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Suffolk County Government

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Pixabay photo

In an era where environmental degradation and the proliferation of microplastics are rampant, it is crucial for communities to take proactive steps toward sustainability. Introduced by county Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), bill I.R. 1371 is a commendable effort aimed at reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastics in Suffolk County. 

This bill, if passed by the Legislature and signed by County Executive Ed Romaine (R), would prohibit restaurants and third-party delivery services from providing single-use utensils and condiment packages unless explicitly requested by customers.

The significance of this bill extends beyond mere policy changes; it embodies a collective commitment to a healthier environment and community — advocacy for the bill is rooted in the undeniable truth that excessive plastic waste poses a severe threat to our natural surroundings. 

Plastics often end up on our beaches, clogging our street drains and breaking down into microparticles. These particles can be inhaled or ingested, eventually finding their way into the food chain and even human reproductive organs.

This bill is not about banning plastic but rather encouraging mindfulness. The environmental mantra of “reduce, reuse, recycle” emphasizes that reduction is the highest priority. By limiting the distribution of unnecessary plastic, we address the problem at its source, preventing waste before it starts. This approach not only protects our environment but also enhances the quality of life.

The bill emphasizes that the reduction of plastic is beneficial for everyone, including businesses. Beyond cost savings, reducing plastic waste also safeguards our tourism industry, which is vital to Suffolk County’s economy. Tourists are drawn to our pristine beaches and vibrant natural beauty; plastic pollution undermines these attractions and threatens our economic well-being.

Living in a healthy environment is not just a privilege; it is a necessity. We must hold businesses accountable for their environmental impact and encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternatives. By doing so, we protect our natural resources, support our local economy and ensure a healthier future for all residents of Suffolk County. 

The future of our takeout restaurants, beaches and public health could be positively influenced by this legislation. While you won’t be forced to forgo single-use utensils, considering environmentally friendly alternatives can make a significant difference.

This is essential, commonsense legislation that the county Legislature must find a way of passing.

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Legislator Steve Englebright. Photo courtesy Office of Leg. Englebright

By Ava Himmelsbach

Introduced by county Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) at the Suffolk County Legislature’s April 9 meeting, bill I.R. 1371 may change how Suffolk County treats the environment.

If passed by the Legislature and signed by County Executive Ed Romaine (R), this bill would ban restaurants and third-party delivery services from providing single-use utensils and condiment packages unless requested by a customer. The goals and potential impacts of this bill were discussed during the Legislature’s May 7 general meeting and voted upon during last week’s committee meeting but failed to pass.

Englebright emphasized that this bill is meant to help the environment, which could concurrently help the community. “We’re trying to basically keep the extra plastic — that nobody even really uses in many cases — from just being callously or carelessly disposed of. It often ends up on our beaches, clogging our street drains and breaking down into microparticles that are able to be inhaled in some cases, or that are taken up in the food chain by organisms that concentrate the plastic going up the food chain.” 

“So, this is not a ban on plastic,” Englebright clarified. “It’s simply an effort to cause people to be more thoughtful.”

This seemingly simple and nonrestrictive proposal has caused disagreement that seems to be rooted in political variance. Nonetheless, Englebright believes that the issue of microplastics and environmental concerns should not be viewed from an argumentative perspective. 

“There’s really no reason, in my opinion, not to implement this — because it doesn’t hurt anybody and it only has the potential to be helpful. You know, there are three Rs in the environment.” Englebright explained why limiting plastic distribution should be prioritized. “I’m talking about reduce, reuse, recycle. And those three Rs for the environment are really very important to keep in mind. They are listed in priority order. Recycling is the least appropriate way to deal with contaminants, pollutants and excessive litter, or in this case plastic debris. The most important is to not create the problem in the first place. That’s ‘reduce.’ And so, reduction is the highest priority. That’s what this bill does.”

