Mather Hospital as a server 40 years ago. In September, Petra
Robinson was named Mather’s Director of Food and Nutritional Services. Petra became part of the full-time staff in 1971 and was soon named supervisor. She’s held a number of positions since, including production manager and assistant director. While working at Mather,
Petra earned a B.A. and M.B.A. from Dowling
College; and finished advanced courses at
Russell Sage College in Troy, NY to become a registered dietician. She was honored in 2006 with the Outstanding Dietetic Intern Award from the New York State
Dietetic Association. Congratulations, Petra.
The staff of Materials Management celebrated National Healthcare
Resource and Materials Management Week, which helps raise awareness of the integral role the department plays in delivering highquality patient care. Along with giveaways and a department lunch, department members conducted tours of the not-so-often seen service areas. Pictured here is tour guide (front, center) Sterile Processing &
Distribution Assistant Manager Edy Savoia with hospital staff members of the tour group.
Staff in Mather’s Physical Therapy department held an open house in October, inviting everyone in the hospital to see their state-of-theart equipment and facility. The goal was to raise awareness of the department and its invaluable service to the patients who receive treatment there. Highlights of the open house included food prepared by staff, raffles and games.
Dr. Patel received a master’s degree in medical sciences from Boston University in Massachusetts and his medical degree from St. George’s
University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at MCP-Hahnemann
University School of Medicine (now Drexel
University School of Medicine) in Pennsylvania.
He also completed a fellowship in endocrinology, metabolism and molecular medicine at Charles Drew
University-UCLA School of Medicine in California.
Prior to joining the staff at Mather, Dr. Patel was with Kaiser
Permanente Riverside Hospital in California.
Dr. Weinstein received his degree from the New
York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at North Shore University
Hospital in Manhasset. He also completed a cardiology fellowship and an interventional cardiology fellowship at North Shore University
Hospital-Long Island Jewish Hospital. Dr. Weinstein is affiliated with the American College of Cardiology, American Heart
Association and the American College of Physicians. He also volunteers with the Nassau County Family Resource Center and the Nassau County
Task Force Against Domestic Violence.
7

Chris Albinski
Carol Andriani
John Baitz
Diahl Ballard
Mary Ballato
Margaret Bartsch
Caroline Bevacqua-Miller
Donna Borrelli
Marianne Bradley
Kim Brady
Joanne Brazil
Debra Brennan
Caridad Bringuier
Donald Bulin
Kim Buncke
Maureen Burke
Janet Carlantone
Joseph Carrucciu
John Cartabuke
Terry Carter
Salvatore Cassara
Kathryn Chagnon
Han-Ding Chang
Vanessa Charles
Frank Clarke
Nancy Clavin
Betty Ann Conneally
April Conte
Kelly Cook
Kristie Cusimano
Marguerite Dabbs
Kelli Ann Daly
Niquette Daniel
Marissa Dearborn
John DeBellas
Barbara Defeo
Jomar Dimanlig
Marlene Dmytryshyn
Lillian Donnelly
Kim Eagen
Lisa Eggers
Michael Fahey
Joan Fahey
Candice Fella
Mary Ferrara
Charles Ferrer
Jennifer Ferrer
Denise Fiorito
Lorraine Fitzgerald
Thomas Fornsel
Gladys Francis
Kim Frick
Anna Gaeta
Carissa Goetz
Mary Ann Goodman
Diane Gully
Kathleen Haff
Billy Haynes
Anita Heege
Helen Walters
Heather Hensley
Heather Heywood
Kara Hickey
Dr. Kenneth Hirsch
Ingrid Hoyte
Barrie Jacobsen
Jean Stiles
Lois Kaelin
Megan Kelly
Marianne Kiernan
Colleen Kiernan
Christine Kleppe
Valerie Konon
Susan Kreitzman
Audrey Krutys
Lorraine Kuczwaj
Jeanne Lane
Armando Lastra
Christina Lauria
Chanel Loganzo
Gerry Lunetta
Luisa Machado
Meghan Mack
Andrew Magnano
Tim Malone
Karen Maloney
Suzanne Marmo-
Roman
Christine Martinez-
Williams
Kathleen Martoscia
Justine Martucci
Jane Mascaro
Leon Maxwell
Colleen McDermott
Mark Miller
Pat Mirabella
Katherine Montefusco
Kelly Mullane
Cheryl Myers
Filomena Neves
Kara O'Neil
Jean Marie Peterson
Teresa Pickel
Mary Pirraglia
