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2025 Town of Brookhaven Arbor Day event. Photo from TOB

On April 25, the Town of Brookhaven celebrated its 10th Annual Arbor Day Seedling Giveaway at Town Hall in Farmingville. The event yielded a strong turnout and portrayed a clear message: every small effort contributes to a greener, healthier community. Held in the south parking lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, the event offered residents a variety of free native tree seedlings, mulch, and compost, while promoting broader environmental stewardship initiatives.

Approximately 1,400 young trees and shrubs were distributed, with the hybrid poplar emerging as the most popular tree, followed by the bear oak. On the shrub side, prairie willow and sand cherry were resident favorites. All remaining plants will be put to good use on Town open space by the Division of Land Management.

Supervisor Dan Panico praised the success of the initiative, noting, “Every little bit helps—especially in our wetlands—for the health of our bays and bodies of water. We’re restoring 187 acres of wetlands down in Mastic Beach, but we have projects going throughout the entire Town. This Arbor Day project was started by former Supervisor and current Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and I know he’d be proud to see we’re giving away three times the amount of seedlings today.”

As part of the Town’s continued commitment to sustainability, residents also had the opportunity to purchase composting units and rain barrels in advance through the Town’s online store. In total, 86 rain barrels and 63 composters were purchased. Due to high demand, the online store is being reopened to allow more residents to take advantage of this program. Orders can be placed at https://brookhaven.compostersale.com/, and the next scheduled pick-up date is Friday, July 25.

Brookhaven has been recognized as a Tree City USA community, reflecting the Town’s ongoing investment in environmental initiatives, open space preservation, and public engagement through events like the Arbor Day Giveaway.

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Brookhaven Health and Wellness Fair returns May 17. Photo from TOB

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico has announced that the 5th Annual Health and Wellness Fair will take place on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookhaven Town Hall. Sponsored by JVC Broadcasting, as well as Stop & Shop and ShopRite, this eagerly anticipated event has become a cornerstone of the community’s commitment to promoting health and wellness for residents of all ages.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from various health and wellness industries, who will provide valuable information on topics ranging from fitness and nutrition to mental health and healthcare services. The fair is designed to connect the community with local resources, empowering residents to lead healthier, happier lives. To add to the excitement, plenty of free giveaways will be available throughout the event.

This year’s fair will feature over 50 vendors offering a wide range of services, including:

  • Health screenings and wellness resources
  • Mental health and counseling support
  • Fitness and nutrition guidance
  • Senior and caregiver services
  • Insurance and community outreach programs
  • Interactive activities and giveaways for all ages
  • Healthy snacks, compliments of our generous sponsors

Some of the participating organizations include:
NYU Langone Health, Aetna Better Health, Stony Brook Medicine, Suffolk County Psychological Association, Redefine Fitness, Sunshine Prevention Center, Getting Zen with Erin, and many more!

Adding a dynamic element to the day, JVC Broadcasting will be on-site conducting interviews with participants, vendors, and attendees. These interviews will be aired on 103.9 LI News Radio, offering listeners a chance to hear firsthand accounts of the event’s positive impact on the Brookhaven community. Supervisor Dan Panico emphasizes that the Health and Wellness Fair reflects Brookhaven Town’s dedication to providing opportunities for residents to engage with essential health-related resources.

“Our Health and Wellness Fair is not just an event—it’s a celebration of our community’s commitment to fostering a healthier future for everyone. We are grateful to JVC Broadcasting for their support in making this event a resounding success,” said Panico.

Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville, will serve as the welcoming venue for this annual event. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in celebrating health and wellness on Saturday, May 17. It promises to be a day filled with learning, community connection, and inspiration.

For more information, call 631-451-6331.

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Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown

Smithtown residents turned out in strong numbers to take part in the Town’s bi-annual paper shredding event on May 3, safely and securely disposing of over 11 tons (19,980 pounds) of sensitive documents. Held at the Municipal Services Facility (MSF), the event saw a steady flow of participants throughout the day, all utilizing the confidential, full-service shredding provided by Data Shredding Services, Inc. This popular initiative is offered free of charge to residents (with a three-box limit per person), thanks to the ongoing partnership between the Department of Environment and Waterways (DEW) and MSF, as part of the Town’s commitment to public safety, identity protection, and environmental responsibility.

