Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
By Toni-Elena Gallo
Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society held its 15th annual Music Fest on Saturday, Aug. 31. The event takes place each year between Huntington Bay and Lloyd Harbor and brings together lovers of the sea and lovers of rock ’n’ roll.
In 1985 the lighthouse was scheduled for demolition, but the nonprofit HLPS took it over and has worked to preserve and restore it ever since.
A variety of bands, ranging in genre from reggae to classic rock, played from 11 a.m. to dusk, at the top of Huntington Lighthouse, a historical landmark that has existed in its current incarnation since 1912, and housed the families of keepers from the 19th- to the early 20th century.
The unique design of this festival — it is only accessible by taking a boat for about a 10-minute ride out of Huntington Harbor — adds to the excitement it generates among boaters.
“We’ve got 1,500-plus boats here from Connecticut, New Jersey, Westchester, Rhode Island. They come from all over the place,” said Pam Setchell, president of the preservation society. “There is no music fest, anywhere in the world, that is performed on top of a working lighthouse. That’s the ace in the hole. As long as my roof is in good shape, we’re good,” she said with a laugh.
The Next Level, one of the festival’s acts, was thrilled to be back performing for the third time.
“It is awesome. We love playing here,” said Althea, the group’s lead singer.
And, to top off the day of festivities, lights illuminate the small lighthouse as dusk approaches, creating a colorful spectacle.
The festival was free to attend, and all proceeds from the 50/50 raffle went toward lighthouse restoration.
Labor Day is a time for families to come together and savor the final moments of summer. It’s one day when adults don’t have to think about working and kids don’t have to worry about the impending first day of school. So, this Labor Day, TBR News Media asked beachgoers at Lake Ronkonkoma how they were enjoying their day off.
Bruno.
Jenny, Corona
Jenny spent the day relaxing in the sand at Lake Ronkonkoma. She sunbathed, while watching her parents try their hand at catching some bass, pumpkinseed and perch. “We definitely take them home to eat. They’re delicious!” she shared. The family was very happy that Lake Ronkonkoma County Park was not too crowded. They were accompanied by their adorable dog, Bruno.
Katherine, Plainview
Katherine, Josephine and Michael.
Katherine and her mother Josephine were looking for something different to do with Katherine’s young son, Michael. So, when “most things weren’t open,” the family decided to head to the lake and have a picnic. “Our dog, Rocky, is enjoying nature and Michael won’t keep his shoes on,” laughed Katherine
James, Ronkonkoma
James and his dog, Jake.
James’ furry companion, Jake, loved every minute of ripping up his sand-riddled soccer ball. James was joined by family — including a little one who “loves Labor Day” — as they spent their day enjoying the sunshine and breeze.
Ava, East Meadow
Ava and her family.
Ava arrived with her husband and three kids to embark on a day of fishing. Equipped with their rods and beach chairs, the family was eager to give it a shot.
Diana, Ronkonkoma
From left to right: Diana’s friend. her son and Diana.
Diana was with her two children, and was joined by her best friend, and her son. She said that they “were having a phenomenal day” at Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park, as they took photos near the water. “My son has autism and loves being at the lake. It makes him very happy,” said Diana’s friend.
Emily Augulis, Bohemia
Emily Augulis and her mom, Milynn.
Emily shared that she spent her Saturday in Sag Harbor, with her mother, Milynn. Together, they perused the shops, chatted and admired some of the luxury boats docked in Sag Harbor Bay. “It was a really beautiful way to spend Labor Day Weekend, and [Sag Harbor] is such a nice town,” Emily said.
Maddie Pittigher, San Diego
Maddie with her snorkel.
Maddie spent this Labor Day in San Diego, as she prepares to start her computational biology, doctoral program, in the coming weeks. But, her family provided us with a few thoughts her daughter relayed, about spending her first holiday across the coast. She snorkeled and took in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.“I had such a beautiful time at the beach. It was a great day to just relax, take time for myself and think about the sacrifices of those who work every day.” Maddie said that if she were back home on the Island, “she would be eating burgers and hot dogs” in her family’s backyard.
