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Strongs Neck couple winners of District 1 Compost Tumbler Giveaway

by Press Release - May 7, 2024

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0-4 — Richard and Linda Belmont with Councilmember Kornreich. Photo from TOB

Recently, Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich presented a compost tumbler to Richard and Linda Belmont of Strongs Neck, winners of the Town of Brookhaven’s “Compost Tumbler Giveaway” from Council District 1.

The contest was held on the Town’s “CURBY Town of Brookhaven’s Recycling Can” Facebook page in honor of Earth Day. Residents pledged to reduce their waste in a variety of ways, such as bringing a reusable coffee mug or buying fresh food with little to no packaging. One winner was selected from each Town Council District.

Through its Green Energy and Sustainability Initiative, the Town has been “greening-up” its operations and facilities while saving taxpayer money by utilizing new, and more energy efficient technologies and renewable energy sources. All these efforts lower operation costs and reduce Town carbon emissions. By encouraging waste diversion through recycling and composting, the Town can further realize spending and emissions reductions.

For more information about recycling in the Town of Brookhaven, visit www.BrookhavenNY.gov.

Have a beverage at Rocky Perk and watch a Unified Eagles basketball game

by Rich Acritelli - May 6, 2024

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By Rich Acritelli

As Rocky Point High School special education teachers Jessica Gentile and Kristina Muratore sought new ways to enhance their life skills classes, Rocky Perk was started on March 17, 2023.The program offers students an opportunity to shop for needed items to make different types of coffee, refreshments and snacks. Started by using donations from staff members, Rocky Perk has seen substantial growth over the last year.

Muratore has been pleased with the progress of her students as “over the last few years our 12:1:1 program [for students with intellectual disabilities] has evolved into this outstanding experience that our students, staff and community has enjoyed. It warms my heart that everyone is able to see the daily talents of our students.”

As part of the program, the students work in a hands-on classroom that has a stove, sink, refrigerator, washer and dryer to handle the rigors of Rocky Perk, which has strengthened independent living skills. The students have also created a menu for the cafe and will be expanding their repertoire with an exciting new vanilla raspberry spritzer, which will be offered to its customers sometime soon.

Gentile glowingly identified the remarkable growth of her students as “they thrive on serving others through Rocky Perk and are independently functioning to ensure that different types of orders are properly fulfilled and delivered.”

But the life skills program does not end in the kitchen. Continuing to follow the best interests of her students, Gentile also spearheaded the implementation of the Unified Eagles basketball team led by the life skills students. The team is made up of players who have intellectual disabilities paired with mainstream student-athletes. Gentile credits the district’s athletic director, Jonathon Rufa, in being a driving force in establishing this new initiative.

As the Unified Eagles, the team has played two games. Gentile firmly believes “there is a growth of confidence in her players, who have an iron sense of pride who have also forged unique friendships. I am grateful to be part of this amazing group.”

High school students Brett Condos, Sydney Woods, Sarah May and Ella Rau have assisted the Unified Eagles on the court. A talented athlete, Woods said, “I love guiding members of this team and watching them try their very best.”

When asked about the future of this Eagles squad, it is the goal of Gentile to garner more school and public support to rally this wonderful group of players. When asked if she would again lead this team next year, Gentile said, “Heck yeah!”

Top Soccer does very special work in Smithtown

by Steven Zaitz - May 5, 2024

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By Steven Zaitz

Top Soccer, the outreach program of U.S. Soccer, or “Special Soccer” is a community-based program for young athletes with disabilities, designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl.

The Smithtown Kickers Top Soccer program is one of the largest of its kind in the region. It is led by Ernesto Cabello, powered by a group of amazing volunteers and is available to all children with special needs.

Its special Saturday soccer program runs for nine weeks during the fall and spring seasons.

These programs are provided free of charge by the Smithtown Kickers Youth League and Cabello and his staff are very proud of what they have built over the last 15 years for this program.

