Suffolk County Police arrested a man after he pointed a shotgun at a group of people in a commercial parking lot in Kings Park June 2.
Kenneth Kopek was engaged in a verbal dispute with a group of people in a parking lot, located in front of Key Food at 66 Indian Head Road, when he pointed a loaded double-barreled shotgun in their direction at approximately 9:15 p.m. Kopek fled before officers arrived at the scene.
Following an investigation, Kopek, 39, was arrested a short time later at his residence on Shay Drive in Kings Park. He was charged with menacing and criminal possession of a weapon. He was held overnight at the Fourth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip June 3.
Twins Joshua and Zachary Young at their booth Popinsanity on May 21.
HeartBeet Farms mascot
Shoppers line up for the farmers market
From left, Meena Tommasino-Storz and Anna Morrongiello
Horman's Best Pickles
Maple syrup from BeeWitched Bee
Shoppers line up for the farmers market
By Rita J. Egan
As the warm weather arrives, many people look forward to picking up fresh vegetables, fruit spreads, honey and more at local farmers markets. This year though the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way many business owners and customers go about selling and buying.
Jennifer Ross, founder of HeartBeet Farms, knew this year she would need to do things differently. Known for selling vegetables out of a food truck at the Stony Brook Village Center and the Smith Haven Mall, Ross decided to organize a new type of outdoor market.
On May 21, lovers of fresh, local goods found a drive-through farmers market in the southwest corner of the mall parking lot by Bahama Breeze Island Grille. Ross said she thought it would give customers the chance to shop from the convenience of their cars and also provide a safe environment for both them and vendors.
The first night was a big success with scores of cars lining up throughout the evening to purchase items such as vegetables, local honey, pizza-making kits, popcorn, organic coffee and more.
Ross said Ann Schultz, the director of marketing and business development at Smith Haven Mall for the Simon Property Group, told her about a drive-through farmers market that was set up at a Florida Simon mall. She reached out to a few product owners to get their feedback, and she said it was positive so “I said, you know what, let’s give it a try.”
All vendor fees from the outside market will be donated to local charities, she said, and the nonprofit they donate to will change each month. For the first month, the money will go to Long Island Harvest, which at the end of the May 21 market, in addition to checks, received leftover food from many vendors. Ross said the farmers market will look at all nonprofits that may need help, not only food-related ones.
“That was key to me because nonprofits are struggling in all categories,” she explained.
Ross said as Long Island businesses begin to reopen, HeartBeet Farms will be able to set up a traditional walk-through farmers market at the mall. The parking lot is one that usually only fills up during Christmastime, she added, so there shouldn’t be an issue with parking.
Until then, the drive-through market offers prepaid options for those who may not have the time to wait. Items that need to be chilled are kept in coolers until customers pick them up, she said.
Upon entry last Thursday customers received a flyer detailing what the more than a dozen vendors who were participating had to offer. Ross said in the future the participants will be adding more information to the handouts, and there will also be more vendors setting up booths. Ross said for the first night she wanted to make sure there was enough room for everyone before saying yes to all who were interested. Participants are only asked to commit to a month and not the whole season, she added, as Ross is aware of the difficult economic times many are facing during the pandemic and the possibility of getting ill.
“I don’t want to take their money and then something happens and they can’t be there, and they need their money,” she said.
Ross said she feels the drive though farmers market will help even the mall as the weekly drive-through will bring renewed attention to it. “It will bring business to a mall that is suffering right now,” she said.
Helping out at the farmers market were Ross’ daughters Anna and Abby Morrongiello who founded the nonprofit Don8tions with twin brothers Joshua and Zach Young and friend Meena Tommasino-Storz. The group sells products, such as at the Chocolate & Honey, a holiday concession stand in the Smith Haven Malland, then use their earnings to buy soup for those who attend The Children’s Community Head Start Birth-to-Five Program in Port Jefferson Station. To supplement the soup, the students also provide bread donated by Premier Pastry to the head start families.
