Kings Park Central School District's Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall on April 2. Photo from Town of Smithtown
On April 2nd, student leaders from RJO Intermediate School, in the Kings Park Central School District’s Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall for a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how local government serves the community.
Accompanied by Superintendent Dr. Timothy Eagan and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Cartisano, the students were welcomed by Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and representatives from several Town departments for a special presentation on the inner workings of municipal government.
The Superintendent’s Council is composed of student leaders in grades 4 through 12 from R.J.O. Intermediate School, William T. Rogers Middle School, and Kings Park High School. Throughout the school year, the council meets monthly to explore leadership, service, and civic engagement. This year, the students focused on gaining a deeper understanding of local government functions and community service.
Kings Park Central School District’s Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall on April 2. Photo from Town of Smithtown
“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome such a fantastic group of students from Kings Park to Town Hall. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and thoughtful questions truly impressed all of us. This is a remarkable group of young leaders, and it was inspiring to see their genuine interest in how local government works and serves the community. I want to sincerely thank Superintendent Dr. Timothy Eagan and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Cartisano for encouraging these future leaders to engage in public service and civic education. We’re proud to support programs like this that help shape tomorrow’s community leaders,” said Supervisor Wehrheim.
The students participated in presentations from five Town of Smithtown departments, each offering a detailed look at the services they provide and their impact on the community. Presenters included: Simone Freeman, Assistant Town Attorney; David Barnes, Director, Department of Environment and Waterways (DEW); Peter Hans, Director, Planning and Engineering; Liam Trotta, Environmental Planner; Bill White, Director, Building Department; Leigh Wixson, Director, Smithtown Animal Shelter; and Denise Vibal, Animal Control Officer.
Each speaker offered valuable insight into their department’s role and responsibilities, shared advice for students interested in public service careers, and discussed academic pathways, internships, and volunteer opportunities within the Town.
Kings Park Central School District’s Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall on April 2. Photo from Town of Smithtown
“Our instructional theme this year in Kings Park is, ‘Learning and Preparing for My Future.’ I was both delighted and thankful that our student-leaders had the opportunity to learn about the functions of various town departments and future employment and/or volunteer opportunities. It is my hope that Kings Park’s best and brightest youth remain informed and committed to our town’s future. A special thank you to Supervisor Wehrheim and his staff for making this special event happen!” said Dr. Tim Eagan, Superintendent, Kings Park Central School District
Students who participated are members of the Superintendent’s Council, a group of student leaders in grades 4-12 who meet monthly over the school year. Every fall, two students are nominated to join the council by their peers in 4th grade, and they continue their participation through graduation. The students provide essential insight and a perspective on a wide range of topics. This year, the group focused on learning about local government, specifically the various town departments and their functions. In preparation for their visit to Town Hall, the students performed some internet research on specific departments and then shared what they found with the rest of the group.
The Town of Smithtown looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Kings Park Central School District and encourages students to remain active participants in their community’s future.
Brookhaven Highway Superindent Daniel P. Losquadro
Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro has announced the launch of a new website to encourage community feedback in developing a Townwide Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Town-owned roadways by 2045.
Brookhaven Town is currently developing an action plan to achieve this vision and is seeking feedback from the community. The action plan will incorporate the Safe System Approach, as supported by the Federal Highway Administration, to achieve Vision Zero by means of safer roads, safer speeds, safer people, safer vehicles, and enhanced post-crash care.
Most recently, the Town has been studying crash data, speeds, traffic volumes, infrastructure, field observations, and demographics throughout all Town-owned roads to identify focus locations for roadway safety improvements. The study will culminate in a strategic plan outlining long-term goals and actionable steps for the Town’s future.
“I would like to encourage residents to visit the project website at www.BrookhavenVisionZero.com to engage via the interactive map and community questionnaire,” Losquadro said, noting the interactive map allows comments and suggestions to be entered at pinpoint locations. “Please be encouraged to have a hand in ending fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways.”
Port Jefferson Village Hall. Photo by Heidi Sutton 2023
By Peter Sloniewsky
At its Jan. 29 meeting, the board of trustees of the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson voted unanimously to appoint Kevin Cooper as code enforcement supervisor and Anthony Flammia as assistant supervisor.