From left to right: Lt. Michael O’Connell, Michael Barasch, John Feal and Lee London. Photo courtesy Michelle Loeb
By Toni-Elena Gallo
A lawyer and former construction worker have banded together to ensure all Sept. 11 victims receive their fair share.
Michael Barasch and John Feal have worked both together and separately for years on behalf of those who suffered health complications as a result of being at or near Ground Zero during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Michael Barasch standing in front of a firefighter’s uniform, in Washington D.C. Courtesy Michelle Loeb
Barasch’s law firm — Barasch & McGarry, located half a mile from the site of the attacks — was instrumental in getting the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 passed. This act was named after former NYPD Detective James Zadroga who died from pulmonary fibrosis caused by inhaling toxins at Ground Zero. This act greatly expanded the number of people in the 9/11 community who could access health benefits.
“Less than 10% of civilians are in [the World Trade Center Health Program] and the reason that we hear most often, when I ask someone with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, why they have not enrolled yet, is that ‘I didn’t know it was for nonresponders,’” Feal said.
“People think it’s just the firefighters and cops who were able to get medical assistance. And, if they did know that they were eligible, they didn’t want to take away ‘from those firefighters and cops, because I was only a teacher at Stuyvesant High School,’ or ‘I was only an office worker at Goldman Sachs.’ They don’t realize that they are entitled to this free health care,” he continued.
The 2015 reauthorization of the act added $4.6 billion to the Victim Compensation Fund, which was originally only in place from its 2001 inception to 2004.
John Feal at Ground Zero, in 2001. Courtesy Michelle Loeb
The fund is available to compensate all eligible 9/11 victims for illness, injury or death and anyone else who was in the exposure zone between Sept. 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.
“They’re entitled to hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation because the government assured us the air was safe to breathe down there, and it wasn’t,” Feal explained.
As for Feal’s individual story, he was a demolition supervisor who developed gangrene and sepsis after an 8,000-pound steel beam crushed his foot during cleanup on Sept. 17, 2001. As a result of his and his friends’ experiences, he established the FealGood Foundation. He played a key role in lobbying Congress to permanently extend and fully fund the Victim Compensation Fund. Their efforts culminated in the passage of the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Compensation Fund Act, in 2019. This law guarantees funding for all eligible VCF claims, through 2090.
And these men are not done fighting yet.
New legislation sought
A bill entitled the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024, sponsored by a bipartisan group of legislators — including Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Congressmen Andrew Garbarino (R-NY2) and Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY4) — is seeking to introduce key changes to the WTC Health Program.
A map which represents areas of Manhattan, where people can see zones in which compensation/health benefits is attainable. Courtesy Michelle Loeb
A few of these improvements include adjusting the amount of funding, according to inflation, by about 5% each; having funding reflect changes in the number of individuals enrolled in the program; giving those afflicted moved-up medical appointments; and reallocating unused funds to support ongoing health services, such as Medicare.
The men are also eager to expand the types of mental health professionals authorized to certify mental health conditions for 9/11 responders and survivors.
“Cancer’s the sexy word in the 9/11 community,” Feal said. “But, PTSD should be on everybody’s autopsy and death certificate. In 2005, the Surgeon General said post-traumatic stress disorder is a physical injury. PTSD does not allow you — your immune system — to fight cancers. It’s physical and mental stress on the body. And, we don’t talk about PTSD enough, because cops and firefighters, and all of these macho tattoo, bearded construction workers, don’t like to discuss it, but it’s not a stigma.”
Feal and Barasch have achieved a number of legislative wins and express that they don’t intend to start losing now.
“Now, while we do have enough money until 2027, we don’t want to wait until 2027. We are going to get this bill passed this year. Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, the other advocates — the congressmen from Long Island — I don’t discriminate whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican. I’m 19 for 19 on getting legislation passed, and I’m not about to fail,” Feal explained.
