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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta congratulates the Scouts from his Legislative District on earning their Gold Award

by Press Release - June 18, 2024

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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.

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

John Rose appointed to the Suffolk County Water Authority board

by Press Release - June 15, 2024

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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.”

Suffolk County Legislator Englebright names Ward Melville High School junior LD5’s Youth Week Award winner

by Press Release - June 13, 2024

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0-4 — Kayden Laucella was named Suffolk County Legislative District 5’s Youth Week Award winner for 2024. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) named Stony Brook resident Kayden Laucella the Fifth Legislative District’s Youth Week Award winner for 2024.

“The Fifth Legislative District is filled with impressive students,” Englebright said. “Kayden is an excellent example of how fortunate we are to have young people in our community who care about enhancing our quality of life.”

Kayden and her fellow Suffolk County youth volunteers were honored at a ceremony on May 14 at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.

The Ward Melville High School junior has been a beacon of volunteerism since her elementary school days. Kayden was a Nassakeag Elementary School Student Council member from fourth to sixth grade. During free periods, she often assisted teachers in their classrooms in addition to volunteering at school events. A Three Village Kids Lemonade Stand ambassador, she volunteered with the nonprofit for five years and helped raise money for Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. In 2019, she and two other ambassadors headed up their school’s team, which won the Lemonhead Award at the annual fundraising event that year.

When she was younger, she also baked apple pies to be auctioned off for charity at the Benner’s Farm Annual Apple Festival, held at the Sherwood-Jayne Farm.

Kayden has been a Gold Level recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award sponsored by the Three Village Teachers Association and the Three Village PTA Joint Council since 2017. To achieve the award, Kayden participates in a variety of community service through Girl Scouts, Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, Cooking for Long Island Veterans, soup kitchens and for her neighborhood’s S-Section Circle of Friends.

Her work with her S-Section community group has included volunteering at the annual kindergarten play dates and at the fall festival, hosting the annual Christmas tree lighting and egg hunts, and monitoring the Little Free Library in the S-Section Park.

Kayden’s journey in Girl Scouts has been a remarkable 12-year commitment. She has hosted events for younger troops, led beach cleanups and collected items for pantries and those without homes. She is an alternate delegate for Suffolk County Girl Scout Council and has successfully completed several Girl Scout journeys and taken on action projects. Her dedication has been recognized with the Bronze and Silver awards, and she has received approval to proceed with her ambitious Gold Award project. She plans to enhance the Dr. Lee Koppelman Nature Preserve in Stony Brook and raise community awareness about its importance.

Francesca Augello of Commack recognized by Suffolk County legislators for saving a child’s life

by Press Release - June 7, 2024

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0-7 — Francesca Augello is holding her proclamation, commending her actions, (center) and with her are from left to right Michelle Collison, principal of Wood Park Primary School, Commack School Superintendent Jordan Cox, Legislators Rob Trotta and Leslie Kennedy, her children Vincent, Adrianna and Rocco and husband Sammy. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

At the May 7 General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Legislators Leslie Kennedy and Rob Trotta recognized Francesca Augello, a school monitor at Wood Park Primary School, who noticed a second grader was choking on his slice of pizza during lunch. She immediately responded and performed the Heimlich technique on the child, which dislodged the piece of food.

Ms. Augello had seen posters at the school and in the cafeteria that explains and illustrates the Heimlich maneuver. Married and a mother of three school aged children she believes she did what any parent would do.

Legislators Trotta and Kennedy welcomed Francesca Augello and her family, as well as school officials to the legislature to praise her quick thinking and for remaining calm during a crisis.

Suffolk County D.A.’s Summer 2024 Internship Program for law students kicks off

by Press Release - June 6, 2024

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Suffolk D.A. internships — Photo courtesy of Suffolk D.A.’s office

On June 5, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the start of the Summer 2024 Internship Program in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, with 101 law school, graduate, and undergraduate students joining the Office as summer interns.

