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Adrienne Giannadeo with Suffolk County Leg. Trotta

.At the May 7 General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, the Presiding Officer announced the nominees who were named the 2024 Women of Distinction for each of the 18 legislative districts. Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta selected Adrienne Giannadeo for her love of family, involvement with her community and her 26 years of being a dedicated teacher in the Kings Park School District.

While working at Park View Elementary School, she readily accepted college students whom she mentored while they did their student teaching in her class. During that time, Adrienne also developed a program with a local nursing home where the residents would come to visit and read to the schoolchildren. In addition, she was asked by the district to spearhead the committee that was responsible for building the first school playground in Kings Park. Part of that assignment was to find a company to do it and to serve as the liaison.

While raising her family and working, Adrienne found time to collaborate with fellow Catholic women in her neighborhood to establish The Rosary Society for St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Kings Park. She is also active in St. Joseph’s Catholic Daughters of America. In 1991, Adrienne was appointed to the Town of Smithtown Board of Zoning Appeals. She made history by becoming the first woman to serve as its Chairwoman, a position she held for 14 years. To this day, she continues to serve on the Zoning Board.

Adrienne is also a member of the St. Catherine of Siena Hospital’s Advisory Board and the Smithtown Sunrise Rotary. She volunteers for both the Kings Park and Smithtown Chambers of Commerce. She is a past trustee of the Smithtown Historical Society. Several organizations have recognized for her for her contributions. The Smithtown Business and Professional Women honored her in 2012 with its Woman of Example Award. In 2014, she received the Community Service Award from the New York State Teacher’s Union. The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce acknowledged her with its Community Service Award last year.

“I met Adrienne more than 10 years ago when I was running for election to the Legislature. The teacher in her was evident when she gave me advice about dressing for the position and informed me that shorts and a t-shirt were not the proper attire. We have been friends ever since and I have the utmost respect for her and am thrilled that she accepted this recognition from me as she deserves it,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. The 2024 Woman of Distinction for the 13th Legislative District Adrienne Giannadeo is
with Legislator Rob Trotta, District 13, at the 2024 Woman of Distinction celebration.

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Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

Last year, Suffolk County designated the first Wednesday in May as “Jewish-American Heritage Day” in Suffolk County. Pursuant to the resolution, legislators select a Jewish American person of distinction who resides in their legislative district for this recognition.

Legislator Trotta chose Gurwin Healthcare Systems in Commack for offering a vast array of services and programs for the residents of Long Island, and its staff for providing a high level of care for those they serve.

“Gurwin is well respected in the community and has been recognized by many organizations for its quality of service,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

Pictured at the celebration at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge are from left to right several officials from Gurwin: Timothy Matejka, Chief Development Officer, Joe Gali, Vice President and Administrator of the Fay J. Linder Residences, Stuart Almer, President/ Chief Executive Officer, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta and Michael Letter, Sr. Vice President/Chief Operating Officer.

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Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright presents Margo Arceri with a Woman of Distinction proclamation at the May 7 th General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office

Suffolk County Legislators are asked to name a Woman of Distinction from their district to commemorate Women’s History Month in March. The award recognizes women who demonstrate leadership qualities and involvement in and commitment to their communities.

This year’s honorees were recognized at a luncheon at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on May 7. Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffery announced the women’s names at the Legislature’s General Meeting earlier that day.

When asked to choose a Woman of Distinction for Legislative District 5, the first person who came to Legislator Steven Englebright’s (D-Setauket) mind was Margo Arceri. The legislator said Arceri’s interest in preserving the Three Village area’s history and sense of place is apparent in her volunteer work and business ventures. He values how she has kept the history and true tales of Kate Wheeler Strong, an early female historian, and Revolutionary War spy Anna Smith Strong alive. Englebright also recognizes that Arceri’s work and volunteer efforts, as well as her role as president of the Strong’s Neck Civic Association, further educates residents and area visitors about the importance of Setauket Harbor from a historical perspective as well as from a natural history, water chemistry and overall ecological health perspective.

After the General Meeting, Arceri thanked the Suffolk County Legislature members and Legislator Englebright. “The Legislature has always inspired me,” she said. “To be able to carry on the history of our community in some small capacity is truly an honor. I have always felt that the community is our museum and everywhere you turn is an artifact. One of the most important parts of that museum are the docents … the people of this community who keep our history and our heritage alive for generations to come.”

