Steve Bellone at a recent press conference. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D) announced on Oct. 20 that he tested positive for COVID-19.
“Today I tested positive for COVID-19 and will be following the recommended CDC protocols for fully vaccinated individuals,” he said. “I am experiencing mild symptoms at this point but otherwise feel in good health and spirits.”
The county executive had a reminder for residents.
“I hope this serves as a reminder to all residents that while we are making incredible progress in the war against COVID-19, we are not done just yet,” he said. “To that end, I encourage anyone who is eligible to receive their booster shot to do so.”
With the holiday season just around the corner, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged Americans on Friday to celebrate upcoming holidays by taking basic safety measures against the Covid-19 pandemic that still plagues the nation.
“Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible,” the CDC said in a press release.
The CDC recommended the following safer ways to celebrate the holidays:
Generally:
Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination such as young children by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.
Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission.
Outdoors is safer than indoors.
Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.
You might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
If you are gathering with a group of people from multiple households and potentially from different parts of the country, you could consider additional precautions (e.g., avoiding crowded indoor spaces before travel, taking a test) in advance of gathering to further reduce risk.
Do NOT put a mask on children younger than 2 years old.
“By working together, we can enjoy safer holidays, travel, and protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends,” said the release.
Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, at podium, was joined by town, county and state officials and community advocates to make a plea to Gov. Kathy Hochul to help the town secure a path to sewer infrastructure. Photo by Rita J. Egan
The steps of Smithtown’s Town Hall were packed the morning of Oct. 12 as elected town, county and state officials, as well as community leaders from the hamlets of Smithtown and Kings Park, were on hand to talk about sewers and make a plea to the state’s new governor.
Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim signs a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul to help the town secure a path to sewer infrastructure. Photo by Rita J. Egan
The group signed a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) asking her to help to secure a path to a sewer infrastructure in the town. Those speaking at the press conference spoke about the lack of a sewer system in the town having a negative impact on economic growth and the health of waterways, especially Smithtown Bay.
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) said the group has worked “tirelessly for years to make this project come to fruition.”
“For nearly 50 years, the goal of providing sewers for the Smithtown business district had seemed out of reach, resulting in vacant storefronts in the downtown area and continued discharges of untreated wastewater into our environment,” the supervisor said. “Now, at long last, a clear solution has been identified. A victory is in sight for both of these business districts. This is truly a historic day for the Town of Smithtown and the future of our town.”
A $20 million grant was announced in 2017 by the state that would have helped bring sewers to the town’s business districts. According to Wehrheim, a lack of a site for a system stalled the project. Recently, the Smithtown Sewer Working Group, which includes local business and community leaders, has worked for 18 months to identify a site for a recharge facility and named a parcel owned by the state Office of Mental Health at the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center as a possible location. The hopes are to connect Main Street, Smithtown and the Kings Park business district to a system.
The plan would include removing an abandoned building. The facility would use only 2 acres of 17 of the land.
Smithtown United President Timothy Small called the working group an “example of your government and community working together for solutions.”
He added that under current conditions the sewer recharging facility would lead to an 87% reduction of the amount of nitrogen dumped into groundwater which eventually makes its way to the Nissequogue River. He said after a complete “downtown buildout consistent with the draft Smithtown Master Plan” the nitrogen reduction would be 71%.
Michael Kaufman, a member of the civic group Smithtown United and the town’s working group, said hooking up central business districts to a sewer system is the “gold standard for solutions” to avoid environmental issues such as nitrogen from septic waste being released to nearby bodies of water. He added that a recent water quality report showed that Smithtown Bay is one of the most oxygen-deprived areas east of New York City. This deprivation means that it’s difficult for fish to survive.
“That’s why no one can really go fishing in Smithtown Bay anymore,” he said.
Kaufman said the damage is identical to issues the area had in the 1990s.
“We know what the source is, and we also know how it gets out into the water,” he said. “Basically, [it goes] west right into the Nissequogue River and then just flows down the river and then it goes into the Smithtown Bay where it unfortunately stays for a couple of days.”
Among those representing chamber and civic groups was Kings Park Chamber of Commerce President Tony Tanzi who called the proposed facility “an absolutely wonderful thing.” He said he felt it helped the community as a whole for many reasons, listing qualities such as a viable downtown, lessening pollution of rivers and protecting open space. He added from the chamber of commerce’s perspective it could restore economic viability to the downtown.
“We’ve got the ability to preserve 15 acres of open space in perpetuity,” Tanzi said. “You’ve got the ability to protect our drinking water. You’ve got the ability to protect the Nissequogue River and the Long Island Sound and preserve our drinking water for future generations, which is really what we’re all here trying to do.”
Residents within the Town of Brookhaven could see a 1.89% tax hike for 2022 if the newly released potential budget gets adopted in November, staying within the state’s 2% property tax cap.