Less plastic being thrown away could mean a better quality of life for Long Island residents. “The reduction of the line of plastic into the environment is really something that shouldn’t be controversial, because it saves money for food establishments that sell takeout food and it certainly prevents people from encountering problems with plastics,” Englebright said. He highlighted an often-overlooked impact of plastic waste: “Plastics have the potential to collapse or compromise parts of our largest industry, which is tourism.”

Despite some disagreement, this bill has been met with plenty of positivity and understanding by Suffolk County residents. “We’ve had very strong support, there were a number of speakers who spoke in support,” Englebright said. These supporters included local civic leaders and numerous speakers from waterfront communities and nonprofits.

Due to a tied vote, I.R. 1371 failed to move out of committee last week. However, Englebright stated that he intends to reintroduce it in the near future. “We’re going to redouble our efforts. There is every intention on my part to reintroduce the bill, and we may add some adjustments, making it more difficult to see a repeat of that action. So, some of the comments that were made on it by the presiding officer [Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst)] before he made his vote, we’re going to study those and see if there’s a way to apply some of those to the bill.”

Romaine would like to see the language of the bill, and he believes that with a thorough understanding of its contents, he would potentially be supportive of its passing. “I have some concerns about this bill,” he said. “But should the bill arrive at my desk, I would definitely consider signing it.”

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From left, Legislator Bontempi with Suffolk County Healthcare Hero honoree Kacey Farber.

Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.)honored Kacey Farber as the Suffolk County Healthcare Hero for the 18th Legislative District during the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting on June 2. Kacey Farber, LMSW, is a highly dedicated and accomplished social worker with over 22 years of diverse experience.

As the Program Manager for the Reichert Family Caregiver Center at Huntington Hospital, Kacey has developed and coordinated a comprehensive caregiver support program for those feeling overwhelmed and lonely after finding themselves the primary caretaker of a sick parent, spouse, or child. Through her leadership and guidance, Kacey has created a “resource hub” for caretakers; including support groups, webinars, wellness-events for family caregivers, and a plethora of information on various topics related to caregiving. Additionally, Kacey oversees social work graduate interns and trains volunteer caregiver coaches. 

Throughout her career, Kacey has consistently demonstrated exceptional clinical skills and an unwavering dedication to supporting families. Honored with multiple awards for her valuable contributions, Kacey continues to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of those she serves.

“Recognizing Kacey Farber as a Suffolk County Healthcare Hero is a testament to her incredible dedication and commitment to improving the lives of others in our community, and we are truly grateful for her service,” said Legislator Bontempi.

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Senator Murray and Assemblyman Smith introduced “Nick’s Law” in 2023 (S6051/A6520) which will increase penalties for those convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death. Photo courtesy Office of Dean Murray

By Samantha Rutt

A hit-and-run incident in Patchogue March 2023, which claimed the life of 25-year-old Nicholas Puzio, has spurred local leaders into action. Puzio, a resident of Farmingville, was tragically struck by two separate vehicles while crossing Route 112. Both drivers fled the scene, leaving him to die. 

Hit-and-run collisions are those in which at least one person involved in a crash flees the scene before offering any, or sufficient, information or aid to the other involved person or fails to properly report the crash. Hit-and-run violations – which are criminal offenses – can create additional burdens for law enforcement and for families looking for remediation as well as medical and insurance support.

Although Long Island roads are among the deadliest, few drivers involved in crashes that kill pedestrians or cyclists face criminal charges. That is, unless they are caught after fleeing the scene, or it can be proven they were drunk, under the influence of drugs or speeding.

Walk Safe Long Island, a collaborative of health and transportation safety educators from Nassau and Suffolk counties, says over the past three years in Nassau and Suffolk counties, 515 people have been hit and injured while walking, jogging or biking.

Pedestrian safety continues to be a serious concern. The Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research states that from 2016 to 2020, pedestrians accounted for almost one quarter of the fatalities on New York’s roadways.

According to information from the National Center for Health Statistics, Long Island averages 18.2 roadway deaths per month. However, in the summer months this number trends upward as it nearly doubled, reaching 31 in August of last year.

