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Rosie the Cow

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead will host a “Get Arty” painting party with certified art instructor, Ginger Baer, on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Connect with your inner artist and show your self-expression as you create an 11”x14” portrait of Hallockville’s resident cow, Rosie. No previous artistic experience is necessary. Ms. Baer and an assistant artist will teach the class art theory and painting techniques.

Fee is $35, $30 members and includes wine and light refreshments. Advance registration is required by visiting www.hallockville.org.

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Pictured Above: Legislator Bontempi with Kieran Johnson of the Huntington Arts Council

On September 4, at the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.) sponsored a resolution to appoint Kieran Johnson as a member of the Suffolk County Citizens Advisory Board for the Arts, representing the 18th Legislative District. The Advisory Board, comprised of one member from each of Suffolk’s 18 legislative districts, plays a vital role in shaping, reviewing, and recommending arts policies and programs that enhance the cultural landscape of Suffolk County.

Kieran Johnson has long been a key figure in the Long Island arts community. Since 2022, he has served as the Executive Director of the Huntington Arts Council, an organization he has been actively involved with since 2017. His leadership extends beyond this role, having previously chaired the Town of Huntington’s Public Art Advisory Committee. Kieran Johnson also currently serves as Co-Chair of Arts & Experience for the Huntington Chamber of Commerce, further demonstrating his dedication to promoting the arts.

 “Kieran’s extensive experience and deep commitment to the arts makes him an ideal representative for the 18th Legislative District. I’m confident that his leadership will be instrumental in advancing arts initiatives across Suffolk County.” said Legislator Bontempi. 

“I am deeply honored to be appointed to the Citizens Advisory Board for the Arts for Legislative District 18 and this opportunity to support and uplift the creative sector in our community, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive and remain accessible to the public. I look forward to working collaboratively with the CAB and Legislator Bontempi to continue to foster a vibrant cultural landscape across Suffolk County.” said Kieran Johnson.

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Photo by Steve Zaitz

Trinity Community Arts Center, 130 Main Street, Northport presents a photography exhibit by award-winning photojournalist and TBR News Media’s very own sports writer/photographer Steve Zaitz from Oct. 6 to 19. Titled Blue, Sweat & Tears, the exhibit will showcase 150 large size photos featuring local high school athletes in all their highest and lowest emotional moments on the field as well as spectacular action shots.

The community is invited to an opening reception on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Light snacks, soft drinks and wine will be served. For more information, please call 631-637-2278.

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Capital projects fund review of East Beach bluff stabilization shows an estimated $800,000 budget overspend. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Lynn Hallarman

The final report reviewing the capital projects fund was presented to the public by CPA firm, PKF O’Connor Davies of Hauppauge, at the Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees Sept. 25 meeting, ending a year of uncertainty over the financial condition of the fund.

The most significant conclusion was an estimated $1.27 million in overspending on capital projects done without an identified funding source. The largest overage was the East Beach bluff stabilization project of about $800,000.

Why the review was done

One year ago, concerns were raised by then newly-appointed village treasurer, Stephen Gaffga, about the bookkeeping practices that track the village’s capital projects fund. This prompted village officials to hire PKF O’Connor Davies to give a full historical accounting of the fund’s financial recordkeeping. The review spanned from May 2016 to May 2023.

“I noticed shortly after starting my position as treasurer in September of 2023 that our capital projects fund looked like every expense account had a negative balance, which immediately raised red flags for me,” Gaffga said in an interview with TBR News Media.

Gaffga noted that best practices recommended by the Office of the New York State Comptroller were not being followed, making it difficult to track how money was being spent on individual projects.

Ideally a capital project fund ledger should give a granular view of how money flows though different projects and meticulously accounts for funding and payments related to each project, according to the OSC.

The village additionally enlisted Charlene Kagel, CPA — former commissioner of finance for the Town of Brookhaven and ex-Southampton village administrator — as an expert municipal finance consultant to assist the village as it corrects bookkeeping practices to comply with state guidelines.

Reports findings

According to PKF O’Connor Davies, the purpose of the capital projects fund review was to identify which projects have been funded, which have been overspent and what grant funds for specific projects have not yet been reimbursed to the village.