Ross and the twins’ mother Michelle Young said the teenagers purchased PopInsanity popcorn wholesale to sell at the farmers market and will donate all profits to their soup drive. While Anna, Abby and Meena worked at other booths for vendors who were unable to work with the public May 21, the Youngs sold the popcorn. Michelle said she even got in a car to drive around to experience everything firsthand, adding that the farmers market came at a good time because since COVID-19 hit, the teens were worried they wouldn’t be able to raise money for the families they have grown to care about. “They’re hard workers,” said Michelle. “I’m always really proud of them because there are a lot of teenagers who would be like I’m not doing that.”
Zachary and Josh, who are completing eighth grade at P.J. Gelinas Junior High School in Setauket, both enjoyed the drive-through farmers market. “It was actually pretty good to get out of the house,” Zachary said. “There were a lot of people helping out, and it was a little bit of returning to normalcy while being safe at the same time.”
Josh agreed. “I thought it was interesting because I never have done anything like that before, with all the cars,” he said. “It was nice to finally meet new people and somewhat interact.”
For years, HeartBeet Farms operated out of Bethel Hobbs Community Farm in Centereach where Ross leased land, but she said now she is currently growing produce at the Smithtown Historical Society. Starting a garden is something Ross encourages everyone to do, and she said it’s an ideal time to do so not only for health reasons but also to lessen trips to the grocery store.
“In general, you just have to do your best to keep your body healthy, and one of the ingredients in that is vegetables,” she said, adding that local, organic and sustainable foods are better.
Ross also said gardening has other health benefits. “It’s a great stress reliever. The main reason is putting your hands in the soil and being connected. It’s the greatest thing.”
The drive-through farmers market will be held every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., rain or shine, in the Smith Haven Mall southwest parking lot (off Middle Country Road) near Bahama Breeze restaurant through the fall. Pre-ordering is available but not required. For more information, call 516-343-6247 or visit www.heartbeetfarms.com/farmers-market.
Vendors scheduled for May 28
Pecks of Maine — locally made fruit spreads including strawberry rhubarb, dark sweet cherry and many more
Jason’s Healthy, Gluten-Free Meals — dinners to go including chicken franchese with basmati rice and broccoli plus dressings and glazes
Long Island Microgreens — broccoli, superfood salad mix, speckled pea, leek, mustard microgreens and North Fork Potato Chips
Nina’s Fresh Batch — sweet & salty, chocolate chip and five spice oatmeal cookies; pistachio golden raisin, pecan dried cherry and three nut ginger granola
BeeWitched Bee — local honey, infused honey, elderberry syrup, maple syrup, honey sticks
Pixie Soaps & Suds — cold-processed soaps, body scrubs and more
Popinsanity — classic caramel, sweet & salty, chocolate drizzle, and cookies & cream popcorn
Horman’s Best — classic bread & butter sweet, half sour whole, kosher dill, honey mustard pickles and more
Tend Coffee — organic blends, single origin coffee, Kind Leaf tea and more
Jericho Cider Mill — half gallon apple cider, donute bites and small apple crumb pies
HeartBeet Farms Farm to Table Soups, Salsa and Sauce— farm to table potato leek soup, Margherita sauce, tomato tomatillo salsa and Carroll’s Kitchen tortilla chips
New!Le Fusion — homemade spring rolls, vegan and vegetarian
New! The Ferm — fermented farm goods including Kombucha and sauerkraut
New! The Simple Cookie — cookie ingredients in a jar
When the pandemic first required people to stay at home, one local photographer decided to practice her craft from a distance while helping others.
Ashleigh Malangone, of Ashleigh’s Studio, and daughter-in-law of Meg Malangone, TBR News Media’s receptionist, said she was collecting masks, donating food and supporting local businesses as much as she could but she still felt helpless.
“Perhaps I will never feel like I’ve done enough given what our heroes sacrifice each and every day on the front lines, but I was committed to doing the best that I could,” the Setauket resident said.
Her feeling of helplessness inspired her to create a PORCHrait Project. She started spreading the word on social media that she would come to people’s properties and take photos of them and their families. She then donated the fee, which families paid for through Venmo, to the Three Village Central School District’s food pantry.
Malangone dedicated a week to the project and photographed more than 75 local families. In that one week, she raised $2,600 which she used to purchase $25 Stop & Shop gift cards to give to the pantry.