Peggy Popp
Jessica Pozzolano
Kathleen Quaranta
Geri Quinn
Dr. Stephen Ralph
Dr. Suman Ravuri
Stacy Ricca
Nicole Rice
Nancy Robb
Petra Robinson
Teo Robles
Danielle Rosenblatt
Barbara Ross
Kim Ryerson
Lynn Sarppraicone
Deborah Schafmayer
Margaret Scharback
Karen Schwartz
Orvilla Shore
Samantha Silipo
Jill Snelders
Dr.Bradley Spangher
Rich Squillace
Penny Stock
James Sunyar
Jennifer Swanson
Sharon Tambasco
Paul M Theiss
Tomy Troche
Steven Vassallo
Lee Viggiano
Marisa Wescott
Joanne Worrell
Karyn Zubko
Departments
2 East
2 South
3 South
Nuclear Medicine
Ambulatory Surgery
Operating Room
Recovery Room
Safety & Security
Environmental Service
Recreational Therapy
Thanks in large part to the hard work of Grant Coordinator Marybeth
Esposito (photo), the New York State Department of Health has awarded
Mather Hospital a grant of $1,537,065 for expansion of the Infusion
Center. The grant will also support services for heart related diseases
(half-day Coumadin Clinic, half-day Heart Failure Clinic). “We’re very grateful to Marybeth for her efforts,” says VP of Public Affairs, Marlene
Israel. “With an increasing demand for infusion therapy, the expansion will help us continue to meet the growing needs of our community.”
Altan Ilkay, MD, FACS, of Mather Hospital’s urology department, presented a continuing education program on “Cyrosurgery for
Patients with Prostate and Renal Cancer,” on October 20. The session focused on the evolution of cryosurgery; the mechanism of action of cryosurgery for oncology; clinical outcomes of prostate and renal cryosurgery for primary and salvage cases; and the techniques of cryosurgery. In attendance were Drs. Mohammad
Bilal, Edward Borden, John Chumas, Evan Geller, Edward Glenn,
Ismet Hiz, Altan Ilkay, Turhan Ilkay, Hsiang-Kuang Lee, James
McHale, Edward Samuel, Anthony Theodoris, Gregory Timm, Janet
Wu, Demetrius Zodiatis, Janet Badalmenti, NP, Brian Davis, PT and
Mary Ellen LaBarca.
8

Amanda Smith
1,000 Hours
Sarah Randall
2,000 Hours
Fun and fashion shared the spotlight November 3 when the Mather Hospital Auxiliary hosted its 35th annual Thrift Shop Fashion Show. Auxilians and volunteers modeled some of the Thrift Shop’s finest designer offerings. The themed presentation offered guests ensembles for every part of the day, from comfy loungewear to sophisticated evening gowns.The Thrift
Shop raises money to support programs and services at
Mather Hospital.
Sharon Moore no photo available
1,000 Hours
Margaret Moses no photo available
2,000 Hours
Steve Elmaleh
3,000 Hours
Nancy Hutchinson
4,000 Hours
Dorothy Milau
29,000 Hours
A class project for Patchogue sixth graders turned into a bundle of hugs for patients at
Mather Hospital. Saxton Middle School teacher Marisa Schmit (right) delivered 230 hand-sewn teddy bears, crafted by students in her Home and Careers classes. Each student created a bear, complete with clothing, and the classes agreed that Mather Hospital’s
HUGS program, which delivers donated stuffed animals to patients, was the perfect place for their creations. Stacey Jolley, RN,
(left) of surgical services was happy to accept the donation.
Children’s visits to the Emergency
Department at Mather Hospital just got a little easier, thanks to the donation of
500 coloring books and crayon packages by Printing Spectrum of East
Setauket. The books feature well known children’s characters, such as Big Bird and Mickey Mouse, in prominent area locales, Mather Hospital included.
“We thought it would be a great idea to give children a coloring book to pass the time when they need to
Shirley McKenna, RN, of Mather’s surgical services department (left) and Teresa Degonzague (right), nursing assistant in the emergency department, accept a donation of coloring books from Jim
Altebrando, president of Printing Spectrum. The books will be distributed to pediatric patients and spend time in a hospital, either as a patient or visitor,” said Jim patients’ children.
Altebrando, founder and president of Printing Spectrum. He added that the book was illustrated by Dennis Coburn, a Port Jefferson native whose work can be seen in galleries and museums.
