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Volunteers helped to raise the osprey pole last Sunday. Photo from Legislator Steve Englebright’s office
Elaine Maas of Four Harbors Audubon Society puts the finishing touches on the nest structure. Photo from Leg. Steve Englebright's office
Volunteers helped to raise the osprey pole last Sunday. Volunteers helped to raise the osprey pole last Sunday. Photo from Councilmember Kornreich's office
Volunteers including Elaine Maas and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright helped to raise the osprey pole last Sunday. Photo from Legislator Steven Englebright’s office
Volunteers helped to raise the osprey pole last Sunday. Photo from Councilmember Kornreich's office
Volunteers helped to raise the osprey pole last Sunday. Photo from Legislator Steve Englebright’s office
Volunteers helped to raise the osprey pole last Sunday. Photo from Legislator Steve Englebright’s office
Volunteers helped to raise the osprey pole last Sunday. Photo from Legislator Steve Englebright’s office
Volunteers helped to raise the osprey pole last Sunday. Photo from Legislator Steve Englebright’s office

Sometimes it takes a village.

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) joined members of the Four Harbors Audubon Society (4HAS) and Three Village Dads Foundation for an osprey pole raising at the West Meadow Creek inlet in Stony Brook on March 9.

According to a joint press release from Englebright’s and Kornreich’s office, an osprey pole was recently removed from Suffolk County’s Old Field Farm. Despite successful nests in earlier years, 4HAS members observed in recent years that sporadic activity in the area surrounding the pole was scaring away adult ospreys for long periods, leaving the birds’ eggs or newborn chicks susceptible to predators.

Elaine Maas, 4HAS co-chair of co-Chair Education and Outreach, and John Turner, 4HAS co-chair of Conservation Committee, who both sit on the society’s board, brought the issue to the attention of Englebright. The county legislator reached out to the Suffolk County Parks Department to discuss relocating the pole to a nearby location. Maas and Turner also contacted Kornreich’s office to request using town property abutting the county park for a new pole in an area that is less accessible than the old nest.

On Saturday, March 1, concrete, water and a mixer were delivered to the Brookhaven property. JM Troffa Hardscape, Mason and Building Supply provided the concrete, while K. Dymond Industries lent the use of their equipment. Members of the Three Village Dads Foundation and 4HAS, along with Englebright and Kornreich, were on hand to dig a hole and set a pole sleeve in concrete for the new osprey pole.

Before the preparation for the new pole, the Suffolk County Parks Department removed the old one at Old Field Farm to prevent ospreys from nesting at this nonviable spot. 

Volunteers delivered the new 20-foot pole donated by Haig and Jack Seferian of Flagpoles, Inc., and the nest structure built by Elite Home Improvement to the site on Sunday, March 9. Three Village Dads Foundation and 4HAS members and Flagpole, Inc. also donated or paid for additional materials to cement and build the nest structure. The volunteers were again on hand, preparing the nest box for the birds and raising the pole. 

Maas and Turner were among the volunteers on March 1 and 9. Maas said the pole was raised just in time as the ospreys, who migrate south to Florida or South American in the winter, usually return to Long Island around St. Patrick’s Day. She added she was “grateful for the widespread community support.”

Kornreich thanked the members of Three Village Dads Foundation and its chairman, David Tracy, as well as 4HAS.

“We were up against a time crunch because the ospreys start nesting in a few weeks, and the Dads really delivered,” Kornreich said. “Thank you to Elaine Maas and John Turner from Four Harbors for bringing this situation to our attention, and we are glad we were able to help connect the dots and find a solution.”

Englebright echoed the sentiments.

“It was good to see the community come together in the interest of protecting these remarkable birds,” the legislator said.

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Pictured from left,Twila Silverman, Chair of Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission; Stacey Ann Caggiano, Director of Suffolk County Department of Women’s Services; Legislator Bontempi; Suffolk County Woman of Distinction honoree Linda Oristano and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Photo courtesy of Leg. Bontempi's office

Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.) proudly honored Linda Oristano as the Suffolk County Woman of Distinction for the 18th District, during a celebration luncheon at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on March 4.

A Northport resident for over 20 years, Linda Oristano serves as the Executive Director of the Northport/East Northport Community Drug & Alcohol Task Force. Her dedication to community service and advocacy has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Long Island’s Top 50 Women, the Humanitarian Award from the Special Olympics, and the Soroptimist Award for Making a Difference for Women.