“Tens of thousands of people rely on our help, and the number of people with various types of cancers and illnesses rises by the year,” he added.
Both Feal and Barasch told how the funding they are pursuing will allow more illnesses to be recognized by the health program, as well as help with medical research into the conditions.
According to Barasch, “We lose two clients every day at my firm — all from 9/11 cancers. And, it is so heartbreaking. I’m so frustrated that more people aren’t taking advantage of these two programs, because we take this so personally, and not just because we made all these trips to Washington. Two of my paralegals died of 9/11 illnesses. Four others in my office, including me, are cancer survivors.” (Barasch has been diagnosed with prostate and skin cancer.)
On Sept. 14, Feal will be holding a memorial ceremony at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park in Nesconset, while Barasch will be speaking at a candlelight vigil in New Jersey located at Liberty State Park, Jersey City.
Ron Borgese and his wife, Hui Yan. Photo by Johness Kuisel
Snowy. Photo by Jones's Kaiser
By Toni-Elena Gallo
Newlyweds Ron Borgese and Hui Yan have suffered a setback to their lives together. But, an adorable puppy has managed to smooth it over a bit.
At 2:30 in the morning on Monday, Aug. 19, the couple’s tiny bichon, Snowy, startled them with loud barking. What they woke up to was catastrophic.
Last week’s severe rain storm destroyed the dam which separated Stony Brook’s Mill Pond from Stony Brook Harbor, and the Borgeses’ Main Street home was in the process of being demolished.
“We left the house, not in fear, but because we thought we might get wet, because a tree fell on our roof, and we thought we saw it come through the roof a little bit. We had no idea what was occurring, because the basement wasn’t even flooding. Then, all of a sudden, we had a torrential 1 foot, 2 foot, 4 foot — all in a half-hour’s time,” Borgese said.
He continued, “Because the dam broke, the whole Mill Pond rushed through a massive hole, which ultimately ripped off our bedroom, and the rest of our house is now condemned.”
Borgese said that Snowy is “our hero right now.” He said that if it wasn’t for him, there would be no doubt we would’ve been swept away with the currents.
As of now, the family is living in a hotel as they determine their next steps. And Snowy is doing great.
“We are waiting to hear from the insurance company, but they’re not cooperating very nicely, so far,” Borgese added. “So, I’m sure hoping that they’re going to do the right thing. If not, we’ll have to figure out what to do.”
He is hoping that FEMA and the Red Cross will be heavily involved with the repair efforts needed in Stony Brook village, and that Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is serious about her promises to the area.
Scenes of the library’s destruction. Photo by Rob Lusak
Scenes of the library’s destruction. Photo by Rob Lusak
Scenes of the library’s destruction. Photo by Rob Lusak
Scene of the library’s destruction. Photo by Rob Lusak
By Toni-Elena Gallo
The Smithtown Library is in disarray after the early morning hours of the Aug. 19 blindsiding storm that dropped at least 9 inches of rain on a chunk of Suffolk’s North Shore and caused flooding of dire proportions.
Rob Lusak, director of the library, described some of the catastrophic damage.
“On Monday, the water literally filled up to the ceiling,” he said. “On the lower level, water came rushing in with such pressure that it smashed through a double-hung window. We got to work at 7 a.m., and couldn’t even get into the lower level until 4:40 [that afternoon]. That’s when we began recovery mode.”
Rainbow Restoration, a flood remediation company, was called in to extract the water clogging up the stairwells, while the Smithtown Fire Department pumped out even more.
“Once the water made its way down, it settled in the stairwells,” Lusak said. “I mean, when you get about 11 inches of rain, in two hours … . And worse than that was the sludge — the muddy, wet sludge that filled everything up — the sheer amount of that water. It cannot be caught by storm drains and lawns. It just can’t.”