If you’d like to make a donation to Mather Hospital, contact Terri Quinn at 476-2723, or visit www.matherhospital.org for more information.
9

ASU: Happy birthday to our July girls: Trish
Calverese, Ruthann Sanflippo, Andrea
Lauckhardt; August: Pat Rivers, Lorraine Nigita,
Jamie O’Hara; Sept: Gina Zarcone. ICU/CCU:
Birthday wishes to Kathy Locurto, Melanie Cohen,
Angela Mondello, Barbara Mondello, Carol
Bartholomew. Finance: Birthday candles were blown out by Gale
Elling 7/13, Danielle Boehm 7/14, Barbara Spiegel 7/20, Alanna
Quinn 8/19, Ofelia Saghati 9/9, Anna Cardon 9/22, Pasquina
Bartolotto 9/27. Administration: Birthdays celebrated by Heather
Heywood 8/1, Nancy Grella 8/21. Nursing 2 East: Happy birthday Jackie Faetz 7/5, Kathy Martoscia 7/27, Anna Nielsen
7/17, Debbie LeDeoux 7/10, Ricardo Hanley 7/28, Julie Mauro
8/30, Barbara Romeo 9/13, Danielle Dickinson 8/25. Public
Affairs: Happy birthday Marlene Israel 7/22. Managed Care: Big birthday wishes to Debra Delena, Elaine Wood, Michael Weisinger,
Brenda Bonacum, Cathy Gleisberg. Imaging Services: Birthday wishes to Vivian Langford, Jean Dumas, Patti Woods, Sue Mallardi,
Cathie Alaimo, Scott Viscardi, Jay Wilkinson, Ginny Paul. P.J.
Wound Care Center: Happy birthday Magda Filangeri 7/8,
Deborah Lamendola 8/3, Lynda Wexelbaum 8/9. Admitting/E.R.
Registration: Birthday celebrations by Sue Greco 8/14, Connie
Reilly 8/23, Barbara Parisi 8/26, Anna Russo 8/21, Joanne Navas
8/11, Alexis Seppe 9/1. Laboratory: Warm birthday wishes to
Chuck Picasso, Rita Ingargiola, Trish Bigotti, Josh Melito, Joanna
Reyes, Meredith Barresi, Kristen Westermann, Ed Germano, Carla
Bond, Tara Barsch, and Cindi Miller.
Social Work Services: Happy birthday to Damaris Rodriguez 7/15, Sara Zaret 7/23, Candice
Whaley 8/1, Betsy McLary 8/13. Dept. of Food & Nutritional
Services: Many birthdays celebrated by Kathryn Shouler 7/6, Amy
Healy 7/10, Jane Collins 7/15, Jazmine Ducker 7/15, Don Given
7/13, Ryan Kaelin 7/29, Joe Loper 7/20, Gary Martin, Jr. 7/27,
Michelle Perrone 7/11, Caitlin Ryan 7/19, Brieana Schoener 7/30,
Kim Altinok 8/30, Barbara Calandra 8/7, Dana Court 8/15, Erin
Danziger 8/7, Rosemary Doxey 8/21, Andrew Grant 8/20, Diana
Nappo 8/4, Alana Palmer 8/12, Ashley Polistina 8/10, Chris
Reganato 8/15, Katherine Saporito 8/23, Linda Altenburger 9/26,
Greg Keeton 9/26, Ken Massie 9/23, Ella Miller 9/12, Joseph
Meyer 9/2, Mike Gaglia 9/10, Michele Richards 9/18 (Coffee
Shop), Julia Scaduto 8/1 (Coffee Shop),Christina Taranto 9/24.
3 South: Congrats to Carolyn Jiminez who just became a first time grandmother. Jill
Jablonski gave birth to a beautiful baby girl,
Leslie Marie, on 9/10. ASU: Congrats to our
“Gold Medal” Grandma, Chris Brons, RN., whose son had twins on 8/19, Jack & Ashley.