With extensive experience in counseling, advocacy, mentoring, and education, Oristano has devoted her time to supporting the elderly, individuals facing personal challenges, and those seeking spiritual guidance. She is a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach, a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, M.A.T. trained, a CASAC-T, an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and a Credentialed Spiritual Director. Her career spans over 30 years in social services, community service, training, and healthcare.

 “Linda’s dedication to improving the lives of so many in our community is truly inspiring. Her work has made a lasting impact on our local families, and she is incredibly deserving of this honor,” said Legislator Bontempi.

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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta presented his nominee and overall 2025 Suffolk County Woman of Distinction Kathy Albrecht with a proclamation signed by all 18 members of the Legislature. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta introduces his nominee and overall 2025 Suffolk County Woman of Distinction Kathy Albrecht (rear, left) as County Executive Edward Romaine (rear, center) and Legislator/Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (rear, right), Chair of the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission Twila Silverman and Director of the Office of Women’s Services Stacy Caggiano listen. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office
Pictured at the 2025 Woman of Distinction Celebration are Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (center) with his nominee and overall winner, Kathy Albrecht, (right) and Adrienne Giannadeo his 2024 Woman of Distinction. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

At the March 4 General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Kathy Albrecht, Legislator Rob Trotta’s nominee for the 2025 Woman of Distinction was announced as the person chosen by the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Committee as the overall county wide 2025 Woman of Distinction. Each legislator selects one woman from their district as their Woman of Distinction who is then considered for this overall recognition.

Kathy was recognized for her commitment to and involvement with her family, friends and community. “She has been a role model for her two daughters and other women, as well as an inspiration to all,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

She grew up in Westbury and then the family moved to Setauket where she graduated from Ward Melville High School. She enlisted in the Army where she served as a helicopter medic from 1980-1984. She met her husband, Dave, a marine, while in the service.

Kathy and Dave have lived in Smithtown for more than 40 years. She is Chief of Staff for New York State Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick and writes a column, Around Smithtown, for The Smithtown News. She is extremely involved in the community volunteering as a Sunday school teacher and director of Hospitality at the Grace Church in Smithtown, serves on the board of the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce and is the treasurer, a trustee with the Smithtown Cemetery Association, a member of the American Legion Post 833, former trustee at the Smithtown Historical Society and active with many other organizations.

“Kathy is an integral member of her community, and she is passionate about the town and the people who live there,” said Legislator Trotta. “In fact, several years ago she donated one of her kidneys to a young woman whom she did not know but read about her need in The Smithtown News and saw it on News 12. Kathy volunteered to be tested as a match and was pleased when she found that she was compatible with the woman. Since that time, she has been an advocate for organ donations,” added Trotta.

She has been recognized by the Smithtown Children’s Foundation with its Courage Award, New York State Medal of Honor for The Gift of Life, named the Times of Smithtown Woman of the Year 2012 and the Smithtown Business & Professional Women’s “Network of Example.”

Legislator Trotta said, “I have known Kathy a long time and she is most deserving of this recognition. She shares her time and talent with many individuals and organizations helping to make the community a great place for all to live and work.”

 

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Legislator Sanin (center-right) with the Elwood-John Glenn Boys Varsity Wrestling Team; Head Coach TJ Brocking (center-left; and David Shanahan, Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics (right). Photo courtesy of Leg. Sanin's office

At a recent meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Legislator Rebecca Sanin proudly honored the Elwood-John Glenn Boys Varsity Wrestling Team with an official proclamation recognizing their victory as the 2025 New York State Dual Meet Champions.

The Knights dominated in the Division II final, securing a 38-29 win over Plainedge, marking a historic moment for the program. The team displayed remarkable resilience in the semifinals, overcoming a 24-4 deficit to win seven straight matches, cementing their place in New York wrestling history.

“This championship victory is not just about wrestling—it’s about determination, discipline, and teamwork,” said Legislator Sanin. “These athletes and their coaches have worked incredibly hard, pushing through challenges and showing what true dedication looks like. Their achievement is an inspiration to our entire community.”

Legislator Sanin also recognized the team’s coaching staff—Head Coach TJ Brocking, along with Assistant Coaches Ryan Patrovich and Devin Carter—for their outstanding leadership in guiding the team to victory.

The team was celebrated with a school-wide assembly at Elwood-John Glenn High School, where their championship banner was raised, marking their second state dual meet title in school history.

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Honoree Leslie Bellissimo weith Leg. Rebecca Sanin. Photo courtesy of Leg. Sanin's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin proudly recognized Leslie Bellissimo as District 16’s Woman of Distinction at the annual Suffolk County Women of Distinction Luncheon, celebrating her lifelong dedication to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and driving meaningful change.