Cooper is a state-certified code enforcement official and building inspector. A resident of Baiting Hollow, he attended Dowling College and Empire State College before spending more than three decades as an officer for the New York City Police Department and New York City Transit Police. In those roles, Cooper was primarily focused on the New York City subway system. After his retirement from the NYPD in 2020, he became the director of ordinance enforcement and animal control for the Town of East Hampton.
Flammia is a former officer of the New York City and Centre Island police departments across a 40-year career and possesses a master’s degree in professional studies in homeland security from Penn State University alongside an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and human services from Empire State College. Since 2023, he’s worked as an armed security operative for Arrow Security on Renaissance Technologies’ East Setauket campus.
In a recent public meeting of the Port Jefferson Civic Association, Cooper presented his plans for Port Jefferson code enforcement. These plans include increased accessibility through an online complaint form, promoting visibility in part through expanded service hours, and broader changes to the division’s mission statement and policy lines between code enforcement and police. Cooper also displayed openness to expanded hiring and clarified his perception of the role of code enforcement as “about education and compliance, not about writing tickets.”
“I want to help in making the village an enjoyable place to live in and visit,” Cooper said. “I pride myself on being responsive and if I cannot address a concern a resident might make me aware of, I will guide them to the agency or department that will help solve the problem or issue.”
In a statement to TBR News Media, Port Jefferson village Trustee Xena Ugrinsky detailed the context of this selection process as well as faith in Cooper to improve the village’s code enforcement.
“This has been an 18-month effort of the current administration when [Mayor Lauren Sheprow] was elected. It was focused on modernizing and improving the village’s approach to code enforcement,” Ugrinsky told TBR. “[With Cooper and Flammia] the village is now well-positioned to implement a professional and purpose-built code enforcement unit. Both individuals bring deep experience in law and code enforcement and are working closely with Suffolk County Police to ensure clear coordination and a distinct delineation of responsibilities between the two bodies.”
Ugrinsky also detailed concerns related to private firearm ownership among code enforcement personnel and outdated village regulation on code enforcement.
Sheprow also emphasized the importance of the new hirings in a statement to TBR.
“The training and educational aspects of this professional and cultural shift are significant, and we are grateful to Supervisor Cooper for taking this on,” Sheprow wrote.
“He has the knowledge and awareness to help shape priorities, and the more time he spends working in the village, the more he will understand where the best opportunities for education and improvement exist.”
For more information visit the Port Jefferson village website (www.portjeff.com).
The Town of Brookhaven’s Parks & Recreation Department has announced an array of upcoming spring programs at their various recreation centers for 2025:
Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center
39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY 11715
631-451-6163
Yoga Yoga that meets you where you are today. This class includes standing postures, strengthening exercises on the mat, seated stretches and guided relaxation. Our practice supports strength, agility, flexibility and balance while reducing stress. Please bring a yoga mat, yoga blocks or a rolled towel. Day/Time: Mondays, 1:00PM – 2:00PM Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 12, 19 Fee: $47.00 per 6-week session Register: Click HERE
Watercolor Art Class Meet fellow artists, try a new hobby or work on an old project. Bring your own materials and work in a relaxed environment. Instructor will give demonstrations along with group and individual guidance. Day/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00AM – 12:00PM Dates: April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 Fee: $47.00 per 8-week session Register: Click HERE
Sprouts & Friends Join Sprouts & Friends for a fun, safe and creative way to learn to move through music and release energy. Our mission is to create joy while helping your little ones grow, learn, develop and explore through playful activities. Day/Time: Mondays, 11:30AM – 12:15PM Dates: April 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, June 2 Fee: $47.00 per 6-week session
Per caretaker & child
(Ages 6 moths to 5 years) Register: Click HERE
Sprouts & Friends Baby Class Join Sprouts & Friends for a fun, safe and creative way to learn to move through music and release energy. Our mission is to create joy while helping your little ones grow, learn, develop and explore through playful activities. Please bring a blanket for your baby to lay on. Day/Time: Fridays, 1:00PM – 1:45PM Dates: May 2, 16, 23, 30, June 6 Fee: $47.00 per 6-week session
Per caretaker & child
(Ages 3 – 12 months. Non-walkers only.)