ICU/CCU: Dr. Keith Harris had a bouncing baby boy, Keith Harris III. Dr Anthony
Theodoris had a beautiful baby girl, Kayla. Nursing 2 East:
Bernadette Mena, Unit Secretary, Med/Surg Float, had two grandchildren born in August: baby girl Nevaehlove, born 8/6 in Kenya,
Africa; baby boy Gabriel Peter, born 8/22 in Beverly, MA. Bernadette’s two daughters, Rebekah & Bethany, are the proud mothers. Imaging
Services: Congrats to Donny Rodriguez on the birth of his son, Donny
Luis, 7 lbs 12 oz on 7/7. Danielle Flaherty gave birth to her second daughter, beautiful Keira Grace. Debbie Garsik’s fourth grandchild was born 8/15, beautiful Alexa Rae. Care Management: Lois Reilly was the proud grandmother when her son, Tim and wife Natalie, became first
10 time parents to Quentin Warren Kuhn, born 8/23, 6lb. 9oz. Anne
Roberts became a first time grandmother when Sydnie Anne Hack was born 8/29, 7 lb.10oz., to the proud parents Annie and Michael Hack.
Admitting/E.R. Registration: Joanne Navas celebrated the birth of her grandson on 7/2, Dacien Joseph Slevin. Human Resources: Best wishes to Cindy and Keith Coyle on the birth of their son, Gavin, and congrats to big brother, Dylan. Food & Nutritional Services: Grace
& Mike Williams celebrated the birth of their granddaughter, Madison
Grace DeLuise, who arrived on 7/3, 7 lbs. 12 oz., 19 1/2”. Proud aunt is Florence Evers. Congratulations to the whole family! ER: Diane Gully became a proud grandmother to another grandson, Jason. Barbara
Coyle is celebrating two new grandchildren, Dominic Andrew & Gavin
Christopher. Congratulations to all!
3 South: Justine & Gregg Martucci celebrated their second anniversary on 9/23.
Nursing 2 East: Rob & Maureen McEntee celebrated 20 years together on 9/24. Chris
DeBernardo & husband, Ritchie, celebrated their 35th anniversary with a great trip to
Hawaii. Danielle & Rob Dickinson celebrated their fifth anniversary on
9/5. Imaging Services: CT’s Jenny Brown and husband Gerry celebrated 16 years on 9/8. P.J. Wound Care Center: Pat Santoro celebrated 27 years on 9/25, Rita DiVirgilio 20 years on 7/24, and
Barbara Yamitelli’s anniversary was on 7/31. Admitting/E.R.
Registration: Nikki & Gene Daniels celebrated their 16 years together on 7/9; Brenda & Wayne Rivoli celebrated 12 years on
9/15; Dorothy & Michael Callahan celebrated 26 years on 9/5.
Laboratory: Carol and John Milano celebrated their 41st anniversary in Atlantic City. Stacey and Sean Keane celebrated two years of marriage on 9/14 in NYC. Deb and Bill Beauford celebrated
34 years of marriage on 9/21 in Connecticut.
ASU: Patty Fernandez, NP, had a beautiful wedding for her daughter, Andrea, on 9/13.
Congratulations to Andrea Laukhardt’s son, Andrew, who became engaged and planning a June 2009 wedding! Nursing 2
East: Congratulations to Megan Kelly & Ed Hickey, both from 2 East, who became husband and wife in August. Public Affairs: Wedding bells rang for Marybeth Esposito, as she wed Rick on 8/23. They traveled via ferry to the Fire Island lighthouse, exchanged vows, returned to Captain Bills restaurant for their beautiful reception, and then topped it off with a fabulous 8-day honeymoon in Hawaii, staying on the islands of Maui & Kauai. Purchasing: Congrats to Jeremy Robitsek
(storeroom), as he wed Kerin on 9/27 at the W. Sayville Country Club, and ran off to beautiful St. Lucia for their honeymoon. Business
Office: Congratulations to Margret Arfsten’s son, Erik, on his engagement to Meghan Coughlan, and an October 2009 wedding is planned. Imaging Services: Congrats to Tom Castro who married
Danielle in Las Vegas. A big congrats to Mark Profitt who became engaged to Laura, and a summer 2009 wedding is planned. P.J.
Wound Care Center: Lynda Wexelbaum’s son, Scott, married Laura on 8/18 – congratulations!! Care Management: Congratulations to
Laura Hamilton’s daughter Catherine, who became engaged this summer to Robert Giordano, and a 2010 wedding is planned. Admitting/E.R.
See FAMILY on the next page

Registration: Carol Salzman’s son celebrated his September wedding with a flight to Aruba and had a romantic beach wedding.
Laboratory: Megan Marchese married Brandon Morales on 9/28 at
The Harbor Club. Kim Straitz and Jeff Ciulla enjoyed a sunset wedding on the beach in Punta Cana on 8/2. Food & Nutritional Services:
Sylvan Martin & Donna DeWolf became engaged over the summer.
