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Hundreds turn out for Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Bonner’s largest-ever recycling event

by Press Release - June 6, 2025

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On Saturday, May 31, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner hosted a Special Recycling Event at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mount Sinai, drawing a record-breaking turnout of residents committed to environmentally responsible disposal practices.

The event ran from 9. a.m. to 1 p.m. and offered residents a convenient, one-stop drop-off for paper, cardboard, electronics, and unwanted or expired medications. With 615 vehicles participating, this marked the highest attendance Councilwoman Bonner has ever had at one of her recycling events.

By the close of the event, residents had shredded 16,300 pounds of paper. They also recycled 11,280 pounds of electronic waste and turned in 15 boxes of unused or expired medications for safe disposal.

Councilwoman Bonner extends her heartfelt thanks to all the participants, volunteers, and partner agencies who made the event possible. “I’m so proud of how our residents came together to make this event such a success,” said Bonner. “These efforts not only help protect our environment, but also show how strong our community is when we work together toward a common goal.”

Suffolk County Sheriff’s deputies were on site to assist with medication disposal and to help manage the steady flow of traffic entering from Route 25A. Their support helped ensure the event ran safely and efficiently.

Below are the remaining 2025 recycling events in the Town of Brookhaven:

Council District 6 Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig

Saturday, June 7 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Center Moriches Free Public Library, 235 Montauk Highway, Center Moriches

Council District 4 Councilman Michael Loguercio

Saturday, June 14 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Middle Island Fire Department, 31 Arnold Drive, Middle Island

Supervisor Daniel J. Panico

Friday, July 25 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Brookhaven Town Hall South Parking Lot, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville

Council District 5 Councilman Neil Foley

Saturday, September 13 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Bayport-Blue Point Public Library, 186 Middle Road, Blue Point

Council District 3 Councilman Neil Manzella

Saturday, September 27 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd, Centereach

Council District 2 Councilwoman Jane Bonner

Saturday, October 4 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt Sinai

Council District 1 Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich

Saturday, October 18 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Setauket Fire Department, 394 Nicolls Road, Setauket

Council District 6 Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig

Saturday, October 25 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

William Floyd High School South Parking Lot, 240 Mastic Beach Rd, Mastic Beach

Council District 4 Councilman Michael Loguercio

Saturday, November 1 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

South Country Library, 22 Station Rd, Bellport

For more information,visit BrookhavenNY.gov/recycle.

Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Bonner swears in Mount Sinai Civic Association Board

by Press Release - June 3, 2025

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0-5 — From left, Civic President Brad Arrington, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Membership Secretary Jennifer Roth, and Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary Monica Stone. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office

On Monday, June 2, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner had the honor of swearing in the returning Board of Directors of the Mount Sinai Civic Association during the Civic Association’s monthly meeting.

The board, led by President Brad Arrington, includes Vice President and Recording Secretary Steve Koepper,
Membership Secretary Jennifer Roth, and Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary Monica Stone. Their
reappointment reflects the community’s strong support and appreciation for their ongoing commitment and
effective leadership.

“I’m honored to join the Mount Sinai Civic Association in celebrating this outstanding team,” said
Councilwoman Bonner. “Their hard work and dedication have made a meaningful impact in the community,
and I look forward to continuing our partnership as they build on their successes.”

Established in 1916, the Mount Sinai Civic Association has been a pillar of advocacy and action in the
community for over a century. The Association plays a vital role in working with officials to address zoning
issues, land preservation, traffic calming, public safety, and community education. From engaging residents in
local political, educational, and social matters to preserving the character of the area, the Civic has remained a consistent and effective voice for the people of Mount Sinai.

For more information about the Mount Sinai Civic Association, please visit https://mountsinaicivic.org/

Mt. Sinai Fire Department’s annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny is a blast

by Bill Landon - April 17, 2025

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By Bill Landon

The Mt. Sinai Fire Department held its 15th annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Company 1 on Mt. Sinai Coram Road on April 13. It was a robust turnout with raffles silent auctions and plenty of food where the kids had their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. No one left hungry.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Mount Sinai girl’s basketball defeats Islip to advance to the championship round

by Bill Landon - March 14, 2025

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By Bill Landon

Mount Sinai, the No . 2 seed, earned a bye in their Suffolk County playoff run picking off Kings Park on March 3, to advance to the county final on March 9 where they squared off against Islip, the No. 4 seed, and would trail the Buccaneers the entire way until the 3-minute mark of the fourth quarter.

Deadlocked at 37-37 with 3:52 left in regulation, it was the Mustang defense that answered the call, holding Islip to just 5 points in the final 8 minutes of play, allowing the Mustangs slowly slip away to capture the Class A title 47-40, at Farmingdale State College.

Mount Sinai’s Mia Betancourt, a junior, led the way for the Mustangs with 10 field goals and 6 free throws for a team high 26 points. Senior forward Kyla Orlando finished with 8 points and Alex Cergol, the sophomore, netted 6.