Bob Kinney, Maryann Passeggiata, and Jodi Feinne help Cabello run the program, which uses local kids with soccer backgrounds, known as buddies, to help guide its participants through drills and games.

“Bob has been here from the beginning and has grown the program from about 12 kids to the 70 that we have now,” said Cabello. “He is a saint.”

For more information on volunteering for this vital program visit, www.smithtownkickers.com/Default.aspx?tabid=843309

Hope House Ministries celebrates 44th anniversary

by Samantha Rutt - May 5, 2024

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Hope House Ministries celebration on April 22. Photos courtesy Carol Acker

By Samantha Rutt

For 44 years, Hope House Ministries has been a place for the broken and lost.

Founded in the spirit of St. Louis de Montfort, what started as a neighborhood response to a neighborhood issue, has expanded its service area to include all of Long Island, New England and beyond.

Hope House Ministries began in 1980 as a 10-bed facility providing crisis intervention for young men aged 16 to 21, and has since expanded to a multifaceted human service agency with housing, counseling and educational assistance for individuals and families in crisis.

On April 22, the ministry hosted a celebration at the Hope Academy at Little Portion Friary in Mount Sinai, featuring a service presided over by founder and executive director Father Frank Pizzarelli. Alumni, volunteers and several members of the community were in attendance.

Hope House Ministries is located at 1 High St., Port Jefferson (www.hhm.org).

Centereach Cougars baseball lands clean sweep against Copiague

by Bill Landon - May 5, 2024

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By Bill Landon

The Cougars of Centereach looked to make it a clean sweep when they hosted Copiague Saturday morning, April 27, in the last of a three-game series when they notched another win with a decisive 9-1 victory. The Cougars won game one 6-0, and followed it up with an 11-2 victory in game two.

Centereach senior James Krause was credited with the win, pitching five innings and allowing just the one run in the League III matchup.

Seniors Sal Gangi and Joe Desantis both had two hits as did Anthony Gagliardi and Logan Norman.

The win lifts the Cougars to 8-4 to sit atop the leaderboard tied with Half Hollow Hills East, their next opponent.

Possible rate hike on the horizon for National Grid customers on Long Island

by TBR Staff - May 4, 2024

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appliance-2257_1280-700x466 — Pixabay photo

By Brian Monahan

National Grid’s pending joint proposal before the state’s Public Service Commission could see monthly rates paid by the average residential customer increased by $28.52 for Long Island and $30.95 for New York City starting June 1 if approved.

The lengthy process of proposing a rate increase, called a “rate case,” is organized akin to a court case, with administrative judges assigned to rule over the proceedings. The entire process, as well as the subsequent public feedback and negotiations with the state, can take over a year. The most recent joint proposal came after public comment on two separate proposals was heard for the New York City and Long Island region last year.

“National Grid is proud to play a vital role in achieving New York’s energy goals. The joint proposal submitted today includes critical improvements in infrastructure maintenance and upgrades that will enable us to continue providing reliable, affordable service while advancing the state’s energy priorities,” said Phil DeCicco, New York general counsel for National Grid April 9. “We are proud of the agreement we have reached with the Department of Public Service staff and other parties and look forward to receiving additional feedback from our stakeholders in the downstate region during the upcoming public review process.”

The current proposal has elicited varying reactions across the region, especially based on National Grid’s commitment to “transition to cleaner energy sources,” and investing in its existing gas mains to reduce emissions.

“It is always troubling to see rate increases but especially at a time when our families are having an issue putting food on their tables due to the faltering economy,” said state Sen. Mario Mattera (R-St. James), a member of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee. “The fact that these increases are being pushed in an effort to comply with the rushed elimination of fuel choice in New York State is disturbing to me.”

He added, “I have repeatedly stated that these haphazard and ill-conceived efforts will cost New Yorkers trillions, and we are already seeing the impact of putting the cart before the horse.”

Rate hikes are typically approved, albeit with some modifications.