The report provided a clearer picture of the capital fund financial state, especially addressing the overall negative balance observed a year ago. PKF detailed 26 projects as having a deficit fund balance.

Reviewers also noted that “recordkeeping varied by project” — or in other words, the bookkeeping lacked a consistent approach across the ledgers.

Overall, the review revealed an $8.1 million total deficit as of May 31, 2023. “Most of this deficit, an estimated $5 million, is due to grants expected but not yet received by the village,” Gaffga said.

The estimated $1.27 million shortfall comes from spending on a few large projects, most of which, $800,000, is attributed to the bluff stabilization project.

Gaffga explained that the additional spending on the bluff project occurred incrementally over several years starting in 2017, with board members approving these expenses without first identifying a funding source.

Recommendations

Recommendations to the village boil down to one improvement: Follow bookkeeping guidance outlined by the OSC.

The report also identifies the absence of a long-term capital projects fund plan for the village.

Kagel told TBR that an excellent capital plan should include a list of proposed projects by department heads and for municipalities to assign each project a “priority ranking” year by year.

“The board ranks what projects are most important and then figures out how they are going to pay for it,” she said.

Gaffga added, “There will need to be an identified funding source to correct that $1.27 million deficit in the capital fund.”

Gaffga pointed out, however, that this amount is an unaudited estimation. The village has hired a new accounting firm, R.S. Abrams & Co. of Islandia, to finalize the numbers cited in the report before village officials will move forward with a financial plan to reimburse the capital projects fund, as required by municipal law.

“Bottom line, it’s just bad bookkeeping. The village didn’t follow the recommended practice and accounting procedures that are set forth by the state and this is what happens when you don’t,” Kagel said.

Moving forward

The treasurer for a municipality is the custodian of all capital funds, responsible for tracking the finances of each project and developing financial reports for the board and the public.

“At the same time, the board is ultimately responsible for the oversight of the village financials,” Kagel said. “It’s pretty clear that municipalities aren’t supposed to overspend their budget, according to general municipal law in New York State.”

“Stephen [Gaffga] has implemented an OSC best practice, tracking each project financial detail to be sent to the board monthly, so the board can say, ‘Hey, how come we’re in the red on this project?’” she said.

“I’m glad we are now through the most difficult part of the capital projects fund review process and we now know exactly where the village stands,” Mayor Lauren Sheprow said in an email statement to TBR News Media.

“Now the village can proceed to develop a truly transparent capital project plan with guidance from our new Budget and Finance Committee and our incredible treasurer, Stephen Gaffga,” she added.

The full report can be viewed on the Village of Port Jefferson website at www.portjeff.com, and the next Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Oct. 9, as a work session.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jaime Gonzalez. Photo courtesy of Gurwin

Annual Tribute Recognizes Efforts to Improve Quality, Safety and Equity of Patient Care

 Gurwin Healthcare System recently announced that Jaime Gonzalez, RN, of Brentwood, has been honored as a Quality Improvement Champion by United Hospital Fund as part of its annual Tribute to Excellence in Healthcare. Mr. Gonzalez is a Nurse Manager at Island Nursing and Rehab Center, a 120-bed skilled nursing community located in Holtsville, part of the Gurwin Healthcare System family of services.

Mr. Gonzalez and his team care for clinically complex patients with multiple comorbidities,  including those requiring specialized care offered by Island Nursing and Rehab Center, such as Total Parental Nutrition (TPN), Lasix IVPB and Solumedrol IVPB. This specialty niche facilitates timely hospital patient discharges to Island Nursing, one of the few skilled nursing facilities on Long Island uniquely qualified to provide such treatment services. Mr. Gonzalez was recognized for his leadership skills in cultivating a supportive and caring environment, for identifying opportunities for improvement, and for bringing forth and carrying out new concept initiatives as part of Island Nursing’s nursing administration team.

“We are very pleased that UHF has recognized Jaime’s contributions to advancing the quality of care and caring at Island Nursing and Rehab Center,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. “Jaime’s hands-on leadership style and the respect and compassion he has for his patients, their families and his fellow staff is the driving force behind increased resident satisfaction and the provision of high-quality care at Island. We congratulate Jamie on this prestigious award.”