The win lifts the Mustangs to the Long Island Championship round where they will face Wantagh the No. 2 seed (22-2) on March 15 again at Farmingdale State College. Game time is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://gofan.co/app/school/NYSPHSAAXI.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Town of Brookhaven to present Brain Health workshop Jan. 7

by Press Release - December 27, 2024

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Collective consciousness, artwork — METRO photo

The Town of Brookhaven Department of General Services Senior Citizens Division presents a Brain Health Workshop at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mount Sinai on Tuesday, Jan. 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join in on a discussion about brain health, maintaining a healthy body, Alzheimer’s, Dementia and how hearing loss can effect cognitive functions.

This is a free seminar open to Town of Brookhaven residents age 60 and older. For more information or to register, call 631-451-5312.

Mt. Sinai High School students spread holiday cheer at local senior center

by Press Release - December 21, 2024

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0-6 — Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On December 19, student musicians from the Mount Sinai School District was invited to the Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mt. Sinai to perform seasonal songs and bring joy to the residents in attendance.

Pictured at far right is Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner, who welcomed the students and helped to spread holiday cheer during the concert. Also pictured (second row) is Santa Claus, who delivered the joy of the holidays to all in attendance.

“Celebrating at Rose Caracappa Senior Center is a most enjoyable way to welcome the holiday season. I wish a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and a Happy Year to all who attended the concert. It’s a wonderful time to spend with family and friends and I wish all town residents a safe and happy holiday season,” said Councilwoman Bonner.

See a video of the event here, courtesy of Town of Brookhaven.

Councilwoman Bonner attends Coastal Steward’s Shellfish Restoration Project event at Mt. Sinai Harbor

by Press Release - October 30, 2024

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0-5 — Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner and volunteer Brian McCaffrey. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office

On October 26, Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Coastal Steward Long Island volunteer Brian McCaffery attended the Shellfish Restoration Project event at Mt. Sinai Harbor. The organization and volunteers placed 50,000 oysters in both the Mt. Sinai and Port Jefferson Harbor sites. It was the final Shellfish Restoration Project oyster release of 2024. They were raised at the Town of Brookhaven Mariculture Facility at Mt Sinai Harbor until May and June 2024.

The 20 mm oysters were donated to the Coastal Steward, a not-for-profit group that volunteers for the Town of Brookhaven. The Coastal Steward then grows the oysters as part of their Mariculture Restoration Program until they plant them in October on a Town Management Area in Port Jefferson Harbor.

Coastal Steward Long Island received 75,000 small Eastern oysters, raised at the Town of Brookhaven Mariculture facility at Mt. Sinai Harbor and divided into 75 bags. With the help of volunteers, the bags were placed in large growing cages and submerged. Throughout the summer and fall, their health and growth were monitored. In addition, every two weeks the oysters are removed from their cages and cleaned to prevent overgrowth of algae and other organisms that may inhibit their growth. For more information about the Coastal Steward Shellfish Restoration Project, go to www.coastalsteward.org.

Mount Sinai BOE highlights financial health and student recognition

by Jennifer Donatelli - October 25, 2024

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MountSinai_HighSchool_Donlonw-700x357 — Mount Sinai High School. File photo

By Jennifer Donatelli

At the Oct. 16 Mount Sinai Board of Education meeting, Jill Sanders, of certified public accountants Cullen & Danowski, presented the results of the June 30 financial statement audit, reporting a smooth process and strong internal controls. She emphasized that the district remains in good financial health despite challenges related to health care and pension costs.

Superintendent Christine Criscione noted that School Board Recognition Week, held from Oct. 14 to 18, celebrated the theme Supporting Success for All Students. The board enjoyed a musical performance from students in the high school orchestra from the Music and Applied Arts Department, which was intended to express gratitude for the board’s support, highlighting the essential role of the arts in fostering creativity and critical thinking among students.

Christina Romeo, assistant high school principal, recognized the Talented Tech students for crafting a wooden sign for the board. In a celebration of academic achievement, five high school students were commended for their participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program, ranking among the top 50,000 from PSAT results.

The meeting also covered updates on fall sports and ongoing capital items. Recent projects included heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements and library flooring upgrades, while state approval is pending for this year’s security enhancements and athletic field updates

Upcoming events including Financial Aid Night and Halloween festivities were announced, as well as new programs at the elementary and middle schools, emphasizing character education and community service initiatives.

In addressing community concerns, the district reassured parents about mold remediation efforts following a recent inquiry about air quality.

The next BOE meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20, with a livestream available on the district’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

Ending epilepsy on the golf course, one swing at a time

by TBR Staff - October 11, 2024

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golf open 6 — Irene Rodgers, left, and Janet Romeo, right, inviting guests to learn more about the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island. Photo by Gabby Daniels

By Gabby Daniels

Is there anything better than a day on the golf course?

Just ask Joey and Nina Meyer, whose day was not only filled with golf, family, friends and fun, but was one that supported the cause so near and dear to their hearts.

In May of 2022, Nina Meyer was diagnosed with epilepsy, and it quickly took a toll on her life. Having been there through Nina’s two brain surgeries and watching her face an everyday battle with seizures and constant medications, her husband Joey knew he had to do something that could help turn this difficult disorder into something more positive.