“We launched this service to give residents a safe, secure, and convenient way to dispose of sensitive personal documents—and it has grown into something truly impactful. We’re incredibly proud of how successful the shredding event has become, with more and more residents taking part each year. It brings real peace of mind, knowing you can protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands while also disposing of documents in an environmentally responsible way. A heartfelt thank you to Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann, the MSF team, Matt Laux, Tom Pascarella, and the DEW team led by Richard Kitt for their outstanding service and seamless coordination. The growing turnout and smooth execution of this event each year is a true testament to its value and the commitment of our team to serving the Smithtown community,” said Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
The Department of Environment and Waterways and Municipal Services Facility provided additional support staff to move vehicles. Residents were pleased with the service MSF and DEW staff provided and the two trucks from Data Shredding Services of Hauppauge. Participants enjoyed short to no wait times and the opportunity to safely dispose of their documents while avoiding the potential risk of identity theft.
“This Spring’s Shredding Event was well attended, exceeding last fall’s total weight collected (October 2024 was 9.43 tons or 18,860 pounds). We are pleased that Smithtown residents continue to take this opportunity to purge documents containing personal information at no risk. Thank you to Supervisor Wehrheim for supporting this program, the MSF team, Matt Laux, Tom Pascarella, and the DEW team, Richard Kitt, for keeping the process running smoothly and offering outstanding service to the community,” added Michael P. Engelmann, P.G. Solid Waste Coordinator.
The May Shred Event was hosted at the Municipal Services Facility, located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Data Shredding Service, Inc. is a full-service confidential shredding service in Hauppauge. The next paper shredding event is scheduled for October 18. For updates on upcoming free events hosted by the Town of Smithtown, download the Mobile App, which is available for free on Google Play and the App Store.

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Highway Crews clean natural streams in the Village of the Branch as a part of the Clean Stream Maintenance Program. Photo from Town of Smithtown
Highway Crews clean natural streams in the Village of the Branch as a part of the Clean Stream Maintenance Program. Photo from Town of Smithtown
Highway Crews clean natural streams in the Village of the Branch as a part of the Clean Stream Maintenance Program. Photo from Town of Smithtown
Highway Crews clean natural streams in the Village of the Branch as a part of the Clean Stream Maintenance Program. Photo from Town of Smithtown

As paving season kicks off, the Town of Smithtown Highway Department is hitting the ground running with a smarter, more efficient approach to infrastructure maintenance. By combining cutting-edge technology, and proactive planning, the department has completed a number of key projects to protect residents, prevent costly repairs, and improve road safety and flood resilience across the township.

“This year, the Town Board made a significant $3 million investment in our capital budget specifically for roads and critical infrastructure upgrades. This is not just about paving roads—it’s about protecting homes, neighborhoods, and the long-term quality of life for our residents. The Town Board and Highway Department are deeply committed to prioritizing smart, proactive solutions. We’re no longer just reacting to problems—we’re leveraging real-time data, advanced technology, and strategic planning to stretch every taxpayer dollar and deliver the highest quality work. These investments ensure our roadways, drainage systems, and stormwater infrastructure are safer, more efficient, and built to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at us and other future challenges,” said Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim in a press release.

With over 470 miles of roads, hundreds of drainage systems, sumps, recharge basins, curbs, and driveway aprons under its care, the Highway Department has been working year-round to get ahead of potential infrastructure failures before they occur.

“Our goal is to work smarter, not harder—and most importantly, to stay ahead of problems before they become public hazards or costly emergencies… Through the use of new technology and by partnering with our experts in Environment and Waterways, Parks, and Engineering, we’re creating safer, more resilient roads and stronger infrastructure for the future,” said Highway Superintendent Robert Murphy.

Flood Prevention Through the Clean Stream Program

Flood mitigation through the Clean Stream program is a cross-departmental initiative aimed at improving water flow and reducing stormwater runoff pollution. By clearing sediment, debris, and invasive growth from local streams, crews out in the field help to prevent flooding, high water table issues, and water stagnation in vulnerable neighborhoods.

Recent completed work included major cleanups along stream corridors in the Village of the Branch from Route 347 to the new footbridge along old Route 111 (near Mt. Pleasant Road), and off Terry Road in Nesconset (George St, Jerome St, Helene Ave, and Caroline Ave), where crews restored a blocked streambed to reestablish natural water flow.