For over 35 years, Leslie has been a champion for families across Long Island and the New York Metro region, currently serving as the Long Island-New York Metro Regional Director at Friends of Karen. In this role, she leads efforts to support families facing the unimaginable challenge of a child’s life-threatening illness, ensuring they receive financial assistance, emotional support, and advocacy throughout their journey.

Prior to her work with Friends of Karen, Leslie played a pivotal role at the American Heart Association, where she helped secure major funding for lifesaving initiatives and spearheaded key Long Island fundraising events. A lifelong resident of Huntington, Leslie’s dedication to service extends beyond her professional career—she has volunteered tirelessly for local charities, organized community drives, and educated others in lifesaving skills like hands-only CPR.

“Leslie Bellissimo embodies the very essence of this recognition,” said Legislator Sanin. “Her commitment to uplifting others, whether through her work, her advocacy, or her community engagement, is truly extraordinary. Suffolk County is a better place because of leaders like her.”

The annual Suffolk County Women of Distinction Luncheon recognizes women across the county who have demonstrated leadership, service, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.

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Pictured from left,Twila Silverman, Chair of Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission; Stacey Ann Caggiano, Director of Suffolk County Department of Women’s Services; Fifth Legislative District Woman of Distinction Johanna Kosak; Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright; and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Photo courtesy of Leg. Englebright's office

At a luncheon held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on March 4, all 18 Suffolk County Legislators honored the county’s Women of Distinction for 2025. The county’s Department of Women’s Services asked each legislator to choose an impressive female constituent from their district who volunteers their time to make their community a better place. Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) named nonprofit founder Johanna Kosak as the Fifth Legislative District’s Woman of Distinction.

Kosak founded the Comsewogue Music and Arts Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in September 2023 after her daughter noticed a lack of music and arts scholarships in the Comsewogue School District. The nonprofit organization assists students pursuing creative paths.

“It’s impressive that Ms. Kosak found a need in her children’s school district and took matters in her own hands to do something about it,” Englebright said. “Music and other creative pursuits are vital for the collective good of our society.”

Kosak works alongside school district mothers Secretary Michele Provenzale and Treasurer Yoon Choi-Perrone, as well as the nonprofit’s student volunteers, her daughter, Annmarie; Perrone’s son, James; and Provenzale’s son, Michael.

The volunteers organize and host 20 to 30 fundraisers annually and have raised $12,000 since September 2023. The nonprofit is present at every school concert and drama production to sell flowers and snacks, hold raffles and request donations.

The nonprofit raises funds for scholarships for Comsewogue High School seniors who plan to enroll in college music, arts, marketing, business and architecture programs. CMAC also provides opportunities for art students to promote their artwork at the nonprofit’s craft fair. Last year, the sale of artwork supplied funds for CMAC and the Arts Honor Society.

Additionally, the CMAC supports teachers by providing grants for educators to invite professional musicians and artists for workshops and career development sessions. CMAC also raises funds to reduce costs for families in financial need who wish to send younger children to music or drama programs during the summer vacation.

The nonprofit’s work includes supporting the Comsewogue High School Business Department by providing learning and collaboration opportunities for students interested in digital art marketing.

In addition to her volunteer work with CMAC, the mother of four works fulltime and volunteers with her husband at Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church. Her husband serves as the organist, while she plays keyboard. A former instructor at Suffolk County Community College, Kosak also volunteered with the Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation, serving in roles such as president, vice-president and competition coordinator.

Kosak said she was honored and humbled to be honored and credited her fellow volunteers and the community for making CMAC a success.

“This recognition was not only for me but for our entire community and a great encouragement to continue,” Kosak said.

 

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

There have been reports of deceased birds being found across the county. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommends the following guidance if you encounter this situation on your property.

In cases where DEC field staff cannot collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, please limit direct contact with dead wildlife and keep children and pets away. To dispose of a dead bird safely, DEC provides the following guide:

  • Wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection, like safety glasses or goggles.
  • Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel or a garbage bag to pick up the bird.
  • Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.
  • Remove and throw away your gloves. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after removing gloves.
  • Change your clothes and wash them after disposing of the bird.
  • If you use a shovel, clean it with hot, soapy water and disinfect it with diluted bleach (1/3 cup bleach added to a gallon of water).

For additional information or to make a report, please call the DEC at 844-332-3267.

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Diet and exercise are the first line of defense for those living with diabetes. Stock photo

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and the Department of Health Services invite residents who are at risk of developing type-2 diabetes to participate in the Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program. The program is based off of the National Diabetes Prevention Program that supports moderate behavioral changes and incorporates healthy eating and physical activity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 98 million American adults — more than 1 in 3 — are at risk for diabetes.