“I am excited to welcome this elite group of students to our team. Internships are vital to career development and boosting employability after graduation,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This internship class will get hands-on experience working alongside prosecutors, investigators, and other staff, assisting with active investigations, preparing misdemeanor and felony cases for hearings and trials, and participating in community outreach.”

This internship class currently studies at 16 different law schools and 36 different undergraduate universities and colleges across the country. While many of the students attend schools in New York, many are traveling to Suffolk County from elsewhere, including Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and the Philippines. The students come from varied ethnic backgrounds and speak 16 different languages, including American Sign Language, Ancient Greek, Farsi, French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Latin, Mandarin, Punjabi, Sindhi, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

Throughout the program, the Office enhances the internship experience by providing interns the opportunity to observe arraignments in Suffolk County First District Court, tour portions of the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory, Suffolk County Correctional Facilities, and the Suffolk County Medical Examiner, and the United States Federal District Court.

Suffolk County committee rejects home ownership resolution

by TBR Staff - June 6, 2024

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RobTrotta — Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. Photo courtesy Leg. Trotta

By Sabrina Artusa

The Suffolk County Economic Development, Planning & Housing Committee met May 29 to consider, among other business, a resolution designed to increase home ownership.

Resolution 1355, proposed by county Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) in early April, would obligate owners of developments with more than 20 units to designate at least half of them as owner-only units, either through condominiums or cooperatives.

In an area with notoriously high property taxes — some of the highest in the country — many native Long Islanders are forced to rent due to lack of alternative affordable housing. Trotta hoped that this bill would help people build equity.

The lack of ownership opportunities “is killing the middle class,” Trotta said. Without the option to expand their economic standing through investment, people are forced “to pay $3,000 a month and get nothing in return.”

“Let the people own something, give them pride in ownership,” Trotta added.

The bill further stipulated that a development with more than 20 rentable units will not receive workforce housing funding or be allowed to connect to a Suffolk County sewer district unless half of the units are owner only.

Passage of Bill 1355 would allow Long Islanders to remain without the continuous financial stress of renting, Trotta said.

“This Legislature finds and further determines that there has been a dramatic increase in the construction of multifamily rental units in Suffolk County,” the resolution read.

At the May 29 meeting, the planning and housing committee voted against the bill.

“It is outside of the purview of what we should be doing here in the county and I believe that this is a free capital system. If people want to build apartments to rent, they should be able to do it. If they want to build them for sale, they should be able to do it,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst).

“I don’t think this is very American, what we just did. I think some people should really think about switching parties who just voted to kill home ownership in Suffolk County,” Trotta said.

This is not perhaps a perfect initiative but it is part of an ongoing effort, I believe, of how to keep our elders here … and to provide an opportunity through apartment housing to stay in our communities,” said Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), the only other proponent of the bill.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta and the Church of St. Joseph to host blood drive June 12

by Press Release - June 5, 2024

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0-1 — Legislator Trotta donating blood at one of his sponsored drives at Travis Hall, Church of St. Joseph in Kings Park.

One Donation Can Save Three Lives

It’s time to batter up and give blood! Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta in conjunction with the Church of St. Joseph in Kings Park will host a community blood drive at Travis Hall located on the lower level of St. Joseph’s at 59 Church Street, on Wednesday, June 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The drive is to benefit the blood banks maintained by Long Island Blood Services, which provides blood to hospitals throughout Long Island. Each donor will receive a pair of New York Mets tickets while supplies last.

To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be between the ages of 16 (16 with parental consent) and 76, (if older than 76, you need written permission from your doctor), weigh over 110 pounds and not have had a tattoo in the last three months. Please bring a valid photo ID with you. LI Blood Services recommends that you eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating. Previous donors should bring their blood donor card with them.

“Hospitals are always in need of blood supplies so it is important that if you can donate blood to do so because one pint of blood can help save three lives. We do a blood drive every year so I thank those who have attended in the past and hope you will consider donating again,” said Suffolk County Legislator Trotta.

For more information, please call Legislator Trotta’s district office at 631-854-3900.

