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Elected officials host job fair at SCCC

by TBR Staff - November 23, 2021

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thumbnail_Image (3) — Representatives from dozens of different employers came to Suffolk County Community College last week for a free job fair hosted by Mario Mattera and Nick Caracappa. Photo by Sara McGiff

By Sara McGiff

Time to get to work!

On Friday, Nov. 19, state Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), New York State Assemblyman Doug Smith (R- Holbrook) and Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (R-Selden) joined together to host a special Long Island Job Fair at Suffolk County Community College.

From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. people from across the county visited the Babylon Student Center and spoke with representatives from dozens of different employers face-to-face.

Mario Mattera and Nick Caracappa. Photo by Sara McGiff

Booths adorned names from all categories of jobs such as the U.S Army, Sportime Tennis Academy, and even Finishing Trades Institute of NY, Painters & Allied Trades. Representatives were able to answer questions to interested visitors, in hopes that it would spark an interest.

The atmosphere was energetic, and the stream of potential employees didn’t cease until the job fair was close to ending.

According to Mattera, the job fair was for those who lost their jobs from the recent government mandates, the COVID-19 pandemic and to help boost the economy.

“Without labor, our economy fails,” he said. “Our goal here is to make sure they, especially the people who lost their jobs, come here and maybe find a new career.”

Caracappa remarked how the turnout for the job fair was outstanding and showed the need from both sides for employment opportunities.

“We made this free,” he said. “We didn’t charge vendors, we’re not charging the community to come here. This is all about opportunity for both sides.”

Wildcats win 26-23

by Bill Landon - November 21, 2021

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Suffolk County Div IV champions – Shoreham-Wading River. Bill Landon photo

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Shoreham Wading River at 9-1 had a score to settle when they faced Bayport in the Suffolk County D-IV championship at the Kenneth P. Lavalle stadium Nov. 19.

Bayport, the only team that beat the Wildcats in week 6 of the regular season, seemed to have the measure of the Wildcats in the closing minutes of the game with four-point lead.

With 1:11 left on the clock and the hopes of another Suffolk Div IV championship fading, the Wildcats found themselves deep in their own territory when quarterback Dylan Zahn hit wide receiver Liam Leonard on a 33-yard pass who turned on the jets to go 71 yards for the TD to put the Wildcats out front for the 26-23.

Bayport didn’t go quietly throwing to the endzone in the final three plays of the game but the Wildcats defense held for the 26-23 win and with it advance to the Long Island Championship game.

Senior running-back Max Barone found the endzone three times rushed for 126 yards on 28 carries in the win. The Wildcats are back at Lavalle Stadium Nov. 27 where they’ll face North Shore. Game time is 4:30 p.m.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Sound Beach community remembers veterans

by TBR Staff - November 12, 2021

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sound beach 2, karina gerry — Photo by Karina Gerry

By Karina Gerry

Sound Beach community members gathered at the Sound Beach Veterans Memorial Park on New York Avenue Thursday to honor Veterans on the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”

The Sound Beach Civic Association held its annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony, and members of the civic association were joined by the Sound Beach Fire Department, Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point), Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), Scout Troop 2019, and Rocky Point High School chorus and band members leading the ceremony. Last year’s ceremony was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony.

“The freedoms we enjoy every day are due to your sacrifice,” said Bea Ruberto, president of the Sound Beach Civic Association, during her opening remarks. “All we can do today is say thank you, but there is so much more that we can do and that we should do every day … At this point we thought, it’s time, we need to do this.”

During the ceremony Rocky Point High School Chorus led the crowd in the National Anthem and America the Beautiful, while the band played God Bless America. The students were applauded for their performance and for coming out on their day off.

Palumbo gave the reins over to his Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs, Chad Lennon, a Veteran and Major in the Marine Corps Reserves, to speak to the crowd about his experience and the importance of honoring them not just on Veterans Day, but every day.

“Today’s the one day that we come out to recognize but there are sacrifices made every day,” Lennon said. “It’s not just the sacrifice of the bodies, it’s the sacrifice of the families, it’s not just a one-day event it’s every day.”