In response, state Sen. Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) and Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) introduced “Nick’s Law” in 2023. The proposed legislation aims to increase penalties for those convicted of leaving the scene of an incident involving a death. The move comes in the wake of a lenient six-month sentence handed down to one of the drivers involved in Puzio’s death, highlighting the inadequacies of current laws.

“Two drivers made reckless choices and left my son dying in the street. Who does that? Does anyone have regard for human life? The laws in New York State are far too lenient,” Puzio’s mother, Terry Puzio, voiced her anguish and frustration in a statement.

Under current laws, individuals caught fleeing the scene of a fatal incident face a Class D felony and a fine of up to $5,000. “Nick’s Law” would elevate the crime to a Class B felony with a fine of $30,000. This increase in penalties is aimed at deterring drivers from fleeing the scene to avoid harsher consequences for other offenses such as driving under the influence.

The need for this legislation is represented by the alarming statistics. According to multiple sources, in 2023, Suffolk County alone witnessed 16 fatal hit-and-run incidents. This year, multiple similar incidents have already occurred, including the recent death of 22-year-old volunteer firefighter Christopher Hlavaty in East Patchogue.

Hlavaty’s mother, Janine Hlavaty, shared her desire for the bill’s passage in a statement, saying, “My hope for the passage of ‘Nick’s Law’ is that people will think twice before leaving the scene of these horrific, life-altering accidents.”

The push for “Nick’s Law” has garnered support from local lawmakers and officials who have emphasized the importance of holding hit-and-run drivers accountable. 

“When people can face lighter sentences if they are involved in an accident while drunk or on drugs by leaving an injured person in the road, there is a clear benefit to them to run and hide. That is unacceptable and it must be changed as soon as possible,” state Sen. Mario Mattera (R-St. James) said in a statement.

The community’s outcry and the introduction of “Nick’s Law” showcases a collective demand for justice and safety on the roads. For now, the community awaits legislative action, hoping that “Nick’s Law” will bring about the change to deter future hit-and-run tragedies and provide justice for those who have lost their lives on the roads of Long Island.

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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, who came straight from working in his garden, talks with several seniors who are active in the Garden Club and maintain gardens at home.
Members of the Garden Club admire the summer plant donated to the Smithtown Senior Citizens Center by Bonnie Steinmuller (standing, right) of ARS Landscape & Design and Podcat Farms.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta was the guest speaker at the Smithtown Senior Center’s Garden Club in May. After speaking about his vegetable garden and blackberry and raspberry plants, he was invited to come back this month.

Legislator Trotta invited Bonnie and Andrew Steinmuller, owners of ARS Landscape & Design and Podcat Farms located at 527 West Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown to join him. Bonnie was able to attend, but Andrew had a previous commitment. The young couple are raising their family in Smithtown while fulfilling their dream of having a farm, nursery, and local landscape/design business.

Bonnie gave a brief overview of her background and how she and her husband started their business. Then, gardening tips where shared by all. Such as, if you grow strawberries as they do at the Senior Center, they paint little rocks red with black dots to deter the birds from pecking at the real strawberries. Did you know that a mixture of water, coffee grounds, eggshells and a banana peel – simmered and strained – makes a healthy solution for watering plants and vegetables? Some people recommended shaving Irish Spring soap to keep the bugs and deer away from plants and others recommended tying some human hair on a plant to discourage the deer. Bonnie noted from her experience that if deer are hungry, they will eat anything, but they do tend to dislike plants with a strong odor. According to Patty Bornhoft, Senior Citizen Assistant at the Senior Center, if your fence is solid, the deer won’t jump over it as they cannot see what is beyond it and don’t want to take the chance of being injured.

Both Legislator Trotta and Bonnie shared some of their vegetable plants with the seniors and, in addition, Bonnie gave them a summer plant for all to enjoy at the Smithtown Senior Center.