“We want our residents to be healthy and live fulfilling lives,” said Romaine. “We encourage all adult residents to take a one-minute risk survey to learn if they are at risk for prediabetes. Through educational programming and preventative measures, we are here to help you reduce your risk.”

“Diabetes puts the body at risk for many serious health conditions,” said Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner. “The good news is that moderate changes in lifestyle can help restore blood sugar to normal levels and result in significant health benefits.”

The Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program has received “full plus” recognition from the CDC, meeting the agency’s highest standards. To date, 440 Suffolk County residents have successfully completed the program.

Residents are encouraged to take the one-minute risk test at www.doihaveprediabetes.org and are invited to attend informational sessions at:

— Smithtown Public Library, 148 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset on Feb. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

— Brookhaven Free Library, 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven on Wednesday, March 12 from noon to 1 p.m. 

— Center Moriches Public Library, 235 Main Street, Center Moriches on March 19 from noon to 1 p.m. 

— Patchogue/Medford Library, 54-60 East Main Street, Patchogue on March 28 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

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From left, Suffolk County Deputy Undersheriff Kevin Heavey with Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
From left, Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo with Suffolk County Deputy Undersheriff Kevin Heavey. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff

On Wednesday, February 5, Kevin Heavey was sworn in as a Deputy Undersheriff for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. appointed Deputy Undersheriff Heavy, who spent 21 years in the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and he will oversee the Academy, Ceremonial and Wellness Unit.

“Deputy Undersheriff Heavey’s leadership and deep understanding of law enforcement operations will enhance our ability to serve and protect Suffolk County,” said Sheriff Toulon. “His commitment to integrity, accountability, and public safety will be invaluable as we continue strengthening our initiatives and supporting the men and women of this agency. I look forward to the work he will contribute to our Office and Suffolk County.”

Deputy Undersheriff Heavey brings over two decades of law enforcement experience, having served in the NYPD in various leadership roles, including the Internal Affairs Bureau and the Ceremonial Unit. His expertise spans criminal investigations, crisis intervention, and interagency collaboration, according to a press release.

 

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Photo courtesy of SCPD
Photo courtesy of SCPD
From left, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina with Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Sheriff's Office
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine with Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Executive Romaine's office
Catalina to Serve as the 16th Police Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department

On Feb. 5, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine joined with the Suffolk County Legislature, Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo, and members of the Suffolk County Police Department as Kevin Catalina was sworn in as the 16th commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department.

Catalina’s nomination was approved by the Suffolk County Legislature at its Feb. 4, general meeting. Catalina, who previously served as deputy police commissioner with the Suffolk County Police Department, has more than 33 years of law enforcement experience with two of the largest police departments in the country.

Kevin Catalina

“Today serves as a monumental day in Suffolk County as we are proud to introduce Kevin Catalina as our Police Commissioner formally,” Romaine said. “Commissioner Catalina is a man of honor and integrity and will serve as a tremendous leader of the men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department while serving as a steward to our communities.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to become commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department, the best police department in the country,” Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said. “This is a dream come true. I am excited to utilize my more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and work alongside a knowledgeable and professional executive team to implement strategies to continue to drive down crime while building relationships with our residents through community policing efforts.”

“Kevin Catalina has shown over the course of a distinguished career why he’s said to be “a cop’s cop,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey.  “I fully expect that the leadership, innovation, and achievements that make up his remarkable experience over three decades will prove invaluable in making Suffolk County a safer place. I’m proud to support him as commissioner.”

Commissioner Catalina is nationally recognized as a subject matter expert and innovator of anti-gang violence strategies. He brings 20 years of experience on the executive level, which has led to a unique crime prevention and management skill set.

Before his time at the SCPD, Catalina served as the undersheriff for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office for more than five years. Catalina oversaw approximately 250 deputy sheriffs as well as the Corrections Division Intelligence Bureau of 30 investigators and a unit of analysts. Catalina was successful in creating and implementing a corrections-based intelligence model utilizing jail-based intelligence that assisted in solving and preventing crimes within the community.

Catalina’s law enforcement career began in 1992 as a police officer in the New York Police Department’s 103rd Precinct. He quickly moved up the ranks, spending 20 years in supervisory roles including three stints as a commanding officer.

Catalina was then promoted to deputy Chief and served as the Commanding Officer of the Gang Division. Catalina developed and implemented all gang investigative and suppression strategies that continue to be utilized citywide.

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