“It was such a beautiful experience and such a wonderful success,” she said. “I met so many lovely families, and it was a win-win for all. I got to continue to do what I love, the families I worked with had a fun excuse to get dressed and now have a tangible memory of their time at home during quarantine.”
The photographer said in addition to subjects paying via Venmo and maintaining a 6-foot distance, she would spend just 10 minutes at each property and then email three or four edited images within 24 hours to the families.
Malangone said the most important part of the project was raising money for a good cause, and she found everyone’s response heartwarming.
“My slogan was: Team Work, Dream Work!” the photographer said.
Malangone said after her weeklong dedication to the fundraiser, she still receives inquiries for PORCHraits. She said she has added the photo session as a permanent option for her clients, and about once or twice a week, she still heads out for quick, social distancing photo shoots for residents who want a keepsake of this period of time.
“I’m loving it and feel really grateful for the smiles this project has brought to me and so many others,” she said.
To book a PORCHrait photo session with Malangone, email [email protected].
The average Commack homeowner will see an annual tax increase of around $200 if residents vote “yes” for the 2020-2021 school budget of $199,759,525. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, homeowners will vote on the budget via mail as no in-person voting will be made available.
The Commack School District Board of Education adopted the budget during its meeting held via Zoom May 19. If approved by residents, the tax cap levy increase will be 1.99 percent with a budget-to-budget increase of 1.37 percent.
Superintendent Donald James said the district, like others across New York state, is still waiting to hear if state aid will be cut later in the year, which means certain budget line items may still change. As Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced a few weeks ago that districts can see cuts of 20 percent or more, James said that figure is an average and the exact amount, whether lower or higher, would be based on the size and wealth of the district. He said there could be rolling cuts as well.
“That’s not good news,” he said. “That’s challenging for us because once programs are in place you count on your funds coming in, and you count on managing your programs based on funds you think you’re going to get from the state.”
The superintendent said while it’s difficult to plan the budget without knowing the exact amount of reductions, they have developed alternative plans if they’re more than anticipated.
James said some reductions in the budget were enrollment driven and in place before the pandemic. There will also be reductions in personnel due to resignations or retirements. There will be 11 full-time employees less due to retirement, 10 FTE teacher assistants reduced after program reviews and 12.7 FTE, plus approximately 32 individuals such as school monitors and instructional aides due to enrollment decline.
These staff reductions have already resulted in budget savings due to the attrition. The superintendent said they may have to revisit reducing staff further, as the district may need to revisit the number of cafeteria monitors.
James said there is currently a task force looking at changes which may be required to open up schools with COVID-19 distancing practices put in place. The superintendent said transportation, sports, field trips, school gatherings and more could be affected. Possible changes could include temperatures being taken and physical measures to help with distancing. The possible increase in costs is something the district is unable to estimate at this time.
James said he has received some suggestions involving opening up school post-COVID to maintain physical distance, including reducing class sizes. He said to a certain degree the district could do so if they double the number of teachers, but the problem is the buildings don’t have double the number of classrooms.
He said the district may have to look at other ways to schedule student classes.
If the budget is passed June 9, the district plans to keep classroom sizes the same or lower, and mental health support and programs such as arts, music, physical education and more will stay intact. The district is also planning a Chromebook laptop initiative, and every student is set to receive one. James said it will be a benefit even when students return to classrooms as their books will now be loaded on Chromebooks.
James said there is a pandemic elimination adjustment of $226,250, and the district received federal stimulus money that took care of that and they may get more. He said there is not much in the capital reserve funds, however, if there is a 20 percent cut in state aid it would mean more than $6.6 million taken from the budget.
The superintendent said due to school closures the district saved $3 million, part of that money being for transportation, which could be applied to next year.
James said the district has properties they could sell to tenants who are interested, though he stressed that he was not talking about Marion Carll Farm. He said selling any properties would need residents approval through a vote.
There is a possibility of saving $2.55 million with the elimination of Common Core and individuals involved with the program such as instructional aides. Other things that could be looked into are reducing high school electives, field trips, art and music classes, staff reductions and professional development for teachers.