 

 

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Calling all art lovers! Spend the afternoon at two of Stony Brook’s most beloved institutions!

On Sunday, October 6 from noon to 3 p.m., visit Stony Brook University’s Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook to view Nicole Cohen: SUPER VISION before heading down the road to the Long Island Museum’s Art Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook to see A Noble Art: A New Look at the Portraits of William Sidney Mount and take an exclusive trip to visit the historic Hawkins-Mount House*.

Bus transport will take visitors to all three sites and educators and artists will be on hand in the galleries. This event is free for all — no registration is required.

Participants can check in at either location. Let a staff member know you are there for the LIM x Zuccaire Gallery Afternoon of Art. A staff member will also direct you to the shuttle bus. To check in at the Long Island Museum, head directly to the Art Museum building. At the Zuccaire Gallery at the Staller Center, you can check in at the front desk of the gallery. The first bus will leave from the Zuccaire Gallery at 12:30 pm.

For more information, call 631-751-0066 (LIM) or 631-632-7240 (Zuccaire Gallery)

*Please note that the historic Hawkins-Mount house is not handicap accessible. 

 

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Artwork by Robyn Bellospirito will be on view at the Huntington Public Library through Oct. 29.

Now through October 29, the Huntington Public Library, 338 Main St., Huntington will present Beyond Words: Healing With the Arts After Stroke, a unique gallery exhibition by artist Robyn Bellospirito.

For one year after the artist had a series of strokes in 2022, she only painted abstracted circles and many of these will be in the exhibition. The exhibition will also include more representational paintings that were done more recently, along with art works incorporating words and phrases provided by fellow stroke survivors. 

‘Impact’ by Robyn Bellospirito will be on view at the Huntington Public Library through Oct. 29.

The range of artistic styles of Bellospirito’s art has changed with the artist’s healing process. “My strokes left me with mild aphasia, making art and music far easier than words. I have created many new paintings for this exhibition that are visual representations of non-verbal language, particularly as it is interpreted through themes of music and nature. My intention is to share how I have used art and music to express myself so that others might feel inspired to find their own voice through creative mediums,” she said.

Bellospirito has noticed by attending stroke support groups and through her own healing process that though there is a lot of assistance available to stroke survivors for physical recovery, finding help for the emotional trauma of brain injury is not so easy. Not many psychologists are familiar with strokes and the grief, frustration, and sense of loss of self that many stroke survivors experience. 

Furthermore, if a stroke survivor has any level of aphasia which is a communication issue, not only does the person have difficulty expressing their thoughts and needs, but it can be incredibly isolating. Through this exhibition, the artist is hoping to raise awareness for this under-served community.

An artists reception will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m., with a presentation by Bellospirito from 2 to 3 p.m that includes interactive art and music experiences in which all will be invited to participate.

This program is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Huntington Arts Council, Inc.

For more information, call 631-427-5165.

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SUNY Distinguished Professor Rowan Ricardo Phillips. Photo by Sue Kwon

Stony Brook University Distinguished Professor Rowan Ricardo Phillips, from the College of Arts and Sciences Department of English, was recently recognized for his book, Silver, making the longlist for the National Book Award and for the Laurel Prize.

“Poetry is a grand eternal art, both timeless and timely. I’m heartened that Silver is a grain of salt in that great sea,” said Phillips. “Each book is a little something tossed into the water and shared with the world, so the fact that my work finds readers and that they respond well to it means the world to me.”

The National Book Award’s mission is to celebrate the best literature published in the United States, expand its audience, and ensure that books have a prominent place in our culture. Finalists from the longlist will be announced on October 1, 2024. The Laurel Prize, funded by the UK Poet Laureate and run by the Poetry School, is awarded to the best collection of environmental or nature poetry published that year. The Laurel Prize shortlist will be announced October 7, 2024.