Growing up in Strong’s Neck, Arceri knew historian Kate Wheeler Strong (1879-1977), the great-great-granddaughter of Anna Smith Strong. Kate’s great-great-grandmother was believed to have strategically hung her laundry on a clothesline to send messages to her fellow Setauket spies, who were part of the Culper Spy Ring, during the Revolutionary War. 

The honoree, a former vice president and past secretary of the Three Village Historical Society, continues to volunteer with the society. In 2023, she facilitated a $300,000 Suffolk County JumpSMART grant for TVHS.

In conjunction with the historical society, she created Tri-Spy Tours, where participants follow the footsteps of the Culper Spy Ring by walking, biking and/or kayaking through Setauket. Her entrepreneurship with Tri-Spy Tours fostered an even greater appreciation for local history. It inspired her to create the annual Culper Spy Day, now hosted by the Three Village Historical Society. The event features a self-guided tour where attendees visit various structures and museums in the area to learn how the Setauket spies assisted General George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

She has frequently volunteered during the Setauket Harbor Task Force’s Annual Harbor Day. One of TBR News Media’s 2017 People of the Year, she is the executive producer of the television series “Redcoats and Petticoats.” Arceri is also an active member of St. James R.C. Church, serving as the parish point person to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Center, a lector, healing minister and capitol campaign committee member.

Caption: Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright presents Margo Arceri with a Woman of Distinction proclamation at the May 7th General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine stands alongside county legislators on May 7. Photo by Samantha Rutt

By Samantha Rutt

In his inaugural State of the County Address, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) outlined a comprehensive four-year plan to revitalize and fortify Suffolk County, emphasizing key priorities such as fiscal responsibility, public safety, infrastructure enhancement and social services reform. 

“I am extremely hopeful about the future of this county and there are 18 reasons for that and they all sit around me,” the executive said of his Legislature. “I have watched this Legislature for many years. I was part of this Legislature for many years and I am so impressed with the dedication and commitment of these people,” Romaine said as he stood before the podium. 

Addressing an audience May 7 at the William H. Rogers Building in Hauppauge, Romaine outlined his administration’s achievements within its first 100 days while charting a course for the county’s future. 

“Let me start off by saying that the state of the county is good — but it can be improved,” Romaine said. “I am going to be working with the 18 people behind me, men and women of goodwill. Men and women of intellect. Men and women to lead this county forward, because I believe our best days are ahead.” 

Fiscal strength and accountability

Romaine heralded significant strides in Suffolk County’s financial standing, citing a notable upgrade in the county’s credit rating by S&P Global Ratings.

“One thing I’ve learned over a long life is all issues of government are issues of money,” he emphasized. “Right now our general obligation bonds are rated ‘AA-’. I am happy to say that we got our first upgrade this quarter and we are now ‘A+’.”

With an upgraded rating and a stable outlook, the county seeks fiscal stability and enhanced access to capital markets. 

Additionally, Romaine announced initiatives to ensure budgeting practices, including a commitment to adhere to the state-mandated 2% property tax cap and the establishment of a centralized grants office to maximize state and federal funding opportunities.

“New York State has a 2% tax cap, inflation is running a lot higher than 2%,” Romaine explained. “I will submit a budget this September for next year that will not exceed the 2% property tax cap. We cannot afford to do that.”

Investment in public safety

Recognizing the importance of public safety, Romaine announced key appointments within the Suffolk County Police Department and outlined plans to expand law enforcement capabilities. 

“Public safety is a concern — we have new leadership in our department,” Romaine said. “As I promised, I’ve hired more detectives, and we have more cops on the street. It’s important because two things that I’ve heard from the voters and residents of Suffolk County is we need the county to be safe and we need it to be affordable.” 

Investments in new personnel, equipment and technologies aim to uplift public safety efforts and address emerging challenges. Notably, Romaine emphasized the significance of fair and efficient operations within the Traffic and Parking Violations Agency, a growing concern among residents across the county.

Infrastructure revitalization

Romaine touched on the imperative to modernize and maintain county facilities, highlighting initiatives to renovate and upgrade critical infrastructure. With a focus on improving constituent affairs and enhancing employee morale, the administration plans to address long-standing deficiencies in county facilities, including the Suffolk County Police headquarters and the Medical Examiner’s Office building. 

Additionally, plans to reacquire the former John J. Foley nursing home property in Yaphank signals a strategic approach to meet evolving community needs while realizing significant cost savings.