The Clean Stream crew works hand-in-hand with residents, neighborhood associations, and village partners to maintain healthy, free-flowing waterways that serve as natural flood mitigation and filtration systems.

Smarter Repairs Through Advanced Camera Inspections

The Highway Department has also deployed specialty cameras, pipe crawlers, with fiber optic sensors to inspect underground infrastructure for damage—saving time, resources, and taxpayer dollars by spotting potential problems before they escalate.

In hamlets of St. James (the Numbered Avenues along Woodlawn heading west toward Lake Avenue) and in Commack (on Marie Crescent), crews used cameras to identify root intrusions, blockages, and potential pipe collapses, many of which could have caused severe road damage or flooding. In some cases, such as 7th Avenue in St. James, cameras detected a hidden sinkhole in time for crews to install a liner between manholes, avoiding excavation and a full road replacement. This damage could have eaten up a majority of the road programs budget had it not been identified and corrected.

At a sump location near Dana Lane in Commack, advanced camera inspections identified a potentially catastrophic infrastructure failure just in time. Had it gone unnoticed, the damage could have led to severe flooding and structural issues for nearby homes—resulting in an enormously expensive emergency repair. Thanks to swift action and proactive technology, the issue was stabilized before it escalated. This not only prevented a major financial burden on local homeowners, but also saved Smithtown taxpayers from footing the bill for extensive damage and remediation efforts. It’s a powerful example of how smart, preventative maintenance protects both the community and the public’s investment.

Preparing for Paving Season with Precision

With key repairs completed and infrastructure secured, the Highway Department is now preparing for its 2025 paving season, using data from inspections to prioritize roadwork based on urgency and long-term effectiveness. This proactive strategy not only makes roads safer and longer-lasting—it helps stretch taxpayer dollars further by preventing avoidable repairs and maximizing every mile paved.

Residents are encouraged to stay engaged by checking for updates on paving schedules and reporting any road concerns through the Town’s official website; SmithtownNY.gov or by contacting the Highway Department at 631-360-7500.

 

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Photo courtesy of TOB
On April 29, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle (standing) was a guest speaker at the Centereach Senior Club monthly meeting held at the New Village Recreation Center. He discussed the role of the Town Clerk’s office and how it can help Brookhaven Town residents. He also spoke about service improvements by the Town Clerk’s office, engaged with civic members, and touched upon senior scams to be aware of.
Town Clerk LaValle said, “Thank you to the members of the Centereach Senior Club for having me. I enjoyed answering questions about the services we provide and the projects I’m working on to enhance those services.”
The Town Clerk’s office is located at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville. For more information, office hours, and services, call 631-451-9101 or go to www.BrookhavenNY.gov.

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Town of Smithtown collected Over 37.2 Tons of Hazardous Waste from 651 households on April 26. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown
Town of Smithtown collected Over 37.2 Tons of Hazardous Waste from 651 households on April 26. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown
Town of Smithtown collected Over 37.2 Tons of Hazardous Waste from 651 households on April 26. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown
Town of Smithtown collected Over 37.2 Tons of Hazardous Waste from 651 households on April 26. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown
Town of Smithtown collected Over 37.2 Tons of Hazardous Waste from 651 households on April 26. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown
Town of Smithtown collected Over 37.2 Tons of Hazardous Waste from 651 households on April 26. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown
Town of Smithtown collected Over 37.2 Tons of Hazardous Waste from 651 households on April 26. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown
Town of Smithtown collected Over 37.2 Tons of Hazardous Waste from 651 households on April 26. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown
Town of Smithtown collected Over 37.2 Tons of Hazardous Waste from 651 households on April 26. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown
Town of Smithtown collected Over 37.2 Tons of Hazardous Waste from 651 households on April 26. Photo courtesy Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways, in coordination with the Municipal Services Facility, collected over 37 tons of hazardous waste during the annual Earth Day Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Saturday, April 26. A total of 651 households safely disposed of thousands of pounds of toxic materials that cannot be placed in regular curbside pickup—making this one of the most successful collection events to date.

“As we marked Earth Day last week, it was truly uplifting to witness our community unite in record numbers for the first of three Household Hazardous Waste Disposal events this year. Thanks to the dedication of our environmentally conscious residents—and the exceptional teamwork of the MSF staff, Public Safety Fire Marshals, DEW crew, Reworld (formerly Covanta), and our trusted contractor Radiac—we are actively protecting Smithtown’s drinking water, parks, air, and treasured waterways for future generations… These free events, held three times a year, give every resident the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—and this year, Smithtown rose to the occasion like never before,” said Town of Smithtown Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.