Gov. Hochul signs Suffolk County Water Restoration Act, paving the way for environmental improvements

by Samantha Rutt - June 1, 2024

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By Samantha Rutt

In a move to address environmental concerns on Long Island, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has signed the Suffolk County Water Restoration Act. This legislation grants county officials the authority to present a proposal to voters, seeking approval for a 0.0125% increase in the county sales tax. The revenue from this tax hike is earmarked for sewer expansion projects and the replacement of nitrogen-polluting septic systems with advanced clean water technology.

The act, sponsored by state Sen. Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood), is projected to generate between $3 billion and $4 billion in new funding dedicated to water quality improvements. These funds will be divided between expanding sewer infrastructure and upgrading outdated cesspools and septic systems with modern, nitrogen-removing technologies. This initiative aims to combat nitrogen pollution, which poses a severe threat to the region’s ground and surface waters.

“Today, we have given authorization for the voters of Suffolk County to decide how best to address the impacts of nitrogen pollution,” Martinez said in a statement. “This serious threat to our region’s ground and surface waters is reversible, but only by making investments in the technology and infrastructure needed to stop its release into the environment. I am proud to have had this once-in-a-generation opportunity to sponsor legislation that addresses one of Long Island’s greatest environmental challenges, and I thank Governor Hochul for her continued support.”

Governor Hochul’s presence represents the importance of the legislation, which passed the New York State Assembly unanimously in April and subsequently cleared the state Senate with a 57-1 vote. The bill’s progression to the governor’s desk highlights the urgency felt by legislators, environmental advocates and the community regarding the need for decisive action on water quality issues.

David Ansel, vice president of water protection at Save the Sound, expressed his enthusiasm for the legislation in a statement: “We are thrilled that Governor Hochul made signing the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act such a priority, and appreciate that she came to Long Island to showcase the importance of this legislation. We appreciate the leadership and commitment of Assemblyman Fred Thiele [D-Sag Harbor] and Senator Monica Martinez, who sponsored the bill in their respective chambers, as well as the overwhelming bipartisan support of the New York State Legislature.”

The next step lies with the Suffolk County Legislature, which is expected to convene on June 4 to discuss and potentially approve placing the funding program on the November ballot. Last year, a similar measure failed to reach voters due to disagreements among lawmakers over the allocation of funds for sewer and septic system projects.

If the referendum passes, the Suffolk County water restoration sales tax will remain in effect until 2060, providing long-term funding for essential water quality improvements. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for county residents to invest in the health and sustainability of their local environment.

Ansel added, “Now, we look forward to the Suffolk County Legislature taking the necessary next steps to ensure the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act is added to the November ballot, giving county voters a voice in their clean water future. So much work remains to be done to protect Long Island Sound, its rivers and streams, and Suffolk County’s groundwater from the degrading effects of nitrogen pollution. But for the first time in decades, we are making progress toward addressing this long-standing problem in a meaningful way.”

As the county Legislature prepares for this critical vote, the collaboration between state and local leaders, environmental advocates and the community underscores a shared commitment to preserving Long Island’s precious water resources for future generations.

Kent Animal Shelter breaks ground for new kennel

by Heidi Sutton - May 30, 2024

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By Heidi Sutton

Twenty years in the making, Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton is finally breaking ground on a new dog kennel and isolation facility on the 2.8-acre campus at 2259 River Road. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by local officials and Kent’s board of directors, staff and volunteers on May 24. A few adoptable dogs made an appearance as well.

The current dog kennel, which was built in 1968, will be demolished and replaced with a 3000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility with additional kennel space, more dog runs, puppy facilities, and meet-and-greet rooms. A former caretaker’s cottage on the property will be replaced with a dedicated isolation and quarantine facility for sick animals that arrive at the shelter. The project is expected to cost around 4.3 million.

“I am so excited today because we have been waiting to do this about 20 years now and there have been many roadblocks along the way,” said Kent Animal Shelter’s Executive Director Pam Green. “I am grateful to everyone that came along with us [including] the board of directors. It’s been a long time. Our goals and our mission are the same — to rescue as many animals as possible, bring them here, give them medical attention, vaccines, surgery, whatever they need to bring them to their permanent homes. That hasn’t changed since the founders in 1968 and it remains the same today.”