“To be longlisted for the National Book Award is a huge honor, and this is the second time Professor Phillips has earned that honor (previously in 2015 for his second book, Heaven). Silver is a tremendous accomplishment and a major addition to a brilliant poetic career. There really is no other voice in poetry quite like this,” said Benedict Robinson, professor and chair in the Department of English. “On the one hand this book emerges from centuries of poetic tradition, whose discoveries Phillips takes and makes his own; on the other hand it echoes with voices in the vernacular from contemporary New York and from his upbringing in the Bronx. The truly great talent, as T.S. Eliot wrote, takes up a tradition and, in doing so, transforms it. This poetry takes up and transforms multiple traditions and cultures, and from them makes something entirely new.”

In addition to being longlisted for the National Book Award and the Laurel Prize, Silver was recently reviewed in the Times Literary Supplement. Phillips’ poem “The First and Final Poem Is the Sun” also was included in Best American Poetry 2024. To culminate his recent recognition, Stony Brook University’s Department of English will host a poetry reading and reception on November 14 at 5:00 p.m. at the Stony Brook University Poetry Center.

Phillips earned his doctorate in English Literature from Brown University in 2003. He is recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including the Nicolás Guillén Outstanding Book Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, the PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sports writing, a fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, the PEN/Joyce Osterweil Award for Poetry, a Whiting Award, and the GLCA New Writers Award. He has also been a finalist for the National Book Award for his poetry collection, Heaven, the Griffin International Poetry Prize, the NAACP Award for Outstanding Work in Poetry, and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

 

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Pictured at the Legislature from left to right: DSS Deputy Commissioner AnneMarie Sexton, DSS Division Administrator Carleen Newlands, Legislator Bontempi, Elaine Lanci, DSS Commissioner John E. Imhof, PhD, LCSW, Deputy County Executive Dr. Sylvia Diaz, and DSS Social Services Training Specialist Stephanie Macauley.

On September 25, Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.) recognized East Northport resident Elaine Lanci, who was nominated as Employee of the Month for the Suffolk County Department of Social Services for the month of May, at the Legislature in Hauppauge. The Employee of the Month program at the Department of Social Services acknowledges the hard work of over 1200 employees each month. A selection committee assists in choosing at least one deserving employee for this recognition.

Lanci, a Casework Assistant in the Family Time Unit, has been with the Department of Social Services’ Family and Children Services Administration (FCSA) since 2009. She supervises visits between parents and children and is highly valued for her experience, dedication, and support to both staff and families. Landi’s ability to foster positive connections, even in challenging situations, has earned her praise from colleagues and the families she serves.

Legislator Bontempi said, “Elaine’s dedication to her work and the families she serves is truly remarkable. She consistently goes above and beyond, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she helps, and makes her a deserving recipient of this recognition.”

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Pixabay photo

TBR’s coverage this week of a heroic cop who plugged a colleague’s bullet wound, with his own hands, to prevent him from bleeding to death, (see story in paper,) is a truly inspirational example of the human spirit.

In a world of such chaos and confusion, what does it say about this man that his primal instinct was to save an injured person? Not to analyze or question him, poke or prod him.

But to save him.

What it says is that we are fundamentally good. We may get that fact a little mixed up at times, but if we can step back from our stubbornness and fixations on the characteristics that separate us, it will become apparent that we all should be focusing on the one characteristic that is already within us, that is baked into our DNA: kindness

And, no. Not kindness in the corny or insincere sense that many people use to deceitfully act as if they are holier-than-thou. “Kindness” in a genuinely caring way about the welfare of those in your life and community.

We can all learn a lot from an action as noble as the one performed by this man.

Over the past few years, there has been contentious debate, analyzing the roles police officers serve in our everyday lives. Some people believe that they overstep, while others feel that they are under appreciated.

Adding to the omnipresence of this law enforcement dilemma, just this week, County Executive Ed Romaine (R) announced in his proposed budget that the Suffolk County Police Department intends to put an extra 330 officials, including cops, detectives and corrections officers, on the force.

However, no matter how one feels regarding the political intricacies of our society, we can all agree that every cop — every human being — should aspire to this level of goodness.

Many people preach the importance of benevolence — an act of kindness, but, far too often, people are not willing to give that word meaning. Police officers take an oath to protect and defend.

So, maybe, if we follow in the example of those who are willing to sacrifice their lives — or in a less severe instance, their comfort — for the care of people, we can live in a society that is a little more temperate, a little more understanding and a lot more loving.

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