Lennon noted that Suffolk County has the largest population of veterans out of all 62 counties across the state.

The high numbers from Suffolk and Nassau came as “a shock” to Lennon, but the high volume of vets in the county could be seen even during the intimate Sound Beach event — when during the ceremony Veterans were called up to stand under the flag of the branch they served and a little over 40 vets came forward from the crowd.

“We couldn’t be where we are today without the service of those who came before us and laid the foundation,” Lennon said. “Our responsibility is to continue to push that legacy by giving a good foundation for the next generation that comes through.”

Bellone announces free COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5 to 11

by Press Release - November 10, 2021

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51667754386_050c5d4db4_k — County Executive Steve Bellone during a press conference in Hauppauge. Photo from Suffolk County

Following the recent CDC announcement, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced on Tuesday, Nov. 9 that the Suffolk County Health Department will begin administering free COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5 to 11.

The vaccine clinics — which will be located at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge — will be exclusively for children ages 5 to 17.

“I am beyond pleased that the CDC has recommended that children ages 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19,” Bellone said. “As a father, I am encouraging all parents who may have questions to talk with their pediatrician or a trusted healthcare provider about the importance of getting their children vaccinated. This vaccine saves lives and it could save the life of your child.”

On Nov. 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the final clearance for the use of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, following the emergency use authorization granted by the Food and Drug Administration last month.

All children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive a two-dose primary series of the pediatric formulation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, effective immediately. This is the first COVID-19 vaccine to be permitted for use in the age group, leading the way for more than 28 million children in the United States to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

To date, nearly 88 percent of county residents 18 and over have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 74% of all county residents have received at least one dose.

Vaccines will be administered at the H. Lee Dennison Building located at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

While appointments are not required, they are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins will be available on a first come, first served basis. For more information on the County’s vaccine efforts, or to schedule an appointment call 311 or visit suffolkcountyny.gov/vaccine.

Remembering Lynn Freitag Jordan

by TBR Staff - November 10, 2021

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Retired Mount Sinai school nurse Lynn Freitag Jordan’s love for her community didn’t come to an end with her passing. Lynn passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 3, 2021 at the age of 80.

Lynn married the love of her life, G. Douglas Jordan, on Sept. 16, 1961 after receiving special permission from Bellevue School of Nursing at New York University. She then completed her nursing degree in 1962.

She and Doug initially made their home in Port Jefferson Station, where their daughter Phyllis was born. In 1975 they moved to Mount Sinai, welcoming daughters Katherine and Elizabeth into their lives.

Lynn was a consummate community volunteer who worked tirelessly throughout her life to make the lives of the young people in her community better. She served on local PTSA, Suffolk County Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, was a founding member of the Mount Sinai Friends of the Arts, and later served on the Mount Sinai School Board.

It is through her three daughters, her granddaughter, Emily, her sister Cynthia Freitag, and all those whose lives she impacted over decades of service to her community that she will live on.

Visitations will be at the Branch Funeral Home, located at 551 NY-25A in Miller Place, NY 11764 on Monday, Nov. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Services will begin at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Lynn’s family would like to ask for donations to be made to Hope House Ministries. Donations can be made online at hhm.org/donate-online.

SCPD officer dies in Selden car crash

by Julianne Mosher - November 9, 2021

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Vincent Pelliccio - Roosevelt Award — Vincent Pelliccio with Acting Commissioner Stuart Cameron in 2019. Photo from SCPD

The Suffolk County Police Department is mourning the loss of an active officer, Vincent Pelliccio, who died in a motor vehicle crash Nov. 8.

The 30-year-old was off-duty and driving his 2021 Jeep northbound on Nicolls Road, near West Road, in Selden when his vehicle left the roadway and crashed in the median. He was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Pelliccio was a 3rd Precinct officer and a member of the department since December 2014. A 2011 graduate of Connetquot High School, he started his professional career as a teacher, but decided to pursue his dream and follow in his retired NYPD detective father’s footsteps.