Green went on to thank Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio for being so supportive of the project.

“It is a great day because Kent Animal Shelter does so much to help animals that are homeless find their forever home,” said Suffolk County Executive Romaine during the event. Romaine adopted his dog Lucky from the no-kill shelter several years ago. “He is my pride and joy,” he said.

Giglio praised County Executive Romaine for getting the project “over the finish line.”

“When he was the Town of Brookhaven Supervisor and sitting on the Pine Barrens Commission he realized the importance of this great project. He has always been a supporter of Kent Animal Shelter, also of the environment, myself included, which is why when I heard they were so close to getting the permits and getting across the finish line I had some grant funding that was presented in my lap.”

Giglio then presented a check for $75,000 to the board of directors for a new Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic system to change the sanitary system over which is a requirement for Suffolk County given the shelter’s location in the Pine Barrens. “And I know the county is working on more funding for this great project,” she said.

“We will look to make sure that Kent has the funding they need to move forward on this project. They do a great job,” added Suffolk County Executive Romaine.

Joann Waski of the Riverhead Town Council and former Planning Board member also attended the event. “On behalf of the Town of Riverhead we’re so happy that we were able to move this project forward and we hope that a lot of the animals get adopted. You have a great program going on here,” she said.

“I want to also thank all the volunteers for everything that they do to make this place so special for all of these animals that are sometimes forgotten. May they find nice homes and may people enjoy their visit to Kent Animal Shelter and find a pleasant environment just like the one that they will create when they adopt [pets] and bring them home,” said Giglio.

The project, which is being handled by J. Petrocelli Contracting, Inc. in Ronkonkoma, is expected to be completed in approximately six to eight months. In the interim, all of the adoptable dogs have been transferred to Bide-A-Wee at 118 Old Country Road in Westhampton Beach while the cat shelter will remain in Calverton. Hours for both locations are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

For more information, call 631-727-5731 or visit www.kentanimalshelter.com.

Suffolk County Legislators Leslie Kennedy, Rebecca Sanin, and Rob Trotta recognize Commack athletes on the Kickline and Bowling Teams

by Press Release - May 13, 2024

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The athletic teams at Commack brought home the gold for their school and fellow students. For the first time in the school’s history, the Commack Boys Bowling team won the Suffolk County championship and went on to compete in the state finals where they came in third.

Maintaining their winning streak, the Commack Kickline ‘Cougarettes’ won the Large Varsity Kick National Title and the National Title in the Medium Varsity Team Performance at the 2024 National Dance Alliance Competition in Orlando, Florida. This was their third consecutive kickline title at this competition.

Legislators Trotta, Kennedy and Sanin who represent the Commack area, invited the teams and their coaches to the May 7 General Meeting of the Legislature where they were recognized for their accomplishments. Also attending in support of the teams were School Superintendent Jordan Cox, Principal Carrie Lipenholtz and Athletic Director Patrick Friel.

“These athletes have demonstrated the importance of working together as a team to advance success and all of us in Suffolk County are very proud of their accomplishments,” stated Legislator Rebecca Sanin. “I am so proud of these students and their coaches and what they have achieved. They are an inspiration to all,” noted Legislator Leslie Kennedy.As a graduate of Commack High School North, I am so impressed by the skills of these student athletes and the leadership and determination of their coaches,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta

Pictured with the Commack Bowling team and coach Brian Gasser at the Suffolk County Legislature are Legislator Rob Trotta (rear, center), and Legislators Leslie Kennedy and Rebecca Sanin (front, right).

Members of the Commack Kickline and Head Coach Alexa Armentano (right) are pictured with Legislator Rebecca Sanin (front, kneeling, left) and Legislator Rob Trotta (rear, center) with Commack Superintendent Jordan Cox (next to Trotta), Principal Carrie Lipenholtz (second row, left) and next to her Athletic Director Pat Friel.

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