The library was far from the only location in the area hit hard by this once-in-a-lifetime storm, as “Smithtown Town Hall got 4 or 5 feet of water,” he added.
The damage to the library is — to put it lightly — extensive.
Lusak’s “guesstimate” of costs is around $10 million which would include the replacement of the LearnLab, an area that was equipped with 3D printers and computers, among other equipment, also carpets, sheetrock, etc. More or less, an entirely new lower level.
“We’ll be down to concrete and steel studs,” he said.
As of Aug. 27, the library still had no power. In the interim, employees have been relocated to the other libraries within The Smithtown Library family at Nesconset, Commack and Kings Park that were not badly affected by the storm.
Perhaps the most devastating impact this storm has had is on the library’s Richard H. Handley Collection of Long Island Americana. Full of priceless documents, this area of the library contained a vault that included documents from Richard Smith — the founder of the town — and paperwork signed by Thomas Jefferson.
That section of the library was hit the harshest of all, with flooding penetrating the vault and harming the artifacts.
However, there is hope for this one-of-a-kind archive.
“We were very lucky to have an archivist fly in from Detroit, to look at our crown jewels,” Lusak said. “He thinks they can be fully restored. Two tractor trailers pulled up, which took all of the artifacts in tubs, back to Detroit. The trucks are freezers, actually. Once they arrive, they will be thawed, sanitized and restored. But, it will be at least a year before we see them again.”
As for what’s next, Lusak said that Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine’s (R) Aug. 19 State of Emergency Declaration, and Sunday’s approval of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) request for a federal Emergency Declaration were instrumental in getting things moving.
According to the state’s website (www.ny.gov), this declaration will allow “direct federal assistance,” through FEMA, “to provide emergency protective measures, including actions to protect critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges, water control facilities, utilities and mass transit facilities.” Additionally it will allow “disaster recovery experts … to work with local and federal partners, to determine the state’s ability to request a federal Major Disaster Declaration and low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.”
Lusak said that the library’s insurance has been contacted, and papers have been submitted: “We are cleaning up, and we will rebuild. Better than ever.”
Cleanup efforts are underway at the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Photo by Johness Kuisel
Cleanup efforts are underway at the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Photo by Johness Kuisel
Cleanup efforts are underway at the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Photo by Johness Kuisel
Cleanup efforts are underway at the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Photo by Johness Kuisel
Cleanup efforts are underway at the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Cleanup efforts are underway at the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Cleanup efforts are underway at the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Photo by Denis Lynch
By Toni-Elena Gallo
The village of Stony Brook is on the mend following the devastating Aug. 18-19 storm.
Gloria Rocchio, president of The Ward Melville Heritage Organization spoke to TBR News Media about the latest updates on Harbor Road., the Mill Pond, Mill Creek Road and the community as a whole.
On Saturday, Aug. 24, All Souls Episcopal Church on Main Street held an After the FloodThanksgiving ceremony, celebrating the resilience of the village. Both Christian and Jewish prayers were recited, as well as the Lakota Native American prayer, “O! Great Spirit.” People were gathered, songs were sung and according to Rocchio, “healing happened.”
Stony Brook University, which saw some dormitory basements flooded with up to 9 feet of water, has been assessed, and the damage cost is estimated at $22 million.
In addition, the Avalon Nature Preserve’s displaced wildlife is being attended to by Strong Island Animal Rescue League in Port Jefferson Station, and Sweetbriar Nature Center, located in Smithtown.
“A night heron was found under a creek, afraid. Sweetbriar took it, gave it medicine and released it behind Rob Taylor’s house, which is on the creek. And, I’ll tell you, that bird took off like crazy,” Rocchio said.
“As for the creek, the wildlife is coming back. There’s some water, there again. Mallard ducks, two swans — it’s coming back. But, unless the dam is rebuilt and the road is built, every time there is heavy rain, it will end up behind the creek, behind the houses or in the houses,” she added.