Shoreham-Wading River Wildcats wipe out Westhampton Beach Hurricanes

by Samantha Rutt - May 4, 2024

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By Bill Landon

The Wildcats of Shoreham-Wading River paid a visit to Westhampton Beach for a Division II lacrosse matchup Thursday, April 25. On paper it looked as if it should have been a close game. The Hurricanes scored first in the first 45 seconds to take the early lead, but the Wildcats rattled off six unanswered goals before Westhampton could arrest the Wildcats scoring frenzy to trail 7-2 at the halftime break.

Alex Kershis dished the ball to his brother Liam Kershis who split the pipes to put the Wildcats out front 8-2 in the opening minute of the third quarter. Sophomore attack Andrew Cimino stretched the net for his hat trick to put the Wildcats ahead 9-3 at the seven-minute mark of the third quarter. Liam Kershis struck again for his fourth goal of the game, then made it five to give the Wildcats an 11-4 lead.

First-year varsity player Noah Gregorek, an eighth grader, rattled off back-to-back goals as the Wildcats throttled the game clock for the 16-6 victory.

Liam Kershis led the way for the Wildcats with five goals and five assists, Gregorek notched three goals and two assists, and Cimino netted three with one assist.

Senior goalie and Fairfield commit, Jaden Galfano, had 11 saves in net.

Perspective: Be a neighbor helping neighbor through your local fire or ambulance department

by wpengine - May 4, 2024

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By Ed Romaine

Suffolk County has 109 volunteer fire departments and 28 EMS agencies with more than 13,000 active men and women firefighters and EMS personnel. Each year they respond to thousands of calls, never knowing what they will face as they leave their homes — saving countless lives and protecting homes and businesses in our communities.

But these departments need help. Suffolk County is currently part of an aggressive recruitment and retention drive for new volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. It is easy to take for granted that someone will swiftly come when you dial 911. Over the past two decades, our region’s recruitment has fallen behind, leaving those that remain burdened with extra responsibilities to shoulder.

The government has been working to provide more incentives to those who are interested in becoming a part of their local fire or ambulance department.

Despite what may appear as a difficult endeavor, it has never been a better time to be a volunteer firefighter or EMS personnel. Through a combination of local, state and county programs, volunteers receive property tax reduction, New York State income tax benefits, free health care checkups, free insurance, college tuition reimbursement and service pensions as well as free equipment and training.

Recently, the state income tax benefit was expanded, and the service pension was enhanced for EMTs. With rising medical costs, the value of health care and routine checkups has only increased. We will continue to work with state and local governments to expand these benefits wherever possible.

Firefighters are the heart of our communities. Whether it is in the scope of their official duties or through the many ways they charitably enhance our communities, the fire department is never out of the beat with the community.

Volunteers point to the camaraderie, lifelong friendships and professional development as reasons for joining and staying.

It has never been easier to join your local fire department. A visit to the website suffolksbravest.com will provide all the information you need to start your journey. If you have a passion for serving your community and are willing and able, now is the time to heed the call.

Ed Romaine (R) is the Suffolk County executive.

Port Jeff school budget and village parking take spotlight at trustees meeting

by Lynn Hallarman - May 4, 2024

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Trustees meeting 4-24-24 — Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Lynn Hallarman

During the April 24 Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees meeting, discussions surrounding the Port Jefferson school district budget for the year 2024-25 and the new village parking initiative took center stage.

School budget

Deputy Superintendent Sean Leister provided a detailed overview of the school district’s financial landscape, emphasizing ongoing challenges. These challenges include an uncertain timeline for resolving the Child Victims Act litigation and decreases in revenue due to the LIPA glide path agreement.

Leister reported that the Board of Education deliberated extensively on budget allocations for the upcoming year, focusing on necessary construction projects. Due to budget constraints, the school board approved four projects totaling $1 million. These projects relate to demolishing a no-longer-habitable high school portable classroom, renovating the high school orchestra room, renovating the elementary school pool and continuing a roofing project.

Reduced enrollment prompted reductions in staff positions, amounting to 3.6 full-time equivalent positions.