New Village Recreation Center
20 Wireless Road, Centereach, NY 11720
631-451-5307
Watercolor Art Class Meet fellow artists, try a new hobby or work on an old project. Bring your own materials and work in a relaxed environment. Instructor will give demonstrations along with group and individual guidance. Day/Time: Wednesdays, 10:00AM – 12:00PM Dates: April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28 Fee: $47.00 per 8-week session Register: Click HERE
Studio Art Acrylics & Drawing Class Unleash your creativity and explore the versatile mediums of pencil, charcoal and pastels. This hands on course is designed for artists of all levels. Students will learn to capture light, texture and depth, using pencil for fine details, charcoal for bold contrasts, and pastels for vibrant, expressive color. Join us and discover new ways to bring your drawings to life. Day/Time: Fridays, 10:00AM – 12:00PM Dates: April 11, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6 Fee: $47.00 per 8-week session Register: Click HERE
Robert E. Reid, Sr. Recreation Center
Defense Hill Road & Route 25A, Shoreham, NY 11786
631-451-5306
Sketch-N-Stretch Looking for some fun for your little one during spring break? Join us in this spring themed yoga and art program. We will blend yoga and art to inspire movement, meditation and creativity. All children will have the opportunity to bring home a completed 8 x10 painted canvas. All supplies included. Date: Tuesday, April 15 Time: 10:30AM – 11:30AM Fee: $25.00 per child
(Grades K-2) Register: Click HERE
Destruction to Phase 1 work to the East Beach Bluff face as of March 2025. Photo from the Port Jefferson Village website.
By Lynn Hallarman
A community informational forum about Phase 2 of the East Beach Bluff stabilization project was held by village officials at the Port Jefferson Village Center on March 27.
Audience in attendance at the forum held at the Village Center.Photo by Lynn Hallarman
The forum aimed to update residents on the current status and finances of the upper wall project, summarize the next steps and review the work of Port Jefferson’s Citizens Commission on Erosion.
Mayor Lauren Sheprow presided over the meeting. The board of trustees, village attorney David Moran, village treasurer Stephen Gaffga and clerk Sylvia Pirillo were present.
Project summary
Phases 1 and 2 of the East Beach Bluff stabilization aim to halt bluff erosion and prevent the Village of Port Jefferson-owned country club from collapsing down the slope.
Phase 1 was completed in August of 2023, with the construction of a 358-foot wall of steel and cement at the base of a steep bluff, about 100-feet-tall, facing north toward the Long Island Sound. Terracing and plantings installed along the western portion of the bluff were destroyed in a series of storms shortly after the project’s completion.
Phase 2 involves installing a steel barrier driven into the bluff’s crest, just a few feet seaward of the country club. This upper wall is intended to stabilize the area landward of the bluff and reduce the risk of structural failure.
As part of Phase 2’s preconstruction, GEI Consultants of Huntington Station—the engineers for Phases 1 and 2—will be engaged to update the land survey, analyze drainage options, reevaluate wall design for cost efficiency and monitor construction. Village officials will then prepare requests for proposal documents to solicit bids for the upper wall’s construction.
Concerns of the Citizens Commission on Erosion
David Knauf, chair of the Citizens Commission on Erosion, speaks at the forum. Photo by Lynn Hallarman
David Knauf, chair of the Citizens Commission on Erosion, presented the benefits and concerns of various approaches to stabilizing the country club at the bluff’s edge.
The CCE serves as a volunteer advisory group to the village on erosion-related issues.Members are not required to have specialized expertise.
Among the advantages, Knauf noted that a portion of Phase 2 costs will be covered by a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers.However, the committee expressed concerns about the reliability of FEMA funding.
“If they are withdrawn, that is going to put us in a heap of trouble fiscally,” he said.
Key concerns include the unknown long-term costs of the overall project beyond the Phase 2 wall installation. These include a drainage plan, repairs to damage sustained during Phase 1 and ongoing maintenance expenses.
“All of us on the committee are taxpayers, and we’re concerned about getting value for money spent,” Knauf said. “The bluff wall project is not something that you just do and you’re finished. It’s going to have responsibilities and obligations for the village in perpetuity.”
Knauf outlined alternative approaches to building the upper wall, including:
●Rebuilding the clubhouse inland in conjunction with bluff restoration and drainage improvements.
●Implementing a partial wall and drainage plan, followed by the eventual relocation of the clubhouse.