According to the tentative operating budget, all major tax districts are structurally balanced, and no fund balance is utilized to balance the budget for the six major tax districts for the fourth year in a row. The total tax levy increase for all tax districts is 1.89%, and the six major tax districts levy increase is 1.85%
Proposed by town Supervisor Ed Romaine (R) earlier this week, the $316.8 million budget would restore a total of 36 jobs (4.4%) that were cut last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The town’s 2021 adopted operating budget planned for a continuing pandemic environment and I am happy to report that we have performed as expected financially, with revenues on target in most departments and expenditures expected to meet budget despite the sharp rise in prices for many commodities,” Romaine wrote. “I expect no erosion of fund balance in all major tax districts at the end of 2021, other than the use of surplus in one fund to address hazardous trees throughout the town.”
Romaine noted that while certain facilities and programs are still not fully open due to the pandemic, he expects everything to be as it was before coronavirus early next year.
“My 2022 tentative budget assumes a return to normal operations beginning in January 2022 with all government services available both in person and virtually,” he said.
The tentative budget also highlights a growth in the landfill post-closure reserve by $1.2 million to an anticipated $21.2 million, and stabilization of snow removal costs.
The board will hold a budget public hearing on Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. at Town Hall.
Legislator Caracappa with some of the school’s (superhero) students.
Legislator Caracappa with Our Savior New American School’s Principal, Dr. Wil Stelzer
Legislator Caracappa with some of the school’s (superhero) students.
Legislator Caracappa with some of the school’s (superhero) students.
Legislator Caracappa with Our Savior New American School’s Principal, Dr. Wil Stelzer
Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (Fourth District) was recently invited to speak to the students at Our Savior New American School in Centereach. While there, Legislator Caracappa discussed his role as a Legislator, and presented the school with supplies that he collected as part of his School Supply Drive in August.
After the assembly, Caracappa took the time to speak with some of the elementary age students and take photos. “I had a great time speaking to the students and staff at Our Savior, and I thank Dr. Stelzer for inviting me,” stated Legislator Caracappa. “It was a pleasure sharing the school supplies generously donated by community members. Wishing all at Our Savior New American School a great academic year ahead!”
Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci in front of Town Hall in October, 2018. Photo from Town of Huntington
Guided tour explores Huntington’s haunted history
Huntington Town Clerk Andrew Raia dares fearless residents and visitors to be his “ghost” for a Halloween fright when he opens All Hallow’s Month at the “Hauntington” Town Clerk’s Archives with a guided tour exploring Huntington’s haunted history throughout October.
From left, Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci presents an Archives Month proclamation to Town Archivist Antonia Mattheou and Town Clerk Andrew P. Raia in 2020. Photo from Town of Huntington
The educational event will kick off Archives Month on Friday, October 1 at 1:30 p.m. in the Town of Huntington Jo-Ann Raia Archives at Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main Street, Huntington and continue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:30 to 4 p.m. except Monday, October 11, when Town Hall is closed in observance of Columbus Day. Visitors will enjoy live interpretations of stories taken out of the town’s manuscript collection such as:
— The Legend of Peace and Plenty Inn, and the ghost of Asa Chichester.
— Nathan Hale, who was executed by the British in 1776.
— Charles Kelsey, tarred and feathered in 1872.
— Richard Latting, who was expelled from the Town for turbulent behavior and went on to purchase land on what is now the hamlet of Lattingtown.
— Jacob Conklin, who sailed with pirate Captain Kidd in 1690’s. Conklin was later chosen Town Supervisor on May 7, 1728 and Suffolk County Sheriff in 1734.
Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci with Angelica Dee Cunningham in 2018. Photo from Town of Huntington
The area outside the Archives vault will be transformed to resemble the interior of the Peace and Plenty Inn’s main gathering room. The Archives vault will be transformed into a mausoleum, ornate with gravestones and flameless candle lights. Town employees will take turns portraying the characters described and the manuscripts associated with the stories will be on display.
Visitors will also have a chance to review the Town Clerk’s current exhibit, “Farming in Huntington,” and see the manuscript collection housed in the repository.
The Town Board ceremoniously renamed the Town of Huntington the Town of Hauntington for Halloween in 2018, 2019, and 2020, after 7-year-old Angelica Dee Cunningham wrote a letter to Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci suggesting the new tradition. A similar resolution will be introduced at the October 13, 2021 Town Board meeting.
For more information, contact Town Clerk Andrew Raia at 631-351-3216 or the Archivist, Antonia Mattheou, 631-351-3035 or email: [email protected].
Legislator Nick Caracappa (center) and Legislator Jim Mazzarella (third from left) join Vanessa Lockel (third from right) National Grid employees at Suffolk County Farm.