Upon graduating the police academy, he was assigned to the 3rd Precinct as a uniformed patrol officer and became a plain clothes officer in the 3rd Precinct Gang Task Force in March 2019. Pelliccio also served his fellow law enforcement officers as a Police Benevolent Association delegate.

In 2019, Pelliccio was awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Award, which recognizes members of service who have overcome serious injury, disease or disability and have returned to work, for overcoming his battle with testicular cancer.

Diagnosed in September 2017 at age 26, he went through both radiation and chemotherapy treatments, fighting to get back to health to return to work. According to the SCPD, even when he was too sick to report for duty, he was constantly in contact with his colleagues and friends at the SCPD, expressing his desire to help and return to his sector in Central Islip. He returned to full duty in March 2018.

“Officer Pelliccio was a dedicated member of the 3rd Precinct who overcame personal adversity to continue serving the people of Suffolk County,” Inspector John Rowan said. “His perseverance and unwavering commitment to his calling as a police officer is inspirational. Vinny will be missed but not forgotten by this command.”

In addition to a departmental recognition, Pelliccio was named Cop of the Month in April 2020 with Police Officer Anthony Devincenzo for the arrest of a violent gang member and drug dealer in September 2019.

While monitoring a known drug and gang location in North Bay Shore, the officers witnessed the gang member in front of a business and found marijuana on the sidewalk near where he was. Upon approaching the subject, he fled officers into a hair salon with multiple civilians. During a violent struggle, Pelliccio deployed his Taser and the subject was taken into custody, where he was found to be in possession of multiple weapons and narcotics.

“Vinny was an extremely dedicated young man who loved being a police officer and was always eager to perform and excel in his law enforcement duties,” Sergeant Philip Dluginski said. “He fully embraced the police culture and loved spending time with his blue family both during and outside of work. He will be sorely missed by all his friends and co-workers, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fiancée at this time.”

County Executive Steve Bellone (D) expressed his sympathy for the SCPD’s loss.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Officer Pelliccio when he was honored for his outstanding work in keeping our communities safe,” he said. “An exemplary law enforcement professional and relentless fighter who returned to work full duty after winning a battle with cancer, Officer Pelliccio’s tragic passing has shaken our entire police family.”

Pelliccio, who resided in Port Jefferson Station at the time of his death, is survived by his parents, Tony and Angela, his sister, Niki, and his fiancée, Danielle Trotta.

Obituary: Malka Zajc

by Press Release - November 9, 2021

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Malka Zajc passed peacefully in her home in Brooklyn on Oct. 10, 2021. She was 101 — a Holocaust survivor, originally from Poland.

She survived four concentrations camps, including Auschwitz and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

Liberated by the Swedish Red Cross, she lived in Sweden for five years, then emigrated to the lower East side of Manhattan.

Moving to Brooklyn, she carved out a life for herself, working, dancing and crafting.

She is survived by her daughter, Lily and three grandchildren, Adam, Evan and Ilana Heckler —formerly of Setauket.

The funeral was held on Oct. 12 at Sherman’s Memorial Chapel in Brooklyn.

Interment followed at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont.

Obituary: Frederick Harold Yack

by Press Release - November 7, 2021

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Frederick Harold Yack, born Oct. 27, 1941 in Manhattan to Harold and Constance Yack, brother of Charles (deceased), Patricia (deceased), Connie (Canino) and JoAnn (wife) died on Oct. 11, 2021.

Fred is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gloria, sons Frederick Paul, Christopher Charles, daughter-in-law Diedre (Martin) and grandchildren Kevin, Elizabeth, Chloe and Hannah.

A broker on the New York Stock exchange for over three decades, Fred was an Army Military Police and a member of the FDNY in his younger years.

His retirement in 2003 led to almost two decades of gardening, baking, fishing and spending time with his family.

Fred’s life can be summed up with a deep dedication to his family, country and community.

In lieu of flowers, Fred’s grandchildren have set up a GoFundMe to create a garden in his memory.