“I want to personally recognize our outstanding department leaders, including Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Englemann, Environmental Director David Barnes, MSF Director Matt Laux, DEW Senior Analyst Rich Kitt, MSF Foreman Tommy Passariello, Environmental Technician Brooke Ferreira, and our dedicated partner at Reworld, Brian Aerne. Their commitment ensures a safe, efficient, and even enjoyable experience for all who participate… Beyond collection day, these initiatives help foster a culture of sustainability and responsibility throughout our community. Together, we’re preserving the natural beauty and quality of life that make Smithtown such an extraordinary place to live,” added Wehrheim.

This year’s event was made possible through the tremendous collaboration and support of the Town’s Department of Public Safety Fire Marshals, DEW staff, and Reworld (formerly Covanta). Their efforts supplemented the work of Radiac Environmental Services, the Town’s licensed HHW contractor, to ensure a safe, efficient, and seamless experience for all residents.

Additionally, the Town saw record participation in a targeted waste diversion initiative focused on propane tanks, lithium-ion batteries, and mercury-containing devices, demonstrating a growing community commitment to environmental safety and sustainability.

“The 2025 Earth Day Hazardous Household Waste collection event was a great success. The rain didn’t stop hundreds of residents from responsibly disposing of potentially hazardous chemicals and products. Participating in the Town’s Hazardous Household Waste collection events profoundly impacts protecting our drinking water, air, and natural resources while enabling the Town to maintain high-quality parks, recreational facilities, roads, and waterways for all residents to enjoy.  Special thanks to Supervisor Ed Wehrheim for his support and leadership on environmental initiatives such as these, MSF staff, Public Safety Fire Marshals, DEW staff, and Reworld staff (formerly Covanta) for supplementing the work of Radiac (HHW contractor) and providing safe and efficient service to all residents. We continue to encourage residents to consider using environmentally friendly alternatives for in and around the home,” said Michael P. Engelmann, P.G. Solid Waste Coordinator for the Town of Smithtown.

A portion of the wastes collected for manifested disposal include: mercury, waste oil based paints/ flammable paints, gasoline, paint thinners, waste gases, petroleum distillates, flammable solids, oxidizers liquids and solids, sodium/potassium nitrates, acids, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, misc. toxic liquids (i.e. Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids and various other toxic compounds.

Reworld (formerly Covanta) distributed over 150  $5 Home Depot gift cards to residents for recycling potentially dangerous lithium-ion and other batteries, propane tanks and mercury containing devices thereby preventing these harmful items from curbside disposal.  112 propane tanks were recovered at the event.  Record participation with these hazardous waste diversions.

Additionally, eco-friendly reusable coffee k-cups were also provided by DEW to interested residents.

The next household hazardous waste collection events are scheduled for July 12th & October 4th, 2025. Hazardous Household Waste collection events are for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be confirmed upon entry.

DID YOU KNOW?: 

Residents can also dispose of electronic waste, free of charge, at the Town Recycling Center located at 85 Old Northport Road. Electronic waste, such as computers, printers, TV’s, monitors, automotive and household batteries, can be dropped off during regular hours for proper recycling.

FREE MULCH: Mulch is also available free of charge to residents. Smithtown residents can line up for pre-packaged bags of mulch with a maximum of 10 bags per visit. We offer free loading of loose mulch into your pick-up or dump truck. A cover is required.

The Smithtown Municipal Services Facility is located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, NY.

Regular Operating Hours: Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

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File photo

Huntington Town Clerk and Records Management Officer Andrew Raia invites everyone to get a history of Huntington as the town celebrates Municipal Clerks’ Week from May 5 to May 8 with an open house at Town Hall, 100 Main St., Huntington from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors can view the town’s old records chest, old maps, the statue of American Hero Nathan Hale, the town’s ID dating 1666, Native American deeds, exhibits, memorabilia and other interesting documents during this free tour.

For further information on tours, please contact the Town Archivist, Antonia Mattheou at 631-351-3035, email [email protected] or click on link https://www.huntingtonny.gov/Archives.

Large group tours of 10 or more can be accommodated by scheduling an appointment through Town Archivist Antonia Mattheou.