James said if the budget isn’t passed in June it would mean the district would have to cut an additional $2,834,090 from the budget for a total cut of $7.8 million. The Chromebook project would be eliminated as well as no equipment purchases would be made. Also, residents and community organizations would be unable to use the facilities and grounds, while elementary and middle school class sizes would need to increase and several high school electives, athletics and clubs would be eliminated.
A public hearing will be held June 2 during a virtual meeting that will be simulcast on the district’s website, www.commackschools.org.The budget vote is set for June 9.
Commack School District Board of Education has two seats up for grabs with incumbent Susan Hermer and Mike Weisberg running for one position. As for the second seat, incumbent William Hender is running unopposed. For more information on the candidates, visit www.tbrnewsmedia.com.
Stony Brook, NY; Stony Brook University: Graduates visited campus to have photographs taken wearing their caps and gowns.
The usual sea of red caps and gowns were missing from Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium at Stony Brook University on graduation day, but the milestone did not go by without a celebration of sorts.
On May 22, the university presented its 2020 Virtual Degree Conferral Celebration in a live stream event that students and families could view. The event included 7,100 graduates, who were awarded a total of 7,190 degrees and certificate completions. The students ranged in age from 18 to 71 and represented 65 countries and 40 states, according to a press release from Stony Brook University.
Michael Bernstein, interim university president, addressed the students during the virtual ceremony.
“You are about to become graduates of one of the most prestigious public universities in the world,” he said. “Graduation is a bittersweet milestone in the best of circumstances, with a pivotal life-chapter ending and an uncertain journey beginning. The strong emotions that inevitably come with this rite of passage are of course uniquely amplified in the midst of the historic upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Julianna Casella, who graduated with a bachelor of science in biology and psychology with a minor in writing and rhetoric, was selected as the Class of 2020 student speaker and was able to address the students during the live stream event.
“I am confident that any other class of Seawolves would have responded the same way [to the pandemic] because that is what we do here at Stony Brook,” Casella said. “Even though much has been lost during this crisis, at the end of the day, two feelings prevail — hope and gratitude. I will always be thankful for the memories and opportunities Stony Brook has given me and if our response to this pandemic has been proof enough, I think we should all be hopeful for what the future holds.”
The decision to hold a virtual ceremony was made in April with Bernstein calling the decision a difficult one that was made “in a deliberate and careful way.” Input from medical experts and the current guidelines from Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State governor’s office were taken into consideration. During the April announcement, Bernstein added that the decision was made to ensure “the well-being of our community and loved ones.”
Back in April, student Muhammad Fithra Yoga started a petition on www.change.org asking SBU to not cancel but postpone the spring commencement ceremony to the summer after the pandemic has passed. More than 1,600 signed the online petition.coron
The Class of 2020 celebrated their graduation during a car parade at The Stony Brook School. Photo from The Stony Brook School
The Class of 2020 celebrated their graduation during a car parade at The Stony Brook School. Photo from The Stony Brook School
The Class of 2020 celebrated their graduation during a car parade at The Stony Brook School. Photo from The Stony Brook School
The Class of 2020 celebrated their graduation during a car parade at The Stony Brook School. Photo from The Stony Brook School
The Class of 2020 celebrated their graduation during a car parade at The Stony Brook School. Photo from The Stony Brook School
The Stony Brook School hosted a car processional to celebrate the class of 2020 May 23. For the celebration, the school invited seniors and their families to decorate their cars, show school spirit, and parade through campus.
As cars drove up Chapman Parkway, the road that cuts down the middle of the school’s grounds, each student was announced and greeted by members of the school community, including faculty, staff and dorm parents. Because of space and social distancing constrictions, only seniors and their immediate families were permitted to attend.
Sterling National Bank, which is situated directly in front of the school, offered their parking lot for cars to line up before the procession to help provide extra space for students waiting for their moment to shine.
The event was also live-streamed for those who were unable to attend. All in attendance were required to respect social distancing guidelines and to remain in their cars at all times.