Those interested in donating can visit gofundme.com/f/rtwu4-memorial-garden?qid=24665b4a383e31af3cd140e355efac9f.

Island Federal partners with Section XI to support high school sports

by Press Release - November 4, 2021

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Mt. Sinai teachers honored for their mentorship at halftime in the Mustang's homecoming game Oct 16. Bill

Section XI and Island Federal Credit Union have announced a new, innovative partnership to help support interscholastic sports in Suffolk County, establish financial literacy campaigns to support young men and women within our community, and award scholarships to deserving scholar athletes from Long Island.

“We are proud of this partnership because it represents large brands coming together for the sake of education and community involvement,” said Section XI Executive Director Tom Combs. “Between the events we’ll co-host, the creation of awards for student-athletes and the promotion of content on our pages, this was a no-brainer that we hope will enrich the organizations and our respective communities.”

One of the key aspects of this emerging partnership is the establishment of two scholar- athlete scholarships to be awarded to graduating seniors who embody athletic success, academic excellence, and a demonstration to improving the Long Island community. Coaches and athletic-directors will be able to nominate their players throughout the year with winners being announced in June.

Additionally, Island Federal has teamed up with Stony Brook University Athletic Department to host virtual financial literacy seminars designed to assist students and their families navigate the process of student loans, grants, scholarships, name, image, & likeness legislation, and other financial factors facing today’s college students and collegiate student-athlete.

“Island Federal is proud to support Section XI and high school sports throughout Suffolk County. Many of our employees, Members, and their children have participated in interscholastic sports during their high school years and can reminisce on wins and losses and time spent with close friends and teammates,” said Bret Sears, Island Federal Credit Union President and CEO.

“We fully believe in the tremendous impact that safe and organized extracurricular activities play in the high school experience and in our communities. Additionally, on top of our financial commitment to Section XI, we are very proud to be offering scholar-athlete scholarships to Long Island students attending college next Fall,” he said.

Port Jeff Fire Department, Ferry help save stranded kayakers

by Julianne Mosher - November 4, 2021

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250349389_245189094308729_3999211472347831050_n — Photo from PJFD

It takes a team.

On Oct. 28, at approximately 7:05 p.m., Port Jefferson Fire Department rescue personnel joined Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers to respond to a report of two kayakers in distress in Port Jefferson Harbor.

According to PJFD, the department was alerted initially by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound of a possible kayaker in distress.

With help from the Grand Republic — of the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry — two victims were located on the west side of the inlet at the entrance of the harbor clinging to the jetty.

Fred Hall, vice president and general manager of the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, said that when two victims were spotted, the ferry captain moved the boat to where a rescue swimmer from Marine 6 entered the water and made contact with a man and woman on the jetty.

“We used the searchlights on the boat and were able to spot them,” Hall said. “We were happy to come on the scene and help out at the appropriate time.”

Hall said that the boats captain, Michael Purce, helped keep the boat steady as the roughly 30-minute rescue went on.

PJFD 1st Assistant Chief Soeren Lygum said that when the Coast Guard put out the alert, all three agencies sprang into action within seconds apart.

Captain Christian Neubert was one of nearly a dozen first responders who helped rescue the duo in the inlet.

“It was a dangerous situation out there because of the strong current,” he said, adding that it was also high tide, so visibility was difficult because of rocks below the waterline.

Due to those jetty rocks, PJFD Inflatable 14 was deployed from Anchorage Road and used to transport the victims from the jetty to Marine 6.

Neubert swam into the cold waters to help pull them into the department’s inflatable rescue boat manned by Ex-Chief Brennan Holmes and firefighter Joe Pisciotta. Ex-Chief Charlie Russo operated Marine 6 alongside Lieutenant Geoffrey Markson.

The victims were brought to the boat ramp by Russo and Markson where they were evaluated by Port Jefferson EMS.

Although exhausted, both individuals refused medical attention and ultimately were uninjured.

“This is a scenario we practice so our rescue personnel are well trained for it,” Lygum said. “Everyone involved did a great job and it’s always a good day when everyone goes home safe.”

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