The Legislators pose for a group shot with the farm volunteers from National Grid.
Legislators Mazzarella and Caracappa
Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa was recently invited to tour the Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank, operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). Caracappa’s colleague, Legislator Jim Mazzarella also attended.
According to CCE’s website, The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center’s mission is to provide hands-on research-based learning to all residents with themes in agriculture, animal sciences, history, STEM, healthy living, and life skills in a unique year-round learning environment and in community spaces. The Farm’s vision is to connect with the County’s agricultural heritage and to pave the way for a bright, healthy, and sustainable future.
The tour included a tractor tour of the facility, which includes sunflower and cornfields, animals, a playground and various gardens.
Also in attendance were 32 National Grid employees, volunteering their services as part of the company’s “Project C” initiative. Project C is a program designed to transcend convention and create a more equitable future. In collaboration with the people of New York State, Project C wishes to inspire positive change — from neighborhood beautification to workforce development. Legislators Caracappa and Mazzarella presented each volunteer a Certificate of Recognition for their volunteer work.
“I’d like to thank Vanessa Lockel, CCE’s Executive Director, Vicki Fleming, the Director for Suffolk County Farm, as well as farm employees for a tour of this incredible county facility that has so much to offer. Whether it be in the way of education or for family recreation, the farm programs and events provide something for everyone,” stated Legislator Caracappa. “I’d also like to offer a special thanks to the employees of National Grid who volunteered their time to work the farm today. Suffolk County Farm truly is a resource run by and for the community.”
Brookhaven Town residents whose homes were damaged by the unprecedented rains caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida can apply for federal FEMA grants and receive state and local assistance at a Storm Recovery Center set up in the Rose Caracappa Senior Citizen Center. The center is located at 739 Route 25A in Mount Sinai. The center will be open starting on Thursday, September 16 at 8:00am and will operate 7 days a week from 8:00am to 7:00pm until further notice. Pictured above is Town Clerk Donna Lent at the Rose Caracappa Center preparing to assist residents requiring vital records at the Storm Recovery Center.
Suffolk County received a Major Disaster Declaration this weekend as a result of the devastating floods caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida earlier this month. Approval is based on joint damage assessments by New York State and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Suffolk County also qualifies for the Individual Assistance Program.
A Major Disaster Declaration allows for financial assistance from the federal government to provide disaster relief and allow communities to recover through either Public Assistance or a combination of Public and Individual Assistance. Public Assistance provides emergency assistance to save lives and protect property as well as funding debris removal and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, parks, hospitals, police stations, fire houses, water and wastewater treatment facilities and other publicly owned facilities. Individual Assistance provides direct support for individuals and homeowners. Residents may also be able to receive funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property or funds for moving and storage, or medical, dental, and childcare.
Homeowners and renters should make every effort to document their losses. Homeowners will work directly with FEMA to obtain funding for Individual assistance, which can include funds for temporary housing units, housing and driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance and legal services.
Niko Gentile with his mom, Ronnie Gentile, and Leg. Nick Caracappa
When the Gentile family of Holbrook learned of Legislator Nick Caracappa’s School Supply Drive to benefit local children in the community, Ronnie Gentile contacted Caracappa’s office to say that her son Niko was looking for a Boy Scout community service project. She thought our supply drive was the perfect opportunity for Niko to earn the Star Scout Badge.
In all, Niko Gentile of Boy Scout Troop #124 in Holbrook collected over 600 items to contribute to Caracappa’s school supply drive. He recently stopped by the district office to drop these items off, and Legislator Caracappa presented Niko with a Certificate of Achievement to recognize his enormous accomplishment.
“I was amazed when I saw the number of supplies Niko brought to my office,” stated Legislator Caracappa. “This project was a true community effort. Niko reached out and collected each and every supply, which he then brought to my office to be distributed to the less fortunate. Each school year, it’s important to remember that every child deserves the tools needed to be successful in school; I am proud of Niko’s efforts in helping make that happen.”
From left, Dr. Korbin's wife, Seth Korbin, MD, and Legislator Bridget Fleming at the Suffolk County Legislature office in Riverside on Thursday, September 9th.
Seth Korbin, MD, joint reconstruction specialist at Stony Brook Orthopaedic Associates and clinical associate professor at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, was presented a Proclamation by Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming this week in acknowledgement of his rescue of a man, woman and her 7-year-old son from the waters in Hampton Bays on Wednesday, August 25.
After deciding to go surfing in the ocean off Dune Road, Dr. Korbin noticed three people clinging to a boogie board and realized that they were caught in a rip current. He first brought the 7-year-old boy to shore, and then went back out for the man and woman. Everyone was safe and no medical attention was needed, thanks to the quick and selfless actions of Dr. Korbin.
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