A classic car owner stops to view the parade to thank health care workers at Huntington Hospital. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A classic car joins the parade to thank health care workers at Huntington Hospital. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A classic car joins the parade to thank health care workers at Huntington Hospital. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A classic car joins the parade to thank health care workers at Huntington Hospital. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A classic car joins the parade to thank health care workers at Huntington Hospital. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A classic car owner joins the parade to thank health care workers at Huntington Hospital. Photo by Joseph Cali
A classic car joins the parade to thank health care workers at Huntington Hospital. Photo by Joseph Cali
Classic cars join the parade to thank health care workers at Huntington Hospital. Photo by Joseph Cali
A classic car joins the parade to thank health care workers at Huntington Hospital. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Every day community members stop by Huntington Hospital at 6:45 p.m. to thank health care workers. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A May 21 car parade was as classic as it gets.
Classic car owners from various clubs on Long Island came together to drive pass Huntington Hospital to show their gratitude for health care workers battling COVID-19. Hospital employees and neighbors had the chance to see scores of classic cars going pass the facility located on Park Avenue.
Before the parade, the car owners met at Mill Dam Park at 6 p.m. where the drivers donated food to Hauppauge-based Long Island Cares. Approximately, 1,000 pounds of food and $680 in funding was collected for the nonprofit that provides food for local residents experiencing food insecurity.
Organizations involved in the parade included Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, Mopar Club of Long Island, Classic Car Club of America, Long Island Corvette Owners Association, Mustang Shelby Club of Long Island, Model A Ford Club of Long Island, Long Island Street Rods, Antique Automobile Club of Long Island, Thunderbird Club of Long Island and Cap-A-Radiator Co.
Also on hand May 21 were residents who every day at 6:45 p.m. show up at the hospital entrance to cheer for the health care workers around the time shifts change.
Commack School District Board of Education has two seats up for grabs with incumbent Susan Hermer and Mike Weisberg running for one position. As for the second seat, incumbent William Hender is running unopposed.
Voting will be done through ballots mailed to residents, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and are due back to the district by June 9.
Susan Hermer
Susan Hermer. Photo from candidate
Last year, Hermer beat out Jennifer Scully for a one-year term after the resignation of former board member Jennifer Carpenter.
The attorney, with a general practice firm in Bohemia, said being on the board has been fulfilling for her.
“I am running for my first full term because I enjoy being on the board advocating for our students and teachers,” she said. “And all members of this board get along and respect each other. I love our kids and the school district, and I relish being back in the schools since I no longer have kids in the district.”
She said she is concerned that some programs may need to be cut from the budget due to the reduction in state aid.
“I also want to make sure our special-needs students get all the help they need,” she said. “I am happy with the lease we worked out with Long Island University and the Marion Carll property, and I am pleased with the capital projects bond we recently passed.”
Last year the district worked out a deal with LIU for the educational institution to use the Marion Carll Farm, which was left to the district decades ago and fell into disrepair as it became difficult to keep up with the expenses to maintain the property.
Mike Weisberg
Mike Weisberg. Photo from candidate
A lifelong resident of Commack and school psychologist in a neighboring district, Weisberg said he believes his professional experience, as well as being a parent and working in a school district, will be an asset to the trustee position.
He said with the stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, he feels there will be an increased need to support students socially and emotionally. He added he believes there will be more issues regarding the negative effects of an overdigitalized world.
“Now we’re dealing with a global crisis, with an emphasis on social learning,” he said. “I really believe even before we got into this pandemic, we were seeing an increased need in dealing with this overdigitalization.”
Weisberg had originally planned to run last year, and said he postponed his candidacy to become more involved in committee work in the district. He said his main concerns are maintaining the programs and the number of classes currently offered in the district.
“Commack has done a great job of providing a lot of that,” he said. “I would really like to do whatever we can to maintain that diversity, because educating a student is much more than teaching math equations or learning a specific skill. It’s really about helping children to develop into their full potential as adults, and schools really play a vital role in that.”
William Hender
William Hender. Photo from candidate
This will be the second term on the board for Hender. He said he brings an “important and necessary skill set to the position.”
“Having spent the past 20 years in education, as a teacher and administrator, I have a good understanding of what is necessary to continue to provide access and opportunity for all our students,” he said. “I think we have developed a great team here in Commack and I am happy to be part of it. I am a product of the Commack School system and attribute many of my successes to the education that I received. I want all students, including my own children, to have the same wonderful experiences for years to come.”