Rocchio said that the flow of water has changed since the house on Harbor Road was destroyed. “The flow has to go back, because there is so much sand in the creek, it needs to be taken out and put back where it was, because it is eroding all the trees on Mill Creek Road. Every time the tide [from Stony Brook Harbor] goes in and out, it erodes the land more.”
The Mill Pond has seen an increase in water flow as well. However, “the sand coming in” with it, is not good for the health of the pond. The sediment running along with the water is, however, instrumental in “flushing it.”
“But, it still flows from springs, from all over. But, not a lot,” she elaborated.
Rocchio is hoping elected officials will “move quickly” to restore the area’s delicate ecosystem.
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours Mill Dam storm damage in Stony Brook. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours Mill Dam storm damage in Stony Brook. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours Mill Dam storm damage in Stony Brook. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours Mill Dam storm damage in Stony Brook. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours Mill Dam storm damage in Stony Brook. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours Mill Dam storm damage in Stony Brook. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours Mill Dam storm damage in Stony Brook. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours Mill Dam storm damage in Stony Brook. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours Mill Dam storm damage in Stony Brook. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours Mill Dam storm damage in Stony Brook. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours Mill Dam storm damage in Stony Brook. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours SUNY Stony Brook storm damage. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours SUNY Stony Brook storm damage. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours SUNY Stony Brook storm damage. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
August 27, 2024 — Stony Brook, NY —
Governor Kathy Hochul tours SUNY Stony Brook storm damage. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
Extensive water damage at the Gitto Group’s properties. Photo by Rob Gitto
Extensive water damage at the Gitto Group’s properties. Photo by Rob Gitto
Extensive water damage at the Gitto Group’s properties. Photo by Rob Gitto
Extensive water damage at the Gitto Group’s properties. Photo by Rob Gitto
Extensive water damage at the Gitto Group’s properties. Photo by Rob Gitto
Extensive water damage at the Gitto Group’s properties. Photo by Rob Gitto
By Toni-Elena Gallo
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) and Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico (R), declared a State of Emergency, following the Aug. 18-19 devastating storm.
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) responded by procuring President Joe Biden’s (D) approval for a federal Emergency Declaration. This allows for federal resources and assistance to be provided for the necessary repairs, prevalent in hard-hit western and middle Suffolk. FEMA will provide emergency protective measures, such as the protection of critical infrastructure facilities. According to the state’s website, “with this Emergency Declaration secured, New York’s disaster recovery experts are continuing to work with local and federal partners, to determine the state’s ability to also request a federal Major Disaster Declaration and low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.”
Hochul toured the damage of both Stony Brook University and the site of the Mill Pond dam collapse. At the event, Hochul said, “In the wake of unprecedented rainfall, we continue to support Suffolk County to ensure those impacted can get back to life as usual as quickly as possible. … But seeing the people of Long Island come together to rebuild, shows the true strength of New York.”
Over in Port Jefferson, the toll of the extreme weather event is still being felt.
Rob Gitto, of the Gitto Group in Port Jefferson village, was blindsided by the severity of the storm.
“We were watching the storm closely, as we do with other major storms. I went to bed at 11;30 p.m. We checked our cameras, watched our radars and it looked like everything was going to stop in an hour,” Gitto said.
“But, this was a unique storm, where it apparently came from the North to the South, so it was a different situation. In fact, one of my employees was on standby, and went down to both [our] buildings, at around 12:30 p.m., and everything seemed fine. But, I just happened to wake up at 1:30 a.m., and whenever I can see the floors of one of the lobbies glistening, I know it’s water,” he added.
Gitto went down to the area immediately, and walked into a disaster area.
“Unfortunately, there was nowhere to pump water at that point. This particular area is taking on quite a bit of the village’s stormwater. You can see it in video footage, coming down the hill, and hitting the CVS, Barnum property, first, and then it seeped into The Brookport property.”