“I don’t say this lightheartedly for any reduction for a staff member is tough, but someone may be reduced from 100% to 80% meaning going from five classes to four,” Leister said.

The budget breakdown highlighted that 77% of the district’s funding goes to salaries and benefits.

“Once you take into account collective bargaining agreements, state regulations and state mandates, of this whole budget probably only about 4% is controllable,” he said.

Leister noted increases for the coming year in medical insurance (10%), liability insurance (4%), teacher retirement insurance (9.76%-10.25%) and utilities (4%).

Mayor Lauren Sheprow sought clarity on the reserve funds in the budget presentation. Leister indicated that the presentation did not explicitly state the details of the reserve funds. However, residents can find information about the funds on the district’s website. Leister summarized for the mayor a general breakdown of the reserve into six parts that comprise a fund for workers compensation, unemployment insurance, spikes in the retirement system, the teachers and civil service unions, and capital projects.

“Right now, our capital reserve fund is $3.1 million. We use that to do different capital projects. The way we fund it is when we have a surplus at the end of a given year — the board will pass a motion to fund that reserve up to no more than $1.5 million each year,” Leister said.

Trustee Drew Biondo asked, “Is there any working group going on to bring the community in and talk about what we are doing as a district as our enrollment drops and how we maintain our services?”

Sheprow responded, “In fact, the village created a school district interactive working group in response to taxpayer feedback about this issue. My perspective is that it is about building trust with community members to show that you are listening to them and being fiscally responsible.”

The 2024-25 second draft budget is projected at $48,018,335 ($47,066,099 in 2023-24), an increase of 2.02%.

The total amount of taxes levied by the school district for the 2024-25 academic year is estimated at $39.8 million ($39.3 million), a 1.24% increase.

The vote for or against the 2024-25 budget will be held at the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School cafeteria on Tuesday, May 21.

Managed parking

Andrew Freleng, director of the Building & Planning Department, reported on the progress of the newly-implemented parking management system. His presentation reviewed the village’s recent effort to streamline its parking infrastructure and improve user experience. The new system departs from previous practices, informed by operational recommendations from the parking committee.

The initiative kicked off with the removal of redundant signage and simplified messaging. The new system also retooled pay stations to emphasize functionality and user experience.

Freleng emphasized the use of empirical data to inform operational decision-making. The overall approach is to refine the parking management strategy over time in response to data-driven outcomes such as revenue generated and community feedback.

Managed parking in the village began April 15. Homeowners must each renew their virtual permit to park for free in village lots every two years. Renters renew every year.

Shelter Pet of the Week: Sugar

by Heidi Sutton - May 4, 2024

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MEET SUGAR!

She’s Sugar, spice and everything nice! Sugar is a delightfully sweet, and petite, chocolate-colored Min-Pin (Miniature Pinscher and Boston Terrier) Mix. This six year old girl’s journey began under some very unfortunate circumstances, originally rescued by the Smithtown Animal Shelter from a terrible breeding situation where she was used, neglected, and discarded. After medical care for being malnourished and dehydrated, this tiny survivor was later adopted… only to be returned to the shelter two years later due to her fears when it comes to meeting new people. This poor girl has been failed by humans her entire life… and we are determined to find her a real happy furr-ever EVER happy ending!

As a result of all Sugar has endured, it takes her some time and understanding to warm up to people. The key to earning Sugar’s trust is simple; a little compassion, patience and understanding. She appreciates receiving doggy treats, which helps her to learn that there are good humans out there who are loving and want to care for her. This Sugar-Pie is highly intelligent and loves to learn. She is also energetic and eager to please.

Sugar can become protective of her people, however she will listen when corrected. She would be best suited in a quiet home with no other pets or children. Let’s get her story out to the world far and wide… if you’re not the right person for this sweetheart, you can still help by sharing her story on Social Media and with friends, neighbors and family.

If you are interested in meeting Sugar, please fill out an application and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and a Dog Walk trail.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com.

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