Congrats to the happy couple! ER: Barbara Wohl’s daughter, Megan, married Ed on 8/29, and enjoyed a beautiful reception at the Hamlet.
Elise Boyd’s son got married on 9/28. Best wishes to all of you!
ICU/CCU: Linder Reder vacationed in
England. Faith Towle and Jeanette Voelger visited Alaska. Imaging Services: Sue
Dolson vacationed in Orlando. Shala Naz spent a week in Orlando with her family in September.
Vivian Langford went for a visit back home in India. Don Bulin and wife spent a lovely week touring the vineyards of Napa Valley.
Admitting/E.R. Registration: Diane Trube and family took a week long cruise to beautiful Alaska, and enjoyed adventures such as dog sledding. Debbie Faller had a nice family reunion in Disney World,
Florida, in September. Myrna Morris enjoyed a cruise to Alaska with her son and grandson, and went on many excursions. Christine DiPrima and family went on a trip to California. Jennifer Thebner and family enjoyed camping trips to North-South Lake, NY, and Otter Lake, PA, doing plenty of fishing, hiking and relaxing. Annette Rivers and family relaxed in their condo in Amarosa, Portugal, for one month. Lisa Noulis took her sons to see “Thomas the Train” in Pennsylvania. Laboratory:
Mitzi Meyer and family enjoyed a west coast vacation in August, including a stop in Las Vegas. Cathy Frevola and Stacey Keane vacationed with family in Myrtle Beach, SC, celebrating Cathy & Jim’s
30-year anniversary. Fran Manez and Michele Ganut adventured to
Aruba on 9/28. Blanca Schineis went to see “Thomas the Tank Engine” with her boys. ER: Barbara & Ed Wohl, Diane & Bob Gully, and Carol
& Sal Galletta vacationed in Virginia Beach. Ann-Marie Sainsbury and
Paul visited New England and Boston. Felicia Perkowski traveled to
Myrtle Beach for a fabulous family reunion. Angel Maddox & Gayle
May went to Florida, and then off to Alaska! Nursing 2 East: Anna
May Drewes went to Ireland on a 10-day motor jaunt with friends, and also in April for 15 days of motoring through the Emerald Isle.
3 South: Kudos to the graduates who are moving forward to college: Cathy Babst’s daughter, Ashley, went away to C.W. Post
College; Amanda Stiles, daughter of Jean
Stiles, went away to Sacred Heart University,
CT. ICU/CCU: Congratulations to Marie
O’Brien for achieving her CCRN. Managed Care: Lisa Cruz, daughter of Carol Cruz, graduated from St. Joseph’s College.
Purchasing: Congratulations to Susan Rivera’s daughter, Brittany
Rivera (and granddaughter of Kathy Rivera in ICU/CCU), who graduated cum laude with honors from Siena College, and is now employed at MTV in New York. Nachica Davis, daughter of Sabrina
Davis, graduated from BOCES LPN nursing program. Congratulations!
P.J. Wound Care Center: Vilma Rosario’s son, Jonathan Suarez, graduated sixth grade from Dayton Ave. School, and entered middle school. Professional & Regulatory Services: Brian Eagan, son of
Carol Eagan, graduated in May from C.W. Post with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. ER: Congratulations to the graduates: Maggie
O’Malley, Marina Grennan, Sheila Campbell, Ann-Marie Sainsbury, Dr.
Usha, Sandra Argona, Didi Burgos, Abdul Rasul. Elise Boyd’s son, Bob, graduated from USMMA. Congrats to Gigi Contado, Phlebotomy, who passed her LPN boards. Engineering : Eddie Fringo’s grandson, Joe
Meola, graduated from Farmingdale State with honors and holds the career record in Lacrosse points scored with 186.
Finance: Congratulations and good luck to Ruth Wheeler on her promotion as Grants Administrator, and Roy Grebe on his promotion as Accounting
Manager. ICU/CCU: Welcome aboard
Teresa Pickel, AUNC. Welcome Beth
Giordano as staff nurse. Nursing 2
East: The staff of 2 East gave an enthusiastic welcome “back home” to their Chris Cirolli, AUNC, who started working at Mather as a clinical assistant on 2 East. Welcome to our new staff members Patricia Steiger, Kara O’Neil & Nicole Rice.