Cybersecurity preparedness

Reflecting on the cyberattack of 2022 and acknowledging the enduring threat posed by cyberattacks, Romaine outlined measures to reinforce the county’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Through comprehensive audits, strategic hiring and resource allocation, the administration shifts its aim to mitigate vulnerabilities and safeguard sensitive data.

Social services reform and environmental preservation

“Now I come to the Department of Social Services, a department that needs a little bit of attention,” Romaine shared. “When I came into office and I read the Newsday article that Suffolk County was one of the worst in the state at processing SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] applications and that we were way behind in processing social service applications … that is going to change. We are going to put staffing in, we are going to be on top of things.”

Additionally, Romaine reaffirmed the county’s commitment to environmental preservation — just like preservation was a staple of Romaine’s time as Brookhaven Town supervisor — citing investments in farmland preservation and open-space conservation as critical components of sustainable development. The county executive recently appropriated $15 million to preserve farmland across the county. Since taking office, nearly 100 acres of farmland and open space throughout the county has been preserved with additional acquisitions planned later in the year.

Looking ahead

“I believe working together, investing in our infrastructure and rebuilding what is needed in this county as our best days are ahead,” the county executive remarked.

In concluding his address, Romaine articulated a vision of optimism and collaboration, emphasizing the collective efforts needed to propel Suffolk County forward. With a dedicated team and a commitment to transparency and accountability, he expressed confidence in the county’s ability to overcome challenges and realize its full potential. 

“Let’s step up to the plate, we have a lot of challenges ahead,” Romaine concluded.

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Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright, center, named Andy Polan, left, as the Fifth Legislative District’s Jewish American of Distinction. Englebright and Polan are pictured with Rabbi Aaron Benson of North Shore Jewish Center. Photo courtesy of Leg. Englebright's office

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) has named Andrew Polan as the Fifth Legislative District’s Jewish American of Distinction for 2024.

“Andy is a steadfast figure in the Three Village Jewish American community and the surrounding area,” Englebright said. “He is a beacon of dedication and service.”

Last year, Suffolk County officials designated the first Wednesday of May as Jewish American Heritage Day in Suffolk. Elected county officials in conjunction with the American Jewish Committee held a ceremony on Wednesday, May 1, at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. Each county legislator chose a Jewish American of Distinction to represent their district.

Polan, a former North Shore Jewish Center board president, continues to be an active member of the congregation. Rabbi Aaron Benson fondly describes him as “an all-around mensch and a sweetheart.” Polan’s reputation is one of quiet and humble giving, always ready to lend a helping hand.

The honoree is also an active member of Village Chabad in East Setauket and is the board president of Stony Brook Hillel, which strives to give Stony Brook University students a community where they can explore their relationship with Judaism, Israel and each other.

The owner of Stony Brook Vision World, Polan is a member of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce and one of its past presidents. Among his accomplishments, he has been credited with facilitating the installation of the chamber’s sign on Nicolls Road and Route 347. He was also an ardent volunteer and supporter of the Walk for Beauty, which was held annually at Stony Brook Village Center. Proceeds from the event were donated to a targeted Stony Brook Medicine breast cancer research fund.

Polan follows in the footsteps of his father, Sheldon, who was also an optician. His father was a World War II vet, and in addition to serving his Vision World customers, Andy Polan is the resident optician at the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University. At the veterans home, he is known to go above and beyond to ensure the veterans’ eye care needs are met.

Polan said he was honored and flattered to be chosen by Englebright.

“At a time when unity is so important, I am honored to be recognized and included with others who have contributed so much to bringing others together,” Polan said.

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Stony Brook University: Entrance sign
BREAKING NEWS: This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information is available

By Samantha Rutt

In the early hours of Thursday morning, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Stony Brook University was rocked by a series of events that culminated in the arrest of 29 individuals, including students, faculty members, and external affiliates for violating various legal statutes and university policies.

What began as a peaceful demonstration on the university’s Staller steps escalated into a tense standoff between protesters and university officials, ultimately resulting in police intervention.

The university administration, in a statement released shortly after the arrests, expressed disappointment at the turn of events.

According to university officials, efforts were made to de-escalate tensions throughout the day on Wednesday, with administrators offering to meet with protest leaders to discuss their grievances. However, these attempts were rebuffed, and the situation continued to deteriorate as protesters erected tents and engaged in behavior that violated university policies.

“What began on Tuesday as a peaceful demonstration in compliance with our rules escalated to include intimidation and harassment of other students, the erection of tents in violation of the University’s policy, and the continued occupation of a space that must continue to be available to other student groups that had reserved its use well in advance,” University President Maurie McInnis said in a statement earlier this morning.