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Suffolk County Legislators Steven Englebright, right, and Rob Trotta, left, honor Keri Moschetto as a healthcare hero at the Legislature’s June 25 General Meeting. Photo from Steven Englebright’s office

Suffolk County Legislators Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) joined forces to honor Keri Moschetto, a licensed practical nurse, at the Legislature’s General Meeting on Tuesday, June 25.

All 18 County Legislators were asked to choose a healthcare hero to recognize at the monthly meeting. While Moschetto, an East Setauket resident, lives in Legislator Englebright’s district, as a nurse and unit coordinator at The Smithtown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care, she works in Legislator Trotta’s district.

In addition to being honored for her everyday responsibilities, the LPN was recognized for an act of bravery.  

“Keri went above and beyond her call of duty earlier this year when upon hearing a Code Red signal at her workplace, she ran from the second floor to a first-floor room, where a fire was reported,” Englebright said. “Risking her own safety, she pulled a patient out of a smoke-filled room.”

Moschetto’s responsibilities at the center include a variety of duties, such as caring for 22 post-acute care patients and managing the nurses and certified nursing assistants assigned to her unit. She also maintains care plans, monitors labs, participates in family meetings, acts as a liaison between doctors and families/patients and coordinates MD visits.

According to her colleagues, the clinical venue continues to be a challenging place to care for patients, especially during and after the pandemic. The LPN has easily handled all these complex and difficult tasks with humility.

Dr. John Folan, the Smithtown Center’s medical director, said of Moschetto, “In all my career as a physician, providing care to innumerable members of our community, there are few, if any nurses, who compare with Keri’s skill, work ethic, and, most importantly, her compassion. She uniquely demonstrates medical knowledge much beyond her training.”

 

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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta at the entrance to Travis Hall, St. Joseph’s Church, which hosted the blood drive. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

44 Pints were Collected — Saving 132 Lives

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta thanks all of the parishioners of St. Joseph’s Church and members of the community who donated their blood to benefit the blood banks at hospitals served by Long Island Blood Services. “I am grateful to St. Joseph’s Church for doing this event with my office,” said Legislator Trotta.

Fifty-two donors came to the blood drive on June 12 but only 44 met the criteria. However, those donations will save 132 lives since from each pint the blood goes for use as plasma, platelets, and red blood cells – saving three lives.

“I also appreciate the work done by the LI Blood Service personnel, volunteers Rich, Bridget and Vicki, who helped with registration, greeting the donors and stocking the canteen with refreshments. Once again, Kings Park comes through,” added Trotta.

 

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Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright with a few of the pet food donations. Photo courtesy of Leg. Englebright’s office

Over the past few months, Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright’s (D-Setauket) office has participated in the 2024 Legislative Pet Food Drive to collect necessary items for the Long Island Cares-Baxter’s Pet Pantry. Not only does Baxter’s Pet Pantry assist Suffolk County residents by easing some of the financial burdens associated with caring for pets, but they also help ensure that they remain with their families and the people who love them most.

Since the start of the 2024 Suffolk County Legislative Pet Food Drive, Legislative District 5 residents have come together to help donate a total of 589 pounds of pet food and supplies. 

“As an avid animal lover myself, I was truly touched to see how many of my fellow community members went out of their way to stop by my office to deliver these donations,” Englebright said. 

“Animals have the unique ability to bring joy and enrich our day-to-day lives, so we owe it to them to ensure that they are properly fed and cared for just like any other member of our families.” 

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Legislator Rob Trotta and Girl Scout Mackenzie Clarke and her mother Peggy Clarke.
Girl Scout Akiko Matrisciano and Legislator Rob Trotta
Legislator Rob Trotta with Girl Scout Angelica Rafaelides and her parents Peter and Effie Rafaelides

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recently attended the annual Girl Scouts of Suffolk County’s Gold Award Ceremony held at Villa Lombardi. This is the highest honor one can achieve in the Girl Scouts. Nine girl scouts from Legislator Trotta’s district earned this award. To receive the Gold Award each scout is required to do a community service project. They come up with an idea, discuss it with their Troop Advisor, then present the project to the organization, and work with them until it is finished.