 

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Studio 45 ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On Sunday, April 13, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner attended the grand opening of Studio 45 in Rocky Point, a cardio dance and strength training facility owned by Dr. Kimberly Roff, an Associate Professor at Touro University .

Located at 53D Broadway, the studio offers health and wellness classes featuring a full body workout with cardio dance and teach elements of Yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing blended in as well as additional strength training. “I know the Rocky Point community is passionate about rebuilding and revitalizing Broadway and what a great idea to start a fully woman-owned business there,” said Councilwoman Bonner.

Studio 45 can be reached by calling 631-495-5668 or online at www.studio45rockypoint.com.

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Earth Day is Every Day beach clean-up at Cedar Beach on April 19. Photo courtesy TOB

On Saturday, April 19, the Town of Brookhaven hosted an “Every Day is Earth Day” clean-up at Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai. Seventeen dedicated volunteers collected 45 pounds of litter and debris from the beach and shoreline, showcasing their commitment to preserving the environment.

“The hard work and dedication of our residents made a meaningful impact on our community. Together, we’ve helped make Brookhaven cleaner and greener,” said Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner.

Residents are encouraged to participate in future clean-up events to continue this important mission. For more information,  visit BrookhavenNY.Gov.

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Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich speaks at the Three Village Civic Association meeting on April 7. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

At a recent Three Village Civic Association meeting, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) announced the formation of a new battery energy storage advisory committee consisting of scientists, fire department representatives, school superintendents and civic leaders. 

The advisory group substitutes for an official Town of Brookhaven task force, as suggested by the New York State Research and Development Authority. NYSERDA’s Battery Energy Storage Guidebook recommends creating a task force representing “interested stakeholders” to help create or amend the protocols, processes and strategies involved in implementing a battery energy storage system. 

“The Town of Brookhaven at large has not made a battery advisory task force as recommended by NYSERDA,” Kornreich said. “So I am making my own.” 

With several engineers to help navigate the technicalities, scientists to analyze alternate forms of energy storage, civic leaders like Three Village Civic Association President Charles Tramontana to tap into the sentiments of residents, and local school superintendents who are looking out for the next generation, the task force aims to disseminate their findings, dispel misinformation and scrutinize the systems from various industry perspectives. 

“The goal is to really make information available to everyone,” said Nancy Goroff, a retired professor of chemistry at Stony Brook University and former trustee for the Long Island Power Authority. “From my point of view a key aspect is figuring out what conditions, what parameters must be met in order for the battery energy storage systems to be safe. If we decide there are not a set of parameters for it to be safe, then we would recommend against building. I think it is more likely that we will come up with a list of parameters and conditions that can be met for the committee to make a consensus. “

“It is always better to have more information than not enough,” said Three Village civic member George Hoffman, who is pleased that a task force has been formed and commended Kornreich on the initiative.  “I think it will make the public more comfortable.” 

The group is tasked with comparing the facilities with peaker plants, a power plant that activates during times of high demand, considering alternative technologies and analyzing existing and emerging codes and safety measures.  

“I have reservations about lithium batteries,” said Kornreich at the civic meeting. ”But, I am not an expert on batteries and in the vacuum of policymaking a lot of info that informs policymaking decisions, not just here but everywhere, seems to come from people who have vested interest one way or another.”

With three proposed facilities in his district, Kornreich is concerned about the spread of misinformation. Organizing a group of “high level people who can really dig into this and study it” is a step toward developing a more complete and informed determination on the systems. 

In Port Jefferson Station, New Leaf Energy is proposing an 8.75-megawatt system while Savion has proposed two facilities in Setauket, 373 megawatts and 65 megawatts. 

Goroff said that anticipating and measuring safety risks is a big concern of the group. Already she has started to form ideas on how to mitigate risk by using information about previous fires. For instance, she said that by looking at BESS Failure Incident Database, she estimates that “the time of installation is the riskiest time for a fire” and that the group may make recommendations for certain standards in the installation process to address that.

Goroff acknowledged that some public discourse is “inaccurate and greatly exaggerates the risks.” 

 “At the same time,” she continued, “there are real risks and we want to make sure that those are reduced. We also need to get our arms around how big the real risks are separated from the misinformation and disinformation.” 

The group has had one meeting so far, with another soon approaching. They aim to have a report of recommendations by the end of June. 

“I do believe that it is possible to build BESS in a safe way,” Goroff said. 

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