Partnering with the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island, Meyer organized the “2024 Open to End Epilepsy” fundraiser in hopes of making a difference. The event took place on Sept. 20, at the Willow Creek Golf and Country Club in Mount Sinai.

A day filled with donations, camaraderie, awareness and hope, the day not only celebrated the spirit of community, but also fostered a deeper understanding of epilepsy, ensuring that no one has to face this challenge alone.

**Joey Meyer happily welcoming guests out on the green. Photo by Gabby Daniels**

“When my wife was first diagnosed with epilepsy, it felt hopeless because we did not really know what to do,” Meyer said.

“Having this event, our goal was to get others talking about epilepsy so that those going through it could feel supported and seen. It was a great way to raise money and awareness for others going through a similar experience as Nina, and we can let people know about the epilepsy foundation and everything they provide in the process,” Meyer said.

The event proved to be more than impactful, raising over $15,000 from event tickets and sponsorships alone.

“Our goal was to raise at least $20,000 today, and we have made great progress already,” Meyer said. “We have raffle tickets for sale, games and dinner to follow the golf outing, so I think we are on track to hit our goal.”

Being quite the beautiful day on the golf course, event attendees were thrilled to take part in the event. “It has been so nice out today, getting to golf, hang out, and support a good cause,” stated Amber Ciccotto, a friend of the Meyers.

“Nina has told me so much about her experience with epilepsy, and I think it is so important to learn as much as you can about it so you can be there for your loved ones who deal with it.”

The course was also lined with other fundraisers, such as Charity Golf, and their long-drive competition.

Hosted by Michael Watson, who has appeared in 4 World Long Drive championships, golfers were offered the opportunity to participate in a ‘Hole in 2’ competition, with a minimum donation that could win them a 3-day trip to San Francisco’s Pebble Beach Lodge.

***Michael Watson promoting the ‘Hole in 2’ competition. Photo by Gabby Daniels***

“There have been so many generous people out here today,” Watson said. “We have gotten a lot of donations, and it has been really fun doing this for the Meyers and the foundation.”

With directing members Irene Rodgers and Janet Romeo of the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island in attendance, anyone at the event was able to learn more about the disorder. The foundation, founded in 1953, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research and connection.”

“We were so touched and honored that the Meyers reached out to us because it gives us the chance to share the resources and education opportunities we offer within the organization,” said Rodgers.

“We are there for anyone and everyone that has a diagnosis, but we also support their loved ones, their caregivers, and anyone else interested. We provide support, information and referrals; we provide training in seizure recognition, and we advocate. Whatever they need, we want to be there.”

Gabby Daniels is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s
School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

Mount Sinai BOE holds first school year meeting, discusses harassment guidelines

by Jennifer Donatelli - September 27, 2024

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By Jennifer Donatelli

Mount Sinai Board of Education held its first meeting of the new school year Wednesday, Sept. 18. Superintendent Christine Criscione began the public session by announcing the arts scholars, updating and aligning the district’s activities for the Dignity for All Students Act and its obligations for the schools, as well as introducing the first student member on the board. The BOE approved the first draft of the Student Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy Handbook, which will be distributed this year.

This year, the Long Island Scholar-Artist Award presented by the Long Island Arts Alliance was given to Mackenzie Kling for her theater performance. Matthew Manzo, Carrie Wang and Erika Lo received all-state honors and are among an elite group of musicians who received a score of 100 on NYSSMA. In addition, Orlando DiDesidero, along with Kling and Manzo were also named to the All-County Vocal Jazz Ensemble All-State Honors and will participate in November alongside 15 other students who were also nominated. Newsday will feature each scholar in its “monthly profiles” section. The students will also be eligible for early scholarship consideration by Long Island Arts Alliance higher education partners.

Christina Romeo, high school assistant principal, updated everyone about the benefits of DASA in the district and explained how it creates a learning environment free of discrimination and harassment for all students. She went on to explain that it also mandates the reporting of all incidents of harassment, bullying, cyberbullying and discrimination based on a person’s race, color, weight, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex.

The district is currently developing guidelines for school training programs to discourage discrimination and harassment, raise awareness and sensitivity to potential issues related to those topics, and enable employees to prevent and respond to incidents of discrimination and harassment.

Romeo also mentioned that individual schools within each district are responsible for designating and training one staff member as the dignity act coordinator who is trained to address incidents of harassment, bullying and discrimination. The district must also provide training for all employees to increase awareness and sensitivity to the existence and effects of harassment, bullying and discrimination and develop a school strategy to prevent it. Romeo said, “We need a consistent practice across all three buildings and we need to come together as a district to make the policy work.”

The newest board member, Mount Sinai High School junior Audrey Han, represents all students within the district. She spoke about Spirit Week as well as the Homecoming Dance and football game against Miller Place. The school is rolling out a program called Mustang Manners, which is a character education system that encourages students, teachers and staff to live by certain values of respect, accountability and behavior in a fun way.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16.

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