“It is the opinion of the committee that detailed plans for the whole project — including Phase 1 repairs, drainage and Phase 2 — are completed so an accurate assessment of final costs can be presented to the village taxpayers,” Knauf later told TBR News Media in an email.
Comments from GEI
Following Knauf’s presentation, GEI licensed professional engineer Adon Austinexplained the steps necessary before construction can begin on the upper wall.
The project is designed as a “two-part system [lower and upper wall] working in combination to control bluff erosion,” Austin said.
“Once we have the design reconfigured and a drainage plan, all of this will go to the New York State arm of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for review,” he added. “FEMA will then revise the cost estimates, the scope and the grant, to align with what the current scope of the project would be.”GEI will then issue a final design along with construction documents.
GEI has recommended that the village evaluate the current risk to the building’s foundation in response to written questions from the Citizens Commission on Erosion.
Laura Schwanof, senior ecologist and landscape architect for GEI, commented on possible contributing factors to the current erosion of the bluff face:
“ We were only allowed [by the state Department of Environmental Conservation] to put terraces up six rows — nothing more.” Schwanof said. “ We were prevented from doing any structural work on the western end beyond the golf course. As far as failure of the system, we worked within the confines of the regulatory agency requirements.”
Treasurer outlines project costs
Village treasurer Stephen Gaffga presented an overview of the financial history related to the East Beach Bluff stabilization project.To date, the total amount spent so far for Phases 1 and 2 is approximately $6.02 million.
Phase 1 was funded through borrowed money as part of a $10 million bond resolution passed by the board of trustees in 2021. The resolution was approved by a permissive referendum, meaning it did not move to a public vote. Of the $10 million, “$5.2 million was spent on Phase 1,” Gaffga said.
According to a fall 2024 audit by CPA firm, PKF O’Connor Davies — previously reported by TBR News Media — Phase 1 exceeded its original budget by approximately $800,000. This overage was not discussed during the forum.
“The overage on Phase 1 was paid for in past years with taxpayer funds out of the general fund balance,” Gaffga wrote in an email..
Gaffga estimated the combined costs to individual taxpayers for Phases 1 and 2 at approximately $77 per year over a 15-year period. However, he noted this estimate may need to be revised once actual costs for the wall construction and other related projects are known.
”We don’t know what the costs are going be until we actually go out to bid on the construction of the project, and we’re not there yet,” Gaffga said.
Additional expenses — including a drainage project, repairs to the bluff face and ongoing maintenance costs to the bluff — were not addressed at the forum.
Community questions focus on costs, property use
Most audience questions centered on the project’s cost to taxpayers, technical aspects of the stabilization effort and how the property is used by residents. The golf membership currently includes“3 percent of village residents,” according to Moran.
Moran responded to a question about holding a public referendum on whether to proceed with construction of the upper wall or rebuild the facility inland.
“During that permissive referendum vote back in 2021, no petition was received [from the public within 30 days] as required for a public vote. Bond counsel to the village advised that there’s only one way to call for another vote— the trustees would have to rescind that initial bond resolution. This would mean the loss of FEMA money.”
Village resident Myrna Gordon said in a statement to TBR News Media:
“Residents who own the facility should be the ones that determine through a referendum how best to resolve its use, function and future — of both the building and bluff that is so greatly compromised.”
The meeting closed with comments from members of the board of trustees:
“Phase 2 is a way to ensure that we protect the bluff so that we buy time. To decide how to deal with the building.Maybe we retrieve the building; maybe it gets moved — who knows?” trustee Xena Ugrinsky said.
“ If you have strong feelings about this issue, I highly encourage you to email the board,” trustee Kyle Hill said.
The Citizens Commission on Erosion can be reached at: [email protected].
Port Jefferson Village Hall. Photo by Heidi Sutton 2023
By Lynn Hallarman
The March 26 meeting of the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees was marked by public comments on communication policies, a resident complaint and an emerging capital improvement plan for parking.
Resident calls for dialogue
Longtime resident Myrna Gordon called for “improved transparency and communication” from the board of trustees. She expressed concern that the trustees were no longer responding to basic questions during public comment, describing it as a frustrating shift in practice.
“We used to have a conversation,” Gordon said. “Now we’re told — make an appointment.”
Mayor Lauren Sheprow responded:
“Let’s keep that conversation going. Come and visit me any day.”