McInnis lamented the need for police intervention and emphasized the university’s commitment to upholding the rights of free speech and peaceful assembly. McInnis acknowledged the complexities of the situation, recognizing the importance of allowing all voices to be heard while ensuring the safety and well-being of the campus community.

“I am deeply saddened that we reached a point where police intervention became necessary. University administrators made every effort to avert this outcome. Nevertheless, I want to express my appreciation to all involved for the peaceful manner in which the events of yesterday evening unfolded. The police acted professionally and with restraint, and most of our students comported themselves peacefully and with dignity in a manner that contrasts sharply with the scenes we are seeing from many other campuses.”

“As we have stated previously, Stony Brook supports every individual’s right to free expression and peaceful assembly. As a campus community, we have hosted numerous demonstrations and events, for the most part, mindful of our responsibility to treat one another with respect and civility,” the statement continued.

The events at Stony Brook are reflective of broader tensions surrounding issues of free speech, activism, and campus governance that have been playing out on college campuses across the country. With protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict sparking controversy and debate, universities like Stony Brook find themselves navigating challenging terrain as they seek to balance the rights of students to express their views with the need to maintain order and uphold institutional policies.

As the campus grapples with the aftermath of the events, questions remain about the future of student activism and student life at Stony Brook and the university’s approach to managing protests and demonstrations. While the administration has made clear its commitment to supporting free speech, it also stresses the importance of adherence to university guidelines and policies.

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Pictured at the ceremony, are from left, Legislator Rob Trotta, Marge Connick, her son Bill, and behind them, his three sons who are triplets.

In 2019, the Suffolk County Legislature passed a resolution requesting each Legislator to select an Irish American person of distinction who resides in his or her district to be honored at the Irish American Heritage Celebration in Hauppauge during the month of March.

On March 27, a celebration was held at the Dennison Building in Hauppauge to recognize each legislator’s honoree.Several Irish musicians, Step Dancers, the Suffolk County Pipes & Drums and Suffolk County Police Emerald Society entertained the honorees and their families, as well as various county officials.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized Kings Park Resident and 2024 Grand Marshal of the Kings Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Marge Connick, as the 13th Legislative District Irish American of Distinction.

Marge Connick is a proud Irish American as her grandparents came to the United States for a better life and found one in Kings Park, where they raised their five daughters. Her parents moved to Smithtown, but she still had friends in Kings Park. At a farewell party for her cousin who was leaving to serve in the military, she met her future husband Bill. While they dated in high school, it was not until after she finished nursing school that they were married. They bought a house in Kings Park, where they raised their two children and where she continues to live today.

Legislator Trotta said, “I have known Marge for years and she was a dedicated and caring nurse for 48 years working primarily in the oncology unit at St. John’s Hospital which was later renamed St. Catherine of Siena. Marge is the consummate volunteer – offering her services to such organizations as the Kings Park Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters of America, St. Joseph’s Church and is a proud member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.”

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William “Bill” Doherty Jr., center, was chosen as an Irish American of Distinction in the Suffolk County Legislature’s Fifth Legislative District. Doherty is shown with his father, Bill, and mother, Kathy.

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright honored William “Bill” Doherty Jr. as the 5th Legislative District’s 2024 “Irish American of Distinction.” Bill joined his fellow honorees at the county’s Irish American Heritage Month celebration at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on Wednesday, March 27.

The celebration highlighted Irish Americans’ contributions throughout Suffolk County. Each Legislator selected an Irish American person of distinction who resides in his or her respective legislative district.

Bill has been a volunteer member and employee of the Setauket Fire Department for 13 years. The 33-year-old South Setauket resident works full-time in the fire department’s maintenance department and volunteers as a firefighter, following in his father’s footsteps.

Bill is known for his contributions to many fire department community functions, whether front and center or working behind the scenes, to make them successful. He participates in various community events, including the department’s car wash and other fundraisers. Bill also serves as a liaison for whoever runs an event to ensure they have everything they need.

Bill plays a significant role in the upkeep of the department’s 9/11 Memorial Park, which is open to the public. In addition to answering alarms, he operates the district’s snowplow during a fire emergency to ensure access to a person’s driveway and walkway during a snowstorm.

Throughout the department, he is known as a member who is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it.

Caption: William “Bill” Doherty Jr., center, was chosen as an Irish American of Distinction in the Suffolk County Legislature’s Fifth Legislative District. Doherty is shown with his father, Bill, and mother, Kathy.