The following Gold Award Girl Scouts reside in Legislator Trotta’s Legislative District:

  •   Mackenzie Clark of Kings Park created a “Sensory Room” at William T. Rogers

    School in Kings Park.

  •   Alyssa Greisman of Smithtown organized a “Music Night for students at parents

    at the Smithtown schools.

  •   Lauren Hedges of Kings Park created an “American Sign Language Learning Box”

    for the Smithtown Library’s Library of Things program.

  •   Akiko Matrisciano of Fort Salonga designed and painted a mural illustrating

    diversity at a nursery at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

  •   Angelica Rafaelides of Smithtown coordinated with the District Attorney’s office

    an assembly for sixth grade students to address the impact of social media on

    mental health.

  •   Megan Reilly of Commack developed a training guide with a physician from Stony

    Brook Hospital for teachers to help them identify and assist teens with mental

    health issues.

  •   Abbey Strent of Commack conducted workshops for residents at Gurwin to improve their social skills and increase their interaction with other people.
  •  Abigail Vermillion of Commack built homes for rescued cats at the Northport Cat Rescue Association.
  •  Layla Wilkes of Commack constructed benches for the preschool children on the Commack Soccer League.

“The young women who earned this award exemplify the values of leadership, character and community service that is inherent in the Girl Scouts. I congratulate them, their parents and scout leaders. This is a tremendous accomplishment and I applaud each one of them,” said Leg. Trotta.

Caption:
At the Girl Scout Gold Ceremony Legislator Trotta had the opportunity to meet several of the scouts from his district and present them with a proclamation congratulating them on their achievement.

  1. Legislator Rob Trotta and Girl Scout Mackenzie Clarke and her mother Peggy Clarke
  2. Girl Scout Akiko Matrisciano and Legislator Rob Trotta
  3. Legislator Rob Trotta with Girl Scout Angelica Rafaelides and her parents Peter

    and Effie Rafaelides

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The Suffolk County Legislature has appointed John Rose of Setauket to the board of the Suffolk County Water Authority. The unanimous vote came at the June 4 general meeting of the legislature. Rose was appointed to a five-year term, succeeding Jacqueline Gordon, whose term expired in April.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to join the Suffolk County Water Authority,” Rose said. “I am grateful to Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey   for putting my nomination forward and all the members of the legislature for their trust in me. Drinking water is so essential to everything we do, and protecting it is the most important job we have. SCWA has always been an exemplary model of what makes Suffolk County great. I am looking forward to being a part of it.”

Rose is a business owner of several enterprises in the Selden area and has extensive knowledge of real estate development, planning, town codes, site work, and building plans. In 1998, he was honored by the Suffolk County Legislature with its Outstanding Volunteer Recognition Award. Rose served on the Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency from 2009 to 2015, where he helped encourage businesses to begin operations in or move to Brookhaven. He was appointed to the Suffolk County Downtown Citizens Advisory Board in 2013 and served on the Brookhaven Planning Board from 2015 to 2024.

“John has been civically engaged for more than 35 years,” SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz said. “The Suffolk County Water Authority is all about serving our community, and John brings that experience in spades. I look forward to having his perspective on the board so that we can continue to improve for our customers.”

“Our board members have put forth many of the ideas that have helped shape SCWA,” Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Szabo said. “Each board member has a unique expertise which helps improve our organization. John’s expertise will be a major boost for the organization, and we are excited to benefit from his ideas.”

“We are very fortunate to have an outstanding organization in the Suffolk County Water Authority serving our residents, and I know they are in great hands with John Rose,” McCaffrey said. “I’ve known John and his service to the community for years now. He has contributed to our community for decades through his businesses, his work on the Brookhaven IDA, and other volunteer efforts. I know he will bring that same concern and dedication to the SCWA board. I am proud to have nominated John.”

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