Village resident Matthew Franco speaks during public comment. Photo by Lynn Hallarman
Gordon countered: “I’m talking about here at the podium, which is important.”
Village attorney David Moran clarified that the change in policy was intended to “protect trustees from being put on the spot or answering inaccurately in public without adequate preparation.”
“We have been very polite. We have been very orderly. We ask questions because we want answers now — not silence,” Gordon said.
Village resident and declared 2025 trustee candidate Matthew Franco alleged that during a meeting held earlier in March in Sheprow’s office, the mayor made “disparaging and false remarks about him [Franco] and his son,” in connection with an unspecified incident involving golf course fees incurred by his son.
Moran urged Franco to submit a written complaint, noting a more specific and detailed account would allow the board to assess the allegation.
Parking fees
The meeting shifted to a proposal from the Village Parking Committee, which recommended a three-year freeze on parking fees to provide more consistent rates for visitors.
“You can’t keep charging our customers more and more money every year and keep raising the rates. I mean, you’re killing businesses down here. You can’t just keep taking and taking and taking,” parking committee chair James Luciano said.
Trustee Kyle Hill proposed an amendment to omit the rate freeze.
“Parking revenue is tremendously important for the village’s budget, while we all want stability, we need to leave room to adjust based on performance given the experimental changes to the rates,” Hill said.
In the final vote, the board retained the committee’s recommendation for a rate freeze. The suggestion will now be considered as part of a parking capital plan being developed by the village treasurer Stephen Gaffga.
Beginning on April 16, a $1.00/ hour parking fee will be enforced from Monday to Thursday and a $3.00/ hour fee from Friday to Sunday. There will be no minimum parking time.
Two percent tax cap
Later in the meeting, the board approved a procedural tax cap override. This measure gives the village the option to exceed the 2% New York State tax cap if necessary.
Gaffga emphasized that adopting the override serves as a financial “insurance policy” in case of unforeseen costs before the next budget cycle starts at the beginning of May 2025.
Prom dress donation
Anthony Flammia, assistant code enforcement supervisor, announced a community-wide prom dress donation drive organized under the banner of Codes Care. Gently used dresses and accessories will be collected through April 25 at the Port Jefferson Village Center. Free try-on events are scheduled for April 26 and 27.
Visit the village website for dates of upcoming meetings: www.portjeff.com.
Supervisor Dan Panico has announced that the Town of Brookhaven will hold its fifth Annual Health and Wellness Fair at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Fair will feature representatives from the health and wellness industries who will provide valuable information and plenty of free giveaways. The Health and Wellness Fair sponsor, JVC Broadcasting, will be on-site performing interviews to be aired on 103.9 Long Island News Radio and promoting the event on its five Long Island radio stations.
Health & Wellness businesses who are interested in participating can visit www.BrookhavenNY.Gov/Health to complete a vendor application. If you have any questions, please call the Department of General Services at 631-451-6331
The Village of Port Jefferson has entered into a new partnership with Lessing’s Hospitality Group to provide exclusive food, beverage, and catering operations at the Port Jefferson Country Club, according to a press release. The Village Board of Trustees voted unanimously on March 17th to approve the license agreement (an assignment of the existing lease), marking a significant step forward in enhancing hospitality services for residents, members, and visitors alike.
Known for delivering personalized service and high-caliber events, Lessing’s will provide custom menus, full-service event support, and tailored food and beverage experiences at the Port Jefferson Country Club. They will begin operating “The Turn,” with food and beverage service officially launching on opening day of golf at PJCC, Saturday, March 29, 2025. Effective immediately, Lessing’s will assume responsibility for all catering operations at the Country Club, including member events, weddings, social, and corporate functions.
“We are so proud to welcome Lessing’s Hospitality Group to Port Jefferson Country Club,” said Mayor Lauren Sheprow. “With their longstanding reputation for excellence in golf course food and beverage management, catering, and member events, we are confident this partnership will bring a new standard of service to Port Jefferson Country Club and elevate the overall guest experience for our community.”
Established in 1908, the Port Jefferson Country Club is a distinguished fixture on Long Island’s North Shore. The golf course was designed by renowned architect Alfred H. Tull and spans 145 acres as a 6,800-yard, par-72 championship course. The 170+ acre Country Club was acquired from the estate of the late Norman K. Winston by the Inc. Village of Port Jefferson for $2.9 million in 1978 via a resident referendum. Today, the Port Jefferson Country Club remains one of the premier golf and event destinations in the region, offering an 18-hole membership-accessible championship course with sweeping views of the Long Island Sound.