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Legislator Steven Englebright with the Legislature’s Bicycle Safety Poster Contest winners. Photo from Suffolk County Legislature
Legislator Steven Englebright with the Legislature’s Bicycle Safety Poster Contest winner Nora Boecherer. Photo from Suffolk County Legislature
Legislator Steven Englebright with the Legislature’s Bicycle Safety Poster Contest winner Nora Boecherer. Photo from Suffolk County Legislature
Legislator Steven Englebright with the Legislature’s Bicycle Safety Poster Contest winner Nora Boecherer. Photo from Suffolk County Legislature
Legislator Steven Englebright with the Legislature’s Bicycle Safety Poster Contest winners. Photo from Suffolk County Legislature

At the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting in Riverhead on April 9, students from the Fifth Legislative District were commended for their exceptional bicycle safety knowledge.

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) was thrilled to announce the Legislature’s Bicycle Safety Poster and Video contest winners, both from his district. For the annual contests, all 18 legislators invite students from local schools to participate. Elementary students are asked to send in a poster, while intermediate and high school students are eligible for the video contest. Each legislator picks one poster and one video from entries submitted to his or her district to be considered the overall Legislature winners.

This year, Nora Boecherer, a first grader attending Edna Louise Spear Elementary School in Port Jefferson, placed first in the County Legislature’s poster contest. Nora attended the April 9th General Meeting and, with her assistant principal Brianne Antenucci by her side, accepted a proclamation from Legislator Englebright.

John F. Kennedy Middle School’s E-News Club members were the overall winners in the video contest. The Comsewogue District Students (Mark Peck, Isabella Manganello, Savannah Prescott, Dean Tuckett-Rivera, Emily Sullivan, Hunter Hojnacki and Raymond Callender), along with their faculty adviser Steven Nielsen, principal Amanda Prinz and Comsewogue District Superintendent Jennifer Quinn, were on hand to accept their proclamation.

“Nora and the J.F.K. Middle School E-News Club members have set an excellent example for their peers,” Englebright said. “They prove that even our youngest citizens can help to keep our local neighborhoods safe places to travel and play. I was impressed by their creativity and hope they enjoyed their visit to the Legislature’s General Meeting.”

 

 

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Caption: Legislator Steve Englebright, right, congratulates Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich on being named the 5th Legislative District's Champion of Diversity.

Recently, Suffolk County legislators were tasked with naming a Champion of Diversity in their legislative district. For Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket), the choice was easy: Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook).

The legislators introduced their Champions of Diversity at the Suffolk County Legislature’s April 9 meeting in Riverhead. While Kornreich could not attend due to a scheduling conflict, Englebright read a biography summarizing the councilmember’s achievements. The legislator was able to present Kornreich’s proclamation to him personally at Brookhaven Town Hall on April 23.  

Legislator Englebright has known Kornreich for more than a decade and has witnessed firsthand the councilmember’s efforts in creating a more diverse and equitable community, even before Kornreich served as an elected official.

Included among Kornreich’s accomplishments is the councilmember helping to create the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Advisory Board (AANHPI) at the Town of Brookhaven. The board aims to build bridges of friendship and understanding between the town government and the Asian American community.

The councilmember speaks annually at the North Shore Jewish Center to educate the senior community about the various town resources available. He secured recognition of Pride Month in 2021 for the first time by the Brookhaven Town Board. He also coordinated with the LGBTQ+ community from Stony Brook University for Pride Month to host the school’s first Pride block party, which now takes place annually.

Currently, Kornreich is working on a heroic project with various community members to raise funds through private donations to restore the American Legion Irving Hart Post 1766 in Setauket. The building, now in disrepair, was a de facto community center for decades. Established after World War II by members of the mixed-heritage Black and Native American community who lived in the Bethel-Christian Avenue-Laurel Hill Historic District area, the Post served as a local veterans’ service organization for those who returned home from serving their country and found other posts would not accept them.

Kornreich said, “I am deeply grateful to Legislator Englebright for recognizing the work of our team in making sure that the diverse voices of Brookhaven’s Council District 1 are seen and heard. As one of the most diverse districts in the town, we believe it is central to our government mission to make sure our residents’ diverse perspectives are included in our work in a meaningful way.”

The councilmember has served the residents of Brookhaven’s First District since being elected to office in a special election in 2021. He is a former Three Village Civic Association president and a former board member of both the North Shore Montessori School in Stony Brook and Three Village Central School District Board of Education.

 

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