He said that Brookport, on Barnum Avenue, was made with the “latest and greatest” drainage requirements, but the almost-11 inches overwhelmed the system. Flood doors were on some of the water entry points, but those were, also, quickly overcome. The properties do have flood insurance.
Gitto said his main priority in the coming months will be to replace the cardio equipment in the two gyms, rip up the carpets, take out the damp sheetrock and repainting.
Rocky Point is not faring much better. Hagerman Landing Road, a dead end street, had five homes severely flooded.
In the coming weeks, more information will become available about updated financial aid disbursements.
For all the latest coverage, go to our website at tbrnewsmedia.com.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (right.) File photo
By Toni-Elena Gallo
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) held a Zoom press conference with local media publications Friday, July 26.
Romaine’s opening remarks emphasized the importance of local media, and his desire to give the press an opportunity to “write the stories you need to write.”
He then briefly discussed some of his seven-month tenure’s accomplishments, including the approval of the Water Quality Restoration Act that aims to rectify Suffolk’s sewer systems subject to a referendum on Election Day, Nov. 5.
Romaine is looking to put sewer infrastructure “on steroids,” as 70% of the county utilizes pollutant-rich cesspools.” His plan is to put “densely populated areas of Suffolk, whenever possible, on sewers,” and the less densely-populated areas on Innovative/Alternative septic systems that will denature the ground and surface water.
Romaine stated that the county will be purchasing new vehicles for the Suffolk County Police Department as well, and he intends to improve police and county government’s mental health services.
Additionally, the county executive expressed concern that Long Island is being “short changed” by the state and federal governments, in which the Island “does not get its fair share.”
“I want to know what happened to the infrastructure money that I supported that President Biden [D] put forward, or the environmental bond issue that the governor put forward, which I supported. … I just don’t see that money flowing to Long Island,” he said.
He gave a local example where Suffolk is deprived of comparative support: “For bus transportation and funding, we get $40 million. Nassau County, which is one-third the size of Suffolk, gets $103 million.”
Romaine went on to share that recently he submitted “one of the largest capital budgets in Suffolk’s history.”
This comes from his wish to fix many of the county’s dilapidated properties that have lacked maintenance. “It’s time that we maintain our roads, our bridges and our infrastructure,” he said.
Romaine went on to discuss his objective to lessen the Island’s high traffic congestion: “How about redoing the bridge over Nicholls Road? How about adding a third lane to the Sagtikos/Sunken Meadow Parkway?”
Furthermore, Romaine spoke of some of his disappointments with the state’s relationship with Suffolk.
For example, when discussing the Long Island Rail Road, Romaine said, “I come from a county where electrification stops at Babylon, Huntington and Ronkonkoma, and everything east of that being diesel. Really? Why aren’t we subject to getting electric trains? Why do we have to put up with dirty diesel?”
Back in April, Suffolk County legislators Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and Ann Welker (D-Southampton) introduced the “Skip the Stuff” bill, which is designed to reduce the amount of condiment packages and single-use utensils distributed.
This bill would prohibit restaurants and food delivery services from providing plastic utensils, straws, condiments or napkins with takeout and delivery food orders, unless the customer explicitly requests them.
This initiative’s goal is to prevent waste, both environmentally and monetarily, as it aims to reduce the pollutant side effects of plastic microparticles and reduce high restaurant overhead costs, respectively.
The bill did not progress out of the Health Committee, as some officials felt that the legislation was a bit of an overstep, and needed fine tuning. Englebright does plan on reintroducing the bill “in some form,” going forward.
So TBR News Media took to the streets, and asked locals what they thought about the matter.
Juan Mendez, Mount Sinai
Juan, an employee of Dunkin’ Donuts, did not believe the bill will make a significant difference, as his
Juan Mendez. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
restaurant already follows the proposals, more or less.
“We already do that, unless the customer asks us [for condiments or spoons] to be included,” he said.