Michael Lessing, CEO of Lessing’s Hospitality Group, added, “It is an honor to partner with the Village of Port Jefferson and oversee hospitality at such a distinguished venue. We look forward to serving the community with exceptional dining experiences and memorable events, both at The Turn and throughout the Country Club.”
Lessing’s Hospitality Group brings over 135 years of hospitality management experience and operates at over 100 locations, including 10 golf and country clubs. Their portfolio features renowned venues such as The Heritage Club at Bethpage State Park and Stonebridge Golf Links & Country Club.
The new street sign is unveiled at the entrance of Harborfront Park in Mayor Robert Strong's honor on March 15. Photo by Luciana Hayes
By Luciana Hayes
Saturday, March 15, family and friends of former Port Jefferson Mayor Robert T. Strong gathered near the entrance to Harborfront Park to witness the dedication of the new road being named in his honor on the five-year anniversary of his passing.
After passing in 2020, Strong was unable to have a proper memorial due to the rapid-spreading pandemic at hand.
Mayor Lauren Sheprow speaks of former Mayor Robert Strong on March 15. Photo by Luciana Hayes
Strong, born June 16, 1936, in New York City, was often described as being generous, kind and dedicated. He passed away March 15, 2020, after complications from lung cancer at age 83, but before his passing he lived a very fulfilling life. He attended SUNY Oswego where he met his wife of almost 50 years, Evelyn Strong. After graduating from Oswego, Strong became a middle school social studies teacher in 1958 in the South Country Central School District until becoming assistant principal in 1966. The Strongs, along with their two children, Robyn and Robert Jr., moved to Port Jefferson in 1968. In 1995 Strong was elected mayor with 835 votes after previously serving four years as a village trustee. He served as mayor for four years until 1999 and made lasting impacts that continue to benefit the Village of Port Jefferson.
Prior to Strong’s term as mayor, in the 1960s and 1970s, an oil company (now known simply as Mobil) existed on what is now known as Harborfront Park. The board of trustees of the Village of Port Jefferson attempted to purchase the land for $3 million, but the motion failed with a vote of 657 to 358. But Strong was determined to use the land for the good of the community. In 1997, the residents of Port Jefferson voted 738 to 131 to approve the village purchase of the Mobil property for $1.7 million. Following the purchase, Strong established a community-based volunteer group that further developed the land for the community and made it what it is today.
Mayor Lauren Sheprow led the dedication by explaining Strong’s impact on the community and his impact on his friends and family. Having known the Strong family growing up, Sheprow described her memories of Robert Strong. She said, “writing this history, this story of his work here in the village is really cathartic for me and I feel so fortunate to be able to do so.”
Father Frank Pizzarelli, the director of Hope House Ministries, led the blessing of the newly dedicated road. Having also known Strong, he contributed with a short and sweet speech about his friend, stating, “one of the things that impressed me about Bob was his dedication to service.”
Strong’s children, Robyn and Robert Jr.,also spoke briefly about their father. Robert Strong Jr. said, “you know people say ‘I had the best dad and my dad was the best,’ I know this is a cliche but I had the best dad.”
The event concluded with the unveiling of the new road sign that now reads “Mayor Robert T. Strong Way” next to the entrance into the park that Strong fought so hard to develop. While his term as mayor was short, his impacts on the community will last many lifetimes.
For more information visit the Village of Port Jefferson website (www.portjeff.com).
Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle in the Town Hall parking lot. Photo from TOB
In another sign that spring is right around the corner, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle has announced that the Town of Brookhaven will be distributing double-grind woodchips and mulch for Brookhaven residents at the following locations starting March 15:
Please note that the free compost and mulch is for residential use only.
On Long Island we have a sandy soil structure that allows water and fertilizers to drain down into the water table and run-off into our surrounding waterways. Using compost and mulch in your garden or landscape is a great way to improve soil structure and continuously provide nutrients to growing plants. Compost and mulch also retain moisture, allowing plants to better endure hot and dry weather.
Sprouts & Friends 
Studio Art Acrylics & Drawing Class
Sketch-N-Stretch