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hender said he had no concerns regarding the budget. “However, now I have many concerns, such as will the governor continue to make cuts to school aid throughout the year, and if so, how much?” he said. “In addition, I am concerned about what changes in programs and cuts we will need to make once the actual cut in state aid is announced.”
Protesters confront News 12 report Kevin Vesey about his coverage of the May 1 ReOpen NY rally. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Protesters decorated their cars at the May 14 rally in Commack. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Protesters in front of a sign at the May 14 ReOpen NY rally in Commack. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A protester holds an American Flag at the May 14 ReOpen NY rally in Commack. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A few protesters displayed the American Flag on their cars at the May 14 ReOpen NY rally in Commack. Photo by Rita J. Egan
A protester holds a sign at the May 14 ReOpen NY rally in Commack. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Retired dog groomer Debbie Wilson traveled from Freeport to Commack for the protest May 14. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Protesters lined up along Veterans Memorial Highway in Commack. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Protesters confront News 12 report Kevin Vesey about his coverage of the May 1 ReOpen NY rally. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Many drivers were honking their horns at the intersection of Veterans Highway and Route 25 in Commack May 14, but it wasn’t due to traffic.
More than 100 people rallied in front of the Macy’s parking lot in support of businesses deemed nonessential during the coronavirus pandemic opening up as soon as possible. While many were honking in support of the participants, a couple of drivers yelled disapproving comments out their windows.
The Reopen NY rally was the second one to take place at the location this month with the first one held May 1. The May 14 event was posted on the website Meetup by Olivia M. who asked attendees to decorate their cars, wave their flags and wear patriotic colors.
Many held signs with messages such as “My constitutional rights are essential,” “My sons are not lab rats for Bill Gates vaccine” and “Cuomo to businesses: drop dead.” One large dog wore a sign that read, “Dog grooming is essential.”
The dog’s owner, Debbie Wilson, who traveled from Freeport, said she was a retired dog groomer who came out of retirement to take care of some people’s pets.
“Dogs need maintenance,” she said. “Grooming dogs is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. For the life of me, I’ll never understand why they shut down dog groomers.”
She added it’s important to maintain many dogs’ ears and nails for health reasons and this is done while grooming.
During the rally, News 12 Long Island reporter Kevin Vesey was filming participants with his smartphone live on Facebook. He had concluded interviews with his cameraman and was documenting the event for social media.
While describing the scene, one woman confronted him saying she noticed he was wearing a mask which she said he didn’t do at the May 1 rally. Vesey responded he did wear a mask last time. The woman was quickly followed by another female, and both had megaphones. The duo was questioning him about his reporting of the May 1 Commack rally saying he was trying to paint the narrative instead of reporting it and said his report prompted people to call the May 1 protesters “murderers.” One man yelled that Vesey was not a real journalist but a “political operative.”
As he kept backing up, continuing to film them, about a half a dozen kept following him aggressively, criticizing his reporting and asking why his job is considered essential and theirs are not.
During the verbal confrontation, a few police officers were standing nearby and evaluating the situation. The May 14 rally had a strong police presence, and before it started, an announcement by the Suffolk County Police Department was made to remind participants of the importance of wearing facial masks and social distancing.
Across the street, a nurse took in the rally and said she was surprised by how many people participating, especially children who were there, were not wearing masks.
“I guess they don’t know anyone who died from this,” she said.
After the event, the Setauket Patriots, who were among the organizers, took to Facebook and apologized to Vesey for their fellow protesters’ behavior.
“We can tell you that the few who decided to harass you and try to prevent you from doing your job are not members or affiliated with the Setauket Patriots group in any way, shape or form,” the post read. “We were looking forward to you giving us fair coverage with what you documented when we first arrived. But as with all mass rally events, you will always get a few idiots to disrupt an otherwise peaceful, pleasant demonstration and they should have been removed by police.”
At press time, Long Island still had not met the seven health metrics required by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to reopen the region. The state’s pause order was extended until May 28 for regions that didn’t meet the requirements to reopen May 15.