He explained that there is “an outside area, for any customers that need napkins or straws,” they are just not put in bags by the staff.
“A lot of users don’t even use [these things automatically included] in the bag. If you don’t need it, it’s wasteful.”
Brittany, Port Jefferson
Brittany, who works in Port Jefferson village, had a nuanced stance on the issue.
“I understand for environmental reasons why this would want to be done, completely. But, when you go out, you need something, especially if you’re getting something like ice cream,” she said.
She added that “maybe, if we could use spoons that were better for the environment,” that could provide a potential middle ground.
Angelina of Miller Place and
co-worker Debbie
Both women felt the bill would have a positive impact on the environment.
“I agree with [minimizing plastic utensils]. At the same time, it can be annoying, when it’s not available but I think it is so good for the environment,” Angelina said.
Her co-worker, Debbie, echoed similar sentiments.
“It is a good thing for the environment. On the other hand, like everything, there is a pro and a con to it. For customers who need these things, it can be an inconvenience. But, we have to look a generation ahead. What kind of lifestyle will our grandkids be having [if we pollute our environment] with plastic? It is time to start thinking about the future, and not just now. If it is for our betterment it is worth the sacrifice, and every change must start somewhere.”
Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Debbie declined for her picture to be taken and other personal information to be included.
Sam, Port Jefferson
Sam a hostess, felt that customers expect extras as part of their takeout orders. And, that they may not be
pleased if that changed.
“We always give ketchup and utensils. Nobody really asks for it, but, I feel like if we don’t give them, they are going to [be upset]. People come to expect it, as part of the service. You don’t know where everybody is going — they could be going outside to eat and not going home,” she said.
On July 19, a “routine” Microsoft software update left the world in chaos.
The cloud-based, cyber security firm, CrowdStrike, which is utilized by Microsoft, released a defective, antivirus security update, pertaining to the firm’s Falcon Sensor. The system is installed in approximately 70-80% of global PCs and numerous company servers,
Microsoft Windows operating system’s omnipresence, across major industrial hubs, affected crucial infrastructure, such as airlines, the London Stock Exchange, banks and other forms of commerce, to temporarily halt service.
Some companies, including Delta, are still facing major delays, as of July 22. Many small businesses are continuing to play catch-up, as their computers slowly return to normal.
“Small businesses rely on third parties for this not to happen and instead, it became a ‘code red’ situation. … The ripple effects from this could be felt for days and weeks ahead,” said Dan Ives, Wedbush Securities tech analyst.
This problem led to widespread disruptions and caused the ‘blue screen of death’ to appear on Windows PCs.
CrowdStrike has fixed the mishap, but said that it could take “some time” for all systems to be back up and running, while Microsoft has stated that over 8 million devices have been affected by, what they are calling, the “largest IT outage in history.”
Here on Long Island, DMVs were unable to process transactions, the LIRR experienced scheduling issues and numerous Starbucks’ ordering-ahead options were disabled, forcing people to pay in cash.
“I went to order my morning coffee on the Starbucks app, as I do each morning, and was prompted with an error message,” said Samantha Rutt, a Stony Brook resident.
“Instead of preordering, I went into the store and there was a line longer than I have ever seen. The baristas looked as if they had a long morning at just 9 a.m. Just before my turn, the store manager started comping everyone’s orders.”
Northwell Health implemented “standard emergency response procedures,” where needed, as it experienced “sporadic” technology failures. Stony Brook Medicine officials confirmed that their operations were uninterrupted.
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) was quick to assure New York state residents that there was “no indication this [was] a hack or a cybersecurity threat.”
According to Markus Rauschecker, a cybersecurity expert with the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security, industries should view this episode as a wake-up call, of sorts.
“The bottom line is every organization, every kind of entity, needs to have a plan in place because the question is not if something like this is going to happen again, but when. And when another incident happens, you have to be prepared,” he said.