Managed Care: A warm welcome to Donald Denton Jr. Business
Office: Welcome aboard Pamela Petritsch. Purchasing & Human
Resources: Welcome aboard Miriam Hacken, who works per diem in both Purchasing & Human Resources. We are all so happy to have her. Imaging Services: A big welcome to Ray Bodnar (Nancy
Bodnar’s husband), Special Procedures tech, and Janelle Bellamy and
Cara Vassallo as Imaging Services Associates. Professional &
Regulatory Services: Welcome to Dana-Lynn Swenson, Credentials
Coordinator. We are delighted to have you join our team! P.J.
Wound Care Center: Welcome Marge Gordon, Inpatient Wound
Care Coordinator. Admitting/E.R. Registration: Welcome to our department, Laurie Favalaro. Laboratory: The Laboratory welcomes new technologists Meredith Barresi, Jill Gardner, Tina Blanco, Wahid
Iskandr and Valerie Turino. Social Work Services: We welcome our new per diem employee Shelley Fleit.
ICU/CCU: Good luck to Elaine Rauer, as she retired from Mather in
July. Laboratory: Marie Amble retired after 20 years of service.
Food & Nutritional Services: Jean Kirouac retired on 6/30 after
30 years of employment. It is with joy and sadness we wish Jean the best of luck, good health and happiness always. James McConville,
Director of Food and Nutritional Services, retired on 9/1 after almost
30 years here. Jim plans to relax, read and travel to Colorado to see his granddaughter, Ava. We thank “Mr. Mac” for his many years of service to the Mather family! ER: Good luck to Colleen Reale, and
Kathy Parente who began teaching. We will miss both of you.
Laboratory: The lab bid farewell to Woj Strus, who moved to
Georgia in September.
3 South: Congratulations to Jennifer & Charlie Ferrer, as they purchased their first home! ICU/CCU: Welcome Denise Maloney back from medical leave. Nursing 2 East: Lynn Weiss’ son, Douglas, became an Eagle Scout, and received a full scholarship to Suffolk
CCC – Congratulations! Imaging Services: Congrats to Cassandra
Wilson, daughter of Kimberly Wilson in Imaging Services, as her team won the New York State Championship Softball title for the North
Shore Little League All-Stars 11-year-old division – way to go!
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Our new operating rooms were used for the first time in November to perform a total knee replacement for patient Phyllis Mallah of East Hampton.
We’re happy to say that everything went well and surgery was a success.
“Everyone was wonderful,” says Mrs. Mallah. “The care was incredible. They are so interested in your comfort… They even had my favorite breakfast ready for me the next morning.” With Mrs. Mallah are nurse team members Jennifer
Ferrer, RN; Kenneth Massie, MS, RD; Candice Fella, RN; Anna Gaeta, RN.
During a recent visit to Mather’s “New ORs of the
Future,” Hospital President Ken Roberts (photo, left) takes a moment for a photo op with nurses from Surgical
Services (photo, from second left): Laura D’Amato, RN;
Linda Lewis, RN; Vicki Kelliher, RN.
Ninety percent of recently surveyed patients of the Outpatient Therapeutic
Infusion Center at Mather Hospital gave the center a top rating of “very good” and said that there was a “very good” likelihood that they would recommend the center to others.
Infusion treatment is a method of administering medication/therapy or fluid replacement intravenously. The Outpatient Infusion Center gives patients more control over their schedules, and provides treatment as patients relax in a reclining treatment chair, watch television, listen to music or simply read and rest.
The Center initiated the survey as part of an ongoing effort to provide superior service and to be sensitive to the needs of patients.
Left to right: Nancy Clavin, RN; Margaret Popp, RN; Theresa Murphy, RN;
Mary Ferrara, RN; Mary Ann Pirraglia, RN; Marion Fracassa, RN. Not pictured: Karen Diaz, Finance.
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Presenting the HANYS Award certificate are (left to right) Director of Respiratory Therapy, Ted Nilsson,
Deborah Maile, RN, and Mather Hospital President
Kenneth Roberts.
Mather Hospital’s infection control unit and respiratory department have joined a pneumonia prevention program, sponsored by the Healthcare Association of New York State
(HANYS). According to Deborah Maile, RN, infection control nurse at Mather, the study outlined procedures and best practices that are to be followed with every patient to analyze the efficacy of those procedures. “We, the different hospitals, are comparing data to see what’s in the best interest of our patients,” said Maile, who was responsible for processing the data at Mather. “We want to see incidents of infections decrease even further for all our patients and will do everything we can.”