Day camps will need to reimagine how they operate if they get the green light from Gov. Andrew Cuomo to open this summer. In addition to taking temperatures and implementing different cleaning practices, children’s activities may center around things such as arts and crafts where social distancing can be applied. Stock photo
Many parents, children and camp owners have the same question on their minds — will camps open in 2020?
Day camps will need to reimagine how they operate if they get the green light from Gov. Andrew Cuomo to open this summer. In addition to taking temperatures and implementing different cleaning practices, children’s activities may center around things such as arts and crafts where social distancing can be applied. Stock photo
While Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) made the call to close schools throughout the state for the rest of the academic year a couple of weeks ago, camp owners are still waiting for the green light to open. While they wait, many remain hopeful, preparing for what will be a new normal this year as more protocols are put in place regarding the number of participants in activities, cleaning processes and much more.
Tom Palamara, president of HPP Rinx Inc., and Matt Pagliari, camp director at Hauppauge-based Hidden Pond Day Camp at The Rinx, said the American Camp Association and the YMCAs of the United States jointly have provided educational resources that can be used by all day and overnight camps, as well as by health departments and parents. The guide, which they are following, provides advice on topics such as communication of practices, health screening and prevention, cleaning and disinfection and more.
While The Rinx offers hockey, ice skating, preschool all year round, it closed down March 16. They are optimistic about this summer and are already working on plans with the hopes of opening at the end of June.
“We’ve been very fortunate that we’re still getting enrollments, and less than a handful of requests for money back,” Pagliari said. “I think the parents are really looking forward to their kids going to camp and we know the kids are looking forward to it.”
Todd Shaw, owner of Kids Country Day Camp, said the Mount Sinai facility is also preparing to offer camp at the end of June. He said many thought the governor would have announced camp information by now.
“So, that kind of threw us all a curveball,” Shaw said.
Yet, with knowing they will need to adjust practices for 2020, the staff has been getting ready for this summer.
“We’re planning each day as if we’ll have camp,” he said.
For the Mount Sinai camp, Shaw added parents’ reactions have been mixed. While some have already signed up, taking advantage of its early bird rate, others said they’ll take a break from camp this year.
Palamara and Pagliari said some of the key points they are addressing are arrivals, dismissals, lunchtime, use of the pool at the Hauppauge location, what to do on rainy days, sanitization and size of the groups. As far as the number of attendees, and campers in each group, they said that will come either from state or Suffolk County recommendations.
With a large piece of property, they said groups, whether with 10 or 25 campers, will not be a problem for them. They also added that the lunch area is large enough to follow social distancing protocols of 6 feet or more, and there are enough covered areas for rainy days.
“We work with 97 acres,” Pagliari said. “We have tons of room. We can have a spread out of arrivals, spread out our dismissal.”
At both camps, staff members and campers will have their temperature taken with touchless thermometers and be sent home if it’s elevated. Shaw said employees will also have their blood oxygen levels measured regularly to ensure no respiratory symptoms are present.
Both camps will clean and disinfect more often, including the use of disinfectant fog machines, which Shaw said get into every nook and cranny.
“We’re constantly evolving, and things we knew when we were planning a month ago we now know, okay, we can do more,” Shaw said. “We can add the safety protocol, we can add this level of sanitizing.”
Since Kids Country Day Camp is part of Kids of Mt. Sinai, a New York state licensed childcare facility and is deemed an essential business, the camp will be able to open for children up to 10 years old no matter what. In the past, the camp has needed a waiver to have 11 or 12 years old attend camp, which means those over 10 may not be able to take part if day camps aren’t allowed to open in 2020.
Shaw said employees are also looking at restructuring camp activities as some sports may not be able to be played, and more arts and crafts where campers can practice social distancing may take place or there may be more performances such as magic shows.
“We’ll be ready,” Shaw said. “We just don’t know — ready for what — yet.”
To be ready at the end of June, Hidden Pond Day Camp will be providing an online orientation for counselors. The guidelines will be a big help for counselors in handling different routines, Pagliari said.
“The kids’ safety is paramount to us, that’s going to come first,” the director said.
Shaw echoed the sentiments as he said his staff is always learning more and training has been enhanced.
“It’s important giving peace of mind — be safe and feel safe as well,” he said.
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